Ch. 1331..1340

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1331

Complete Reveal

“No, it wasn’t me! I touched the camera a while ago, so that was why my fingerprints were on it. It’s not weird for my prints to be there; they should be there! Even Ms. Minamoto’s prints are there!”

Akiko was still trying to deny her involvement even at that moment.

He’s turned a blind eye to all the bad deeds I’ve done before, so maybe this time he will do the same.

With that thought in mind, she assumed things would be the same this time around. And so, she persistently denied her involvement.

“Mr. Akiyama, you have to trust me!”

She turned to gaze at him pitifully.

As expected, he merely stared at her indifferently. The anticipation and passion within Ichika’s eyes dimmed as she watched their interaction from the side.

Could it be that Mr. Akiyama believes her?

“Mr. Akiyama—”

“I have another method to prove it even if you don’t admit it. Luke, get the tapes for the security footage in this office.”

Solomon finally spoke in a monotonous tone. He merely stood there and ordered with a deadpan expression.

The light returned to Ichika’s eyes in record time at his words while something in Akiko’s mind snapped.

Even her body was slightly swaying from his cruel words.

Does he not trust me anymore?

No, that can’t be. He must have said that to convince the crowd.

Fine then, I’ll prove to him that I’m not the perpetrator.

She stood there waiting while wringing her fingers.

Soon, Luke brought the head of security and the security footage over. Everyone turned their attention to the LED screen hanging on the wall.

After fast-forwarding the footage, there were no signs of Akiko going near Luke’s desk.

The footage showed no signs of tampering either.

Maybe it really wasn’t her?

Everyone turned to Akiko curiously. Seeing the doubt in their eyes, the anger within Ichika brought her close to tears. “No. There’s no way. My fingerprint analysis can’t be wrong. I’ve learned forensic science before!”

“Ms. Minamoto, so what if you’ve learned forensics previously? You’re not an actual forensic science technician, so how can we be sure your assessment is accurate?”

“You—”

“All right. Stop fighting. Luke, get the security footage from my office as well.”

Solomon cut their argument off harshly then ordered Luke to get another copy of security footage.

There’s a security camera in the president’s office?

Everyone’s eyes were wide with disbelief as they gazed at Solomon.

Everyone in that office knew there hadn’t been any security cameras set up in that office when Mr. Hayes was still around. He had a distinct hatred for the invasion of his privacy.

Also, he was the boss, so there was no reason for him to set one up.

However, Luke still followed through with Solomon’s order.

Not long after, he came out again with a security tape to everyone’s shock.

The people present were stunned.

As for Akiko, her arrogant confidence a while ago had vanished, and her face paled at the tape in Luke’s hand.

The footage was played on the LED screen.

Thus, on that fateful afternoon, everyone witnessed the actual scene of Ichika searching for Solomon, including how she initially came because she wanted to ask Solomon to teach her. Then, they saw how Akiko scolded, threatened, and intimidated her before Ichika finally fought back in the end.

Akiko was like an Oscar-winning actress. She quickly knelt in front of Ichika before Solomon got mad. However, her actions still drew his wrath in the end.

“Fk! She’s such a bch.”

“Just what I wanted to say!”

Everyone couldn’t take it anymore and started cussing and scolding Akiko right to her face.

Akiko’s face paled even further.

However, they didn’t stop their cussing because they witnessed how the netizens had mocked Ichika on the Internet with their own two eyes. The female employee who accompanied Ichika up finally understood the entire situation.

She didn’t hold back her anger. “Mr. George, your secretary is terrible! She’s like one of the b**ches from those cheesy dramas. She acts one way in front of you and another way behind your back. Did she take Ichika for a doormat she could walk all over?”

“Exactly! I was saying Ichika would never do such a thing.”

“F**k! I have never seen such a vicious woman in my entire life.”

Everyone was busy cussing Akiko out.

Yet Solomon merely continued to watch the footage silently.

Consequently, everyone was stunned yet again at the end when they saw Akiko place something tiny on top of the stack of documents she took from Solomon’s desk.

Thus, when Luke received the documents, he stuffed them into his drawer without a second thought.

That was how the tiny black thing became stuck to the top of the drawer.

What the h*ll!

Everyone’s anger reached its limit that day.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1332

Some People Are Born Evil

Everyone was speechless at the entire situation. As for Akiko, she collapsed to the floor in defeat when she saw the scene.

“Mr. Akiyama, I-I was wrong… P-Please forgive me…” she begged as she knelt on the floor.

Solomon was reminded of something as his mind churned.

He realized he had overlooked something even more terrifying.

“Bring her inside!” he ordered like a tyrant from hell.

Immediately, Akiko’s face drained of all color.

She lifted her head with fear but noticed he had gone into his office already. The head of security instantly grabbed her arm and dragged her in.

Bang!

The door slammed shut behind them.

What would happen inside?

Everyone, including Ichika, was curious.

However, she couldn’t do anything with the door closed, so she merely waited outside. Meanwhile, there was only tense silence within Solomon’s office.

“Speak. What else have you done?”

Solomon undid his cuff links as he glanced at Akiko on the floor.

His voice, at that point, was horrifying.

His actions were filled with murderous intent.

She was reminded of the days before he became Hayes Corporation’s president. He would be laughing, talking business one minute, then killing them the next.

Akiko shuddered at the thought.

“Mr. A-Akiyama, I didn’t do it intentionally. I o-only did that one thing. I-I didn’t want you to marry Ms. Minamoto. That was it. I-I just didn’t want to be her slave in the future…”

She had found yet another excuse for herself.

A person used to lying would easily find an excuse to avoid the blame.

Solomon merely kept silent.

Once the cuffs of his sleeves were undone and rolled up to his elbows, he pulled a chair from the coffee table over to her.

“M-Mr. Akiyama…”

“Do you know how that middle-aged woman’s head bled that night when I smashed a chair against her? Oh right. You saw everything, didn’t you?”

Solomon lifted the chair over his head.

Bang!

“Ah!”

Akiko let out a blood-curling scream as the chair was smashed into pieces.

Her hands flew to her head, and almost immediately, blood started to seep from between her fingers, dripping onto the floor. It was the same scene as when Solomon had hit that middle-aged woman in the nightclub that night.

Was it cruel?

No. Not in the slightest.

She was the one who set him up in the first place, causing that middle-aged woman to give her life up for the 500 thousand promised her.

Solomon raised the ashtray on the coffee table next.

The second item he tossed toward that middle-aged woman was an ashtray, if his memory didn’t fail him.

“No!” Akiko began yelling, seeing his motion while covering her bleeding head. “Please don’t! Mr. Akiyama, I was wrong. Please let me go. I beg of you. I’ll talk. I’ll tell you everything!”

She crawled toward him like a dog and promised to tell him everything frantically as she grabbed onto his pants leg.

Solomon set the ashtray down.

“I-I hadn’t wanted to hurt anyone initially. I felt insecure when Ichika came as I was scared of losing you. I was scared she would take my place, so I set my sights on Sabrina.”

“Sabrina?”

“Yes. She’s been matchmaking the two of you from the start and hates me. Didn’t she even ask you to send me back to Jetroina when she was in the office the other day?”

She was bawling as she recalled her past deeds, but there was still resentment in her eyes.

Pure fear and panic had struck her that day when Sabrina had asked Solomon to send her back to Jetroina.

There was no one else in the Sato family she could go back to.

Yamada wasn’t under the spotlight anymore, which left his two sons. And at that time, she, Ken, and Hanako received their orders directly from Yancy.

Yancy was the woman Yamada brought back from outside.

As such, Yamada’s sons didn’t have a good relationship with Yancy. Would they have let Akiko stay if she had gone back then?

Hence, at that time, all she felt was pure terror.

“To stop Sabrina from interfering, I could only send her back to Jadeborough. That’s why I had that woman kidnap her child. I didn’t want to hurt the child, Mr. Akiyama. I merely wanted to scare Sabrina a bit…”

She sobbed as she explained.

Scare Sabrina?

What? By snatching her one-year-old daughter?

She even fed her some drug!

Solomon’s eyes turned red at the thought.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1333

“You don’t feel ashamed of yourself, do you? You’re just like your brother and your sister! Ken killed my father, an old man in his seventies, right in front of my eyes! As for Hanako, she’s worse! She’s so sick she even wanted to cut off Sasha’s face for herself. Just what is wrong with you Satos? Violence runs in your blood, and you don’t even realize you’re in the wrong.”

Solomon was incensed. He could not hold it in any longer. He glared at the woman who was clinging onto his leg and booted her with all his might, sending her flying away.

“Ah!”

Akiko cried out in pain.

The impact was so great she could not even get up.

No… That isn’t true! I’m not like Ken and Hanako! Solomon would not have kept me by his side if I were the same as them!

Akiko wanted to get back on her feet again and beg Solomon to spare her life, but she knew deep in her heart there was already no changing his mind.

She knew all hope was gone when Solomon went straight to his office table and took up the phone, getting ready to call the police so he could hand her over on the grounds of murder.

Akiko was devastated.

“Solomon George! How could you be so heartless? Our whole family died because of your mother. As for me, I never once did anything wrong against you before Ichika came. I stayed by your side and devoted my heart and soul to you without expecting anything in return. How could you overlook everything I did for you?”

Akiko cried her heart out and wailed.

She felt resentful and hurt.

Solomon picked up the receiver and got ready to dial a series of numbers. He initially did not want to respond to Akiko’s lambasting, but he eventually turned around and cast his cold stare at her.

“You said you don’t expect anything in return? What are you doing right now then? Isn’t it your goal to become the wife of the president of Hayes Corporation?”

Akiko was left speechless.

“Also, I hope you’ll get this through your head. I’ll never spare anyone who knows my secret. I’ll see to it that they see their graves. My mom died, and so did your brother. Now that you’re using this as leverage to provoke me, do you think you’ll end up any different from them? Akiko Sato, there’s only one ending for you—death.”

Solomon spelled her final sentence without the slightest emotion in his voice.

Turning back to the phone, he made a call to the precinct.

Behind him, Akiko bawled her eyes out, crying.

She screamed at the cruelty of life. In her desperation, she crawled from where she was and opened her bloody mouth wide, wanting to bite Solomon with her remaining strength.

Solomon dodged her attack agilely, but he caught a glimpse of her mouth filled with blood when he jumped aside.

The gory scene triggered an overwhelming memory of the past. Solomon narrowed his eyes at the traumatizing sight.

It reminded him of something that happened when he was young. Back then, someone actually bit off a piece of his flesh on his arm.

This set off a defensive knee-jerk reaction. He instinctively grabbed the very first sharp object within reach on the table and swung it at Akiko.

Schlick!

The object sliced across her neck, and blood came gushing out.

Akiko faltered and stumbled, breathing her last. “Solomon George… You’ll never get what you want even if I die… You’ll never get together with Ichika… Never… You’re crazy… You’ll be cursed forever…”

Solomon was completely disgusted by the dying woman.

“You savage b*tch!”

Slam! Ichika finally came in. She dashed over, did a swing, and kicked Akiko with all her strength to make sure she stayed away from Solomon.

As a daughter of a noble family, she was well-trained in Taekwondo. That was fundamental to their education.

The momentum sent Akiko slamming against the wall before she finally dropped dead.

People outside the office rushed in at the commotion. Their faces paled when they saw the blood all over the office.

Ichika regained her composure and quickly realized Solomon was not himself. She hurried over to where he was leaning against the office table to check on him.

“Are you okay, Mr. Akiyama?”

Solomon did not respond.

There was fear and panic in his bloodshot eyes. He could not even focus his gaze on her.

Despite being young, Ichika was able to handle the situation calmly. She inhaled deeply and told herself to think clearly. She reached out her hands toward Solomon and caught his shaking ones.

She looked around the room and fixed her gaze on Luke, who had just entered the office. “Mr. Luke, could you call Sabrina… or Mr. Hayes? Yes, call Mr. Hayes in Jetroina!”

Ichiko was actually feeling quite frantic herself. Fortunately, she still managed to think of calling Sebastian in an emergency like this.

Over on the other side, Sebastian, who had been waiting for Sasha’s first test results, got a call from the company.

“What? Solomon killed someone at the office?”

Sebastian was shaken to the core upon hearing the news.

Luke filled him in quickly on all that happened. The assistant was clueless on what should be their next course of action. “What should we do, Mr. Hayes? Everything is in a mess here. The executives are all here now. Things will get really bad if the news gets out. The shareholders and journalists will milk this to the full.”

“Are you stupid? Lock the door and make sure no one gets out!” Sebastian shouted into the phone. “Make sure no one gets out of the president’s office. Wait, no, make sure no one gets out from the company. I don’t want anyone saying a single thing. Warn them that the company will take legal action if anything gets out. Also, make sure the company’s top management is in alignment with the company’s policy on this issue. As for Solomon, he’s clearly not in his right mind, so get him a psychologist. He needs one now!”

In the end, Sebastian was still someone who had been through a lot.

He was able to come up with a solution within a matter of seconds after hearing about the news.

Regardless, his heart sank when he spoke his last two sentences as he was sure the worst had yet to come.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1334

The Light

The psychologist Luke contacted was Dr. Kaye.

She used to be Sasha’s teacher, but she had just retired not long ago.

She had returned to Avenport a year ago after her retirement. Now that she had no more commitments, Luke figured she would be the best candidate for the job. Yet little did he know, Dr. Kaye actually knew Solomon before this.

She used to be best friends with Heather, and since the latter adopted Solomon, Dr. Kaye knew him since he was a kid.

Back when Solomon was young, she had always attended to him whenever he fell ill.

The old doctor was brought over in secret to the topmost floor of Hayes Corporation. She felt pity for the young man and sighed when she saw him again. He was resting on the couch, curled into a ball like a little boy. His eyes were closed tightly on his pale face, as if he had yet to come to terms with the trauma.

“Poor Solomon. Things must have been tough for him.”

Everyone looked down in silence upon the doctor’s words.

Ichika, who had been beside Solomon all this while, whipped her curious head toward the old woman when she heard her.

“What do you mean by that, Dr. Kaye? Did something happen to him before this?”

Young, she may be, but Ichika was able to tell there was more to what she knew about Solomon.

Dr. Kaye nodded her head and walked over to check on Solomon. “Little Bean?”

Little Bean?

Did she just call a grown-up “Little Bean?”

He’s Hayes Corporation’s president!

Everyone fell into an awkward silence.

Even Ichika looked at the doctor in disbelief.

To everyone’s surprise, Solomon responded to that term of endearment. Solomon was known for being a lofty man. Sometimes, he would even ignore his colleagues and Ichika when they called him.

He had not moved ever since he came over to the couch, but when he heard that name, he opened his eyes immediately. Solomon turned around slowly, pinning his gaze on the person who called out to him.

“You’re… Dr. Kaye?”

“Yeah, it’s me, Solomon. The last time I saw you was when Ms. Blackwood brought you to see me for a health check. When was it again? Before you went to university? It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

Dr. Kaye flashed him a familiar and gentle smile. For a moment, Solomon felt he had traveled back in time to years ago when he last saw the doctor.

That was a long time ago.

This brought back fond memories. The man, who had been curled up on the couch, looked at the woman who was smiling at him warmly and finally felt he could let down his guard.

Life seemed so good ten years ago. That was his happiest moment—the most blissful moment of his life.

It warmed his heart, reminiscing about that phase of his life.

The old lady looked at Solomon and her smile widened. “Do you remember now?”

“Yes…”

Solomon’s voice was hoarse after keeping silent for so long.

Everyone around him was relieved to see that Solomon had finally come around.

Ichika was especially agitated. She leaned closer and took a good look at Solomon. “Are you all right, Mr. Akiyama?”

Everyone could tell from the young woman’s sweet voice and concerned face that she cared deeply for Solomon. She sounded over the moon when Solomon finally opened up to someone, yet no one expected Solomon’s reaction when he saw her.

His face darkened even before she could finish the sentence.

He glared at her and shouted, “Get out!”

Solomon’s severe tone gave her a jolt.

She jerked when he suddenly raised his voice. Incipient tears welled up in her almond-shaped eyes and she looked like she was about to cry.

“Mr. Akiyama…”

Luke stepped forward and tugged on the young woman when he sensed things were going out of control. “I think it’s best we leave first, Ms. Minamoto.”

He caught her by the arm and pulled her out of the room.

Everyone else followed suit. Soon enough, the room fell back into total silence.

People at the company were curious about what happened after that since there was dead silence for the rest of the day. Yet despite finding it odd, they were relieved that nothing else major happened after that.

The only minor hiccup was that Luke had to appease Ichika and explain to her that leaving Solomon alone with the doctor was the best solution after they got out of the office.

The young woman came to terms with it and waited obediently outside the room for the whole afternoon.

When evening came, Sabrina arrived from Jadeborough. She had rushed over the moment she found out what took place. Upon reaching, she hurried over to the president’s office but was stopped at the door.

“What’s going on? Didn’t the doctor come? I thought they already sent for the best psychologist in Jadeborough? Is there a problem?”

Sabrina had gotten all the updates from Sebastian while she was making her way to the company. When she saw the door was shut, she showered the people outside with a litany of questions because she thought everything should be back to normal by now.

Ichika stood up and explained everything to calm her down.

“Don’t worry about it, Sabrina. The doctor is already inside. She knows Mr. Akiyama. He’ll be okay.”

“I see… That’s great.”

Sabrina could finally heave a sigh of relief.

After about two hours, everyone got off work at the company when night fell. At last, the door to the president’s office swung open.

“How are you feeling, Solomon?”

“Are you okay, Mr. Akiyama?”

“Mr. George…”

Those who had been waiting outside all this while were worried sick when they saw Solomon again, but seeing him in person dispelled all concern they had.

When Solomon appeared again, he had freshened up and was looking his best in his suit and gold-frame glasses. He had returned to his normal self as if nothing had happened at all.

“I’m fine. Sorry for putting all of you through this. You all should call it a day and go home to rest.”

He spoke evenly to them and nodded slightly.

Everyone rested easy when they finally felt assured. Ichika smiled the brightest when she got to see Solomon again.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1335

Jealousy

The people outside Solomon’s office, including Ichika, went home about ten minutes later. Sabrina stayed back and waited at the company’s main entrance to talk to Solomon.

“Do you want to take some time off? Go to Jetroina, maybe?”

“No thanks.”

Solomon already had one leg in his car when he replied to her curtly.

Sabrina looked at him quietly as he got into his car and drove off.

She went toward her car right after and took out her phone to text her brother in Jetroina.

I just saw him. He looks much better after seeing Dr. Kaye. I asked him to take a break but he outright said no.

On the other side, Sebastian was not that surprised when he saw Sabrina’s message. He knew Solomon would behave like this.

Besides, Dr. Kaye had contacted him earlier. She had sent him Solomon’s health report after having a session with him.

He wondered if Solomon’s childhood trauma was the trigger that made him do what he did, but he had no time to dwell on that question because there was someone else he needed to tend to.

The bandage around Sasha’s eyes was removed in the evening. Her vision was still blurred, but she could see vague outlines of people moving around her. She turned toward the direction of the sound when she heard someone moving around.

What is he doing? Is he making me food?

She squinted her eyes, trying to focus her vision. It seemed to her that the man was busy making something with his head low and his hands working assiduously, so she waited patiently.

As she expected, the person soon approached. He did not speak but held out something toward her. She felt something cold and sweet touching her lips.

“What is this? Chilled peach?”

Her clear eyes lit up in excitement when she saw Sebastian nodding his head.

“You’ve always wanted peaches, haven’t you? You even threw a fit when you were still going through your treatment because I didn’t let you have it.” Speaking, Sebastian took some cut peaches with a spoon and put them near her mouth.

Sasha smiled in embarrassment at recalling that incident. She quickly opened her mouth and ate the sweet peaches.

She had no idea what had gotten into her two days ago. She just felt an insatiable craving for something cold and sweet. She even got angry with Sebastian when he refused to let her have it.

Now that she thought about it, it was unreasonable of her to lash out at him.

They started talking about Solomon after Sasha finished her chilled peaches.

“According to Dr. Kaye, Solomon was covered in wounds when your mother picked him up at the train station. There were cigarette burns and knife scars all over him. The most painful one, she said, was the wound on his arm. Someone bit off one whole piece of flesh.”

Sasha gulped at the sound of the atrocities committed against Solomon. She almost vomited out the peaches she just had.

Burn marks and knife scars? Someone even bit him?

Wait… He was only eight when his mother faked her own death and had him sent to us, right?

He was just eight…

Glints of anger shone in Sasha’s eyes. She clenched her fists so hard red marks started appearing on her palms.

“Yancy Young, that evil b*tch! She’s an animal! How could she do that to her own child? He was only eight!”

Sasha was distressed when she learned about the truth. Tears rolled in her eyes when she thought about Solomon going through all that pain.

Her reaction was understandable.

Although Solomon was not related to her by blood, Sasha was a mother herself. Making a child go through so much hurt and pain was simply unimaginable to her.

Her own children were just a year older than Solomon when he had to go through all that harrowing suffering. Her children’s lives were so much better compared to his.

Likewise, Sebastian was disconcerted when he found out what had happened to Solomon.

He almost threw his phone away in anger when he first heard about it, but he told himself that Yancy had already paid for her sins when she died.

They ended her life. This, in a way, was a form of retribution for her.

The only thing left for them to do now was to make sure that the person she hurt and tortured was compensated. They had to make sure Solomon lived the rest of his life to the fullest, enjoying every moment knowing he was loved.

Sebastian took out his handkerchief and wiped away Sasha’s tears.

“Come on, don’t cry. You just had eye surgery. You’re not supposed to tear up too much.”

“But this is just so infuriating!”

“I know, but you don’t have to worry. I’ve arranged for the best doctors to help him get through this. The fact that he refused to leave Hayes Corporation means he still doesn’t want to face his trauma head-on. We should give him some time and just arrange for Sabrina to stay by his side,” Sebastian explained his plan.

Sabrina?

Sasha was not fully comforted to hear that. Sabrina could be a little thoughtless sometimes.

Sebastian spotted her expression. “Well, you can call him if you’re worried. I won’t mind,” he said in a detached tone.

Sasha looked at him from the corner of her eyes. Things suddenly became tense. Sasha wiped her tears, thinking about what she should say next.

He must be angry. I’d better not do anything right now.

She dipped her head and continued eating.

Karl came in after half an hour.

“Mr. Hayes, we’ve found the people who abused Mr. Solomon all those years ago. Should we bring them to Avenport?”

“Ask Haruto what he thinks.”

Sebastian decided to let that man have the final say.

Sasha looked up in horror when she heard Sebastian.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1336

Meeting Some Old Friends

“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked nervously.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Hayes. Mr. Hayes will not just sit around and watch. He had already come up with a plan with Dr. Shoki before you woke up.”

Karl spoke with an assuring smile before Sebastian could answer and left right after.

Sebastian had entrusted the whole thing to Karl.

As for the company, Sebastian had made proper arrangements as well. Sabrina would return to the company as the vice president. She would step in and aid Solomon in leading the company when he was going through therapy.

Interestingly, Solomon dismissed Sabrina’s offer to help blatantly, but when Sebastian made such an arrangement, Solomon simply accepted it without even putting up a fight.

He even gave his full cooperation to Karl when he came over.

Sasha, who was far away in Jetroina, was relieved to learn that Solomon was being cooperative.

As for Sasha herself, her treatment went smoothly and she saw marked improvement. Her vision got better and her nose was no longer bleeding. Her skin also appeared healthier.

“I really think I’ll be back to normal soon, Sebby.”

Over in the ward, Sasha looked at herself in the mirror and smiled in satisfaction. Her skin had become smooth and fair again. She ran toward Sebastian in a thrill, eager to share her joy with him.

Sebastian was making her breakfast when he heard her rambling on chirpily.

He was relieved and pleased to see her so cheerful.

“I’m glad you’re making improvements. Can’t wait to get out and have some fun already, I reckon?”

“Can I?”

Sebastian read her like an open book. Since he knew what was on her mind, Sasha jumped over happily and wrapped her arms around his waist. She buried her head in his chest and looked up at him with puppy eyes.

Sebastian found the sight rather amusing.

Sasha was acting like a child. This reminded him of their daughter.

He figured Sasha must have wanted to get a breath of fresh air badly. After all, she had been here for months and had not set foot outdoors throughout. She must be so bored.

Sebastian decided to bring her out.

Haruto did not stop them when he heard they wanted to head out. He simply reminded them to make sure that Sasha did not get any scratches or cuts on her skin.

He pointed out that she was still recuperating. The medication was still working in her system to fight off the bacteria. The last thing they would want was the introduction of new bacteria in the case of an open wound.

This could lead to unimaginable consequences.

Sebastian almost changed his mind when the doctor told him of the possibility of reinfection.

He did not want to put Sasha through the risk, but when he saw Sasha back at the ward again, he simply could not bring himself to turn her down.

She had already put on her prettiest clothes waiting for him in all eagerness.

“What did Dr. Shoki say? Can we go out now?”

“He didn’t say much… He just asked you to be extra careful so you don’t get hurt again,” Sebastian said casually.

He took out his keys and held her hand before both of them headed out.

After about half an hour, they stopped at a park near the hospital. Sebastian got out of the car first and went over to open the door for Sasha. He then grabbed her hand and led her out of the car.

Sasha smiled subtly when she looked out of the car.

Didn’t he say we’re going to the mall? Why are we here at a park? This is no different from the garden at the hospital!

Sasha did not know what else to say.

Knowing how thoughtful Sebastian had always been, Sasha just went along with his plan. She let him hold her hand and went on a brief walk along the path with him.

“I believe this is our first time taking a stroll hand in hand, Sebby?”

“Yeah.”

Sebastian realized it was their first even before Sasha asked.

That was why he slowed down his pace on purpose so they could enjoy the moment.

For his whole life, he had worked like a busy bee. First, it was at Hayes Corporation. Then, since he joined the Jadeson family, he dedicated all his time to the family.

Never once had he taken a real break from his work and commitments, and for the first time, he felt he was finally able to savor the moment. He loved spending time with Sasha.

He felt this was the life he truly wanted.

Not long after they started their walk, they bumped into an unexpected person.

“Trevor?”

Sebastian was surprised to see the old man was pushing a wheelchair.

Sasha was equally astonished to see the man.

Trevor had aged a lot over time. His hair was white and he had lost a lot of weight, but these were not why Sebastian and Sasha were shocked.

They could not believe their eyes when they saw the unhealthy and scrawny woman sitting in the wheelchair he was pushing. She was looking at the sky blankly, her lips moving in inaudible mutters.

Wait… Isn’t that… Roxanne?

The old man seemed to have sensed the pair of burning gazes directed toward him. He looked over and was stunned. “Sebastian…?” He finally spoke after a short silence.

Sebastian nodded.

“We happened to be around, so we came for a walk. What happened to Roxanne?” he asked, looking at the woman in the wheelchair.

His grip tightened around Sasha’s hand unconsciously as he pulled her back and stood in front of her.

Sebastian’s reaction was so quick it was as if it was a reflex. Subconsciously, he perceived Roxanne and Trevor as threats even when they did not mean harm, and the first thing that came to his mind was to protect Sasha.

A bitter smile spread on Trevor’s face when he spotted Sebastian’s reaction.

He took a quick look at his daughter and assured the man, “Don’t worry. She won’t do any harm now. She almost lost her mind after she found out about what happened. She threw herself into work and started finding a cure for the poison. An explosion happened at her lab while she was working. She survived the impact, but she’s been like this ever since.”

The air became still all of a sudden.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1337

As Cruel As Always

Is this really Roxanne? I can’t believe this…

Is this why she seemed to have disappeared from the surface of the earth for such a long time? That must be it; else she would have done something when I was at the Jadeson residence. I was wondering why such a dramatic and neurotic person would just sit aside and do nothing.

Thoughts ran through Sasha’s mind as she looked at the sickly woman.

Beside her, Sebastian simply replied, “I see.”

Sasha looked at him when she heard his crude answer.

Seriously? The old man just told us something tragic. Do you have to be so insensitive? Roxanne was hurt because of you.

Sasha was not the only one who was displeased. Trevor was equally upset about Sebastian’s attitude.

“Is that it, Sebastian? You’re not going to say anything else? Don’t you know Roxanne is like this because of you? Shouldn’t you at least be appreciative for all she did for you?”

“Let me set you straight. First, I didn’t ask her to find a cure for me. Second, I have no idea what her motive was in doing so. God knows if she really wanted to save me or if she actually wanted to control me. Third, if appreciation or an apology is what you want, I can make compensations.”

Sebastian was so blatantly honest with his remarks that even Sasha was dumbfounded.

Trevor was fuming listening to him. His chest heaved as his grip tightened around the wheelchair handles. “Sebastian Hayes!”

He was so enraged he could not bring himself to speak any further, yet before Trevor could collect himself, Sebastian had already pulled Sasha and walked away.

Sasha was utterly speechless upon witnessing what just happened.

It was not until the two got back to the car and Sasha sat beside the driver’s seat that she took a careful look at Sebastian. “Sebby… I think that was a little over the line.”

“Over the line?” Sebastian scoffed. Turning toward her, he continued, “Don’t you think this is just too coincidental? It’s not like the park is small. We just spontaneously decided to spend some time outdoors and bam! We run into Trevor and Roxanne. What a small world, huh?”

Sasha blinked her eyes at him as a brief silence ensued.

“Well… That makes sense…”

It never occurred to her that running into Trevor and Roxanne was far too coincidental. She was too gripped by her emotion of meeting them again that she was not in the mental space to think through their encounter.

She wondered how Sebastian could always be so composed and cool. He’s always been better than me at handling unexpected situations. I’ll never be able to keep my calm in a situation like that.

Sebastian was starting the car, but he caught the glimpse of uneasiness in Sasha’s eyes. “Don’t worry. I’m here. I have my guard up against those two. I’ll always be on the look out for them. I knew back then that they were up to no good, and I’ve never changed my mind since,” he assured her as he drove on.

Sasha nodded without saying anything else.

Come to think of it, he’s always been this cold to people other than his family. It’s only with me that he talks nicely.

They dropped the matter. The journey continued in silence until they went back to the hospital. Sasha went back to her isolation room after that for her final treatment. Sebastian stood outside and waited throughout the course of treatment.

He even asked Karl to bring some of his men over.

No one dared to question Sebastian if it was really necessary to mobilize so much people to stand watch here. After all, it was just a single patient going through her treatment.

The other patients in the hospital were scared off with just one glance at the men.

This went on for three whole days.

On the third day, Haruto went in to draw the unconscious Sasha’s blood to check if her body had been generating new cells. It was not until he confirmed that everything went as expected that everyone could finally take a rest.

“Are you okay, Mr. Hayes?”

Karl quickly went to Sebastian’s aid when he saw his boss sway on his feet and almost fall.

He must be exhausted. This has been too huge of a burden for him. Luckily everything is over now.

Karl proceeded to arrange a room for Sebastian to make sure he was sufficiently rested. Sebastian rested for a bit and felt better. After that, he took out his phone and got ready to contact their friends and family, telling them they would be returning home soon.

“Mr. Hayes, someone’s here to see you.”

Suddenly, a nurse pushed the door open and informed him.

Sebastian looked up from his chair and saw someone in a wheelchair coming in behind the nurse.

“You’re still the same old, aren’t you, Sebastian? You’re still as cruel as ever.”

It was the thin and fragile woman he saw that morning. Now that he took a good look at her, her deeply-sunken eyes were no longer blank and unfocused as in the park earlier.

She fixed her eyes on Sebastian, her tone mocking and cold.

Sebastian raised his brows in indifference.

“Then are you here just so you can witness for yourself my cruelty?”

“Life is so unfair! You’re the reason why I’m in this state. I did it all to save you. When I heard that you were here, I asked my dad to bring me over just so I can see for myself if you’ll show the slightest bit of sympathy for a person who gave up her whole life to save you.”

Roxanne looked at him with all severity.

She was there looking for an answer, yet a smirk curved Sebastian’s lips when he heard her.

He had clearly told her last time that he felt nothing for her but resentment. Sparing her life was already benevolence on his part.

It was clear as day what his answer for her would be this time.

Roxanne could tell from his eyes what he wanted to say.

Her dry and chapped lips parted into a mocking laugh as she sat in her wheelchair.

She laughed so hard she started to tear up, as if she was hysterical.

When she started running out of breath, the nurse finally realized something was off. The latter quickly pushed Roxanne out to calm her down.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1338

He Does Not Want Me Anymore

Three days later, Haruto finally announced Sasha to be in good condition.

Sebastian was elated to see how things were progressing.

It was on that day that he received news that Roxanne had died. Trevor was transferring her back to Sumanthova when her organs failed and she passed away at the hospital.

Karl was unmoved when he found out about her death. “Whatever. People like her deserve to die anyway.”

The things Roxanne had done were so horrendous he felt no grief at all when the woman left. Surprisingly, Haruto turned out to be the person who was the most affected by the news.

He was in the ward when he learned about her demise. Visibly jerking at the news, a regretful expression appeared on his face.

“That’s a shame…” he sighed.

Sebastian stared at him.

A shame?

A frown slowly emerged on Sebastian’s brows as he tried to make sense of what he just heard.

He wanted to ask what Haruto meant, but Sasha was too excited about finally getting well and returning home that she kept pestering Sebastian to share the good news with their friends and family.

Sebastian shot her an adoring look as he took out his phone to contact everyone, but he was stunned the moment he saw his screen.

There was a notification saying he had a new email. When he clicked on it, a complex chemical formula came into sight and the message finally became clear.

Sebastian Hayes, you’re forever indebted to me.

…

Back at Avenport, the Hayeses were relieved when they heard that Sasha had recuperated.

Sabrina was especially thrilled when she found out about it. Given her gregarious and sociable nature, she thought of a brilliant idea, and her eyes glimmered in excitement.

“You know what I’m thinking, Ichika?” she asked.

“Huh?” Ichika was clueless. She had not been herself over the past two days.

“What’s with that response? Sasha and Sebastian are coming back! This calls for a celebration, and both of us will be in charge.”

Ichika still had not caught on to what Sabrina was planning.

Wait… What is she talking about?

Ichika had been bothered about Solomon not talking to her. He had even reached out to her family to ask them to bring Ichika back.

Ichika might be young, but she knew what Solomon’s action meant.

This explained why she had been downcast these few days.

She looked at Sabrina apologetically and lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Sabrina. I might not be around when they come back. My father will be picking me up today.”

“What?”

Sabrina was stupefied.

“What’s the matter? Did anything happen? Why did your dad send for you out of nowhere? You don’t like it here? Or does your dad disapprove of you working at Hayes Corporation? You can assure him that he has nothing to worry about. I can always free you from the job so you can take care of Solomon twenty-four-seven,” Sabrina said half-jokingly.

Ichika initially did not want to discuss the matter so openly, but now that Sabrina mentioned Solomon, the young woman could no longer hold it in anymore. She had had enough over the past few days.

“Actually… It’s Mr. Akiyama that asked my dad to send someone to pick me up. I don’t think our relationship is going anywhere.”

Tears rolled down Ichika’s cheeks when she finally told Sabrina what was going on.

Sabrina did not know how to react all of a sudden.

What the hell is wrong with that guy? Why is he sending the poor young woman home? She’s an angel! How can he do that to her? He must be crazy! Don’t tell me he’s gonna stay single for the rest of his life!

Sabrina was so furious she dashed upstairs to confront Solomon. However, as she reached his office, Solomon was completely unperturbed by her barging in.

As if he had expected her arrival, he tossed an equity transfer agreement over to her before she could even speak.

“They already signed it,” he said coldly.

Sabrina’s glare intensified.

She stared at the document and took deep breaths. “Solomon, I know the family shares are important, but we really hope you can start your own family as well.”

“I’m not interested.” He turned her down outright.

Since Sabrina refused to take the document, he put it back down on his table and stood up, going over to the water fountain to get some water.

“I’m doing just fine by myself. I don’t need other people in my life, so just leave me alone.”

“But…”

Sabrina halted before she said anything hurtful, but in her heart, she badly wanted to speak some sense into Solomon.

Sasha’s already married to Sebastian and they have a family together. It’s time you stop waiting for her and move on! You can’t just hold on to her for the rest of your life!

Do you think she’ll see your heart and reciprocate your feelings?

Sabrina clenched her fists in exasperation.

“Solomon, why are you behaving like this?” She spoke, trying not to sound too harsh. “Is it because I was cold toward you last time? Fine. I’ll apologize for what I did. I sincerely hope you move on one day and start your own family. You don’t have to worry about the wedding at all. I will do everything within my capacity to make sure you have an unforgettable wedding.”

Solomon froze in front of the water fountain.

In his whole life, no one had apologized for how they treated him.

Not only was this true for the Hayeses, but it was also true for everyone else he met after he turned eighteen.

He did not anticipate that she would care for him so much.

The man teared up, but he quickly collected himself and pushed back his tears.

“Thanks, but I just don’t want to have a family. You know full well there’s only one person I love. I can’t just disregard my feelings and marry someone else against what my heart tells me. This is unfair for me and also the other woman. Have you ever thought of that?”

Solomon finally told her what he truly felt.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1339

I Hereby Announce Your Marriage

Sabrina wanted to give her two cents, but she knew she should not.

She, for one, was aware of how it felt to love someone unrequitedly. Devin had no feelings whatsoever for his cousin, Kira, but it was difficult for the latter to just give him up.

Sabrina fell into silence and left without another word.

When Ichika saw her coming out and read her expression, she could already roughly guess how things went. She looked away as her tears fell furiously.

There was nothing she could do to change anything.

Since Solomon had already stated his case clearly, there was no room for further discussion, so Ichika had to leave.

On the day Sebastian, Sasha, and the others came back from Jetroina, Ichika started her journey back to the Minamoto family.

Three days after Sasha’s arrival, she went back to Frontier Bay to rest and recover. She was allowed to move around outdoors and could even enjoy a short period of screen time.

She switched on her phone and scrolled through some international news. Her finger stopped on the screen when she saw the Minamotos announcing Ichika’s marriage to the second son of the Tsurka family.

Wait… What’s this? I thought Ichika is supposed to marry Solomon?

She went back inside to ask what was going on.

“Wendy, do you know what happened between Ichika and Solomon? I thought they wanted to get married? Why is she marrying someone else now?”

“Ah, that one. Mr. Solomon was not interested in the union, so he sent her back.”

There was a tone of regret in Wendy’s voice.

Sasha nodded slowly and turned around.

What does he think he’s doing?

She’s one fine young woman! Sabrina has only compliments for her! What else does he want?

A frown stitched her brows together when she made a call to Hayes Corporation.

“Solomon? Hey, Sasha here.”

“Hi, Sasha. What’s up?”

Solomon was in a meeting when he got a call from Sasha, but he excused himself and came out to answer her call immediately.

“Well, Solomon, I just saw on the news that… that you aren’t marrying Ichika anymore? I mean, you guys were getting along so well,” she popped the question.

“Who told you we got along well?” Solomon denied without hesitation, “We were never close, Sasha. I asked her to stay back at Avenport because of the family’s shares. There’s no other reason why I asked her to stay.”

Sasha finally understood what happened.

She cleared her throat and replied, “Solomon, why did you turn down the marriage? Is it because of me? I’m already married and my children are almost ten. I don’t want you to suffer because of me anymore.”

Sasha cut to the chase and laid down her cards.

Over on the other end of the call, Solomon’s fair face pumped red at her direct answer. His grip tightened around his phone until his fingers turned pale.

“This has nothing to do with you,” he denied again.

Sasha pursed her lips and decided to try another approach.

“If that’s the case, great! But you need to know that no one will keep waiting for you forever. As you said, you’re the one who met me first. You said you had eyes only for me, but the only person I saw was Sebastian, and there was no turning back for me after that. This is the same for Ichika. She’s been waiting for you all this time, but you sent her back. One day, when she stops loving you and move on, there will also be no turning back for you. No one will always be there at the same spot waiting for you.”

Solomon stood outside the meeting room as Sasha’s words sank in. He recalled seeing the news when the Minamoto and Tsurka families announced the couple’s engagement. Ichika was in white that day and had her hair tied up in a bun. She had her head hung low throughout the press meeting while being dragged around like a prop.

His fingers clenched into a fist.

“Do you really hope we get married?”

“What?”

Sasha did not see that coming.

“Do you really want Ichika and I to get married? I will do so if that’s what you want. Give me three days.” Solomon spoke so fast Sasha was having a hard time trying to process what he said.

What? Is he asking for my permission to get married?

Of course I want him to start his own family, but why does it feel like I’m forcing him to get married?

Sasha’s palms got sweaty.

“Wait, Solomon! Don’t get this wrong. I’m not forcing you to marry her. I just—”

“I know and I don’t mean it that way. I just feel like it’s a gamble. I don’t want to marry her because for my whole life, I have been nothing but a scourge to people around me. My birth was a mistake to begin with, and I brought misfortune to everyone. Think about your mother, your whole family, my father… I’d rather spend the rest of my life alone than ruin another person’s life. I don’t think I’m—”

“I want you to get married! Now!” Sasha shouted into the phone without waiting for Solomon to finish his sentence.

She was huffing and puffing because she felt so vexed listening to Solomon beat himself up. “I want you to get married. Get it done within three days. I’ll see to it that everything is done perfectly,” Sasha spelled the verdict loud and clear.

This was the first major decision she made after returning home.

His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1340

Rolling Up Their Sleeves

That was how Solomon’s engagement to Ichika was finally decided.

Sabrina and everyone else in the Hayes family were supportive of the decision. The Wand family and Devin were also happy for Solomon.

Even Sebastian showed his full support. He said that if Solomon were busy with his wedding, Sebastian could step in and help with work for a few days.

When Solomon saw how everyone approved of his marriage, he felt the decision was for the best and that he should try his hardest to make things work. However, when he made a call to Jetroina and told Yamada about his change of mind, the latter sounded reserved.

“What? So you want to marry her now? But we just announced her engagement to your brother. The whole country knows about this already. How can we go back on our word? There’s no way we can change anything now.”

“Are you sure there’s no other way?”

“Yes. Besides, Hiroshi really likes her. He’s been going over to the Minamotos these few days. They’ve already gone to try out Ichika’s wedding gown,” Yamada sighed.

Yamada actually hoped Solomon was the one who got the young woman. After all, not only did his two other sons seize the company from his hand, but their attitude toward him was disrespectful.

Solomon was the only one who still cared for him.

Although Solomon was just an adopted son, the relationship they had was real.

Solomon was dismayed when he found out that everything was too late.

He hung up and sat at his office table quietly.

The ambiance in the whole room chilled after the call ended. Solomon was not taking the news well.

It so happened that Luke came in with a document in his hand. When he saw Solomon’s severe expression, he froze at the door, wondering if he should ask what happened.

“Mr. George…”

“Book me a ticket to Jetroina. I’m leaving on the soonest flight possible.”

Solomon had made up his mind.

Luke was taken aback.

Wait, what? Now?

He wanted to ask Solomon to repeat himself, but Luke took one look at the stern man and left to book a ticket. After he was done, he informed Sabrina about it.

“What? He’s going to Jetroina? I thought they’re sending Ichika over?”

Sabrina thought the Minamotos refused to send their daughter over, but Luke was unable to verify if that was true.

“I’m sorry, I have no idea what’s going on. All I know is he doesn’t look happy at all.”

Hm… What is happening? What is he up to?

Sabrina wanted to call Solomon, but she recalled their conversation two days ago. It peeved Solomon when other people tried interfering in his life.

Whatever. I’m not gonna get involved this time.

Sabrina sat back and decided to just let things take their own course, but that was easier said than done for her.

She took up her phone and created a new WhatsApp group.

Sabrina: Listen up, everyone, I have news! She shot a message to the group after adding everyone in.

Sasha was the first to respond. Um, why am I here?

Sabrina clicked her tongue. Can’t you just wait?

Sebastian sent an ellipsis to the group when he got a notification on his phone. Devin was the only one who was excited to hear what news Sabrina had.

Devin: I’m here, Darling! Can’t wait to hear what you have to share! I was just feeding our young daughter.

The amount of affection displayed made Sebastian and Sasha want to puke.

They were about to leave the group when two more people were added.

Rufus and Jonathan were both added in, and everyone dared not speak another word.

Sabrina smirked and typed: Hello? Why is everyone so quiet all of a sudden? Anyway, we want to welcome Mr. Wand and Grandpa to the group. This group was created so we can have a space to talk about Solomon.

Rufus: Okay. What’s going on?

Jonathan: What on earth is happening? I’ve just booked my ticket to go over to visit my grandchildren. Don’t you dare pull any tricks at the eleventh hour!

Sabrina shook her head, looking at the testy reply she got.

She typed away and filled everyone in on what happened.

Sabrina: Solomon is going to Jetroina, but Luke told me he looked upset when he left. I’m just worried something might have happened.

Devin: It must be something urgent.

Sasha: Maybe you should give him a call?

Rufus: I don’t think that’s wise. Solomon won’t take it well if he finds out we’ve been talking about him. He’ll only be annoyed if he knows everyone has been discussing him. We would be in for real trouble if that happens.

What Rufus said made total sense. After all, he had raised Solomon for ten years. He knew the boy inside out.

Everyone in the group did not know what else to do.

Sebastian: We should all just wait and see what happens next.

Thus, the whole group fell into silence.

Meanwhile, Solomon had just gotten on a flight bound for Jetroina.

In truth, the man himself had no idea what got into him. He just felt an impulse to fly over as soon as possible.

He finally had time to think through his own reactions when he sat in the seat on the plane. Now that he had time to reflect, he realized how rash he had been.

To some extent, he felt pissed at himself.