Dangerous Love: You Are My One and Only Bride novel Chapter 1633

Frankly, Mark had not expected himself to be free tonight. Based on what he learned about Shelly, the more meaningful and important a given day was, the harsher his house arrest would become.

His patience toward Shelly and her threats was thinning. Sometimes, an impulse to just give up and let her do whatever she wanted would seduce him. For a chance at freedom from her control, Mark was tempted to allow Shelly free reign in anything—until he thought about the potential ramifications, and suddenly that thought would become baleful again.

Most importantly, the man knew that the cost of seeing Arianne and Smore tonight was far heftier than the promise she had coerced him into making. There were more schemes in Shelly’s sleeves waiting for him, he was sure, but right now, he cast his worries to the farthest reach in his mind. He just wanted to meet the people he missed so much.

By the time he reached the condominium, it was already nine at night. He had forgotten to bring the back-up key with him, a fact that only occurred to him after he searched through his pocket.

Mark lifted his hand for a knock, his slightly quaking fist showing a sliver of the roaring emotions swirling within him.

He had not seen Arianne since the company took its long Christmas break, because every time he left the house, Shelly would tail him. She would brandish that same, tried-and-true threat all the time, leaving Mark both furious and feckless.

Hearing knocks on her door, hope within Arianne’s heart rekindled. Fearful of the chance that it was yet another false hope, though, she stayed rooted to her seat and had Mary open the door instead while forcing herself not to look.

It was then that Smore struggled against her arms and cried, “Daddy!”

She turned around and found herself facing an approaching Mark head on. A wet lump formed in her throat, and she stammered, “H-Have you had anything yet? Mary and I… We, uh, we baked some Christmas cookies, and some of mine are deformed and out of shape, b-but I think they taste pretty good nonetheless, a-a-and you’re late to the party and we had our Christmas dinner already. But… would you like to take a bite? I’ll brew coffee to go with it.”

As far as preambles go, it was rather unremarkable. But its essence laid in the heart behind the words.

Mark nodded. “I would love to.”

Confused, she asked, “You okay?”

It came out almost as a whisper. “I’m sorry.”

A wave of desolation suddenly washed over Arianne. “Why are you telling me you’re sorry? I don’t like hearing these words. It seems to be more than just an apology—it means helplessness. Resignation. Are you telling me that you…no, that Shelly has arranged for you to see some other woman? Is this what you’re sorry about? Well, I… I really don’t mind. We’re divorced. If you want to take up another woman’s hand, I have no right to stop you.”

He looked up and held her gaze. “What are you talking about? No way in hell am I ever attending some stupid matchmaking even if she’s arranged it. I was apologizing, because I wasn’t able to visit you earlier, and that I have to go home rather than stay here for the night.”

Arianne breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, God, that’s all, is it? It’s fine. Stay here for a little while until you absolutely must go. But make it after Smore sleeps; I don’t want him to throw a crying fit over you leaving.”