Anthony wrapped his hand around my waist and yanked me towards him with ease. Despite my trashing, he kept me pinned against his body as he talked. “If you don’t want your husband finding out, we should act swiftly.”
As I gaped at him in shock, he pressed his cold lips against mine.
Anthony knew my body like the back of his hand. It only took a few rounds before I was helpless against his ministrations and laid vulnerable before him.
After an hour, Anthony finally left me alone as he strode to the bathroom with reluctance.
I was left lying on the bed as I peered at the ceiling; the sheer exhaustion kept me from moving. It was only then when I discerned that trying to fool around with Anthony would only lead to a dead end.
Emma and Drew had a flight scheduled at six. At seven o’clock, John had arrived with his subordinates.
After resting for a whole day, both Louis and Cameron made an appearance in the evening.
After six years, our family was finally reunited. As the children played together, the adults gathered and shared tales about events that had occurred last night. Occasionally, they would discuss the hardships that they had experienced in the past years too. As time has flown past, they all harbored mixed feelings.
When the dishes were served, Emery brought the kids back. “Congratulations! The two of you have finally broken free of the nightmare that plagued you for years!” she exclaimed cheerily as she took a seat.
The neutral relationship between Emery and Zachary had remained unchanged throughout the years. After her divorce from Hunter, Emery and her children relied solely on each other. Additionally, Emery no longer attended such boisterous events. I was worried that she’d become too detached from society if she continued down this path. Thus I decided to invite her. Seeing her joyful mood, it seems like I was worried for nothing.
In terms of social settings and relationships, Emery would be able to mingle well unless she bumped into someone she disliked.
“It’s too early to celebrate,” John added, “We can’t forget about Nathaniel. He is no better than the Halls.”
He took a seat beside Emma as he spoke. Nonchalantly, he reached out a hand to toy with her long hair.
John pulled Emma into his embrace and wrapped his hands around her waist with a pleased look across his face. On the other hand, Emma remained calm despite John’s actions. She continued to listen attentively to the ongoing conversation and treated John as if he was invisible. The stark contrast in their reactions painted John as a clingy and affectionate lover.
When Hannah was still here, I had envisioned such a scene too. Although things have remained unchanged, they were no longer the same people they used to be. However, who could claim that John and Emma were a bad match? Things would turn out best when decided by destiny and fate.
Seeing that I was looking, John’s movements grew bolder. He raised his arm in a semi-circle and placed it on Emma’s shoulder as he caught her in his embrace. The scene was reminiscent of the sweet affection of a married couple.
It seemed like he was still affected by Anthony. Now, he was desperately trying to regain his dignity and pride.
I wasn’t sure if the years had softened him, or maybe Emma was the one responsible for melting his heart. Right now, John had finally gained his fighting spirit.
The thought made me smile with joy.
“What’s on your mind?” Anthony asked and pulled me into his embrace when he caught sight of my grin.
“Nothing much. It looks like everyone is doing well,” I beamed and placed my hand over his left shoulder.
No matter my presence, I can finally let go of the past and start a new life.
I kept the last sentence to myself. Anthony would have been unhappy if I said it aloud.
“It’s because you are here,” Anthony replied with a soft smile. Gently, he tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
Despite his languid movements, Anthony’s dark gaze was fixated intently on my face.
Although I remained silent, he was able to read my thoughts as clear as day.
“Scar,” Cameron called out all of a sudden. Her voice snapped me out of my daze, and I turned around to address her. “What is it? I’m listening.”
Cameron nodded in acknowledgment. “John mentioned that your sickness isn’t diagnosable?” she asked in earnest.
I had no wish to ruin the cheery mood by talking about it. Yet, I noted that she had asked me out of concern for my well-being. “Yes. However, it hasn’t shown any symptoms in six years. I figure that it will not bring me any more trouble,” I replied reluctantly.
Cameron shook her head profusely. “You cannot neglect your health. How can you take such a risky gamble? Maybe the resources and facilities in this country are not up to date. After everything is settled, why don’t you visit M Country with us and take this opportunity to confirm your illness?”
After six years, Cameron – a renowned and respectful figure in our generation had aged greatly. Yet, her kind eyes were filled with nothing but concern and worry.
In order to relieve her worries and settle the root of this problem, the best scenario would be to accept her good intentions.
“Alright,” I nodded in agreement.
Regarding the matters of my flight, the schedule would be discussed on another day.
When I shifted my attention elsewhere, I realized that our casual conversation had garnered everyone else’s attention. A few of them even nodded solemnly in accordance with Cameron’s words. It seemed like they had taken this matter to heart.
Under their heavy scrutiny, my shoulders trembled with guilt. Yet, I chose not to elaborate any further.
Fortunately, the men had a short attention span. It didn’t take them long to shift the topic elsewhere. “How confident is everyone against Nathaniel?”
The question came from Louis. As John had brought up the topic regarding the oil painting materials, Louis took this matter very seriously. After all, he was a veteran officer with a strong background.
As soon as he spoke, a knock echoed from the door. “Mr. Hall is here,” the maid announced politely.
Hearing her words, Louis burst out in laughter. “Speak of the devil.”
“Why is he here? Is he looking to beg for forgiveness on behalf of Nicolas and his wife?” Emery guessed.
“He can try if he has the guts to do so,” John scowled and said in an angry tone.
“Come in,” Anthony called out calmly.
On the other hand, I didn’t believe that Nathaniel would act so generously. He wouldn’t have let them fall into Anthony’s trap if he had genuine feelings for Nicolas and his wife. Nathaniel must have an ulterior motive behind his visit.
My suspicions were confirmed when I caught sight of Tiffany alongside Nathaniel.
Upon closer look, I realized that she had a very disheveled and unkempt appearance. Her hair was a mess of tangled curls, and her body was bound in countless coils of rope. Additionally, Tiffany was missing a high-heeled shoe. It was an utter shock to see her like this because Tiffany always maintained a dignified and elegant appearance.
“Bring the children upstairs,” Anthony instructed the maids. After delivering the order, he rose to his feet and strode towards the door. There, he blocked the path of Nathaniel and his henchmen as he kept them cornered near the stairs.
Hurriedly, the maids scurried to obey Anthony’s command as they rounded up the children. In the midst of the chaos, Gregory somehow managed to slip from their grasps. In the blink of an eye, he rushed towards Nathaniel.
“Uncle Nathaniel,” Gregory greeted him respectfully with a slight bow, “I’ve finished studying most of the books. Will you be able to teach me when you are free?” Gregory had an earnest expression across his face when he asked.
A young child like him was oblivious to the politics and complicated relationships between adults. In his eyes, he viewed Nathaniel as a wise teacher. Needless to say, he approached Nathaniel with an open heart.
How was this any different from Summer’s trust towards Jared?
Although wickedness was terrifying, seeing Nathaniel put on an act like a wolf in sheep’s clothing terrified me even more. At least I’d be able to respond to any imminent danger. If he ever decided to lash out, Nathaniel would cause irreparable damage.
Learning from my past mistakes, I refused to let my child fall for such deceiving traps again.
“Gregory,” I called out and beckoned him over with a crook of my hand.
When he noticed that I had called for him, Gregory jogged over immediately.
I held his hand in my own and patted his chubby cheeks. “The adults have something to discuss. Why don’t you head upstairs first? You can take care of Audrey with Summer, alright?” I told him gently.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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