The Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 341: [ Volume 1] Chaper - living hell

A slight, dramatic sigh escaped Esme’s lips. She tilted her head to the side and stared at him, her expression softening in the same way it always did when she was trying to rein in her playful teasing.

Esme’s smile was sly now, like she knew she had won this round. She crossed her arms, feigning an air of superiority. "Yep, that’s right. You’re lucky I love you. Now, stop overthinking everything."

Ray groaned and threw his hands up in defeat, a defeated smile spreading across his face. "Honestly, Esme, I swear you’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days."

With a laugh, Esme leaned in closer, her hands resting on his shoulders as she spoke with mock seriousness. "I’m just giving you a hard time. But really, you don’t have to worry about Aaron. He’s not my type. And honestly, if anything, he’s a little too intense for me." She paused, raising an eyebrow at him, clearly pleased with herself.

Ray chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah, no kidding. I’ve seen him in action—he’s got enough energy to power an entire city. But let’s be real here, you’re stuck with me now. I’m the cute one, right?"

Esme rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched as if she were about to break into laughter. "Sure, sure. You’re cute. But don’t get cocky."

Ray pulled her in for a quick, tight hug, his voice low and teasing. "You love me, though. You know you do."

Esme smirked, gently pushing him away. "Alright, alright. But you still owe me a nice dinner for this."

Ray grinned. "Deal. But next time, can we skip the ’almost-divorce’ bit? My heart can’t take it."

Esme laughed, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "It was worth it to see your face."

Ray shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. "You’re lucky you’re cute."

Esme smiled softly, wrapping her arms around him again.

"I know."

Ray’s laughter abruptly died, his playful demeanor replaced by a piercing seriousness that made Esme pause mid-thought. He leaned closer, his expression uncharacteristically intense, and asked, "Honey... if one day you had to choose between saving me and our child on one hand, or Aaron on the other, who would you pick?"

Esme blinked at him, her surprise clear. She stared, as if expecting him to say it was a joke, but Ray’s unwavering gaze told her otherwise. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. When she opened them, her expression was calm, almost resolute.

"Aaron," she said.

The word fell like a thunderclap in the room. Ray’s face went slack, disbelief flashing across his features before the hurt settled in. "You’re saying... you’d choose Aaron over me and our child?" His voice was soft, tinged with pain.

Esme nodded, her voice steady. "Yes."

Ray’s shoulders sagged, and he lowered his gaze, his hands clenching into fists. The room felt heavier, the air dense with unspoken emotions. He bit his lip, trying to form a response, but no words came. Seeing his struggle, Esme didn’t try to comfort him. Instead, she leaned forward, her voice calm but charged with conviction.

"Ray, listen to me," she began. "You are my everything. Before I met you, my life wasn’t empty, but it wasn’t... whole. I wasn’t wandering aimlessly or living in misery—because I had Helga and Aaron. They were my anchors when the world felt too chaotic. They saw me at my worst and never turned away. They stayed when everyone else left."

She looked directly into his eyes, her tone unwavering. "So tell me, if I abandoned the people who’ve stood by me for years, who’ve walked with me through storms, for someone I’ve known for only a year, what kind of person would that make me? Would you even respect me if I could throw them away so easily?"

Ray was silent, his expression torn between understanding and hurt. "But," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I’m your husband. And that’s our child."

Esme’s eyes softened, but her resolve didn’t falter. "And for my happiness, should I destroy someone else’s? Aaron isn’t just a friend or a colleague. He’s a lifeline—for me, for Helga, and for thousands of people who depend on him. If he’s gone, it’s not just my life that crumbles—it’s theirs. He’s a pillar holding up countless lives, Ray. Do you understand that?"

Ray looked at her, his pain evident but mingled with a flicker of comprehension. Esme leaned closer, her voice dropping to a fierce whisper. "I’m not saying I’d choose him over you and our child. What I’m saying is that I won’t let any of you suffer. But if someone dares to hurt you or our baby..." Her hand tightened around his, her eyes flashing with an unshakable intensity. "I will destroy them. Every single one of them. And when I’m done, I’ll follow you. To the underworld, to heaven, or wherever you go. That’s my promise."

Ray stared at her, his breath catching. Her words weren’t just a declaration—they were a vow, etched into the very air between them. He let out a shaky laugh, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.

"You’re absolutely terrifying," he muttered, shaking his head.

Esme’s soft smile lingered, though it was laced with pain. The truth she had shared was unchangeable, no matter how much she wished it could bring Ray happiness. If faced with a situation as dire as the one they were discussing, she might truly choose Helga and Aron over her husbands.

Ray stared at her in silence for a moment before unexpectedly bursting into laughter. He covered his mouth, trying to stifle the sound, but his shoulders shook with amusement. Esme blinked, stunned by his reaction.

Lowering his hand, Ray stepped closer and gently placed a kiss on her forehead, his touch tender and warm. "You fool," he murmured, his voice soft yet teasing.

Without another word, he pulled her into a tight embrace,