Mr. Warner, Your Wife is Running Away Again!-Chapter 242: Constantly Anxious and Insecure

Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Constantly Anxious and Insecure

Stephen cast her a glance and replied coldly, "Aren’t you here for Audrey?"

Phoebe reached out and patted the seat beside her. "Audrey isn’t back yet, is she? Can’t we sit and chat for a while?"

"No, Audrey usually stays with her husband, so don’t come looking for her here next time." He paused for less than a second before correcting himself, "Don’t bother looking for Audrey unnecessarily."

Phoebe said, "Why? Afraid I’ll lead Audrey astray?"

Though Stephen didn’t reply, it was clear that was exactly what he meant.

Phoebe said, "I think you have a huge misunderstanding about me. I’ve explained to you that what happened that night was really just a misunderstanding; I wasn’t trying to flirt with you on purpose. I lost a game, so I was also a victim."

"Even if it weren’t for that night, I still don’t like you, so stop bothering me." Stephen lowered his voice, his words devoid of any warmth.

Normally, after being rejected like this, most people would feel discouraged and choose to leave. But Phoebe is different: "I know you don’t like me, but that doesn’t conflict with me chasing you, right? You don’t like me now, but what if you do in the future?"

"I don’t now, and I won’t in the future."

"Who can say about the future?"

Stephen was too lazy to argue with her. He picked up the water cup from the coffee table and turned toward the bar in front of the wine cabinet.

When he was preparing to brew tea, Phoebe followed him, her elbow resting on the high bar table, chin propped up, smiling as she watched him, and asked with pursed lips, "Where’s that fiancée of yours?"

Stephen continued brewing tea skillfully, treating Phoebe like air, neither looking at her nor acknowledging her words.

"I don’t need to be told to know it’s probably called off, right? Why don’t you spare some time for a blind date with me?"

"Phoebe, come eat some fruit. There are snacks in the drawer under the coffee table; check if there’s anything you’d like. Just take what you like."

Upon hearing Hazel’s voice, Phoebe straightened up, pretending as if nothing happened, and approached Hazel to accept the fruit plate from her hands. "Thank you, Aunt. Is there anything in the kitchen I can help with?"

"No need, no need, you sit and watch some TV." Hazel said, turning to Stephen, "Will your sister come back?"

Stephen: "Haven’t asked yet."

"Then after you finish brewing the tea, call her and check, so I can plan the meal."

"Okay."

After speaking, Hazel went back to the kitchen. Although Phoebe wanted to portray herself as more virtuous, she was clueless about kitchen affairs, fearing she might cause more chaos and leave a bad impression on her potential future mother-in-law.

After contemplating, she gave up, walked to the side of the sofa, ate two strawberries, and picked up the remote to switch TV channels.

Stephen observed this woman who showed no restraint, completely treating his place like her own, and his brows that had furrowed since Phoebe’s appearance never relaxed.

After brewing the tea, only then did he reach into his pants pocket for his phone and called Audrey.

Her return would be good, at least Phoebe wouldn’t cling to him relentlessly.

Audrey didn’t have classes today, so she immediately replied over the phone saying she’d be back soon.

Shane was busy with work, so Audrey didn’t call to ask him.

Ever since the kidnapping incident, Shane arranged a dedicated driver for Audrey. Whenever he couldn’t personally pick her up, she traveled everywhere in the car he arranged.

Audrey also felt a bit scared due to the kidnapping and naturally didn’t dare to be careless.

After finishing the call with Stephen, Audrey contacted the driver and waited for him downstairs at the dormitory before heading down.

Today, only her eldest and fourth brother were at home. Her fourth brother usually went to his bar at night, so he was generally home during the day.

When Audrey returned, she saw her fourth brother with his cats sunbathing in the courtyard in front of the house.

"Fourth Brother!" Audrey waved at Scott from a distance after getting out of the car and then slipped into the house.

"Dad, Mom, I’m back." She greeted in a rather formal manner at the entrance and took out her slippers from the shoe cabinet.

"Audrey!" Phoebe was the first to rush over to welcome her.

Audrey ditched her little leather shoes and put on her slippers, smiling at Phoebe, whispering to her, "Sister Phoebe, if you were coming, why didn’t you tell me over the phone?"

Phoebe quickly pulled her over to the living room sofa, recounting the story from beginning to end to Audrey.

Hazel Yates came out with small snacks she had prepared, stooping to place them on the coffee table, smiling at the two girls on the sofa who were chatting away: "Girls really do chat better with other girls. Audrey used to always lament about not having sisters, so Phoebe, you should come by often to play with Audrey."

Phoebe was naturally eager to come and nodded enthusiastically.

Of course, Audrey knew very well that this woman certainly wasn’t here just for her.

After Hazel placed the snacks and walked away, Audrey softly asked Phoebe, "Where’s my eldest brother?"

Phoebe pointed her chin upstairs, "Came down for a cup of tea and went back up."

Audrey: "Does he actually know you like him?"

Phoebe: "How could he not? I even mentioned it while he was making tea, and he completely ignored me. Can you believe there’s a man so heartless? I’ve chased him down only for him to give me no face at all."

Audrey pondered inquisitively: "Do men naturally have a rebellious streak? The harder they are to get, the more they like pursuing? Whereas they aren’t interested in what’s easily available?"

Phoebe responded, "I’m not sure if men are like that, but I am. Actually, there are quite a few guys chasing me, but none give me sparks. Finally found one who does, but he’s indifferent to me. Isn’t everything in the world supposed to be balanced? I feel what I’m experiencing now is what those guys chasing me went through before. Previously, for those pursuing me, I had no intention of engaging, so I can actually understand your brother. It’s normal if he feels I’m annoying."

Audrey: "..."

Phoebe reached for one of Hazel’s freshly baked egg tarts, popping it into her mouth, chewing while speaking, "But I’m more persistent than those guys. The ones chasing me disappear after being rejected once or twice. I feel if there were one who persistently showed loyalty, even if initially I didn’t like him, I might slightly change my view of him."

Audrey felt that love has many uncertainties. There’s no rule stating that by following certain practices or abiding by certain regulations, one will surely obtain what they desire.

Sometimes, no matter how much you invest, you may not receive any return.

After all, she herself might lack Phoebe’s kind of courage. Backing down might not be due to lack of love anymore, but because after being rejected again and again, she hides the love in her heart and chooses not to disturb anymore.

Just like her pursuit of Shane; she can quicken her pace running towards him. If during the process, he takes even a tiny step in her direction, it feels like a huge motivation, encouraging her to run harder.

But if her vigorous pursuit only leads to him speeding away, widening the gap between them, and she can’t catch up no matter what, the growing distance would leave her defeated.

Thus, her pursuit of Shane often becomes uncertain, plagued by gains and losses...