Ch. 66..70: Begging For A Reconciliation Chapter 66-70

Chapter 66

Meanwhile, Han rushed to the hospital after he changed his clothes in the mansion.

Molly was waiting for him at the entrance. Seeing his appearance, she ran happily towards him, her face filled with excitement and joy.

“What happened?” Han walked over and asked.

Molly looked at him shyly and bit her lips, “Han, I have some great news,” she answered.

Han frowned slightly as he somehow had a bad feeling about this.

She walked a couple of steps forward and lifted her head up, “Han, I’m pregnant,” she announced as her face was flushed red.

“What?!” Han was taken aback.

His brain exploded and buzzed as he was trying to process this information.

Molly is pregnant? Was it simply because of that time in the guest house… that made her pregnant? Han wondered.

Molly noticed Han’s reaction was not as expected and felt a little disappointed, “Han, are you disappointed that I’m pregnant?” She asked.

Han looked into her eyes.

Is she lying to me?

He shook his head after a moment, “No, I… I was surprised,” he replied.

“Yeah?” Molly’s mood immediately brightened up after hearing his response. She went over to cling onto his hands, “Well, it’s not only you who was surprised. I was taken aback too. But since we’re

having a child, I’ll make sure to deliver him into this world,” she smiled as she said.

Han stared at her seriously but it did not felt as if she was lying.

“Sure,” Han responded as he felt complicated.

“Now that I’m pregnant and your projects are settled, when are we getting married then? There’s no way I’m walking down the aisle with a big belly!” Molly continued on.

At that moment, Han had almost lost his ability to think.

“Sure, I’ll arrange it as soon as possible,” he replied blandly.

Han was not looking well.

His mind was filled with the fact that Sarah White was Leah Murray, and kept on wondering about her intention of lying to him and approaching him.

Molly naturally noticed Han’s expression.

“Han, are you okay?” She asked keenly.

“I’m alright,” Han slightly pressed his lips together, “Let me send you back home first, I still have to deal with something,” he said.

Although Molly did not want to see him go, she could see that Han was feeling worried.

She decided to talk to him after he was feeling better.

Han took Molly back to the Lamere residence.

After she arrived, she immediately called Shyanne.

“What happened? Did you finish that woman?” Once the call went through, Molly quickly asked.

Shyanne was silent for a while, “…No, my brother showed up and stopped me,” she replied with disappointment.

Molly’s face turned gloomy upon hearing that, “Why does Han want to protect that woman?” She mumbled angrily.

“Don’t worry, Molly. Now we know that Sarah White is Leah Murray, she can never escape now!” Shyanne answered grimly.

Suddenly, she heard the mansion door open and the sound of heavy footsteps was heard.

She hurriedly hung up the phone and turned around to meet Han who walked in with a grim face.

“Brother,” she murmured.

“Don’t you call me that,” He glared at her and growled, “Shyanne Howard, you’re getting bolder than ever,” He scowled.

“I don’t get it, Han! Why do you have to protect that woman? Now that we know who she is, we could’ve had our revenge! But yet you blow it all up!” Shyanne snapped back.

Han gave her a look before chuckling, “And you think that doesn’t make you a murderer?” He remarked.

“But… I only wanted to avenge our father. That’s different,” Shyanne bit her lips as she knew she was wrong.

“Yet you killed her child,” Han reminded her back.

Shyanne paused.

Indeed, Leah killed their father and she killed her unborn child.

“But, it was an accident,” Shyanne argued.

Han didn’t bother to hear her explanations, “There are many ways to get your revenge. Next time, don’t get yourself involved in this matter again,” he warned.

He then turned and walked upstairs to his room.

Shyanne stared at his back with menacing eyes.

How could she stay away from this?

She was already at the point of no return.

……

Leah had been resting in the Sanders’ residence for two days.

Ian knew that she did not want Mr and Mrs White to worry, so he lied to them. He told them he was going to bring her to meet some friends and that she’ll not be coming home for a while.

Mr and Mrs White had always felt that Leah never had any friends since she was somewhat socially withdrawn and introverted.

So seeing Ian was willing to bring her around, they were more than happy.

Besides, as Ian was a doctor, it was best for him to be the one to look after Leah.

On the third day, while Ian was changing Leah’s IV tube, the woman who had always been still on the bed suddenly trembled violently.

“No!” Leah screamed and opened her eyes wide with sweat dripping down her forehead.

The first thing she saw was the pale white walls and the pink curtains beside her. Her body was sore but it was much better than before.

“You’re finally awake.” Beside her, Ian let out a sigh of relief.

She turned towards him as her memories gradually returned.

She then remembered she called Ian for help.

Leah sighed, “Thank you, Ian. You saved me again,” she thanked.

As she spoke, her voice was extremely hoarse.

Ian quickly poured a cup of warm water for her after hearing her voice, “Don’t worry about it. You were resistant towards penicillin, coupled with your fever after being caught in the rain, which resulted in you sleeping for the past two days,” he explained.

Ian’s words once again reminded Leah of the incident.

It was literally a nightmare.

She could even clearly remember the feeling of the knife slashing onto her leg.

Leah dropped her head down and stopped talking.

Ian sat on the chair beside her bed, “So, care to tell me what happened on that day?” He looked at her and asked.

Leah opened her mouth but suddenly paused.

No, I cannot tell Ian about this. What if he reports it to the police when he finds out that Shyanne did this?

She was first to let Han down. Their father died because of her, so it was only natural for her to take on their anger.

Leah gripped onto her cup tightly and sealed her lips.

Ian sighed after seeing that she was unwilling to talk about it.

“It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me about it. But your body is really weak now and it needs a break. Stay at my house for the time being to rest up, I’ll explain this to Mr White,” he responded.

Leah lifted up her head. A few strands of hair hung onto her ears, adding onto her beauty.

“Thank you Ian.” She gave a relieved smile as she thanked him.

Ian looked at her smiling face and felt a slight heartbreak.

How could she still smile after going through such a terrible experience?

When he found her in the graveyard, she was covered in blood and was on the verge of death.

He had never seen such a strong and optimistic woman.

“Have a good rest.” Ian quickly left the room after mumbling out those words.

He was scared to let her see his distress.

 

Chapter 67

Apart from minor bruises, Leah had nearly recovered after spending two days resting with the White family. She could not wait to return home, but she was still bothered by something. After much deliberation, she decided to inform Ian. However, it was difficult to catch him as he was a busy man who often left home early and returned late at night.

Leah sighed and patiently waited for him at the Sanders house. Time passed slowly, and soon it was late at night. The woman sat in the living room and watched the clock on the wall gradually swing until two o’clock in the morning. She moved her stiff limbs slightly and thought to herself, forget it, I’m going to get some rest. I shall get up early the next day and try to catch him.

Leah stood up and made her way up the stairs. Just then, a loud creaking door sound broke the silence. She exhibited a surprised expression as she hurriedly turned around and squinted to see if Ian was back. The living room was in complete darkness, except for the gentle light from the floor lamp shining. The door to the villa was slightly ajar, allowing a man to enter from outside. He walked clumsily and was dressed in a black coat. The man seemed to have sensed Leah’s gaze as he started to raise his head slowly. Leah could finally see his face clearly under the dim light.

“What are you doing here?” Both of them expressed shock at the same time.

Leah examined the man’s face closely and realized how much he had aged in half a month. His skin was pale, and his hair had grown out and partially covered one of his eyes. He cast a glance at Leah before sitting on the sofa. After letting out a sigh, Ron beckoned Leah and said, “Come here.”

Leah obeyed and stood before the man. He placed his legs on the coffee table and took out his black coat. Next, he adjusted his black T-shirt and revealed his slender waist. “What are you doing here? How are you related to Ian?” Ron asked lazily.

Leah pursued her lips when she noticed Ron’s glassy eyes and the man’s stench of alcohol. She wondered to herself, it’s obvious that he’s been drinking a lot. What’s he doing here in the middle of the

night?

After a moment of hesitation, Leah replied, “I’m staying at the Sanders house for a few days. Something happened and I’m not able to return to the White family.”

“What happened? Did the White family bully you?” Ron held the weight of his chin on his hand and continued, “Do you need me to avenge you?”

Leah hurriedly waved her hand to turn down his offer. Ron appeared to be a harmless man, but he was ruthless and cunning. He had always put on a happy front, but his unorthodox methods were similar to Han.

Leah clarified, “There’s no need for that. Please don’t misunderstand, they didn’t bully me.”

Ron scoffed and whispered, “You are so gullible. You really believe everything I say.”

“Of course.” Leah looked at him and affirmed, “I believe everything you say.” Ron was after all her life savior. She would not fear him no matter how evil he was.

Ron suddenly had a perplexed look on his face. As he watched Leah, his heart softened and his body tension subsided. He patted the seat next to him and said, “Come sit here.” Leah hesitated for a second before following through.

“Do you know why I’m here?” Ron asked.

After Leah shook her head, the man continued, “The woman told me that I had to return because I was the Sanders family’s son. Do you think I care about being a Sanders at all? If it’s not for… I wouldn’t even return. I’m tired of hearing terms like a bastard and illegitimate child.”

Leah felt sorry for Ron. Despite the fact that others thought him to be vicious, worthless, and of low social standing, she would never see him in the same light as he was her life savior. Feeling perturbed

that the man had gone silent, Leah turned her head and saw that Ron had fallen asleep on the sofa. With his hair down and his expression relaxed, Ron appeared to be a harmless man. Leah sighed before assisting Ron in removing his shoes. She retrieved a blanket and draped it over him after he was laid on the sofa.

Just as Leah was about to return to her room to rest for the night, she felt a sudden pull on her arm. Ron frowned and mumbled to himself, “Don’t leave me, Izzy…”

Izzy? Leah wondered to herself with a solemn expression.

The next morning, Leah headed to the living room after washing up. She was surprised to see that Ron was still sound asleep. Hence, she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The man was awoken by the food aroma. He opened his eyes and saw that Leah had placed the plate of food on the table. She instructed, “Hurry, eat!”

“Did you make this? I didn’t know you could cook!” Ron looked at the delicious food and mocked. He praised when Leah glared at him, “This is yummy!” After taking another bite, he grinned and said, “I didn’t know you are a talented cook. Any man would be lucky to have you as a wife.”

Suddenly, the door swung open and Ian walked in with a plastic bag. He looked visibly tired when he stepped into the living hall. He was stunned for a split second when he saw Ron and Leah bonding over breakfast before breaking into an awkward smile.

Ian placed the plastic bag on the table and said jovially, “I brought you breakfast. I thought you haven’t eaten.” Before Leah could reply, Ron answered, “Why are you so kind?”

Ian’s expression darkened as he walked over to Ron. He then asked, “Why are you back?”

“Why do you care?” Ron took another bite of food and stood up. “There’s no need for you to put on a solemn expression. I’m not here for the pathetic inheritance.”

“I don’t mean that, Ron,” Ian hurriedly explained.

Ron ignored the man and turned to Leah instead. He gave a wicked smile and praised, “Thanks for taking great care of me. See you next time.” The woman stared at him in disbelief.

Once Ron was gone, Leah turned to Ian and said seriously, “I have something important to tell you.”

“What’s the matter?” Ian, who was sitting on the sofa, asked. The eyebags under his eyes were clearly visible. After a moment of hesitation, Leah decided to break the news to him. “I saw Charlie.”

“Who?” Ian probed.

“Charlie Parridge, my adoptive father. I saw him… with Sasha.” Leah scowled while looking troubled. “I’m not sure if I’m overthinking, but Sasha has been acting strange these days. I saw Charlie when I followed her to Cloud Pavilion.”

Leah inhaled deeply and noticed Ian’s perplexed look. She continued, “But Charlie is dead. I saw with my own eyes that he didn’t manage to escape when our house caught on fire.”

Ian furrowed his brows and remained silent as he processed his thoughts. After a few minutes, he said thoughtfully, “So you are suspecting that Sasha and Charlie know each other? They may even have… a close relationship?

Chapter 68

Leah looked Ian in the eyes, nodded, and then shook her head. “How’s it possible? How can Charlie know Sasha?”

Leah had a theory but was unsure whether to share it with him. However, Ian appeared to have anticipated Leah’s thoughts. He frowned and paused before responding, “So you suspect that they staged the drowning incident ten years ago? Charlie had also planned to adopt you so that Sasha can be the White family’s daughter.”

Leah pursed her lips and sighed. “Although I don’t have any evidence now and it’s all based on my speculation, I think that this is too much of a coincidence.”

Ian wore a solemn expression as he tried to piece together the information. He tried to examine the matter from Leah’s perspective and realized that it made perfect sense. However, he refused to believe that it was the truth. After all, he had known Sasha since the Sanders family relocated next to the White family. He was fourteen years old back then, while Sasha was twelve. He initially thought that the latter was a timid girl. He soon realized, however, that she was an innocent, albeit a little spoiled, child. Ian had always treated her like a sister and did not believe she was capable of such deception.

“It’s all right. I don’t want to put you in a difficult position.” Leah sighed when she noticed Ian’s agonized frown. “This is just my speculation. I don’t have any evidence now. Perhaps I may have been wrong about Sasha.”

“No, something must be amiss for you to derive that assumption. Don’t worry, I’ll help you get to the bottom of the matter,” Ian assured.

“Thank you, Ian,” Leah said sincerely. In response, the man grinned. He was, however, visibly tired.

“I noticed that you have been up early and returning late at night. Did something happen?” Leah asked with a concerned look.

Ian shook his head and sighed. “It’s nothing serious. It’s just that ever since we brought Ron back to the Sanders family, he has been playing around all day long. I have been helping my father to run the company. He made a mistake and the Sanders family is now trying to salvage the situation.”

“What?” Leah frowned as she was reminded of Ron’s drunk state last night. She wondered, was he feeling troubled by this matter too? After regaining her senses, Leah probed, “What happened?”

Ian let out a sigh as he could finally have an outlet to vent his frustration and destress. He had been carrying the burden all by himself and was feeling exhausted. Hence, he explained, “Ron has a childhood sweetheart called Izzy. He offended some men and they kidnapped Izzy to take revenge. In the end, the poor girl was raped and killed. It was a serious matter and Izzy’s parents blamed it on Ron. They wanted him to atone for his mistake.”

Leah’s expression turned sullen as she thought to herself, why did this happen? I remembered that Ron was calling Izzy’s name when he held onto my hand in his sleep last night.

Ian said bitterly, “I have been at Izzy’s house these few days to settle the matter. Her family does not want monetary compensation. All they want is to send Ron to prison. I’m out of my wits.”

“How about Ron? What are his plans?” Leah inquired.

Ian replied, “As you can see, he has been using alcohol to numb himself. It’s clear that he doesn’t care about the matter.”

Leah continued, “Has the people who harmed Izzy been caught?”

Ian shook his head and said, “Nope. Things would not be so complicated if those perpetrators are caught. Her parents are now pinning all the blame on Ron.”

Leah asked quizzically, “Why weren’t they caught? Given the gravity of the matter, it should be taken seriously.”

Ian’s expression darkened as he explained, “There’s a powerful force behind them. It’s not as simple as it seems. The matter is becoming complicated. There are two ways to resolve this issue. First, Ron gives up his life to atone for his mistakes. Second, get hold of the culprits responsible for the kidnap. However…” The man lowered his head and continued dejectedly, “Both are difficult to accomplish.”

Leah sighed as she understood that they were facing a difficult problem. She could not do anything to help them either.

Leah thought to herself, if Han was dealing with this situation… That’s right! Han will definitely be able to think of a solution!

After having been married to Han for three years, Leah knew that he was a capable man. His abilities were far greater than they seemed. In fact, he had some power and control in the underground world. The episode at Euphoria Land previously was proof of his power.

Leah suggested, “Maybe you can ask Han for help. He should be able to think of a solution.” Ian cast a side-eye at her and his expression darkened.

After speaking to Ian for a while, Leah decided to head back to the White residence. Jane was exhilarated to learn of her return, but she was concerned by Leah’s pale looks. “Why do you look so troubled, Sarah?”

“Am I? It could be the flu.” Leah tried to think of an excuse.

“Is it serious? Do you want to go to the hospital for a check-up?” Jane asked worriedly.

“There’s no need to as I’m almost recovered. I’m still feeling weak. I should be fine after resting for a few days.” Leah tried her best to give an assuring smile.

Just then, Sasha skipped merrily into the house, humming a tune. Her smile froze when she saw Leah. However, she quickly regained her composure and gave a forceful smile. “You are back, Sarah.”

Leah felt uncomfortable after seeing Sasha’s fake smile. After the incident with Shyanne, she was averse to whoever gave similar smiles. Moreover, she was still unclear about Sasha’s relationship with Charlie.

Jane glared at Sasha and questioned, “Where were you? You were missing for the entire day.”

“Please forgive me, Mum.” Sasha walked toward the woman and clung to her arm. “Oh yes, I have something to tell you guys.”

Jane asked, “What is it?”

“The Lamere family has invited us to their engagement party. They called in the morning but I have forgotten to notify you about it when I left home.” Sasha giggled and stole a glance at Leah.

“Engagement party? Whose engagement is it?” Leah asked with a stunned expression.

Sasha said with a smug, “It’s Han and Molly’s engagement of course. It’s happening this weekend. Oh yes, Molly said that Sarah should attend the event. Will you be going, Sarah?”

Leah clutched her fist as she thought to herself, this day has finally come.

“It’s all right if you don’t want to attend, Sarah,” Jane reassured Leah while displaying concern.

“But Molly specified that Sarah should attend the event. If she’s not going… will it be a little disrespectful?” Sasha asked, clearly overjoyed that Leah was put in a difficult position.

Leah took a deep breath before replying, “All right, I’ll attend.” She thought inwardly, Molly just wants to humiliate me. Now that she knows of my identity, there’s no way she will let me off so easily.

Chapter 69

Time passed in a blink of an eye and the weekend soon arrived.

The Fullerton Hotel in Linkville was vibrantly lit and furnished, brimming with life. Jackson had spent a fortune to organize the engagement party. He had invited a renowned pianist and musical band to perform at the event. The venue had exquisite, hand-selected food, drinks, and decorations. The money and effort he put into preparing for the event demonstrated how much he loved his daughter.

The event attracted a sizable crowd. Many of them were attending Molly and Han’s engagement party for the second time. As a result, they were curious to see if there would be any commotion. They were especially interested in seeing if the woman from the first engagement party would cause another uproar.

Jane, Sasha, and Leah had arrived early for the engagement party. Leah was surprised by the enormous size of the event hall. She immediately sat in the furthest seat from the stage.

Han and Molly’s poster was plastered around the large event hall. The woman was smiling sweetly while the man had a rare warm expression. Molly clutched her bag tightly and she felt her breath quicken. She thought to herself, since Han likes her, perhaps this is the best outcome.

The engagement ceremony was rather straightforward. Molly was soon walking out with Han arm in arm. She wore a crisp white wedding gown and her hair gathered in a low bun. Her chiseled features were emphasized even more by her flawless makeup. She may not be the most beautiful woman in town, but she was especially gorgeous today. Meanwhile, Han was dressed in an impeccable black suit. He appeared polished and even more dashing than usual.

Leah was in a daze as she admired Molly on stage. She was dejected when she realized that she did not have a wedding when she married Han. On the other hand, Molly and Han’s engagement party was of such a grand scale. He had previously said that he disliked attending such events. However, when

he was with Molly, he transformed into a different person. He became more eloquent and a natural at exchanging pleasantries.

Just as Leah was looking at Han onstage, he had also caught sight of her downstage. His expression hardened when he noticed her presence. He thought, she really came! I thought I warned her never to appear in front of me ever again. Han’s expression darkened when he realized why he was so caught up with finding Leah in the sea of people.

Meanwhile, Molly seemed to have noticed Han’s change in attitude. She followed his line of sight and realized that he was looking at Leah downstage. Her smile froze and her hands trembled slightly.

When the engagement ceremony ended, Leah stood up and prepared to leave. “You are so brave,” a cold voice said before she could walk away. “You have a lot of guts to show up! ”

Leah turned around and realized that Molly was staring at her angrily. She replied with a stoic expression, “Why wouldn’t I be attending?”

“Haha, seems like you have toughened up ever since you became the White family’s daughter. However, a useless nobody like you will forever stay the same no matter where you are,” Molly sneered.

Before Leah could respond, Molly waved her hand and called out, “I’m here, Han!” The sound of leather boots hitting the floor was familiar to Leah. Her first instinct was to shun away as she knew Han was approaching.

“What’s the matter?” Han asked with a frown as he took a glance at Leah.

“I’m saying hi to Ms. White.” Molly put on a fake smile and clung to his arm. “Oh wait… should we call her Ms. White or Ms. Murray?” Leah felt a cold shiver down her spine.

“Didn’t I say never to appear in front of me ever again?” Han asked icily, his glare shot daggers at Leah. The woman felt like she was suffocating and she hurriedly replied, “I… I’ll take my leave now.” She lowered her head to hide her scared look.

“Please don’t leave, Ms. Murray. You interrupted our engagement party previously. I have decided to forgive you for that so I invited you to our engagement party again. Why are you in such a hurry to leave?” Molly looked at her with a cold expression.

Leah took a deep breath and looked Molly in the eyes. “What do you want?”

“I’m mad that you ruined my engagement party previously. I invited you to the ceremony again as I expect an apology from you,” Molly said as a matter-of-a-factly.

Leah felt that the woman’s request was absurd. She said with a straight face, “Molly Lamere, you are going to marry my husband. Do you really expect me to put on a smile and wish you a blissful marriage?” Leah could no longer tolerate the woman’s constant ploy to hurt her. Han’s eyes flickered when he heard the word “husband”.

“Do you refuse to apologize?” Molly said with a frown.

“Why should I apologize? I gave up Han to you and have been attempting to avoid conflict with you. I’ve decided to put the past behind me. Please let me off, Molly,” Leah pleaded as she felt lethargic about the constant bickering.

Leah seethed inwardly, all I want is to spend the rest of my life in peace and live on my own terms. Is that really so hard? I have finally reunited with my parents and living a peaceful life. I have no intentions to associate myself with Han anymore. Why do these people refuse to let me off?

Slap! Molly raised her hand and gave a tight slap across Leah’s face. She yelled, “What gives you the right to talk to me like this?”

Leah was stunned as she did not expect Molly to attack her in front of so many people. She clenched her jaw and endured the searing pain on her face. Then she walked toward the woman, glaring at her with hatred.

Molly started to panic when she saw Leah’s furious expression. She went to hide behind Han for protection. “She’s going to hit me, Han.” Han grabbed Leah’s wrist just as she was about to swing her hand and slap Molly.

“Let go of me!” Leah said tersely, tears welling in her eyes.

Han was taken aback that she was about to cry. He had never seen her cry in all his years of knowing her. He thought to himself, hold on, this is her deception. She’s a scheming woman who lies to people all the time. I can’t be fooled by her.

Han regained his composure and maintained a stoic face. He said tersely, “Get lost. Don’t ever let me see you again.” He then swung her hand so hard that she stumbled backward and fell to the ground. As people became interested in the commotion, a crowd began to form.

“Isn’t that the White family’s daughter?”

“Why did Mr. Howard throw her to the ground?”

“I heard that she is a slut who’s always trying to flirt with Mr. Howard. She must be getting punished for it.”

As she heard the snide remarks from the audience, Leah’s eyes started to turn red. She raised her head and fixed her gaze on Han. He had no idea why he was irritated when their eyes met.

“Han Howard,” Leah muttered as she got to her feet. She laughed as she turned to look at the engaged couple. “I wish you both everlasting love.” She then whirled around and left the event hall without

turning back. Han started to panic when he saw her silhouette and cold parting look.

“What’s the matter, Han?” Molly smiled triumphantly.

“Nothing.” Han took a deep breath and shrugged Molly off. “I have something to attend to. I’ll get going first.” He left without saying another word.

Chapter 70

Leah did not know how to drive nor did she have any money with her. As a result, she had no choice but to walk back home. After a while of strolling along the street outside the hotel, a vehicle pulled up beside her. Her attention was drawn to the piercingly loud horn.

Leah frowned and approached the vehicle. She looked into the window and saw Han staring at her coldly. The man’s heart sank when he saw her in a dishevelled state. Her evening dress was creased and crumpled, with stains from the alcohol earlier. Her hair was straggling all over and her face was pale and blotchy. Han furrowed his brow and said coldly, “Get in.”

After a moment of hesitation, Leah shook her head and asked, “What do you want?”

“What do you think I can do to you?” Han scoffed and continued sarcastically, “Don’t think too highly of yourself, Leah.”

The woman bit her lip and vehemently protested, “You told me to stay far away from you, Han Howard. I’ll not board your vehicle.”

“I don’t like to repeat myself.” Han’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, clearly irritated by the woman’s hesitant demeanor. “Don’t test my limits,” he warned.

Leah knew that she could never argue against the man. No matter how reluctant she was, she had to obey Han’s instructions. After letting out a sigh, she pulled the backdoor open.

Just as Leah was preparing to enter the vehicle, Han slammed the backdoor close and ordered harshly, “Sit in the front.” The woman had no choice but to scuttle into the passenger seat obediently.

Once Leah fastened her seatbelt, Han slammed on the accelerator and the car took off in the speed of light. Frightened by the high speed, she grabbed on the handle as tightly as she could. Though her face was as pale as sheet, she tried her best to maintain her composure and avoided screaming.

Leah could no longer tolerate the high speed because it made her stomach queasy and nearly caused her to vomit. She screamed at the top of her lungs, “What are you doing, Han Howard!”

Han looked at her and burst out laughing. He did not slow down and continued driving toward the suburbs. It was a barren land with no one in sight. The roads were rocky and uneven.

“Get off,” Han opened the door and ordered.

Leah shielded herself with her arms and leaned against the car. “Why did you bring me here?” She winced and raised her head to question Han. Instead of responding, the man took a cigarette from his coat. He exhaled a puff of smoke and gazed off into the distance.

“Leah.” The woman was startled when Han suddenly called her name. She had not heard him call her in quite some time. Leah looked at Han suspiciously and wondered, why did he call my name? Is he up to something?

“Be my woman,” Han said, twirling the cigarette in his fingers, his eyes firm and determined.

Leah was rendered speechless by Han’s words. Doesn’t he hate me? Hasn’t he been thinking of ways to hurt and punish me? Didn’t he say to get far away from him?

“Are you crazy?” Leah clenched her jaws and snapped, “Be your woman? How dare you even say that! Yes, I admit that I was in love with you previously but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let you hurt me.”

Han smirked and smoked a cigarette. He thought he had gone insane for making such an unusual request. After extinguishing the flame and disposing the cigarette, the man turned to Leah and said, “I have thought about it. It’s best to keep you by side.” Since he was unable to silence her, he could only keep her close and torture her.

Han reasoned inwardly, doesn’t Leah love me? I shall make her stay by my side and watch me marry other women and form a family. I’ll let her feel bitter that she can never have my heart. This is a form of revenge too.

Leah scowled and purposely averted his gaze. She said bitterly, “What about Molly? You have just attended the engagement ceremony. She’s your fiancée now.”

“What gives you the right to compare yourself to her? You are nothing but my play toy,” Han ridiculed.

The woman felt goosebumps all over her. When did Han become so ruthless and merciless? He’s no longer the innocent and kind young man from before. I feel like I don’t know him any more.

“I don’t even wish to be your wife anymore, Han Howard. Why do you think I’ll agree to make myself miserable and be your mistress?” Leah shook her head and continued with a solemn expression, “Send me back. I promise never to appear in your life ever again.”

Han fixed his gaze on Leah, deep in thought. He never expected the woman to reject his demand. However, he was not dejected. Instead, he smirked and took out his car keys before saying. “You will agree to it.”

After leaving the engagement party, Jane and Gordon went in search of Leah. They became concerned when they discovered no trace of her. Jane said to Sasha begrudgingly, “You were told to keep a close eye on Sarah. Why did you leave her alone? What if she gets into trouble?”

Jane had always been kind to Sasha, so the sudden chastisement took her by surprise. The latter could never bring herself to criticize the former. Nonetheless, she was chastising her because of Leah. Although Jane was feeling miserable, she put on a forceful smile and said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Mom. I was distracted as my friend came to talk to me. I didn’t pay close attention so… I’m sorry, I’ll go look for Sarah now.”

Jane’s phone abruptly rang, and it was Leah on the other end. “I forget to inform you that I’m home.”

“All right.” Jane heaved a sigh of relief.

After the call ended, Jane apologized to Sasha, saying, “I’m sorry, Sasha. I didn’t mean to chastise you earlier. Because I was anxious, my tone was a little harsh.”

Sasha’s face darkened as she tried to calm herself. She then gave a sinister smile and said, “It’s all right.”

“Let me call the chauffeur to send you guys home,” Gordon interrupted.

Jane looked at the man quizzically and asked, “What about you? Aren’t you heading home too?”

Gordon shook his head and replied, “I have some matters to attend to before heading home. You can patiently await my updates at home.” He then gave Jane a knowing look.

Jane understood the man’s intentions and nodded her head in agreement. “Okay, I shall wait for your news at home.”

Sasha noticed Gordon’s troubled expression and had an omniscient feeling. She hurriedly held on to the man’s arms and said, “Where are you going, Dad? Can I tag along?”

Gordon shifted Sasha’s hand away, his gaze cold and distant. He ordered, “Stay at home.”

The man’s hardened attitude further affirms Sasha’s guess that something was amiss. Once Jane and Sasha returned home, the latter rushed to her room to make a call.