Steven reassured me, saying, "Take a deep breath. I'll investigate Lucy Lansworth's identity, her possible connections to Cindy or Max, and find out where she is currently. You've paid us, so let us handle the investigation while you focus on keeping yourself safe."I felt grateful for Steven's understanding and reassurance."By the way, Max has a finance background, so why did he start a construction materials company? It seems unrelated to his field. Is there any particular reason?" Steven asked.As I left the hospital, I answered his question. "About a year ago, shortly after we got married, Max was working as an investor at a venture capital firm, specializing in the new consumer sector. At a notable forum, he happened to meet an old friend from his hometown, Eric Portman.""We had a few encounters with Eric. He was involved in the construction materials business and was handling a project in the Seaside Ville District. He was seeking investors at the forum due to some cash flo
Max had been hospitalized for almost two weeks due to a stomach hemorrhage. I felt immense sympathy for him and advised him not to jeopardize his health. The market conditions were challenging, and investors were exercising extreme caution. Even if he drowned himself in alcohol, it was highly unlikely that he would find the right partner. So, I reached out to a fund manager and withdrew five million to give to Max.Max was deeply touched and held me with teary eyes, saying, "Don't worry, honey. I will work hard and not disappoint my angel investor."I let out a bitter laugh and said, "Steven, looking back now, he didn't see me as an angel. He saw me as a fool."Instead of mocking me, Steven comforted me by saying that women are generally kinder than men. Although he himself was a man, he believed that men could be very cruel. Women are often more emotional and willing to sacrifice everything for love, whereas men rarely do so. If they do, they are as rare as endangered species.Cur
"You must be careful, Max might try to drug you again in other ways."After hanging up the phone, I realized my tears had wet the screen. I felt utterly useless, still feeling heartbroken and hurt at this point—I was truly pathetic.But wasn't today's outcome my own doing? I had ignored my parents' opposition and stubbornly insisted on marrying Max.It was my foolishness, my blindness, that made me fall for a venomous snake who would devour me whole.How could someone be so cruel and scheming?Wiping away my tears, I wandered aimlessly down the street. In that moment, I felt very lonely and desolate.A coldness seeped from my heart, spreading outward, and I couldn't help but shiver, feeling an all-consuming, bone-chilling frost encase me."Miss Middleton… Miss Middleton?”Then, I lost consciousness.When I woke up, I was in an unfamiliar room. It looked like a guest room in someone's house. The decor was cool and elegant, with a black, white, and gray color scheme that
Seeing that I didn't respond, Luke's thin lips curled slightly. "Cat got your tongue?"Standing tall with one hand in his pocket, he exuded an indescribable sense of cool elegance that made me feel somewhat inferior.Mumbling, I admitted defeat, "I can't win against you anyway."Luke's eyebrows furrowed gradually, displaying his displeasure.Just as the atmosphere was becoming awkward, there came a knock on the door. Someone had brought clothes. Luke took the bag and placed it on the bedside table, his tone as cold as ever. "Change your clothes and come downstairs."Only then did I realize that I was wearing someone else's clothes—a man's white cotton t-shirt and sports shorts.Almost instinctively, I blurted out, "Luke, my clothes..."He let out a cold laugh, immediately understanding my concern. "The clothes you're wearing are indeed mine because there are no women's clothes in my house.""But your clothes were changed by the housekeeper."Relieved, I thought it made sense.
I confessed openly, feeling very dejected. "Why is it that every time something bad happens to me, I run into Luke? Can’t someone else witness my misfortune? Seriously, the moment I see his eyes, filled with coldness and disdain, I lose all my confidence. I can’t help but rummage through my memories, wondering if I ever did anything stupid to him because of my obsession with Max."Wendy laughed and asked, "So, have you remembered doing anything foolish?"I swore, "Absolutely not!""Then why are you acting so guilty, like you’ve done something wrong?""I don’t know. I just feel like the way Luke looks at me carries some restrained anger, as if I really did something to offend him. But he’s helping me because of my parents.""Don't worry, you'll figure it out eventually," Wendy said.After hanging up, I looked at the t-shirt and shorts I had changed out of and felt a bit embarrassed. After a few moments of thought, I decided to wash the clothes for Luke.I took the clothes to the
Luke came to a halt right in front of me, his dark, inscrutable eyes fixated on me. I returned his gaze with a glare.His eyebrows furrowed, and his deep eyes resembled icy, stern stars. When he spoke, there was a mocking tone in his voice. "I've come to realize that you're not only blind but also foolish, always jumping to conclusions."I frowned, my fists clenched as I searched for words to retort. But before I could speak, Luke let out a cold laugh and said, "However, you're right. We're not close, and I did meddle in your business."With that, he gave me a long, penetrating look before turning on his heel and walking away, as if I were an ungrateful wretch who had infuriated him.Who did he think he was to be angry? Shouldn't I be the one who's upset?Especially with his final words: "We're not close" and "I meddled." Whether taken separately or together, they were dripping with sarcasm.Did I say something wrong? We truly aren't close!Despite my frustration, I returned and
This is definitely the house I saw Luke drive into that day. Maybe he recently bought it.I remember this family moving to Clanstand when I was in middle school. Since then, the house has been empty. It belonged to an elderly couple, possibly musicians, as I often saw young people carrying cellos in and out. But I don't recall their last name being Walker.Nervously, I glanced at the entrance, thinking, "Who could handle someone as bad-tempered as Luke?"In college, he was always popular—handsome and academically outstanding. Girls adored him, their eyes sparkling with admiration whenever they mentioned him. Oddly, I never heard of him dating anyone. He always seemed to be alone, like a high and mighty flower, an ethereal being.A cold and arrogant person like him—his future wife would be so unlucky.But then again, why does it matter to me? I'm just worrying needlessly.I took out my phone to call a ride, only to see multiple missed calls from Max.Despite my hatred for him, I
The next few days were peaceful and uneventful. Max took great care of me, making sure I had a cup of hot milk every night, coaxing me to drink it. Just like tonight.When I hesitated, he reminded me that I was in recovery and needed all the nutrients I could get. He even asked, "Honey, once you're better, shall we try for another child?"All I wanted to do was smash the cup over his head and shatter it into pieces! How dare he mention having another child? Scumbag!Seeing my expression darken at the mention of a child, Max quickly sat beside me on the bed, holding my arm. "Honey, I read in a book that children who are lost unexpectedly become angels watching over us, waiting for the chance to be our baby again. I believe our lost baby is watching over us from heaven, waiting to be reunited with us."I scoffed and looked into his eyes. "Really?""I believe in reincarnation," Max said, his eyes filled with fake tears. "Don't you?"Look at him, pretending to be sincere and profound