The Return of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife by Zara Gibbon

Chapter 470

“Of course I do!”

After returning home, Lilia became particularly excited and chatted non–stop about how she wanted to go to

kindergarten and how much she missed her teacher.

Davian and Irvin wore forced smiles. They already knew something had happened to their father. Although they

didn’t. know the specifics, they were aware that it was something serious.

However, in front of their little sister, they didn’t dare show it!

“Mommy, when can I go to kindergarten?”

Joanna lovingly stroked her daughter’s head. “Darling, you can go to kindergarten as soon as you fully recover from

your illness.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Mommy, Christmas is coming soon. Will Daddy come back?”

Joanna’s eyes filled with worry. It had been nine days since Bruce was taken away.

Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, a day for family reunions.

“Yes, he will come back, Joanna answered, trying to reassure her daughter.

Lilia blinked her big eyes and coquettishly suggested, “Mommy, can I make a video call to Daddy?”

“Daddy is busy with work and might not have time to answer your call,” Joanna replied, trying to manage her

daughter’s expectations.

“He’ll be back soon after he’s done with work.”

“Oh- Lilia buried her head in her food again.

Davian and Irvin were also fiddling with the food in their bowls. Their faces were filled with worry and they didn’t

have an appetite.

Seeing this, Joanna urged them. “Hurry up and eat. You need to go to bed early after dinner.”

“Yup!”

The children quickly finished a few bites and obediently went back to their rooms to sleep.

As the children went to bed, Joanna’s mind started to wander.

She had been preoccupied with taking care of Lilia at the hospital and hadn’t had a chance to visit Bruce in the

detention center.

Tomorrow, he would be eligible for bail, and she had to go pick him up.

The next day, Joanna arrived at the detention center early in the morning.

Bruce’s lawyer had already arranged for his release on bail. He couldn’t leave the country during the appeal period

and had to be available for questioning by the police at any time.

As he stepped out of the gates of the detention center, Bruce spotted Joanna waiting outside.

Their eyes met, and a mixture of sadness and longing filled their gaze.

They had not seen each other for more than ten days!

Bruce appeared unchanged, except noticeably thinner.

They silently locked eyes for almost a minute before Joanna snapped back to reality. “Let’s get in the car.”

“Yup!”

Bruce agreed, and they both got into the car. Bruce settled himself lazily in the seat, crossing his legs as if he had

just returned from a short trip.

Joanna sat beside him, and an uncomfortable silence settled between them as they drove.

Halfway through the journey, unable to contain herself any longer, Joanna broke the silence. “Bruce, how are you?

Are you doing okay in there?”

Bruce raised an eyebrow, his gaze filled with complex emotions. “You don’t have to worry. The lawyer will handle

everything.”

“But I’m really worried,” Joanna admitted, her concern evident in her voice.

“Worried about what? Worried that I’ll go to jail?” Bruce smirked, his eyes playfully fixed on Joanna. His large hand

couldn’t resist resting on her shoulder, ready to pull her into an embrace.

“Did you miss me?”

Joanna straightened up, trying to maintain a serious demeanor. “Can you stop fooling around? It’s not the time for

jokes. Why are you in such a lighthearted mood?”

“Really, don’t you miss me?” Bruce persisted, not letting up on his playful tone.

“Stop it!” Joanna tried to push away his hand, feeling a mix of emotions.

“I’m asking if you miss me. Just answer me, Bruce insisted, his eyes searching hers.

Joanna’s eyes darted around, and she evasively replied, “The children miss you a lot.”

“What about you?”

Joanna didn’t speak, but her teary eyes spoke volumes.

At a time like this, this damned man’s mind was still filled with such thoughts.

Secing Joanna’s tears, Bruce’s laughter subsided. “Why are you crying? I’m not dead. Why do you make that

expression? Cry when I’m dead!” he said, his tone tinged with a mix of playfulness and vulnerability.

The moment Joanna heard that, she covered his mouth reflexively. “No, you can’t say such a word?”

“Why? Are you afraid I’ll die?”

Joanna stared at him fixedly, her tears kept running down.

Regardless of whether he was the children’s father, she didn’t want him to die, even if he were just an ordinary

friend.

“Don’t say such a grave word. It’s not as serious as you make it sound.” Joanna pleaded, her voice choked with

emotion.

“Oh, then why are you crying?” Bruce raised her chin, a more serious expression on his face.

“I got something in my eye. Is that okay?”

“You’re still pretending. You’re clearly worried about me but refuse to admit it,” Bruce remarked, his hand wrapping

around her as he pulled her into a passionate kiss.

“Ah… Don’t mess around…” Joanna instinctively tried to avoid him, but her resistance faded as they embraced.

Bruce bit her lip gently. “Joanna, I want you to remember me, remember this feeling.”

Joanna stopped struggling and melted into his arms, seeking solace in their connection. “Bruce, please don’t get

into any trouble, okay?”

Bruce put away his previous frivolity, and a hint of confusion appeared in his eyes as he gently stroked her back.

The gravity of the situation seemed to have surpassed his expectations.

He might indeed end up in jail, but he didn’t know the duration of his potential sentence.

Thankfully, he had made preparations for the children and Joanna, ensuring their financial security even if he were

incarcerated.

Sherane Bay Villa, 40 minutes later, they were home.

When they got out of the car, Joanna subconsciously reminded Bruce, “I told my daughter that you went overseas

for a business trip. Don’t let it slip later.”

“Okay, got it.”

At the entrance of the villa, the servants were expecting Bruce.

Lilia’s stroller was pushed onto the lawn, allowing her to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Seeing her daughter, Bruce’s mood immediately lifted. “Lilia, Daddy is back.”

Lilia turned her head and saw her father. Her excitement knew no bounds as she tried to jump out of her stroller.

“Daddy, I missed you so much. You finally came back.”

Bruce quickly approached the lawn. “Mhm, let Daddy see if my baby is all better now.”

As he spoke, Bruce lifted Lilia with care by her armpits, raising her into the air.

Lilia giggled joyfully. After her surgery, she had made a remarkable recovery and had become stronger.

“Give Daddy a kiss!”

“Kisses, kisses!” Lilia planted several kisses on her father’s face.

*Daddy, are you still going on a business trip?”

Bruce smiled indulgently. “Not for now!”

“That’s great!” Lilia exclaimed.

“Christmas is coming soon. I want to prepare a gift for Daddy.”

Bruce was momentarily taken aback. Time had flown by so quickly.

Before they knew it, Christmas had arrived once again.

After Christmas. New Year’s Day would soon follow. However, he didn’t know if he would be able to spend New

Year’s Day with the children and Joanna at home.

“Mhm, when it’s Christmas. Daddy will take you to the amusement park. How about that?”

“Great! And Davin and Irvin and Mommy will come too,” Lilia exclaimed, thrilled by the idea.

“Of course, we’ll go together as a family.”

“Mhm!” Lilia vigorously eagerly, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Even though Daddy loved her, he barely had the time to stay with her, let alone taking her to an amusement park,

and therefore it was a rare treat.