Ch. 51..60
Chapter 51
Cynthia saw that Samuel was looking at them unhappily.
She said lightly, “Hurry up and finish up the last few.”
“Okay.” Samuel’s temper was non-existent in front of her.
Kathleen put down the plate and fork. “Granny, what else do you need me to do?” she asked.
“Take out the plates and forks and place them on the table for everyone,” said Cynthia while smiling.
“Got it.” Kathleen went to the cabinet and took out the tableware.
She was familiar with the place.
Samuel was a little surprised when he saw that Kathleen had skillfully found all the things needed from various places.
“You all are always busy, so Kathleen usually comes over to keep me company on weekdays.” Cynthia didn’t look at Samuel as she spoke. “You probably don’t know about this.”
Samuel didn’t utter a word.
Cynthia said coldly, “Samuel, we like Katie not because she has helped the Macari family or because she is your wife. She has her charms. Sometimes, I can’t help but think how much of a pity it is that such a good girl ended up with you.”
Was Samuel good?
That was for sure.
In Cynthia’s eyes, Samuel was the most outstanding child.
Despite that, the way he treated Kathleen couldn’t be considered “good.”
Samuel looked at the busy little figure in the kitchen.
He didn’t know that Kathleen cared so much for his family.
Cynthia finished filling in the last ravioli. She said, “It’s done. Go and wash your hands.”
“Okay.” Samuel walked to the bathroom to clean his hands.
Kathleen was there too.
“You want to wash your hands? I’ll be done soon,” she said while washing her hands.
Samuel stepped forward, and his warm chest pressed against her back. He put his hands under the faucet before resting his chin on her shoulder. “Help me wash them. I can’t do it.”
Kathleen blushed and wondered, Why can’t you do it yourself?
“Wash them yourself,” she retorted awkwardly.
“If you don’t help me wash them, I won’t let you go. Even Granny won’t be able to save you, so figure it out yourself.” Samuel slightly curled his lips.
Kathleen said angrily, “Y-You are a scoundrel!”
He always likes to make things difficult for others.
“Hurry up and wash them. Aren’t you hungry?” Samuel asked with a faint smile.
Kathleen was furious. Eventually, her soft little hands wrapped around Samuel’s as she gave in.
First, she made his hands wet. Then, Kathleen squeezed a little hand soap onto her palms and scrubbed them till it foamed up. After that, she rubbed the foam on his hands.
Samuel kept staring at the lithe figure of his wife in his arms.
She was even cuter when she was acting soft and shy.
Samuel thought for a moment and whispered in her ear, “Kate, we are not divorcing.”
Kathleen was stunned.
What did he just call me?
She turned off the water and turned around. Shooting Samuel a strange look, she asked, “Did a screw in your head come loose?”
Her words caused Samuel to be speechless.
“Wipe your hands clean and come out to eat.” Kathleen pushed him away and walked out.
Samuel remained silent.
Did she not feel anything?
Samuel came out of the bathroom and saw that Kathleen and the others were already waiting for him.
He walked over and automatically sat beside Kathleen.
“Okay, let’s eat,” Cynthia said with a smile.
Kathleen and the others waited for Cynthia to pick up her fork before they started eating.
Kathleen took a piece of ravioli and started eating it.
She smiled and said, “Granny, you make the best ravioli. It tastes so good. Did you use apple cider vinegar in it?”
Cynthia chuckled. “Last time, you said you liked the vinegar, so I asked someone to buy me a few more bottles. Take them with you when you go.”
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.
“Eat up. You’re thinner than the last time I saw you.” Cynthia was worried and took another scoop of ravioli for Kathleen.
Kathleen obediently ate it.
Everyone kept telling her that she had gotten thinner.
Hence, she vowed to eat more.
However, there was a limit to how much she could eat.
Her stomach was already full after eating three scoops of ravioli.
Initially, Christopher wanted to find a chance to talk to Kathleen.
Unfortunately, Samuel was present, so Christopher didn’t want to cause trouble for her.
He glanced at the time and said, “Granny, I have a meeting in the afternoon. I’ll be leaving now.”
Cynthia nodded and replied, “Okay. Be careful when driving on the road.”
“Sure.” Christopher nodded. He then glanced at Kathleen and said, “Goodbye.”
“See you,” Kathleen said softly.
Samuel frowned slightly upon hearing that.
After the meal, Kathleen wanted to wash the dishes.
Nonetheless, Cynthia refused to let her do it. “There’s no need for that. The dishwasher you recommended to me last time works very well. I just put the dishes in and let the machine wash them.”
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded.
Hearing that, Samuel furrowed his brows and asked, “What dishwasher?”
Cynthia replied, “Look who’s asking. The dishwasher you recommended to me three years ago was not easy to use at all. I only used it once and hated it, so I just left it there. Then, Kathleen asked me to replace it when she came over one time, but I didn’t bother. Later on, my arm was uncomfortable, so I had no choice but to use the dishwasher to wash the dishes. It then exploded with my dishes inside.”
Samuel frowned and said, “Seriously? That brand was Nicolet—”
Suddenly, he stopped talking.
Cynthia frowned at him, while Kathleen felt nothing but awkwardness.
Scoffing, Cynthia said, “Hah! I wondered why I didn’t like it. Turns out that I didn’t like the person who recommended it.”
Samuel remained silent.
“I’m going to wash my hands.” Kathleen turned around and walked away.
Cynthia looked at Samuel coldly and asked, “Samuel, you have to understand one thing. When a woman you like is rejected by the whole family, you should think about it. Is it really that we are causing
trouble without reason?”
As Samuel remained calm, she continued coldly, “Diana, your parents, and me—don’t we have the ability to distinguish right from wrong? We have also encountered situations where the parents are bad people, but the children are good. Do you think that we would treat the child badly because of the parents?”
“Granny, Nicolette isn’t a bad person. She just lacks love,” Samuel replied coolly.
Cynthia gave him a helpless look. “She needed to love you, so you gave her all your love. Then what are you giving Kathleen? An empty shell without a heart? If that’s the case, why can’t she change a man? Why does she deserve an empty shell? Just because she loves you doesn’t mean you can trample on her like this.”
“Granny, I will treat her well in the future,” Samuel informed.
“Do you think Kathleen can accept that you still have another woman? You said that Nicolette lacks love. If a man runs up to Kathleen and tells her that he lacks love and wants her to love him, would you be able to accept it?” she demanded sternly.
“No.” Samuel shook his head.
It was unacceptable for him.
Cynthia said coldly, “As the saying goes, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you understand this, then you shouldn’t have done that. If you can’t bear to leave Nicolette, then divorce Kathleen and let her be free. I won’t interfere with what you want to do with Nicolette; just don’t make me angry by bringing her to me.”
Samuel replied with a grim expression, “Okay, I understand.”
At that moment, Kathleen returned.
She felt that the atmosphere in the living room was a little strange.
“Granny, we have to leave now,” she said gently.
Kathleen felt guilty.
Cynthia used to love Samuel very much.
Every time Samuel came, Cynthia would prepare delicious foods for him to eat.
However, she had been treating him very coldly this time.
Kathleen had felt it.
Could it be because of me?
Chapter 52
Kathleen didn’t want to be the one who ruined Samuel’s relationship with his family.
She thought it would be better for everyone if she left.
“Okay. You can go home and get some rest since there is nothing else to do here.” Cynthia took out the apple cider vinegar that Kathleen liked to drink and put it into a bag.
Then, she packed some snacks for Kathleen too.
Kathleen liked to eat fruit-flavored snacks. Hence, Cynthia always prepared them for her.
Kathleen smiled sweetly like a kid as she held the snacks that were given by Cynthia.
“Granny, I’ll come again next time,” Kathleen said adorably.
Cynthia smiled as she said, “You can come every day. I will always welcome you.”
“Granny, I’ll come as long as you don’t mind it.” Kathleen was shy.
“Why would I?” Cynthia patted her head and said, “Take good care of yourself, my girl.”
Kathleen nodded. “Okay. Goodbye, Granny.” Despite her reluctance, she bade farewell to Cynthia.
“Goodbye,” Cynthia said.
With that, Kathleen and Samuel turned around and headed toward the elevator.
Samuel helped Kathleen to hold the bag while she stood next to him.
The elevator stopped after going down two floors. After that, several people got into the elevator.
Samuel put the things in one hand and used the other hand to hug Kathleen lest she got hit by others.
Pressed into his embrace, all she could hear was the sound of his powerful heartbeat. She felt as if she was drowning in his warm embrace.
Soon, Kathleen felt the strange gaze from the people next to them. They had been scrutinizing Samuel and her.
There were two young girls who were holding their phones while pointing at and gossiping about Samuel and her. Kathleen frowned upon seeing it.
The girls put down their hands hurriedly and looked away out of guilt as soon as they noticed Kathleen was staring at them.
Kathleen was speechless upon seeing their action.
Shortly after that, they stepped out of the elevator after it arrived on the ground floor.
Samuel then pulled Kathleen into the car.
After they got into the car, Kathleen asked, “Are you going back to the office?”
“Yes.” Samuel nodded.
“Then you can leave me halfway. I will go back to the condominium to get some clothes before heading to the Macari residence,” Kathleen said.
Samuel looked at her coldly.
Kathleen thought he was unwilling to go there. “It’s almost the New Year. Haven’t we always done that? We would always go to the Macari residence and stay there when the year-end is approaching.”
Samuel didn’t utter a word.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to go there so early. I’m not going to pack my things then,” Kathleen said softly.
“Let’s talk about it a few days later.” Samuel furrowed his eyebrows lightly.
Samuel didn’t want Christopher to have a chance to meet Kathleen as the former had been going to the Macari residence too frequently recently. Or rather, from the bottom of his heart, he didn’t want Kathleen to discover the truth.
“Okay.” Kathleen nodded in response.
Samuel glanced at Kathleen and asked indifferently, “Do you really like to stay at the Macari residence?”
“Yeah.” Kathleen nodded.
“Why?” Samuel asked in confusion.
“It’s lively there.” Kathleen’s gentle voice sounded indifferent.
The condominium where she and Samuel lived together was a huge one. Its size was one thousand square meters.
Although the home was spacious and well-equipped with everything, she felt lonely when she was there.
Samuel was barely home, so she was always alone and bored.
He didn’t like being disturbed too. Hence, he did not hire a live-in housekeeper who would live with them in their house every day. Instead, the housekeeper would only come occasionally to cook and clean the house.
The pay that Samuel offered was good without a doubt. Therefore, there were quite a lot of people who competed for the job.
Samuel’s slender hands were holding the steering wheel as he spoke with a clear voice. “After we have more babies, our home will be lively.”
Kathleen pursed her red lips and kept quiet.
Does he want me to look after the kids alone? How should I explain to them if their father is always absent during festivals? If we’re divorced, I can still tell them their father has passed away as an excuse. However, if we’re still married, how should I explain it?
At the thought of that, Kathleen wanted a divorce even more.
“Let’s discuss the future plans later.” Kathleen’s soft voice was cold. “Samuel, there are twenty-seven days before the New Year. You still have some time to think about it.”
Samuel’s jaw tightened. “Are you sure that you wouldn’t object at all after I have made up my mind?”
“You have always been calling the shots in our relationship. So, it’s up to you. I don’t want to think about it anymore as I’m too tired,” Kathleen said while pinching the bridge of her nose.
She was exhausted.
“Okay. Let me think about it.” Samuel sent Kathleen to the lobby of the condominium.
When Kathleen was about to get out of the car, Samuel locked the car door and stopped her from leaving.
Kathleen frowned. As she turned around, she saw Samuel.
To her surprise, Samuel’s handsome face was close to hers.
Then, his soft and warm lips pressed against her lips and they shared a passionate kiss in the car.
Five minutes later, the corner of Kathleen’s eyes was slightly wet as she glared at him angrily.
“Your legs are weak after the kiss, right?” Samuel placed his large hand against Kathleen’s soft cheek and rubbed it gently.
Her shy and alluring reaction was adorable. I don’t want other men to see her like that. I don’t!
The desire to possess her burned in his heart.
“I will come back early tonight.” Samuel gently kissed Kathleen’s face.
Her face was soft like a pillow.
Kathleen’s ears turned red. “You can come home whenever you want. But it would be better if you don’t come back. I’ll be happier by myself.”
Samuel grinned and gazed at her intently as if he wanted to eat her alive.
His burning gaze gave her chills all over her body.
She pushed Samuel away and got out of the car.
Then, she took the things from the rear seat.
Samuel chuckled.
She was obviously bothered by my gaze. Yet, she didn’t forget to take the snacks with her. Such a little glutton.
Samuel thought for a while before texting Tyson: When Kathleen took medicine previously, I recall that you had brought her fruit candy made in Remdik, and she said she liked it, right?
Tyson replied instantly: Yes.
Samuel continued: Find out the manufacturer and acquire it. Help them to develop several types of low- sugar fruit candy products. From now on, deliver the candies to the condominium every month.
Tyson agreed immediately: All right.
Samuel put his phone down, and his lips curved into a smile. Kathleen is candy; she is so sweet.
Meanwhile, Kathleen got home and put her things on the coffee table.
She then sat down and calmed herself down for some time before taking out her phone.
She hadn’t checked her phone since just now, but she didn’t expect the chat group with Wynnie would have more than ninety-nine messages by then.
Why are there so many messages?
Wynnie texted: Katie, you’re trending.
Diana replied: What about?
Wynnie took a screenshot and sent it over to the chat group.
The title of the number one trending topic read: Kathleen and Samuel Are Married.
Kathleen’s face turned pale. Did I really send it by mistake? But I’ve already asked Samuel to check it.
Kathleen opened her Twitter account and noticed the news was still on the top of the trending topics. She dared not read the comments below.
She then clicked on the chat group and continued reading the messages.
Wynnie: I think that Katie is being threatened by Samuel.
Diana: That sc*mbag! He is going to divorce Katie, yet he dares to ruin Katie’s image.
Wynnie agreed: Mom, you’re right. He is such a sc*mbag! In the future, the whole world would know that Katie was once married.
Diana: I think he has bad intentions. It might be Nicolette’s idea.
Wynnie: Mom, do you want me to pull some strings and kick Nicolette out of the hospital?
Diana replied: We have to be cultured people. Why don’t we acquire the hospital and shut it down?
Chapter 53
Wynnie: Mom, you’re a genius! This is such a great idea!
Diana: Of course I am!
Wynnie: It’s been so long. Why hasn’t Katie appeared?
Diana: Could she have been abducted by Samuel? If so, shall we call the police to capture that rascal?
Wynnie: Let me drag someone in for questioning.
With that, Calvin was dragged into the conversation.
Calvin: Wow! Mom, you guys made a group chat behind my back?
Wynnie: Do you know what your son has done?
Diana: Do you have any idea?
She added a stern-looking emoji behind that.
Calvin: I don’t know! I don’t know anything! I’m on your side! I’m not with that rascal!
Wynnie: Mom, he got the code word correct. Looks like he’s really on our team.
Calvin: I’ve always been on your side, okay?
Kathleen could not help but laugh when she read their conversation.
They were all so adorable.
Wynnie: Have you checked the trending news?
Calvin: Yes, I’ve seen them. I’m working on public relations.
Wynnie: Are you guys trying to clear their names?
Calvin: No. We want to skew the discussion in favor of Kate. We’ll talk about how much she has suffered the whole time she was supporting Samuel behind the scenes.
Wynnie: Great! Keep it up! Whatever you do, remember that your son is in the wrong no matter what.
Calvin: Got it, Wynnie! What about the crystal ornament that you broke last time? Are we blaming that on Samuel? We might as well make him the scapegoat for that too.
Wynnie: Where’s your dignity?
Diana: It was probably thrown away along with his placenta.
Calvin was rendered speechless.
Kathleen laughed her head off.
It seemed that it was the Macari family’s tradition for mothers to pick on their sons.
Wynnie: What does your son say about that?
Calvin: I haven’t been able to get in touch with him.
Wynnie: That rascal! Where could he have gone?
Calvin: I’m already looking.
Wynnie: If anything happens to my daughter-in-law, I shall disown this son of mine.
Calvin: Sure. Whatever you say, Wynnie.
Wynnie: I really wonder what all this is about. I don’t know if Nicolette harbors any ill will, and if she intends to bully our Kate.
Diana: I dare her!
Kathleen felt a surge of warmth in her heart when she read that.
She sent a message: Grandma, Dad, Mom, I am safe now.
Wynnie: Where are you? Are you all right?
Kathleen: I’m fine. That Twitter post was sent by mistake. I asked Samuel to check, but he told me that it hadn’t been sent out.
The group chat fell silent.
The other three were in deep thought. Sent by mistake? Kathleen even asked Samuel to check, but he didn’t manage to find out. How is that possible?
Kathleen sent a message to Samuel: Did you really not see the Twitter post that had been sent by mistake?
Samuel: No.
Kathleen frowned. She asked: Is there any way to remediate this?
Samuel: Only if you can turn back time.
Kathleen: I can’t. So, what now?
Samuel: What do you mean by that?
Kathleen: Aren’t you going to explain to them?
Samuel: Why do I need to explain? Aren’t we already a married couple?
Kathleen: You see, the problem is on your side. Won’t Nicolette be furious with you when she sees that? If she’s mad at you, you will vent on me. She does not want to be cannon fodder.
Samuel: Have I ever vent on you?
Kathleen: When have you not? Your temper has never been good, and now it’s even worse!
Samuel sent a emoji depicting confusion: Has my temper been bad in the past?
Kathleen did not want to talk to him anymore.
She sat on the couch and sank into deep thought.
Why didn’t Samuel delete the Twitter post after she had sent it by mistake? What was he thinking?
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Nicolette saw the trending news on Twitter.
She exploded with rage.
Why is this happening?
She thought that Kathleen and Samuel would divorce in secret just like how they had gotten married in secret too.
No one was supposed to know. No one would ever know.
After that, Samuel would force Kathleen to donate her bone marrow to cure Nicolette.
Then, Samuel would marry Nicolette.
Nicolette would deal with the other members of the Macari family at a later time.
As long as Samuel loved her.
As long as Samuel had her back, she would not care at all.
At most, she would limit Samuel’s interactions with Diana and the rest.
That way, Samuel would truly be hers, and hers alone.
However, when Samuel publicly announced his relationship with Kathleen, all the glory that Samuel had given Nicolette the night before vanished without a trace.
On the contrary, Kathleen, who had not revealed herself the entire time, became the biggest winner.
She wondered where the Macari family had gotten ghostwriters from.
They would rather trample on Samuel in exchange for Kathleen’s honor without discrediting her one bit.
Currently, some netizens empathized with Kathleen. Others commended her.
Someone had even posted a picture of her and Samuel at the birthday banquet at the Yoeger residence the day before. They proceeded to mock her for being the homewrecker.
Unable to stomach her anger, Nicolette gave Samuel a phone call.
In the most pitiful voice, she asked, “Samuel, what is all this about?”
Samuel explained casually, “Nothing much. Kathleen and I are in a relationship. It’s that simple.”
“Then, what about me?” Nicolette cried. “Samuel, tell me. Who am I to you?”
In a hoarse voice, Samuel replied, “I’m sorry, but I can’t divorce her.”
Nicolette froze.
What did he say?
“Don’t worry. I will always take care of you. I will continue to assist you in your treatment. Rest well. Don’t overthink things,” he added.
With that, he hung up the phone.
Nicolette was dumbfounded.
Did he mean that he would never divorce Kathleen? I’ve put in so much effort, and in the end this is what I get?
She felt like calling Kathleen to question her on what she had done.
However, she knew that doing so would expose her, so she could not do that.
She totally did not expect Kathleen to be so patient.
Nicolette also could not believe that Kathleen could be this indifferent even after the latter found out that Nicolette herself had slept with Samuel.
Could it be that she only loves Samuel for his money? Haha! It’s fine. Samuel says he’ll take care of me forever. That means he won’t ignore me. I still have a chance! Kathleen, you won’t get to be cocky for long.
Nicolette still had a spot in Samuel’s heart. No one could replace her.
Next, she needed to destroy the relationship between Kathleen and Samuel completely.
Nicolette took out her phone and dialed a number. “I want you to sneak into the ward tonight and unplug Benjamin’s life support.”
The other party replied, “That man is already in a vegetative state.”
Nicolette chuckled coldly. “I don’t care what he is. I only want him dead! Kathleen and Samuel’s relationship can only be destroyed if Benjamin dies. One more thing. You have to leak this out. Say that I got people to do the dirty work, but don’t let her catch you.”
“You are playing with fire. What if Samuel doesn’t care about you anymore?” asked the other party.
Nicolette said confidently, “No, he won’t. Samuel will not be cruel to me. He won’t believe that I’m behind this. The more Kathleen holds me accountable, the uglier their relationship will get as it tears apart!”
This was the only way she could have a chance.
The other party replied after a pause, “Okay. Got it.”
Chapter 54
In the evening, Samuel returned home as the sun was setting.
Kathleen had been drawing.
When she heard sounds coming from outside the door, she immediately got up.
A look of surprise appeared on her fair and delicate face when she went out. “Y-You’re back?”
Samuel stared at her.
Why is she so shaken up? I just happen to get off work on time.
“I told you I’ll come back earlier, didn’t I?” Samuel said flatly. “You seem unhappy.”
In the past, Kathleen would always welcome him warmly when he returned.
She would even jump into his arms if he was in a better mood.
Now, she did not seem very happy.
“No, I’m not unhappy.” Even Kathleen herself wasn’t sure if she was happy or not.
Perhaps it was because Samuel had disappointed her too many times, so much so that she did not know what to feel anymore.
“Wash your hands and come to dinner.” Samuel said coldly.
“Okay,” Kathleen replied indifferently.
She went to the bathroom to wash up.
Just then, a tall shadow suddenly shrouded her.
Samuel reached out and held her hands. “I’ll help you.”
“I’m not a child.” Kathleen puffed her cheeks. She looked cute that way.
“So… I can’t help if you’re not a child?” Samuel gave her a gentle peck on the cheek.
Kathleen wanted to evade him, but she was trapped in Samuel’s arms.
Her body was quite soft.
Dirty thoughts aroused in Samuel’s mind as she squirmed in his arms.
“Don’t move.” Samuel’s voice was deep and hoarse. “If you keep moving, I’ll eat you before dinner.”
Kathleen bit her lip angrily. “One month!”
“It’s less than a month.” Samuel smiled.
Kathleen remained silent. She gritted her teeth.
Samuel helped her wash her hands before letting her go.
Once Kathleen was freed from his arms, she headed to the dining room and waited for him.
Samuel came soon after.
He sat down.
Maria had already prepared dinner.
Kathleen and Samuel dug in once they were seated.
They did not interact with each other at all throughout the meal.
Samuel was used to Kathleen telling him everything about her day.
He found it odd that she was being so quiet.
“What have you been doing today?” Samuel asked.
“I’ve been painting.” Kathleen knew that she couldn’t hide from Samuel the fact that she was working for Federick.
Since it was impossible to hide it, Kathleen did not wish to make things difficult for herself.
Samuel’s face darkened. “Are you really going to keep this job?”
Kathleen glanced at him calmly. “This job isn’t embarrassing you, is it?”
Samuel looked at her coldly. “Do you think that’s what I meant?”
“If not, what else do you mean?” Kathleen asked meaningfully.
“Kathleen, I provide you with a hefty sum for living expenses.” Samuel’s voice was rather cold.
Why does she want to take on such an exhausting job? If she’s short on cash, she could have just told me.
Kathleen’s grip tightened on her fork. “If you think it’s too much, you can reduce it. We can both contribute to the household expenses from now on. I’m fine with that.”
Samuel felt a flicker of irritation.
She’s always twisting my words!
Kathleen drank her soup quietly. “Samuel, I need to work. I don’t want my life to be completely under your control. Do you understand?”
Samuel froze.
“You have control over my life as well as my finances,” Kathleen said bitterly. “If I leave you, I will become useless. I don’t want that, so I need to work.”
“I believe I’ve said before that we won’t get a divorce.” Samuel looked at her with a cold expression.
Kathleen lowered her eyes when she met his cold gaze. “I’m sorry. I can’t trust you for the time being.”
“What do you want me to do?” Samuel’s voice remained ice-cold.
“Think about it, Samuel. You haven’t forgotten Nicolette after so many years. Can you really forget everything about her now?” Kathleen asked flatly. “So, I’m sorry to say this, but I cannot believe you when you said we won’t get a divorce. I can’t bring myself to believe it.”
Samuel’s eyes flashed coldly. “Then, what about the one-month deadline you’ve set?”
“Samuel, it’s impossible for you to sever ties with Nicolette even if I gave you a year.” Kathleen said quietly as she put away her utensils, “That one month is just a buffer.”
Samuel stared at her coldly. He wished that his eyes could tear a hole through her.
“Samuel, if we don’t get a divorce, what do you plan to do with Nicolette?” When Kathleen was not acting coquettishly, she had the air of an aloof fairy.
Samuel said nothing.
“She is the Yoeger family’s illegitimate child. The Yoeger family won’t acknowledge her, so she is not entitled to any of their assets. That means you’ll have to support her for the rest of her life, is that right?” Right then, Kathleen’s charming face was beautiful but cold. “In that case, it will be impossible for you to sever ties with her in this lifetime. You’ll be at her beck and call whenever she wants you. My feelings won’t matter to you, and I won’t be able to stop you.”
“How are you so sure that I’ll do that?” Samuel said, infuriated.
“Because you have done it before,” Kathleen replied quietly. “Samuel, I can’t accept that there’s a woman out there whom you long for. Similarly, you can’t accept Christopher’s feelings for me.”
Samuel froze.
“Are you surprised?” Kathleen went on indifferently. “Just because I don’t have a temper, that doesn’t mean I’m not intelligent. I can tell that Christopher likes me. However, because of who we are, I’ve always avoided him. You saw him at Granny’s house today. That’s why you said those weird things, am I right?”
Samuel stared at her coldly.
“Samuel, I want a husband who loves me wholeheartedly. I love you, but that does not mean I must stay with you.” Kathleen stood up. “As long as Nicolette exists, we will never reconcile. It’s time to let go.”
Kathleen turned around.
Just then, Samuel grabbed her wrist. He questioned her harshly, “Do you fancy Christopher?”
Kathleen smiled bleakly. “Why don’t you admit that you’ve hurt me? Why are you accusing me of having feelings for other people instead?”
Samuel’s gaze remained ice-cold.
“Don’t worry. I’m not so desperate that I’ll settle for the first man I see,” Kathleen said proudly. “I won’t settle for just any man. My husband must love only me. He can only offer his love to me. If he does that to someone else, then I don’t want him.”
“Kathleen, you should know that Nicolette and I would have gotten married long ago if it wasn’t for you,” Samuel retorted.
“Does that mean I have to endure it?” A cold smile formed on Kathleen’s face. “Samuel, ask yourself. Is it really my fault that the two of you can’t be together?”
Samuel frowned.
Kathleen was innocent in this matter.
She had never forced Samuel to marry her, and neither had she begged Diana to let her marry him.
Having stayed in the Macari residence for so many years, Kathleen had never done anything to make others dislike her.
When Samuel and Nicolette were dating, Kathleen had never harassed Nicolette.
She was not that sort of person.
She was willing to hide her feelings for Samuel in her heart forever.
Samuel and Nicolette could not be together because Nicolette was unwelcomed.
It was Diana and Wynnie who disapproved of their relationship.
Kathleen was aware of it all.
Chapter 55
Even so, Kathleen had never pulled any tricks.
She watched, quietly and sadly, as Samuel loved and pampered another woman.
She kept her emotions suppressed. When she felt sad, she merely hid herself away and cried.
She had never done anything hateful.
Until one day, Diana found out about her feelings for Samuel and saw through her.
“You silly child, why didn’t you tell me?” Diana was over the moon.
She had not asked for Kathleen’s opinion when she arranged for Nicolette to be sent away.
Using Nicolette’s life as a threat, she forced Samuel to get together with Kathleen.
Samuel compromised on the condition that Kathleen’s identity remained undisclosed.
Diana knew what Samuel was planning, but she said nothing and agreed.
Kathleen, who married Samuel amid the confusion, naturally did not mind.
She assumed she would eventually warm Samuel’s heart.
She believed that, one day, Samuel would return her feelings.
However, that day would never arrive.
No matter how much Samuel liked her, he loved Nicolette more.
Kathleen had her pride.
She refused to be the hated one.
She would leave so that the lovers could be together.
“You don’t know how much Nicolette means to me,” Samuel said solemnly. “Kathleen, even if I don’t marry her, I can’t ignore her for the rest of my life.”
Kathleen felt a sharp pain in her heart.
She knew that.
“I fell into a river when I was thirteen years old. Nicolette was the one who saved me.” Samuel looked at her with a bone-chilling coldness in his gaze. “I owe her my life.”
Kathleen froze.
This came as a surprise.
In other words, ten-year-old Nicolette had saved thirteen-year-old Samuel.
So that’s how their relationship started.
“So, it’s even less likely for you two to break up.” Kathleen’s heart ached. Her delicate face paled considerably.
Samuel did not say a word. He just looked at her silently.
After a long while, he spoke. “Kathleen, the one I like now is you.”
“Haha.” Kathleen’s tears rolled down her cheeks. “You like me now, but you can’t bear to let go of Nicolette. What should I do, Samuel? You want me to repay that life debt together with you?”
Samuel furrowed his brows.
“Are you worthy?” Kathleen growled.
His expression turned grim. “Kathleen, like I said, you need to give me time. You can’t force me like this.”
“I’ve already said that no matter how much time I give you, the final result will never change.” Kathleen looked at his darkened, handsome face. “Samuel, let’s stop struggling. Let’s get a divorce.”
Samuel stood up and glared at her coldly. “Don’t even think about it!”
With that, he grabbed his suit jacket and stormed off.
Kathleen sat on the chair weakly, her hands lowered. Her heart had never hurt so much.
On the other hand, Samuel went out for a drive alone.
He rolled down the windows to let the cold wind in and calm himself down.
In fact, some of what he said had come out in a fit of anger.
He knew that he didn’t just have feelings for Kathleen.
On the contrary, he liked Kathleen a lot more than Nicolette.
His feelings for Kathleen were also a lot stronger.
What he felt for Kathleen could not be compared to what he felt for Nicolette.
After having struggled for some time, Samuel realized who he had feelings for.
What he felt for Nicolette was simply out of responsibility.
He had to repay her for saving his life.
He could not ignore her.
However, it was indeed difficult to hope for Kathleen’s acceptance.
Hence, he needed a month’s time to persuade her.
However, it was clear that Kathleen had not given him a month. She had offered him a lifetime.
In return, she was determined to get a divorce.
Samuel did not return for the rest of the night.
Kathleen had always felt uneasy whenever she was alone at home.
She did not know why she felt this way. It was rather worrying.
All the while, she had always believed that her sixth sense was been accurate.
She had a similar hunch that time when Diana had a sudden stroke.
However, Diana was healthy the last time Kathleen saw her. Her pulse was fine. There did not seem to be anything wrong with the old woman.
The rest of the family were also in good health.
If it was not her family members, perhaps one of her friends was in danger.
On that note, Kathleen thought of Benjamin.
Gemma told her that Benjamin was out of danger.
However, Kathleen was not assured, as Benjamin had not regained consciousness.
She put on her coat, left the house, and drove to the hospital.
The hospital was exceedingly quiet at such a late hour.
Kathleen headed to Benjamin’s ward with a frown.
She happened to see a figure come out of there.
Kathleen was startled.
The man panicked.
“You’re not a doctor! Who are you?” she glared at him.
The man did not expect to get caught by Kathleen. He turned and ran away.
“Stop right there!” she shouted.
The man ran without looking back.
Kathleen picked up the trash can next to her and threw it at the man.
It hit him in the back.
“Ouch!” the man shouted in pain before he crashed onto the ground.
Kathleen stepped forward and aimed a silver needle at the man’s eye. “Tell me! Who sent you here?”
The man did not expect Kathleen to have such a terrifying object with her. He did not dare to move.
He gritted his teeth and stared at the silver needle in Kathleen’s hands.
Why does she have something like this?
“Who sent you?” There was a ruthless expression on Kathleen’s pretty face.
“Nicolette,” the man said in a hoarse voice.
“What did she want with Benjamin?” Kathleen questioned harshly.
“She told me to kill him,” the man replied.
What?
Kathleen froze in shock.
Her face instantly paled.
“Come with me to the police station!” Kathleen growled.
At that moment, doctors and nurses came running.
They quickly entered Benjamin’s ward.
Kathleen was startled.
Seizing the opportunity, the man pushed Kathleen away and fled the scene.
Kathleen wanted to give chase, but she was more worried about Benjamin.
Hence, she called the police as she ran toward Benjamin’s ward.
The nurse, who was closing the door, told her to wait outside.
Gemma spoke up from inside the ward. “Doctor, please let her wait inside. I’m begging you.”
Benjamin liked Kathleen.
Perhaps he would be fine if he knew that Kathleen was here.
The doctor sighed. “All right.”
Gemma turned to look at Kathleen.
Kathleen was very grateful.
She stood aside as she watched the doctor give Benjamin emergency treatment.
Benjamin was in a serious condition. The oxygen level in his brain was declining while his heartbeat was slowing.
“Doctor, the blood pressure’s gone.” The nurse’s face paled.
She glanced at Gemma.
“No! His heart is still beating!” Gemma protested in panic.
The doctor was holding the defibrillator.
They had administered it for the third time, but Benjamin’s heart rate was still dropping.
After that, Benjamin’s heartbeat stopped. All the data on the screen dropped to zero.
“No!” Gemma fainted.
A nurse rushed to support her. “Gemma, wake up!”
Sad looks appeared on the doctors and nurses’ faces.
They had some knowledge about the siblings’ past.
Their mother had been a doctor at this hospital, and their father had been a policeman.
The couple had lost their lives in a disaster, leaving behind their children.
Chapter 56
Kathleen stepped forward and stared at the doctor with pleading eyes. “Let me do it! Please, let me try!”
The doctor knitted his brows and asked, “You?”
She explained, “I’m Kathleen Johnson. My parents used to be doctors here. My grandfather as well.”
Upon hearing that, the doctor frowned.
The head nurse verified, “Doctor, her father is the former director, Dr. Johnson.”
“You’re Dr. Johnson’s daughter?”
I never heard about her attending medical school though…
“Doctor, please let me save him,” Kathleen said coldly.
The doctor frowned and replied, “But…”
“Please, I beg you!” Kathleen pleaded with determination in her eyes.
Upon seeing her gaze, the doctor stepped aside.
Kathleen took out her set of silver needles and placed them at the side.
Everyone was in shock.
Is she using traditional medicine?
Kathleen took a needle and inserted it into the acupoint on top of Benjamin’s head.
She then inserted a few more needles into other acupoints on his head.
Following that, it was his heart, palms, and soles of his feet.
Finally, she took the last needle and gently inserted it into his forehead.
Seconds had passed, and the electrocardiogram was still static.
Everyone had prepared to face the worst outcome.
Benjamin was actually not breathing anymore. He was a goner.
Gemma stared at Kathleen’s back in a daze. She burst into tears.
She wailed, “Benjamin, wake up! Open your eyes and look at the girl you like in front of you! Do it for her!”
Kathleen was dumbfounded.
Benjamin likes me?
While sobbing, Gemma bellowed, “Benjamin, haven’t you been waiting for Kathleen? Isn’t that why you don’t look for a girlfriend all these years? How could you leave after you’ve found her?”
Kathleen’s heart wrenched, and she silently shed tears.
Benjamin got hurt for saving me. Did Nicolette send someone to get rid of him to force me to get a divorce with Samuel? It’s all my fault that everything turned out this way.
Kathleen was overwhelmed by sorrow.
She would not hesitate to give her life away if Gemma wanted it.
Beep!
The electrocardiogram suddenly sounded.
Everyone was stunned.
Beep! Beep!
The electrocardiogram recorded electrical signals.
Finally, Benjamin was breathing faintly.
The head nurse announced excitedly, “Doctor, his heartbeat and blood pressure have returned!”
Upon hearing that, Gemma cried hysterically.
Tears kept streaming down Kathleen’s face.
Thank goodness! He’s alive!
The doctor ordered the head nurse to inject Benjamin with adrenaline.
Suddenly, Kathleen felt her hand being grabbed by a cold hand.
She was startled.
Benjamin opened his eyes and called with a hoarse voice, “Kathleen.”
Thrilled, Kathleen held his hand in return and said, “Benjamin, you’re awake!”
Gemma walked over, looked at Benjamin, and cried even louder.
Benjamin had no idea what had happened, but he felt at ease looking at Kathleen and Gemma.
After Benjamin’s condition had improved, Kathleen removed all the silver needles.
The doctor also gave him a regular check-up.
Benjamin’s condition had stabilized.
Even though he still looked rather weary, it was fortunate that he had woken up.
“Benjamin, get some rest. We’ll talk the next day.” Kathleen was aware of how tired Benjamin was.
Benjamin really wanted to know what had happened, but he nodded after hearing Kathleen’s words.
Kathleen tucked him into bed.
Benjamin gazed at her face before closing his eyes.
To not disturb Benjamin’s rest, Kathleen and Gemma left the ward.
Feeling awkward, Gemma said, “Kathleen, you don’t have to take to heart what I said in the ward just now. I…”
Confused, Kathleen asked, “Benjamin likes me? I didn’t know.”
Gemma froze for a moment and said, “Kathleen, you don’t have to feel burdened by that. I said that out of desperation amid that critical time.”
Kathleen lightly furrowed her brows and said, “I know. I’m just very surprised.”
Gemma pursed her lips. “That’s because you’ve always treated Benjamin as a brother. You’ve never liked him, right?”
Kathleen nodded.
Gemma shook her head and said, “It’s okay. Kathleen, please don’t feel burdened just because Benjamin has saved your life, and because he likes you. Both of you won’t be happy this way.”
After sitting down, Kathleen uttered, “Gemma, I can’t pretend I don’t know. I…”
Gemma sat down as well and said, “Benjamin would rather conceal his feelings deep inside his heart. Actually, he’s very happy to be able to meet you again.”
Kathleen was at a loss for words, and silence ensued.
Gemma knew that Kathleen only looked sweet and innocent from the outside. In actuality, Kathleen was very clear about how she felt. It was evident that it came as a shock to her. She had no feelings for Benjamin, but she did not wish to hurt him either.
With a lowered gaze, Gemma said, “Kathleen, if you marry Benjamin because you feel indebted to him, I will look down on you. If you marry my brother out of guilt, isn’t this a form of deceit?”
Kathleen nodded and replied, “I understand what you mean.”
“Kathleen, about Samuel and Nicolette…”
Everyone saw what was trending today.
Kathleen leaned against the seat and said, “Samuel and I will get a divorce. I can’t love him anymore. Gemma, there are no words to describe how mentally exhausted I am.”
Gemma held Kathleen’s hand and said, “If you’re not happy, then get a divorce.”
Kathleen nodded and agreed, “Yeah, I will.”
She stayed outside of Benjamin’s ward with Gemma for one whole night.
The next day, Benjamin was still sleeping when Kathleen went home first.
Right when she was about to enter the password, the door opened.
Samuel gave her a vicious glare and exclaimed, “Where did you go? Why weren’t you home for one whole night?”
Doesn’t she know that I’m worried?
He got extremely anxious when he came home in the morning and realized she was not there.
Kathleen lifted her head. Her eyes were red, and dark eye circles could vaguely be seen under her eyes. It was obvious that she did not sleep well.
“Say something.” Samuel extended his hand to touch her.
However, she avoided his touch.
Samuel frowned upon seeing that.
With a cold and raspy voice, she threatened, “Samuel, let Nicolette know that if she dares to harm Benjamin again, I will end her.”
Samuel asked coldly, “What did you just say?”
Coldness gathered in Kathleen’s eyes as she said, “I said I will end her. I will end the life of the woman you love to seek revenge for Benjamin!”
Samuel grabbed her hand and consoled her, “Calm down.”
Kathleen had never acted this cold. She said, “I’m very calm. Samuel, someone pulled the plug on Benjamin yesterday night. I managed to catch and threaten that person. He told me that Nicolette
ordered him to do so.”
Samuel furrowed his brows. “That’s not possible.”
“There are surveillance cameras in the hospital. You can check it yourself.” Kathleen continued coldly, “Samuel, I can’t wait to divorce you, so there’s no reason for me to badmouth her. If I do so, you won’t believe me and will think that I’m blaming Nicolette to avoid getting a divorce. I can clearly tell you that I’m not lying, so believe whatever you want.”
I don’t care whether he believes me or not. After all, he will only believe that Nicolette is a kind-hearted fairy.
She pushed him away and entered the room. After taking out her suitcase, she started packing her clothes.
Samuel grimaced and questioned, “What are you doing?
Chapter 57
Kathleen had reached her limit. “Samuel, let’s live separately.”
Live separately?
Samuel furrowed his brows and said with a cold voice, “Do you think I would agree to that?”
With reddened eyes, she said, “Samuel, it doesn’t matter whether you agree or not. I can no longer live with someone who protects an evildoer! Benjamin nearly died because of Nicolette!”
Samuel’s face turned gloomy.
While holding back her tears, Kathleen said, “Samuel, that person has no reason to slander Nicolette. Neither do I. If anything happened to Benjamin, I would never forgive both of you.”
After she was done packing, she carried her suitcase and said, “If Benjamin really dies, I will be a widow for him. I owe it to him.”
With that said, Kathleen headed out.
Samuel narrowed his eyes, and a vicious glint flashed across them.
She wants to be a widow for another man?
When Kathleen reached the door, Samuel snatched the suitcase away from her hand and tossed it aside.
He raised her slender arms above her head and pressed her wrists against the door with his big hand.
Meanwhile, his other hand pinched her delicate chin. His cold breath fanned her face, and his eyes were so cold that they sent chills down her spine.
Samuel snapped, “You’re my wife, and you want to be a widow for another man? Kathleen, who gave you the courage to do so?”
A wave of pain washed over him.
Kathleen let out a bleak, cold laugh. “So what if I’m your wife? Aren’t I practically a widow anyway?”
Samuel’s eyes turned beyond grim.
“It seems like I haven’t been showing you enough care lately. That’s why you’re starting to have unrealistic thoughts.” He inched closer and said, “Since you’re not adhering to the promise we’ve made, I have no reason to hold back then.”
As he said those words, his big hand reached into Kathleen’s sweater.
“Let go of me!” Kathleen demanded as she struggled to break free.
She knew how rough Samuel could get.
She must do all she could to protect her child.
With no warmth in his eyes, Samuel stared at her and warned, “Kathleen, remember this. You’re my woman. Mine!”
Kathleen was terrified by his icy gaze.
She was afraid because she had never seen him like this.
Kathleen shook her head and said, “No! Don’t! I’ll give you time. I’m not leaving anymore. Let go of me!”
However, from Samuel’s point of view, she was only saying that to stop him from touching her.
Samuel let out a chuckle in his heart. She doesn’t want me to touch her? Is she saving herself for that man? I will never allow it!
He carried her in his arms and put her down on the couch in the living room.
“Samuel, don’t do this!” Kathleen cried.
She was overwhelmed with fear.
What if this causes a miscarriage?
Samuel disregarded her and removed all her clothes.
Kathleen’s skin was porcelain white and soft. She had a voluptuous body that Samuel was addicted to.
Samuel turned up the temperature of the room when he saw her shivering.
After that, he took off his own clothes as well.
Kathleen was well aware of how aggressive Samuel could be.
She trembled with fear, knowing that she would not be able to stop him.
With tears pouring down her face, Kathleen looked especially pitiful. “Sam… please be gentle. It hurts.”
She finally calls me Sam.
A hint of warmth returned to Samuel’s handsome yet darkened face.
He teased, “Keep calling me.”
With a trembling voice, she said, “Sam… Y-You end up hurting me every time. Please… I beg you. Please be gentle this time.”
He stared at her. “Every time?”
“I-It’s because you’re too impressive. So… please be more gentle,” she replied in fear.
Seeing how she looked like a frightened little rabbit, Samuel showed her some compassion.
Her tears were extremely effective against him.
Samuel got more gentle, but he was still driving Kathleen crazy.
An hour later, Kathleen weakly sprawled on the couch and remained motionless.
Traces of tears and exhaustion were evident on her tiny, delicate face.
Samuel grabbed a blanket and covered her with it before putting on his clothes.
He sat on the couch and caressed her face with his big, rough hand. “I’ll investigate this matter.”
As she was really exhausted, Kathleen only cast him a glance and remained silent.
She did not believe that Samuel would be able to give her a conclusion.
With a slightly hoarse voice, she asked, “Samuel, does that promise still count?”
Samuel gazed at her and replied, “If you want to, I’ll continue to adhere to it.”
Kathleen extended her hand and said, “Give me the divorce agreement. Only then will I be at ease.”
“I can’t give it to you,” Samuel said flatly.
Kathleen frowned upon hearing that.
While gazing at her coldly, he continued, “What should I do if you run away after signing the agreement?”
If it was last time, he would not think that Kathleen had the guts to do so.
Now, he felt otherwise because Kathleen had proven to be quite courageous.
Feeling helpless, Kathleen said, “Then there’s no need to keep any promises. You may go now. I want to sleep for a while.”
After saying that, she closed her eyes.
Samuel looked at her coldly and said, “Sleep then.”
Her mind was muddled.
How can I break free? I’ve fallen too deep in this. There’s no way for me to take control at all. Even if Grandma agrees to the divorce, I’m still stuck in this marriage if Samuel refuses to sign the agreement.
Of course, if Samuel insisted to get a divorce, nobody could stop him either.
Kathleen could not help but mock herself.
She could not escape his grasp, and she had no power to do anything.
After Samuel had left for a while, Kathleen realized that she could not fall asleep even though she was beyond exhausted.
Hence, she got up and went to take a shower.
After changing into a fresh set of clothes, she sat in front of the table and started working on some sketches.
I need money! With money, I can leave! It doesn’t matter whether Samuel is willing to get a divorce. All I need to do is to leave this place!
Samuel went to the hospital to inquire about Benjamin’s condition.
The doctor explained, “He has woken up, but the damage on his brain is still in a critical stage. This morning, someone came into his ward and pulled his plug. Thank god the emergency alarm went off. If not, the consequences would’ve been dire!”
Samuel remained indifferent.
Seems like what she said is true.
He ordered coldly, “You have to make sure he recovers as soon as possible. Understand?”
The doctor nodded and replied, “Mr. Macari, don’t worry. I’ll do my best.”
After that, Samuel turned around and left.
When he saw Samuel come out of the room, Tyson rushed over and reported, “Mr. Macari, here’s the surveillance footage.”
He then handed over a phone to Samuel.
Samuel watched the footage and saw the suspicious man entering Benjamin’s ward.
After that, Kathleen arrived and encountered that man.
That man quickly turned around and tried to escape.
Then, Kathleen picked up a trash can, threw it toward that man, and actually managed to hit him.
Following that, she rushed over and pointed something at that man. He froze in fear at the sight of that.
At that moment, Samuel frowned because he could not tell what that thing was due to the unclear footage.
Nevertheless, he continued watching it. Kathleen and that man confronted each other for a few minutes.
That man uttered something before the doctor and the others arrived.
He managed to escape when Kathleen got distracted.
However, Kathleen did not chase after him. Instead, she entered the ward.
Samuel’s face darkened.
I can’t believe she risked her life for another man! What do I mean to her?
Chapter 58
When the doctor came out, he noticed the grim look on Samuel’s face and was about to leave quickly, not wishing to land himself in trouble.
“Stop right there,” Samuel said in an icy voice.
The doctor halted and asked nervously, “Mr. Macari, what can I help you with?”
“Have you watched the recording of the surveillance cameras?” Samuel asked coldly.
The doctor nodded. “Yes, of course. This is a serious matter.”
“What did Kathleen use to put that man under control?” Samuel frowned.
The doctor answered, “It’s a silver needle used in acupuncture. Last night, Benjamin’s situation was crucial, and she used a silver needle to save him.”
A silver needle?
Samuel never knew that Kathleen possessed such a skill.
“Her granddad was a traditional medicine doctor. He even held the position as an advisor in the National Traditional Medicine Hospital headquarters,” the doctor explained.
Samuel fell silent as he was unaware of that.
He never took the initiative to know more about Kathleen, despite the fact that she had been right in front of him.
Yet, not once did he at least try to understand her wholeheartedly.
“I see.” Samuel nodded.
Then, he turned to Tyson and ordered, “Go and find that man.”
“Yes, roger that,” Tyson replied in a serious tone.
After that, Samuel went to look for Nicolette.
Nicolette was just done combing her hair.
She felt anxious when she saw that a bunch of her hair had fallen again.
If this continues, I might actually die…
At that moment, she heard footsteps coming from outside and immediately put on her hat.
Samuel walked into the room, his eyes dark and cold.
Nicolette was about to hide her fallen hair, but Samuel walked toward her and seized the strands of hair in her palm.
She was so afraid that her eyes turned red. “Samuel, if I one day lose all of my hair, would you come to resent me?”
Samuel shook his head.
Nicolette’s eyes welled up in tears at once.
She hugged Samuel and said, “I knew you wouldn’t.”
Heating that, Samuel felt a weight in his heart.
Nicolette then continued through sobs, “Samuel, I don’t want the bone marrow anymore. Can you just divorce her? I want to spend my remaining days with you. That way, I won’t have any regrets even if I
die.”
She wanted Samuel and Kathleen to get a divorce as soon as possible, at any cost. She did not want Samuel to hesitate anymore.
His hesitation showed that he held feelings for Kathleen.
Nicolette could not let things develop this way. At this rate, she would lose Samuel forever.
“Samuel, let’s get married. The greatest wish in my life is to marry you. After I fulfill my wish, I can die without regret,” Nicolette persuaded through tears in a pitiful voice.
Samuel stayed silent and did not say anything.
Nicolette felt uneasy and urged, “Samuel?”
However, he pushed Nicolette away. “We should wait a bit longer. I won’t let you die,” he said indifferently.
Nicolette sobbed while looking at him. “Samuel, I want to take our wedding photos before I lose all of my hair. Can you do that for me?”
Samuel paused for a while before agreeing.
At that, Nicolette’s mood lightened up. “Shall we go dress fitting tomorrow then?”
“Okay,” Samuel replied.
Nicolette was very pleased with the outcome.
As far as she knew, Kathleen had never worn a wedding dress or taken wedding photos with Samuel.
“There’s something I want to ask you,” Samuel said with a serious expression.
“What is it?” Nicolette glanced at him nervously.
“Did you send someone to hurt Kathleen?” Samuel asked with a calm voice.
Nicolette was stunned.
She had assumed that he would ask whether she was the one who sent the man who removed Benjamin’s oxygen mask the day before.
To her surprise, he asked about Kathleen.
“I didn’t. Samuel, why would I do something like that? Even if I wanted to do it, I don’t even know who to ask in the first place.” Nicolette shook her head, looking as if she felt deeply wronged.
Samuel stared right into her eyes. “Is it really not you?”
Nicolette forcefully shook her head. “No.”
“I’ll trust you this time,” Samuel said flatly.
Trust me this time? Shouldn’t you trust me no matter what? Samuel, you’ve changed…
“Rest well and take care. We’ll talk about taking the wedding photos next time.” As he finished his words, Samuel turned and left the room.
Nicolette was slightly trembling, and her body was filled with coldness.
Her heart sank as her happiness from moments ago vanished in an instant.
Is Samuel not going to divorce Kathleen? If things go on like this, I’ll lose everything I have!
That afternoon, Kathleen called Federick.
Federick picked up the phone and said, “Hey, Kathleen.”
“Federick, your voice doesn’t sound right. What happened?” Kathleen asked, bewildered.
“Madeline is gone! I’m finding her right now.” His voice sounded extremely anxious.
Kathleen sprang to her feet. “Gone? Send me your location. I’ll help you find her!”
“No need. I shouldn’t trouble you with this,” Federick refused.
Kathleen took her jacket and car keys. “It’s all right, Federick. If something happens to Madeline, I’ll be sad too. Let me find her with you,” she persuaded as she made her way to the door.
“Okay.” Federick nodded and gave her his address.
Kathleen drove to the park where Federick was searching for Madeline.
Kathleen went to him and asked, “Federick, does Madeline come to this park very often?”
“Yes. It’s very near to our house,” Federick replied with a desperate tone in his voice.
Kathleen nodded.
“You know how Madeline is a special kid. Even if we call out to her, she won’t respond to us. What I worry about the most is that she won’t shout for help even if something happens.” Federick’s eyes slightly reddened.
Kathleen understood what he meant immediately.
“We should search the place carefully and not miss out on any corner,” Kathleen suggested.
Federick nodded.
Kathleen bit her lip. “However, the two of us won’t be enough. Hold on a minute.”
She took out her phone and called Calvin.
Calvin answered the call. “Hello, Kate.”
Samuel, who was sitting opposite Calvin, lifted his eyes.
He frowned when he heard Kathleen calling Calvin.
“Dad, can I borrow some men from you?” Kathleen asked carefully.
“What kind of men do you want?” Calvin enquired.
“Your bodyguards will be good enough. I’m currently looking for a child but am short of people,” Kathleen replied softly.
“Is ten men enough? No, I should send twenty of them to aid you,” Calvin said in a serious tone.
“Ten will be sufficient. I’m at Starlight Park now. Dad, please ask them to come and find me here,” Kathleen answered.
“No problem. I’ll have them go over right away.” Then, Calvin hung up the call.
He asked his assistant, Simon, to make the necessary arrangements according to Kathleen’s request.
After that, Calvin looked at Samuel with a dark expression. “The one whom Kate asks for help from is me.”
Samuel was speechless.
“You as the husband can’t even compete with the father-in-law,” Calvin mocked.
Hearing that, Samuel sneered.
Nonetheless, he felt utterly displeased by the fact that Kathleen did not ask for his help.
He got to his feet and said, “I’ll go and have a look.”
Calvin smiled. “It’s good to know that you’d feel threatened too, huh?”
“I’m your son after all.” Samuel frowned.
Calvin stared at Samuel expressionlessly. “Samuel, the whole family knows that you have the upper hand when it comes to you and Kathleen’s marriage. If you want a divorce, no one can stop you. If you don’t want a divorce, none of us can force you either. However, have you ever thought about Kathleen’s opinion? Does she want to spend the rest of her life with you?”
“She does,” Samuel said definitely.
Calvin replied, “That was the Kathleen before, but she might not want to now.”
Chapter 59
Samuel felt extremely annoyed.
On his way to the park to find Kathleen, he had been pondering. Does Kathleen really not want to spend the rest of her life with me? It can’t be. She loves me. How could she not want to be with me?
Samuel figured he was overthinking.
After all, as long as he did not mention Christopher’s plan, Kathleen would not know a thing.
Kathleen and Federick went to look for Madeline separately.
When Samuel found her, she was shouting, “Madeline? Madeline?”
Even though she knew Madeline would not respond even if the latter heard her, she still could not help but give it a try.
“Kathleen!” Samuel walked over.
Kathleen was stunned momentarily. “Why are you here?”
Then, she shifted her gaze toward the more than twenty bodyguards standing behind Samuel.
So he’s brought his men here.
Walking over, Kathleen took out her phone. “Please add my WhatsApp. I’ll create a group and send the girl’s photo to the group. Her name is Madeline, and she has autism. She hates the crowd, so you can search in places where there are fewer people. Don’t leave any corner unsearched. Update the group once you’re done searching a particular area so that we can sort it out. Understand?”
The men nodded in response.
“Another thing. Don’t touch her after you guys find her. Just make sure that she is safe, and contact me right away. I will go over to wherever you are,” Kathleen uttered again.
“Yes, Mrs. Macari.” The crowd nodded.
Upon hearing that, Kathleen was stunned momentarily.
Lowering her head, she created the group chat on WhatsApp and invited everyone into it, including Federick.
“Invite me in too,” Samuel said.
Kathleen rolled her eyes at him before inviting him in.
Kathleen texted: @Federick Please send Madeline’s photo here and tell everyone what she is wearing today to make it easier for everyone to find her.
Federick did not expect Kathleen would summon so many people.
Without hesitation, he sent the photo in the group chat.
He then texted: Madeline is wearing a red dress with white bottoms, along with a pair of red leather shoes today. Her hair is tied into a ponytail, and she’s holding a doll in her arms.
After that, he sent a photo of the doll as well.
Kathleen texted: All right, everyone. Let’s go find her separately.
After receiving the information, everyone started the search immediately.
Federick texted again: Thanks, everyone.
Soon after, Kathleen started searching as well, and Samuel followed her.
Kathleen bit her lip. “Do you want to say something?”
Does he want to say that I’m being nosy again?
“The priority right now is to find her.” Samuel’s tone was cold. “Have you looked over there?”
“Yes.” Kathleen nodded.
“Why are we looking around here?” Samuel questioned.
“Because her scope of activity is within this area,” Kathleen explained.
“Although I don’t know much about it, speaking of the scope of activities, she should have been to more places, right?” Samuel asked coldly.
Kathleen glanced at Samuel. “Do you mean we need to expand the scope of our search?”
“Autism would usually be accompanied by paranoia.” Samuel stared at her. “They usually have certain preferences for certain things.”
Kathleen furrowed her brows. “Let me think.”
“What day is today?” Samuel asked.
“Sunday,” Kathleen replied.
“What was supposed to be her schedule for today?” Samuel asked again.
“She was supposed to go to the charity home,” Kathleen answered, “but because Federick had something to do, and Madeline’s grandma was not feeling well today, she didn’t end up going.”
Samuel stared at her curtly. “I just said that she has paranoia. What do you think she would do when her schedule is changed?”
Kathleen came to a realization. “Let’s go search along the road to the charity home!” She immediately grabbed Samuel’s hand.
Stunned momentarily, Samuel tightened his grip too. “Let’s go.”
Samuel drove while Kathleen sat in the passenger seat, looking out the car window for Madeline.
The night fell gradually, and it became more difficult to search for Madeline even with the street lights.
Kathleen started to worry that Madeline might have gotten into trouble.
“Hold on a second.” Suddenly, Kathleen stopped Samuel.
Samuel immediately stepped on the brakes.
Kathleen ran out of the car and approached an old lady. “Where did you get this doll from?”
“I picked it up from the river behind,” the old lady responded.
Walking over, Samuel took out a few banknotes directly. “Sell us this doll, and tell us the specific spot you found it.”
The old lady’s eyes lit up instantly. “Follow me then.”
Kathleen fixed her gaze on Samuel as the latter grabbed her hand and led her to follow the old lady.
The old lady brought them to a river and pointed at it. “I found it here.”
After thanking the old lady, Kathleen walked forward.
Samuel opened his mouth. “Based on the direction, we should head backward instead.”
Kathleen furrowed her brows. “Why so?”
Samuel explained, “I think she’d gone to the charity home, but it was closed, and it was getting dark. She wanted to walk home, but she got lost. So, she kept moving forward.”
Kathleen felt that Samuel’s words made sense.
She did not doubt his analyzing ability at all for he was always very sharp and accurate.
As such, after finding Madeline’s doll, they walked in the backward direction.
The sky had turned darker by then, and the road was not as bright as the main streets.
Grabbing Kathleen’s hand tightly, Samuel used his phone as a torchlight with his other hand.
Kathleen’s hand was cold.
Meanwhile, Samuel’s was warm, which gave Kathleen a great sense of security.
After walking for a long while, they arrived at a construction site.
There were several large cement pipes outside the construction site.
Kathleen seemed to have seen something as the light from the phone shone toward the site.
“That way.” She pointed with her finger.
Samuel directed the light at the site and spotted a little girl curled up inside one of the cement pipes.
“Madeline!” Kathleen ran over without delay.
Samuel sent a message to Federick before walking over.
Just then, Kathleen carried Madeline out. “Madeline?”
Madeline’s body was freezing cold.
When Kathleen was about to take off her coat, Samuel had already taken off his.
“Thanks,” Kathleen thanked him.
Samuel felt somehow uneasy, but he did not argue with her.
Kathleen checked Madeline’s body and was relieved to find that the latter was not injured.
“Madeline?” Kathleen caressed the latter’s head and confirmed that she did not have a fever either.
At that moment, Madeline woke up.
Her eyes were bright and starry-eyed as she opened them. “Katie!”
Kathleen’s heart melted. “You naughty girl. Do you know that everyone has been looking for you?”
“But I was looking for you.” Madeline stared at Kathleen sincerely.
“Looking for me?” Kathleen froze on the spot.
Madeline nodded. “Katie, are you done making the doll’s clothes?”
Only then did Kathleen recall that. “Yes, it’s done.”
“Yay!” Madeline was overwhelmed with joy. “Let’s put it on my doll then.”
When Madeline was looking for her doll, her eyes suddenly turned red. “Where’s my doll?”
“Madeline, don’t worry. Your doll is in my car. Let me take you to it,” Kathleen immediately comforted Madeline.
Madeline almost burst into tears before Kathleen comforted her.
With that, Kathleen carried Madeline out.
Samuel wanted to help Kathleen, but Madeline refused to let go of her and clung onto her tightly.
“Let me. She doesn’t trust other people easily,” Kathleen uttered.
Samuel frowned slightly upon hearing that.
After walking for a while, Federick arrived at the scene.
Tears rolled down his handsome face the second he saw Madeline. “Madeline!”
After hearing Federick’s voice, Madeline responded, “Dad.”
Federick approached and hugged Madeline all while bawling his eyes out.
Chapter 60
Kathleen was moved because Federick truly cared about Madeline.
“Federick, it’s great that you found Madeline,” Kathleen reassured the former as she took a step forward. “Let’s take her to the hospital for a quick checkup.”
“Okay.” Federick nodded his head in agreement.
He knew he should keep a lid on his emotions.
With Madeline in his arms, Federick turned to leave.
Resting her chin on her father’s shoulder, Madeline turned around to look at Kathleen.
She stared at Kathleen and Samuel with a pair of discerning eyes.
Then, she smiled at Kathleen.
Kathleen was surprised. She returned the smile after a moment.
The way Madeline quietly stared at her made her seem like a pretty little angel.
Consequently, Kathleen felt pained when she thought of the situation Madeline was in.
Soon, they arrived at the parking lot.
Federick helped Madeline into the car before turning to Kathleen and returning the coat.
“Kathleen, Mr. Macari, thank you so much.” There were two tear streaks on Federick’s handsome face.
“It was no trouble at all, Federick,” Kathleen replied. “As long as I was of help to Madeline, I would do all of it again.”
“Thank you.” Federick was truly grateful. “I’ll take Madeline to the hospital. Both of you must be tired. You should go home and get some rest.”
“Federick, can I visit Madeline tomorrow?” Kathleen asked. “She only ventured out alone because of the promise she made with me.”
“You’re more than welcome to,” Federick replied. “Kathleen, it wasn’t your fault. It’s the nature of Madeline’s illness. This is all on me. Due to my negligence, I seldom spent time with her.”
“Federick, I’ve heard many stories about autistic children. You’re doing your best with Madeline.” Kathleen comforted. “I’m sure she will get better.”
“All right.” Federick nodded slightly. “I’ll take my leave then.”
“Goodbye,” Kathleen said.
“Goodbye.”
Federick got into his car and drove off.
Kathleen turned around and passed Samuel the coat. “Put it on. Don’t catch a cold.”
Accepting the proffered coat, Samuel replied, “Let’s head back as well.”
Kathleen nodded in agreement.
The two of them got into the car.
Throughout the journey back, they did not speak.
When they arrived home, Samuel took out his phone and glanced at the screen.
He had multiple missed calls from Nicolette.
Kathleen glanced at it briefly before averting her gaze. Pursing her lips, she said, “You should go if you have matters to attend to.”
With that, she unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to get out of the car.
Suddenly, Samuel grabbed ahold of her pale wrist and said, “Let’s have a child.”
Kathleen froze in shock. She stammered, “W-What did you just say?”
“Let’s have a child.” Samuel’s voice was hoarse. “It doesn’t matter if the child’s a boy or girl.”
As long as the child is mine.
Previously, he had not liked children.
However, after seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted a daughter of his own.
Kathleen was still frozen stiff, and her face was pale.
“Are… Are you out of your mind?” Kathleen could not believe her ears.
Samuel frowned. “What?”
“Why would you want a child now?” Kathleen’s expression was sorrowful. “Even I can’t stand being in this household, and you expect my child to grow up in this sort of unhealthy household?”
Irritated, Samuel asked, “What do you mean?”
“The child would have a father who keeps a mistress on the side! For the sake of his mistress, the child’s father would always return home late, that is, if he even comes home. He would also drop
everything and run to the mistress the moment she calls. Can this be considered a wholesome household?” Kathleen fumed.
Samuel had not expected her to care about such things.
“What if you have a child with Nicolette? You would be spending time with them on New Year’s and on Father’s Day. You would constantly be with your other child, playing with them, and taking them to amusement parks. What would happen to my child then?” Tears started to fall from Kathleen’s eyes as she said these.
She felt incredibly heartbroken.
The mere thought of it made her heart clench in pain.
Kathleen wasn’t stupid.
She refused to let her own child go through such suffering.
Kathleen would rather tell her child that their father was dead than let them know that their father did not love them in the slightest.
Samuel pursed his lips. “You’re overthinking it.”
“Is it really me thinking too much? Aren’t you the one who made me think this way? You made me think that you would sleep with Nicolette,” Kathleen said disdainfully. “I refuse to take the risk. I won’t give birth to your child.”
With that, Kathleen got out of the car and entered the entrance to their apartment.
Samuel heaved a sigh as he stared after Kathleen’s retreating figure.
He had no plans to have children with Nicolette.
Why won’t Kathleen believe me?
Kathleen entered the apartment.
The dining table was ladened with dishes prepared by Maria. The food was still warm.
Kathleen helped herself to a plate of food and sat down to eat.
She had expended too much energy that day. Thus, she was going to eat more to replenish her energy and nutrition.
After a moment, a sound came from the door, and Samuel walked into the room.
Kathleen was momentarily stunned.
He didn’t go to Nicolette? She left him so many missed calls.
Samuel walked into the room and took off his coat. He proceeded to wash his hands.
Finally, he also grabbed a plate of food and sat down to eat.
The two of them were quiet.
It was as if the argument had never happened.
After finishing their meal, Kathleen prepared to wash the dishes.
Samuel grabbed the plates from her and went into the kitchen.
Pursing her lips, Kathleen stood up and went into the bedroom.
When Samuel came out of the kitchen after doing the dishes and found Kathleen missing, he, too, headed into the bedroom.
Kathleen was lying on the bed with her eyes tightly shut.
After surveying her for a moment, he decided that she was really asleep.
He went over and helped her remove her clothing.
Just then, his phone rang again.
Frowning, Samuel answered the phone.
“It’s me. What do you want?” Samuel’s voice was indifferent. “Okay, I got it. I’m not going over today. You should sleep soon.” With that, Samuel hung up. He then set his phone on vibrate.
After helping Kathleen settle down, he went to take a shower.
Kathleen opened her eyes slowly and stared at the ceiling.
She wasn’t actually asleep.
It was just that she did not know how to act around Samuel.
She had no idea what to do.
After thinking it over for a moment, she fell asleep for real.
Samuel got into bed after coming out of the shower.
He embraced Kathleen, whispering in a low voice, “I’ve been with you for three years. I can tell if you’re really asleep.”
However, Kathleen did not respond.
Samuel kissed her face. “Sleep, then.”
After that, he fell asleep while holding onto Kathleen.
Samuel had no idea why, but he slept very poorly that night.
The next day, Kathleen woke up to find something holding onto her waist tightly.
She pushed Samuel’s arm aside and tried to get out of bed.
However, Samuel tugged her back. His eyes were still closed. “Why are you up so early?” he asked.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Kathleen replied as she massaged her temples.
Still, Samuel refused to loosen his grip. “Kate, don’t be so unreasonable.”
“What?” Kathleen was startled by his words.
“You promised to give me a month, and yet you refuse to put in the effort.” Samuel rubbed his chin against her soft face. “You even called me out yesterday. If we have a child together, how do you know that I won’t put you and the child first?”
“Even if you put us first, I know your heart belongs to someone else, and I can’t accept that,” Kathleen said as she pursed her lips. “I would rather you treat me coldly, instead of acting hot and cold. I may be able to endure it, but I refuse to let my child suffer the same.”