All Chapters of Rejected, I Entered a Contract Marriage with a Billionaire: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

The sudden rush of affection stirred something creative within her. Ideas began cascading through her mind, inspiring a new melody. Eager to capture it before it faded, she hurried to the bedroom to grab her laptop.Mindful not to wake him, she slipped out onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind her, and settled into a rocking chair with her headphones on to work in peace.Sometime later, Adrián blinked awake. Feeling the weight of the blanket, a fond smile crossed his face, assuming she had thoughtfully covered him.He sat up and scanned the room, eventually spotting her silhouette through the glass doors out on the balcony.She was curled up in the rocking chair, her laptop resting in her lap alongside a scattering of loose sheet music and a pen.Pushing the door open quietly, he stepped outside, only to realize as he drew closer that she had fallen fast asleep over her work.Reluctant to disturb her, he gently pulled a

"Why don't you demonstrate the movement for me?" Joan requested softly.Given their history, Adrián didn't think much of the request. He had been genuinely surprised to run into Joan here. Back when Kayla passed away, Joan had stood by him unwaveringly, offering immense comfort and steady companionship through one of the darkest periods of his life.Because of that deep-rooted bond, turning down her simple request to help her learn the basics felt out of the question."Very well. Watch closely; I'll only demonstrate this once," Adrián said. Before moving, he glanced briefly toward Elena, only to notice she hadn't bothered looking their way even once, seeming entirely indifferent to his company.From Elena's perspective, the proximity between the two looked far too intimate, as though the rest of the world had vanished. The sight felt like a physical ache behind her eyes. Lifting her head, she forced herself to breathe steadily and keep her c

"You have the nerve to call me useless? Look in the mirror, Elena." Bruno snapped back before she could speak further. "What, did you finally hook up with some wealthy sponsor? That gear you're wearing looks awfully pricey." He paused, a cruel smirk spreading across his face. "Though with a figure like yours, I wonder how long any sugar daddy can actually stomach you."The insult was brutally familiar. Throughout their relationship, Bruno had relentlessly criticized her appearance, systematically tearing down her self-worth until her confidence hit rock bottom. It had taken a long time and a hard-won realization to finally break free from the mental cage he built."Spare me the lectures, Bruno. Don't think I've forgotten what you pulled—stealing the melody I composed, selling it off to a third party, and slapping your own name on it. Do you really think I didn't know?" she fired back.His expression twisted instantly. "Who told you that? What is this, some

"Adrián? Even you're giving me a hard time. I'm not talking to either of you anymore," she huffed, crossing her arms in mock fury."Oh, come now, Joan. You're brilliant and accomplished—I'm sure you had plenty of admirers back in England," Elena chimed in with an encouraging smile.Joan let out a short, sharp laugh. "Sure, there were options. But what good is being accomplished when I don't have Elena's incredible fortune in landing a man like Adrián?""Now, Joan, that's no way to talk. You're a catch yourself; the right person just hasn't crossed your path yet," Adrián replied innocently, missing the underlying edge in her voice."Exactly, Joan," Elena added smoothly. "You're exceptionally talented, and there are plenty of wonderful men out there. There's no reason to dwell on the past or compare yourself to anyone else."Joan's smile faltered, her expression cooling as she chose to let the remark drop without a reply.

"There, there, crybaby. It's all behind us now," he murmured, pulling her straight against his chest and wrapping his arms securely around her.Burrowing into his embrace, she let out a long-overdue sob, crying harder than she had all day as the remaining tension dissolved from her shoulders."At this rate, you're going to flood my chest entirely," he teased gently, patting her back in a soothing rhythm. "Are you sure you want to cry this much? Your eyes are going to be swollen shut tomorrow, and you won't even be able to look at me."The lighthearted jab managed to pierce through her misery. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, she sniffled, wiped her face, and stepped back out of his arms."There, the waterworks are finally turned off," Adrián smiled warmly, reaching into his pocket for a clean handkerchief to delicately dry her damp cheeks.As he tenderly wiped away the remnants of her tears, Elena's gaze dropped downward—only to land s