Ch. 1361..1370
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1361
A Substitute
Nevertheless, Solomon did not question Ichika and simply let her do what she wanted.
That day, Ichika did not go to Frontier Bay.
No one suspected the reason she gave, except one particular person, who felt that something was amiss.
“So, you married him because you’re a stand-in for someone else, huh?” the woman sneered over the phone.
Upon hearing her vicious remark, all the color drained out of Ichika’s face. “No, I’m not!”
“Really? Then why did you call Mom last night? You must have upset Mom because you spied on Sasha. Stop acting, Ichika. You knew what it was all about since the day you realized that woman looked like Grandma,” Himari Minamoto continued to scoff.
Himari could not help it. She was utterly jealous of Ichika’s grand wedding in Terrandya.
We both come from the Minamoto family, but how come she got to enjoy such a privilege? Deep in Himari’s heart, she knew her wedding would never be as grand as Ichika’s, no matter who she would end up marrying.
There was intense hatred in Himari’s eyes as she spat, “Why? Did I say anything wrong? You two have not consummated your marriage, haven’t you?”
“Excuse me?” Ichika’s face became even more pallid.
That sarcastic remark caused Ichika to suffer an emotional breakdown.
In a daze, she accidentally cut her finger while slicing the vegetables. “Ouch!”
Blood started dripping off of her dainty fingers, and everyone around her was shocked.
“Oh dear, Ichika. How could you be so careless? We’re in a cooking class, so you have to stay focused.” The teacher went over to check her out.
At this point, Ichika was already crying profusely.
She could not remember what happened after the class. By the time she regained her composure, she was already standing outside of Hayes Corporation, looking up at the building with a dazed look on her face.
Upon noticing Ichika at the entrance, the security walked up to her and greeted, “Don’t you want to come in, Mrs. George? Mr. George is in the office now.”
The moment Ichika heard that, she started to freak out. She left in haste as if someone had found out about her wrongdoing.
At about four in the afternoon, Sasha texted in the group chat: Ichika, why didn’t you pick Vivi up today? She has been asking for you.
Solomon replied instead: She attended a cooking class today.
He replied swiftly, not because of Sasha but merely because he had his phone with him when he read the text.
Sasha replied: Oh, Okay. I’ll tell Vivi then. I’m sure she did this for you. You’ve married a virtuous wife, Solomon!
Sabrina texted: I know, right? I don’t even bother to attend any cooking classes.
Devin replied with a facepalm emoji.
Sasha texted: Well, at least my cooking skills are somewhat acceptable. Someone’s gotta do it for the kids.
Sebastian did not know how to react to that remark.
The remarks by the two women had rendered their husbands speechless.
Mr. Wand wrote in the group: Ichika is indeed a great girl. Vivi’s classmate celebrated her birthday two days ago, and Ichika took the trouble to learn how to bake a cake so that she could teach Vivi to make one on her own.
Sasha: She’s so patient! I don’t think I can handle that.
She praised Ichika from the bottom of her heart.
Solomon kept mum and did not reply, but his expression softened after putting down his phone.
Solomon did not return home in the evening as he had an appointment, but he still texted Ichika: I won’t be going back for dinner.
Ichika froze for a bit upon receiving his message. She could not help but take a glance at all the ingredients she had laid on the table.
Her heart sank, and she became disheartened.
Why is he not coming back for dinner? Where is he going?
Is he upset because I didn’t spend time with the two kids in Frontier Bay?
Her eyes were filled with despair.
She took a glance at her bandaged finger and did not want to cook anymore. After cleaning up the kitchen, she returned to her room.
That night, the woman who relocated to a foreign country after marriage and did not have any friends spent through it in agony.
The next day, a sound emerged from downstairs even when the villa’s gate was still locked. “Hello? Aunt Ichika? Are you still sleeping? I’m here with Jessica!”
“Vivi?”
Ichika woke up and opened her eyes. Before she could respond, she could already hear Solomon talking to Vivian.
In response to Solomon’s question, Vivian answered, “Yes, Uncle Solomon. I didn’t have a chance to tell you since you were not around yesterday, but my friends and I would like to hold a ‘fashion show’ here. Is that okay?”
Vivian, who came with a group of friends, was all smiles when she lifted her head to look at Solomon after he had opened the door.
Solomon froze for a moment.
Upon listening to their conversation, Ichika sat up from her bed.
Did he not go to Frontier Bay last night?
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1362
Blushing
Heavy footfalls sounded as Ichika raced down the stairs.
She came to a stop and saw a man still dressed in casual wear helping the kids to carry in the items.
“Aunt Ichika, we’re having a fashion show today. Are you going to watch us?” Right away, a perceptive Vivian noticed Ichika spying at them, still in her pajamas.
Ichika was stunned speechless and didn’t utter a response.
Before she could hide, the man in the garden had heard Vivian and glanced toward them.
“You’re awake. Breakfast is ready in the kitchen. Freshen up and have some.”
“What?” With a head still muddled with sleep, Ichika’s eyes widened comically like saucers.
He made me breakfast?
Oh, my goodness!
My husband actually made me breakfast.
That simple gesture had instantly mended her broken heart from the night before, and her face lit up with joy, her eyes sparkling like the stars in the night sky.
“Okay, Darling,” she answered meekly before turning to skip away.
A girl like her was pure and innocent. She was easily hurt, but conversely, it was easy to cajole her, too. It was like giving candy to a kid. With a few coaxing words, she would be right as rain in no time.
That day, Ichika had been particularly active on WhatsApp.
She had been taking pictures and sending them to the group chat, giving tips on how to strut on the catwalk to the girls, and taking selfies with everyone.
Sasha chortled as she scrolled through the messages. “Ichika finally sent some pictures. It was strange that she had been on radio silence these two days.”
Not far away, a man who was sprawled on a chair reading a book observed her quietly.
He couldn’t be bothered to remind her because he was of the same mind as Sasha. As long as Ichika didn’t harbor ill intentions, all was good with him.
He would turn a blind eye to anything else.
Everyone’s lives returned to normal, and Ichika in Avenport got closer with Solomon under the same roof.
One morning, after Solomon had finished his breakfast made by Ichika, she stopped by his side abruptly with bright, hopeful eyes and blurted, “Darling… my mom said she is coming to visit me. Is that okay?”
Solomon’s hands stilled while he was cleaning up the table.
“When is she coming?”
“These two days, if you’re okay with it.” Ichika sounded hesitant, afraid that he would disapprove.
As per the customs in Jetroina, if one wanted to visit a son-in-law’s home, his permission was needed, no matter if the mother-in-law was an elder. Unexpected guests were considered impolite.
Solomon was conflicted.
After all, he was so used to living alone that it took him close to two months to habituate himself living with Ichika.
And now my mother-in-law is showing up…
“Okay, I’ll book the tickets for her.” In the end, he chose to be a filial son-in-law and arranged for the trip.
Ichika almost burst with joy.
“Thank you so much, Darling! You’re the best!” Impulsively, she took a few steps forward and rose on her tiptoe before pressing a kiss on his cheek.
For a moment, deep silence hung in the air, and every sound was suddenly stilled. All that was left was the two people who stood there. One of them picked up a frantic heartbeat while the other was motionless.
It was as if they were frozen.
Oh, no, is he mad? Was I too reckless?
Bright red splotches appeared on Ichika’s cheeks. As reality started to creep in, her thoughts were in disarray, and remorse plagued her.
“Darling, I-I…”
“All right, you should go tidy up the room for your mother. I’ll be heading off to work now,” Solomon interrupted.
Then, he took a handful of dishes and cutleries to the kitchen before grabbing his keys and driving off.
Ichika was silent the entire time.
What does he mean by that?
He didn’t seem to have much of a reaction. Does this mean he’s angry?
Her thoughts started to run amok, and she felt bad after Solomon left with unnatural calmness.
Does his impassivity toward my kiss mean he doesn’t have feelings for me? A little temper tantrum would have been fine by me, too.
Puzzled, her brows knitted together.
What Ichika didn’t know was the man who had just left had done so with quickened steps. He was usually a calm and steady person, but all he wanted to do at that moment was to flee.
In Frontier Bay, Wendy found out from Vivian’s loose lips that Ichika’s mother was paying a visit. Startled by the news, she failed to keep the information to herself. In the end, the Hayeses found out about it, too.
Sasha texted: Her mom is coming? Should we go back?
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1363
Here Comes Trouble
Sabrina replied: Count me in!
Devin and Sebastian said nothing, but they could sense the girls’ excitement from their phone screens.
In the end, Rufus chimed in: It’s fine. I’m here. You guys don’t have to worry. I’ll make sure everything is in order.
Jonathan added: He’s right, Rufus is an elder. So, it’s perfectly logical if he wants to welcome his in-laws, but there’s no reason for both of you to show up, so stay put.
Sasha and Sabrina tactfully stayed silent, sharing the same thought that he was stern.
Since Jonathan had spoken, they could only listen and do nothing.
In the end, the heavy responsibility to receive Ichika’s mother fell on Rufus.
Of course, the same responsibility was on the Hayeses, too. Everyone was glad at Ichika’s mother’s arrival from faraway Jetroina and volunteered to help, making Ichika feel overjoyed and blessed.
That night before her mother’s flight, Ichika excitedly told her that many people had prepared a grand welcome reception for her arrival.
Aoi Minamoto was thrilled to hear that and brought many extravagant gifts with her the next day.
Ichika and Solomon had gone to the airport to pick her up.
“Mom…”
As soon as Ichika laid eyes on her mother, she brightened with childlike delight.
However, as she closed the distance between her mother, her face was bleached of color when she caught sight of the person behind Aoi.
“Himari? You’re here too?”
“Yes, Ichika. Am I not welcome?” Himari was dressed exceptionally beautifully, towing a suitcase behind her as she greeted Ichika with a wide smile.
Ichika was silent for a pause before forcing her lips into the semblance of a smile. “No… you’re welcome.”
Solomon had taken over Aoi’s suitcase, his demeanor was gentlemanly and respectful.
“How was the plane ride? Are you exhausted?”
“We’re fine, and the journey was pleasant. As it should be since you arranged it for us.” Evidently, Aoi was pleased with her son-in-law, and her tone revealed pride.
Solomon smiled and gripped the suitcase, ready to leave the airport.
Just then, a saccharine voice sounded from behind, “Mr. Akiyama, I have another luggage here, and I brought your favorite sake. If I’m mistaken, this is your favorite, right?”
The voice belonged to Himari, and she was speaking openly to Solomon as if they had known each other for a long time.
Ichika heard it, and her heart lurched. Walking up to her sister, she said, “I’ll take it.”
“You? Why? There’s alcohol inside, and it’s heavy. Leave it to Mr. Akiyama.” Himari shoved her sister away and brought the suitcase over to Solomon.
Ichika stood rooted to the ground, her dark eyes reddening.
Just as she was about to see Solomon carry her sister’s suitcase, he suddenly turned and said, “Ichika, drag it over to me and help me with this smaller one.”
“Okay!” She immediately broke out into a smile.
She forcefully took over Himari’s suitcase and lugged it over to him. “Here you go, Darling.”
“Thanks.” He accepted it.
Then, they carried a suitcase each and walked out of the airport. Never once did he leave her side. When they reached the car, Solomon heaved the suitcase into the trunk.
“Go and get your mother. We’ll be leaving in a while.”
“Okay,” Ichika acknowledged and put down the smaller suitcase in her hand before heading in Aoi’s direction.
She wanted to sit with her mother in the backseat. After all, they hadn’t seen each other in a long time.
When Ichika and Aoi got into the back, Himari opened the door to the front passenger seat and promptly slid in.
Ichika stared aghast, her expression crumbling.
What’s Himari doing? Why does she always do things that she knows I dislike? What is she trying to achieve here? That seat belongs to me and me only.
Besides, doesn’t this situation call for three of us to sit in the back? This way, we could have a long-overdue conversation.
Ichika was losing the reins on her emotions.
“Ichika, isn’t Mr. Akiyama the President of Hayes Corporation? Why is he still driving the same car from before? Did he not get a Rolls-Royce?”
Himari was still obsessed with the few Rolls-Royce she saw at Ichika’s wedding.
Ichika replied, “What’s wrong with this car? He’s always driven it.”
“That’s right, it’s only a vehicle. Anything would do,” agreed Aoi.
Himari stewed in silence when she saw how their mother was clearly siding with Ichika.
A moment later, when Solomon got in and saw his adjacent seat occupied by someone other than Ichika, his brows furrowed with displeasure.
“It’s fine if I sit here, right, Mr. Akiyama? Ichika and Mom are back there, and they have a lot to catch up on, so I’m giving them some space.”
Seems like this woman is quite the sly one.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1364
Yearn For Happiness
Himari had spoken before Sebastian could even say a word, thus putting him in a position where it would be awkward to refuse her.
Ichika watched the scene with her cheeks puffed out in anger. Himari is going to annoy the hell out of me. She just landed, but she keeps doing such irritating things.
“I’m fine with it, but your sister might not like it,” Solomon replied.
“Huh?”
The three ladies were taken back by his response.
Himari asked curiously, “Why wouldn’t she like it? Isn’t this your car?”
“It is. However, when one is married, the front passenger seat is usually reserved for his wife. If you want to sit here, you should ask for her permission, not mine,” Solomon explained nonchalantly without even bothering to come up with an excuse.
Himari’s face instantly turned as red as a beetroot.
She stared at him, looking upset. After a long while, she turned stiffly toward Ichika in the backseat and asked, “Is it all right if I sit here?”
Ichika seized the opportunity to vent her frustrations.
“Oh, it must’ve slipped my mind. Thank you for the reminder, Darling. Himari, I think you’d better join us in the back seat. That’s my special seat, so I can’t let you sit there,” she replied.
Ichika was quick-witted, and she immediately played along with Solomon’s explanation. Ichika’s refusal struck Himari like a hard slap across her face.
Himari’s face flushed red with anger.
Left without a choice, she climbed out of the front passenger seat sulkily and got into the back.
Solomon started the car. In the rearview mirror, he could see Ichika looking cheerful again as she hugged her mother’s arm and chattered away happily.
He could not help smiling helplessly.
That day, Rufus, Wendy, and several others from the Hayes family gathered at the villa to welcome Aoi and Himari to Avenport.
By the time Solomon returned that night, everything was in full swing. It was the first time since their marriage that the villa was abuzz.
It’s odd. After living alone for three years, I should prefer peace and quiet.
However, as he took in the sight of the villa filled with people and laughter, the fragrance of the flowers and wine permeating the air, and the tantalizing aroma of the food… He found that he quite liked the lively atmosphere.
I suppose it’s true that humans tend to crave warmth. No matter what I’ve gone through or how much I’ve shut myself from the world, I still yearn to find my own happiness.
When Ichika spotted Solomon outside the villa, she rushed over to him. “You’re finally back, Darling! Look, we have so many guests! They’re all here to welcome my mom and Himari, and they brought lots of mouthwatering food!”
Solomon’s gaze softened when he saw her childlike excitement.
“I’m glad to see that you’re happy. By the way, where’s your mom? What is she doing?”
“My mom?” Ichika echoed with a mysterious smile.
She stood on her tiptoes and leaned closer to him. This time, she did not kiss him. Instead, she spoke softly, her warm breath tickling his ear. “She’s learning how to make calzone from the ladies of the Hayes family. She said that she wants to make it for my dad when she gets back.”
She was smiling so widely that her sparkling eyes had curved into crescents.
Solomon froze, and a flush crept up his neck to the tips of his ears.
When Ichika pulled Solomon into the villa a few minutes later, everyone erupted into cheers. Now that the man of the house had arrived, they were ready to party.
Amid the hustle and bustle, no one noticed that someone was watching the scene with a spiteful gaze.
That person was none other than Himari.
At the moment, she was gazing down from the second floor.
A large part of the reason I came was that I wanted to regain some peace of mind. I couldn’t believe that Ichika had snagged such a good husband. After all, the man she married is just a love child. How could he have so much money and power? That’s why I wanted to see it with my own eyes.
When she saw the beautiful villa, she grew even more jealous. The urge to claim it as her own burgeoned within her.
It was clear that everything in the villa was expensive and valuable, down to the very carpet she was standing on. She had used her smartphone to look it up online and learned that the carpet had to be specially imported, and it was estimated to cost hundreds of thousands per square foot.
Sabrina really went all out. No expense was spared on the decorations either. Even in Ichika’s room, any random bottle of skincare on her dressing table could easily cost one million. Despite being a prestigious family, the Minamoto family is nowhere near as wealthy as this.
Himari lingered in that room for a long time.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1365
Sleep In My Room
At that moment, Aoi called out, “Himari, what are you doing up there? Come downstairs!”
When Himari heard that, she quickly left Ichika’s room.
As she walked out, she grabbed a hairpin from the dressing table and slipped it into her pocket. The diamonds on it must be real, right?
When she got downstairs, one of the guests asked, “So, this is the Minamoto family’s eldest daughter?”
“She’s gorgeous, and she has a dignified aura,” another person remarked.
Someone else nodded and said, “You’re right.”
It turned out that the ladies from the Hayes family were curious about Himari. Ichika was so cute and endearing, so they wanted to see what her older sister was like, and they were pleased with what they saw.
Since Himari and Ichika shared the same parents, the ladies guessed that Himari would be just as beautiful and charming. When they finally met Himari, they broke into satisfied smiles. None of them had the slightest inkling of Himari’s true nature.
As for Himari, she played her part as the eldest daughter of the Minamoto family to a tee. She was respectful, modest, and gentle.
The ladies’ impression of Himari soared when they saw that.
Some even thought of introducing her to the unmarried men in the Hayes family, hoping they could make a match.
However, Himari sneered at the suggestion inwardly. Do they think it’ll be that easy to have me marry into their family?
At the end of the night, they sent off the guests. Since there were still no housemaids at the villa, Wendy decided to stay behind.
She turned to Solomon and asked, “Which room will Mrs. Minamoto be staying in tonight? I’ll go and run her a bath.”
“The second floor,” Solomon replied, pointing upstairs at once.
With that, Wendy hurried off to prepare the bath.
Suddenly, Himari piped up, “How many rooms are there on the second floor? Ichika, I saw a pink-themed room upstairs. Is it yours? Don’t you sleep with Solomon?
As soon as she said that, the expressions of everyone in the living room shifted slightly.
Aoi already knew about it, and it was the sole reason why she had come to Avenport in the first place. But even if I do know about it, how could I mention it in front of Solomon? It’s too embarrassing.
Hence, Aoi remained silent.
Solomon replied calmly, “No, that’s Vivi’s room. She stays here sometimes. Our room is on the third floor. Wendy, why don’t you change the bedding in Vivi’s bedroom and let Himari sleep there?”
Ichika, who had turned deathly pale at Himari’s question, spun around to stare at Solomon. A look of joy flashed across her eyes, then her cheeks flushed. Does that mean… we’re sleeping in the same room tonight?
Her heart was pounding so fast that it felt like it was going to leap out of her chest.
Meanwhile, Himari was furious. I wanted to expose them and humiliate Ichika, but my plan backfired!
That night, the couple who were married in name only slept in the same room. It was also their first time sharing a room since they got married.
“Darling, I-I can’t go to my room downstairs to get my pajamas. Otherwise, H-Himari will find out,” Ichika stammered.
She looked around uneasily at the room done up in cool-toned colors. It was not unfamiliar to her, but it was her first time spending the night there. As she watched him shrug off his jacket, she found that she could barely speak properly.
Unsurprisingly, her face was as red as a beetroot.
“Hmm,” Solomon murmured as he undid the clasp of his watch.
After setting the watch aside, he walked over to the closet and took out one of his shirts. “Why don’t you wear this tonight, then.”
“What?” she exclaimed.
Ichika stared at the shirt for a long time. It was long enough for her to wear as a dress. Blushing profusely, she finally reached out and took it from him.
It smells nice. It smells like him.
She secretly sniffed at the shirt, and a look of contentment spread across her face.
Solomon did not notice anything. Frowning slightly, he rummaged through the closet and found a brand-new bath towel and some toiletries.
“Take these with you too. It’s getting late. You should go to sleep after washing up.”
“Okay,” she replied.
It warmed the cockles of her heart to see him so caring toward her. Happily taking the things he handed her, she went into the bathroom.
As soon as the door closed behind her with a click, she began trembling from nervousness. Heat rose in her cheeks, and her face flushed a deep red. She was so embarrassed that she could barely even look at her reflection in the mirror.
What’s going to happen after I wash up? Are we…going to… Oh!
Her hands flew up to cover her eyes, and she blushed from her neck to her ears. She did not dare to think any further. Hiding her face in her hands, she dashed into the shower.
She was a woman, and she was legally married to Solomon. Hence, it was natural that such thoughts would cross her mind.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1366
He Feels Sinful
After bathing, Ichika walked out dressed in the large shirt that had Solomon’s scent on it. She soon realized that he was typing away on his laptop seriously.
She felt disappointed when she saw that. However, she immediately rushed to him and called out to him sweetly, “I’m done washing up, darling.”
Solomon raised his head.
Her smooth and fair skin could vaguely be seen through that large shirt. Her dark hair cascaded down her slender neck, giving her a uniquely feminine beauty.
Naturally, her feminine beauty was not solely because of that.
The other reason was that her figure was extremely curvaceous.
Solomon did not expect that Ichika, who usually loved to wear lacey pink clothes, had such a sexy figure when wearing that thin shirt.
Her curves were glaringly obvious beneath the fabric.
Even her breasts are…
A grim look flashed across Solomon’s eyes as he gulped awkwardly.
“You can sleep first. I’m still working.” Averting his gaze instantly, he stared at his laptop again.
“Huh?”
Standing there, Ichika widened her eyes when she heard that.
It was obvious that she was not doing it on purpose.
An innocent girl like her would not have such dirty thoughts. She was merely oblivious to how alluring she was now.
“I see… All right, then.”
She pouted indignantly. Her cheeks flushed as a look of disappointment crossed her face. Then, she turned around and walked toward the bed.
Solomon glanced at her back.
He held his breath again.
Her beautiful legs were fair and slender. Underneath that oversized shirt, she seemed as innocent as a child.
He was overcome by an urge to taint that innocence.
Solomon stayed silent.
Crack!
He snapped the pen in his hand into two through brute force.
Ichika, who had already reached the bed, turned around. “What’s wrong, darling?”
Her voice sounded extremely soft and gentle, tempting him to succumb to his desires.
Solomon abandoned his work and strode to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Ichika fell asleep on the bed without seeing him appear again .
All she could hear was the splashing of the water in the bathroom.
Why is he bathing for such a long time?
Groggily, she fell asleep. Soon, the sounds of water flowing in the bathroom faded. Solomon walked out with his hair completely wet.
D*mn it!
Looking at Ichika, who had already fallen asleep on the bed, he cursed at himself silently.
He felt sinful.
In reality, he had never touched any woman before. What he saw that night was probably the most he had ever experienced in his entire life.
Even so, a feeling of guilt still overwhelmed him. For some reason, after he felt a reaction to her, he could not forgive himself.
Why am I acting like this? I only love one person. She has been hidden in the depths of my heart, never capable of being replaced or tainted. Yet, why am I acting like this tonight? Am I a fickle man too?
Am I like my mother, whose love changes each time? Am I no different from her horrid nature?
He lit up a cigarette and stood at the windows for a long time that night.
Meanwhile, Sebastian and Sasha were accompanying their son in his studies on the island.
They saw what happened at the party through the photos that Rufus had sent.
Sasha asked, “I’m curious. Why did Mrs. Minamoto visit her daughter only two months after she got married?”
Sebastian was in the middle of helping his son solve a physics question. When he heard that, he turned his head and glanced at her.
“What’s the problem?”
“Nothing, just that I find it a little strange. Jetronia’s culture places a lot of emphasis on etiquette, especially for elites like them. If the mother visits right after her daughter get married, they might get mocked by the other elites, saying that they’re flattering their in-laws,” explained Sasha as she scrolled through the photos.
As she had stayed there for quite some time, she understood their cultures and customs.
When Sebastian heard that, he seemed disinterested.
“Maybe she just wants to visit her daughter. What’s the point of putting so much emphasis on those rules anyway? Oh, right. Ambrose said that he wants to bring Ian to look at the base tomorrow. Do you want to tag along?”
“Huh?”
Sasha glanced at Sebastian and Ian.
Ambrose was Shawn’s father, who took great care of Ian in the research institute. Despite his son dying after getting dragged into that mess, he did not harbor any hatred toward Ian.
Instead, he spent more effort nurturing Ian.
“The base? Really? Has Little Ian earned the right to do so already?”
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1367
Saving Someone
When Sasha heard this piece of good news, she tossed her phone away and ran over.
Ian, who was in the middle of solving some questions, raised his head and glanced at his mother.
“I’m just visiting, Mommy.”
“I know, but that’s already very impressive! I heard that it’s the most confidential place amongst the national research institutions. I’m so proud of you, Little Ian!”
Sasha hugged her son and kissed his forehead forcefully.
Ian was at a loss for words.
A rosy blush appeared on his fair and handsome face. Embarrassed, he lowered his head and continued with his homework.
Sebastian watched him approvingly.
“So, want to come along?”
“Huh? Do we have to take a boat? It isn’t on this island, right?” Upon realizing that she might have to take a boat, Sasha paled.
She recalled how she had arrived here the previous time.
Although she had never experienced seasickness before, she did that time. When she came, she vomited during the entire duration of the boat ride. It was torturous.
Sebastian said unhesitatingly, “I can arrange for a helicopter to come.”
Sasha replied, “Forget it. Let’s not go through all that trouble. You are just going there for a day, right? I won’t tag along. Just take some photos for me.”
As it was really troublesome, she refused.
Sebastian had no choice but to agree.
After the children had fallen asleep, Sasha and Sebastian finally got to enjoy some time alone with each other.
“Can I, darling?”
“Hm… What do you think?”
Sasha’s body was pinned underneath Sebastian’s. Underneath the dim light, she gazed at him, her eyes filled with a look of amusement and exasperation.
No one could be more shameless than him.
A night of passion ensued.
When Sasha opened her eyes the next morning, her body completely sore, she realized that there was no one beside her. However, there was a note left on the bedside table.
Sebastian had scribbled a note saying that breakfast was ready and was placed in the holding cabinet.
As mornings on the island were cold and wet, he told her not to go out. He had already gotten fresh vegetables and food from the research institute and placed them in the fridge.
He even said that he had already washed all the clothes, which were in the washing machine.
If it were not for the fact that Ian had to leave, he would have hung them up to dry.
Sasha found it amusing.
She suddenly remembered that Sebastian used to be a man powerful enough to create a commotion nationwide. In the past, he conquered the business world and dominated everyone else.
Yet, he had now become an ordinary man who would cook for her, and whose life revolved around her and their kids.
Am I committing a crime?
Sasha got up from bed.
After washing up, she ate the breakfast that Sebastian had prepared. As she had nothing else to do, she brought a stool out and started tending to the vegetable patch in the garden.
“You’re awake, Mrs. Hayes. Can you follow me to the research institute to take a look? Hugh’s illness has relapsed.”
“Okay.”
When Sasha saw the research institute staff running over while panting, she quickly tossed the hoe aside and followed the staff.
This was her recent job too.
As the island was too far away from the mainland, one could not visit the hospital easily after falling sick.
Although there was an infirmary, the doctors there were not very skilled. When the rest found out that Sasha used to be an extremely impressive TCM doctor, they sought her out all the time.
Sasha rushed to the research institute.
“He didn’t eat anything much this morning and became like this,” said the woman who brought Sasha over.
A middle-aged man was lying on the chair and grunting.
Sasha walked over.
“Hugh? Hugh?”
“Huh?” The man opened his eyes.
“You’re here, Mrs. Hayes.”
“Yeah. How are you feeling? Do you feel uncomfortable?”
After waking him up, Sasha kept talking to him to ensure that he was conscious while she checked him up.
To her surprise, when she took his pulse, she realized that his pulse was weak. It seemed quite strange as well.
“I… I didn’t eat anything much. I only ate some bread and oatmeal. They’re just some normal food.”
Sasha stopped asking.
She checked his eyes and pressed on his stomach. After looking at his tongue, she fell silent.
The staff from the research institute asked, “Mrs. Hayes, is Hugh going to be all right?”
Another woman chimed in, “Yeah, what’s wrong with him? The doctors have checked on him before, but they found nothing. He’s been taking his medicine regularly too, but it didn’t seem to solve anything.”
“Of course it won’t solve anything. He’s been poisoned, and the poison has seeped through his organs. I need you guys to think carefully about what he has touched or eaten recently.”
Sasha told them her diagnosis solemnly.
Huh? Poisoned?
Everyone in the research institute was stunned when they heard it.
How can there be poison in the research institute? This isn’t a biology research laboratory. It’s a place researching microchips and quantum mechanics. Where would the poison come from?
The research institute staff started searching around anxiously.
Meanwhile, Sasha used her silver needles to alleviate the engineer’s pain.
Then, she planned to collect some medicinal herbs that could minimize the effects of the poison. As there was no ready supply of herbs, she had to forage for fresh ones.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1368
Disobedient
Sasha left with a few simple tools.
Although the island was isolated, it had a beautiful environment with lush hills and clear lakes. Hence, Sasha was confident that she could find the medicinal herbs she needed.
She headed toward the hills on the island.
After half an hour, Sebastian had also landed on the ground. Out of habit, he took out his phone and texted Sasha to update her.
Buzz… Buz…
“Hi, Sebby.”
When Sebastian heard her slight pants through the phone, he frowned.
“What are you doing? You sound like you’re panting.”
“Yeah, I’m climbing a hill. Hugh from the research institute fell sick again. When I took his pulse, I realized that he has been poisoned, so I went out to collect some medicinal herbs for him,” explained Sasha over the phone, still slightly out of breath.
Her stamina had worsened a lot. She was already panting after climbing a small hill.
Looks like I should train myself more.
Sasha continued climbing while holding the phone.
When Sebastian heard that she had gone out alone to collect the medicinal herbs, his expression changed.
“Sasha, are you taking things into your own hands again? How can you forage for the herbs alone? Do you know how dangerous the island is? Why are you so disobedient?”
He sounded extremely strict when he said the last sentence.
Sasha remained silent.
Why is he so fierce?
She could not help but feel aggrieved.
However, as she knew that he was worried about her, she did not protest any further. Instead, she video-called him and smiled brightly at Sebastian through the screen.
“This will do, right? Don’t scold me, Sebby. There aren’t any medicines that can save Hugh, so I must first keep his poison under control.”
Watching Sasha, who was sweating profusely, Sebastian still felt some lingering fury.
However, when he heard that Hugh’s life was on the line, he held himself back.
As a doctor, she could not just leave him to die. Even if she had to undergo all sorts of difficulties, she would still go ahead just to save him from the grips of death.
“Fine. Stay there and don’t move. I’ll send someone to you immediately.” In the end, he compromised.
Sasha was speechless.
Huh? Send someone? Who?
She was a bit puzzled. After all, when they first came to this island, they did not bring anyone along.
Barely fifteen minutes passed before a man wearing a black uniform appeared in front of her. There were golden badges pinned to his collar and cuffs.
“I’ve received orders to protect you, Mrs. Jadeson!”
He saluted to her immediately.
Sasha was stunned.
Is he part of the special police?
But, I haven’t seen any policemen despite having stayed here for so long.
Unbeknownst to her, the National Security Agency had dispatched guards to protect the confidential research institute. All of them were part of the elite squad.
Sasha set off while the man guarded her.
As she had expected, she managed to find two of the medicinal herbs immediately after entering the depths of the island.
“This is great! Hugh will be saved.” She was as happy as a child.
The man guarding her kept a distance away from her. Without being too intrusive, he made sure to keep her away from danger.
When this soldier, who had guarded the island for years, saw her bright smile, he felt touched.
Everyone in the research institute was a top scientist who had made significant contributions. As they were essential for the nation’s development in the future, no one was willing to see anything bad happen to them.
“Look! It’s borage!”
Suddenly, Sasha pointed at a grassy patch in front and exclaimed in delight.
When the soldier glanced over, a grim expression crossed his face.
“That’s a swamp, Mrs. Jadeson. If you accidentally fall inside, you might die.”
“Huh?”
The grin on Sasha’s face faded when she heard his words.
What should I do then? I need the borage to control the effects of the poison.
Standing there, she pondered about it.
When the soldier noticed that, he clenched his fists, deciding to give it a try even if it meant risking his life.
However, just before he walked over, Sasha extended her arm and blocked his way gloomily.
“Don’t go. Let’s not sacrifice another life just to save someone. Let’s go and look for it somewhere else. I’m sure there are more,” she advised calmly.
Carrying the basket on her back, she continued walking forward.
The soldier was stunned.
When he finally returned to his senses, he felt extremely touched and hastened after her.
He had actually heard about Sasha before. When the country was in chaos, Sebastian had tried his best to salvage the situation and she had helped significantly as well.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1369
Forgotten
Whenever the military talked about both of them, they would be full of praises and admiration.
The soldier followed Sasha closely.
Luckily, they discovered more borage after a while.
Delighted, Sasha plucked some and took out her silver needle.
The soldier watched curiously by the side.
When Sasha rubbed the needle against the borage, something strange happened—the tip of the needle turned green.
“Why is this happening?”
She was stunned for a while.
The soldier asked, “Is there a problem, Mrs. Jadeson?”
Sasha replied, “I had taken this silver needle from Hugh. As it’s stained with his blood, I wanted to use it to test the herb’s medicinal effects. Why did it become green upon having contact with the borage?”
The soldier was confused. “Huh?”
Being completely clueless about this, he did not know how to respond.
As they had already entered the depths of the island and their phones did not have signals, they could not contact anyone else.
After deliberating about it, Sasha decided to leave with the herbs first.
After an hour, she texted the Hayeses WhatsApp group.
Sasha: Is anyone at Frontier Bay?
Ichika: I’m here, Sha!
Ichika always managed to appear immediately.
Sasha had just left the hill. When she saw the text, her eyes lit up and she quickly typed a response.
Sasha: Ichika, can you go to my bedroom and look for a book called the ‘Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs’?
Ichika: Sure.
Ichika stopped whatever she was doing and ran upstairs.
When the other members in the group chat read the message, they responded too.
Sabrina: What are you doing, Sasha? Are you so bored on that island that you’re researching your lame herbs again?
Devin: Don’t be mad, Sasha. She’s just blunt.
Sabrina: …
Sebastian: I’m on the way back. Wait for me to return first.
Devin: …
Sabrina: …
Rufus: …
Jonathan: …
When Solomon, who was in the office on the top floor of Hayes Corporation, read the messages, he stopped typing and grabbed his phone.
Solomon: What happened?
The entire group chat panicked when they read that.
Meanwhile, Sasha did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Why is he making things so dramatic? Everyone’s scared now!
Sasha: Everything’s fine. Don’t be scared by what he said. An engineer in the research institute suddenly got poisoned, so I went foraging for some herbs. According to my diagnosis, his condition is supposed to stabilize after taking those herbs. However, when I tested those herbs, I discovered something weird.
Everyone was stunned.
So, Sasha is acting as a substitute doctor on that island!
Everyone’s panic disappeared after reading that. They started to discuss the issue.
Solomon: What’s weird?
Rufus: Yeah, tell us. If you still don’t know, I can ask Jackson and Sharon.
Sabrina: Come on then, tell us! What happened?
Everyone urged her.
When Sasha read their messages, she took a picture of the silver needle and the herb.
In the end…
Solomon: Isn’t that verdigris? Has he been chemically poisoned?
Sasha: Huh?
Devin: Looks like it. Normal poison won’t cause such a color. If it isn’t chemical poisoning, then it’s probably heavy metal poisoning.
Solomon: Wait, I’ll contact Haruto.
He immediately called Haruto, who was in Jetroina.
When Ichika finally found the encyclopedia and sent a picture of it, she realized that no one in the group chat replied to her for a few minutes.
Was I of no help?
Ichika, who was sweating profusely from searching for the book, rushed downstairs excitedly. When she saw what was happening, she felt a bit disappointed.
Someone finally responded on the group chat after around ten minutes.
Solomon: I asked him and he said that it’s heavy metal poisoning. Sasha, tell the research institute to investigate it carefully. The engineer might have been in contact with something. Haruo advised you to check for zinc.
Sasha: Zinc?
After sending the message, she fell silent on the group chat for a long time.
Meanwhile, Ichika kept holding the book that Sasha wanted initially. She stared at her phone, not knowing if she should chime in.
Should I ask Sha if she still needs the book? But everyone in the group chat seems to have forgotten about me.
After Solomon texted that, everyone started discussing it.
Zinc poisoning was a slow-acting poison. Unlike heavy metal poisoning, it was not immediately fatal. Furthermore, in one’s daily life, it was rare for objects to contain so much zinc that it would cause poisoning.
Hence, everyone discussed this issue enthusiastically in the group chat.
Within a few minutes, the message that Ichika had sent became overshadowed by the other messages.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1370
The Paranoid Jadesons
“Ms. Ichika, when will Mrs. Minamoto and Ms. Himari be arriving? I plan to begin with the preparations.”
“Huh?” Finally, Ichika raised her head and turned to look at Wendy.
The Minamotos had been invited to Frontier Bay for dinner that day. Since Sasha and the rest weren’t present, Wendy had done an excellent job welcoming their Jetroinian guests on behalf of the Hayeses.
Naturally, Rufus, Jackson, and Sharon would be present too.
“All right, let me make a phone call to ask them about it,” Ichika replied as she rose to her feet.
She fished her phone out and prepared to call her husband. Yet, Ichika changed her mind when she caught sight of the endless wave of messages in the chat group. With a purse of her lips, Ichika called her mother.
“Should we wait for Mr. Akiyama?”
Aoi was situated at Hillside Villa when she received Ichika’s call. Upon hearing her daughter’s question, Aoi hesitated.
When Himari heard this, she quickly cajoled, “Mom, let’s head there now. If we wait for Mr. Akiyama, we’ll have to wait until he finishes his work so that he can fetch us there. Let’s not cause him any more trouble.”
Himari was eager to leave as soon as possible. After all, she heard that her cousin-in-law was the president of the Hayes Corporation. Furthermore, it was rumored that he was one of the wealthiest men in Avenport.
Himari was burning with curiosity. I wonder, how will his house look like?
She vividly remembered the wedding too. Although the couple was dressed in simple attire, their poised and elegant mannerisms outshone everyone else and made them the stars of the event.
Moreover, her cousin-in-law had been the one who paid for the wedding’s private jet and luxury limousine.
Swayed by her daughter’s pleas, Aoi decided to head there first.
When Wendy heard this, she made a quick phone call to inform Rufus and Jackson. After her call, it didn’t take long for them to arrive.
“When will they be arriving?”
“It shouldn’t take long for them to arrive. I apologize, Mr. Wand. I have not sent an invitation to the Hayes family. Since Mr. Hayes and Madam aren’t home, it will be inconvenient to host a large event. Tonight, I’ll have to ask for your help to entertain our distinguished guests,” Wendy explained with an apologetic look.
Rufus merely smiled good-naturedly. “Don’t apologize. It is our duty to entertain the guests too. You have planned everything out very thoughtfully. Besides, Sharon will be present tonight.”
Rufus mentioned Sharon on purpose.
In truth, Sharon was a complicated person. The woman, who married into the Blackwood family, hailed from a family of studious scholars and was thus well-educated.
Despite her complex character, Sharon was an excellent host. Hence, she was more than capable of keeping a few guests entertained throughout dinner.
After everyone gathered, they waited for the arrival of Aoi and Himari.
Similarly, Ichika was also waiting for someone else.
She stood at the entrance of Royal Court One, eagerly anticipating the man’s arrival.
After her earlier phone call, she couldn’t help but send him a quick message. In Ichika’s text, she told him that her mom and sister would be attending the dinner too and implored him to return a little earlier.
Ichika glanced at her phone again.
Sabrina: Aren’t you guys blowing this out of proportion? How did this become a murder? Are you guys delusional?
Devin, Solomon, Sasha, and Jonathan did not reply to Sabrina’s text.
Nevertheless, there was truth to be found in Sabrina’s message. Ever since their harrowing battle with Eddie, they had grown paranoid.
They would panic and overthink the situation at the slightest sign of trouble.
However, Sabrina was getting annoyed about the Jadesons’ paranoia.
All of a sudden, Sebastian, who had remained silent throughout the entire conversation, sent a text.
Sebastian: Most research institutes rarely use zinc.
Following Sebastian’s text, deathly silence ensued in the group chat.
In his office, as Solomon stared at the text, his entire mind turned blank.
Truthfully, Solomon was terrified.
Although he was not involved in the matter, the mere thought of it left him restless, and he lost sleep over it. However, Solomon’s sleepless nights were a well-kept secret.
He grabbed his smartphone and continued to stare at the chat group until Sebastian sent another text.
Sebastian: I’ll go back and handle it.
Finally, Solomon returned to his seat as his tensed body relaxed.
Beep… Beep…
Suddenly, Solomon’s phone rang, signaling an incoming call.
He picked it up and answered the call, “Hello?”
“Darling, a-are you free to talk right now? My mom and sister are already at Frontier Bay. Once you are finished with your work, you can come over right away.” The feminine voice that echoed from his phone was soft and demure.
There was a trace of wariness present in her voice. It was as if she was afraid of disturbing Solomon’s work.
Solomon glanced at his watch and realized it was almost time for him to get off work. “All right.”
Throughout the call, Solomon failed to sense that something was amiss. After his curt reply, he prepared to end the call.
However, before he could do so, Ichika said in a hesitant voice, “Darling, I didn’t help Himari this afternoon, right?”
“Huh?”
Solomon had forgotten about the incident entirely.
His confusion put a damper on Ichika’s mood.
“I’m talking about the medical book. In the group chat, I noticed that Himari didn’t need it anymore…” Ichika’s voice was tinged with disappointment.
At last, Solomon remembered. “The medicine isn’t the issue. I even asked Haruto about it. It’s just a simple poisoning incident. Don’t overthink it,” he cautioned her.
“Really?”
“Yes, I’ll be hanging up now. Once I’m finished with my work, I’ll head over to dinner.” With that, Solomon hung up.