# Chapter 173: The Lollipop and the Misunderstanding
Hello everyone, it's me again! How are you all doing? Today I will continue to walk with you and review Chapter 173 of "REMARRIED AFTER I SECRETLY DIVORCED THE CEO" – a chapter filled with tender moments, awkward misunderstandings, and the quiet ache of a heart that's still learning to trust again.
---
Autumn felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked down at the strawberry lollipop Keith had just given her. It was such a small gesture, yet so thoughtful. She couldn't deny being touched. After everything she'd been through, a simple kindness like this felt like a balm on her wounded soul.
"Thanks, Senior," she murmured, carefully slipping the lollipop into her pocket as if it were a precious treasure.
Just then, Dr. Peter Mills strode over in his crisp white coat, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he spotted them sitting so close together. He couldn't help but tease them.
"I knew you two had a story," he chuckled, wagging a finger. "And you still denied it! You young people really know how to keep a relationship under wraps. Don't tell a soul, huh?"
Autumn's face went pale, then crimson. She instinctively pulled her hand back, her heart racing. "Dr. Mills, you've got it wrong. Keith and I aren't…" She couldn't even finish the sentence before Peter cut her off with a knowing wink.
"I know, I know. You want to say you're not together, right? Fine, I'll keep your secret. I promise no one else will hear it from me."
Autumn's small face flushed even deeper. Did he actually think she was trying to hide something? She shot Keith a desperate, pleading glance, hoping he would clarify the situation. But instead of helping her, Keith simply smiled that infuriating, ambiguous smile.
"Dr. Mills, you're so busy, and yet you came all the way here. I feel bad for troubling you."
Still that same neither-confirming-nor-denying attitude. Autumn sighed inwardly. She really shouldn't have expected anything different from him.
Peter's expression turned earnest. "Alright then, if you really want to thank me, let it be with a toast at your wedding. That way, I'll have a reason to pressure Lucas into settling down. That boy – who knows what's going through his head? Every time I bring it up, he says you're older and not married yet, so he's in no rush either. It's infuriating. No, now that you're in a relationship, I'll make sure to get on his case when I go back. I'm still waiting to hold a great-grandchild."
Listening to him, Autumn couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Their family interactions were so relaxed, so easy. That kind of warmth was something she could only dream of. Her own home was far too chaotic, too broken. She could only admire it from afar.
As for the "wedding" remark, she decided to ignore it entirely. The old man was just misunderstanding the situation. If she kept explaining, it would only make her look embarrassed and trying to hide something. Forget it – if it made him happy, he could think whatever he liked.
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Keith's eyes as he looked at Autumn. "Are you okay?"
She'd been about to shake her head, but when her gaze met those deep eyes that seemed to see through everything, she changed her mind and nodded.
The follow-up procedure was simple – just a painless endoscopy – but even so, she still felt a little uncomfortable when she came out of the examination room. Keith guided her to a bench outside and handed her a cup of warm water.
"Drink some. You'll feel better."
Autumn took it, thanked him, and sipped a few mouthfuls before setting it aside. Seeing that she still looked drained, Keith let her rest against his shoulder, then unwrapped a strawberry lollipop and held it to her lips.
She opened her mouth to take it, but the moment she realized she was leaning on his shoulder, she straightened as if shocked by a sudden jolt.
"What's wrong?" Keith's gaze was steady, his tone low.
"Nothing. Thanks for today, Senior."
But the truth was, she was in a defensive state right now. Part of her instinctively resisted physical contact, even with someone who had been helping her through the hardest moments. Trust was a fragile thing, and hers had been shattered so many times that she didn't know how to let anyone close anymore.
---
*Reader's Impressions & Star Rating:*
This chapter was a beautiful mix of sweetness and melancholy. I loved seeing Keith's thoughtful side – the lollipop, the warm water, letting her rest on his shoulder. But my heart broke for Autumn. She's so guarded, so scared of getting close to anyone, and you can feel the internal battle she's fighting. The misunderstanding with Dr. Mills was both amusing and frustrating – Keith's refusal to clarify just adds to the confusion. This is a chapter that moves the emotional story forward without any major drama, and that's exactly what we needed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
*Next Chapter Prediction:*
I have a feeling that Keith isn't going to let Autumn's walls stay up for long. He's clearly patient and determined. But with Lucas still in the picture, and Autumn's unresolved feelings about her past, something is bound to crack soon. Will Keith make a real move? Or will Autumn push him away again? The tension is building, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
*Mandatory Call-To-Action Sentence:*
To listen free the next reviews chapters, please access website novelsaudio.com and search keyword: REMARRIED AFTER I SECRETLY DIVORCED THE CEO or click the link in the description of this video or if you want to listen or read full the REMARRIED AFTER I SECRETLY DIVORCED THE CEO please access website novelsaudio.com