《Capture Her Heart After Marriage》 Chapter 1 Mr. Lancaster Returns Chapter 1 Mr. Lancaster Returns A man appeared in Alexia White¡¯s nightmare, looming over her. ¡°Go away¡­ Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Alexia cried in terror. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. She iled her arms as she desperately tried to crawl away. Her hands brushed the man¡¯s cheek, but there was nothing there the next second. The man originally standing over Alexia suddenly disappeared, leaving her alone with a sore body. Alexia¡¯s eyes snapped open, the crystal chandelier hanging on the ceiling calming her fear. She was in her room. Safe. Was it a dream? She got up, gasping for breath and feeling a tearing pain below her waist. She nced down, and the fear returned at the sight under the nket. What happened? A thought popped into her head that she was, perhaps, raped by a strange man at her own home. ¡°Aunt Song!¡± Alexia cried as she threw on clothes and ran downstairs to the living room. Aunt Song wasn¡¯t really Alexia¡¯s aunt, but the family¡¯s housemaid. Aunt Song turned off the vacuum cleaner and looked at Alexia in surprise. ¡°I''m here, Ms. Alexia. What has gotten you so flustered?¡± ¡°Did you see any stranger upstairs this morning? Perhaps someone entered my room?¡± Alexia asked, her face pale. Her body shook uncontrobly when she remembered what happened in the dream. ¡°A stranger?¡± Aunt Song put the vacuum cleaner down and rushed toward Alexia. ¡°Are you sure? I got up early this morning and noticed nothing amiss.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not sure,¡± Alexia almost cried. She was about to ask Aunt Song to check the bedroom with her before a deep, throaty voice cut her off. ¡°Aunt Song, the throat lozenges are almost gone. Buy some when you have time.¡± The door near the wine cab closed with a dull click. The voice grabbed Alexia, and she recognized it almost immediately. A man in a white shirt entered from the side hall with a bottle of red wine. He adjusted the cor of shirt casually, nearly exposing his chiseled corbone. Her husband, Chaim Lancaster, entered the room. He didn¡¯t hear what she said. He took a cup and poured a ss of wine. ¡°W-why are you here?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She had met him only twice in the past three years¨Cat the wedding and now. Taking a breath, she regained her awareness. This was his vi. She gradually forgot that, seeing as he hadn¡¯t been there at all over the past three years. ¡°Oh! My terrible memory.¡± Aunt Song eximed awkwardly. ¡°Ms. Alexia, I just forgot to tell you. Mr. Lancaster came backst night.¡± ¡°Last night?¡± Alexia stood in shock and suddenly understood everything. Dear God! The man in her roomst night was Chaim. She had been exhausted and had no extra strength to resist him. Did that mean she actually had sex with him, just like in the dream? ¡°Ms. Alexia, the stranger you mentioned... it wasn¡¯t Mr. Lancaster, right?¡± Aunt Song asked, remembering what Alexia had said. ¡°Aunt Song, maybe I made a mistake.¡± Alexia turned around awkwardly, not daring to look at her husband in the face. What a terrible question for Aunt Song to ask in front of him. ¡®Does she want to destroy myfortable life?¡¯ Alexia was distracted by thinking about how to avoid the matter as the steady footsteps came up behind her. ¡°Aunt Song, buy throat lozenges please,¡± Mr. Lancaster said in his deep, husky voice. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± Still unaware of the situation, Aunt Song took off her apron and headed for the front hall, the door shutting quietly behind her. And just like that, it was only the two of them in the spacious living room. Chaim looked down at the small woman in front of him and his face darkened as he noticed she was trying to escape. He heard what she said to Aunt Song and discovered he wasn¡¯t in her heart. ¡°Don¡¯t want me back?¡± he asked, shouldering past Alexia and heading toward the couch. ¡°Ah, no, not at all!¡± Alexia smiled stiffly, ¡°I just didn¡¯t realize it was you at the moment.¡± It was true. Over the past three years, Alexia used to look forward to his return day and night, but she was disappointed every time. As a result, she gradually stopped looking forward to it. However, he came back without any warning now, even going as far as having sex with her when she slept. How else did he expect her to react? Alexia carefully sat opposite him, trying to behave how she thought a wife should. But she didn¡¯t get a look, only heard cold but long-awaited words, ¡°From now on, I will live here.¡± ¡°What? ¡­ Eh-hem!¡± Alexia choked on the words, her face flushing as she sat looking at him in disbelief. Upon seeing Chaim¡¯s unhappy look, she covered her mouth, not wanting to make him even more cross with her. After waiting for a response and not getting one, Alexia couldn¡¯t hold her question in any longer. ¡°What brought this decision on so suddenly?¡± Chaim frowned at her question, as if her question was inappropriate. If he remembered correctly, it was his vi and the woman sitting opposite was his legal wife. Why was his wife asking why he wanted to live with her? She even confused him for a stranger. With a sullen face, he put the ss down, got up and said, ¡°Aunt Song has prepared breakfast. You should have some. I¡¯ll drop you off for workter.¡± ¡°Oh, okay¡­¡± Alexia was scared by his cold tone. He left her in the vi for three years without any attention, but now he wanted to live in the home and, what¡¯s more, send her to work? What was wrong with him? She wondered but didn¡¯t have guts to ask him. Was he crazy? Or did Cupid, the God of Love, finally discover her? Chapter 2 The New President Chapter 2 The New President ¡°But¡­ won¡¯t that be a problem for you?¡± Alexia asked cautiously, squeezing her hands together to prevent them from shaking. She worried it would look bad for her to take his car for work with theirplex and embarrassing rtionship. ¡°You can refuse my proposal if you wish. I¡¯m not forcing you to ept it.¡± Chaim red at her. Alexia was so scared that she hurriedly stood up, ¡°No, no, no! I didn¡¯t mean that. I just said that nonsense! Let me have just a moment. I¡¯ll grab my clothes and change quickly!¡± As Chaim watched, Alexia ran upstairs in a panic and ran down gasping only a few secondster. Alexia returned to the table, stuffed the bread into her mouth, and finished it as fast as she could before he said a word. She didn¡¯t want to displease him after what happened earlier that morning. After almost choking to death on her breakfast, she grabbed her bag, put on her high heels, and followed Chaim closely to the car. When she got into the passenger seat and closed the door, his scent of a very masculine cologne tugged at her heartstrings. With her reddening face, she couldn¡¯t help recalling the ¡°steamy dream¡± from the night before, her heart racing, not daring to say a word. Chaim said nothing either the whole way. After a half-hour drive, they arrived in the bustling downtown area where modernmercial buildings spread out before them. Alexia pointed at an intersection in front of them, ¡°I¡¯ll just get out at that intersection. Mypany is right there.¡± She didn¡¯t want to suffer teasing from her colleagues due to the luxury car parked in front of her company. ¡°Here?¡± Chaim frowned lightly as he parked the car at the intersection. ¡°I¡¯ve already bothered you enough today.¡± Unbuckling the seat belt, Alexia was about to get out of the car. However, Chaim called to stop her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Alexia asked hesitantly. She removed her hand from the door handle and dumbly looked at her husband¡¯s brow frowning in ponder, a thought haunting her heart. Could¡­ it be an apology? For his disregard and neglect in the past three years? Would he really apologize? ¡°I don¡¯t want to have a child now.¡± In her uneasy anticipation, the man slowly spat out a cold, cruel sentence, destroying all her fantasies. From N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Huh?¡± Alexia wore a vacant face before understanding what he meant. ¡®How could he say that with such a calm tone?¡¯ she thought. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I understand.¡± She tried her best to sound unconcerned, ¡°I¡¯ll take the contraceptive pills. Anything else?¡± Alexia asked cautiously, with a stiff smile. ¡°Nothing else.¡± Chaim flexed his fingers and tapped the steering wheel, satisfied with Alexia¡¯s answer, but also feeling a little ufortable. He originally married Alexia for her unsophistication, as she was extremely different from those who wanted to marry him by getting pregnant using any means necessary. But why didn¡¯t she want to get pennant at all? Did she really not care about him? Chaim frowned as he suddenly realized his superfluous thoughts. Why should he care about what she thought? He might not have thought of her at all if it weren¡¯t for her suitable bone marrow. They were originally from different social circles, after all. Chaim pressed his lips together, while looking up at the woman with a pure face. It was difficult for him to mention his request for her to donate her bone marrow. Suppressing the irritation in his heart, he spoke in an icy voice, ¡°Nothing, you can go to work now.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Before Alexia could say something, the car started up again and simply disappeared from her sight. She fought her disappointment as she struggled to control her messy hair in the wind, her smile slipping from her lips. She wouldn¡¯t have married Chaim, and became Mrs. Lancaster, if master Lancaster didn¡¯t choose her as the very person three years ago. Now, they were married, and they had sex as husband and wife. In the future, she would be a winner in life in memory of her story with her Mr. Right. She needed to be satisfied, not greedy! She encouraged herself and soon calmed herself down. Until she checked her watch. ¡°Oh no! I¡¯m going to bete!¡± Not daring to dy any longer, Alexia ran into the building with her bag as fast as she could, avoiding everyone in front of her, and punched in at thest minute! She wasn¡¯tte! ¡°Huh?¡± Looking around, Alexia discovered that all her colleagues were whispering quietly to each other about something. She moved about the office suspiciously, and asked her best friend in a low voice, ¡°Lynn, what are they talking about? Why aren¡¯t they working?¡± ¡°Working? Who is in the mood to work now!¡± Lynn Cooper came over. ¡°You don¡¯t know? Several shareholders have dropped out! One of them ran off overseas with thepany¡¯s money overnight! We have no chance to recover it! The other shareholders have to sell their equities. There will be a new boss taking over thepany soon. Who knows whether we can still work here.¡± ¡°They sold thepany?¡± The news startled Alexia to where she felt uneasy. ¡°Even if thepany changed hands, the new president still needs employees working for him, right?.¡± The thought of unemployment disturbed Alexia. After all, this was her first and only job so far. It would be a disaster if she lost it. ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know.¡± Lynn sighed. ¡°These things depend on the new president¡¯s decision, and we can only follow their instruction.¡± ¡°What are you still doing here?¡± The HR manager rushed over to them. ¡°Go out to greet the new president, hurry!¡± Alexia looked back and found no one in the office. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll go over there now.¡± Alexia put her bag down and pulled Lynn over to the lobby in a few quick steps. As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean. If they werete, the new president could punish them as a warning to others. Chapter 3 He Was the New President! Chapter 3 He Was the New President! When they arrived, the lobby was already full of people, and several secretaries were whispering loudly to one another. ¡°Have you heard? The new president is from the capital! He¡¯s both influential and well off! Most importantly, he¡¯s still single!¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°No he¡¯s not! The new president has been married for a long time, but he doesn¡¯t like his wife at all as she was arranged by the family.¡± ¡°No, I knew that, but marriage doesn¡¯t mean his heart is taken. I heard he had a beloved girlfriend and he married his current wife without any love under the pressure from his family after they broke up.¡± While the secretaries talked in full swing, Lynn couldn¡¯t help but to overhear them. She turned to gossip with Alexia. ¡°Aily, did you hear what they said? I wonder what our new boss looks like. Maybe a tall, rich and handsome man?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Alexia yed with the wedding ring on her ring finger. She didn¡¯t care as she married the best man in the world and was really not interested in others at all. She wouldn¡¯t regret it even if Chaim didn¡¯t like her, after all she was the active party in their marriage. No matter what, she would be loyal to him to the end! ¡°Ah! The president is here!¡± The female employees around her excitedly squealed. The manager immediately scolded them in a loud voice, ¡°Shut up! The president will be here soon!¡± and all of them kept their mouths shut. Alexia¡¯s colleagues who were standing on tiptoe and looking hard pushed her aside to see better, and she also looked over to the gate. Through the dense crowd, Alexia watched several business cars parking at the gate, with a ck Maybach at the front. Several higher-ups respectfully stood on either side. As the driver opened the car¡¯s door, a pair of perfectly straight and slender legs wrapped in ck suit pants stepped out of the car. Just looking at such a pair of legs, the female employees beside her covered their mouths and screamed in excitement. He had to be a really handsome man. Could someone with such a pair of long legs look so bad? Alexia moved her gaze up a bit, and noticed that the man came out of the car, wearing a ck suit that outlined the masculine body underneath, with a white shirt and the same ck tie. He looked quite ascetic. When the man spoke with others, his Adam¡¯s apple slid up and down in a mesmerizing way. Alexia couldn¡¯t help feeling enchanted and she risked a nce up toward the man¡¯s face. She had to hold back a gasp when she recognized his face, the face that had greeted her in her dream the night before. OMG! Why did her new president look like¡ªno, it really was Chaim! He, he was the new president? How could she imagine they met again in such a way after parting less than ten minutes prior? And not only that, but to have him be her president? What kind of fate is this! ¡°Hello, Mr. Lancaster. Our employees are waiting for you.¡± A higher-up nodded and bowed respectfully. At that moment, several people exited the cars behind Chaim, both men and women, all wearing suits and leather shoes, carrying briefcases in their hands. They were all business elites. They should be executives and secretaries who were transferred from the headquarters. ¡°Please, let me show you around.¡± Chaim looked around with a poker face and walked towards thepany lobby. Watching Chaim enter the building, many of the female employees couldn¡¯t help blushing and looked at him covertly. Chaim ignored all of them and walked straight to the elevator. Alexia held her breath and lowered her head. She risked a nce up and regretted it instantly as she caught a glimpse of Chaim looking in her direction. Oh no! Would she be discovered? Alexia hastily lowered her head, trying to determine if she should hide or not, but Chaim quickly looked away, acting as if he hadn¡¯t seen anything. Alexia breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, all staff are here. We are really looking forward to your arrival.¡± The higher-ups hurriedly walked over to tter their new president. With no interest in ttery at all, Chaim responded frostily, leading the group of executives into the elevator. As the elevator doors closed, Alexia heard the people around her whispering about Chaim¡¯s appearance and temperament. He seemed to own good words like ¡°handsome¡± or ¡°noble¡± inherently. Alexia wasn¡¯t in the mood to gossip with them. Her heart was racing and she wanted to leave but Lynn pulled her back in excitement. ¡°Aily, did you see it? My goodness, he is so handsome!¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ of course.¡± Alexia desperately tried to steady her breathing, but her lips trembled slightly. She knew better than everyone there how handsome Chaim was. Even yearster, she could still remember meeting him for the first time. At that time, she gave Chaim her heart. She waspletely fascinated by him and wanted to be closer to him. So, when she heard the Lancaster family was looking to choose a suitable wife for him, she plucked up the courage to go to the interview and tried her best to be his wife. But her heart stumbled when she remembered the look in Chaim¡¯s eyes just then, as if he was looking at a stranger. Not to mention his words about not wanting a child. Did he not want a child? Or did he simply not want her to have a child with him? Alexia sighed, she knew Chaim didn¡¯t want others to know about their rtionship, so she never mentioned it to anyone. Perhaps, that was their marriage¡­ Chapter 4 He Chose Her Chapter 4 He Chose Her Thepany¡¯s higher-ups quickly arranged the new president¡¯s office and a high-level meeting was scheduled forter that afternoon. The former executive, Mr. Smith, tteringly asked, ¡°Mr. Lancaster, this is your first day in ourpany. Do you want to arrange a new secretary so you can better understand ourpany?¡± As Mr. Smith spoke, his eyes meaningfully fell on several young and beautiful female secretaries. Obviously, he wanted to use women to please the president. Alexia stood by the side watching so, naturally, she could see the executive¡¯s expression directly. A new secretary? Humph! What was even more irritating was that Chaim didn¡¯t seem to refuse! ¡°Good proposal, Mr. Smith.¡± Chaim stopped as he looked back. There was no noticeable expression on his face, but the female secretaries waiting around him blushed, looking at him with shyness, expecting to be selected. Chaim raised his chin and seemed to choose a person without any consideration. ¡°Just her.¡± The female secretary standing there instantly smiled and blushed. ¡°Oh, Mr. Lancaster, you have a good taste! Although Lucy joined thepany this year, her working ability is particrly good.¡± Mr. Smith took the opportunity to tter. Chaim frowned, ¡°No, not her. I mean the person next to her.¡± ¡°Next to her?¡± Mr. Smith looked over in surprise, seeing Alexia bowing her head and trying to back up. Chaim had said he didn¡¯t want to expose their rtionship, so Alexia naturally followed his meaning. But she didn¡¯t expect all eyes to fall on her suddenly. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, you mean Ms. White?¡± Mr. Smith asked, surprised. ¡°Me?¡± Alexia looked up in shock, and everyone in the corridor stared at her. Surprised, thoughtfully, and even disdainfully. Lynn, along with Alexia, also didn¡¯t expect it. ¡°Aily!¡± She tugged Alexia¡¯s hand hard and whispered, ¡°The president chose you. Did you hear that! You¡¯ve really been chosen!¡± ¡°Yes, I heard it.¡± Alexia tried to pull out her hand away from the pain. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, are you sure you want Ms. White as your secretary?¡± Mr. Smith asked again in disbelief. Mr. Smith had been in thepany for so long. Naturally, he knew what Alexia looked like, a totally unmorous woman. Why did Mr. Lancaster want her? ¡°Yes.¡± Chaim nodded with a little displeasure. ¡°If you¡¯re not satisfied with my choice, then you can tell me who I should choose instead.¡± Among so many women with heavy make-up on the spot, only Alexia was eptable. ¡°No, no. Mr. Lancaster, you do have a sense of humor.¡± Mr. Smith dared to say no more. He hurriedly called Alexia over and whispered to her with a ptrap expression, ¡°Alexia, as Mr. Lancaster¡¯s exclusive secretary, remember to assist Mr. Lancaster well. If you have questions at work, you can ask me.¡± ¡°... O, okay.¡± Alexia responded in a daze. She didn¡¯t know why Chaim would choose her as his secretary. Because their rtionship would be easier if they worked together? She furtively nced over to Chaim as he averted his eyes. He addressed the room coldly and his voice boomed throughout the room, ¡°From now on, employees in thepany must dress professionally, and I don¡¯t want to see anyone trying to disrupt the atmosphere in the office. Otherwise, be gone with your things.¡± He piercingly nced at a few scantily dressed female white-cors in the crowd, scaring them into hurriedly pulling up their cors. Chaim whispered a few words to Mr. Smith before leading executives into the conference room. Once the conference room door was closed, Alexia breathed a sigh of relief. ***** During the lunch break, she didn¡¯t go out to eat, but waited for the delivery driver at her seat. She could faintly hear people around her talking about her. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. Lynn handed her a cup of milky tea, holding her chin and said enviably, ¡°Aily, you¡¯re lucky. You have a chance to see Mr. Lancaster every day. Why am I not as lucky as you?¡± ¡°Lucky? It¡¯s the same as working for someone else. Besides, I¡¯m going to work with Mr. Lancaster, the new president, so I can¡¯t bezy! Maybe I¡¯ll be fired.¡± Alexia responded, not noticing that several people came at the door. The man walking at the front of the group wearily loosened his tie, wanting to inspect the staff cafeteria apanied by several executives. Alexia paid attention to her milky tea, not noticing the movement behind her. ¡°Why?¡± Lynn asked, focused on Alexia without seeing people approaching, ¡°Mr. Lancaster is so handsome, which gives people motivation to go to work every day just so they can keep looking at him.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the use? Can I feed myself with that? I might as well drink more cups of milky tea¡± Alexia murmured. Married to Chaim for three years, she had only met him twice in total and their first night took ce without her awareness. She felt nothing except pain. Well, it¡¯s not really as good as the milky tea in her hand. ¡°You are really¡ª¡± Lynn was about toin that Alexia was unaware of her good fortune when she suddenly glimpsed a person behind her, so her subconsciously looked back, and immediately stood up in fear. ¡°Mr. Lancaster!¡± Chapter 5 He Was Waiting for Her Chapter 5 He Was Waiting for Her Alexia was about to pierce her straw into the milky tea cup when she heard her husband¡¯s name. She looked back, and saw the man in ck suit was standing behind her. Why was he here? ¡°¡­¡± Chaim stared deeply at Alexia with an obviously gloomy face, having heard everything she said clearly. ¡°The staff¡¯s work schedule needs to be adjusted. Even if they don¡¯t want to go to the dining hall for lunch, there¡¯s no need to stay in the office and gossip.¡± ¡°I, I know, Mr. Lancaster,¡± Mr. Smith said, rushing up beside him. ¡°I will definitely make better arrangements to enrich employees¡¯ entertainment life in thepany.¡± He nced at Alexia fiercely before hurriedly following Mr. Lancaster outside. ¡°It¡¯s so awful!¡± Lynn¡¯s face turned pale, ¡°Aily, you¡¯ll be dead meat! Mr. Lancaster must have heard you!¡± ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡± Alexia squeezed out a mirthless smile, and didn¡¯t really want her milky tea anymore. ¡°Lynn, if my takeawayes, please help me get it. I¡¯ll handle the remaining documents.¡± She took her things and hurriedly left, knowing she was probably in trouble. Though she didn¡¯t know him well, Alexia knew what kind of person Chaim was. It was strange if he was not angry. Alexia spent the whole afternoon in the office deliberately, finishing all the work. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Looking up at the clock, 3:00 p.m., not far from the time off work. Seeing that there was really no way to dy, Alexia had to pluck up the courage to make a call to the president¡¯s office. After being promoted to secretary, she had her own office beside the president¡¯s office and she could faintly hear him moving about. The phone was quickly answered, her heartstrings instantly tightened as she heard his voice. ¡°Mr., Mr. Lancaster? It¡¯s me¡­¡± ¡°Sort out all thepany¡¯s projects fromst year to the present and bring them to me before the end of your work day.¡± The man¡¯s cool voice came through the microphone. ¡°All projects?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes widened. Before the end of her work day?! Impossible! ¡°Do you have any questions?¡± he asked coldly. ¡°No, no, none.¡± There was nothing else she dared to say. She offended Chaim first. Who else could be med? After hanging up the phone, she almost cried. She wouldn¡¯t be able to get off work anytime soon. ***** Finally, at 9 p.m., Alexia finally sorted out all the projects. She stretched before bringing all the documents to the president¡¯s office. But there was no one. ¡°I knew it. I was the only one required to work overtime, humph¡­¡± she muttered and ced the documents on Chaim¡¯s desk. Then she returned to her office to shut down theputer, grab her bag, and leave thepany at a weary pace. There was no one on the street thatte at night. Alexia took out her phone to hail a taxi. However, after waiting for nearly twenty minutes, no one took her call. ¡°What a bad day!¡± She was so angry, but her only option was to go to the bus stop not far away to wait for the bus. She only made it two steps when a dazzling light beamed behind her. Looking back, a ck car slowed down to a stop beside her and the car window was rolled down. Chaim frowned and looked at her. He really didn¡¯t expect her to work overtime even though it was his order in the first ce. But what shocked him the most was that he had waited for her until now¡­ ¡°Get in the car.¡± Chaim didn¡¯t want to mention this, so he coldly ordered Alexia instead. ¡°Why, why are you still here?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes widened. Didn¡¯t this man get off work long ago? Was he waiting for her? ¡°I¡¯ll repeat myself only once, get in the car.¡± Chaim knocked on the steering wheel impatiently, not in the mood to waste time with her. ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Hismanding tone made her flinch. Not daring to say anything, she scurried into the passenger seat, ¡°I really don¡¯t have to trouble you. I can wait here for bus.¡± Chaim ignored her words, ¡°Fasten your seat belt.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Alexia nodded quickly. Her Mr. Right not only became her husband, but was also willing to wait for her to get off work. She never dared to dream this before, but now it happened. A dream came true? Alexia clenched her hands, not daring to breathe, fearing that the dream would suddenly end and she would wake up. The speed of the car wasn¡¯t fast and the heating was turned on. For some reason, Alexia suddenly felt ufortable. Her ruddy face became pale, and a cold sweat gradually oozed from her smooth forehead. Chaim quickly realized something was wrong, and stopped the car, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s just a stomach attack.¡± She held her stomach weakly, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine with food and medicine.¡± She had suffered from stomach illness for a long time, which would attack once or twice on asion. She had been used to it all these years. Because the pain became more intense, she subconsciously bent her body slightly while speaking, trying to reduce the pain. Chaim frowned, ¡°We¡¯re going to the hospital.¡± The car quickly turned around. Alexia was in so much pain that she could only curl up in the seat. But the man¡¯s taut profile, the way he seemed to care, made her happy and warm in the heart. With Chaim by her side, she feared nothing! Chapter 6 Alone Chapter 6 Alone In the hospital. After a physical examination, the doctor¡¯s expression was serious but not concerned. ¡°Ms. White, your stomach problem should¡¯vested for quite a while, but luckily it¡¯s not too serious this time. Just pay attention to your diet. ¡°The reason why you had an attack tonight is you don¡¯t have a regr and proper diet. By the way, Ms. White, what did you eat today?¡± ¡®What did I eat?¡¯ Alexia wondered. Alexia looked at Chaim awkwardly. During her lunch break, he startled her, then she worked overtime until the night. How did she have time to eat? ¡°Doctor, is there a cure for this stomach illness?¡± Chaim asked, frowning. For no reason, he felt a little guilty when ncing at his wife¡¯s pale face. The doctor shook his head. ¡°Treatment and management, yes. But no cure. Ms. White¡¯s stomach illness isn¡¯t serious after all. Just focus on following a healthy diet, eating regrly and properly, and providing the stomach nourishing foods for a while.¡± The doctor wrote out a prescription and asked Alexia to rest while the nurse got the medicine before she left. As soon as the doctor left, all of Alexia¡¯s embarrassment she was managing took control and she looked everywhere but at her husband. Alexia squeezed her hand painfully hard and saw the sky outside the window was dark. ¡°The doctor said I would have to get an IV dripter. I won¡¯t go back untilte, and you should head home and get some rest.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m waiting here.¡± Chaim¡¯s face was nk, and Alexia was at a loss for what to say. Chaim pulled a chair next to the bed and sat down, taking out his phone as if he was going to handle official business. Although Chaim didn¡¯t offer any words offort, Alexia couldn¡¯t help but smile, looking at him sitting there with her. She stared at him for a while, then mustered up the courage to mutter, ¡°In fact, when I was sick before, I wished someone woulde to the hospital with me.¡± ¡®So I didn¡¯t have to be alone,¡¯ she thought. Chaim looked up. Alexia¡¯s face looked even paler in the light. When she lowered her head, she showed her slender neck, making her look extremely thin. By some chance, a sour feeling suddenly hit his heart. He frowned at the unfamiliar feeling, trying to discern what it meant. Seeing his expression, Alexia immediately worried her words upset him. Not wanting to make things worse, she hastily exined, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯m not ming you, I just¡ª¡± A sob in her throat cut her off, and it took her a while to regain control of her emotions¡­ On the day they got married, Chaim exined clearly that he didn¡¯t like her at all. There would be no love between them. ¡°You¡¯ll sleep first.¡± Chaim said coldly after Alexiaposed herself. ¡°Okay¡­¡± Alexia didn¡¯t dare to say more and obediently closed her eyes to rest, fearing that the more she said, the more mistakes she made. After working long hours that evening and all the stress that came from lying on the hospital bed, Alexia quickly fell asleep. Chaim looked up at her sleeping figure and contemted their marriage. Alexia was very pleasing and afort in his eye. Her face was delicate and beautiful. She had a pretty nose and fair skin, and although not a gorgeous beauty, she was pretty and lovely. Especially when she looked at him, there was always bright joy in her eyes¡­ Buzz! The phone buzzed again, drawing Chaim out of his thoughts. With a sigh, Chaim grabbed his phone and strode into a waiting room to take his call without disturbing Alexia. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Sir, Ms. Chi is not very well. The doctor said that surgery might be needed at any time. They need you to make a decision as soon as possible.¡± Hearing the assistant¡¯s nervous words, Chaim¡¯s expression turned grave. ¡°I will call the doctor tomorrow with my decision.¡± ¡°Okay, thank you, Sir.¡± Hanging up the phone and heading back to Alexia¡¯s room, he stood in the doorway looking at his wife inside, everything being far moreplicated than he wanted it to be. He had almost forgotten about his wife. And this time he came back for something else. Ironically, when he looked at her sleeping face, he couldn¡¯t say anything. But the matter needed to be resolved! When Alexia woke up, the IV drip needle had been removed. She rubbed her eyes as the doctor came in. ¡°Doctor, I don¡¯t think my stomach hurts anymore. When can I be discharged?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be discharged for now. Mr. Lancaster spoke to me and hopes you¡¯ll stay in the hospital for observation for a few days. He wants to make sure your stomach illness isn¡¯t serious.¡± ¡°Where is he now?¡± Alexia asked, surprised. She struggled to sit up. If she stayed in the hospital, she would have to ask for a leave from work. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°Mr. Lancaster has already left. He said he woulde back tomorrow. Ms. White, I think Mr. Lancaster¡¯s worries are valid.¡± After some persuasion, the doctor left Alexia¡¯s room, a nurse calling for him. Alexia couldn¡¯t defy Chaim¡¯s order, so shey back against the pillows and dazedly fell asleep again. The next morning, as she woke up and reached for the button to ring for a nurse for her breakfast, a commotion outside drew her attention. Not wanting to get in trouble, she hurriedlyy back down and closed her eyes. When the door opened, she pretended to just be waking up and opened her eyes, to find that the person wasn¡¯t the doctor or Chaim, but Chaim¡¯s grandfather, Ro Lancaster. Chapter 7 She Wanted a Child Chapter 7 She Wanted a Child ¡°Grandpa, why are you here?¡± Alexia asked, hurriedly getting up and watching Grandpa Lancaster walking in and leading a few people who held tonics. Not getting a response, Alexia tried again. ¡°Grandpa, have a seat here.¡± Even though Grandpa Lancaster smiled kindly at Alexia, she couldn¡¯t help being nervous when she got up and pulled a chair over for him. ¡°Ha-ha, alright. Aily, you have a seat too.¡± Grandpa Lancaster smilingly sat down and sped Alexia¡¯s hand, ¡°I heard that you were hospitalized last night. The supplements are especially prepared for you. How do you feel now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, Grandpa, you don¡¯t have toe here specially for me. You could¡¯ve just called me.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Grandpa Lancaster looked at Alexia¡¯s belly as he asked in a concerned tone, ¡°How do you feel now? Did you want to vomit, or maybe do you want to eat something?¡± ¡°Wh-what?¡± Alexia was stunned. She just had stomach problems; why would Grandpa ask her these questions? ¡°Why are you still so unconcerned? Pay more attention to your diet now.¡± Grandpa Lancaster said in earnestness. After hearing the newsst night, he was certain she must be pregnant. Seeing her confused expression, Grandpa Lancaster reminded her again, ¡°If there is any difort, remember to tell the doctor. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to my great-grandson.¡± ¡®Great-grandson?¡¯ ¡°This¡­ Grandpa, I was hospitalized because of a stomachache, not because of pregnancy.¡± So big a mistake! How could she get pregnant so easily after gettingid with Chaim only once? ¡°Not pregnant?¡± Grandpa Lancaster¡¯s smile immediately disappeared and he asked unhappily, ¡°Really? Don¡¯t you lie to me?¡± ¡°Grandpa?¡± Chaim entered Alexia¡¯s room with breakfast and stopped in surprise when he saw his grandfather. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°Is there a problem with me being here?¡± Grandpa Lancaster¡¯s expression grew sullen, ¡°You¡¯ve been married for three years but haven¡¯t had a child! Are you nning to piss me off?¡± Grandpa Lancaster¡¯s son and daughter-inw, Chaim¡¯s parents, passed away early, and he only had one grandson. If Chaim and Alexia didn¡¯t have children quickly, who would the future of the Lancaster family be passed on to? ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t worry. We have our own n.¡± Chaim put breakfast on the table and patiently comforted Grandpa Lancaster. ¡°Aily, am I right?¡± Chaim looked at Alexia and because he rarely called her by her first name, Alexia stuttered in her answer. ¡°Huh? Yeah¡­ yes, Grandpa, he is right.¡± Alexia answered, her face reddening. From N?velDrama.Org. ¡®That¡¯s the first time Chaim called me by my first name.¡¯ Alexia was happy in secret. ¡°Humph!¡± Grandpa Lancaster saw through their ruse, ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll wait. But don¡¯t even think abouting back to visit me until you have a child!¡± ¡°Grandpa, don¡¯t worry.¡± Chaim stepped forward to help Grandpa Lancaster up, ¡°You shall go back and rest first. There are too many bacteria in the hospital.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, master.¡± The Lancaster family¡¯s old housekeeper also stepped forward to persuade, ¡°Look, the young master is waiting to have breakfast with the youngdy. How about we leave them to their meal?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Hearing this, Grandpa Lancaster started calming down, and stood up to leave before retorting, ¡°Take this matter seriously. Don¡¯t try to fool me!¡± They left quickly and the room was quiet once more. Alexia was relieved, but soon became embarrassed again. If she couldn¡¯t have a child¡­ Would Grandpa ask her to divorce Chaim? Their marriage was originally set by Grandpa¡­ But Chaim made it quite clear on their wedding day he didn¡¯t want to even think about having children. Chaim turned around, and felt a little guilty seeing Alexia sitting on her bed with a mncholy face, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry. I will solve it.¡± How could he solve it? Alexia looked up in surprise. Did he agree to have a child with her? Before she could say anything else, Chaim continued. ¡°Breakfast is here, don¡¯t forget to eat. Aunt Song wille hereter; I need to go back to work now.¡± Chaim didn¡¯t seem interested in continuing the topic and left after giving Alexia a few more instructions. Alexia sat on the bed in a daze, her heart hurt intensely¡­ It was the same situation. He didn¡¯t want to have children with her. ***** After several days of observation in the hospital, Alexia was finally allowed to leave the hospital. Chaim didn¡¯t visit her even once during her time in the hospital. Their rtionship seemed to have returned to the starting point. ¡°Ms. Alexia, I will go down to arrange the driver first,¡± Aunt Song said, grabbing Alexia¡¯s duffel bag and leaving the room. Alexia headed for the elevator after washing her face. But as soon as she reached for the elevator button, someone suddenly grabbed her arm. Alexia turned around and saw her mother¡¯s anxious face. ¡°Mom, why are you here?¡± ¡°Aily, how much money you have, give it to me. Now!¡± Mrs. White said, reaching for Alexia¡¯s purse. Alexia was taken aback, and subconsciously took out her wallet. ¡°Mom, what happened?¡± Chapter 8 Chase the Thief Chapter 8 Chase the Thief ¡°Charlie crashed into another car, and now the car owner is demandingpensation!¡± ¡°What?¡± Alexia asked in surprise. ¡°How¡¯s Charlie? Is he injured?¡± ¡°He¡¯s okay, but he needs topensate the car¡¯s owner soon. Oh, is there enough money on this card? You go to draw money quickly.¡± Mrs. White avoided Alexia¡¯s inquiry and urged her. Alexia had no time to ask for more information before the elevator doors opened. Mrs. White gave Alexia¡¯s bank card back, shoved Alexia into the elevator, and urged Alexia to hurry once again. When the doors closed, Alexia looked at the card in her hand. It was her sry credit card with nearly three thousand dors on it. When the elevator opened to the main floor of the hospital, Alexia went to the ATM in the hospital gift shop. She considered the consequences of withdrawing all her funds for a moment, but quickly pushed those thoughts aside when she thought of her brother. Alexia grabbed the money and her card, putting it all away in her wallet. She was about to find Mrs. White, when a stranger rushed toward her and snatched her bag. After a few seconds, Alexia regained her senses and realized he robbed her. ¡°Stop! Help! That man just robbed me!¡± ¡°What¡¯s the point in shouting here? Chase after him!¡± Mrs. White came and pushed her in exasperation. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Alexia hurried outside, but the thief ran so fast that he was already halfway down the street. Alexia watched in helplessness as the thief crossed the road and was about to run into the alley when someone grabbed the thief¡¯s arm and threw him to the ground! ¡°Dare to rob a woman in public. Someone is rather cocky, isn¡¯t it?¡± The man was so skillful. He seemed to control the thief at ease with just a disdainful smile. Alexia ran up and snatched her bag back, making sure everything was still there before breathing a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank you so much for your help. How can I repay you for your kindness?¡± The man looked up and smiled, showing his amorous eyes under the neat and scattered bangs, and a charming and seductive mole under his eye. ¡°Please don¡¯t worry about it. Helping such a prettydy is my pleasure.¡± Alexia¡¯s heart skipped a beat before she realized she should call the police. She dug through her bag and pulled out her phone. Realizing the situation he was now in, the thief hurriedly begged for mercy in horror. ¡°I have returned the bag to you, so please let me go! I will never do it again!¡± ¡°Oh, so you do know thews you broke. In that case, why did you snatch my bag? Did you really think you would get away without punishment?¡± Alexia spatted, ¡°You look like a healthy man. But how could you try and steal near the hospital? Have you ever considered that this money might be used to save lives!¡± Out of anger, she kicked the thief a few times in the ribs. Watching Alexia go from helpless to merciless, Joseph Swift smiled at Alexia in interest. Finally a woman who wouldn¡¯t suffer in vain. ***** At the same moment, in front of the hospital. Chaim parked his car and checked the time, just in time for Alexia to be discharged from hospital. He stepped out of the car and strolled towards the hospital. For some reason, several troubling thoughts filled his mind and he couldn¡¯t rx until he saw Alexia again. After waiting for a long time, Aunt Song still hadn¡¯te downstairs yet. Chaim started worrying something was wrong. Walking toward the Inpatient Department, a hurried woman stopped in front of him. He stared at her in frustration, slightly recognizing her but not caring enough to remember her. ¡°Lady, what¡¯s the matter with you?¡± ¡°Chaim, it¡¯s me! Don¡¯t you remember me? I¡¯m Aily¡¯s mom!¡± ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Chaim looked at her and recalled her vaguely. Out of respect for his elders, he asked, ¡°Auntie, are you alsoing for Aily?¡± ¡°Yes, ha-ha, you can say that.¡± Mrs. White¡¯s attitude was weirder than he remembered. She didn¡¯t dare to look directly into Chaim¡¯s eyes. Chaim frowned. He always felt that Mrs. White was hiding something. ¡°Auntie, where is Aily?¡± ¡°It makes me so angry to talk about it! Aily went to withdraw money for her brother and a thief came by and snatched it! I was so furious, I had Aily chase him! ¡°You are letting her chase the thief alone?¡± Chaim¡¯s face darkened. ¡®Could such a petite woman chase a thief?¡¯ he wondered. ¡°I¡¯ll go and see!¡± Ignoring Mrs. White, Chaim walked towards the lobby downstairs, hoping to find Alexia. ***** In the police station. After going to the police station with the police and making a record, it waste. Alexia had to rush back to the hospital to give her mom the money. Before leaving, she specially thanked the man who helped her. ¡°Sir, thank you again. I apologize for any trouble I may have caused.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I was more than happy to help a woman in need.¡± Joseph smiled, his eyes curving up with his lips. ¡°I heard your name is Alexia White just now, right? My name is Joseph Swift.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too polite, Mr. Swift. I wish I could thank you more, but I still have some urgent matters to attend to. Please, let me treat you to dinner some other time.¡± ¡°What is so urgent that you don¡¯t even have time to eat a meal?¡± Joseph asked, blocking Alexia¡¯s path. Alexia¡¯s cheeks flushed. Her younger brother was still waiting for the money. But, Joseph¡¯s expression was sincere and he looked like he really wanted to make friends with her. The man had helped her so that she couldn¡¯t upset him. ¡°Mr. Swift, we¡ª¡± Alexia worried about how to exin the situation when a deep, familiar voice cut her off. ¡°You can speak with me, gentleman.¡± Chapter 9 Five Million Chapter 9 Five Million Without waiting for Alexia to turn around, Chaim grabbed her and hugged her into his arm. Alexia looked up to meet Chaim¡¯s stern face in surprise. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I met your mother at the hospital. She told me you ran after a thief.¡± Chaim¡¯s tone was indifferent, but his calm gaze fell on her. After ensuring she was not injured, he turned to Joseph, reaching out his hand. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Aily¡¯s husband. Thank you for helping my wife.¡± ¡°Husband?¡± Joseph turned to Alexia in surprise. ¡°Ms. White, are you married?¡± He thought Alexia was a fresh graduate, but she was actually married. ¡°Mr. Swift, I¡¯ve been married for three years.¡± Alexia showed him the wedding ring as her heart fluttered. This was the first time she heard Chaim admit their rtionship. ¡°Excuse me, we have other urgent things. If you needpensation, we can talkter.¡± Chaim nodded, gave Joseph his business card, and led Alexia to the car. ¡°You¡­ how did you know I¡¯m here?¡± Alexia asked cautiously when she entered the car. ¡°A passer-by has seen you.¡± Chaim replied coldly with an expressionless face. ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡± Alexia lowered her head disappointedly, savoring the remaining warmth from Chaim¡¯s palm on her shoulder. She hoped he would be very nervous about her. However, as expected, she was only ttering herself. Chaim started the car and asked again, ¡°Your mother told me something. Did you run out of cash now?¡± In order to get the money back, she ran after the thief without considering personal safety. Fortunately, Joseph was there to help her. Chaim didn¡¯t want to imagine what would happen if Alexia faced the thief alone, or the thief carried a weapon. Alexia lowered her head without words. The air in the car was painfully silent. After a long moment, Chaim said, ¡°If you really need money, you can ask me.¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t need your money.¡± Alexia quickly refused, much to Chaim¡¯s surprise. Although she really needed money, Alexia didn¡¯t need others¡¯ help. Especially Chaim¡¯s. Alexia married Chaim only for the love she had hidden for years, not for his money. ¡°I thought you needed it and that¡¯s why you chased the thief.¡± Chaim¡¯s face darkened. Nobody had ever rejected him so simply and quickly. ¡°I need to meet up with my mom. Can you drop me off there?¡± The police dyed Alexia for so long; she didn¡¯t know if her mother would wait at the hospital or not. Maybe she had gone home long ago. ¡°OK.¡± Chaim turned around and drove toward Mrs. White¡¯s neighborhood. He parked the car outside Mrs. White¡¯s house and, out of politeness, he followed Alexia. Alexia gripped her bag. Even though Chaim and Alexia were married for three years, it was the first time Chaim was visiting her family. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like anyone¡¯s home.¡± Chaim said. ¡°Let me check.¡± Alexia blushed and hurried toward the front door, not wanting to see his expression. Alexia pushed the door and found it was unlocked. Worried, she called out, ¡°Mom, are you back?¡± ¡°What took you so long? Do you not care about your brother? Did you recover the money? Show me!¡± Mrs. White entered the entry hall from the living room and snatched Alexia¡¯s bag, not noticing Chaim walking up the front steps. ¡°Is this it?¡± She took out all money in the bag and counted it as her face darkened. ¡°Do you really think this measly amount will help! You really don¡¯t care about your brother after all!¡± ¡°Mom, this is all my money. What¡¯s going on with Charlie? Won¡¯t this help appease the other driver?¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. Mrs. White rolled her eyes. ¡°You foolish girl. Charlie didn¡¯t crash into another car at all. He lost about one million because of stocks, but I couldn¡¯t really say that in front of all those people, could I?¡± ¡°Aily, ask Chaim Lancaster for money. You¡¯re married; his money is naturally yours!¡± ¡°Mom!¡± Alexia¡¯s face turned pale. She knew her mother was crass, but she never thought her mother would be so forward with her thoughts. Then Alexia remembered Chaim. ¡®Oh no! Chaim must have heard it!¡¯ Alexia looked back in panic, wishing to close the door immediately. What would he think of her family? ¡°One million, right?¡± Chaim¡¯s distinctive deep voice came from the front porch before he stepped inside and stood next to Alexia. He calmly nced at Alexia before turning his attention to Mrs. White. Alexia lowered her head, embarrassed. She wanted to exin it was just a misunderstanding and her mother really didn¡¯t mean what she said, but¡­ if she couldn¡¯te up with one million, how could she help her brother? Was there any other way except for asking for Chaim¡¯s help? ¡°Oh, you¡¯vee over too, Chaim? Aily, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡± Mrs. White smiled warmly again and reached out to invite Chaim, ¡°Chaim,e in and sit¡ª¡± ¡°No need for that, Auntie.¡± He declined appropriately, then took out his phone and called his assistant, Wood Chiao. ¡°Wood, prepare a check for five million and bring it to me.¡± Chapter 10 Who Was Evelyn Chapter 10 Who Was Evelyn Five, five million! Alexia looked up in shock. Why five million? Her brother only owed less than a million! ¡°Chaim, you¡­ Oh, I¡¯ve always said how much of a blessing it is for our Aily to marry you!¡± Mrs. White¡¯s smile grew wider. She¡¯d known for a long while that a rich son-inw would help them one day. ¡°Auntie, this really isn¡¯t anything to get flustered about. Shouldn¡¯t you ask why Aily was in the hospital?¡± he coldly reminded her in a heavy tone. ¡°This, this¡­¡± Mrs. Whiteughed embarrassedly, ¡°I have asked, Aily just has an upset stomach. This is amon urrence for her. As long as she eats on time and takes medicine, it will be fine.¡± Alexia stood beside Chaim without words. Since she was little, her parents always preferred her younger brother and cared little for her. After so many years, she was used to it, and it didn¡¯t bother her much anymore. ¡°Auntie, I hope you know frequent stomachache is not a good thing,¡± he said while checking his wristwatch, ¡°There are other things I have to do. Auntie, I¡¯ll leave first. My assistant will send the check hereter. Let¡¯s go.¡± Before Alexia could react, Chaim grabbed her wrist in a strong but gentle way. He guided Alexia out of the house and toward the car without another word. ¡°Chaim, why did you give my mom so much money?¡± Alexia had the courage to ask the question once they were outside away from the house. ¡®Why?¡¯ Was it because he cared about her, or was he used to measuring others with money? ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s not important.¡± Telling her to fasten the safety belt coldly, he started the car with a creased brow. The reason he didn¡¯t respond was because he didn¡¯t know the answer himself. Facing a greedy and aloof woman like Mrs. White, he actually felt angry. As for the extra money¡­ he treated it as compensation for Alexia. ¡°But¡­¡± Alexia wanted to say more. But seeing his expression, the guilt that rushed to her throat was swallowed again. Allowing her mother to ept such arge amount of money, she didn¡¯t know how to make it up to him. After returning home, Chaim told Alexia to rest and went out again not too long after. Alexia was so confused she couldn¡¯t fall asleep and tossed and turned in bed for hours. ***** The next morning, Alexia woke up with huge dark circles under her eyes. She was up all night thinking about ways she could repay Chaim, but it seemed like it would take a lifetime. ¡°Ms. Alexia, I¡¯ve prepared breakfast, are you awake?¡± Aunt Song called from outside the door. ¡°Yes, Aunt Song. I¡¯ll be down soon.¡± Alexia quickly freshened up before heading downstairs. She found Chaim was enjoying breakfast at the table when she entered the dining room. Alexia slowed down subconsciously when seeing her husband. Their rtionship seemed to change from couple to creditor and debtor quite suddenly. Though, there was no love between them originally¡­ Chaim nced up at Alexia but didn¡¯t pay much attention to her. He got up and wiped his hands clean after breakfast, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there soon!¡± Not wanting to make him wait too long, Alexia hurriedly finished the breakfast and followed him out. ording to what they agreed before, Chaim let Alexia out at the same intersection. Alexia hurried to the office and was about to punch in when she overheard her colleagues¡¯ gossip. ¡°Look, it¡¯s so different. The new president promoted her to secretary on the first day. Not everyone has this privilege.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because she¡¯s better in bed so she can hook up with the president.¡± Lynn also heard their gossip and angrily wanted to argue with them. Alexia stopped her in time, ¡°Lynn, forget it. We can¡¯t control their thoughts and trying will only make it worse.¡± ¡°These people can do nothing except gossip!¡± Lynn stared at them. ¡°Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s time to work.¡± After working in thepany for so long, Alexia was naturally aware of the in-house conflicts. Once in her office, Alexia rearranged the documents Chaim demanded and nned to send them to him. She would work hard to pay off the money he loaned her mother as soon as possible! ¡°Chaim, Evelyn¡¯s surgery has been scheduled. You arranged it, right? You also asked Wood to send money to the woman. Is thatpensation?¡± Walking toward Chaim¡¯s office, Alexia was about to knock on the door when the conversation inside caught her attention. That voice¡­ Alexia remembered hearing it when she married Chaim. But what were they talking about? What was that about sending money andpensation? And¡­ who was Evelyn? Alexia got closer to the door, wanting to hear clearly. But, as soon as she went to lean against it, someone pulled the door open, causing Alexia to lose her bnce. She fell forward only to be caught by a pair of strong hands. ¡°Why are you here, sister-inw? Were you eavesdropping on us?¡± Chapter 11 Do You Know Him Well Chapter 11 Do You Know Him Well ¡°No, I don¡¯t¡­¡± Alexia blushed at being called ¡°sister-inw¡± and quickly regained her footing. ¡°Please, don¡¯t call me that.¡± The person in question was Chaim¡¯s best friend, Nathaniel Hardy. Alexia looked around nervously and rxed a bit once she was sure no one else was there. Alexia¡¯s expression amused Nathaniel. He knew a little about Alexia¡¯s character but was certain she wasn¡¯t the type Chaim would¡¯ve picked on his own. Chaim would never have married her if Grandpa Lancaster hadn¡¯t insisted. ¡°Sister, you¡ª¡± ¡°Alexia, what are you doing just standing there?¡± Chaim called from inside the office, his tone cold and annoyed. Chaim had already hinted once for her to get back to work, but she didn¡¯t seem to care enough to listen. Even though Chaim had spent thest three years away, Alexia should know better than to act so ambiguous around others. They were still married, after all. ¡°Is something wrong, Alexia? You¡¯re still just standing there.¡± Chaim asked, more annoyed than before. ¡°No, nothing!¡± Alexia regained herself quickly and nced apologetically at Nathaniel as she passed, hurriedly handing the documents to Chaim. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, I¡¯ve sorted all the documents you asked for. Please check them. If there is nothing else, I¡¯ll be heading back to my desk.¡± Chaim flipped open a folder, and his face darkened. ¡°Are you sure you have read all these documents?¡± ¡°Y-yes, I¡¯ve read them all.¡± Alexia stuttered. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, is there a problem?¡± From N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Then you really should read it again!¡± Chaim closed the folder with a snap. ¡°No one has signed the Midstream Entertainment contract because of some unfinished details, but you marked it as completed? Have you checked these details carefully? If thepany¡¯s billing has any problem, are you ready to be responsible for it?¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Lancaster! I¡¯m going to revise it now.¡± Alexia said, face paling as she reached for the pile of documents once again. ¡°Wait.¡± Chaim stopped her and nodded toward a stack of papers and signed contracts on his desk, ¡°Sort these documents too.¡± The previous president and administration of thepany mismanaged everything; they didn¡¯t ssify many documents at all. Since Alexia was already working on other documents, Chaim wanted to take advantage of the situation and had her organize the others as well. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to ssify all of these as well?¡± ¡°Yes. What are you doing still standing here?¡± Chaim frowned. ¡°But, Mr. Lancaster, there are too many documents. I don¡¯t know how long it will take me if I deal with them alone. I¡ª¡± ¡°If you had time to stand here and eavesdrop just now, you should have plenty of time to work. Or, perhaps you don¡¯t need toe tomorrow.¡± ¡°No¡­ I understand.¡± Alexia lowered her head and didn¡¯t dare say another word. She quickly stepped forward to collect all the documents. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, I will do it now.¡± She hadn¡¯t repaid the five million yet. She couldn¡¯t lose her job. ¡°Sister, be careful.¡± Seeing Alexia holding such arge number of documents, Nathaniel wanted to help her. But Chaim¡¯s expression was bing darker. Instead, Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, closed the door, and poured a cup of tea for himself. ¡°Chaim, unless I don¡¯t know you anymore, did you just be jealous of the conversation between Alexia and I?¡± ¡°Stop thinking so high of yourself. I¡¯m not interested in such a simpleton.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Nathaniel asked in surprise. ¡°Why did you make her your secretary, then? I really don¡¯t understand you anymore.¡± Chaim scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to do today? You¡¯re always focusing on the wrong people and things.¡± ¡°The wrong people?¡± Nathaniel smiled suddenly. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to care about these things. I just wanted to remind you of your goal. You¡¯ve already decided you want to do this. Don¡¯t go regretting it in the future.¡± ¡°I know very well what I¡¯m doing.¡± Chaim squinted and could vaguely see the secretary¡¯s office outside through the blinds. Alexia was sorting out the documents in frustration, her eyebrows knitting together and forehead creasing. Her face wasn¡¯t exquisite and picturesque, but her skin was fair and supple, which was pleasing enough. Thinking about his unusual behavior, Chaim¡¯s face darkened even more. He would never love such a woman! ***** ¡°Aily, how long before you finish? It¡¯s already noon. How about going on after a meal?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t, I don¡¯t have time. You should just go without me.¡± Rubbing her sore arms, Alexia looked at Lynn over the pile of documents on the desk. ¡°Lynn, there are still so many documents needed to check. If I don¡¯t finish this before the end of the day, I will definitely have to work overtime.¡± If Alexia wasn¡¯t efficient and worked until the early hours of morning, there wouldn¡¯t be any cars to hail to take her home. ¡°Why do you need to check so many documents?¡± Lynn frowned. ¡°Do you have to finish it today? OMG! No one can finish this many documents in a single day? Mr. Lancaster must be mad.¡± ¡°Lynn¡­¡± Alexia sighed and leaned over the desk. ¡°I told you Mr. Lancaster wasn¡¯t easy to get along with. He¡¯s very strict and doesn¡¯t tolerate even the smallest of human errors. In his eyes. It¡¯s an employee¡¯s responsibility to handle all tasks perfectly. He doesn¡¯t care if you¡¯re tired or not.¡± Alexia finished in a low voice to avoid being heard by others. ¡°Really?¡± Lynn¡¯s eyes widened in fright. ¡°Thankfully, he didn¡¯t select me then. Otherwise, I would be dead before the end of the week!¡± Lynn carefully nced at the president¡¯s office. ¡°Aily, you have only been his secretary for a few days. Why do you seem to know Mr. Lancaster so well after such a short time?¡± ¡°I just¡ª¡± Alexia was speechless and was about to skip this subject when a movement outside the door caught her eye. Chapter 12 Chaim Would Sleep with Her Chapter 12 Chaim Would Sleep with Her Alexia turned toward Chaim¡¯s office and watched Nathaniel leaving with a phone in his hand. His eyes fell on her with interest, and Alexia blushed, unsure of whether he heard anything. Lynn followed Alexia¡¯s gaze and hurried away as soon as she saw Nathaniel, not wanting to get into trouble or make Alexia¡¯s situation worse. Nathaniel hesitantly walked into Alexia¡¯s office, giving Lynn a nod as she passed. ¡°Sister, do I really look so scary? Why did your friend leave as soon as she saw me?¡± ¡°Oh, you just misunderstand her.¡± Alexia felt so guilty that the words tumbled out without a thought. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re so good-looking and my friend is shy.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Nathaniel¡¯s smile grew at the thought. Nathaniel came from a distinguished family and heard a lot of ttery over the years. But no one was as straightforward as Alexia. Nathaniel wasn¡¯t sure how to respond to such bluntness. Seeing his troubled expression, Alexia worried she said the wrong thing and tried to exin herself. ¡°No, no, I was talking nonsense. Mr. Hardy, please don¡¯t mind me.¡± After being tortured by the pile of documents all morning, and speaking ill of Chaim with Lynn, Alexia worried Nathaniel would say something. So, she wanted to change the topic as fast as possible. Unexpectedly, the more she said, the more wrong she was. Alexia and Nathaniel didn¡¯t know each other well enough, so her words were too abrupt. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I know you¡¯re joking.¡± Nathaniel smiled. ¡°Sister, you don¡¯t need to be so polite. I¡¯ve known Chaim for so long. You are his wife and my sister.¡± ¡°Oh, is that all¡­¡± Alexia breathed a sigh of relief, but her eyes dimmed a little. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long I will remain your sister ¡­¡± ¡°Sister, what are you saying?¡± ¡°No, nothing, forget it.¡± Alexia shook her head. Her look made Nathaniel¡¯s smile bigger. He nced at the president¡¯s office before continuing. ¡°By the way, sister, I heard thepany has arranged a wee party for Chaim today. Will you be joining in the festivities?¡± ¡°Wee party?¡± Alexia blinked. Someone did mention about the party, but it hadpletely slipped her mind until Nathaniel mentioned it again. Even though Chaim had already taken over thepany, the original higher-ups would naturally still arrange a reception to wee him all the same. The entirepany already knew about it and had been whispering about it in the restrooms and while eating lunch. Many rumors imed that Chaim also invited some of his friends to develop connections for thepany. ¡°I think I¡¯ll have to see how much work I still have to do first¡­¡± Alexia looked at the documents on the desk, and her head pounded. If she didn¡¯t finish her work before going, she would get stared at all the time when she was at the reception. Nathaniel seemed to understand the situation and left after bidding her farewell.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. After a busy day, Alexia returned home, and she was so tired that she fell asleep, still wearing her clothes. It wasn¡¯t long before the bedroom door opened again, and Chaim stepped into the room. He¡¯d been able to see Alexia sleeping through the light from the streetmp outside the window. He slowed his pace, and walked to the bedside lightly. The nkets covering on Alexia were messy, and her clothes crumpled because of her sleeping position. She never wore the clothes Aunt Song purchased at Chaim¡¯s request. But with Alexia¡¯s temperament, that wasn¡¯t surprising. Even if the clothes were of the finest silks, Alexia still wouldn¡¯t feel great in them. So Chaim had to deal with her wearing her simple clothes. Chaim looked at her with a little dislike. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Alexia twitched. Chaim took a subconscious step back, only to see Alexia humming and turning over. Maybe it was because she was sleeping in a business suit, but Alexia was so ufortable that she tore the cor of her shirt. Chaim looked at it in bewilderment. Before taking another breath, Alexia turned over again and she continued to pull her clothes off in her sleep, even going as far as taking off her underwear. The pure white garment just happened to be thrown at his feet. Alexia took in a full breath, turned back over, and changed her position again, finally seeming to sleep in a rxed posture. The heat in his body grew stronger as Chaim breathed and stared down at his wife. After Alexia took off her underwear, her body finally rxedpletely. Sheid there for a while longer, eyes closed, before getting up to take a bath. As a result, as soon as she opened her eyes, she screamed when she saw the figure standing there. ¡°Ah!¡± Alexia was scared by Chaim, and she almost fell off the bed. ¡°What are you screaming?¡± Chaim frowned in displeasure and unbuttoned his shirt fretfully. ¡°I, I don¡¯t¡­ I¡¯m just unsure why you¡¯re here.¡± Alexia breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Chaim¡¯s voice, and looked at him again in confusion. ¡°Why can¡¯t I be here?¡± His expression darkened. ¡°Alexia, you have to remember we are married. Is it because I have seldom come back in the past few years? And you consider yourself single?¡± ¡°No, nothing like that.¡± Alexia quickly exined. ¡°I Just never know when you¡¯ll be back. How about I ask Aunt Song to clean up the guest room¡ª¡± ¡°Guest room?¡± Chaim cut Alexia off. ¡°Why should I sleep in the guest room? Am I a guest here?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean that!¡± Alexia stood up, looking up at his sullen face, and asked carefully, ¡°Are, are you going to sleep with me tonight?¡± Chapter 13 Waiting Chapter 13 Waiting ¡°Is that not OK?¡± Her expression made him angrier. Alexia really didn¡¯t seem to understand her duties in the marriage and didn¡¯t regard him as a wife should. Otherwise, why would his appearance surprise her so much? In the past three years, he never cared about those things. Now he was thinking about it, he didn¡¯t even know what purpose his wife served at all! ¡°Of course there¡¯s no problem, but¡ª¡± Alexia squeezed her fingers. ¡°Why are you sleeping with me tonight? Did you drink too much?¡± ¡°Does it look like I drank too much?¡± Chaim squinted as Alexia shook her head. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you see what you look like now?¡± ¡°Me?¡± Alexia paused in surprise and looked down at her half naked body. She gasped and wrapped the nkets around her. ¡°I, I¡­¡± Alexia blushed and couldn¡¯t seem to find her words. Chaim stared coldly at her and sneered. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just take your clothes off in a flurry? Why cover it now?¡± ¡°I thought I was alone!¡± Alexia said, quickly picking up her underwear and hiding them behind her. ¡°As the woman of the Lancaster family, even if you are alone, you must pay attention to your image. Otherwise, you will tarnish the reputation of the Lancaster family and yourself!¡± ¡°I know.¡± Alexia lowered head in shame, ¡°I won¡¯t do it again. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Chaim snorted coldly and took off his coat as he left the room. Alexia nced at his back as the door shut and breathed a sigh of relief before walking to the bathroom. Soaking in the bathtub, Alexia covered her face in hands, not being able to shake her nerves. She didn¡¯t know what Chaim was thinking. Was he really willing to live and sleep with her now? Was it possible he wanted to be a proper husband? Thinking of that, Alexia couldn¡¯t help smiling, and sped up the bath. However, when she entered the bedroom again, there was no one in the room, but the suit jacket was randomly thrown on the chair. ¡°Where did he go?¡± Alexia muttered and left the room. In the living room, Aunt Song was still cleaning the floor. ¡°Aunt Song, have you seen Chaim?¡± Alexia asked, clutching the cor of her bathrobe. Aunt Song stopped, ¡°Yes, he just left.¡± ¡°He left?¡± Alexia raised an eyebrow in surprise. It¡¯s already sote. Aunt Song nodded. ¡°Yes, he answered his phone and left in a hurry. Don¡¯t you know, Ms. Alexia?¡± Alexia put on a smile, ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me¡­¡± ¡°Then it may be an urgent matter. Don¡¯t let it trouble you though, Ms. Alexia.¡± ¡°I know; I¡¯ll go back to my room.¡± Alexia turned around, leaning on the railing of the stairs and slowly climbing them one at a time. Lying on the bed, she stared at the ceiling in a daze until her eyes were sore. Then, she picked up the phone beside the pillow. 10:20 p.m.? Alexia wasn¡¯t sure whether Chaim woulde back tonight. But he¡¯d never gone back on what he said, so he might be back. Alexia sat up and grabbed the book she¡¯d been reading from the bedside table to wait for Chaim. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Alexia tried to stay awake, but after an hour she finally gave up and fell asleep. The next morning, when Alexia woke up and looked at the other side of the bed, she found it cold and t. No one had slept there at all. ¡®So, he didn¡¯t returned all night?¡¯ Alexia bit her lip but refused to get upset. She freshened up and went downstairs for breakfast. After only eating a few bites, Alexia decided her time would be better spent at the office and left. As soon as she got out of the elevator, Alexia overheard several secretaries standing in the corridor, chatting. She subconsciously tiptoed toward them. ¡°Mr. Lancaster won¡¯t be in the office today.¡± ¡°Why? I won¡¯t have the motivation to work today if I can¡¯t see Mr. Lancaster¡¯s handsome face. Where did he go?¡± ¡°Really? Half an hour ago I heard Assistant Chiao answering a call. Mr. Lancaster asked him to take his clothes to the hospital.¡± ¡°Hospital?¡± After hearing this, Alexia rushed forward and interrupted their conversation. ¡°Chai¡­ What happened to Mr. Lancaster?¡± Alexia asked anxiously. Did he note backst night because he was ill? ¡°Why are you asking us? You¡¯re Mr. Lancaster¡¯s personal secretary; don¡¯t you know that?¡± The three secretaries looked at her jealously. Alexia shook her head. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t know and we don¡¯t know, either. If you care about Mr. Lancaster so much, you could ask him yourself. Anyway, it¡¯s time to work, not that I want to, considering I can¡¯t see the handsome Mr. Lancaster.¡± Strutting in their high heels, the three secretaries walked past Alexia one by one. Whether identally or intentionally, thest secretary to pass by bumped Alexia¡¯s shoulder and knocked her back a few steps. Alexia sighed, rubbing her shoulder where she was sure a bruise was forming. The other secretaries excluded her when Chaim promoted her to be his personal secretary, so she only had Lynn to talk to. Most days, she had almost gotten used to it. Trying not to think too much, Alexia took out her mobile phone and found the number she¡¯d stored for three years, but had never called. She stared at the familiar, yet strange, number for a long while. Squeezing her palms together, she couldn¡¯t control her worry about Chaim, and finally tapped on the button to dial the number. ¡°Who is this?¡± The man¡¯s low and cold voice came on the phone. Alexia¡¯s eyes dimmed. ¡°It¡¯s me¡­¡± He didn¡¯t even have her number stored¡­ Chapter 14 Irrelevant Person Chapter 14 Irrelevant Person ¡°Alexia?¡± Chaim frowned slightly. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± ¡°I heard you were in the hospital. Are you sick?¡± Alexia asked cautiously as she clutched at her clothes. On the other side of the phone, Chaim nced sideways at the hospital bed, not sure what to say. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Is it serious?¡± Alexia couldn¡¯t help increasing her pitch of her voice with obvious worries. ¡°Which hospital are you in? I want to see you.¡± ¡°No need!¡± Chaim¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Have you finished your work?¡± Alexia¡¯s throat tightened. ¡°Since it¡¯s not finished, then hurry up. I will check it when Ie back.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content. With that, Chaim hung up. ¡°Chaim, who was that?¡± a weak female voice called from behind him out of curiosity. When Chaim heard the voice, his bitter expression softened instantly. ¡°Did I wake you?¡± he asked as he turned around. ¡°No, the anesthesia has worn off. You haven¡¯t answered me yet.¡± The woman raised her skinny hand and ced it gently on his. Chaim felt the coldness of her palm, so he pulled his hand back, and put hers back under the quilt, ¡°Just an irrelevant person.¡± ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡± The woman smiled and stopped talking, turning her head to have a violent coughing fit. Chaim immediately pressed the emergency button next to the bed. Several doctors led by Nathaniel rushed in. After an examination, Nathaniel took off his gloves. ¡°She¡¯s okay for the moment, but we can¡¯t postpone it any longer. Chaim, have her sign the bone marrow donation consent as soon as possible.¡± ¡°Bone marrow donation consent?¡± Evelyn struggled to sit up, brushing aside worried doctors, her eyes bursting with surprise. ¡°Chaim, have you found a donor?¡± Chaim couldn¡¯t stand her disappointment, and slowly formed the word, ¡°Yes.¡± Evelyn covered her mouth as she wept with excitement. Chaim helped her lie down. ¡°Take a good rest. Don¡¯t worry, leave everything to me.¡± He wouldn¡¯t let her die, he couldn¡¯t. ¡°Thank you, Chaim!¡± Evelyn looked at him, eyes glistening. Chaim tucked the quilt around her. ¡°No thanks needed. I¡¯m willing to do it for you. I¡¯m going to return to thepany. Nate, take good care of Evelyn.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Nathaniel nodded and chuckled. Chaim nodded back, pulling wrinkles in his suit straight before leaving the hospital. When he returned to the office, Assistant Chiao followed him and reported the matters that happened during his absence. Chaim responded absently and walked toward his office without expression. When he passed by one of the secretary¡¯s offices, he nced at Alexia leaning over her desk and nodding off. ¡°Mr. Lancaster?¡± Seeing Chaim stop so abruptly, Assistant Chiao shut the folder and looked at him with concern. Chaim raised a hand, ¡°Wait for me here.¡± Then he walked into the office. It was chill in the office. Chaim looked at the air conditioner in the corner; it was only 61 degrees. His rage caused him to clench his fists. Was this woman not worried about getting sick? Chaim walked over with a grim face, knocking on the desk. ¡°Alexia!¡± Alexia was so scared and suddenly stood up, the words tumbling out of her mouth, ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Sleeping on the job. Did you really think you could be a secretary like this?¡± Chaim asked, his lips forming a thin line. Alexia¡¯s face turned pale, and she waspletely awake now. ¡°Sorry, I was up sotest night¡­¡± She waited for him for so long and only slept a few hours the night before so that she fell asleep identally. Unfortunately, he caught her. ¡° in five hundred words and give it to me before the end of the day!¡± Chaim ordered. ¡°Yes!¡± Alexia responded bitterly. ¡°Have you finished your work?¡± Chaim asked again. ¡°Yes, I have.¡± Alexia hurriedly pushed a stack of documents on the desk toward him, staring at him with bright eyes, making her like a small animal asking for praise. Chaim¡¯s pupils dted and his throat tightened. He had just seen such bright eyes from Evelyn, and he didn¡¯t expect to see them from his wife too. It was the same expression, but with different details. Evelyn¡¯s eyes were filled with an eagerness he couldn¡¯t understand, but Alexia¡¯s in front of him were truly clear. It was so clear that he felt extremely ufortable. Perceiving the oddness of himself, Chaim looked away with no expression. He picked up a folder and looked through it. Alexia was confident she didn¡¯t make any mistakes this time, so she calmly watched him. After a while, she couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°When did youe back, Chaim? Are you feeling okay?¡± Chaim snapped the folder shut. His expression was unhappy, ¡°Please call me Mr. Lancaster while at work.¡± Alexia¡¯s expression became stiff, but she regained herposure quickly. Enduring the sour expression, she forced a smile. ¡°Okay, Mr. Lancaster. Are you¡­¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Chaim interrupted her impatiently and picked up the documents on the table. ¡°Notify all the senior executives we will have a meeting in the conference room in ten minutes.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Alexia responded disappointedly, in a low voice. She only wanted to care about him, however, he wouldn¡¯t give her a chance. Chapter 15 Were You Caring about Me Chapter 15 Were You Caring about Me Chaim took a few steps toward the door, then he paused. ¡°Whether it is at work or at home, don¡¯t turn the air-conditioner down so low.¡± ¡°Are you caring about me?¡± Alexiaced her fingers together, looking at him expectantly. Chaim lowered his eyelids. His bangs covered half of his face, making it difficult for Alexia to read his expression. ¡°If you want to think so, you can think so. In short, you¡¯d better not get ill in the next two months!¡± If she got sick, her cell activity would decrease, which might make Evelyn¡¯s surgery fail. He wouldn¡¯t allow this to happen. ¡°Why over the next two months?¡± Alexia asked in confusion. Although she was happy about his concern, she wasn¡¯t stupid. She could tell something was off by the way he was speaking. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just remember what I said.¡± Chaim coldly added before leaving, ¡°In the future, don¡¯t look at me in the eye while speaking. I don¡¯t like it!¡± Her eyes were so clear he still could not ask her to agree to the bone marrow donation. Alexia gently closed the door and leaned against it sadly. But after a while, she couldn¡¯t stop but smile. He was caring about her. Although she didn¡¯t know how genuine his care was, she was still thrilled! Alexia patted her cheek before adjusting the temperature higher. Then she grabbed out a piece of white paper and wrote a review. Someone knocked on the door when she was halfway through. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Alexia stopped writing and looked up. Lynn opened the door and smiled as she asked, ¡°Did you miss me?¡± ¡°Why are you here?¡± Alexia stood up in surprise and went to grab a ss of water for her. ¡°I¡¯ve done my work.¡± Lynn said, taking a drink. ¡°I¡¯ve alsoe to ask you some questions so the others will stop bothering me.¡± ¡°The others?¡± ¡°The romantic secretaries. They¡¯re making me ask you why Mr. Lancaster was out of the office until noon.¡± Lynn curled her lips. Alexia¡¯s palms began to sweat. ¡°Did they bully you?¡± Since Alexia became Chaim¡¯s secretary, she wasn¡¯t the only one excluded by the other secretaries, but being ridiculed by previous colleagues overtly or obscurely wasn¡¯t too bad because she moved to the top floor, and they couldn¡¯t do anything to her. Lynn, however, was a perfect target to bully. ¡°They didn¡¯t.¡± Lynn waved her hand casually. ¡°Our department has a new manager. They don¡¯t dare to cause trouble now. The most they do is gossip, but I also strike back. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Alexia breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Huh?¡± Lynn nced at the paper on Alexia¡¯s desk. ¡°What are you writing?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Alexia hurriedly covered the paper with her hands. Lynn squinted at her. ¡°Why are you hiding it if it¡¯s nothing? Let me see.¡± ¡°No!¡± Lynn suddenly pulled the paper, ¡°Review?¡± Alexia rubbed her neck awkwardly. ¡°What the hell is going on, why are you writing a review?¡± ¡°Eh, something happened¡­¡± Lynn had discovered it, and Alexia couldn¡¯t conceal it any longer. Lynn looked at her with admiration and gave her a thumbs up. ¡°You are so amazing. Not only daring to sleep at work as soon as you be the president¡¯s secretary, but being caught by Mr. Lancaster on the spot. You are so lucky that he didn¡¯t fire you. Well, I guess you should finish this soon. I¡¯m going to head downstairs.¡± Lynn was afraid they would catch her after talking with Alexia for such a long time. Returning the review to Alexia, she left quickly. Alexia sighed, smoothed out the wrinkles on the review and continued to write. After finishing, she read it onest time and headed for Chaim¡¯s office. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, my review is finished.¡± Alexia stood in front of the man¡¯s desk, presenting the review with both hands. ¡°Put it on the desk.¡± Chaim didn¡¯t look up at her, continuing to read the documents before him. Alexia put down the review, then took a step back and stared at him. He only wore a ck shirt with the top two buttons unbuttoned, no tie, and his sleeves rolled up, revealing a swath of bronze chest and two powerful forearms, giving women more than enough to feed their fantasies. The perfect man exuding hormones before her was her husband, who she¡¯d been married to for three years, and even still she felt a little unreal. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Alexia¡¯s fiery look finally caught Chaim¡¯s attention. He looked up to meet a silly smile. ¡°Why are you still standing here?¡± Why did she still disgust him, and howe that hadn¡¯t changed in the three years since their marriage? Hearing Chaim¡¯s impatient voice, Alexia quickly changed her expression. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll go back to my office.¡± She turned and headed toward the door. ¡°Wait!¡± Alexia turned in confusion, ¡°Is there anything else, Mr. Lancaster?¡± Chaim lowered his eyelids and mumbled. ¡°In a few days, you¡¯lle to the hospital with me again for a checkup.¡± Chapter 16 Bone Marrow Chapter 16 Bone Marrow ¡°Checkup?¡± Alexia blinked in surprise. ¡°But I was just¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s up to me.¡± Chaim¡¯s face became serious. He needed to make sure that she was in the best physical condition before the bone marrow donation, so she wouldn¡¯t have anyplications after. Knowing he was unhappy with her, Alexia shrank back and nodded, ¡°I understand.¡± His expression eased a little before he spoke again, ¡°I have something to do this afternoon so you will find your own way home.¡± ¡°Will you be home tonight at least?¡± Chaim frowned without answering. The thought of Chaim not being home again that night upset Alexia, but she did her best to keep a calm demeanor. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now.¡± ¡°Ok,¡± Chaim mumbled. That afternoon, the secretaries brought Alexia arge stack of ounting records from the past few years, asking her to sort them all out. Not wanting to upset Chaim and also wanting to make up for the mistakes she¡¯d made, Alexia took the job. She worked diligently on it until she finished and was one of thest to leave the office that evening. At 9 p.m., Alexia finally returned to the vi, finding the whole ce silent and Aunt Song nowhere to be seen. Alexia looked around the living room and noticed a slip of paper on the coffee table. That¡¯s when Alexia remembered Aunt Song had gone home. ¡°Of course she¡¯s not here. I¡¯m already so tired and hungry.¡± Alexia muttered, before sighing and rolling up her sleeves. Seeing as it was already sote, Alexia decided to make something from her childhood, buttered noodles. Unknowing to Alexia, not too long after she started cooking, Chaim arrived home. The soundsing from the kitchen surprised him, and the idea of food caused his stomach to growl. Who would cook this late? Chaim put his briefcase down before heading for the kitchen. He stopped in shock when he saw who was standing in the kitchen. It was Alexia. She was busy working near the stove, watching a pot on a burner. Her head was bowed as she stifled a yawn, revealing her long and slender neck. Her fair skin glowed under the light. Chaim stared for a moment, his Adam¡¯s apple sliding up and down, and a heat spreading from his core. He couldn¡¯t believe this woman was arousing him for a third time! Unable to understand anything about the situation, Chaim tugged at his tie in annoyance and his deep voice boomed in the kitchen. ¡°Alexia!¡± Alexia was taken aback and almost dropped the spoon she¡¯d been holding. A smile grew on her face as she turned to face Chaim. ¡°You¡¯re home.¡± She worried he wouldn¡¯te home again. ¡°Mm hmm,¡± Chaim replied indifferently as he looked at the pot behind her, ¡°What are you cooking?¡± ¡°Noodles, I haven¡¯t had dinner yet.¡± Alexia said as she wiped her hands on the apron. Chaim frowned, ¡°Where¡¯s Aunt Song?¡± ¡°Aunt Song is on leave. She goes back to see her granddaughter every week.¡± Alexia exined as she ced the noodles in a bowl. Chaim leaned against the door frame, ¡°Just buttered noodles? Nothing else?¡± The way Alexia added butter and used a bit of the left over pasta water to make an emulsified sauce impressed Chaim. ¡°There¡¯s no other food left in the fridge.¡± Alexia smiled embarrassedly, having discovered that herself when digging through the fridge for dinner. ¡°Did Aunt Song not prepare anything before she left?¡± Alexia sped her fingers together and twiddled her thumbs. ¡°It¡¯s not her fault. I¡¯ve been so busy these days that I forgot to give her money.¡± ¡°Why are you giving her money?¡± Chaim asked, narrowing his eyes. Alexia looked at him in bewilderment, not understanding why he was suddenly angry. ¡°If I don¡¯t give Aunt Song money, she won¡¯t be able to buy any food.¡± ¡°Nonsense. Aunt Song is the servant of the Lancaster family. Her sry and your living expenses are directly transferred to her ount. How could there be no money?¡± Was Alexia ying a cruel joke on him? ¡°I haven¡¯t received any money. You can ask Aunt Song if you don¡¯t believe me!¡± Alexia said, her expression both serious and a bit worried. Chaim¡¯s anger grew before he remembered that he hadn¡¯t been to the vi after the wedding, nor had he exined any of this to his ountants. So, naturally, no one had transferred money. ¡°You paid for everything yourself for the past three years?¡± Chaim clenched his fists. ¡°Not everything, I just need to pay for the food and utilities.¡± Alexia shrugged. Seeing her expression, guilt wracked through Chaims heart, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Although he didn¡¯t like Alexia, he didn¡¯t want her to live in want either. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was necessary. It¡¯s not a lot of money. By the way, have you eaten?¡± Chaim rubbed his temples as he replied with a faint weariness, ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°Then how about I cook a bowl of noodles for you?¡± Alexia proposed cautiously. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Chaim looked at her expectant gaze and didn¡¯t refuse. Alexia¡¯s eyes sparkled with happiness. Though her clothes and hair were in, the whole world seemed to glow from her pure and wless smile. After eating the noodles in silence, Chaim went upstairs to the study. Not too long after, Assistant Chiao arrived to speak with Chaim. After the men had been upstairs for a while, Alexia decided she would make them some coffee. Once the coffee was ready, she poured two cups and ced them on a tray before heading for the study. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, you¡¯ve been in contact with Ms. White for so many days. Haven¡¯t mentioned it to her yet?¡± Assistant Chiao said, his words reaching Alexia as she approached. Alexia wasn¡¯t sure what the men were discussing but it involved her and she had a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. Against her better judgement, instead of knocking, she ced her ear against the door to listen in. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell her,¡± Chaim said, aggravation in his voice Assistant Chiao sighed, ¡°Ms. Evelyn can¡¯t wait much longer. Dr. Hardy has exined numerous times that if she doesn¡¯t have the surgery within two months, her disease will progress too far and all the following surgeries will fail.¡± Chaim¡¯s voice rose, ¡°I won¡¯t let the surgery fail!¡± ¡°Then why are you still hesitating? You¡¯ve already prepared the operating room, and Ms. Evelyn¡¯s body has been conditioned for surgery. The only thing missing is Ms. White¡¯s bone marrow.¡± Chapter 17 What Did You Want Chapter 17 What Did You Want ¡®Bone marrow?¡¯ Alexia stood there in shock, body frozen. So the whole reason Chaim moved back and got close to her was for her bone marrow? Alexia¡¯s head spun and she copsed. Her eyes zed and she couldn¡¯t focus on anything as she struggled to breathe. The tray and cups fell to ground with a terrific crash, but Alexia barely heard it. Chaim¡¯s expression changed immediately at the ruckus. ¡°Who¡¯s out there!¡± Realizing what happened, Assistant Chiao nced at Chaim before hurrying over to open the door. Alexia was sitting in the doorway, staring at the ground and surrounded by a mess of shattered mugs and hot coffee, her thin shoulders trembling as if she was crying. ¡°Alex¡­ No, Ms. White, why are you here?¡± Assistant Chiao asked as he gave her an embarrassed and forced smile. Alexia ignored Assistant Chiao, instead looking up to stare past him at Chaim sitting at his desk, her pale face stained with tears. The pain in Alexia¡¯s eyes made Chaim feel things he didn¡¯t expect. ¡°Chiao, leave us!¡± Chaim ordered, gesturing to Assistant Chiao. Assistant Chiao was more than happy to oblige and grabbed his briefcase before showing himself out. Chaim got up from his desk and walked toward Alexia, ncing down at the mess on the ground. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you heard us?¡± Alexia dug her nails into her palms as she choked out, ¡°Why? Why do you treat me like this?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Chaim said, concern flickering in his eyes. His apology made Alexia feel even worse. She pulled her knees up to her chest and her body wracked with sobs as she let everything out. Chaim reached out his hand, reaching toward her to help pull her up. However, at seeing her crying so hard, he decided against it and put his hand back into his pocket, balling it into a fist. Not knowing how much time went by, Alexia¡¯s sobs gradually subsided. ¡°Since you now know, I won¡¯t hide it from you. Alexia, I need your bone marrow.¡± Alexia¡¯s body shook as she fought back tears before asking bitterly, ¡°So¡­ are you suddenly back because of my bone marrow?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Chaim looked in the eye and spat out the reply. He didn¡¯t want to lie to her, nor to himself. If anyone else had the right bone marrow for Eve, there¡¯s a chance Chaim would never have seen Alexia again. ¡°Of course¡­¡± Alexia stood up and stared at him with red eyes, ¡°I should have guessed that. You never pay attention to me, why else would you suddenly appear without a purpose?¡± Chaim opened his mouth to reply, but thought better of it. Alexia wiped eyes with her sleeve, ¡°Who is Evelyn?¡± If she had heard correctly, he wanted to use her bone marrow to save a woman named Evelyn. She had to be very important to him. ¡°She is my¡­¡± Chaim lowered his eyes, hiding his emotions, ¡°she¡¯s a friend.¡± ¡°Friend?¡± Alexia repeated, andughed sourly, ¡°Is she really just a friend?¡± What kind of friend made him scheme against his wife? ¡°Alexia, what do you mean? You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Chaim said, frowning. Chaim still cared about Evelyn, but it was impossible to be with her in her condition. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know what to believe.¡± Knowing Chaim was angry because of her doubts, she shook her head and waved hands as she exined, ¡°I¡¯ve just had never heard of you having female friends around. I don¡¯t know much about you at all really.¡± ¡°I know how to behave myself around others. You needn¡¯t worry¡± Chaim said, squinting at her. Was he reassuring her? Just the thought of him caring enough to do so caused a smile to y on her lips. ¡°Come here.¡± Chaim said, turning toward his desk. Alexia clenched her fists to help keep her calm and hurried to follow him. Chaim pulled open the drawer of his desk, took out a document, and pushed it face down toward Alexia. ¡°Read this.¡± Alexia flipped the document over and her breath caught in her throat. ¡°Bone marrow donation consent?¡± ¡°Read the rest.¡± ¡°¡­ Okay.¡± Alexia forced herself to read on. After reading the rest, Alexia returned the document to Chaim, and blinked as she tried to understand everything. ¡°So, Ms. Evelyn was diagnosed with a middle tote stage of leukemia?¡± ¡°Yes, and only by using your bone marrow to rece Eve¡¯s will she have a 60% chance of beating the Leukemia and entering remission.¡± Chaim said, clenching his fists while his tone was filled with undisguised worries. Alexia bit her lip sourly. ¡°Why mine though?¡± Eve, that was quite an affectionate name. He only called her Aily in front of Grandpa Lancaster and her mom. ¡°Because yours is the most suitable.¡± ¡°Mine?¡± Alexia wrinkled her nose in astonishment. ¡°But I don¡¯t remember any bone marrow matching being done. How did you find out?¡± ¡°The pre-marital medical examination.¡± Chaim pulled out a chair and sat down casually. ¡°Nathaniel selected you when screening the gic archives at the hospital. Your bone marrow was the highest match.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°No wonder.¡± Alexiaughed bitterly. Chaim sat in silence for a few seconds. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s my fault. I should have told you at the beginning.¡± Alexia shook her head, saying nothing. Chaim sighed. ¡°I know you¡¯re ufortable with this, but I hope you will agree to donate your bone marrow all the same. Eve is still waiting for it to save her life. I will give you whatever you want after the surgery.¡± ¡°If I want you to promise we can be like a proper husband and wife after, would you be willing too?¡± Alexia asked, looking at him with a glint of hope in her eyes. Chapter 18 The Welcome Party Chapter 18 The Wee Party Chaim was silent for quite a while before finally responding. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want. Yes.¡± Alexia was pleasantly surprised when hearing his answer. She couldn¡¯t believe he agreed! However, sadness quickly followed. While Chaim had agreed, he sounded really reluctant. It was almost as if his heart was resisting. With all those thoughts floating in her head, Alexia forced back her tears. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll think about everything¡­¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. She took a breath before turning toward the door. ¡°Wait.¡± Chaim walked toward her. ¡°Take this.¡± Alexia nkly looked at the bank card in Chaim¡¯s hand, not taking it. ¡°Why are you giving this to me?¡± Chaim grabbed Alexia¡¯s wrist and dropped the card into her palm. ¡°This is my secondary card. You can use it to buy whatever you want. I will also tell my ountants to transfer the living expenses to Aunt Song¡¯s ount every month. You won¡¯t have to pay her anymore.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ept the living expenses, but I don¡¯t need this.¡± Alexia handed Chaim his card back. ¡°Don¡¯t you want it?¡± Chaim asked coldly. He couldn¡¯t believe Alexia refused his money again. ¡°I already owe you five million. I don¡¯t even know when I¡¯ll pay it off.¡± ¡°So you¡¯ll take some of my money but not all of it?¡± Chaim snorted coldly with a hint of sulkiness that he didn¡¯t even notice. One moment she requested that they act like a real couple, and then she was unwilling to ept his kind offer the next. What was she thinking? Alexia picked at the skin around her nails, ¡°I¡¯m epting the living expenses but not the card because I don¡¯t want others to think I married you for your money.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s not for money, what exactly do you want?¡± Chaim said, examining her slim face with a puzzled look on his face. Alexia wanted to speak, but kept silent. She was tempted to say that she wanted him. But would he even believe her? Alexiaughed to herself and decided against sharing her truest thoughts. ¡°Never mind. I haven¡¯t figured out how to say it yet. I want to rest.¡± With that, she walked past him out of the room. Chaim didn¡¯t get an answer. He stared at Alexia¡¯s back as she left with an indescribable irritation raging within him. Alexia headed for the kitchen to get some things to help her clean up the mess, hoping Aunt Song would be able to remove the coffee stain. Then, she went back to her room and promptly felt asleep. The next day, Lynn was surprised by Alexia¡¯s huge dark circles, ¡°Holy shit, did you steal a cowst night?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t sit there, or we¡¯ll get in trouble,¡± Alexia said, pushing Lynn off the desk, ¡°And what about stealing cows? I just had a nightmarest night.¡± ¡°One night?¡± ¡°Yeah, it was a really bad one.¡± Alexia yawned with listless, bloodshot eyes. As soon as she closed her eyes, she couldn¡¯t help but dream about Chaim forcibly taking her bone marrow against her will. The dream was so real she even wondered if he would really do it if she didn¡¯t agree. ¡°What kind of nightmare?¡± Lynn asked, concerned. She wasn¡¯t used to seeing Alexia like that. Alexia lowered her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it. It¡¯s so early, why did youe to see me?¡± Lynn raised an eyebrow, ¡°Have you forgot? The wee party!¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten, but it¡¯s not until this evening. What are you telling me now for?¡± Alexia asked in disinterest as she sorted out some more documents. There were always more documents. ¡°I¡¯m asking if you have prepared your dress of course.¡± ¡°Dress?¡± Alexia stopped sorting and looked up at Lynn suspiciously. Lynn winked, a wry smile ying on her lips. ¡°Surely not, right?¡± ¡°Do I really have to wear a dress for the wee party?¡± Alexia asked, looking at with a bewildered expression. The smile on Lynn¡¯s face fell and her expression became serious, ¡°Don¡¯t you know? The whole company was emailed about the dress code yesterday. It was your secretary team who sent it out.¡± Yesterday¡­ Alexia bit her lower lip to suppress her emotions. Seeing Alexia¡¯s reaction, Lynn immediately knew what happened. ¡°They deliberately didn¡¯t notify you?¡± ¡°I guess so.¡± Alexia nodded. The other secretaries already hated her. It wasn¡¯t too surprising. ¡°They went too far; I¡¯ll get even with them! What gives them the right to bully you like this?¡± Lynn clenched her fist and gritted her teeth as she stood to leave. Alexia hurriedly grabbed Lynn¡¯s arm, ¡°Lynn, wait! I¡¯m okay. You¡¯ll just get into trouble if you make a scene. It¡¯s not worth it.¡± ¡°So you want me to just let it go?¡± Lynn red reluctantly. Alexia handed Lynn a cup of water. ¡°I have no experience in this position, that¡¯s why they bully me so tantly. But I¡¯m certain that once I be morepetent in my position, they¡¯ll leave me alone.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too soft. You can¡¯t always expect the best from everyone,¡± Lynn said, flicking Alexia on the forehead. Alexiaughed uneasily and nced at the time onputer. ¡°You¡¯d better head back or your manager will catch you.¡± ¡°Oh yeah, I almost forgot. How about we go pick out a dress together after work?¡± Alexia¡¯s expression stiffened as she thought about her empty wallet, ¡°Okay¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s a deal then. Bye!¡± With Lynn gone, Alexia slumped into her chair and looked at the less than two-digit amount in her bank ount, feeling a headache starting, ¡°What kind of dress can I buy?¡± ¡°Dress?¡± A calm masculine voice asked from the doorway. Chapter 19 A Half-Day Off Chapter 19 A Half-Day Off Alexia subconsciously sat up straighter as she looked up, seeing Chaim standing at the door wearing a silver and grey suit, followed by Assistant Chiao. ¡°What were you saying about a dress?¡± Chaim asked again. Putting down the phone, Alexia stood up. ¡°It¡¯s the wee party tonight. I just learned about the dress code and I don¡¯t have an appropriate dress.¡± ¡°Is there such a thing as not having an appropriate dress?¡± Chaim mused, twisting his head around to nce at his assistant. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Assistant Chiao pushed his sses up his nose, ¡°Yes, the vice-president informed everyone to wear full dresses because you have invited many high-profile people in the industry.¡± ¡°I know that,¡± Chaim answered indifferently before walking toward his office. Alexia received a formic smile from Assistant Chiao, then watched as he quickly followed Chaim. Alexia didn¡¯t know what to make of Chaim¡¯s behavior as she closed the door to her office. Unable to make sense of any of it, Alexia shook her head to clear it and went back to sorting out the documents. Thankfully there weren¡¯t many documents, she just needed to sort them and scan them into the computer. After finishing her work, Alexia brewed a strong cup of coffee and idly browsed web pages. Then, she thought of something and solemnly put her coffee down before typing. She clicked on the first link: the side effects of bone marrow donation. The heart rate calmed as she read that the bone marrow donation wasn¡¯t likely fatal, but that was before she read the potential side effects. ¡°¡­thirty percent of people are at risk of senility, reduced bone marrow production, and elevated white blood cells leading to leukemia¡­¡± Reading this, Alexia¡¯s hands trembled uncontrobly and her face paled in fear. She hadn¡¯t expected the side effects to be so severe, and she wasn¡¯t to ept any one of them. No one knew whether she¡¯d be one of the thirty percent. What should she do? Alexia bit her nails as her mind raced. Chills wracked her body, as she walked into a giant freezer, and the anxiety almostpletely consumed her. Finally, around noon, Alexia started to get her anxiety under control when another secretary came by her office with a pile of documents to take to Chaim¡¯s office. Alexia patted her cheeks to bring the color back to them and took a deep breath. Then, she picked up the documents and headed across the hall. Assistant Chiao was leaving as Alexia approached and he looked at her in surprise before collecting himself. ¡°Secretary White, I was just about to look for you.¡± His greeting made Alexia feel a tad ufortable. ¡°Is there something you need from me, Assistant Chiao?¡± ¡°Mr. Lancaster said you don¡¯t have to work this afternoon.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to work?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes grewrge as the anxiety returned and the pitch of her voice rose an octave. ¡°Is he firing me?¡± Assistant Chiao¡¯s had to stifle augh before he smiled. ¡°No, Mr. Lancaster has merely given you the rest of the day off. He worries you wouldn¡¯t have the energy to attend the wee party tonight otherwise.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s all.¡± Alexia breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed her neck awkwardly. Assistant Chiao noticed the documents on her another hand. ¡°Are these for Mr. Lancaster?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Alexia nodded. ¡°Give them to me, I¡¯ll take them in for you.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you, Assistant Chiao.¡± Assistant Chiao ced them on Chaim¡¯s desk after going back to the office. ¡°Did you tell her?¡± Assistant Chiao nodded. Chaim rubbed his eyes wearily. ¡°Please, order a dress suitable for Alexiater.¡± ¡°Is there anything else besides the dress?¡± Assistant Chiao asked after a moment. Chaim stroked his chin, pondering for a moment. ¡°Also order her some high heels. As for jewelry¡­ I remember the ne of a swan-pendant had arrived. You picked it up this afternoon, correct?¡± Assistant Chiao looked at him in surprise. ¡°Yes, but isn¡¯t that a gift you prepared for Ms. Evelyn?¡± ¡°Just order another one.¡± Chaim waved his hand carelessly. Eve couldn¡¯t y the white swan on stage now, or perhaps ever. If she saw the ne, it would inevitably upset her. Chaim might as well give it to Alexia. ¡°I understand.¡± Naturally, Assistant Chiao had no problem with it. He pushed up his sses and went out toplete his tasks. ***** Later that afternoon, Chaim was finishing his paperwork and was about to leave to visit the hospital. Until Assistant Chiao rushed in, sweating and carrying a pile of gift boxes. ¡°Mr. Lancaster!¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Chaim looked at him. Assistant Chiao ced the gift boxes on the sofa. ¡°Ms. White wasn¡¯t in the vi.¡± ¡°She wasn¡¯t?¡± Chaim frowned. ¡°No, Aunt Song said Ms. White went shopping.¡± ¡°Shopping?¡± Chaim¡¯s expression darkened. He gave her half a day off to rest and, as a result, she went shopping. Chaim took out his phone to call Alexia. The call was quickly answered, and Alexia¡¯s surprised voice came through. ¡°Mr. Lancaster?¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± Chaim asked coldly. Chapter 20 Bought A Dress Chapter 20 Bought A Dress Looking around the shop, Alexia half covered her phone to lower the volume of the other shoppers. ¡°I¡¯m out shopping for a dress.¡± ¡°You have the money for one?¡± Chaim raised an eyebrow. If he remembered correctly, she gave all her money to Mrs. White. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Alexia scratched her neck as she answered uncertainly. ¡°I should be able to buy a cheap one¡­¡± ¡°So be it.¡± Assistant Chiao, who had heard the entire conversation, hesitated before pointing at the gift boxes, ¡°Mr. Lancaster, what shall I do with these?¡± Chaim nced at them. ¡°Put them in my car.¡± With that, Assistant Chiao headed out with the pile of gift boxes in his arms. Alexia kept quiet as she vaguely heard Chaim talking to someone. She waited for him to finish speaking before tentatively asking, ¡°Mr. Lancaster, do you need me for something?¡± ¡°No, nothing.¡± Chaim snapped before hanging up. ¡°Aily, who was that?¡± Lynn asked as she walked over with her arms full of clothes to where Alexia was sitting on a sofa looking dazed at her phone. Putting away her phone, Alexia forced a smile, ¡°My husband.¡± ¡°Your husband?¡± Lynn¡¯s eyes lit up with interest, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen your husband. Will he be at the party tonight?¡± ¡°No, maybe next time.¡± Alexia¡¯s smile was almost stiff. She hated lying and keeping secrets about who she was married to, especially keeping it from Lynn. But Chaim wouldn¡¯t allow it. On their wedding night, he specifically warned her not to reveal their rtionship to anyone. ¡°So mysterious, huh.¡± Lynn frowned, obviously not satisfied with Alexia¡¯s answer, but changing the subject quickly, ¡°Why was he calling you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not really sure,¡± Alexia said, shrugging. She still couldn¡¯t believe he actually called her. Over the past three years, she never received a call from Chaim - he hadn¡¯t even saved her number. Because of that, she was even more confused. ¡°Well, I think you just don¡¯t want to tell me,¡± Lynn said, crossing her arms and sticking out her lip in a fake pout. Alexiaughed, ¡°I really don¡¯t know¡­¡± ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Lynn waved her hand, ¡°Enough about that. How about you try on this dress?¡± Lynn picked up a pink gown and held it up to Alexia¡¯s body. ¡°I chose it especially for you. Pink is the best because it matches you soft personality.¡± ¡°How much is it?¡± Alexia asked as she stood up before she saw the tag in Lynn¡¯s hand. Alexia stepped backward in shock as she gasped. ¡°Fifteen¡­ thousand?¡± ¡°Keep your voice down!¡± Lynn quickly covered Alexia¡¯s mouth, ncing around to make sure no one heard them before sighing in relief. ¡°Why are you so surprised? People will think we¡¯re yokels if we show up wearing anything costing less.¡± Alexia rolled her eyes and shoved Lynn¡¯s hand away. She took a deep breath to calm herself as Lynn rolled her eyes and wiped her hand off on her pants. From N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Lynn, we can¡¯t afford such an expensive dress.¡± ¡°Of course I know that,¡± Lynn said nonchntly. ¡°Then why are you even¡­¡± ¡°Stupid.¡± Lynn flicked Alexia on the forehead. ¡°We can rent it. I recently learned this shop will rent dresses that cost $15,000 for less than $800.¡± ¡°Eight¡­ hundred,.¡± Alexia covered her face. ¡°But I still can¡¯t afford it.¡± Lynn looked up from the dresses, staring at Alexia incredulously. ¡°Where did all your money go? Can¡¯t you even afford rent?¡± ¡°I gave it all to my mom.¡± ¡°All of it?¡± Alexia nodded. Lynn suppressed her anger and took a deep breath, ¡°Alexia, what do you want me to say?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Alexia blinked, not understanding her friend¡¯s sudden anger. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lynn was so angry sheughed, ¡°I¡¯ve told you how many times to stop giving your mother money? Instead, you not only gave her money, but your whole deposit.¡± ¡°But she¡¯s my mom and she said Charlie was in trouble¡­¡± ¡°Oh,e on!¡± Lynn eximed, ¡°How many times has she asked you for money on the excuse of your brother having trouble? I can¡¯t believe you trust her every time. They¡¯re leeches, and someday, they will suck you to dry!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk about them like that,¡± Alexia said, wrinkling her nose. She knew her parents preferred boys over girls but she just couldn¡¯t bring herself to be mad at them. No matter what, they were still her family. ¡°OK, I¡¯ll leave it at that; but what about your dress? How about I lend you some money?¡± Lynn suggested as she slung the dress over her arm. Alexia refused, ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯m nning to buy a slightly more expensive dress, which should also be fine.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go choose togetherter.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± It took the two so long to buy Lynn¡¯s dress that the sky was already dark when they left. It was almost time to start the party. Alexia hastily rushed to the hotel in a taxi with Lynn. When they arrived, the brightly lit banquet hall was already buzzing with people raising their sses and cheering. It was Alexia¡¯s first time attending such an asion. The scene was too much for her as she didn¡¯t know where to see. ¡°Aily, I¡¯m going to say hi to my manager. I¡¯ll see youter?¡± ¡°See youter.¡± Alexia nodded. Alexia didn¡¯t know what to do. She hardly knew anyone and didn¡¯t want to take the initiative to speak with a stranger. So, she sat down in a corner with a drink, quietly watching the noisy crowd until a haughty voice greeted her ¡°Well, who¡¯s this dressing in such a rustic way?¡± Alexia turned to see three secretaries from her office. All three of them wore expensive evening gowns and exquisite make-up. Standing with perfect posture, they looked down at her in contempt. ¡°Can I help you?¡± Alexia asked indifferently as she stood up. Nothing good woulde from speaking with the three of them ¡°No, not really. We were just going around and greeting colleagues. But now I realize we shouldn¡¯t havee to you. Just look at what you¡¯re wearing.¡± The secretary took a step forward and tugged at Alexia¡¯s sleeve with a disgusted expression. Alexia looked down. ¡°Is there something wrong with my dress?¡± Chapter 21 Why Didn鈥檛 You Fight Back Chapter 21 Why Didn¡¯t You Fight Back The knee-length, long-sleeve, red dress Alexia wore cost her over 300 dors. Even though it was nowhere near as extravagant as the other secretaries¡¯ gowns, she didn¡¯t think it was a bad dress. There was nothing wrong with being more modest, was there? ¡°Of course there¡¯s something wrong with it!¡± the secretary said in a sarcastic tone. ¡°As Mr. Lancaster¡¯s secretary, you represent the image of thepany. To dress like this for the President¡¯s wee party is not only a disgrace to our secretaries but also to Mr. Lancaster and thepany. Why don¡¯t you think about any of this?¡± ¡°Disgrace?¡± Alexia said, frowning. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ashamed. In fact, I think you¡­¡± Alexia trailed off, her gaze falling on the cleavages of the three secretaries. They really were dressed to impress, exuding confidence and elegance. ¡°What are you looking at!¡± the secretary shrieked, covering her chest with her hands as she red at Alexia. Looking back up at the secretary, Alexia smiled slightly. ¡°If I remember correctly, Mr. Lancaster mentioned female employees had to dress appropriately. Are you purposely disobeying the President¡¯s orders?¡± At that, the three secretaries¡¯ faces stiffened, and Alexia silently congratted herself. Straightening her sleeve the secretary wrinkled, Alexia continued, ¡°As you said, we secretaries represent thepany¡¯s image. What will other guests think of your revealing dresses? Maybe they¡¯ll think we only hire vulgar women?¡± ¡°Alexia, how dare you talk to us like that?¡± ¡°You brought this upon yourselves.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± They were furious. They¡¯d never expected someone like Alexia, seemingly as harmless as a bunny, to fight back. ¡°Alexia, you¡¯re really something! It would be a shame if something happened.¡± The secretary in the middle suddenly sshed red wine in her hand towards Alexia. Alexia couldn¡¯t dodge the wine, and it drenched her. The dress soaked up the wine immediately; the material clinging to her body ufortably and making her shake in rage. ¡°You¡¯re too much!¡± Alexia bit her lip and red at them. ¡°Huh!¡± The secretary handed the empty ss to the woman beside her, crossing her arms and smirking. ¡°There are more lessons waiting for you.¡± Alexia dug her nails into her palms. ¡°What have I done to offend you?¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± The secretary scoffed. ¡°From the day you became Mr. Lancaster¡¯s secretary, you¡¯ve offended us. Why will an ordinary university graduate like you be on an equal footing with us?¡± So, it was because of jealousy. Feeling more ufortable, Alexia said in a no-nonsense manner. ¡°You should ask Mr. Lancaster that question. What¡¯s the use of asking me?¡± Alexia also wanted to know why Chaim chose her as his secretary. The only thing she was sure of was that it had nothing to do with her being his wife. ¡°Maybe you used some dirty means.¡± The secretary sneered. Alexia took a deep breath and suppressed her anger, ¡°It really is a waste of time talking with you. Get out of my way.¡± She shoved the secretary in front of her aside and headed for the washroom. The secretary almost fell, but caught herself on one of the other secretaries. After stabilizing herself, she stomped her foot in anger. ¡°Damn it! Let¡¯s teach her a lesson!¡± After they left, Nathaniel stepped out of the shadows with his mobile phone. ¡°What an interesting scene. I can¡¯t wait to see what Chaim will do when he sees it.¡± The thought made him snicker as he headed for the lounge. As soon as Nathaniel entered the door, he waved his phone and yelled, ¡°Chaim, guess what I just saw?¡± Chaim only nced up at Nathaniel before continuing to sip his drink. ¡°Not interested.¡± Nathaniel pretended to hear him and continued. ¡°I saw your wife being bullied.¡± ¡°Alexia?¡± Chaim¡¯s eyes twitched slightly. ¡°Is there another woman I don¡¯t know about?¡± Nathaniel¡¯s eyes widened in mock surprise. Ignoring Nathaniel¡¯s jest, Chaim frowned, ¡°She was being bullied?¡± ¡°Are you not interested?¡± Nathaniel picked up an apple and took a bite, looking at Chaim with interest. Chaim¡¯s face instantly darkened, anger flickering in his eyes. ¡°Hold on!¡± Knowing Chaim¡¯s anger, Nathaniel set the apple down and moved closer to Chaim to y the video, ¡°Here, just watch this¡± Chaim took the phone and red at the screen. Before the video finished, anger already clouded Chaim¡¯s face. ¡®How dare they!¡¯ Chaim clenched both fists so tight that his knuckles turned white. ¡°Wood!¡± Assistant Chiao hurried in through the door. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Bring up those gift boxes from my car.¡± Chaim ordered as he got up. ¡°Okay.¡± Assistant Chiao hurriedly did as he was told. Throwing the phone back to Nathaniel, Chaim stepped toward the door. ¡°Chaim, are you going be the hero and save the damsel in distress?¡± Chaim paused only for a moment, ¡°Regardless of anything else, she¡¯s still my wife.¡± ¡°It seems you care about her quite a lot.¡± Nathaniel stroked his chin. ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much!¡± With that, Chaim left the room. How could he possibly care about Alexia? Nathaniel bit into the apple again, chuckling softly to himself, ¡°Am I overthinking, or do you refuse to admit it¡­¡± ***** As Chaim approached the washroom, he saw Alexia being grabbed by her hair and a woman about to p her. His heart tightened and expression instantly darkened as he growled. ¡°What are you doing?¡± With that, everyone there froze and their faces turned pale with fear. ¡°Mr.¡­ Mr. Lancaster¡­¡± Why was he here? Alexia blinked in surprise. Chaim walked over and nced over her with a dark face. Making sure the only thing still injured was her dress, his face rxed slightly before turning his attention to the three secretaries. ¡°What were you doing?¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. The three women looked at each other and stammered for words. ¡°Nothing to say for yourselves?¡± Chaim narrowed his eyes coldly. ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, go back to the office and write your resignation. Thepany can¡¯t afford the risk of reputation because of you.¡± Upon hearing they were being fired, the three secretaries scrambled to exin in panic, ¡°Mr. Lancaster, please don¡¯t! We¡­¡± ¡°Toote.¡± Chaim interrupted them impatiently, ¡°Now get out of here. I don¡¯t want to say it again.¡± The three wailed as they ran away immediately. Watching everything transpire in a dethatched way, Alexia regained herposure after a while and gained the courage to ask, ¡°Chaim, are you really going to dismiss them?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need such small-minded secretaries.¡± Chaim pressed his lips together to form a thin line, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you fight back?¡± If he had been a stepter, she must have been pped. Alexia smoothed out her messy hair with a bitter smile, ¡°How could I? It was three against one. It¡¯s better to take it so they tire of me more quickly.¡± ¡°Such a philosopher.¡± Chaim said sarcastically. A self-deprecating smile on her face, Alexia didn¡¯t answer. What could she have done anyway? Since she was little, so many people had bullied her and there was never anyone around to save her. Because of that, she was used to swallowing the humiliation. ¡°Follow me.¡± Chaim suddenly spoke. ¡°Where are we going?¡± Alexia asked in confusion. Chapter 22 More Than A Million Chapter 22 More Than A Million Ignoring her question, Chaim walked off, not looking back. Not knowing what to do, Alexia shrunk back as she followed him. Seeing Chaim leading Alexia in, Nathaniel put down his phone and teased. ¡°Oh, the heroes back with his damsel in tow.¡± Chaim didn¡¯t even nce at him as he walked to the sofa. Nathaniel didn¡¯t care he was being ignored, instead smiling and waving at Alexia. ¡°Sister, we meet again.¡± Alexia nodded slightly, ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, sister?¡± Nathaniel asked knowingly as he discovered her mess. ¡°I¡­¡± Alexia hesitated with a little embarrassment. It was too humiliating for her to tell Nathaniel what happened. ¡°Enough.¡± Chaim pointed at the door and turned to Nathaniel. ¡°Leave us.¡± ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯ll leave. I won¡¯t disturb the loving couple.¡± Nathaniel shrugged as he got up and stepped out of the lounge. As he left, Nathaniel saw Assistant Chiao was guarding the door. He rolled his eyes and put an arm around Assistant Chiao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Wood, if I remember correctly, people will be dancingter, right?¡± ¡°Yes. Why are you asking?¡± Assistant Chiao raised an eyebrow, foreboding inexplicably arising in his heart. ¡°Nothing, just a fun game I suddenly thought of.¡± Nathaniel looked at the door of the lounge and gave a calcted smile. In the lounge, Chaim knocked on the coffee table, ¡°Come here.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Alexia asked, pointing at herself. ¡°Is there anyone else here?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Alexia smiled awkwardly and she walked over to him. ¡°Change into these.¡± Chaim nodded toward therge pile of gift boxes on the coffee table. ¡°What are these?¡± Alexia asked cocking her head curiously. She noticed the boxes when she followed Chaim in, but hadn¡¯t dared to ask. Chaim rested his chin on his hand and responded in azy tone, ¡°Just open it and see.¡± Having his permission, Alexia picked up the biggest one and opened it, finding a gorgeous gown inside. The dress was blue in color, a silver trim sewn around the hem and neck sparkling under the light in the lounge. ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful!¡± Holding the lid of gift box, Alexia covered her mouth with her other hand. Her eyes were full of awe, completely unable to move from the gown. ¡°Like it?¡± Chaim asked, looking at her. Alexia nodded silently, ¡°I love it!¡± There were few women who didn¡¯t like beautiful dresses and Alexia wasn¡¯t one of them. ¡°Go ahead and change.¡± Chaim suggested. ¡°Can I?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes lit up but she pressed down her excitement, asking with some uncertainty. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m lying to you?¡± ¡°No, no.¡± Alexia shook her head, ¡°I just feel like I¡¯m in a dream. Chaim, what prompted you to give me this?¡± Chaim¡¯s eyes flickered for a moment. With no other words except urging her to change into the dress, Chaim left Alexia alone in the lounge. Watching him leave, Alexia was a little disappointed, but instantly brightened at the pile of gift boxes. She carefully put the dress back and opened other boxes in anticipation, finding high heels and various bits of jewelry. She knew they must be very expensive by the way the light caught the stones. So expensive that she was almost reluctant to wear them. After changing into the gown anding out of the lounge, Alexia looked at her husband standing in the corridor as she wrung her hands nervously. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Chaim turned around, and his eyes widened in surprise as his breath caught in his throat. As Chaim stared, Alexia became even more nervous. Her heart beat faster and heat rose to her cheeks. She didn¡¯t dare to breathe too loudly. ¡°Does¡­¡± she asked expectantly as she gathered her courage to lift the skirt and spun, ¡°Does it look good?¡± Chaim regained his senses and his Adam¡¯s apple moved as he shifted his gaze elsewhere stiffly, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± How was it possible for Alexia to leave him spellbound? However, when Alexia dressed up, she was no longer the simple woman he thought of her as. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, I can change back,¡± Alexia muttered with dissatisfaction. Chaim pretended not to hear her and looked at the wristwatch. ¡°It¡¯s time for the wee speech. I¡¯ll head back first. You can arriveter by yourself.¡± With that, Chaim strode off without another word. Watching him walk off, Alexia cupped her hands around her mouth. ¡°Chaim, thank you!¡± Chaim paused for a moment before resuming his previous pace. Holding the swan pendant on her chest, Alexia smiled gently. Whatever his purpose was, at least for now, she was happy. Buzz! Alexia¡¯s phone in her handbag suddenly vibrated. Alexia took it out and answered, ¡°Lynn.¡± ¡°Aily, where are you?¡± Lynn anxiously asked. Alexia looked up at the number next to the lounge. ¡°I¡¯m in the lounge on the ninth floor.¡± ¡°Why did you go there? No wonder I haven¡¯t been able to find you. I was so worried about you,¡± Lynn sighed in relief. Alexia touched her nose awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I forgot to tell you.¡± ¡°Alright, I don¡¯t mind. Just hurry back, Mr. Lancaster¡¯s speech is about to start, don¡¯t bete.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Hanging up the phone, Alexia ran down the hall in high heels. Back in the banquet hall, Alexia¡¯s new dress drew many, many stares. The stares, either in awe or envy or jealousy, made Alexia ufortable, but she also swelled in pride. After all, it came from her Mr. Right, her husband! ¡°Holy shit, what¡¯s with this outfit?¡± Lynn asked, mouth agape, when she finally found Alexia. Alexia lifted the skirt and spun in front of Lynn, asking her the same question she asked Chaim. ¡°Does it look good?¡± ¡°Very good!¡± Lynn nodded repeatedly. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen you look so pretty.¡± Alexia was so delighted by thepliment that her entire face beamed. Lynn grabbed her shoulders and shook hard. ¡°Tell me, what¡¯s going on? I hadn¡¯t seen you for a while and now you¡¯re wearing a new dress.¡± ¡°It¡¯s from my husband.¡± Alexia was so dizzy from the shaking, her voice trembling as she spoke. Finally, Lynn released Alexia. ¡°Your husband is also here?¡± ¡°No, he had it sent to me.¡± Alexia said, ncing around nervously. Not having any reason to mistrust Alexia, Lynn believed her, folding her arms around and asking, ¡°Aily, I didn¡¯t know your husband was so rich. That entire outfit must have cost more nearly two hundred thousand.¡± ¡°Two hundred thousand?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°If I¡¯m estimating correctly, the gown, shoes, and jewelry are thetest fashion, definitely worth a six- digit price. As for the ne, I can¡¯t tell its brand, but it looks custom made, probably more expensive.¡± After hearing all this, Alexia¡¯s vision darkened and her throat became dry, her clothes suddenly feeling less like garments and more like money. She guessed the clothes would be very expensive, but she hadn¡¯t expected them to cost that much. So, did she owe Chaim more money again? Chapter 23 Dancing with Him Chapter 23 Dancing with Him ¡°Oh, no. Now I really can¡¯t pay it back¡­¡± Alexia said woefully. ¡°Pay what?¡± Lynn looked at her quizzically. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just mean my husband can¡¯t pay off his credit card after spending so much renting this outfit.¡± ¡°The outfit on you was rented?¡± ¡°Do you really think he bought it? If he really was that rich, I wouldn¡¯t need to work so hard every day.¡± Alexia said with a dry smile as her eyes fell elsewhere. ¡°You¡¯re right, it¡¯s rare to see you wear designerbels.¡± Lynn rubbed her chin as she thought. Seeing Chaim walking up to the tform with the microphone, Alexia nudged Lynn with her elbow. ¡°Alright, enough talking. It¡¯s starting.¡± Lynn immediately straightened her posture and shut her mouth. On the stage, Chaim looked around. And his eyes seemed to fall on Alexia more often than not. ¡°Good evening everyone, I am Chaim Lancaster¡­¡± He began his speech fluently. Then, remembering many foreign partners present, he repeated it in foreignnguages as well in a fluent and authentic aristocratic ent that mesmerized the audience. ¡°I finally know how unfair God is,¡± Lynn muttered glumly. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I mean that God must¡¯ve crafted Mr. Lancaster very carefully, whereas God must¡¯ve thrown the rest of us together haphazardly.¡± Alexia wanted to say something but failed. Nothing seemed wrong with this analogy¡­ N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡°Aily.¡± Alexia blinked. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°What kind of woman do you think is worthy of a man as perfect as Mr. Lancaster?¡± Alexia froze for a moment, lowering her head as she replied with a nk expression. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­¡± He didn¡¯t need to be matched with another woman, she yelled in heart, but just in her heart. He was already married to her. ¡°I guess she must be an equally perfect woman with a matched family background, appearance, and even ability with Mr. Lancaster.¡± Lynn analyzed fervently. Alexia pouted and retorted, ¡°No way, he¡¯s already perfect enough. Why must he need an equally perfect woman?¡± ¡°Aily, what¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you so upset?¡± Seeing Lynn¡¯s confused expression, Alexia regained herposure quickly and hastily squeezed out a smile to exin. ¡°I just think Mr. Lancaster is already perfect enough. He shouldn¡¯t need to find another equally perfect wife to be happy¡­¡± ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Lynn nodded. ¡°You were so emotional just now that I almost thought you had a special rtionship with Mr. Lancaster.¡± ¡°How¡­ How would that even work?¡± Alexia stammered as she squeezed her handbag tightly, ¡°How could I possibly have a special rtionship with him? I¡¯m married¡± ¡°I guess so, after all, how could Mr. Lancaster like ordinary people like us.¡± Alexia frowned again with even more unhappiness in her heart, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with an ordinary person? Are you saying ordinary people can¡¯t marry people like Mr. Lancaster?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that.¡± Lynn rolled her eyes, ¡°Just all these glorious people like Mr. Lancaster won¡¯t want to fall in love with ordinary people like us.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Alexia asked struggling to contain her emotions. ¡°Why are you being so stupid? It¡¯s because we live in a different circle from him.¡± ¡°A different circle¡­¡± Alexia repeated dully. Certainly, she was from an ordinary family. Chaim was born into a notable family. They lived in different circles. Not noticing Alexia¡¯s preupations, Lynn continued talking, ¡°So, I think Mr. Lancaster needs an equally perfect wife who sharesmon topics with him and can help him in business instead of an ordinary wife who has no ability and can¡¯t survive in a luxurious family without him.¡± Alexia¡¯s face turned several shades of red. She couldn¡¯t speak out against any of that as she looked toward her husband with a mixture of sadness and hope. Did he really need that kind of wife? If so, why did he marry her? Then again, he did leave her alone for three years before returning to her just for her bone marrow. Alexia suddenly didn¡¯t want to stay here longer. ¡°Lynn, I want to go back.¡± Alexia mumbled, bing more downcast the longer she was there. Before she could leave, however, Lynn grabbed Alexia¡¯s arm. ¡°Why are you going back so early? Did you forget the most important part? The dance. All the women will draw lots and get to choose their dance partner. ¡°Wait, is Mr. Lancaster attending?¡± Alexia raised an eyebrow in surprise. ¡°Of course, he¡¯s the reason for the party after all.¡± Hearing that, Alexia was instantly dissuaded from leaving. Even though she wasn¡¯t confident she would draw Chaim, she wanted to know who he would be dancing with. Finally, after a long while, the speech ended and Chaim handed the microphone to Assistant Chiao who was standing next to the stage. ¡°You will be hosting the rest of the party.¡± Assistant Chiao nodded slightly and stepped on stage. ¡°Next is the part all thedies have been waiting for. I won¡¯t make you wait any longer. To begin, please wee the firstdy, Alexia White!¡± Alexia froze when hearing her name. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s you.¡± Lynn patted her shoulder excitedly, ¡°Aily, you¡¯re so lucky! Hurry up.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Alexia responded haphazardly and lifted her dress so she wouldn¡¯t trip as she walked up onto the stage under everyone¡¯s gaze. Assistant Chiao handed the draw box to her, ¡°Secretary White, please draw a slip of paper.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Alexia nodded, quickly glimpsing at Chaim, and drawing a slip of paper from the box after a deep breath. She was about to open it when Assistant Chiao jerked the paper away and smiled politely at her, ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Alexia¡¯s movement paused, then she politely responded with a smile, ¡°Then, please, go ahead.¡± Alexia stepped aside and waited nervously for him to announce the result. Then, she heard Assistant Chiao¡¯s surprised voice, ¡°Secretary White has good luck. Congrattions, your dance partner is Mr. Lancaster.¡± When the words came out, the entire audience was shocked. Alexia widened her mouth uncontrobly, unable to believe her ears. She actually drew Chaim. But¡­ Would he dance with her? Chapter 24 Nathaniel鈥檚 Plan Chapter 24 Nathaniel¡¯s n Alexia twisted her head toward the man next to the stage, her heart racing in both nervousness and apprehensiveness. Chaim quickly nced at Alexia before turning his gaze to Assistant Chiao. A chill ran up Assistant Chiao¡¯s back as Chaim stared at him, but Assistant Chiao still asked stiffly, ¡°Mr. Lancaster, Secretary White drew your name¡­¡± ¡°Did Nathaniel tell you do this?¡± Chaim questioned in an icily cold voice. He was quite clear with his instructions not to add his name to the box. So, it was apparent someone meddled. Apart from Chaim, Nathaniel was the only one with the authority to give Wood orders. Assistant Chiao lowered his head and could only admit, ¡°It was indeed Dr. Hardy. He nned this.¡± ¡°He really has nothing better to do!¡±. Assistant Chiao touched his nose as he surreptitiously nced at Alexia¡¯s direction, ¡°Then, Mr. Lancaster, would you dance with Ms. White? She¡¯s still waiting.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you think twice before you did this?¡± Chaim asked as his face darkened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mr. Lancaster, I know it was wrong. There¡¯s nothing I can do now.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll have a month¡¯s bonus deducted. I hope there isn¡¯t a next time, or you¡¯ll be looking for another job!¡± ¡°Yes, I understand¡­¡± Assistant Chiao epted the punishment with a serious expression, angrily cursing Nathaniel in his mind. ¡°Alright, now continue with your hosting duties,¡± Chaim snapped, his face cold as he stepped on stage. He walked toward Alexia at a steady pace. She held her breath and called him. ¡°Mr. Lancaster¡ª¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, cutting her off. ¡°Where?¡± Alexia looked at the hand that he reached out. ¡°Do you not want to dance?¡± ¡°I do.¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes lit up as she hurriedly ced her hand in his awaiting palm. Her hand was icy and damp. ¡°You¡¯re sweating?¡± Chaim frowned. Alexia nodded awkwardly. ¡°If it bothers you, I can go to wash my hands.¡± Her palms sweated every time she was nervous. ¡°No need.¡± Chaim took her hand and led her toward the middle of the room. The crowd parted like the sea to make way for them as they reached the center. Chaim embraced Alexia stiffly as the music started. They danced as the crowd closed in around them. Alexia was extremely nervous as everyone watched. She stepped on Chaim¡¯s feet several times. Chaim coldly asked her in a low voice, ¡°Didn¡¯t your etiquette teacher teach you to dance?¡± ¡°Taught¡­¡± Her face flushed again. ¡°Like this?¡± Alexia¡¯s voice was so low that Chaim almost couldn¡¯t hear, ¡°The teacher had little time with me.¡± ¡°Never mind.¡± Chaim took her on a spin. ¡°Have you practiced yourself?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Alexia was speechless. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. ¡°It seems that the answer is NO. Fortunately, the public doesn¡¯t know that you¡¯re the youngdy of the Lancaster family.¡± Any happiness Alexia felt dancing with Chaim evaporated. So that was what he thought of her. Perhaps Lynn was right. Alexia¡¯s nose twitched as she danced stiffly. It didn¡¯t help that Chaim gave up on pulling her back on rhythm after several attempts either. As soon as the dance was over, he immediately released her. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll have the driver take you back.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Alexia said, forcing out a smile. Chaim turned around toward the lounge without looking at her. In the lounge, Nathaniel was ying a game on his phone. ¡°Finished dancing so soon?¡± Chaim headed straight for the bathroom with a sullen face, not replying. Nathaniel shrugged, turning his attention back to his game. ¡°Quick, find cover, find cover! There¡¯s a sniper!¡± Then, after washing Alexia¡¯s sweat off his hands, Chaim snatched Nathaniel¡¯s phone out of his hands. ¡°Why did you do that?¡± ¡°You know it was me?¡± Nathaniel raised an eyebrow slightly. Chaim sat across from him with piercing eyes. ¡°Well, I¡¯m doing it all for you.¡± Nathaniel said, casually folding his legs. ¡°For me?¡± ¡°Of course. Would you be able to handle the idea of your wife dancing with another man?¡± Chaim thought for a while and surprisingly found that the answer was no. ¡°I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I?¡± Nathaniel snatched his phone back. ¡°So, you should thank me.¡± ¡°Alright, why aren¡¯t you back at the hospital yet?¡± ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you.¡± Nathaniel¡¯s expression became serious. ¡°Did you tell her about the thing?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°So what does that mean? Did she agree to it?¡± ¡°No, she said to think about it.¡± ¡°How long is that going to take? Evelyn¡¯s condition can¡¯t wait for long.¡± ¡°When is the best time for the first surgery?¡± Nathaniel held up a hand, ¡°No more than five days, the sooner she does the first surgery, the better her condition, and the sess rate of the second surgery will be higher.¡± ¡°Okay; I will talk to Alexia again after the party.¡± With that, Nathaniel brushed off his clothes as he stood up, ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll leave first.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± At 11 p.m., Chaim returned to the vi. He found Aunt Song watching TV as he walked into the living room. ¡°You¡¯re back, sir?¡± Aunt Song looked at him in surprise. ¡°Aunt Song, why haven¡¯t you rested yet?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t sleep.¡± Aunt Song replied with a smile. Chaim looked around, ¡°Where¡¯s Alexia?¡± Chapter 25 What鈥檚 Your Decision Chapter 25 What¡¯s Your Decision ¡°Ms. Alexia should be sleeping. Sir, do you want me to call her down?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ll go get her myself.¡± With that, Chaim headed upstairs. The room was dark and quiet when Chaim switched on the light. The nkets were bunched up, making it obvious that a person was sleeping underneath. Chaim walked toward the bed with slow, light footsteps, looking down at her creased brow and frown. She wasn¡¯t sleeping peacefully. Was she having a nightmare? Chaim reached out to feel her forehead and decided against waking her up. He would talk to her tomorrow. It was alreadyte. Then, Chaim headed for the bathroom. ***** The next day, Alexia woke up when she felt a hand hitching toward her waist. She startled awake and looked up to discover Chaim sleeping beside her. ¡°Why are you here?¡± Alexia asked in shock and not believing she didn¡¯t know he even came back and went to bed at all. Chaim unhappily opened his eyes and responded in a hoarse voice, ¡°Why am I here? I am your husband.¡± Alexia scratched her head embarrassedly, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m still not used to youing back to live¡ª¡± ¡°I see you¡¯re clearly used to being free,¡± Chaim said, getting up with a cold expression on his face. Alexia pouted. Chaim¡¯s words weren¡¯t fair but she didn¡¯t know how to respond. Ever since their first night, he had onlye back to stay for two nights, never giving her any notice. Patting her checks, Alexia got up as well. After breakfast, Chaim dropped her off at the same intersection and everything seemed normal. That was, until she entered the gate and found a lot of people pointing at her and whispering. ¡°That¡¯s her¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I know her.¡± ¡°Yes, she was so hrious.¡± Alexia looked around in confusion. She got the feeling that she didn¡¯t want to know what they were talking about. So, she ignored them and entered the elevator quickly. The three secretaries were gone, and their office doors closed. Seeing that, Alexia suddenly realized she would probably have to take over all their work. The thought of quadrupling her workload made the world spin for a few moments. ¡°Secretary White.¡± Assistant Chiao¡¯s voice broke through Alexia¡¯s daze. Alexia turned around and greeted him listlessly, ¡°Good morning, Assistant Chiao.¡± ¡°Good morning. What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Nothing, just wondering if there¡¯s more work for me to do now.¡± She replied bitterly. Assistant Chiao couldn¡¯t help smiling, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mr. Lancaster has asked me to transfer three secretaries from headquarters. They will arrive tomorrow and you won¡¯t have to worry about picking up any extra work.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Alexia¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°But of course.¡± Alexia spirits rose instantly. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear.¡± ¡°Secretary White, don¡¯t celebrate too soon.¡± Assistant Chiao¡¯s smile grew bigger. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°They will arrive TOMORROW. So, you still have the responsibility to deal with triple the usual work today. That¡¯s what Mr. Lancaster ordered.¡± Assistant Chiao headed off, leaving a deted Alexia standing in the corridor. With no way around it, Alexia headed for her office to deal with the extra work until noon. After sorting out the messy documents, Alexia needed to deliver it to Chaim without stopping if she wanted to get everything done on time. ¡°Mr. Lancaster, the documents for today have been sorted out,¡± Alexia reported with a tired face. ¡°Put it down.¡± Alexia put down the pile of documents, ¡°If that¡¯s all you need, Mr. Lancaster, I¡¯ll be heading back to my office.¡± She still had so much more work to attend to. ¡°Wait.¡± Alexia stared at him suspiciously, ¡°Is there something wrong, Mr. Lancaster?¡± ¡°What¡¯s your decision?¡± ¡°What?¡± Chaim frowned impatiently, ¡°Bone marrow!¡± Hearing those two words, Alexia¡¯s face turned pale, ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it yet¡­¡± Chaim stared at her in shock, ¡°What is causing your hesitation? We don¡¯t have much time.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Watching Alexia fiddle with her clothes, Chaim took a deep breath and lightened his tone, ¡°Do you have any concerns?¡± Alexia nodded hesitantly. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I looked up some information¡­¡± Alexia bit her lower lip. ¡°The information shows there¡¯s a thirty percent chance that bone marrow donors will have side effect. Many will grow old and get leukemia...¡± ¡°Side effect?¡± Chaim¡¯s expression grew grave. He had no idea there would be side effects of the operation and such serious ones at that. Chaim¡¯s fingers tapped on the cold desk, making a ttering sound, ¡°I understand, you may go back to work. I will speak to Nathaniel specifically about the potential side effects with donating bone marrow.¡± ¡°¡­ Okay.¡± Alexia forced out a smile. Even though he would be talking with Nathaniel, Chaim still wanted her to donate bone marrow. After Alexia left, Chaim called Nathaniel. Nathaniel yawned as he answered, ¡°What do you want from me?¡± ¡°Are there side effects from donating bone marrow?¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Nathaniel replied sarcastically. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me before?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t ask.¡± Nathaniel set his phone on the table and took off his sses to clean them slowly and methodically. ¡°Do I need to ask questions every time I talk to you?¡± Chaim asked angrily. Nathaniel put his sses back on before responding. ¡°I just forgot to mention it.¡± ¡°So tell me now, what kind of side effects are there?¡± ¡°It¡¯s different for everyone. Some people¡¯s health gets bad, some even developing leukemia themselves as they age.¡± Chaim¡¯s hand tightened violently around the phone. ¡°What are Alexia¡¯s chances of having such serious side effects?¡± ¡°Why are you suddenly asking about Alexia?¡± Nathaniel smiled in interest. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say she didn¡¯t matter in the past?¡± ¡°Yes, I said that. But that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m willing to see something happen to her.¡± ¡°To me it sounds like you care about her.¡± ¡°Answer my question!¡± ¡°Ok, Ok, Ok.¡± Nathaniel responded seriously, ¡°Her body is still in good shape, but I can¡¯t guarantee there won¡¯t be side effects or predict what sort of side effects she may have if she has any, at least not without seeing her. You¡¯d have to bring her to me for an examination.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll bring her overter.¡± N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Hanging up the phone before Nathaniel could respond, Chaim stepped out of his office. Chapter 26 The Checkup Chapter 26 The Checkup ¡°Alexia.¡± Chaim knocked on the office door. Alexia looked up, wearing thick, ck-framed sses, seeing Chaim standing in the doorway. ¡°Mr. Lancaster?¡± ¡°Why are you wearing sses?¡± Chaim asked in slight disgust. Alexia stood up and took off her sses. ¡°I have a bit of astigmatism.¡± ¡°How long have you had this problem?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had it for a long time now.¡± Alexia smiled casually. There was more about Alexia that Chaim didn¡¯t know, but she remembered everything about him. ¡°Alright,e with me.¡± Chaim said in an icy voice, throwing the matter aside. ¡°Where are we going?¡± Alexia asked, looking at him in confusion. ¡°The hospital.¡± ¡°For what?¡± Chaim sent a brief message to Assistant Chiao asking him to arrange a car while responding. ¡°We¡¯re getting you a checkup to determine whether there will be any side effects after you donate bone marrow.¡± Alexia¡¯s heart fell once again. Yes, he had brought this up two months ago, but Alexia was just happy for his attention and care. However, in the end, he still only cared about her bone marrow. Thinking about all of that, Alexia spoke up. ¡°If there are side effects, are you still going to ask me to donate?¡± Chaim paused mid-typing, his thumbs hovering over his phone as he looked at her pale face with no words. Experience told him not to respond. However, he didn¡¯t want to watch Eve die, either. He didn¡¯t want to see harme to either of them. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the checkup first.¡± He suddenly felt powerless in a way he had never felt before. ¡°okay.¡± Alexia took a deep breath and forced down the urge to cry. ¡°Are we going to the hospital now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But I have so much work left to do, can I¡ª¡± ¡°Wood will take over.¡± Chaim interrupted, not leaving room for Alexia to argue. Knowing she couldn¡¯t avoid it, Alexia silently packed her bag, and followed him out of the office. ***** In the car, Alexia looked nkly out of the window without a word. Chaim thought that she was worried about the side effects, so he offered her some rarefort. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡± Alexia didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Alexia, I¡¯m talking to you.¡± ¡°I heard you.¡± Alexia said, refusing to look away from the window. ¡°There is something though. That you say something will be fine doesn¡¯t mean it will actually be fine.¡± Chaim finally fell silent. The air between them was heavy and quiet when they arrived at the hospital. Chaim parked the car and got out to open Alexia¡¯s door before she got out. For the first time, Alexia was ttered by Chaim¡¯s special attention. She even considered the idea that he actually cared about her until she saw the hospital gate. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Chaim said, tossing the car keys to the valet and looked back at Alexia. In the office, Nathaniel asked the nurses around him to leave when he saw Chaim and Alexia approaching. ¡°You¡¯re here!¡± ¡°Nate, she¡¯s in your hands.¡± Chaim said pushing Alexia toward Nathaniel. Nathaniel smiled, ¡°Sister,e with me. The first is the blood test.¡± ¡°¡­ Wonderful,¡± Alexia said through a false smile. In the blood test room, Nathaniel drew a full vial of blood from Alexia¡¯s arm. Seeing her calm face, he couldn¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re quite brave.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve gotten used to it,¡± Alexia said, holding the cotton ball on her arm and giving him a small smile. ¡°The pain?¡± Nathaniel asked, handing the vial of blood to the nurse to be tested, Nathaniel sat down to chat with her. Alexia nodded, ¡°My mom has beaten me since I was little. I¡¯ve gotten used to pain.¡± ¡°Your mother treats you badly?¡± ¡°She prefers boys to girls and didn¡¯t bother to hide it.¡± Alexia threw away the cotton ball after the blood had stopped flowing. ¡°Sister, you¡¯ve had a hard time.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all in the past,¡± Alexia said, shrugging carelessly. From N?velDrama.Org. When she was younger, Alexia was extremely upset that her parents loved her brother more. As she grew up however, Alexia had just grown tired of their endless greed for money. ¡°Doctor Hardy, can youe here for a moment?¡± the nurse who was testing the blood asked, concerns on her face. Nathaniel pushed up his sses. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± The nurse looked at Alexia hesitatingly. Alexia realized there might be something wrong with her blood and concerns flooded her. ¡°Is there something wrong with my blood test?¡± ¡°Sister, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll have a look,¡± Nathaniel reassured her before leaving with the nurse. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked with a serious look as soon as he entered theboratory. ¡°Justpare Ms. White¡¯s blood test report with Ms. Chi¡¯s.¡± The nurse handed two blood test results to Nathaniel. After reading the results, Nathaniel stood there in shock. ¡°How could this happen? Are you sure you¡¯re not mistaken?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure! I¡¯ve confirmed it several times.¡± Nathaniel was silent for several moments before crumpling the reports and staring at the nurse in warning. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to disclose this matter to anyone, let alone mention you ran the test. Otherwise, you will regret it immediately!¡± The nurse nodded repeatedly the blood draining from her face. Seeing Nathaniel entering the room with a frown, Alexia stood up while trying to keep herself calm. ¡°Dr. Hardy, is there a problem?¡± Chapter 27 He Was Smiling Chapter 27 He Was Smiling ¡°No,¡± Nathaniel smiled again. ¡°The nurse only got some of the data wrong. That is all.¡± From N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Really?¡± Alexia frowned, an odd feeling creeping up. ¡°Of course. If there was a problem, how could I, as a doctor, not tell you?¡± With that, Alexia finally stopped asking questions and was able to rx. She was relieved to hear there wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°Sister, now it¡¯s time to check your heart,¡± Nathaniel said, naturally changing the subject. Alexia followed him towards the CT room. Walking for a while, Nathaniel casually asked, ¡°By the way, sister, you mentioned that your mother preferred boys over girls, right?¡± Alexia nodded. ¡°Yes, why do you ask?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Nathaniel turned back, looking back at Alexia¡¯s piercing and profound eyes. ¡°Just curious.¡± Alexia pursed her lips. ¡°They just think only sons can pass on the lineage¡­¡± ¡°Although this has been the case since ancient times, there are always some exceptions¡­¡± Nathaniel responded, hinting at a secret meaning. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Alexia asked, cocking her head in confusion. ¡°Nothing.¡± Nathaniel smiled as he took out a maic card. ¡°Here¡¯s the CT room. Please,e in.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ***** Two hourster, the checkup was finally over. Alexia sat on the chair in the hall as she gratefully took the cup of water Nathaniel offered. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°No thanks needed, this is what I do as a doctor,¡± he said winking at her. Alexia blushed as she lowered her head. Her shy and embarrassed look amused Nathaniel. Although some might say Alexia wasn¡¯t very beautiful. Her charms came to the forefront when she was shy and blushing. It was a pity she married Chaim, otherwise Nathaniel would¡¯ve pursued her. He hadn¡¯t had a woman like Alexia as a girlfriend before. Nathaniel suppressed the inappropriate thoughts, and looked at his watch, ¡°Sister, please head back to my office to rest. Chaim should also be there. I wille find you after I receive the results.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Alexia drank the water and headed over to his office. However, when she arrived, there was no one there except for a nurse. ¡®Did he leave?¡¯ Alexia looked around disappointedly before turning to the nurse. ¡°Have you seen a very tall and good- looking gentleman?¡± ¡°Are you asking about Mr. Lancaster?¡± the nurse asked in conformation. Alexia nodded. ¡°Yes, do you know where he went?¡± ¡°Mr. Lancaster has gone to see Ms. Chi in the special ss ward.¡± ¡°Ms. Chi?¡± ¡®Could it be Evelyn?¡¯ she thought. ¡°What floor is it on?¡± ¡°Ninth floor.¡± Alexia intended to visit Evelyn. She was really curious about the woman that Chaim wanted her to donate her bone marrow to. Not only that, but she wanted to know once and for all the rtionship she had with Chaim. She knew their rtionship was clearly more than simple friends. Ding! The elevator climbed to the ninth floor. When she arrived, Alexia searched through the rooms one after another, until finally finding the one she was looking for. ¡°This is it.¡± Since the door was closed, Alexia decided against knocking and instead stood outside, watching the figures inside. She couldn¡¯t see much through the ss on the door except for half of the bed and Chaim sitting in a chair. Alexia was a little disappointed, until she covered her mouth in shock. Was he smiling? Alexia stared at his face incredulously for a long time as she clenched her fists until her hands ached from her nails digging into her palms. She suddenly understood why she never saw Chaim smile. It wasn¡¯t that he never smiled, but that the person who made him smile wasn¡¯t her. Alexia bit her lips. She wanted to cry, but fought back the tears with unwillingness and self-deprecation. Buzz! The mobile phone in Alexia¡¯s handbag rang. The suddenness of the phone call caused Alexia to drop her bag. In the ward, Chaim turned his head towards the door, making eye contact with Alexia¡¯s panicky face. ¡®Why is she here?¡¯ ¡°Chaim, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Evelyn asking in concern, seeing Chaim suddenly frowning,. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Chaim said, tucking the nket around Evelyn. ¡°Nathaniel is outside, I¡¯ll take a look.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you let Nathaniel in?¡± Evelyn¡¯s deep-set eye asked in confusion. ¡°There¡¯s no need, he¡¯s too annoying and will disturb you.¡± With that, he walked toward the door. As soon as he stepped into the hall, he saw Alexia running toward the elevator. ¡°Alexia, stop!¡± Chaim shouted in an icy voice. Alexia stopped. She turned to look at him and hung her head in shame. Chaim walked up to her with an unreadable face. ¡°Why are you running?¡± Alexia stared at her shoes without uttering a word. She honestly didn¡¯t know herself. Either way, she wanted to get away before he could ask any more questions. She hadn¡¯t meant to disturb them, but he discovered her anyway. ¡°Did Nathaniel finish the exam?¡± Chaim asked. Alexia nodded. ¡°Mm hm¡­¡± ¡°And the results?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not out yet.¡± ¡°Then what are you doing here?¡± Chaim asked, staring closely at her. ¡°How did you know I was here?¡± The questioning in his tone made Alexia feel ufortable. ¡°I didn¡¯t see you after the checkup, so I asked the nurse,¡± she responded, quickly changing the subject. ¡°Is that Evelyn Inside?¡± Her eyes flicked to the ward door. Chaim didn¡¯t reply as a tacit acknowledgement. ¡°Can I meet her?¡± Alexia squeezed the chain of her handbag tightly and looked at him nervously. Chaim immediately refused, his face reddening. ¡°No!¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°No reason. Anyway, go back to the office. I¡¯ll get the resultster.¡± With that, he went back to Evelyn¡¯s room, leaving Alexia standing alone in the hall. ¡°Are you finished talking to him?¡± Evelyn asked as she closed the book and weakly smiled up at Chaim. Seeing her thin frame, his face showed some concern. ¡°Why are you sitting up? You need to lie down and rest.¡± ¡°My body is getting stiff, just let me sit up for a while,¡± she said grabbing his arm and shaking it in a pout. Chaim could never refuse her when she was like that. So he agreed after looking her over carefully. ¡°Put this on, don¡¯t catch a cold,¡± Chaim said picking up a thick jacket for her. Evelyn obediently put it on while asking, ¡°Chaim, what did you say with Nathaniel? You¡¯re always so mysterious.¡± Chapter 28 There Wouldn鈥檛 Be Any Side Effects Chapter 28 There Wouldn¡¯t Be Any Side Effects Chaim lowered his eyes. ¡°He wanted to talk about the surgery.¡± ¡°Surgery?¡± Evelyn¡¯s eyes lit up with irrepressible excitement, ¡°When can I have the surgery?¡± From N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Soon, the first surgery is in just a few days away.¡± ¡°Great!¡± Evelyn wept tears of joy. Chaim handed a tissue to her, ¡°Don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s not pretty.¡± ¡°Do you dislike me?¡± Evelyn pouted. ¡°No.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Evelyn hugged her knees to her chest with a sad face. ¡°I know I¡¯m ugly now.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll recover soon, don¡¯t think too much.¡± Chaim ruffled her hair, feeling heartache. ¡°Chaim, do you think I can dance again?¡± ¡°Of course you can.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Chaim nodded. He knew how much she loved ballet. So, he asked Nathaniel the same question a long time ago. Nathaniel had said she would be able to dance again, as long as both surgeries were sessful. ¡°I believe you!¡± Evelyn hugged his waist, rubbing her face gently against his abdomen, ¡°I know you¡¯d never lie to me.¡± Chaim¡¯s body suddenly tensed. ¡°Oh, am I interrupting?¡± Nathaniel¡¯s flirtatious voice called from the doorway. Evelyn blushed and let go of Chaim, ¡°No, pleasee in. What brings you back so soon? Is there something else?¡± ¡°Back?¡± Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. Nathaniel nced toward Chaim, meeting his cold and warning eyes. He understood immediately what was going on and smiled, ¡°Yes, I forgot some things. Chaim, can we step outside to talk.¡± As soon as the door closed, Nathaniel looked at him with a smirk. ¡°It was Alexia just now, right?¡± Chaim gave him a nonmittal look and Nathaniel couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I thought so!¡± Nathanielughed. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re doing this to yourself. How long do you think you can hide your marriage from Evelyn?¡± ¡°As long as I can.¡± Chaim said in a calm voice. ¡°Why?¡± Nathaniel frowned. ¡°She doesn¡¯t love you. All she loves is her ballet and the Lincoln Center. Don¡¯t tell me you want to get back with her?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Chaim said impatiently pinching his brow, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s finish this meaningless subject. Have Alexia¡¯s resultse out yet?¡± ¡°Here you go.¡± Nathaniel handed over a folder with him, ¡°It¡¯s all in here, read it yourself.¡± Chaim casually flipped it open. He couldn¡¯t understand any of it. ¡°Just tell me. Will Alexia have side effects or not.¡± ¡°With good care after the surgery, there¡¯s a seventy percent chance that it won¡¯t be. But she won¡¯t be as healthy as she was.¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Chaim pped Nathaniel on the chest with the folder. She wouldn¡¯t have any side effects and Eve could be saved. Then he didn¡¯t have to struggle and feel powerless anymore. He would take full responsibility for Alexia¡¯s future. Nathaniel called after Chaim as he was about to return to the ward, ¡°Chaim, do you know Alexia and Evelyn are¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± Nathaniel hesitated for a moment then smiled, ¡°It¡¯s nothing particrly important. I¡¯ll tell you when I¡¯ve discovered more.¡± With that, he turned and marched off with his folder. Chaim stared thoughtfully at Nathaniel¡¯s back for a moment before opening the door. As soon as he entered, a dark shadow slid along the floor and came to settle beside his feet. It was a broken phone, and its owner was sitting on the bed, bawling and out of breath. ¡°Eve!¡± Chaim¡¯s face froze. He snatched the bottle of spray next to Evelyn¡¯s bed and sprayed her face. A few momentster, Evelyn¡¯s breathing regained a normal rhythm as she gradually calmed down, ¡°Chaim, they¡¯re too much.¡± ¡°They?¡± ¡°The other ballerinas. They were invited to the Lincoln Center and deliberately called to mock me. They are so hateful!¡± What made her hate them the most was that man. She loved him so much, but not only did he break up with her, he also blocked her and mucked about bitches and whores! As soon as she was cured, she¡¯d teach them a lesson. Evelyn¡¯s eyelids dropped, covering the hatred in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Chaim patted her back as heforted her, ¡°There¡¯ll be another chance when you¡¯re better. How about you take a nap?¡± ¡°Will you leave if I fall asleep?¡± Evelyn grabbed his hand, not wanting to wake up alone. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± He couldn¡¯t leave when she was so emotionally weak. ¡°Chaim, don¡¯t let me not see you.¡± ¡°I promise.¡± Chaim pulled a chair over and sat down beside her bed. With his reassurance, she hugged his arm and closed her eyes contentedly. After she fell asleep, Chaim gently pulled his hand out of Evelyn¡¯s grasp and headed to the balcony to call Alexia. She was still in the car when she received the call. ¡°Chaim.¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t arrived at the office yet?¡± Chaim asked hearing the faint sound of traffic. Alexia looked at thepany building only a short distance away through the car window, ¡°Not yet, there was a traffic jam. But I¡¯m almost there now.¡± ¡°Ok. Don¡¯t go to sleep early tonight; I want to talk to you. I might be back a bitte though.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Alexia responded in a low voice. She could guess what he wanted to talk about. After all, he only wanted her for the bone marrow donation. After the call ended, Alexia gave a long sigh and got out of the car. As soon as she exited the elevator, she saw Lynn standing in her office doorway. ¡°You¡¯re back atst, where have you been?¡± ¡°I went out with Mr. Lancaster for some matters.¡± Alexia took out the office door card. Lynn followed her, ¡°Talking business?¡± ¡°Sort of.¡± Alexia said, setting the air conditioner to 79 degrees. ¡°No wonder, you didn¡¯t even answer my calls.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to ignore you.¡± Alexia apologized. Alexia remembered the call that caused Chaim to find her. It had been from Lynn. She intended to return itter, but forgot once she left the hospital. ¡°Anyway, what¡¯s so important?¡± Alexia asked as she made Lynn a cup of tea. Chapter 29 Who Are You? Chapter 29 Who Are You? Instead of drinking the tea, Lynn just ced it aside. "You haven¡¯t heard yet?" "No, I haven¡¯t. I¡¯ve been gone most of the day. What¡¯s happened?" Alexia asked as she looked at Lynn, feeling amused. Lynn rolled her eyes. "The gossip. Didn¡¯t you notice anything different when you got to work this morning? As soon as you arrived to start the day, and even when you arrived less than ten minutes ago, didn¡¯t you notice everyone was talking about you?" "I heard them." Alexia nodded. "But I didn¡¯t stop to listen." Alexia wasn¡¯t certain what to make of her friend¡¯s concern. Yes, it was true that everyone was looking at her and gossiping when she arrived that morning. They even continued that afternoon. Alexia worried there had been stickers or stains on her clothes, but after a thorough inspection, she found none. "Oh my god. You really don''t care about what people say or think about you?" Lynn asked in surprise. ¡°No, I don¡¯t care, and I don''t want to either. I¡¯m too busy and have far too much work to do. It¡¯s not like they¡¯ll stop if I pay attention to them either.¡± Alexia put her head in her hands and took a deep breath. "Just tell me, what have I done this time that has the entire office gossiping about me?" "Actually, it¡¯s nothing you did this time. Rememberst night when you danced with Mr. Lancaster?." "Of course I remember the dance. What about it?" "Well, because you got to dance with Mr. Lancaster, you made every woman in thepany extremely jealous of you." Alexia frowned. "I don''t think they were jealous of me. In fact, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to guess they were laughing at me more than anything else." Lynnughed, but stopped when she noticed Alexia ring at her. "What¡¯s so funny?" Alexia asked, more annoyed than anything else. Lynn tried to hold back herughter, but she failed and burst intoughter. Lynn was holding her sides, and tears rolled down her cheeks before she finally regained herposure. "Sorry, sorry, I really don¡¯t mean tough. I just thought of your dance with Mr. Lancaster. I¡¯m sorry, Alexia, but it was hrious. Do you know how many times you stepped on Mr. Lancaster''s feet?" Alexia shook her head. She tried her hardest to forget she had, but she knew it had to be several times at least. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. "Eight times," Lynn said, struggling not tough again. "So, all the women are jealous of you stepping on Mr. Lancaster¡¯s feet several times and still not getting fired." "Eight times? Really?" Alexia was astonished, biting her nails and purposely not looking at Lynn. "That''s a lot." "Yep! I even took a video of the dance if you want to watch," Lynn said, handing Alexia the cellphone to watch the video. Alexia couldn¡¯t help but feel very awkward watching the video. Was the one dancing with Mr. Lancaster really her? She knew she was a bad dancer, and she hade to terms with that. But seeing the video, she could only imagine what the others thought. However, Chaim had finished the terrible dance with her, not even looking like he was considering leaving the dance. If anything else, it showed that Chaim was a man with great manners. "Now do you understand why everyone was gossiping about you?" Lynn asked as she took her phone back,ughing. Alexia moaned into her arms as she leaned onto her desk. "Because of this video¡­" "Bingo! Not everyone from the office was able to attend the wee party, so someone sent a simr video to all the people in thepany via email. That''s why everyone is talking about you." "And they are using my horrible dancing as their daily dose of humor." Lynnughed. "No, it¡¯s more like they¡¯re actually jealous of your good luck and your bravery. If they had been the ones who were given the chance to dance with Mr. Lancaster, I don''t think they would¡¯ve been brave enough to go through with it." "Okay, I get it. I¡¯m a bad dancer. Can we please stop talking about this? I have more work to do." Alexia really did have more to do, but for the moment she just wanted to be alone. "Fine, I¡¯ll stop. Do you want to go out tonight for drinks?" Lynn asked, changing the subject. Alexia looked up, "No, I can''t. My husband wants to talk with me tonight." "Alright, I want a raincheck then." Lynn pouted, annoyed that her friend was too busy. Alexia sat there with her head on her arms for a bit before getting back to work. With the three secretaries getting fired, she needed to do all the work on her own, thankfully it was only for one day. Even with the help of Wood, she couldn''t get off from work on time. Alexia ended up having to stayte to get it all done. So, when she finally got back to the vi, it was nine o''clock at night. By the time Alexia headed up the front walk, she was so hungry that her belly was aching. A dizziness had set in and Alexia¡¯s hands shook fromck of nourishment. She dug around in her purse to find her keys and once she found them, she couldn¡¯t steady her hands enough to unlock the door. Aunt Song, who was up waiting for Alexia and Chaim to arrive, heard the muffled noise at the door and got up to see who was there. When she opened the door, Aunt Song smiled and stepped aside to let Alexia in. "Ms. Alexia, you¡¯re back," Aunt Song said, helping Alexia with her bag. Alexia smiled half-heartedly and replied, "Good evening, Aunt Song." "Good evening to you, Ms. White." Aunt Song replied, hesitating when she noticed how pale Alexia looked. "Ms. Alexia, Is something wrong? You¡¯re very pale¡­" "I am feeling not well," Alexia said as she leaned against the hall closet. "Are you sick?" Aunt Song asked, concern growing as she helped Alexia to the sofa. Alexia stretched out on the sofa, headying on the armrest. "No, I¡¯m not sick. My stomach just hurts and I feel weak from not eating dinner. May I have something to eat, Aunt Song?" "You haven''t had your dinner yet? It¡¯s 9 p.m.," Aunt Song asked in surprise. Alexia shook her head weakly. "There was so much to do at the office today. If I stopped to eat dinner, I would¡¯ve been home eventer." "You really need to try and make time to eat even when you¡¯re busy." Aunt Song headed to the kitchen and brought back a cup of ginger tea which she handed to Alexia with a tender but stern expression. "Drink this to help your stomach calm down while I will cook you the dinner." "Thanks, Aunt Song," Alexia said, taking the cup and taking a small sip. Having something in her stomach, Alexia¡¯s stomachache faded a little and the color returned to her face. She regained some strength and was able to sit up to watch some TV, smoothing her hair as she reached for the remote. After a while, Aunt Song called to Alexia from the kitchen. "Dinner is ready, Ms. Alexia. It will be best if youe eat at the table." "Coming," Alexia replied, turning off the TV and heading to the kitchen. ***** Alexia pushed her almostpletely clean te away, her stomachfortably full. "Was everything to your satisfaction?" Aunt Song asked happily. Alexia nodded. "Of course! Aunt Song, you¡¯re amazing at cooking I was upset I couldn¡¯t finish it all." Aunt Song blushed at thepliment, smiling greatly. "You are so sweet. No wonder Mr. Ro likes you so much." "That''s because Grandpa Ro is kind," Alexia replied, rxing contentedly against the back of the chair. Alexia may have said that Grandpa Ro was kind, but in her mind, she knew quite well that the only reason Grandpa Ro liked her was because she didn''t ask for money from the Lancasters. It was because of that, and maybe that alone, that Grandpa Ro picked her to marry Chaim. After the wedding, Grandpa Ro wasn¡¯t subtle about wanting Alexia to give birth to a child, his great- grandson, either. However, that was three years ago and Chaim and Alexia had yet to have a child. It wasn¡¯t Alexia¡¯s fault they hadn¡¯t had a child yet, Chaim was the one that didn¡¯t want to have a child. Grandpa Ro was getting impatient now and had ordered her and Chaim to give birth to a baby quickly. Otherwise, Alexia and Chaim weren¡¯t allowed in the Lancaster family. A small part of Alexia wondered whether Grandpa Ro would ask them to get a divorce if it took them too much longer to have a child. All the worry about children and Grandpa Ro prompted Alexia to ask Aunt Song if Chaim had arrived home yet. "No." Aunt Song shook her head. "Why do you ask? Will Mr. Lancastere home tonight?" "He said he would." Alexia answered, rubbing her sore shoulders. "Why don''t you call him and ask him then?" Aunt Song suggested, picking up the dishes from the table. Alexia thought about the idea for a moment before agreeing to the idea. Chaim had asked her to wait, but Alexia didn''t know how long she should wait. Alexia took out the phone, and called Chaim with some encouragement from Aunt Song''s. Someone answered the phone quickly, and Alexia immediatelyunched into her question, not wanting to anger him. "Chaim, when will youe home?" "Who are you?" Alexia stood there in hurt confusion. It wasn¡¯t Chaim who had answered the phone but a strange woman questioning Alexia harshly. Alexia worried she might have the wrong number, but when she checked, it was Chaim¡¯s contact on her phone¡¯s screen. ¡®What was happening? Why is a woman answering Chaim''s phone?'' Chapter 30 I Am His Wife Chapter 30 I Am His Wife When Evelyn didn¡¯t get a response right away, she spoke again. "Who are you exactly? Tell me now or I¡¯ll hang up the phone and block you." "Wait a minute!" Alexia said urgently. Evelyn paused. "Tell me then." "OK." Alexia took a deep breath and calmed herself down. "I am Chaim''s wife. And you are?" "His wife?" Evelyn scoffed. "Let me get this straight. You¡¯re Chaim''s wife?" "Yes." Evelyn sneered, "Miss, you should know Chaim has never been married and as such has no wife yet. Next time you should find yourself a better story excuse." Hearing the Evelyn¡¯s cruel words, Alexia¡¯s heart sank. She was legally Chaim''s wife, but Chaim had forbidden anyone from speaking of the marriage so to the rest of the world, Chaim was still single. It also didn¡¯t help that Alexia felt that she was a terrible wife, so Evelyn¡¯s word cut right through her. It waste and instead of Chaim answering, it was some other woman. Unless Chaim had a close rtionship with the woman on the other end of the phone, it didn¡¯t make sense for a random woman to answer Alexia¡¯s call. Realizing all of that, Alexia had to fight down her anxiety and jealousy as she continued. "Miss, you didn''t answer my question. Who are you?" "Evelyn," the woman replied curtly. "Wait, you¡¯re Evelyn!" Alexia asked in surprise, her voice rising in pitch as her eyes widened in shock. Alexia might not have been able to meet Evelyn that afternoon, but she was speaking to Evelyn on the phone. "Wait, how do you know who I am?" Evelyn asking in surprise, raising her eyebrow; or brow bone seeing as her eyebrows had fallen out from the chemo. Alexia held the phone tightly, "I don¡¯t know who you are specifically¡­ but I have heard of you." "You have?" Evelyn squinted at the phone in disbelief. ¡°Yes,¡± Alexia mumbled, before gaining the courage to ask another question. "Miss Evelyn, is Chaim there with you?" "He¡¯s taking a shower now. Do you want to talk to him?" Alexia bit her tongue hard, struggling with her emotions. "No, never mind. I¡­ I just called to say hi¡­" ¡®Taking a shower¡­¡¯ It waste, and Chaim was taking a shower at Evelyn''s. So had they¡­ No, they couldn¡¯t have. Evelyn was sick. Chaim was so insistent on needing Alexia¡¯s bone marrow that he wouldn¡¯t want to risk anything happening. She took a deep breath and told herself she was just overthinking the whole thing. Alexia felt a little better after that realization, but the two of them being together still hurt. She threw the phone on the table and curled up in the nearest chair. She pulled her legs to her chest and buried her head in her knees as she struggled not to cry. Aunt Song finished clearing the dishes by then and headed to the living room to check on Alexia, only to find her curled up in a ball. "Ms. Alexia, what''s the matter?" Aunt Song asked, rushing over. "Nothing. I¡¯m fine," Alexia mumbled, from where she buried her face between her knees. "You don''t seem fine." Aunt Song patted Alexia on the shoulder. "Did you have a fight with Mr. Lancaster?" Alexia shook her head. Aunt Song was certain she had guessed right and sighed. "Will Mr. Lancaster be home tonight?" "Maybe not." Alexia sniffed sadly. "He may stay at hospital instead." "Hospital?" Aunt Song gasped, "Is he sick?" Alexia looked up. "No, he isn¡¯t sick. He¡¯s staying there to take care of Evelyn like he usually does." "Ms. Alexia, did you say Evelyn?" Aunt Song asked, failing to hide the surprise from her voice. Aunt Song''s surprise scared Alexia as she responded. "Yes, do you know her?" "Yes, I do." Aunt Song nodded, unsure how to respond. "She¡¯s the daughter of the Chis, and also Mr. Lancaster''s¡­" Aunt Song looked at Alexia and stopped talking abruptly. "What?" Alexia asked, a ball forming in the pit of her stomach seeing Aunt Song m up. Aunt Song waved her hands and started backing up toward the door. "Never mind what I said, dear. Since Mr. Lancaster won''t be home tonight, you should go upstairs and rest now. I¡¯ll be leaving now." Aunt Song didn¡¯t even bother to take off the apron before she left. Alexia sat in the living room by herself, the whole situation growing even moreplicated as Aunt Song left in a hurry. While Aunt Song might have been avoiding answering Alexia¡¯s questions by leaving, she instead confirmed Alexia¡¯s suspicion that Chaim and Evelyn had some sort of history. That just left Alexia to wonder if Evelyn was Chaim¡¯s secret crush, or maybe his ex-girlfriend? No matter who she was, Alexia felt a bit better knowing more about the whole situation. Alexia patted her face and cheered herself up. She grabbed her phone and sent Chaim a text before heading upstairs. ***** "Chaim, your phone is buzzing again." Evelyn called to Chaim who was just getting out of the shower. Chaim paused drying his hair. "Who is it?" "It¡¯s a text but you don¡¯t have the number saved." Evelyn peeked at the phone, rage boiling in her stomach. ¡®It¡¯s that girl again!'' Chaim finished getting dressed and picked up the phone to look at it. It was Alexia! Chaim looked at the message. "I¡¯m not waiting up for you anymore!" ¡®Why is she being like this? I told her to wait for me in the vi and have a talk.'' Seeing Chaim being upset, Evelyn chose her next words carefully, "Chaim, who is she?" "No one that matters. You can ignore her," Chaim said cing his phone in his pocket. Evelyn smiled, happy with Chaim¡¯s response. "By the way, she called you before too. Can you guess what she said?" "What?" Chaim went back to drying off his hair, not really listening to Evelyn thering on. "She said she was your wife." Chaim stopped drying his hair and spoke slowly. "Did she really say that?" "Yep." Evelyn nodded. "It is funny, right? Everyone knows you¡¯re not married and yet this woman ims to be your wife? I¡¯m guessing she has feeling for you so when I answered your phone, she told me that to anger me." While Chaim was getting so angry that he was no longer able to hide it, his movements bing stiff. Seeing Chaim¡¯s demeanor change, Evelyn stopped smiling and grew concerned. "Chaim, what¡¯s wrong?" "Nothing," Chaim said, ending the conversation and throwing the towel on the bathroom floor. "I need to go home now." "Now?" Evelyn asked surprised. "Yes." "But your coat is still stained and damp." "That''s fine. I¡¯ll go home and have my housekeeper take care of it." Chaim grabbed his coat from the hanger and put it on, ignoring the stains. "It was my fault." Evelyn looked down guiltily, "I identally broke the cup, so your coat got all stained." "I¡¯m not ming you for an ident so please don¡¯t me yourself. Have a good rest. I will visit you tomorrow." Chaim was in a hurry and said little else while gathering his things and leaving. Half an hourter, he arrived at the vi. Aunt Song, havinge back after Alexia went upstairs, was surprised to see Chaim walk in. "Sir, I thought you weren¡¯ting home this evening?" Chaim frowned, "What made you think that?" N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Chaim took off his stained coat and casually threw it on the sofa. "Ms. Alexia mentioned that you might note home tonight." Aunt Song answered awkwardly. "So, you now believe whatever she said?" Chaim used as he went upstairs. ***** Upstairs, Alexia yawned and she got up to turn off the light to go to bed when she heard noises in the hall. She froze by the switch as the door opened and Chaim walked in, surprising Alexia. "You¡¯re home?" Alexia straightened, the sleepiness leaving her at the sight of her husband. Chaim looked at her coldly. "Are you saying I can¡¯t be in my own home?" Alexia climbed back in bed and pulled the nkets around her. "No, I didn''t mean that. I just assumed you wouldn¡¯t be home after Miss Evelyn informed me you were still at the hospital with her." Chaim had seemed calm until Alexia mentioned Evelyn. As soon as Evelyn¡¯s name was mentioned, Chaim¡¯s expression turned into an icy stare. "Tell me. What did you say to Evelyn?" Chapter 31 I鈥檓 Willing to Donate Chapter 31 I¡¯m Willing to Donate "What did I say to her?" Alexia asked, trying to sound nonchnt as she looked at him curiously. She wasn¡¯t sure why Chaim was so angry. Alexia and Evelyn hadn¡¯t actually met and since they didn¡¯t know each other they really didn¡¯t have anything to talk about either. "Evelyn said you told her you¡¯re my wife," Chaim used, sulking toward the bed. Alexia opened her mouth. "I¡­" "Oh, so now you remember what you said," Chaim interrupted. "Yes, I did tell her that." Alexia bit her lip, "But it¡¯s not like I was lying." "While you might be right about that, I believe you¡¯ve forgotten something very important. Did I not say when we got married that you were to tell no one?" Chaim said, gritting his teeth. "Yes, that was something you said. However, I didn''t tell her my name, so it¡¯s not like she knows who I am¡­" "You should be grateful she doesn¡¯t know who you are and didn''t believe what you said. If she had, ever does, or something happens to her I will never forgive you!" Chaim ripped off his tie and through it on the floor before walking into the closet. Alexia sat on the bed, shaking in fear. She didn''t understand Chaim¡¯s anger. She did tell Evelyn she was Chaim¡¯s wife, but why would that cause Evelyn harm? The worst thing about the whole situation was that he went straight home to me her. Alexia wrapped herself in the quilt and she leaned against the headboard fighting back tears. After Chaim changed his suit, he reentered the bedroom and turned back to Alexia. "I got your medical examination report now." Worry flooded Alexia but she calmed herself down quickly with a breath. "Yeah?" "Do you want to know the results of your report?" Chaim asked. Alexia squeezed out a smile, "I don''t think the result matters anymore." "What do you mean?" Alexia looked down at her hands and refused to answer him. She knew that no matter what the report said, it wouldn¡¯t matter. With hisst outburst, he made it quite clear to Alexia that he wouldn¡¯t give up on forcing her to donate the bone marrow. So Alexia knew she really didn¡¯t have a choice but to agree to the donation. Noticing that Alexia wasn¡¯t answering, Chaim walked over to his personal wine chest in his room and pulled out a bottle. He poured himself a drink and turned back to Alexia, sipping on his wine before realizing she would not borate. "You won¡¯t have any side effect from donating your bone marrow." "Really?" Alexia asked, sitting up straight in surprise. "Yes." Chaim sat on the sofa opposite to the bed and nodded. Alexia smiled. Though she knew she really had no choice but to donate the bone marrow, hearing the results relieved her all the same. "So, are you agreeing to the donation?" Chaim swirled the wine in his ss, holding eye contact with Alexia. Alexia worried what his reaction would be, but she needed to know the answer all the same. "I know what my answer is, but before I tell you, I want to ask you something first, Chaim. If you answer my question, I¡¯ll answer yours. " "A question?" "Yes." Chaim hesitated for a moment before giving a curt nod. "Go ahead then." Alexia took a deep breath. "I want to know what you¡¯d do if I were to decide to refuse to donate the bone marrow." "So, I guess that means your answer is no." Chaim squinted. Alexia looked at him with a nk expression. "Just answer my question." Chaim traced the rim of his winess with his finger, his emotions a confusing mix, before he finally answered in a slow tone. "I would force you to do so then." Alexia¡¯s heart sank, and she sadly closed her eyes. "Just as I suspected you¡¯d say¡­" Even though she assumed Chaim would force her, it hurt even more than she thought it would hurt hearing him admit it. "You really care about Miss Evelyn a lot," Alexia said, biting her lip so hard that it almost bled. Chaim took another sip of wine and set the ss down so hard that it nearly shattered. "I refuse to let her die." "What about me?" Alexia pulled the quilt around her even tighter, smiling bitterly. "So that means you¡¯d choose to sacrifice me for her then?" "You won¡¯t die from the donation!" Chaim shouted, rubbing his temple restlessly. He didn''t understand why Alexia was choosing toplicate such a simple thing. Sensing Chaim¡¯s growing impatience, Alexia couldn¡¯t help but feel wronged and angry; she was on the verge of crying and didn¡¯t care. "While I may not die from this, it¡¯s not wrong for me to feel worried about it and not want to go through something like this for someone I don¡¯t even know. All you care about is whether I donate my bone marrow, but you never even bothered to ask how I felt about any of this." Chaim was silent. After a while, he stood up. "I¡¯m sorry I didn''t tell you in advance, but I will be responsible for you, and I willpensate you for your troubles." "I don''t need or want yourpensation. All I ask for is for you to promise me one thing. As long as you agree to the promise, I¡¯ll sign the donation agreement." Alexia angrily wiped away the tears. Chaim saw Alexia wipe at her tears and frowned unknowingly, not understanding his feelings. "I¡¯m assuming you want the same thing that you asked for before?" "No." Alexia shook her head, taking a deep breath and calming down. "What is it?" "I know you don¡¯t care for me, not enough for us to truly act like a real married couple in love. I understand this, and havee to terms with it. Instead, I ask that we have sex until I conceive a child." Alexia clenched her hands tightly, the most courage she¡¯d ever had in her life coursing through her. She didn¡¯t know how Chaim would react to her condition and that scared her. At the same time, she had no other choice because Grandpa Ro wanted her to give birth to a child. If she didn''t give him a grandchild soon, Grandpa Ro would order them to get a divorce. Regardless of Chaim¡¯s feeling for her, Alexia didn''t want a divorce, so having Chaim¡¯s child was her only choice. Plus, she couldn''t help but hope that once she had their child, maybe Chaim would care more about her. Maybe even caring so much they¡¯d be a happy couple. "You want to have a child?" Chaim didn¡¯t know what to think about Alexia¡¯s request. Alexia rubbed her hands together shyly, not daring to look Chaim in the eye. "It¡¯s not for me. It¡¯s because Grandpa Ro wants a great-grandchild. He¡¯s mentioned it to me several times over the past three years. He also told me to get pregnant before it was toote¡­" Chaim knew Alexia wasn¡¯t lying about any of that. Grandpa Ro said the same thing to him too. Chaim didn''t want a child, but his grandpa was indeed very old and his health was beginning to fail. There was a chance Grandpa Ro would die in the next few years, and Alexia was only tied to him because of Grandpa Ro. Chaim didn¡¯t love Alexia, that was true, but he also cared for her in a way because she neither wore poor makeup that made him sick nor had wicked ideas against him. It was because of that he considered it to be a tolerable idea to have sex with her and maybe even have a baby with her. He would do it just to reassure Grandpa Ro. The most important thing was that if he didn¡¯t have a child with Alexia, he wouldn¡¯t have a child at all. Evelyn definitely wouldn¡¯t give up dancing or take the risk of physical disfigurement caused by pregnancy just to give Chaim a child. Considering all of that, Chaim breathed out gently. "Okay, I¡¯ll agree to that promise." "Really?" Alexia asked, very confused. Chaim poured himself another ss of wine. "Yes." "You aren¡¯t kidding, are you?" Alexia couldn''t believe it and wondered if she was dreaming. Chaim looked up at her, an expression of both anger and strictness on his face. "Do I look like a person who likes to joke?" Alexia shook her head. Chaim was a very serious person and she couldn''t even begin to imagine him telling jokes. So he was serious. He agreed to have a child with her. Excitement filled her and Alexia bit her nails. She was smiling to herself when she heard footsteps. She looked up to find Chaim walking towards her. "What¡­ what do you want to do now?" Alexia leaned back against the bed. "Didn''t you just say you wanted a baby? You should know then what I want to do now." Chaim said calmly, his hands resting on the belt around his waist. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. He stared at her as he slowly unstrapped his robe, the garment falling to floor so he was standing naked before her. Alexia''s heart beat rapidly, her face reddening out of shyness, "But¡­ I haven¡¯t signed the donation agreement yet." She turned her head to the side, not daring to look at him. "You can sign it tomorrow." Chaim stepped over the robe on the floor and wrapped his arms around her. He leaned her back gently and slowly climbed on top of her¡­ Chapter 32 His Ex-girlfriend Chapter 32 His Ex-girlfriend The next morning Alexia woke up to find her bodypletely sore. She rolled over and found there was no sign of Chaim. At first Chaim¡¯s absence upset Alexia, but then the memories flooded her. The night before, Chaim and she had what she could only describe as a magical sexual experience. The warmth soon faded when Alexia noticed a file on her bedside table. ¡®What could that be?¡¯ Alexia sat up and wrapped the quilt around her as she grabbed the file. She flipped the file over but there wasn¡¯t any writing to be found so she opened it instead. She scanned the document inside and her heart dropped. It was the donation agreement. Alexia gripped the agreement tightly, thest warm feelings the night of wonderous sex had brought drifting away only to be reced with sadness. "He really wants me to sign it," she saidughing to herself. Even though Chaim ordered her to sign the agreement by the end of the day, she hadn¡¯t expected to wake up to find it on her bedside table waiting for her to sign it as if he were afraid she would go back on her promise. The fact that Chaim didn''t trust her at all, upset her. Alexia stared up at the ceiling and wanted to cry. She tried for a long moment but the tears refused to fall. Instead, she just sat that and stared at the donation agreement. After a while, sheid the agreement file on the bed and grabbed a pen out of the drawer on the bedside. She signed the document quickly, not wanting to lose her nerve. As soon as she was done, she quickly shoved the document back into the folder and sent Chaim a text telling him she signed it. Within seconds of sending the text, Alexia¡¯s phone rang. It was Chaim calling. "Hello?" Alexia answered wearily. "Are you already up?" Chaim asked in a low voice. Alexia held the phone with both of her hands. "Yes, and I signed the donation agreement too." "I know. I saw your message. When youe to work, bring the file." Chaim said. "OK." Then, they were both silent and neither knew what to say. If Alexia didn¡¯t hear Chaim breathing gently on the other end, she would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d hung up on her. She actually didn''t know why Chaim hadn¡¯t hung up and was instead staying on the line in silence. "Well¡­" Alexia asked, trying to continue the conversation. "What?" Chaim replied quickly. "Nothing. I was only wonder when the surgery is." "At 3 p.m. tomorrow." Chaim answered her. "Okay." Alexia hung up, dread filling her from head-to-toe. The surgery was tomorrow¡­ It was onlyst night she agreed to donate her bone marrow and Chaim had already arranged the surgery. That meant he must really care about Evelyn. And he didn''t care about her! Alexia stopped the sadness from growing worse and put the phone and the file aside. She forced herself out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After showering, Alexia got dressed and went downstairs. Aunt Song greeted her with a smile. "Ms. Alexia, you¡¯re up." "Yes, good morning." Alexia smiled back at her. "Morning! What would you like to have for breakfast?" Aunt Song asked. Alexia thought for a moment. "Nothing heavy, but something that will fill me for a while." "How about some oatmeal and fresh fruit?" "Okay." "I¡¯ll get started on that right away. Please have a seat." Aunt Song wiped her hands on the apron and turned back to the kitchen. Alexia sat down and yed a game on her cellphone while she was waiting for the breakfast. Just then, a notification popped up on her screen. She was going to dismiss it, but she stopped herself when she read the preview and a name caught her eye. Evelyn. ¡®Is this Evelyn in the news the one she talked to before?¡¯ Alexia frowned and read the article carefully. The article was about a national ballet troupe that the Lincoln Group had invited to perform Swan Lake later that year. The hope was that the ballet would increase the national happiness. However, the lead dancer of the troupe who would usually portray the swan had to temporarily retire from the troupe because of personal health issues. Instead, the troupe was bringing in a foreign ballerina to portray the swan. From N?velDrama.Org. "The lead dancer''s name is also Evelyn, and she was sick as well. Are they the same person?" Alexia pondered as she looked at the name Evelyn. "I¡¯m sorry. Were you talking to me, Ms. Alexia? Is who same person?" Aunt Song asked as she carried out a tray with Alexia¡¯s breakfast. "I was just curious about this article." Alexia handed her phone to Aunt Song and eyed the woman¡¯s expression. If they were the same person, Aunt Song would know something. As soon as Aunt Song finished reading the article, Alexia knew she was right. Aunt Song¡¯s entire demeanor changed when she handed Alexia back her phone. "Aunt Song, are you still refusing to tell me about the rtionship Evelyn and Chaim have?" Aunt Song nced around guiltily, but still didn''t want to tell Alexia. " Song!" Alexia grabbed the woman¡¯s hands. "Please tell me. I really want to know." Aunt Song couldn''t tell her, even if she wanted to. "Ms. Alexia, I really wish I could tell you the truth. However, Grandpa Ro ordered us not to mention her again, and forbade us to tell you anything." "But you didn¡¯t tell me about her. Evelyn showed up on her own. If you don''t tell me now, I¡¯ll know the whole thing eventually, so why don''t you just tell me now?" Alexia asked. Aunt Song didn''t want to upset Alexia, so she gave in. "Okay, I¡¯ll tell you, but you mustn¡¯t tell anyone I told you. I can only say that Evelyn was Mr. Lancaster''s ex-girlfriend." "Ex-girlfriend¡­" Alexia muttered, surprised to find she wasn¡¯t upset, but relieved. She considered the idea yesterday, assuming Evelyn was either Chaim''s ex-girlfriend or his secret crush. If that weren¡¯t the case, it would be hard to exin why he cared about Evelyn so much. It was obvious Chaim couldn''t forget his ex. He even requested his wife to donate the bone marrow to his ex, so he still loved Evelyn. Alexia gripped her fork and wondered if Chaim would divorce her so he could get back together with Evelyn. "Ms. Alexia, are you alright?" Aunt Song asked Alexia carefully. Alexia shook her head, not in the mood for breakfast anymore. "Aunt Song, do you think they¡¯ll get back together?" Alexia put down her fork as sadness engulfed her. Her question surprised Aunt Song, but she replied matter-of-factly, "No, they won''t." "Why?" Alexia looked up at Aunt Song. Aunt Song smiled. "Because Grandpa Ro will never allow it. Ms. Alexia, you should know Grandpa Ro hated Evelyn. And you are Mrs. Lancaster." "But he could still divorce me," Alexia worried. Aunt Song started worrying and immediately tried to stop Alexia from talking like that. "Ms. Alexia, you must stop talking about divorce. There¡¯s never been one in the Lancaster Family." "That doesn¡¯t mean it won¡¯t ever happen." Alexiaid her chin on her arms, feeling even worse than she had. "Aunt Song, you know Chaim doesn¡¯t like me. If he did, he wouldn''t have left me alone here for three years. However, he treats Evelyn very differently. He stays up all night to take care of Evelyn in the hospital, and he even¡­" "Even what?" Aunt Song looked at her in concern. Chapter 33 Evelyn Is His Ex-girlfriend Chapter 33 Evelyn Is His Ex-girlfriend "Nothing." Alexia smiled bitterly. "In Chaim¡¯s mind, I¡¯m nothingpared to Evelyn. So, if he wants to get back together with Evelyn, he will definitely divorce me." "Grandpa Ro won¡¯t permit it though." "It doesn¡¯t matter whether or not Grandpa Ro will permit it. There¡¯s only one thing for certain." Alexia breathed in and out in frustration. "If Chaim really wants a divorce, Grandpa Ro can''t stop him." Chaim wasn¡¯t willing to marry Alexia in the first ce. And the only reason they got married was Grandpa Ro ordered it. Chaim didn''t want to disappoint Grandpa Ro, so he begrudgingly agreed. However, if Chaim really wanted to get a divorce. Grandpa Ro couldn''t stop him. "Ms. Alexia, you mustn¡¯t overthink. Plus, I believe Mr. Lancaster isn¡¯t an unreliable man," Aunt Song comforted her. Alexia was moving the fruit around her te, not eating. "I want to believe that too, but I am terrified and worried now." Even though Chaim promised to have a babyst night, if he wanted a divorce, he would get one even if she had a child. "I don''t really know what Mr. Lancaster has been thinking." Aunt Song shook her head. The small grudge she had against Chaim deep inside her growing ever so slightly. Over the past three years, Aunt Song had seen what Ms. Alexia had been through, and how Mr. Lancaster treated Alexia. If she were honest, had Mr. Lancaster been a sensible man, he wouldn¡¯t divorce a wife as good as Alexia. What had Alexia asked for in her life? She wanted a husband who loved her, and Mr. Lancaster didn''t fit that requirement at all. "Ms. Alexia, eat your breakfast now, before it turns cold. As for Mr. Lancaster, you don''t need to worry. I think Grandpa Ro will have a talk with his grandson soon and he would never let him do something so unreasonable." Aunt Song handed the fork back to Alexia and told her to have breakfast. "Grandpa Ro?" Alexia picked at the oatmeal in her bowl, looking surprised. "Does Grandpa Ro know Chaim has been seeing Evelyn?" Aunt Song felt guilty and rubbed her hands on her apron. "Yes, I told himst night, and he was furious about it." "What did Grandpa Ro say?" Alexia looked at Aunt Song intensely. "He said little, just that he would handle the whole thing. He also asked me not to tell you, but I didn''t expect you would read the news about Evelyn." "Alright then." Alexia calmed down and began eating. She honestly didn''t expect Grandpa Ro could do much to help her. But, for the moment, only Grandpa Ro could help her. She hoped with all her heart that Grandpa Ro would stop Chaim from getting back with Evelyn. After breakfast, Alexia left for work, remembering to bring the file. When she arrived, many people were still looking at her, but not as many as there had been, and none were whispering as she passed. Alexia didn''t care one way or another, and she took the elevator up to her floor and strode toward Chaim¡¯s office. "Mr. Lancaster," she called, knocking. "Come in," Chaim replied from behind the door. Alexia opened the door and went inside. "I brought the donation agreement." She handed the file to him with both hands. Chaim put down the pen and took the file, flipping back to thest page of the file. Seeing her signature on the file, there was a strange feeling for just a moment, then it was gone and everything was normal. "Go and meet the new secretaries. They¡¯re all elites from the headquarters of the Lancaster Group and are far more qualified than the previous ones. You can learn a lot from them," Chaim said, putting the donation agreement in a drawer. "Alright." Alexia nodded slightly. "I¡¯ll go back to work then." "Wait, a minute." "Yes?" Alexia stopped. "Is there something else, Mr. Lancaster?" Chaim pulled out a sh drive from theputer and handed it to her. "There¡¯s information about cooperation n with the Swift Group on this. Please deliver this to them." "To the Swift Group?" Alexia looked at the sh drive and carefully put it in her pocket, afraid to lose it. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Chaim nodded. "The Swift Group took the initiative and sought a partnership. I had already read their files and I think it¡¯s a good fit. So, I made some modifications to their n. Tell them, if they find it reasonable,e meet me tomorrow and have a detailed talk." "Of course." Alexia nodded and turned around to leave. As soon as she left, she saw Grandpa Ro striding angrily toward her, his housekeeper and a few tall and strong guards following him. Alexia looked around, and after she confirmed no one was there, she addressed him freely. "Grandpa Ro, why are you here?" Grandpa Ro smiled at her gently. "I¡¯m here to meet Chaim, and you¡¯re here¡­" Grandpa Ro looked at her in her professional suit, curious. Alexia straightened her dress and tried to sound professional. "Grandpa Ro, I work for Mr. Lancaster as a secretary." "Really? You work for him as a secretary?" "Yes." "That''s great. He¡¯s the president and you¡¯re the secretary. Wife and husband working together!" Grandpa Roughed happily. However, his happiness didn¡¯tst long. "Only a stranger calls him Mr. Lancaster, and you are his wife, so you shouldn''t address him as such." "Grandpa Ro, I can''t do that. I work in thepany and I should follow the rules." Alexia looked down in shame. The housekeeper smiled and replied. "She¡¯s right, Mr. Ro. They work in the samepany, and they know what they are doing. You shouldn¡¯t worry about them. They may even enjoy the formalities." "Do you?" Grandpa Ro looked at her slyly. Alexia blushed and wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. "Sort of¡­" Of course not! They were not interested in doing it at all! In thepany, they were in a normal leader- member rtion, there was nothing else between them. However, Grandpa Ro believed what the housekeeper said, so he was happy. "That''s great! Alexia, you can go back to your work now if you are busy. I need to speak with Chaim right now, and the three of us can have dinner together tonight." "Of course." Alexia gave him a big smile, but in her mind she couldn¡¯t stop wondering why Grandpa Ro was there. Maybe he wasing to talk with Chaim about Evelyn, as Aunt Song had mentioned. "Grandpa Ro?" Hearing the door being opened without his permission, Chaim was about to be angry, but when he looked up, he saw Grandpa Ro. Chaim stood up in surprise. "You should be resting in the mountain home. Why are you here?" Grandpa Ro wasn¡¯t happy, at least not as happy as he had been while talking with Alexia. "I heard Evelyn came back. Is that true?" The news surprised him. "Who told you this?" ¡®Did Alexia tell him?'' "It doesn''t matter who told me. Just answer my question. Yes or no?" Grandpa Ro said, sitting in the soft chair the housekeeper brought over for him. Chaim sat down too, face to face with Grandpa Ro. "Yes." "Why didn''t you tell me?" Grandpa Ro mmed his fist on the armrest, his anger palpable. Chaim frowned, "It wasn¡¯t a big deal, so I didn¡¯t believe I needed to tell you." "You have the gall to think you can decide what is and isn¡¯t important to tell me? How dare you not tell me? You were afraid I wouldn¡¯t let you meet her again." Grandpa Ro sneered at him. Chaim wasn¡¯t happy, but he knew better than to say anything. "So, I am right then. Chaim, did you think that just because you¡¯ve been in charge of the Lancaster Group for a few years, you don''t have to respect me anymore? You dare try to disobey me?" Grandpa Ro pointed at Chaim, his finger quivering in anger. Chapter 34 I Dont Blame Her Chapter 34 I Don''t me Her Chaim rubbed his temples tiresomely. "Grandpa Ro, what are you talking about? When have I done anything to disobey or disrespect you?" Grandpa Ro¡¯s anger didn¡¯t falter. "If you really respect me, you shouldn''t meet with Evelyn anymore. Tell me, do you still have feelings for her?" "No." Chaim sipped his lukewarm coffee. He still had feelings for Evelyn. However, it was clear they couldn''t get back together, not to the way they had been before. He still cared about her, but only because he couldn''t watch her die and do nothing. "Since you have no feelings for her, why do you still keep meeting her? I know she¡¯s sick, and that you took care of Evelyn in the hospital and didn''te home for a few nights, correct?" Grandpa Ro rested his hands on his walking stick. Chaim avoided looking at him. "Yes." "How dare you!" Grandpa Ro stood up shakily and angrily. "Chaim, do you remember you¡¯re married?" "I do remember." Chaim said. "Then why are you meeting with other women instead of going home to your wife?" "Grandpa Ro, Evelyn is sick. I was only there to take care of her. Nothing happened between us." Chaim felt helpless and didn''t know what to say. It didn¡¯t matter what happened between them in the past, there was nothing between them now, not that there could be. "Was it really nothing for you?" Grandpa Ro mmed his hand on the table in front of Chaim. "Chaim, I may be old but I¡¯m not foolish. You¡¯re younger than me and you are a fool. She has a lot of money. If she really needed a care taker, she could hire one. So, exin to me why she needs a married man to sit by her bed." "This is different. Evelyn needs me," Chaim said calmly. "Bullshit! She needs you? You¡¯re not a doctor. Do you have some magical healing powers or cure?" Grandpa Ro¡¯s voice echoed throughout the office, his contempt for Evelyn raging. "It is very obvious she wants something else." "Grandpa Ro!" Chaim looked at Grandpa Ro angrily. "You shouldn''t think of her as a bad person." "I needn¡¯t think of her as a bad person." Grandpa Ro¡¯s face darkened. "She is a bad person. You still remember what she did years ago, correct?" Chaim wanted to say something, his emotions confusing him. "What she did years ago¡­ I don''t me her anymore." "After what she did, you forgive her! You are such a foolish person!" Chaim¡¯s words angered Grandpa Ro so much his angerpletely blinded him. "Have you forgotten you almost died because of her?" "That was an ident." Chaim stood up and walked around Grandpa, patting his back gently in hopes of calming him down. "An ident. Bah!" Grandpa Ro was furious heughed, brushing Chaim¡¯s hand away. "So you indeed still love her. Fine then, I won¡¯t mention that terrible thing. However, I demand to know if you¡¯re going to get back together with Evelyn." "No." Chaim busied himself pouring ss of tea to Grandpa Ro. "Really?" Grandpa Ro squinted at his grandson skeptically. Chaim put the ss of tea in front of Grandpa Ro, "It is true. I don¡¯t want to get back with her." Grandpa Ro didn''t believe him and stared at Chaim. After a while, Grandpa Ro stopped ring at Chaim. "Fine, I will believe you for now. But it¡¯s in your best interest to remember that you are married. I forbid you to cheat on your wife. As for Evelyn, you should meet her less now. I¡¯m sure doing so embarrasses Alexia." "I know. After Evelyn''s surgery, I will stop seeing her." Chaim said calmly. Grandpa Ro nodded with satisfaction, "That is great. You should focus on living with Alexia. I know you don''t love her, but she is a perfect wife for you because she tolerates you! And you two better have a baby quickly." "We are getting prepared for a baby now." Grandpa Ro stopped drink the tea, his eyes brightening. "Really?" "Yes." "Great! I can''t wait to wee my great-grandchild now," Grandpa Roughed joyfully. Chaim looked at his watch, "It is almost noon now, Grandpa Ro. Why don''t you head home?" "Ok, I will leave you alone here. Let''s go, Laofu." Grandpa Ro reached out his hand to the housekeeper who helped him up. ¡°Please, take care, Mr. Ro." After Grandpa Ro left, Chaim rxed for a moment before rage filled him. "Alexia!" Chaim snatched his phone off his desk and called Alexia. Alexia had just got out of the cab and fumbled in her bag for her phone, stepping around the corner of the Swift Group¡¯s building. "Yes, what''s the matter, Mr. Lancaster?" "Did you tell Grandpa Ro about Evelyn?" "No, of course not." Alexia replied. Chaim sneered. "Then how did Grandpa Ro know if you didn''t tell him?" "Aunt Song told him," Alexia exined. "Last night, Aunt Song asked where you were, and I told her that you needed to take care of Evelyn in the hospital. I¡¯m assuming Aunt Song told Grandpa Ro then." "Why did you say that?" Chaim shouted. "You telling Aunt Song meant she told Grandpa Ro. It¡¯s the same as you telling him yourself!" Alexia stopped talking. After a moment, she bit her lip and apologized, "I¡¯m sorry. I truly didn''t know Aunt Song would tell Grandpa Ro ." "Fine!" Chaim tried to calm down and took a deep breath. "Now, tell me, what else did you tell Aunt Song? Did you mention the bone marrow donation?" "No." Alexia shook her head thought Chaim couldn¡¯t see her. She wasn¡¯t stupid. She knew she shouldn''t tell anyone about that Hearing Alexia''s words, Chaim calmed down more. "Good, and where are you now?" Alexia looked up and saw the high-rise building next to her, "I¡¯m standing outside the Swift Group." "OK, see you soon," Chaim said, hanging up. "That was a short conversation. Why can''t you talk a bit longer? Maybe ask me how I¡¯m doing?" Alexia murmured, feeling deted she walked inside thepany. "Hi, I work for the Lancaster Group and the president sent me to discuss the cooperation. May I ask if your president is avable to meet with me?" Alexia asked politely, when the secretary greeted her. "Do you have an appointment?" From N?velDrama.Org. "Yes." "Just a minute please, I need to verify it." The receptionist looked down again. Two minutester, the receptionist stood up, smiling at Alexia. "Our president is currently in a meeting right now. If you will follow me I will take you to room you can rest in. Our president will meet with you as soon as he can." "Of course." Alexia agreed and followed the receptionist. "Please have a seat." Alexia thanked her and sat down, smoothing out her dress as she did. The receptionist brought Alexia a ss of water and some dessert before leaving Alexia alone in the room. It was the first time Alexia had ever visited such a hugepany as a secretary. The longer she sat, the more nervous she felt, worrying about meeting a president of anotherpany, as high-ranking as Chaim. "I hope the president of the Swift Group isn¡¯t a stern man," Alexia said to herself, pulling out her phone to y a game to pass the time. After some time, Alexia finished several games when she heard footsteps approaching. She put her phone away and stood to wee the president. The door opened and a man strode in. Alexia was about to greet him when the familiarness of his eyes and face caught her off guard. "It¡¯s you!" Chapter 35 Buy You a Dinner Chapter 35 Buy You a Dinner When Joseph saw Alexia, a surprised smile spread across his face. "Why, hello again!" Alexia smiled back. "I didn''t expect to see you here. This is a pleasant surprise." "This is a nice surprise. And the Lancaster Group sent you?" Joseph asked, walking toward her. "Yes." Alexia nodded when she realized something that made her even more surprised. "Mr. Swift, are you the president of the Swift Group?" Joseph¡¯s smiled grew even bigger. "I want to hear what you think." "Seeing as I have a meeting with the president and you¡¯re the one who¡¯s here, I believe you are." Alexia smiled awkwardly as a blush rose to her cheeks. There actually was no need to guess. Joseph''sst name was Swift, and she was at the Swift Group. Unless someone was a fool, anyone could guess he was the president of thispany based on having the same name. "Bingo! I¡¯m sorry to say, but I don¡¯t have a prize for you." Josephughed at his own joke, reaching out a hand. "Let me officially introduce myself. I am the president of the Swift Group, Joseph Swift." Alexia was worried that her hand would be sweaty, so she casually brushed her hand on her dress as she moved to return Joseph¡¯s handshake. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Swift. I am Alexia White, the secretary to the president of the Lancaster Group." Noticing that Alexia was nervous, Joseph gave her another warm smile. "Just rx. I don''t bite! Plus, this isn¡¯t our first time meeting, remember? That means there¡¯s no awkwardness and we can act like old friends meeting up." "No, that was different," Alexia said, shaking her head. Joseph raised an eyebrow. "How so?" "I didn¡¯t know who you were then! Now that I know you¡¯re the president of apany asrge as the Swift Group, I am required to treat you with far more respect. Mr. Swift, you are superior to me, and I am here representing the Lancaster Group to seek a partnership. In order to guarantee the sess of this meeting, I need to take this seriously," Alexia said as she straightened her back. Alexia¡¯s seriousness toward the whole situation amused Joseph, and he couldn¡¯t help but smile. A warmth grew in his chest, but he ignored it for the moment. "Alright, let¡¯s take this seriously then. Please, have a seat, Ms. White." "Thank you, Mr. Swift," Alexia said, taking the seat opposite him. Joseph stared at her with hisrge, warm eyes, making Alexia shift ufortably in her seat. "Mr. Swift, is there something on my face?" "No. Nothing." "Then why are you¡ª" "I¡¯m sorry. You are so adorable, I couldn¡¯t help but watch you." Joseph¡¯sment surprised Alexia so much she didn¡¯t know what to do and stuttered, "ador¡­ adorable?" ¡®Is he really flirting with me?¡¯ "Yes! Don''t you think you¡¯re adorable, Ms. White?" Joseph smiled. Alexia almost choked on her saliva. "I don''t pay attention to my appearance." She never considered herself adorable, and no one ever praised her for her appearance before, aside from the asionalments from friends or kinddies in the shops. Joseph was the first one to compliment her like that. "Trust me, Ms. White, you are indeed adorable," Joseph said as he crossed his legs. Alexia coughed, wanting to change the subject. "Mr. Swift, we are here to be discussing matters of business." She pulled out the sh drive from her purse and put it on the table between them. "Mr. Lancaster asked me to bring this to you. He mentioned having made a few amendments to the original document. He would like you to look it over and if you find them reasonable, you can visit us tomorrow at the Lancaster Group and discuss signing the contract." "Hold on." Joseph nced at the sh disk, but instead of taking it, he leaned closer to Alexia while rubbing his chin. "May I ask you a question?" He was so close to Alexia she had to lean back to regain her personal space. "What is it, Mr. Swift?" "Mr. Lancaster, of the Lancaster Group, is your husband, right? I met himst time at the police station?" "Yes, he is." There was no shame in admitting it. After all, it was Chaim who revealed their marriage to Joseph when they were at the police station. Joseph stared at Alexia, trying to understand her rtionship. "If Mr. Lancaster is your husband, why wasn¡¯t the wedding announced?" "Well¡­" Alexia bit her lip, not knowing how to answer the question. Joseph squinted. "Is it hard to answer? If so, you don''t need to answer it. I¡¯m only asking out of personal curiosity." "It¡¯s not a difficult question for me to answer." Alexia smiled nonchntly. "The reason they did not announce our wedding is that our marriage isplicated. The Lancasters want to keep our rtionship a secret and they invited only a few close family members to the wedding." "I see." Joseph got up and poured himself a cup of coffee. "The Lancasters are known for being mysterious." Alexia agreed with him. "Exactly. I¡¯ve been married now for three years, but I barely know any of the Lancasters very well." "Really?" Joseph asked in astonishment. "You¡¯re kidding, right? You¡¯re married to him, so you should know them." Alexia shook her head. "You¡¯re not doing well with¡­" Joseph trailed off and focused on drinking his coffee. Alexia stared at Joseph for a few moments, and it seemed like he wanted to ask her a significant question, but she had no proof. Not wanting to get into any more personal topics, Alexia spoke up. "Mr. Swift, why don''t you look at the files? I do still have more work to do back at the Lancaster Group today." ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have a look. Follow me to my office." Joseph stood and grabbed the sh drive from the table. "Of course." Alexia stood and followed him. Joseph''s office was enormous. It was far different from Chaim''s simple and formal office. Joseph''s office was extravagant and well-decorated, making it quite obvious the owner was well off. The borateness of the office was unsettling to Alexia, so after a quick look around, she sat on the sofa and yed some games on her phone. Half an hourter, Joseph finished looking at the files and ejected the sh drive. "Ms. White, I¡¯ve finished." Alexia stood and walked over to him. "So, Mr. Swift, what do you think about it?" "Mr. Lancaster is good at what he does, and I am satisfied with his amendments to the contract. I agree with his terms," Joseph said, giving the sh drive back to her. Alexia put the sh drive in her purse. "Good. I will let Mr. Lancaster know." "Hold on." Joseph reached out and gently grabbed her arm. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. Alexia frowned and freed calmly herself. "Is there something else you need, Mr. Swift?" "It¡¯s lunchtime. How about we get something to eat before you head back?" Joseph suggested. Alexia thought it best to decline, but she remembered their conversation from when they first met. "Okay, but it will be my treat." Alexia agreed. "You want to pay the bill?" Joseph smiled. Alexia smiled back. "Yes. You helped me when we first met and I said I would buy you a meal. Now, here¡¯s my chance to make good on my promise." "You still remember that!" "Of course. Unfortunately, I¡¯ve been too busy to contact you," Alexia said as she rubbed her neck. "Okay. But I request we go somewhere fancy." Joseph gazed into her eyes and Alexia couldn¡¯t help but feel drawn to him. Alexia stared at him for a few seconds before realizing she was staring and turned away, blushing. "That¡¯s fine. I can pay." ¡®I can¡¯t believe I did that! I just stared lustfully at a man who isn¡¯t my husband¡­'' Alexia had to admit to herself that Joseph was indeed the most beautiful man she had ever seen. However, she preferred strict and impassiveness Chaim exuded. It was more manly. "Where would you like to eat?" Joseph asked as he put on a coat. Alexia thought for a moment. "Is seafood alright for you?" "Since you¡¯re paying, you get to decide!" Joseph smiled at her. Being so attracted to his handsome appearance, Alexia turned away. "Let''s have seafood then." They left the Swift Group, and Joseph took them to a high-end seafood restaurant. During the lunch, Alexia got to know Joseph better. Not only did he continue to flirt with her, Joseph disyed perfect manners to the waitstaff. He was also very knowledgeable and they had an amazing conversation while enjoying lunch. Then, mid conversation, Alexia¡¯s phone rang. Chapter 36 He Is Jealous Chapter 36 He Is Jealous Alexia put her silverware down, opened her purse, took out her phone, and she was surprised to see who was calling. "I apologize for the interruption, Mr. Swift, but I need to take this call." "Of course. Who is it?" Joseph nced toward her phone to see who was calling, but stopped himself. Alexia waved hand. "My husband." Joseph smiled and nodded, as if he understood why Chaim was calling. Alexia excused herself and hurried out of the restaurant. "Hello?" she said as she answered the phone. "Alexia, didn''t I tell you toe back earlier? Where are you now?" Chaim asked, his voice stern and tinged with an unnoticeable bit of concern. "I¡¯m out having lunch. What''s wrong?" Alexia frowned, worrying she angered Chaim again. Chaim took a deep breath. "Evelyn¡¯s health declined rapidly, her leukemia got worse far faster than we originally expected. Her doctors decided she needed the surgery tonight and we need you to donate your bone marrow soon." Alexia¡¯s body went numb, and the blood drained from her face, fear settling in her stomach. "Wh-what? Didn''t we agree to have the surgery tomorrow?" Alexia still had so much work to do and had exined nothing to the three new secretaries yet. "Yes, but it¡¯s not much earlier. It¡¯s only been rescheduled a dozen hours earlier or so. It¡¯s really no big difference. Where are you now?" Chaim asked. Alexia gave him the address. "Wait there. I¡¯ll be there soon." "Alright¡­" Alexia said, smiling bitterly. As soon as the call ended, Alexia put her phone in her purse and stared up at the sky. Even though the sky was a beautiful clear blue, Alexia¡¯s tears blurred and muted the colors. Chaim treated Evelyn so nicely and cared so much for her. Alexia couldn¡¯t push her jealousy down. ¡®Will Chaim ever care about me like he does Evelyn?¡¯ When Alexia headed back into the restaurant, Joseph noticed her red and puffy eyes and looked at her in concern. "What¡¯s wrong? Are you okay?" "Yes¡­ No¡­ Something happened¡­" Alexia picked up her fork, but she had lost her appetite. "Do you want to talk about it? I have a degree in psychology that I received when studying abroad. I¡¯m great at listening and helping others work through things." Joseph asked, his eyes filled with warmth as he reached across the table and ced his hand on hers. Alexia was in no mood to talk so she shook her head and pulled her hand away "It¡¯s nothing, really, Mr. Swift. I¡¯m fine." She couldn¡¯t really talk about it, even if she wanted to. It¡¯s not like Joseph would understand anyway, would he? "Okay, if you¡¯re sure," Joseph said, shrugging his shoulders and feeling a little disappointed. Alexia said nothing else and finished her lunch in silence. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. After the lunch, Alexia¡¯s phone vibrated. She looked at it and read the message from Chaim. "I¡¯m here. Where are you?" Alexia texted him back. "I¡¯m in the restaurant. I¡¯ll be right out." After sending the text, she stood up and put the phone back in her purse. "Mr. Swift, my husband is here to pick me up, so I have to go. I¡¯ve already paid the bill." "I¡¯ll leave too then. No point in sitting here alone," Joseph said, wiping his mouth. Alexia agreed and they walked out of the restaurant side by side. As they left, Joseph said something that made Alexia smile. Chaim saw this, and for some reason he couldn¡¯t exin, anger boiled within him. "Alexia!" Chaim called out impatiently as he rolled down the window. Alexia stopped smiling and looked at him. "What''s the matter?" What''s the matter? She dared to ask him what the matter was? Chaim¡¯s head throbbed as his knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "You told me you were dining out, and now I discover you were dining out with him?" He sneered at Joseph. Joseph smiled, walked toward him, and held out his hand to Chaim. "Mr. Lancaster, nice to meet you again." Chaim ignored him, turning to Alexia. "Get in the car!" Then he rolled up the window,pletely ignoring Joseph. Chaim¡¯s behavior embarrassed Alexia, so she apologized to Joseph with a bow. "I am so sorry about this, Mr. Swift. My husband¡­" "It''s alright." Joseph put his hand into his pocket as if nothing had happened, smiling carelessly, "Your husband is jealous and I totally understand that." Alexia shook her head, smiling awkwardly. ¡®Jealous?¡¯ Chaim didn''t love her so he couldn''t be jealous of Joseph. "What?" Joseph asked in surprise. "You don''t seem to believe me." "Yes, I believe you." Alexia waved goodbye. "I apologize, Mr. Swift, I must be leaving now. See you next time." "See you then." Joseph nodded. Alexia climbed in the car and before she buckled the seatbelt, Chaim swerved into traffic. Alexia was thrown into the car door and hit her head on the window. She inhaled painfully and rubbed her head to ease the pain. "What are you doing?" Alexia red at Chaim. She was certain he¡¯d swerved abruptly on purpose. Chaim just stared at the road not even ncing in her direction. "Why were you having lunch with him?" "Him? Mr. Swift?" Alexia asked once her seatbelt was buckled. "Mr. Swift?" Chaim squinted. "Yes, He¡¯s the president of the Swift Group. I was repaying him for helping me with my pursest time by buying him lunch." "Is that all?" Chaim nced at her. Alexia wondered, "Of course that¡¯s all." "Okay. Very good," Chaim said, calming down. Alexia rubbed her sore head. "By the way, Mr. Swift agreed with your changes and will being by the office tomorrow to sign the contract." "I see," Chaim said nonchntly. Alexia could tell he didn''t want to talk, so instead she watched the world go by. An hourter, they arrived at the hospital. Alexia got out of the car and followed Chaim to Nathaniel''s office. "Well, hello you two," Nathaniel said as he looked up from hisputer. "How is Evelyn?" Chaim asked. Nathaniel twirled his pen in his fingers as he spoke. "She¡¯s alright for now, and she should be waking up any moment." "I need to check on her," Chaim said, turning and walking toward the door. Then, he stopped and turned back to look at Alexia. "You¡­" "Go and make sure she¡¯s okay." Alexia smiled at him. "Since you¡¯re obviously worried about her, go and see her. I¡¯m sure that will make you feel better, right?" Chaim frowned. "Are you certain you want me to go see her?" ¡®Is she not jealous? Or does she really not care if I¡¯m spending time with other women?'' Alexia had no idea what he was thinking, and she didn''t want to know either so she didn¡¯t look as she responded. "It doesn''t really matter what I think. All that matters is Miss Evelyn. Now go, don¡¯t make her wait any longer." Chaim stared at her for a long moment before sneering at her. "How thoughtful of you!" With that, he brushed past her and left. Once he was gone, Alexia couldn¡¯t keep up her fa?ade any longer. Her eyes dimmed and her head lowered down as she stood in Nathaniel¡¯s office heart-broken. Thoughtful? No, that wasn¡¯t being thoughtful, she just didn¡¯t have any other choice. She knew if she told him not to see Evelyn, he¡¯d go and see her anyway. Because, in his mind, Evelyn was more important than her. Seeing what happened entirely, Nathaniel was shocked. "Alexia. Are you really not angry about this?" Chapter 37 Meet Evelyn Chapter 37 Meet Evelyn "There¡¯s nothing worth getting angry about," Alexia said as she sat in a chair. Nathanielughed curiously. "Do you mean¡ª" "I mean if he really wants to do something, I can¡¯t stop him. He¡¯ll never listen to me so what''s the point of getting angry? So I convince myself to be relieved." "But you act too nonchnt about it." Nathaniel wanted tough at her. Alexia didn¡¯t know what to say. "There¡¯s nothing I can do. My only choice is to pretend it doesn¡¯t bother me. I can''t act like a mad, angry wife to get my husband back." "Why can''t you? You¡¯re his legal wife, so it¡¯s understandable for you to get upset about things like this." Alexia shook her head. "I can''t and I won''t. If I have to do that to get my husband back, the only thing that does is make me pathetic." The most important thing, however, was that even if she tried to get Chaim back, he would not never love her. Besides, Chaim agreed to have a baby with her, so as long as he didn''t ask for a divorce, she would always be his wife. "You¡¯re clever and reasonable." Nathaniel looked at her as if he had something nned. "However, do you know why Chaim cares about Evelyn so much?" Alexia looked at her fingers. "Yes, I do." "You do?" Nathaniel asked in surprise. "Yes. Aunt Song told me they were in a rtionship before." Alexia smiled bitterly. Nathaniel adjusted his sses, not understanding how Alexia could be so calm. "Even knowing all that and being able to assume he still has feelings for her, you¡¯re still willing to donate your bone marrow? Why?" "Yes, I¡¯m still willing." Alexia took a deep breath, and continued bitterly. "It¡¯s exactly because I know Chaim still loves her that I¡¯m donating my bone marrow. I¡¯m not doing it for Evelyn, but for Chaim. If something happened to Evelyn, Chaim would be extremely upset." Nathaniel was amazed. "So, you¡¯ve agreed to donate your bone marrow because you don''t want to upset Chaim." "Yeah." Alexia pushed her hair behind her ear. The fact that Alexia seemedpletely genuine about all that left Nathanielpletely shocked. All his previous opinions of her changed drastically and he would be certain to treat her with the upmost respect. "Chaim should really hear what you said," Nathaniel murmured. "What?" Alexia asked, not sure what he said. Nathaniel smiled at her sincerely. "Nothing. I just realized you¡¯re totally different from what I pictured you to be." Nathaniel always thought Alexia was just an ordinary woman, lucky to be picked by Mr. Ro to marry Chaim. Nathaniel actually looked down at her because of it. He only called her sister because he found it funny. But now, it seemed his original inclinations were incorrect. She deserved someone like Chaim, and instead, it was Chaim who didn''t deserve a sincere and loving wife like her. In a rich and powerful family, a sincere person was rare, and Nathaniel could tell Alexia really loved Chaim. "How am I different?" Alexia blinked, looking at Nathaniel curiously. Nathaniel stopped thinking and pointed at her. "You¡¯re very different. However, we must pause this conversation for the time being as you need to rest up." Nathaniel stood up and walked to the door and Alexia chased after him. Nathaniel led Alexia to a special ward, a simr one to where Evelyn was staying but on a different floor. Evelyn¡¯s room was on the floor above Alexia¡¯s. "A nurse wille and exin the surgeryter and help you prepare for it as well. Don''t be nervous, you¡¯ll be fine. OK?" Nathaniel worried she¡¯d get anxious while waiting and wanted to reassure her. Alexia listened carefully and nodded. "No problem. I know what I should do." "Good. Now get some rest. I must go upstairs and help her prepare for surgery as well,¡± Nathaniel said as he pointed to the ward upstairs. Alexia knew immediately that he was talking about Evelyn. "Sure." She waved her hand and stepped aside so there was room for him to leave. Nathaniel went upstairs, and he saw the door to Evelyn¡¯s room was half-open, so he pushed the door open and entered without knocking the door. What he saw surprised him. Evelyn was hugging Chaim and talking with him, while Chaim had his arms around her, patting her gently on the back as if she were a child. Nathaniel was used to seeing that, and he used to find it charming, but he found it very disgusting after speaking with Alexia. Nathaniel purposely coughed loudly to interrupt them. Noticing Nathaniel, Evelyn stopped hugging Chaim and smoothed out her gown, smiling shyly at Nathaniel. "Hi, Nathaniel." Nathaniel nodded to her icily and looked at Chaim. "I¡¯ve arranged a special ward for Alexia. Are you okay with it?" "Yes, that¡¯s fine." Chaim answered casually, pouring a ss of water and handing it to Evelyn. "Thanks," Evelyn said as she drank the water, and then turned to Nathaniel curiously. "Alexia? This woman you are talking about, she¡¯s the one who is donating her bone marrow to me, right?" Chaim wanted to answer, but before he could, Nathaniel cut in. "That''s right." "Can I meet her?" Evelyn asked, looking at Chaim. Chaim frowned. "What for?" "To thank her, of course! She¡¯s saving my life after all, so I want to say thanks to her face to face," Evelyn said in sincere gratitude. "You can thank her after you¡¯ve made a full recovery," Chaim responded, refusing her request to meet Alexia without a second thought. He didn''t want Evelyn to meet Alexia. And he didn''t want Alexia to meet Evelyn either. He couldn''t imagine what would happen if they met each other. "Why must I wait so long? Can¡¯t I meet her now?" Evelyn pouted, unhappily. From N?velDrama.Org. "Yes, of course you can!" Nathaniel stepped forward and adjusted his sses. "Chaim, you should let Evelyn meet Alexia. If they don''t meet each other now, they will still need to meet each other in the future anyway." "What do you mean?" Evelyn asked, looking at Nathaniel and getting a weird feeling in her stomach, certain that Nathaniel must be eluding to something. "I mean that¡ª" "Nathaniel!" Chaim shouted, staring at him angrily. "Shut up!" Nathaniel knew better than to continue. "Fine, I¡¯ll shut up." He winked at Chaim and zipped his lips in a silent vow of silence. The two men were acting so mysteriously, which made Evelyn even more curious, and she could tell they were hiding something from her. Originally she was just wanting to be polite and had no desire to meet her bone marrow donor. However, after the weird behavior between Chaim and Nathaniel, she really wanted to meet Alexia. "Chaim, let me meet her, please," Evelyn said, grabbing Chaim¡¯s arms and swinging it. "Please." "You can meet her after the surgery, okay." Chaim said. Evelyn shook her head. "No, I want to meet her now! She¡¯s saving my life and I want to thank her face to face. If you don''t let me meet her now, I¡¯ll refuse to have the surgery then." "Don''t talk nonsense!" Chaim said sternly. "I am not talking nonsense,¡± Evelyn exined. ¡°I just want to meet my donator. Why are you so against letting me meet her? Are you hiding something from me?" Evelyn squinted at Chaim. Chaim was growing anxious, but he remained poker-faced, wearing a cold expression, "No, of course not." "Then why are you stopping me from meeting her?" Chapter 38 What Kind of Person Was She? Chapter 38 What Kind of Person Was She? Chaim lowered his eyes and thought for a moment. He didn''t know how to answer her question. He couldn''t really exin why he didn''t allow them to meet. All he knew was that there was a voice inside him saying that when they did, something would happen that was beyond his control. He didn''t want to believe the feeling, yet he couldn''t stop worrying about it either. Because of that, up until to now he hadn''t told Eve he was married. Plus, the most important point to everything was that he hasn''t made sure Eve didn¡¯t have any kinds of feelings for him. If she did, he wondered would would happen to her. "Chaim?" When Chaim hadn¡¯t answered in more than a few moments, Evelyn tugged on his sleeve. "What are you thinking about?" "Nothing," Chaim said as he returned to his senses and pinched his brow in weariness. "You really want to meet her?" "Yes," Evelyn nodded. A lump grew in Chaim¡¯s throat he couldn¡¯t swallow, his voice bing a little hoarse, "Okay, I will arrange for you two to meet, but not for too long." "Good." Evelyn beamed. Chaim cast an annoyed nce at Nathaniel, who was standing expressionless at his side, and slowly balled his hands into fists before striding toward the hall. Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and followed him out. "Which ward is Alexia in?" "She¡¯s downstairs, I''ll take you there." Nathaniel said and led on, Chaim following closely. Chaim followed him. "I thought you weren¡¯t going to let them see each other? Why have you suddenly changed your mind?" Nathaniel snickered as they got on the elevator. Chaim ignored him, staring at the slim crack between the elevator doors, his face hiding all emotions from anyone caring to look. "Chaim, what the hell is on your mind?" "What do you mean?" Chaim asked coldly, drawing his lips into a thin line. Nathaniel stood next to him and ces his hands in the pockets of his white coat. "I distinctly remember you saying it would be impossible for you to love Alexia, right?" "Hmm." "Then why are you bringing these two together?" Nathaniel asked, eyeing his friend seriously. "I didn''t want to say anything about any of this before. However, now I have something to say since you don''t have that in mind. You shouldn''t get too close to her." Before he changed his mind about Alexia, he did think that she was not good enough for Chaim. However, he had changed his mind. Compared to Evelyn, Alexia had a pure heart and was far more suitable for Chaim than Evelyn. Nathaniel wanted Alexia and Chaim to be together. As a bystander, there was one thing Nathaniel could see very clearly. Even though Chaim still couldn''t let go of Evelyn, he also had a ce for Alexia in his heart. The only problem was that Chaim hadn''t realized it yet. Thinking of this, Nathaniel continued with a solemness in his voices. "Chaim, as your friend, I hope you don''t do something you¡¯llter regret." Chaim narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?" "It doesn''t really matter what I mean. It will be pointless for me to try and exin anyway. I just want to give you my personal advice." Nathaniel smiled and stopped outside the door to a room. "This is it, head on in. I''ll be in my office if you need me." Nathaniel nodded toward the door and turned to head back to his office. Chaim stood thoughtfully for a moment before raising his hand and knocking on the door. "Who is it?" Alexia called, rolling over and lifting her head from the pillow. "It''s me." N?velDrama.Org (C) content. "Chaim?" Surprised, Alexia hurriedly put on her shoes and got out of bed to open the door. When the door opened, Chaim walked in with only a small nce at Alexia. "You were sleeping?" "No, just lying down while ying a game on my phone," Alexia said, closing the door behind her. With the surgery that evening, she couldn''t sleep. "Don¡¯t you have astigmatism? And yet you''re still lying in bed ying with your phone?" Chaim asked furrowing his brows. Alexia touched her nose and smiled sarcastically, "It''sfortable to lie down and y. Have you finished visiting with Ms. Evelyn?" she asked, quickly changing the subject. "She wants to see you." "Who?" Alexia froze, not sure how to react. Chaim gave her a sidelong nce. "Who do you think I¡¯m talking about?" Alexia blinked and muttered in dismay, "Ms. Evelyn? "Correct. Let''s go, I''ll take you up." Chaim walked toward the door without another word and took a few steps before realizing Alexia wasn¡¯t following. He turned back to see that Alexia was still standing there like a fool, her hands ying with one of her sleeves. "What are you doing just standing there? Are youing?" Chaim pursed his lips, his tone more than a little annoyed. Alexia bit her lip before walking over to him hesitantly. "Sorry, I¡¯ming." The air was thick with an ufortable silence as the two quietly walked down the corridor. For a long time, Alexia stared at the back of her husband in front of her and wasn¡¯t sure what to say before finally getting the courage to speak up. "Chaim." Chaim didn¡¯t slow down. "What is it?" "What kind of person is Ms. Evelyn?" Alexia asked tentatively. When she was on the phone, Alexia had vaguely guessed from the tone of Evelyn''s voice that she was a strong and sharp person. And, in Alexia¡¯s experience, such people were generally not very good looking, so she was a little worried. At the same time, Alexia wanted to hear his opinions of Evelyn and if she was right. "Why do you even care?" Chaim asked, pressing the elevator button instead of answering the question. Alexia bit her lip. "I¡¯m just curious. If you don''t want to talk about it, I understand." "There''s really nothing to say." Chaim stepped into the lift and pressed a button before answering. "Eve has a gentle and sweet personality." "Sweet?" The corner of Alexia''s mouth twitched imperceptibly. Sure enough, Chaim¡¯s opinions differed vastly from Alexia¡¯s. She didn''t think Evelyn was a gentle person. In fact, when she mentioned she was Chaim¡¯s wife on the phone, Evelyn was clearly agitated and angry. Was this what Lynn meant? Was Evelyn really gentle and sweet in front of Chaim and a ck-hearted one behind him? "Thinking about something?" Chaim asked. Alexia shook her head and looked down at her hands. "No¡­ Nothing..." Chaim could see Alexia was lying, but he wasn''t interested enough to press the matter, so he straightened as he spoke. "When you meet with Eve, remember there are some things you shouldn''t say, so don''t say them." "What are some of the things I shouldn¡¯t say?" Alexia twisted her fingers and asked carefully. Chaim red at her, frowning. "Except for mentioning the fact that you are my wife, you can say anything else at your own discretion." "Oh..." Alexia''s eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head. Was he so ashamed of having her as a wife that she couldn''t even mention it? Or was he worried that she, his wife, would irritate Evelyn, his ex-girlfriend? Alexia sucked in a breath, her heart hurting, and nced away without saying a word. In the silence, Evelyn''s ward arrived. Chaim motioned for Alexia to go in alone, while he himself lit a cigarette and stood outside the door to wait. Alexia wanted to remind him to smoke less, that it was not good for his health. But she held back when he saw the weariness and worry on his brow. "I guess I¡¯m going in then." "Hmm," Chaim responded with an expressionless face. Alexia turned the handle and pushed the door open. Evelyn heard the door open and looked up. "Hello?" "Hello." Alexia nodded, sizing Evelyn up. Evelyn was sitting on the hospital bed; holding a book in her hand; wearing a light smile on her face; and carried a nice, gentle, and elegant air around her, worthy of a youngdy from a prestigious family. She was also so thin she looked like a skeleton. Even so, she was still very beautiful in her wig. Such a beautiful woman with a good temperament, a good family background, and also being a good dancer, it was no wonder Chaim kept thinking about her, Alexia thought to herself envying. Little did Alexia know that while she was envious of Evelyn, Evelyn was also envious of her. It was obvious they both had the same blood type of bone marrow, so why was Alexia able to be healthy and well while Evelyn had to lie there. However... When Evelyn looked at Alexia''s inferior look and figure, her emotions instantly bnced out again. "You¡¯re Ms. White, right?" Evelyn asked with a smile as she pushed down the negative emotions. Chapter 39 Where Did You Get That Necklace? Chapter 39 Where Did You Get That Ne? "Just call me Alexia," Alexia nodded and replied politely. Evelyn straightened her wig. "Now that wouldn¡¯t be very proper, I''d better call you Ms. White. I''m Evelyn." "I know." "You who I am?" Evelyn asked in surprise. Alexia''s eyes flickered slightly, "Well... I''ve heard about you on the inte and know that you''re a very famous ballet dancer." "Ah, yes! You are correct." A sh of pride crossed Evelyn''s eyes when she heard this appreciation, but her mouth was modest as she said, "It''s all the fans'' love. Ms. White, please, sit." "Thank you." Alexia thanked her and walked over to the chair by Eveyln¡¯s hospital bed and sat down. "I heard from... Mr. Lancaster you wanted to see me, Ms. Chi. May I ask what''s the matter?" ¡®Luckily, I reacted in time, otherwise, I would say the wrong thing.¡¯ Alexia thought to herself. Evelyn didn''t notice the odd pause in Alexia''s words and smiled gently. "It''s nothing, I only just found out from Chaim that you¡¯re my bone marrow donor, so I wanted to meet with you and thank you personally." "Ms. Chi you don''t need to thank me, although I¡¯m donating the bone marrow, I¡¯m already being compensated," Alexia said, subconsciously touching her belly. Evelyn looked at Alexia with great interest. "May I ask what it is you¡¯re beingpensated with?" "Well..." Alexia lowered her eyes and smiled apologetically. "I''m sorry, Ms. Chi, but it¡¯s not something I can tell you." Seeing that Alexia refused to answer, Evelyn¡¯s heart was quite dissatisfied, but on the surface, she wore an understanding expression, "It''s okay, everyone has their own secrets, Ms. White. You don¡¯t have to answer that question if you don¡¯t want to. Instead, I have another question, I hope you¡¯re willing to answer ..." Evelyn strailed off as her sunken eyes narrowed. "Is there a problem?" Alexia asked as her heart raced and she suddenly felt like something bad was going to happen. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Evelyn stroked the cover of her book and spoke slowly. "I just feel like your voice is so familiar, Ms. White. It¡¯s like I''ve heard it before somewhere. Do you have the same feeling, Ms. White?" Evelyn¡¯s voice was t and monotone, there was no trace of emotion in her voice but her displeasure filled the room. Alexia''s hand fiercely clenched her knee, a trace of panic surfaced under her eyes, and her expression became uncertain and panicked. "I, um, don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Ms. Chi. This is my first time meeting you," Alexia said, not having expected Evelyn to remember the phone call. "This may be the first time we¡¯ve met, yes, but I really do believe I''ve heard your voice before." Evelyn put up her index finger on her temple, "I remember, a phone call two days ago¡­ You''re the one who imed to be Chaim''s wife!" Alexia was so shocked she immediately stood up. "I... I..." "It really is you!" Evelyn''s eyes narrowed and her lips were pursed together in a thin line. Alexia knew she couldn''t stay any longer, if she did, Evelyn would possibly discover Alexia and Chaim''s marriage, so she hurriedly stood up. "I''m sorry Ms. Chi, you''ve mistaken me for someone else. I''ve stayed long enough, so I''ll take my leave. I must prepare for the surgery." With that, Alexia strode toward the door with rapid steps. Evelyn couldn¡¯t let Alexia leave so easily, not when she still had a lot to ask, so she vigorously patted the hospital bed beneath her. "I didn¡¯t say you could leave. Stop right there!" Alexia pretended she didn''t hear Evelyn and continued toward the door. When Evelyn noticed Alexia wasn¡¯t listening, her rage in her heart intensified to the point she could no longer maintain her gentle appearance and roared, "Alexia, I told you to stop! You¡ª¡± Cough! Perhaps Evelyn was so emotional she couldn''t catch her breath and coughed violently. Evelyn was coughing so hard that it seemed like she was trying to cough up her lung. Fearing something had happened to Evelyn, Alexia stopped, her heart softening, and turned to look at Evelyn worriedly. "Are you alright?" Evelyn was already rolling her eyes, her trembling fingers pointing to the bed. "The spray, quick, give me the spray..." ¡®Spray?¡¯ Alexia¡¯s eyes followed where Evelyn was pointing and saw there was indeed a spray bottle there. ¡°Okay, hold on.¡± Alexia walked over to it and scanned thebel finding that it seemed to be a kind of breathing calming medicine, and handed it to Evelyn. Evelyn yanked the spray from Alexia¡¯s hand and sprayed it under her nose several times in quick session. A few momentster, Evelyn¡¯s coughing gradually subsided, the crises having passed and the sign Evelyn had a coughing fit all was her pale face. "Ms. Chi, are you feeling better?" Alexia asked as she stood by the hospital bed. Before she could respond, Evelyn looked up and noticed Alexia¡¯s ne. "Where did you get that ne?" "Oh, you mean this?" Alexia asked as she lifted the ne from around her neck. "No, it can¡¯t be. It is the swan ne!" Evelyn''s eyes shed red as her heart raced, her chest heaving violently as she gritted her teeth. "Where did you get the swan ne?" The ne was clearly hers, a unique ne Chaim specifically asked a designer to create for her, the only one in the world, saying it was intended as a gift for her future return to the stage. But now the gift was being worn around Alexia''s neck. "This... Is there something wrong with this ne?" Alexia asked, shocked by the madness in Evelyn''s eyes and taking a subconscious step back. Evelyn became even angrier, her face twisting in rage. "Answer me, where did you steal the ne from?" "I didn''t steal it!" Alexia gripped the ne tightly, her heart fluttering in fear. "This ne was given to me by someone else. it wasn''t stolen!" "Giver to you?" Evelyn''s eyebrows arched fiercely. Her eyes turned bloodshot as she growled, "Who would give you such a precious ne. Do you know this ne is the only one in the world and was designed specially for me by Chaim!" Hearing that, Alexia''s body shook violently, her gradually paling, and heart stinging with pain. The fact that there was so much significance in the ne, it being unique and specially designed! These two words alone would be enough to strike a chord in the hearts of any woman. Alexia always wondered why the ne was shaped like a swan - Evelyn was a ballet dancer, and wasn¡¯t the most iconic role in ballet a swan? But she didn''t understand why Chaim would give her the ne if it was made especially for Evelyn. Alexia bit her lower lip, her hand trembling as she gripped the ne, only to feel that the ne, the one she loved the most and couldn''t wait to wear every day, had be very hot at the moment. "Take the ne off!" Evelyn ordered. Alexia shook her head, refusing to take it off. Evelyn smiled coldly. Ignoring her weak body, she lifted the covers and climbed out of bed. She lunged directly toward Alexia, grabbing the chain of the ne, and ripping it off. Alexia sucked in a breath of air and covered her now burning neck, looking at Evelyn in shock, not having expected the other to actually rip the ne off. Evelyn spread the ne out in her hand, gazing at it lovingly for a moment. Then, before Alexia could react, a stern light shed in Evelyn¡¯s eyes and she threw the ne on the ground fiercely. "There!" she spat in unmistakable disgust. "You''ve gone too far!" Alexia muttered, looking at the ne¡¯s broken chain in distress, and bent down to pick it up. Evelyn, however, stepped on the ne, "No you can¡¯t pick it up, it''s mine! I won''t allow anyone to touch it even if I don''t want it!" Alexia ignored Evelyn and knelt down, reaching to move Evelyn¡¯s feet to pick up the ne. But, just as her hand touched Evelyn''s ankle, Evelyn suddenly let out a miserable cry, and she threw herself backward,nding heavily on the ground. Alexia sat on the ground, stunned, and stared at Evelyn in a daze, not knowing how to react. Chaim standing outside the door heard the shouting and threw open the door with a bang "What''s going on?" he asked, his pupils shrinking when he saw the scene before him. "Eve!" He rushed over in three steps, picking Evelyn up and cing her back in the hospital bed, ignoring Alexia the entire time, as if he didn''t even see her as a person. "Eve, tell me what happened!" Chaim demanded with a tense face. Chapter 40 What Was Your Relationship Chapter 40 What Was Your Rtionship Evelyn leaned on Chaim¡¯s chest, exining breathlessly, "I¡¯m okay, it wasn¡¯t much of a fall. It didn¡¯t really hurt. Please don''t worry..." Evelyn covered her mouth and coughed weakly a few times, it being clear to Alexia that Evelyn was faking. Chaim''s frown tightened. "I''ll call the doctor over." "No need!" Evelyn said hurriedly, grabbing him as he was about to ring the bell. "Chaim, there''s really no need to call a doctor. I''m fine." "Are you really okay?" Chaim asked, narrowing his eyes as he surveyed her. Evelyn gave him a weak smile. "It''s really fine. Ask Ms. White if you don''t believe me. It really wasn¡¯t that big of a fall." Hearing Evelyn mention Alexia, Chaim remembered Alexia was in the room. Chaim helped Evelyn lean back against the pillow and pulled the covers over her before turning toward Alexia. "Tell me what the hell happened. How did Eve fall?" Chaim¡¯s questioning and usatory tone made Alexia''s heart hurt, so she picked up the ne, got to her feet, and was about to speak when Evelyn butted in. "Chaim, it''s not Ms. White''s fault. She didn''t push me on purpose. It was my fault. I fell, I wasn¡¯t standing still." ¡®What?¡¯ Several questions popped into Alexia''s head, one after another, and she stared at Evelyn in astonishment, unable to believe that not only was Evelyn evil, but she suddenly backtracking. She really was a ck-hearted girl, one face for Chaim and another for the rest. Noting that Alexia was hesitant to answer and the changing expression on her face, Chaim thought Alexia was hiding something, making him even more biased toward Evelyn. "Is what Eve said true? Did you really push her?" He chilled Alexia to the core. "I didn''t push her!" Alexia squeezed the ne in her hand and met his eyes with tears in her eyes, " Ms. Chi fell on her own. It had nothing to do with me!" Alexia never wanted to do anything to Evelyn, regardless of how mean she was. When she moved to pick up the ne, she was only going to move Evelyn''s feet out of the way. She never wanted to harm her. "You fell on your own?" Chaim asked, looking at Evelyn. Evelyn shook her head, her eyes shining with tears and face full of aggression and helplessness, "Chaim, if Ms. White says she didn¡¯t do it, then let her be. Let''s pretend I really fell on my own." "You..." Alexia started, her eyes wide with disbelief. She couldn¡¯t believe Evelyn was doing that on purpose. Deliberately saying those things to smear Alexia¡¯s name. She only wanted to make Chaim misunderstand the situation and indirectly used Alexia of pushing her down, not knowing or caring about the rtionship between husband and wife, only wanting Chaim to be on her side. As expected, Chaim chose to believe Evelyn over his wife and stared at Alexia with a dark and sullen face. "Why did you push her?" Alexia was so upset the swan wings of the ne pendant almost pierced the palm of her hand. "Whether you believe me or not, I still stand with my original statement. I didn''t push her and even if you ask me a thousand times, my answer won¡¯t change!"N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. "If you didn¡¯t push her then why was Eve on the ground?" Chaim growled, pointing at the ground. Alexia bit her lower lip in anger. "I told you, she fell on her own!" "She fell on her own?" Chaim looked at Alexia as his face darkened even farther. "Alexia, you really are terrible at lying. You know Eve has leukemia. Any injury she sustains, regardless of how small it might be, has the chance of never healing. Eve would never take such a big risk by deliberately falling." Alexia was dumbfounded by his words. She knew the truth and that it was really Evelyn herself who had fallen down. However, she had no evidence to prove it. Alexia honestly couldn¡¯t believe Evelyn would risk her already frail health just to get at her. "Do you have nothing to say for yourself?" Chaim''s thin lips pressed together so firmly. Alexia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "You won¡¯t believe me even though I¡¯m telling the truth, so why would I say anything else?" "Ms. White, I won¡¯t be angry with you as long as you admit what you did. Both Chaim and I will forgive you because, after all, you¡¯re donating your bone marrow to me. I never expected someone selfless enough to donate their bone marrow to be so stubborn, but ..." Evelyn sighed, shaking her head with a disappointed expression on her face. Evelyne¡¯s shamelessness left Alexia exasperated. "Ms. Chi, why should I admit something I didn¡¯t do and why should I ask for your forgiveness if you obviously..." "That''s enough!" Chaim''s temples bulged as he shouted. Alexia and Evelyn shrunk back at the sudden outburst. "Alexia, apologize to Eve!" Chaim ordered. Alexia looked at him incredulously. "On what grounds?" "Because you pushed her." "I didn''t do it!" Alexia forced herself to resist the urge to cry, lifting her chin to exaggerate her tone. "I don''t apologize for things I didn''t do!" If anyone else had been in the room and seen Alexia¡¯s expression, they would¡¯ve known immediately that she was telling the truth. However, Chaim was blinded by his prejudice toward Alexia¡¯s character he didn¡¯t even think for a moment that Alexia would be right. He couldn¡¯t. He didn¡¯t realize that to Alexia he wasn¡¯t only her husband, but also the man she loved the most. However, at that moment, his disbelief in her was like a sharp de digging into her chest so hard it hurt and she could barely breathe. "Alexia, are you going to apologize!" Chaim clenched both fists. Alexia turned her face away. "No!" If she apologized, that would mean to Chaim that she really pushed Evelyn. So she definitely wasn¡¯t apologizing! "Alright, Chaim." Evelyn pulled Chaim''s hand duly and smiled gently. "Don''t be angry. If Ms. White won¡¯t apologize for this, let¡¯s just forget it. I was only wanting to thank her anyway, but Chaim, Ms. White said the ne in her hand was a gift from you, is it true?" "The ne?" Chaim frowned slightly, obviously not remembering the ne. "It''s the swan ne." Evelyn pointed at Alexia''s hand, reminding him. Chaim nced at the ne in Alexia¡¯s hand and his expression changed only slightly as he remembered. When Evelyn saw Chaim¡¯s expression change, the realization that she was wrong surprised and upset her greatly. How could she have been so wrong? Evelyn slowly let go of Chaim¡¯s arm and looked at him with shock and resentment. "So, what Ms. White said is true. You really gave her the ne you were going to give me?" Chaim lowered his eyes and his expression hinted at the fact he realized his actions had been incorrect, an acknowledgment of him doing wrong. His reasoning, at the time, was that Alexia didn''t have any jewelry for the wee party. So, he thought it would be appropriate for her to wear the swan ne, and sent Assistant Chiao to pick it up from customs. Apart from that, there was also another reason. Chaim needed Alexia to donate her bone marrow and he gave her the ne as a means ofpensation. Evelyn wasn¡¯t sure what was going on in Chaim''s mind but she instantly burst into tears from the confusion of it all. "Why? That''s my ne. Why would you give it to someone else, Chaim?" Alexia raised her hand, her eyes searching the ne in her hand as if it held the answer. Evelyn¡¯s question was one she very much wanted an answer to as well. "I¡¯m already having another one made." Chaim''s thin lips were tightly pursed as he answered the question. Evelyn covered her ears and screamed, "I¡¯m not listening. I¡¯m not listening. You said that ne was unique, but you gave away the one you were going to give me. Now you''re having another one made? How will it still be unique if there are two of them?" "Eve, calm down!" Chaim grabbed Evelyn¡¯s shoulders and tried to get her to look at him. Evelyn, who refused to listen, pointed at Alexia and cried even louder "Chaim! Tell me, why did you give her the ne? What is your rtionship with this woman? Could it be that you..." Evelyn¡¯s expression froze, her eyes rolled back into her head, and she fainted. "Eve!" Chaim''s heart tightened and he hurriedly shook the unconscious woman in his arms. Evelyn didn''t respond, both eyes were tightly closed as if she were dead. Alexia was also overwhelmed by Evelyn''s sudden fainting. However, she did wonder a little if Evelyn was faking it. "Chaim, should I call a doctor?" Alexia asked in concern. Chaim ignored her, clenching his jaw and pressing the emergency bell at the head of the bed. Within seconds, Nathaniel arrived with several doctors and nurses in tow. After a quick examination, Nathaniel took off his stethoscope and gave orders to the nurses with a serious expression. "Take her to the trauma room. Now!" The group moved in a flurry and soon Evelyn was moved to a gurney and rolled away. Chaim and Alexia were suddenly the only two people left in the ward. Chaim lowered his head to stare at the woman who squeezed against the wall next to him, his dark pupils seeming to burn from within. "Why?" Chapter 41 Surgery Chapter 41 Surgery Alexia hadn¡¯t yet calmed down from the flurry of activity she just experienced when she suddenly heard him ask, her face showing nothing but doubt. "Why what?" Chaim grunted coldly and turned to Alexia, grabbing her arm roughly. "Who told you to wear that ne? Eve is being sent to trauma. Are you satisfied now?" "What do you mean? Why are you asking if I¡¯m satisfied?" Alexia asked, eyes growing wide, bing exasperated by his words. Chaim was making it sound like Alexia was desperate for Evelyn to be in danger. "Alexia, before you came in to see Eve, did I not tell you, you weren¡¯t allowed to divulge a single word about our rtionship to Eve?" Chaim let go of Alexia like he was disgusted by just touching her. Alexia took a step away from him and her back hit the wall, causing her to stifle a grunt in pain. "You said that, but I said nothing to her about us!" "What about the ne? Who told you, you could wear that ne when you went out?" Chaim''s thin lips pursed into a straight line. Chaim''s remarks stunned Alexia, and it took her a moment to find her voice. "You''re ming me? So, just because I wore this ne and Ms. Chi saw me, you think you can me me for Ms. Chi passing out?" Chaim took a deep breath without answering, but the meaning was clear enough. He was ming her regardless! Alexia waspletely enraged and cried. "If anything, you¡¯re the one to me! When you first gave me the ne, you didn''t tell me it was originally for Ms. Chi. You still hadn¡¯t said anything, even though I''ve been wearing the ne every day since! However, now that Ms. Chi has pointed it out you''re ming me! Don''t you think you''re being unfair?" Alexia¡¯s shoulders sagged, andrge tears rolled down her cheeks. Soon her make-up had run all over her face, especially underneath her eyes, making them look pitiful andical. "Come on, stop crying!" Chaim pinched the bridge of his nose and gave her a disgusted look. Her crying was not only noisy, but it also made his heart inexplicably seize up with her¡¯s. Alexia¡¯s uncontroble emotion was getting on his nerves! Alexia sniffled and slowly stopped crying. "Here, take this back!" She pped the ne into his hands. "Alexia, what are you doing?" Chaim looked at the ne, finally noticing the broken chain, and his eyes deepened. Alexia raised her arm and casually wiped a tear from her eyes with her sleeve. "I¡¯m returning the ne to its rightful owner. I certainly don¡¯t want it anymore.!" "Returning it to its rightful owner?" Chaim frowned. Alexia nodded, still choking on the asional sobs. "Isn''t this the ne you were going to give to Ms. Chi? Why would you ever give it to me then? You''d better give it to Ms. Chi." "I can¡¯t!" Chaim tried to give the ne back to her with an expressionless face. "It¡¯s yours now. No one else has worn it, and Eve won¡¯t want it anymore." "And you think I still want it?" Alexia red up at him. "You just said that Ms. Chi, won¡¯t wear what others have worn and so she won¡¯t want it again. Well, neither do I." She wasn¡¯t sure why Chaim thought she¡¯d still want the ne after discovering its original purpose. She only knew how happy she was to receive the ne then and how unhappy she felt now. "Throw it away if you don''t want it!" Chaim spat unhappily, seeing Alexia¡¯s uncouth anger toward the ne. Alexia was clenching her fists so hard they shook. "Throw it away?" "You don''t want it, so why keep it? Just throw it away." Chaim returned indifferently, straightening his cuffs. "But..." Alexia hesitated. She definitely didn¡¯t want the ne. However, the idea of throwing away something so expensive upset her. She knew better than to throw away such arge sum of money. "But what?" Chaim asked, lifting his eyes to her ever so slightly. Alexia shook her head. "I can¡¯t throw away something worth so much. I¡¯ll just have Aunt Song put it away in the back of a closet. Then, if Ms. Chi asks, you can give it to her." "Whatever you want!" Chaim handed her the ne and turned toward the door to leave. "Wait!" Alexia called out to him. Chaim stopped and turned back to her. "What else do you want?" "There''s a problem." Alexia sped her hands together nervously. "What problem?" "About you and Ms. Chi." Alexia took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to speak. "Chaim, are you nning to get back together with her?" Chaim stared at Alexia in shock, trying to feign innocence. "I don¡¯t know what you''re talking about." "I know about your rtionship." Alexia bit her lower lip. "I¡¯ve been thinking about this for a long time and it¡¯s been weighing on my heart from the moment I found out that you and Ms. Chi used to date. Since then, I''ve always wanted to ask you, Chaim tell me, are you..." "Who told you that?" Chaim interrupted her with a gloomy expression. Alexia blinked. "What?" "Who told you about the rtionship Eve and I once had?" Chaim repeated, the cold air around his body chilling the air. "Aunt Song." "What else did she say to you?" "Nothing. Aunt Song confirmed you had been together, she said nothing else." Alexia answered truthfully. Chaim''s face softened some, but it was still cold. "Alexia, I hope you won''t go prying into my past next time. Do you understand?" Hearing the warning in his words, Alexia nodded slightingly. "I won¡¯t. But I still want to know if you ever intend to get back with Ms. Ch¡ª" "No!" Chaim pursed his lips in response. Alexia revealed a surprised smile. "Are you telling the truth? You really aren¡¯t going to?" N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Chaim looked at her eyes, full of expectations andcking any impurities. So his heart softened against his will. She must¡¯ve bewitched him! How could there be any cuteness in such a in, average-looking woman! Her face was even still as dirty as a flowered cat. Chaim shook his head, pushed down the strange emotions, and was about to say something when Nathaniel came back. "You''re really still here!" Nathaniel''s appearance interrupted Chaim. Although Alexia was a little disappointed not to receive a confirmed answer, she was already content. At least she¡¯d heard Chaim clearly. "Why are you here?" Chaim nced disgustedly at the smiling Alexia and turned his gaze to Nathaniel, his face serious. "Is Eve alright?" "She¡¯s stabilized for the time being, but..." Nathaniel hesitated. Chaim impatiently prodded. "What? But what?" "Calm down." Nathaniel pushed up his sses. "Evelyn''s condition is indeed stable, but her white blood cells are no longer under control. She needs the surgery now, as long as that¡¯s okay." While he was addressing the two people in front of him, his eyes were solely on Alexia. Alexia''s expression froze. "Now?" "Yes." Nathaniel nodded. Alexia pursed her lips and then forced a smile. "I have no problem ..." "Then What are you waiting for!" Chaim shouted, hammering the point home. "Good. Then I will arrange the preparations for the surgery now. Sister, please go back to your room and change into your surgical gown." Nathaniel mentioned. Alexia gave a small nod. After Nathaniel left, Chaim nced at her sideways, "I''ll apany you up." "No need." Alexia waved him away in refusal. "You go wait for Ms. Chi outside the operating room. I know you¡¯re worried about her and would feel better waiting for her. I was the one who called you back. So go now and I¡¯ll head back to my room by myself." Having said that, she walked past him with her head down. Before she could take more than two steps, Chaim grabbed her hand. Chapter 42 The Surgery Was Successful Chapter 42 The Surgery Was Sessful Alexia''s mouth opened in shock. "What..." "No!" Chaim squeezed her hand a bit too hard. "I said I¡¯d apany you. Why are you being stubborn? Let''s go!" He pulled her out of Evelyn''s room and toward the elevator. Once they were in the elevator, Chaim didn¡¯t let go of her hand. Instead, they held hands for quite a while before Alexia couldn¡¯t help butugh silently to herself. She realized that with Chaim standing there with her, almost all of her fears about the surgery vanished. She felt brave enough to face a battlefield in the middle of a war, let alone a bone marrow donation operation. Alexia also hoped that even if Chaim couldn''t let go of Evelyn in his heart, Alexia was the one he was married to now. Plus, Chaim had said himself that he wouldn''t get back together with Evelyn, and that was enough for her. As long as she could stay by his side, she was sure he would care for her one day. With such wonderful thoughts, Alexia changed into her surgical gown andid on the hospital bed and, under the watchful eye of Chaim, was wheeled into the operating room by the nurse. Nathaniel appeared above her, dressed in full surgeon garb. "Ready?" Alexia took a nervous breath. "Ready." "Then we will begin." Nathaniel nodded with a serious expression and gave an order to the nurse beside him while putting on his gloves. "Put her under." "Okay," the nurse said, stepping forward. Alexia couldn''t raise her head to see the nurse''s movements, she only felt a pain in her arm followed by a cold liquid flowing through her veins.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Soon a feeling of powerlessness came over her, her vision gradually blurred, and then, slowly, her eyes closed and she knew nothing more... Then, she woke up back in her room, her head dizzy from the ringing in her ears. "Aunt Song?" Alexia tried to move, her throat dry and hoarse as she called out. When Aunt Song heard Alexia call, she hurriedly wiped her tears and turned around. "Ms. Alexia, you''re awake?" "Mm..." Alexia responded weakly, trying to prop herself up into a seated position. Seeing Alexia struggling, Aunt Song hurriedly stopped Alexia from trying to move and forced her to lie back down. "Ms. Alexia, please lie still. You¡¯re not supposed to move around after the operation!" "Okay, okay. I won''t move." Alexia cried andughed as she obedientlyy still. Aunt Song smiled with satisfaction when she saw how obedient Alexia was. Alexia looked at Aunt Song and asked, "What time is it?" "It''s almost two in the afternoon," Aunt Song said as she looked at the time. Alexia turned her head some. "So how much time has passed since I had the operation?" "Less than a day." "It''s only been a day..." Alexia responded in a low voice. ¡®That really hasn¡¯t been very long.¡¯ Alexia assumed it had been at least two or three days. "Ms. Alexia, are you ufortable anywhere?" Aunt Song asked nervously as she tucked in the corner of Alexia¡¯s nket. Alexia shook her head. "No. My body hurts..." "You''ve just had surgery. Of course it hurts!" Aunt Songughed heartily as she pressed the call bell at Alexia¡¯s bedside. Alexia''s heart warmed, and she smiled faintly. "Right, Aunt Song. May I ask why you¡¯re here? I know I didn''t tell you about the operation." "Mr. Lancaster told me toe. After your operation, he asked me toe and take care of you. I worried something had happened to you, only to find out after I arrived you donated your bone marrow. I can¡¯t believe he even asked you to do such a thing!" Aunt Song said with a stern face and righteous indignation. Alexia didn''t think it was a big deal. Her bone marrow had already been donated, so she had to ept that and move on. She had to admit she was a little disappointed to wake up without seeing Chaim. "Has hee by yet, Chaim?" Alexia asked hopefully. Aunt Song looked away, unable to look Alexia in the eye. "No, he¡¯s been with that woman the entire time!" Alexia''s stiffened and her eyes dimmed more than a little. "Oh, I see¡­" "Ms. Alexia, please don''t be upset. I''ll call him right now and set him straight." Aunt Song moved to get up to grab her phone. Alexia pulled her back, feigning contentment and pulling up the corners of her mouth. "Aunt Song don''t go. Ms. Chi has just had a sessful surgery. It¡¯s normal for someone in his position to be relieved. Let him stay with her longer. I¡¯m okay." Aunt Song stopped and stared indignantly at Alexia. "She just had an operation, and you, Ms. Alexia, haven¡¯t? As far as I can see, all Mr. Lancaster has eyes for is that woman, and doesn''t have you in mind at all." "He didn''t have me in his heart originally, either." Alexia smiled bitterly. Aunt Song panicked, "Ms. Alexia, I didn''t mean to say that. I..." "It¡¯s alright, Aunt Song, I don''t me you." Alexia patted the back of Aunt Song¡¯s hand soothingly, then asked. "Is Ms. Chi alright? Was the operation sessful?" She made that her main concern. Aunt Song nodded. "Yes, it worked. And even if it hadn¡¯t how could she not be okay with Mr. Lancster with her!" "That''s good," Alexia said, breathing a sigh of relief and ignoring Aunt Song¡¯sment. As long as Evelyn''s operation is sessful, then Alexia hadn¡¯t donated her bone marrow in vain. "Good? What¡¯s good about that?" Aunt Song rolled her eyes. "When that woman recovers, she might as well be a demon!" "What do you mean?" Alexia blinked in confusion. "Nothing. Nothing..." Aunt Song smiled as she trailed off and waved her hands in panic. Although Alexia was curious, she could tell that the subject wasn¡¯t one Aunt Song wanted to discuss further and instead she cleared her throat to change the topic. " Aunt Song, do you have any water? I''m thirsty!" Aunt Song calmed down and pped her forehead. "Look at me. I''m so old and confused I forgot to ask you if you were thirsty and hungry. Having said that, she hurried to pour Alexia some water. When she realized Alexia was too sore to get up, Aunt Song patiently fed her spoonful after spoonful. After having her fill with the water, Aunt Song retrieved a bedpan from under the bed. "Do you need to use the restroom?" Alexia shook her head, her face reddening. "No, no, I¡¯m okay." "Okay. Don¡¯t hesitate to let me know when you need to," Aunt Song said, putting the potty back. Alexia stared desperately at the ceiling with wide eyes, an indescribable feeling settling in her heart, one of both embarrassment and awkwardness. ¡®I never thought I would one day be reduced to the point of using a bedpan to release myself.¡¯ Knock, knock, knock. A knock at the door interrupted Alexia¡¯s thoughts and the suddenness caused her to jump. "Who is it?" "Sister it''s me." Nathaniel''s cheerful voice called from the other side of the door. Alexia''s eyelids dropped to hide the disappointment in her eyes. "Just a moment." She¡¯d hoped it was Chaim. "Aunt Song, go and open the door, it''s Dr. Hardy," Alexia instructed Aunt Song. Aunt Song nodded and headed for the door. Once the door was open, Nathaniel strode in wearing a white coat with a light smile on his face, "Hello, sister." "Hello." Alexia returned the smile. Nathaniel raised an eyebrow and teased, "Sister doesn''t seem very happy to see me. Is that because I''m not the one you wanted to see?" Alexia''s gaze flickered but she quickly regained herposure. "No, it''s only that I woke up and am still a bit groggy." "In that case, I would like to do a quick exam." Nathaniel''s expression changed and he immediately became serious. Alexia''s heart staggered as she watched his expression change rapidly. Just the moment before, he was a carefree man, but he became a strict doctor in the blink of an eye. He changed roles so quickly a professional actor would be jealous. However, Alexiaplied with Nathaniel''s request to examine her, despite the worry in her heart. Aunt Song stood close by watching nervously, and as soon as the examination was over, she asked eagerly, "Dr. Hardy, is Ms. Alexia okay?" "It''s nothing serious. You¡¯ll take good care of yourself, but there will be no side effect, only that your body will becking the amount of bone marrow it¡¯s used to," Nathaniel said, looking at Alexia. Alexia had known that for a long time and didn''t have much of a reaction. "Is there anything else?" Chapter 43 Evelyn鈥檚 Father, Stefan Chi Chapter 43 Evelyn¡¯s Father, Stefan Chi "No, nothing else. I request you get some rest. I¡¯ll take my leave," Nathaniel said, putting away his stethoscope and preparing to leave. Aunt Song, however, stopped him, "Dr. Hardy, when you get upstairs please tell Mr. Lancaster that his wife has woken up and that he cane up to see her when he has time. He shouldn¡¯t be taking care of others when his wife needs him." "Aunt Song!" Alexia shouted at Aunt Song, trying to get her to stop talking not expecting her to speak so forwardly. However, Aunt Song pretended not to hear her and stared at Nathaniel before continuing. "What''s the matter with him? Leaving his own wife behind and noting to visit and take care of her. Instead, he¡¯s off taking care of another woman? Dr. Hard, you¡¯re Mr. Lancaster¡¯s friend, you must advise him of his duties." Nathaniel was also surprised by Aunt Song''s words and his well manicured eyebrows furrowed together. "By your remark, I can only assume you mean that Chaim hasn¡¯te up to see Ms. Alexia?" Aunt Song gave a grunt of dissatisfaction. "Mr. Lancaster¡¯s mind is only on that woman right now. He has no room left to think of his wife!" Nathaniel''s face sank. "I know. I''ll pass the message on to him. Don''t worry!" He patted Aunt Song''s shoulder and walked out quickly. ¡®It seems that Chaim didn''t take my reminder yesterday to heart.¡¯ It was very wrong of him to not even visit his own wife after her operation. Nathaniel went upstairs to Evelyn¡¯s room and knocked gently on the door. The door was opened by a middle-aged man. "Nathaniel you''re here." "Hello, Uncle Chi." Nathaniel nodded and sized up the man with deep meaning. The middle-aged man''s scalp tingled a little as he looked at Nathaniel, feeling like he having his insides pulled out and examined. "Is there something on my face?" the middle-aged man asked wearing an ufortable smile as he coughed lightly. Nathaniel withdrew his gaze and gave a small smile. "It''s nothing, I just suddenly remembered a rumor I heard before. You once had a wife, right?" Stefan froze for a moment, then a memory brought a touch of nostalgia to his eyes. "Yes." "And did you have any children at the time?" Nathaniel¡¯s sses reflected the light. Stefan was silent for several moments. Then, he nodded soberly, his voice shaking, "Yes, however, we lost the child before it was born. Why are you asking me this?" "It''s nothing, I was just curious. Is Evelyn awake?" Nathaniel ndly changed the subject. Although Stefan felt it was a bit strange for Nathaniel to suddenly ask about his past, as if he was inquiring about something, but he couldn''t focus on what it could be, so he simply stopped thinking about it and sighed. "Not yet." "Then I''lle in and take a look." Nathaniel brushed by him and entered the ward. After some examination, Nathaniel took off his gloves. "There¡¯s nothing to worry about, the anesthesia just hasn¡¯tpletely worn off yet. I¡¯m assuming she probably won''t wake up until this evening. By the way, where''s Chaim?" "I''m here!" Chaim entered in from the balcony, still smelling of cigarettes. Nathaniel gave him a look, "Chaim, do you know where I just came from?" Chaim raised his eyebrows. "Alexia?" "Yes, she''s awake!" "When did she wake up?" "It''s been a while, and they asked me to bring the word and ask you to go visit her when you had time," Nathaniel said, smoothing the immacte white coat on his body. Chaim wearily pressed his brow, "Got it, I''ll go overter." "Why not now?" Nathaniel looked at him somewhat iprehensibly. "Evelyn isn''t awake yet, and won¡¯t be for a while. However, Alexia is. Why not go and see her now? I heard you haven''t been there once since she came out of surgery." In the past, when Chaim wouldn¡¯t look at Alexia, Nathaniel thought that no matter how Chaim treated her, it had nothing to do with Chaim¡¯s character and Nathaniel would just enjoy the show. Now his feelings toward Alexia had changed. So, when he saw Chaim treat her so poorly, he couldn¡¯t bear the injustice. Particrly, he didn''t want Chaim to regret his actions in the future! Hearing Nathaniel speak so highly of Alexia, Chaim grew upset. "Since when did you start defending her?" "I''m not defending her; I just didn¡¯t think you could be so unfair to her," Nathaniel said, wrinkling his brow. Chaim narrowed his eyes. "You never used to say those words." "Yes, that was in the past." Nathaniel pushed up his sses. "Chaim, people change, and you should too!" As Stefan listened to the conversation, he couldn''t help but interject. "Chaim, this Alexia you''re talking about is the one who saved Eve, right?" "That''s right. And not only is she Evelyn''s savior, but she''s also Chaim''s wife." Nathaniel returned. "Shut up!" Chaim''s thin lips pursed out a few moments of coldness. Nathaniel wasn¡¯t afraid of Chaim and leaned against the wall, folding his arms and continuing with a smirk. "She is your wife, isn¡¯t she? Why are you so against admitting this? Do you think you can stop me from talking about it?" Chaim''s dark and sullen face didn''t answer the question. Stefan looked at Chaim in disbelief. "Chaim, you''re married?" "Yes, Chaim tied the knot three years ago. For some reason they did not make it public, so it''s understandable that you don''t know, Uncle Chi," Nathaniel replied. Stefan stood there, stunned by the news. Three years ago, that was when Eve first left the country. "Chaim, you really..." N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Chaim slowly nodded. "Yes." Nathaniel had poked the truth out, so naturally, he had no reason to hide it. Stefan was furious. "What about Eve?" "Eve?" Chaim nced at the person in the hospital bed, his expression grave. "Uncle, what do you mean by that?" "What do I mean?" Stefan''s finger trembled as he pointed at Chaim. "Don''t you know Eve has been waiting for you for three years? She came back to China this time, apart from treatment, because she wanted to make up with you. Now I discover you¡¯re actually married to someone else!" "Uncle Chi, that''s not a very nice thing to say," Nathaniel spoke up before Chaim could say anything. "You know why they broke up three years ago. Uncle Chi, you know it very well. It was Evelyn who wronged Chaim. Not the other way around.¡± Hearing those words, Stefan''s already wrinkled face deepened to the color of a beet, unable to find the words to retaliate. After a few moments, he let out a long sigh. It suddenly looked like he¡¯d aged several years, looking guiltily at Chaim. "Chaim, what happened back then, it was Eve''s fault, can you forgive her?" "I never med her," Chaim said, lowering his eyes. Chaim¡¯s resentment was still there but it was true he never med Evelyn, let alone hate her. After all, it was he who volunteered back then. It was only human for her to leave when he didn''t know if he would survive. "You really don''t me Eve?" Stefan asked, unconvinced. Stefan and Chaim were very simr aside from the age difference. Stefan knew he wouldn¡¯t have been able to forgive Evelyn had he been in Chaim¡¯s shoes. "If Chaim really still med her, he wouldn''t have saved her now, even sacrificing his own wife''s bone marrow to save her," Nathaniel fiddled with his stethoscope as he spoke coldly. Stefan smiled, "Yes, Chaim is so attached to Eve and it doesn¡¯t seem like he mes her. Then Chaim, do you still have that kind of feelings for Eve now?" Stefan stared intently at Chaim. Chapter 44 You Seemed Familiar Chapter 44 You Seemed Familiar The answer was very important to Stefan. It would be the biggest factor in whether the Chi family could merge with the big ship of the Lancaster family. Not only was Stefan staring, but Nathaniel as well. He also wanted to know the answer. Chaim swept a nce at the men in front of him indifferently. His thin lips moved and he was about to speak when a delicate figure shed in his mind, too fast for him to grasp, yet making him care immensely. ¡®Who was that?¡¯ Noting Chaim hesitated to answer, instead of lowering his head and admitting there was nothing left between Eve and Chaim, Stefan shouted to draw Chaim¡¯s attention. "Chaim?" Chaim''s thoughts were interrupted and his brow furrowed in displeasure as his tone became less than pleasant "What?" "You never answered my question¡­" "It''s impossible for Eve and me now," Chaim replied. This answer, however, caused Stefan to panic even more. ¡®Impossible?¡¯ That meant that even though he still had Eve in his heart, he couldn¡¯t be with her. Why? What about the Chi family? The Chi family had been on a downward spiral for the past few years. If they couldn¡¯t find a backer, they¡¯d lose their standing in the social circles. Stefan hurriedly stepped forward and stood face to face with Chaim. "Chaim, why is this impossible? You are so concerned about Eve. That means you still have Eve in your heart. Eve has also been..." From N?velDrama.Org. "Uncle Chi!" Nathaniel interrupted him with a smile and pulled him aside. "Uncle Chi, you heard what Chaim said just now. It''s impossible for him and Evelyn because he''s already married, and the marriage was still personally picked by Grandpa Lancaster. It¡¯s best for all families if you don¡¯t get involved." Chaim nodded "Hm!" He couldn''t let go of Eve, but he didn''t want to progress any farther with her. Getting married was one reason. The other was that he didn''t want to repeat the same mistakes. "It''s really impossible?" Stefan''s old face changed and changed, still unwilling to let it go. Chaim''s replied again. "Mm!" Stefan closed his eyes, finally giving up, his old face a bitter smile. "Since that''s the case, I won''t force it. What should Eve do then." "Keep dancing. It''s all that matters to her anyway." Nathaniel puffed his shapely manicured nails on his coat, his tone undisguisedly sarcastic. In the past, Nathaniel was unimpressed with Alexia at best. Now it was Evelyn and the Chi family he really despised especially with the way Stefan and Evelyn acted. It was absolutely disgusting. If it weren''t for Chaim, Nathaniel wouldn''t have bothered with Evelyn. Compared to Evelyn''s behavior three years ago, Alexia was an angel! "It''s because I¡¯m not good at teaching my daughter." Stefan disliked Nathaniel''s words; he was very annoyed in his heart but he hid it well and didn''t show it. "What are you doing talking to me about your inability to teach your daughter how to behave? You should talk to Chaim and Grandpa Lancaster." Nathaniel pointed at Chaim. "All right!" Chaim said, having enough of the topic, and stared at Nathaniel with a ck face. "Is there anything else?" "Nope, nothing. I''m just getting ready to leave." Nathaniel shrugged, stood up straight, and walked away with a smile on his face. Chaim took off his jacket from the shelf and casually slung it over his arm, "Uncle, I¡¯m going to see my wife now." "I''lle with you." Stefan also put his own jacket on. A sh of surprise crossed Chaim''s eyes. "You will?" "Yes." Stefan carried a few boxes of valuable tonic products and exined. "Alexia saved Eve, so I should go and thank her personally." Chaim wanted to refuse but gave up. It was only because he found himself in no position to refuse on behalf of Alexia. After all, she was the one who donated the bone marrow, and now she was the one others wanted to thank and he has no business standing in the way. Chaim didn''t say anything and walked ahead. Along the way, Stefan asked questions, intentionally or unintentionally asking him about how he and Alexia met and how they got married, and so on. Chaim returned a few words asionally until he reached the door of Alexia''s room. Stefan suddenly realized that he had asked so many questions, but didn''t ask anything useful and his heart was extremely frustrated. "Mr. Lancaster, there you are." Aunt Song opened the door and showed no emotion when she saw Chaim. She was an elderly member of the Lancaster family and had been assigned by Grandpa Lancaster to take care of Alexia so she didn¡¯t fear Chaim. Chaim didn''t mind Aunt Song''s rudeness and nodded as he walked into the room. Stefan smiled at Aunt Song and followed him inside. Aunt Song looked at him a few seconds, only to find that he looked familiar, but couldn''t remember where she¡¯d seen him before. "Could it be the new driver Mr. Lancaster recruited?" Aunt Song muttered as she looked at therge bags Stefan was carrying in his hands. Stefan hadn''t entered the room, plus Aunt Song''s voice wasn''t low, so he heard her and almost dropped the bags and broke his foot. "Chaim." Alexia knew Chaim was there, but she couldn''t raise her head so she waited for him toe closer before she turned to look at him, "You''re here?" "Mm." Chaim nodded slightly, looking at her pale face with a weak look, his heart and voice softened. "How are you feeling?" "I¡¯m okay." Alexia smiled back. That was a lie. She only her surgery yesterday, so even if her body was good at healing itself, she wouldn¡¯t be feeling okay yet. She was in so much pain she couldn¡¯t even go to the bathroom by herself, and could only move her neck and head. She only said she was okay because she didn''t want him to worry, although she wasn''t sure he would worry about her either way. "Huh?" Alexia''s gaze was drawn to the person behind Chaim. "This is..." "Hello, Ms. White." Stefan put down the pile of supplements he was carrying and walked over to the bedside to introduce himself to her with a smile, "I''m Evelyn''s father." "Ms. Chi''s father?" Alexia asked surprised. How did Evelyn''s father get here? "He''s here to thank you," Chaim saw her confusion and exined. "Right, right." Stefan nodded repeatedly, "Ms. White, thank you very much for saving my daughter''s life. I don''t know how to thank you. Thinking about it, I can only send more tonic up. I hope you don''t mind." "You''re wee, Mr. Chi." His attitude was so sincere, Alexia was a little embarrassed and her face redden. "I didn''t do anything. I was quite happy to be able to save Ms. Chi." She didn''t mean to do that. Although she didn''t like Evelyn, she agreed to donate the bone marrow at first for her own selfish reasons. But it was still somewhatforting to know her bone marrow saved a life. "You¡¯re too kind. No wonder you gained Master Lancaster''s fancy." Stefanplimented. Alexia smiled sheepishly and didn''t answer respond. Chaim''s eyes darkened as he stared at her. Seeing that Stefan had been standing, Alexia pointed to a chair on the side. "Please sit down, Mr. Chi." Stefan thanked her and sat down, continuing to stare at her face. The more he looked, the deeper his frown became. Alexia was a little embarrassed and quite ufortable by Stefan¡¯s look, so she hastily pulled the corner of Chaim''s coat, hoping he could help her. Chaim moved untraceably to his left once, blocking her behind him. "Uncle, what are you looking at?" Chaim looked down at Stefan with a sullen face, and his eyes held a bit of displeasure. If it was any other time, Stefan would have smiled and dared not look around. However, he was fearless and leaned around Chaim and continued to stare at Alexia. "Ms. White, you have a good face." Chapter 45 A Shared Secret Chapter 45 A Shared Secret "A good face?" Alexia froze. Stefan gave a sad smile. "Yes, you look like a person I used to know. She passed away but if I didn¡¯t know any better, I would have thought you were her daughter ..." When he entered the room, she startled him. Alexia looked too much like his past wife. Her eyes, in particr, were a spitting image of Ning''s. "That... Mr.... Chi, who are you talking about?" Alexia asked with a curious blink. Chaim pursed his lips without speaking, examining Stefan, obviously wanting to hear the answer. Stefan, however, waved his hand without replying, "It''s all in the past. She¡¯s been dead for over twenty years, so let''s not mention it!" "Okay." Alexia could see the deep pain hidden under his eyes and understood, asking no more questions, guessing in her heart that the person could be his former lover or his closest rtive. "It''s gettingte." Stefan looked at his watch and patted his trousers as he stood up. "Chaim, I''ll leave first then." "Hmm," Chaim answered in a clear, cold voice. When Stefan saw he had no intention of moving to see him off, he sighed inwardly. It seemed there was really no possibility for Chaim and Eve. Otherwise, his attitude wouldn''t be so cold. Thepany''s main business was to provide a wide range of products and services to the public. Thinking of that, even though Stefan loved his daughter, his heart couldn''t help but feel a sense of resentment toward her. After Stefan left, Alexia looked at Chaim and asked, "Chaim, is Ms. Chi awake?" "Not yet. She won¡¯t wake untilte this evening," Chaim replied indifferently. Alexia hesitated for a moment. "Then you¡¯ll be going to keep herpany this evening?" Chaim wanted to reply he would, but when he saw her bleary eyes, his heart trembled and he was somewhat speechless. After a couple of seconds, he responded. "It depends." Little did he know that his answer, for Alexia, was no different from him saying yes. She gave a soft ¡°oh ¡°and stopped talking, her mood having fallen. Chaim didn''t know why she was upset but didn''t ask, instead deciding to change the topic "Grandpa called you yesterday." "Grandpa?" Alexia looked at him, "What does Grandpa want?" "Nothing important, just asking why you haven''t gone back for dinner yet." Alexia remembered that before she went to Swift''s group yesterday, she promised to apany master Lancaster to dinner that evening. "What did you tell Grandpa?" She grabbed Chaim¡¯s hand. Chaim looked at Alexia with downcast eyes, ncing down at Alexia¡¯s hand grasping his but not reacting or pulling away. "I told him you had another stomach bug and were admitted to the hospital." "That''s good." Alexia breathed a sigh of relief. She was afraid he would give her random excuses to make it perfunctory. With his cold, sullen, and trouble-hating nature, it wouldn¡¯t have been out of his character to do so. "Grandpa also said he would being over to see you." Chaim flung out another shocking sentence. Alexia was anxious, "But in my current situation, how can I meet with grandpa?" It''s not like she''s really suffering from a stomach bug. What kind of person with a stomach bugid in bed and couldn¡¯t move? Grandpa Lancaster started with nothing and created the Lancaster family empire. Even in his old age, he wasn¡¯t easy to fool. If he came to visit he would find Alexia¡¯s condition too suspicious. "Chaim, you can¡¯t let Grandpae visit." Alexia looked bitter. Chaim, however, calmly stared at her. "Grandpa ising, and it only makes us look more suspicious if I tell him not to so you''ll use your acting skills so he doesn''t notice you had surgery." "But I don''t have any acting skills!" Alexia was on the verge of tears. "No acting skills? You can''t pretend to sleep?" Chaim squinted at her. Alexia''s expression lurched. Yeah, she could pretend to be asleep! At that thought, she immediately calmed down, and not only did she not panic anymore, she even had a little bit of joy inside. She and Chaim were teaming up together to fool Grandpa Lancaster. She felt a bit sorry for Grandpa Lancaster, but it was really exciting. It was like they had a secret they couldn''t tell anyone and she was even looking forward to Grandpa Lancaster''s arrival. Alexia pulled at the covers and couldn''t help butugh. Chaim raised his eyebrows slightly, "What are youughing at?" "No, nothing, I just thought of something funny. "Alexia smiled and looked at him. Chaim wasn¡¯t interested in what she was thinking, and when his mobile rang, he took it out and answered it. Two minutester, he put away his phone and stood up. Alexia looked at him blearily. "You''re leaving?" "Yes, I have to go back to the office, Joseph has arrived." Chaim patiently replied. Alexia smiled, "Go on then, Be safe." "I will." Chaim straightened the folds on his suit as he spoke. "If there''s anything you need, you can call me. I''ll be back after I finish." "Good." Alexia''s eyes curled. Chaim nodded and turned to walk away. In fact, he didn''t know why he¡¯d said thattter sentence. But seeing the way she smiled, it seemed like that would be fine. Shortly after Chaim left the hospital, Grand Lancaster arrived. Alexia closed her eyes and pretended to sleep as she had agreed to do before. Sure enough, Grandpa Lancaster didn''t stay long when he saw she wasn''t awake and left, only instructing Aunt Song to take good care of her before he left. Aunt Song was tempted to tell the truth about Ms. White''s hospitalization, but thinking of Mr. Lancaster¡¯s warning, she held back.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. "Aunt Song, has Grandpa left?" Alexia peeled back the covers to reveal a pair of dripping eyes and asked when no movement was heard in the room for several minutes. Aunt Song looked at her with amusement and replied, "Don''t worry Ms. Alexia, Master has already left." "Great." Alexia exhaled. "That nket was suffocating me." "Oh? Who told you, Ms. Alexia, to pretend to be asleep to deceive your lordship by covering your face for fear that you might reveal your act?." "I couldn¡¯t help it! If I didn¡¯t, Grandpa would¡¯ve been able to see at a nce I was pretending to be asleep." Alexia said helplessly as she brushed the hair out of her face. "That''s true. But, Ms. Alexia,, it''s not right for you and Mr. Lancaster to hide this from Master Lancaster like this. Sooner orter he will find out." Aunt Song said, worried. "What will you do then?" Alexia was silent for a moment. "The main thing is that Chaim doesn''t want to tell Grandpa, so I''ll just go along it. As for when the timees, then we¡¯ll talk about it then." "Of course Mr. Lancaster doesn''t want Master Lancaster to know. The Master hates the Chi family most of all and if knew Mr. Lancaster asked you to donate your bone marrow for the sake of the Chi I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Mr. Lancaster got the horse whip." Aunt Song skimmed her lips. Alexia''s eyes widened. "Really? A horse whip?" "Of course. His Lordship beat Mr. Lancaster three years ago." "Oh my god!" Alexia covered her mouth. Chaim was actually whipped with a horsewhip by Grandpa Lancaster. "Well, let''s not talk about that. I bet you¡¯re hungry, right?" Aunt Song was afraid that if she said too much, she would identally reveal something she shouldn''t, so she hastily changed the subject and served a bowl of chicken brother from the thermos, stirring and blowing at the same time. "I just asked Dr. Hard specifically. Ms. Alexia, you can eat something light and after the anesthesia is all gone, you can have tonic. Then I will give you rich, hardy soup every day, so you can get well sooner." "Thank you, Aunt Song." Alexia was both touched and a bit teary-eyed. After eating the broth, Alexia felt some strength return and she wasn¡¯t in as much pain either. Her mood couldn¡¯t be better. "Aunt Song, has my mother ever looked for me?" Chapter 46 She Was Too Noisy Chapter 46 She Was Too Noisy Alexia stared at the calendar on the wall, realizing it was the fifteenth of the month. Payday. Aunt Song thought for a moment before shaking her head. "No." She didn''t quite believe Aunt Song. Alexia¡¯s mother was the kind of person who was only interested in money, and it was unheard of for her not to ask for money whenever the opportunity presented itself. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. "Where''s my phone?" Alexia turned her head, looking for her phone on the rolling bedside table. "Here it is," Aunt Song said, handing Alexia¡¯s phone to her from the bedside table. Alexia couldn''t get up, as everything hurt too much to move. Luckily, her left hand didn¡¯t hurt enough to prevent her from checking her phone, but she didn¡¯t have the strength to hold it up for very long. Alexia tried turning her phone off and on several times before she realized her phone was working just fine. There were no missed calls, nor message notifications. It was extremely unlike her mother to let Alexia¡¯s payday pass without asking for money. And yet, it seemed that her mother hadn¡¯t messaged her "There must be something wrong! My mother always asks me for money when she knows I¡¯m getting paid!" Alexia said, her hand vaguely trembling as she held her phone. Alexia lived in the Lancaster vi for over three years, so Aunt Song knew all about Alexia¡¯s mother and her habit of asking for marypensation. She reached over and gently patted Alexia¡¯s arm. "Mr. Lancaster just gave your mother arge sum of money. I¡¯m certain she has more than enough right now that she doesn¡¯t need to ask for any." "I¡¯m sure you¡¯re right, Aunt Song, but I can¡¯t help feeling anxious. Since she didn¡¯t ask for any money this month, she will most certainly ask for more next time," Alexia worried, putting her phone down as she rxed into the pillows. Aunt Song sat on the edge of the bed, grabbing an apple and pealing it for Alexia as she spoke. "It''s not impossible for what you¡¯re saying to happen. Your parents ask you for money every month, and the more you give, the more they ask. They¡¯re never going to stop asking if you don¡¯t tell them no.¡± Alexia raised her hands to cover her eyes. "I can''t tell them no! They¡¯re my parents. I know them. If I don''t give them money, they¡¯ll do anything and everything they can to make me regret it. I''m afraid if I refuse to give them more, they¡¯ll go running to the Lancaster''s group to make a fuss and even a family as powerful as the Lancaster¡¯s will lose face." Alexia¡¯s heart sank, knowing her parents were so terrible. Yet she couldn''t cut them out of her life. And doing so would be socially irresponsible because she had no idea what they would do for money. "I think you¡¯re thinking too much, Ms. Alexia. If you exin all this to Mr. Lancaster, I¡¯m sure he would help. You may not be able to stop them but I¡¯m sure he can." Aunt Song cut the peeled apple into small pieces and ced them in a bowl before handing them to Alexia. Alexia took a bite. "I don¡¯t want to bother him, that''s why I never told him what my parents are like." "But Mr. Lancaster is your husband, it¡¯s his responsibility to help," Aunt Song replied slowly. Alexia grabbed another apple from the bowl and chewed as she thought. "Maybe for some married couples¡­ I treat him as my husband, but do you think he really treats me like his wife, Aunt Song?" "This..." Aunt Song started to respond but stopped as she considered the situation. Alexia rubbed her eyes, trying not to think about Chaim. "So now you see why I don''t want to bother him. In fact, it''s not only that I don''t want to bother him. I also don''t want to hear him reject me. He¡¯s already given them so much and I don¡¯t want to owe him even more." "Owe him more? What do you mean?¡± Aunt Song asked, surprised. Alexia gave a small smile. "Last time my mother asked me for money, a thief stole my purse and I had to exin to Chaim what happened. My mother then told me my brother made a bad investment and when Chaim heard that, he gave her five million. I can¡¯t let him pay for my family¡¯s ill management of money. They may not have used all the money yet, they will eventually, and they¡¯ll be expecting another five million, or more." "Then let''s wait until they inevitably ask for more. If the amount they want is too big, you¡¯ll need to talk to Chaim about it." Aunt Song suggested. "I''ll think about it," Alexia said as she yawned and fell back to sleep. ***** When she woke, it was dark. Alexia tried to shift her body into a morefortable position when she felt something around her, something pinning her down and preventing her from moving. ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Puzzled, Alexia reached out to find the warmth of a bare chestying with her. This confused her. ¡®A chest? Is it a man¡¯s?¡¯ Alexia swallowed and, with great difficulty, she turned over to find Chaim lying beside her in a deep sleep. ¡®When did he get here? Howe I didn¡¯t wake up before now?¡¯ As Alexia stared at Chaim, mesmerized by the fact it was she he was sleeping with, Chaim suddenly opened his eyes. Alexia instinctively tried to move away, letting out a small yelp in pain, Chaim suddenly waking up surprising her. Seeing Alexia¡¯s response, a warmth spread through Chaim and he instinctively reached out to hug her. "Alexia you''re crazy!" ¡®Does she even know that she has just had an operation? How dare she roll over?¡¯ Alexiaid in Chaim''s arms in shock, panting as her heart rate slowed, the shock subsided, and she pouted aggressively, "I''m not crazy, you scared me!" "You''re the one who''s not sleeping and was staring at me instead." Chaim retorted without mercy. Chaim was a light sleeper and would wake up at the slightest breeze. Alexia was a living person, staring at him with her eyes wide open, and it was strange that he didn''t react. What he hadn¡¯t expected was for her to be so easily startled. "I¡¯m sorry." Alexia rubbed her face in embarrassment. She thought he was asleep and didn''t know how light of a sleeper he was. "You shouldn¡¯t do anything you don¡¯t want people to know," Chaim said, pursing his lips. Alexia stuck her tongue out before responding. "I didn''t mean to. I was just a little surprised when I woke up to see you suddenly sleeping here. How long have you been here?¡± "It''s been a few hours," Chaim said, letting go of her andying on his back next to her. The beds in Alexia¡¯s ward were quiterge, simr to a full-sized bed, and two people lying in them wasn¡¯t any different from sharing one at home. But Chaim¡¯s actions upset Alexia and she gently touched him with her arm. "Then why don''t you go back home to sleep? The hospital isn¡¯t suitable for rest." "That''s enough," Chaim said moving his arm further away, "I¡¯m the one to judge whether or not I find the hospital beds suitable. If you''re tired, go back to sleep. If you aren¡¯t tired, be quiet, I have a headache!" "Headache?" Chaim¡¯s words made Alexia anxious and she looked at him nervously. "Does it hurt a lot? Shall I call a doctor?" "No need!" Chaim furrowed his brow. "If you were quieter, my head wouldn''t hurt. I''m hurting from all the noise you''re making." Alexia choked. Pained by her noise? Chaim hated her so much that her talking to him was too loud and annoying? Realizing this, Alexia¡¯s heart broke but she shut her mouth and stopped talking. Once again the ward was quiet. After peace returned to his mind, Chaim closed his eyes again, and soon his breathing became steady as he soon fell asleep again. Only then did Alexia realize that he had dark circles below his eyes, and there were even shadows on his cheeks and chin from him not having shaved in some time. ¡®Did he not sleepst night? Why else would he look so tired?¡¯ Alexia had a lot of questions she wanted to ask Chaim, but because he was asleep, she didn''t dare to disturb him. So, instead, she silently suppressed the questions and stared tenderly at his sleeping face. It was the first time she''d seen him so close after he''d fallen asleep. The few times they''d shared a bed before, he''d either enter after she''d fallen asleep or she never had then chance face during the whole ordeal. Now that she was so close to him, she realized how lovely Chaim looked when he was asleep, completely devoid of his usual indifference and looking calm and serene instead. Being so close to Chaim made Alexia more and more desperate to look at him, and she didn''t know how long she had been looking at him, when a heard of footsteps rushed toward the door followed by frantic knocking. In the stillness of the room, the knocking echoed like a canon. "Is Mr. Lancaster here?" Alexia subconsciously turned to look at the man beside her to see if he had woken up. Seeing he only frowned before shifting some in his sleep and not waking up, she breathed a slight sigh of relief before lowering her voice and calling out, "Who is it?" Chapter 47 She Wanted to See You Chapter 47 She Wanted to See You "I''m the head nurse for room 901," the man at the door replied. Alexia''s expression froze. ¡®Room 901, isn''t that the ward Evelyn is staying in?¡¯ It was sote. There was no reason Evelyn''s head nurse needed to find Chaim. ¡®Did something happen to Evelyn again?¡¯ "Hello, may I ask why you¡¯re looking for Mr. Lancaster?" Alexia asked before exining. "Mr. Lancaster is already asleep, and unless it¡¯s an emergency, it¡¯s probably best to let him sleep." "Ms. Evelyn is awake and is demanding Mr. Lancastere to see her." The person outside the door responded hesitantly. Alexia was about to respond when Chaim suddenly open his eyes and sat up. "You... Chaim." "I''ll go upstairs and look," Chaim said as he pulled on his shirt and climbed out of the bed. Alexia pulled on his arm, not wanting him to go. ¡°But Chaim, you look tired now. Why don''t you go tomorrow?" "No, Eve will be upset if I don¡¯t go see her now," Chaim said as he pulled away from Alexia. Alexia looked at her empty hand, and her heart followed her husband¡¯s fleeting warmth. Was he that worried about Evelyn? ¡®Why can¡¯t he be more worried about me, his wife?¡¯ Alexia lowered her eyes to hide the emotion in her face. "Just so I know, are youing back tonight?" Chaim froze with his foot half in his shoe as he thought for a moment before regaining hisposure. "You go to sleep. Call Aunt Song if there is anything you need. Aunt Song is sleeping in a room nearby. If Aunt Song can''t help or doesn¡¯t answer, ring the bell and call Nathaniel. He said he would stay in the hospital the next few days." Chaim purposely didn''t answer whether he would be back tonight, focusing intently on his shoes before following the head nurse out of the room. As soon as the door shut, Alexia felt the bed where Chaim had been, thest of his warmth slipping away. The sheets growing cold, just like her heart. "He expects me to sleep now?" Alexia gathered the covers together and let out a bitterugh. She hadn''t had much sleep, but as soon as Chaim left, there was no chance of her getting any more sleep. Alexiaid back and stared at the white ceiling for hours, not realizing how long she¡¯d been staring until the light in the room started growing into a soft, pale yellow. It was only after the light in the room turned to a soft orange with the rising sun that she finally fell asleep. Though Alexia¡¯s sleep was fitful, she didn¡¯t awake until shortly afternoon. Alexia rubbed her eyes and instead of seeing Aunt Song sitting in a nearby chair, Nathaniel stood there in a white coat looking down at her. "You''re awake?" Alexia, notpletely awake yet, responded with an mmm in her raspy morning voice, the words trailing off like a soft and clingy small cat. A warmth grew in his chest, his hand holding the medical record shook as he tried to control himself. "Sister, can you not respond so, so..." He suddenly found himself unable to find the words to describe the feeling he just had. Alexia looked at Nathaniel and yawned. "What''s wrong?" "It''s nothing." Nathaniel flicked open the folder and darted his eyes away from her to scan the file. ¡®Alexia is just average looking¡­ and yet so tantalizing¡ª No, stop!¡¯ Nathanial thought to himself, cutting off his train of thoughts. He knew Alexia wasn¡¯t doing anything on purpose, unlike some of the other female patients. Realizing Alexia was staring up at him, Nathaniel cleared his throat before trying a different approach. "Sister, how are you feeling today?" Alexia yawned and gingerly moved her limbs before smiling faintly. "Much better, it doesn''t hurt as much as yesterday." "Good, good, that means the recovery is progressing at a steady pace," Nathaniel said as he opened his folder again and jotted down a few words in it. Alexia couldn''t see what he was writing and had little interest in it, instead, looking back up at the ceiling and asking, "When can I be discharged from the hospital?" "I want to keep you here under observation for a few days," Nathaniel replied without raising his head, "If there are no signs or symptoms of an adverse reaction from the procedure after that, we can discuss discharging you then." "Okay, I understand," Alexia murmured as Nathaniel made a few more notes. "I''ve also prescribed some bone marrow regeneration medication., I''ll have the nurse send it overter. You must remember to take it as it will help you recover without any negative effects in the future." Alexia nodded, stifling another yawn. After finishing, Nathaniel closed the medical record folder and clipped it under his armpit, "By the way, did Stefane to see you yesterday?" "Stefan?" Alexia cocked her head, a little puzzled, "Who is Stefan?" "Evelyn''s father," Nathaniel replied. Alexia nodded again in a daze, "Yes, he said he hade to thank me and had brought up some tonic, that''s all," she said, pointing to the pile ofrge, unopened bags behind him. Nathaniel turned to look at him, then pushed his sses and asked meaningfully, "When you met him, did you notice anything special about him?" "Something special?" Alexia lost her smile and shook her head, "What could I feel special about him, but he did say I looked like his deceased wife." "Is that really what he said?" Nathaniel asked, narrowing his eyes. "Yes." "Hmmm..." Nathaniel murmured, pursing his lips. His suspicions were correct. Nathaniel just wasn¡¯t sure how to broach the truth yet. ¡®Looks like there''s a good show ahead!¡¯ Nathaniel thought as a smile yed across his lips. Alexia stared at him and couldn¡¯t discern what could be the cause of Nathaniel¡¯s response. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. "Dr. Hardy, you seem distracted. Is something wrong?" "It''s nothing," Nathaniel said, collecting himself, "You have a good rest, I have more things to attend to." "Okay, take your time." Alexia gave him a polite smile. Once again Alexia was the only one left in the room. She picked up the remote and turned on the TV across the room, flipping through the channels out of boredom. Aunt Song came back from shopping a whileter and noticed Alexia was the only one in the room, so she couldn''t help but ask, "Ms. Alexia, did Dr. Hardy speak with you?" "Yep," Alexia responded, not looking away from the tv. Aunt Song sighed in regret. "I meant to ask him if you could take the tonic yet." "Ask next time, he''ll being in several times a day anyway," Alexia said carelessly. Alexia honestly didn¡¯t care if she took supplements or not, she would soon be on medication anyway. Hearing Alexia''s words, Aunt Song thought about it and didn¡¯t worry much about it anymore, instead, walking over to stroke Alexia¡¯s hair. "I forgot again. I guess it is true that I''m getting older. Soon I¡¯ll be so useless you¡¯ll grow tired of me and kick me to the curb, recing me with a younger model,¡± Aunt Song teased. "No, you know I¡¯d never do that," Alexia quipped. Aunt Song beamed at Alexia¡¯s words. "I¡¯m d to see you¡¯re feeling better. I just went out to buy chicken soup, it smells pretty good. You should have some to help you regain your strength.¡± "Where''s Chaim?" Alexia asked as she took the bowl from Aunt Song. "Has he eaten yet?" "Don''t worry about him." Aunt Song sat down on the edge of her hospital bed. "I went upstairs to check when I got back, and he wasn¡¯t there. I heard he went back to the office early this morning." As for Evelyn, Aunt Song didn''t even mention her. To Aunt Song, Evelyn was only there toe between husband and wife. She, unlike Mr. Lancaster, didn¡¯t deserve to even be mentioned at all. Alexia didn¡¯t care enough to ask about Evelyn either. Once she heard the operation had been sessful, there was nothing else interesting enough for Alexia to care about. However, just because a person is ignored doesn''t mean they won''te around to visit. The door opened and a familiar nurse walked in, giving a small nod in respect before addressing Alexia. "Hello, Ms. White." It was the same nurse that had taken Chaim away in the middle of the night. Alexia was polite, but her mood instantly soured when she recognized the man. "What do you want?" "Ms. Evelyn wants to see you. She insists she speaks with you as soon as possible." "See me?" Alexia asked as her mouth fell open. Chapter 48 The Chi Familys Past Chapter 48 The Chi Family''s Past "Yes, that''s what Ms. Chi said," the nurse said, pointedly not looking at Aunt Song. Alexia smiled. "Okay, you can leave now." "Huh?" the nurse asked in confusion. "I''m not going to see her. Look at me now. I can¡¯t get out of bed." Alexia lifted her left hand, which was in a sling. ¡°And even if I could, I wouldn¡¯t want to.¡± She had nothing to say to Evelyn. Especially with everything that happened thest time, still fresh in her mind. Evelyn was a ck-hearted lotus and felt it was better for her to avoid it, lest something even worse happen. The nurse didn''t expect Alexia to refuse so simply and was at a loss for words. "Ms. White, I know this is very difficult for you, but Ms. Chi said that she must see you, otherwise..." "Enough!" Aunt Song couldn''t stand it anymore and cut the nurse off as she moved to stand protectively in front of Alexia. "Otherwise what? Otherwise, Ms. Chi is a human being and Ms. Alexia isn¡¯t? If Ms. Chi wants to see Ms. Alexia, Ms. Alexia must see her. What kind of reasoning is this?" Alexia nodded in agreement with everything Aunt Song was saying, tired of Evelyn always being in charge. "No..." the caregiver responded, so anxious that he was on the verge of tears, and hastily waved his hand to exin. "I didn''t say that, that¡¯s what Ms. Chi said." "I don''t care who said what!" Aunt Song said, taking a step closer to the nurse and waving her finger in his face. "You go back and tell her why Ms. Alexia isn¡¯ting over. Ms. Chi wants to see Ms. Alexia, then she cane down herself!¡± "Ms. Chi has just had surgery and can''te over," the nurse muttered in a low voice, scowling. Aunt Song let out an exasperatedugh. "Ms. Chi has just had her operation, but Alexia didn¡¯t? Don''t forget, it was Ms. Alexia who selflessly underwent her operation to save Ms. Chi¡¯s life! If it weren¡¯t for Ms. Alexia, Ms. Chi may not even still be alive! Ms. Chi should be groveling to Ms. Alexia, not demanding she put herself at risk for petty requests!" "That..." the nurse started, before closing his mouth, having the sense to not say anything else. Aunt Song pushed the nurse toward the door in disgust. "Okay, okay, enough of this! Hurry up and get out of here! Ms. Alexia won¡¯t be leaving! If Ms. Chi wants to talk to Ms. Alexia, then she better call or come down herself! If she doesn¡¯t, then I guess they won¡¯t be talking!" Bang! Aunt Song mmed the door behind the nurse after shoving them out of the room. Aunt Song pped her hands and turned back to Alexia. "What the hell was that? You think Ms. Chi thought she was a princess the way she was demanding you go and meet her." "Aunt Song." Alexia stared at the housekeeper, dumbfounded at what just happened, and couldn''t help but give a thumbs up, "You''re amazing, you got rid of him so easily." Aunt Songughed, "When dealing with people like that, you have to be crisp and clear, especially when they¡¯re sent by that Chi woman. You have to be forceful, otherwise, they¡¯ll walk all over you. That woman isn¡¯t a good person to deal with." "Yes, I know what you mean¡­" Alexiamented. "Oh?" Aunt Song asked, "Did something happen between you and her?" "Well, there''s a bit of friction." Alexia gave a brief ount of what happened the day she and Evelyn met, downying Chaim¡¯s reaction. After hearing what happened, Aunt Song was so angry that she pped the table. "What a rotten heart! No one is more ungrateful than her. And then pretending to be harmless on top of it all! It''s disgusting! Only Mr. Lancaster can''t see through her true face." The corners of Alexia''s mouth twitched and her heart raced in agreement with Aunt Song. After Alexia¡¯s observation of everything that happened, it was clear that Evelyn, in Chaim''s eyes, was completely different from what she truly was. "Ms. Alexia, you should stay away from that Chi woman in the future." Aunt Song poured a cup of water and handed it to Alexia''. Alexia realized she was thirsty and took a few sips of water. "What do you mean?" Aunt Song seemed to be on Alexia¡¯s side with this and Alexia hoped to get more advice. After all, it seemed like Evelyn was in more danger than she thought. "Yes, stay as far away as you can!" Aunt Song looked at Alexia with a serious expression. "That woman was terribly possessive back when she was with Mr. Lancaster. It took Master Lancaster a long time to get them to break up, and now that you''re married to Mr. Lancaster, I''m worried that she''ll do something to you because she''s not willing to lose what she believes is hers." "So that''s how it is." Alexia lifted nodded in understanding. "Don''t worry, Aunt Song, I know what to do. But I have to admit that I''m a little curious about why Grandpa wanted them to break up." "It''s not because that woman is ungrateful, though it should¡¯ve been," Aunt Song bristled. "I can''t tell you much about it as I wasn¡¯t given the pleasure of knowing myself, but she left him behind when he saved her life. I guess it''s a gic problem, she inherited from her mother." "Her mother?" Alexia blinked, bing far more interested. "Aunt Song, will you tell me about her?" "Yes." Aunt Song put down her ss of water. "It started more than twenty years ago. At that time the Chi family was just getting rich, Stefan¡¯s wife wasn¡¯t yet Evelyn''s mother. Evelyn''s mother was originally just a mistress who squeezed out of the main house and married into the Chi family when she became pregnant with Evelyn." "Then wouldn''t Evelyn be an illegitimate daughter?" Alexia''s mouth opened wide in surprise. Aunt Song nodded. "Stefan and his first wife started a business together. Once he started seeing some sess, Stefan also started to seek excitement elsewhere, finally falling in love with a female university student his wife sponsored. That female university student was Evelyn''s mother." "Then what happened?" "Evelyn''s mother wasn¡¯t willing to be a mistress, so she showed up on Mr. Chi¡¯s doorstep with her belly bulging to provoke Mr. Chi¡¯s wife. However, at that time the then Ms. Chi was also pregnant. It turned out they were both due around the same time. I¡¯m not sure what happened, but Mr. Chi went to the hospital with two bodies." "That''s so scary." Alexia''s body trembled from the story, goosebumps rising all over her body. Aunt Songmented. "Back then, this was a big deal, everyone in the upper circles knew about it, and the Chi family''s reputation was in ruined as a result. Evelyn''s mother even suffered from depression and died a few years after giving birth to Evelyn." "It''s really the deep waters of the gentry then," Alexia stammered. Buzz! Alexia¡¯s phone vibrated with a phone call. Aunt Song picked up the phone and nced at it, handing it to Alexia in surprise. "Ms. Alexia, it''s Mr. Lancaster." "Chaim?" Alexia frowned as she took the phone, her mood falling. Aunt Song had just sent Evelyn''s nurse away only a few minutes before, and now Chaim was calling. It had to be more than a coincidence. Could it be that Evelyn realized Alexia wasn¡¯t going to listen and told Chaim something Alexia had done? Just likest time... Thinking about that, Alexia ran her finger across the green icon on the screen and tensed. "Hello?" "Alexia, did you scold Eve?" Chaim''s clear, cold, low voice came over, clearly seeking punishment. Alexia mentallyshed out, but instead bit her lip and responded, "I didn''t scold her, I haven''t even seen her today." "But Eve told me that she sent someone to your room to thank you, and you scolded her for being ungrateful," Chaim said in a cold voice. "I didn''t!" Alexia bit her lower lip in exasperation. "She sent someone to take me to her room, saying she wanted to talk. No one said anything about thanking me at all!" "Alexia, I thought you knew better than to lie?" Chaim''s voice was even colder, clear displeasure in it. Alexia froze. "Lying?" All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. "You said Eve asked you to go over to see her, but we both know you wouldn¡¯t be able to and she would never ask such a thing! What the hell are you doing targeting Eve so much?" "I¡ª" "Whatever!" Chaim interrupted her impatiently. "Alexia, I want you to recuperate in the hospital. Don¡¯t cause any trouble and don''t go bullying Eve!" Chaim hung up and Alexia looked at her cked-out phone,pletely speechless. Don''t go bullying Evelyn, could life be any more ironic? Who was bullying who? Chapter 49 Re-examination Chapter 49 Re-examination "Ms. Alexia, what did Mr. Lancaster say to you?" Aunt Song asked, noticing Alexia''s downfallen expression and worrying at once. Alexia sighed in aggravation. "He told me not to bully Evelyn." "You bullying Evelyn?" Aunt Song looked bewildered. "Ms. Alexia, have you ever bullied her?" "Of course not! Why would I bully her? I had no reason to either! She''s obviously the one bullying me!" "Then why did Mr. Lancaster say that?" "It''s all because of Evelyn! She called Chaim and said she had the nursee over to thank me and told Chaim I scolded the nurse for being ungrateful. So Chaim was just warning me to not bully her." Alexia threw her phone to the edge of the bed, her heart sinking. Aunt Song froze for a second before angrily pping the table. "How could that woman be so shameless? When did that nurse ever say he was here to thank you on behalf of Evelyn?" "It doesn''t matter." Alexia wiped her face. "What matters is that she deliberately lied and Chaim still believed her. He didn¡¯t even give me a chance to exin." "I can¡¯t believe Mr. Lancaster would ever do something like that! How could he believe that woman?" Aunt Song sighed in dissatisfaction. "Forget it. I understand that Evelyn still carries a lot of weight in his heart. They also had that kind of rtionship once. It¡¯s normal for him to trust her." Alexia sighed bitterly. "Aunt Song, can you help me prepare a wheelchair?" "What do you want, Ms. Evelyn? Please, let me get it for you." "I¡¯m going to see Evelyn!" "No!" Aunt Song snapped disapprovingly, putting her hand on Alexia¡¯s shoulder to prevent her from getting up. "You can¡¯t get up in this state, Madam." "But Evelyn did that because she wanted me to see her. Plus, I want to know what she''s up to!" Alexia shouted insistently. Aunt Song said nothing and just stared at Alexia. Alexia didn¡¯t budge, either. The two women were at a standstill. "What are you doing?" Nathaniel''s voice, full of disbelief, suddenly rang out from the doorway. Aunt Song looked at him like he was her savior and hastily pulled him over. "Doctor Hardy, Ms. Alexia said she wanted to go out in a wheelchair. Please talk to her." Aunt Song gave Nathaniel a curt nod before leaving the room to give the two of them some privacy. "Go out?" Nathaniel frowned and looked at Alexiaying in the hospital bed. "Sister, where are you going?" "To see Evelyn," Alexia said, telling the truth. "What''s the point of seeing her?" Nathaniel asked, walking over to the bed to check the progress of the IV. ¡°Don''t go see her before your IV finishes." "She''s the one who wants to see me." Alexia rubbed her temples. Nathaniel suddenly stopped flicking the IV bag. "What''s going on?" "I don''t know. She said she had something to talk to me about." Alexia shook her head gently. "Then I advise you not to go." Nathaniel said, turning away from the IV and cing both hands on Alexia¡¯s shoulders "That woman is no in Jane. She may have said she had something to talk about, but she¡¯s most likely preparing to screw you over." Alexia looked at him incredulously. "You..." "What''s wrong?" Nathaniel asked, raising an eyebrow in interest. Alexia scratched her head. "It''s nothing. I just can''t believe you would actually say that about Evelyn. Aren''t you guys friends?" Chaim and Nathaniel were close friends. And Evelyn was Chaim''s ex-girlfriend. So, it was reasonable to say that the three of them should be on good terms, but the tone of his voice when he mentioned Evelyn was not only unfriendly but also tinged with a hint of dislike. "Is anyone friends with her? I''m just taking care of her for Chaim¡¯s sake. She doesn''t leave as many sensations in my heart as you do, sister." Nathaniel tapped his fingers on his arm, letting his words hang in the air. The corners of Alexia''s mouth twitched. "Well... thank you for your approval." "Well said, well said." Nathaniel waved his hand andughed lightly. "Sister, do you know why I don''t like Evelyn?" Alexia shook her head. "Why?" "Oh, I won''t tell you!" Alexia looked at him with an expressionless face. She knew he was ying with her! "Alright, alright, no more teasing you sister." Nathaniel pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose and his expression became slightly more serious. "Listen to me, don''t go see her, when she says she has something to discuss, she¡¯s is often scheming about something. You didn¡¯t know her before, what could you talk about? The only thing you can talk about is Chaim." "You know her that well?" Nathaniel''s eyes turned cold. "Of course I understand her after being in a simr situation. If I''m right, she probably wants to talk to you about how you should be taking the initiative to divorce Chaim or something like that." That woman was possessive to the point of perversion. When Evelyn was dating Chaim, she suggested that Chaim keep his friends away so he wouldn¡¯t be as distracted. "She knows about my rtionship with Chaim?" Alexia asked in surprise. "She''s been threatened by you since you met before the surgery, you don¡¯t think she won''t ask for a rification?" Nathaniel asked, looking at her with a wry smile. Alexia was silent for a few seconds before she asked with some confusion. "Since you know what kind of person Evelyn is, then why don''t you tell Chaim how she really is?" "Who says I haven¡¯t? That would require him to believe me. Chaim¡¯s head is quite thick regarding Evelyn." Nathanielughed dryly. Alexia nodded, knowing how Chaim thought about Evelyne all too well and she couldn''t help but be amused by Nathaniel¡¯sment. However, afterughing, there was a sourness in Alexia¡¯s heart. If Chaim was too bullheaded to listen to his friend, then that must mean he cared greatly for Evelyn still. If that weren¡¯t the case, it would be impossible for him not to see what kind of person Evelyn is. It¡¯s often said that the ones you love the most are often the ones whose ws you most often ignore. "Alright, enough about that. I came over to inform you that there will a post-operative re-examination later so you can get ready," Nathaniel said, getting down to business. Alexia collected her emotions and answered. "Oh, okay." After Nathaniel left, Aunt Song returned and took her seat in a chair by Alexia¡¯s bed. "Ms. Alexia, do you still want to go to Evelyn''s now?" "No." Alexia waved her hand feebly. From N?velDrama.Org. Nathaniel said that Evelyn likely wanted to talk about was trying to get Alexia to divorce Chaim. If that were the case, why would she go and make a fool of herself? "It''s the correct choice not to go." Aunt Song smiled gratefully. "Ms. Alexia, let me help you change you into the clothes you''ll be wearing for the re-examinationter." "Thank you for your help, Aunt Song." Alexia lifted the quilt with one hand. Once she was changed, Alexia was carried to a wheelchair by two nurses and sent to various departments for a full-body exam. By the time it was over, three hours passed and Alexia nearly passed out from exhaustion. But when she returned to the ward and saw the figure standing in front of the window, all her sleepiness dissipated in a moment. "Chaim?" Alexia called out softly to the figure. Chaim turned around. "Where did you go?" "My post-op exam." Alexia gestured to the wheelchair she was sitting in. After the exam, Nathaniel told her that she was recovering well and that she could sit up instead of lying down all the time. So Aunt Song went ahead and applied for a wheelchair for her. "What are the results of the tests?" Chaim inquired as he nced at Alexia''s wheelchair. Alexia smile subtly. "Nothing bad. I''ll be discharged in a few days." Chaim gave a nod. "That''s good." He was relieved that she was okay. Although he didn''t love her, he didn''t want her to be left with any diseases for this. "By the way Mr. Lancaster, when did youe over?" Aunt Song, who was standing behind Alexia, suddenly spoke up and asked. "I¡¯ve been here for a while," Chaim responded in a t voice, his lips forming a thin line. Alexia was more than slightly surprised. ¡°So you''ve been waiting here?" "No," Chaim lowered his eyes. ¡°I just came from Eve''s room." The expression on Alexia''s face stiffened and her gaze sank dully. ¡°Oh..." It was true that the primary purpose of his visit to the hospital was for Evelyn. How could Alexia be happy about seeing Chaim when he only visited her in passing? "Mr. Lancaster!" Aunt Song walked out from behind Alexia with a stern face. Her tone was very harsh, and she was angry by the sound of it. "Aunt Song?" Alexia looked at her in dismay. Chapter 50 Discharged from Hospital Chapter 50 Discharged from Hospital Aunt Song turned back to Alexia and smiled. However, when she turned back to look at Chaim, her face sank again. It was obvious that she was angry with Chaim. It was also the first time Chaim had seen Aunt Song angry at him, and it stunned him coldly for a moment. "Mr. Lancaster, as a servant of the Lancaster family, there are some things I shouldn''t say. However, after recent events, I just can''t help it." Aunt Song crossed both her arms. Chaim pursed his lips. "Okay, then what do you want to say?" "Ms. Alexia is your wife, isn''t she?" Aunt Song asked. Chaim gave Alexia a look. "What are you saying?" Alexia raised an eyebrow. ¡®Did he answer or not answer?¡¯ "Since Alexia is your wife, Mr. Lancaster, that means you should treat her as such. But, Mr. Lancaster, have you ever treated Ms. Alexia as your wife?" Aunt Song pointed at Alexia. Chaim''s face sank. "When did I not treat her as my wife?" "Have you?" Aunt Song asked. "Mr. Lancaster, ask yourself, in your heart. Is your wife really your wife? What kind of wife is sick in hospital and her husband doesn''t stay around to take care of her, but goes to take care of another woman?" Hearing Aunt Song¡¯s words, Alexia suddenly lowered her head, trying to ignore the sense of aggravation surge in her heart. Aunt Song continued unabashedly. "I know Mr. Lancaster can''t let go of Ms. Chi, but you''re married now. Ms. Alexia is the person you''ll spend the rest of your life with. Ms. Chi should be in the past, yet you and Ms. Chi are still together now. Is this normal? Should it be? "Aunt Song, you''re out of line!" Chaim''s cheeks puffed up, and his voice was as cold as ice. "There are things I know what to do and what not to do. It¡¯s not your turn to lecture me!" "Mr. Lancaster, I''m not lecturing you, I''m just giving you another reminder on how to be a husband." Aunt Song sighed. Alexia saw Chaim''s face turning red, and she reached out and pulled Aunt Song''s sleeve. "Aunt Song, please don''t say anything." "Ms.¡ª" "I''m fine." Alexia smiled at her, but deep in her smile was a sadness that wouldn''t subside. If Chaim really knew what to do and what not to do, then he wouldn''t have been so close to Evelyn. He would¡¯ve stayed away a long time ago. Everyone could see he was wrong, but he was the only one who felt he was right. Because he loved Evelyn, he didn''t think there was any problem in treating her the way he was. Thinking of this, Alexia smiled to herself. "Chaim, you go back upstairs, I''m a bit tired, I want to sleep for a while, so I won''t apany you." "Back?" Chaim wrinkled his eyebrows in displeasure. ¡°Alexia, exin to me, what do you mean by ¡®go back¡¯?" Alexia stared up at him, not sure how to respond. And under such a gaze, Chaim was irritated out of nowhere. "Aunt Song, leave us!" He waved his hand to shoo her away. Aunt Song could see that something wasn¡¯t quite right between the two of them and wisely went out. Then, Alexia and Chaim were the only two people left in the ward. Chaim stepped forward and repeated the question he had just asked. ¡°Alexia, tell me, why did you use the word back?" "It''s no big deal. I heard you say earlier that you came from Ms. Chi''s ce, so I know you came to the hospital to see her. if you don''t go back, she will be looking for you," Alexia said with a smile, trying to make herself look less concerned. But, as her smile fell on Chaim''s eyes, it was extraordinarily harsh, and inexplicably made him dislike it. "You want me to go to her that badly?" He stared hard into her eyes, his face cold and mixed with faint anger. Alexia didn''t understand what he was angry about and didn''t think much of it. For her, anyway, his asional anger was something she had gotten used to. "It''s not that I want you to go to her, but you simply don''t intend to stay with me all the time do you?" Alexia replied seriously, looking at Chaim¡¯s handsome face. In the past few days, he had mostly stayed at Evelyn''s and hade to her ce no more than a handful of times. And every time there was a breeze at Evelyn''s ce, he disappeared immediately. Likest night, for example, he was obviously so exhausted, but as soon as Evelyn woke up, he was gone immediately. After listening to Alexia''s words, Chaim''s thin lips pursed and he didn''t respond. She was right, he had no intention of staying with her all the time. It was Eve''s ce that reassured him, not Alexia¡¯s. "Go ahead Chaim, I''ve been having a battery of tests done for a few hours and now I''m dying to sleep." Alexia yawned and once again opened her mouth to let him go. Although Chaim was a little upset, he pushed down that bit of displeasure in his heart when he saw that Alexia was now sitting in a wheelchair. Suddenly, he pulled his hand out of his trouser pocket, bent down, and picked up Alexia from the wheelchair in a horizontal embrace. Alexia was stunned by his action, and it took her a while to react, her face turning red. "What are you doing, Chaim? Put me down!" she shouted in shame and urgency, one hand in the air, not even knowing where to put it. "Shut up!" Chaim growled lowly, not stopping, carrying her toward the hospital bed. "Put you down, can you go back to bed by yourself?" Alexia''s throat choked. She wouldn¡¯t be able to. Although her leg was fine, she couldn''t stand up on her own, let alone go back to bed. Alexia shut her mouth meekly and stopped shouting for Chaim to put her down. Instead, she gathered the courage to wrap her arms around his neck and leaned into his arms without moving, but in her heart, she was secretly happy. It was the first time he had ever hugged her. From N?velDrama.Org. Chaim carefully ced Alexia on the hospital bed and covered her with the quilt, making sure she was comfortable before he gently opened his thin lips and said. "You can sleep, I''m leaving." "Okay." Alexia blinked. Chaim straightened his cuffs and turned to walk toward the door. Alexia peeled back the covers and watched him leave until the door to the room closed behind him and he waspletely out of sight, then she let go of the corner of the covers and smiled sadly to herself. Even though he had been driven away by her, she was more than a little upset when he walked away without looking back. But thinking about Chaim''s gentle hug just now, Alexia felt like a princess and sweetness filled her heart again. If her body would¡¯ve allowed her to do so, she would¡¯ve liked to roll around under the covers. How wonderful would life be if he could always be so gentle with her... With such absurd expectations, Alexia closed her eyes and gradually fell asleep. ***** A few dayster. Nathaniel put his stethoscope back around his neck and spread out the contents of a folder full of medical records with a brush. "Congrattions, sister, you can be discharged from the hospital." "Really?" Alexia asked in surprise. Seeing her so excited, Nathaniel somehow felt in an even more inexplicably good mood, the frivolous smile on his face was much milder. "Of course it''s true! you can go through the discharge procedures now." "Great!" Alexia stretched. "I''ve been lying stiff for the past few days, and now I can finally get out of the hospital." "Ms. Alexia, I''ll go and check in first then?" Aunt Song was happy for her when she saw how happy Alexia was. "Thank you, Aunt Song." Alexia nodded. After Aunt Song left, Alexia got off the hospital bed, dragged her suitcase from the corner, and started to pack her things for discharge. Nathaniel leaned against the wall and looked at her. "Do you want to tell Chaim about your discharge from the hospital so he cane and pick you up?" Alexia stopped packing suddenly. "Let''s not." "Why?" "He''s probably too busy with work these days. He hasn''t evene to see me. And even if we ask him toe pick me up, he¡¯ll probably still be busy." Alexia put her head down and continued to pack her things, Nathaniel unable to see her expression. Nathaniel rubbed his chin, and his eyes sank. "But howe I heard he''s not busytely? Hees to the hospital every day. Has he really not visited you once?" Chapter 51 Don鈥檛 Mess Around Chapter 51 Don¡¯t Mess Around The corner of Alexia''s mouth tugged slightly, but she didn¡¯t respond. In fact, she knew all about Chaim''s visit to the hospital in the past few days. But she wondered why he hadn¡¯te to see her. Aunt Song had another fit about it and almost called to tell Master Lancaster, but Alexia stopped her before she could. "Sister, are you alright?" Nathaniel asked in a low voice, looking at Alexia''s thin body. Alexia gathered her thoughts, shook her head, and smiled. "I¡¯m fine, thank you Dr. Hardy for taking care of me these days." "Don¡¯t thank me for the care, it''s my duty as a doctor. You have to take care of it when you go back home." Nathaniel reminded her. Alexia gave a soft humph and closed her suitcase. "Is Ms. White in, please?" a soft female voice suddenly called from outside the door. Alexia and Nathaniel looked over together, only to see a wheelchair sitting outside the wide-open door of the room at some point. Evelyn was sitting in it with a smile on her face. "Why are you here?" For some unknown reason, Nathaniel took a few steps forward and blocked Alexia behind him. Alexia was also frozen in shock. "You''re here too, Nathaniel." Evelyn looked at Nathaniel with a slightly surprised expression. Nathaniel frowned. "Is it a problem for me to be here? It''s you. What are you doing here? Do you know you''ve only just finished your operation, who told you to wander around? I hate disobedient patients!" "Nathaniel, don''t be angry." Evelyn controlled the wheelchair and entered the ward, her eyes ncing behind him intentionally. "I came here to see Ms. White." "You came to see me?" Alexia poked her head out from behind Nathaniel. "Right!" Evelyn smiled tenderly at her. "In fact, I''ve been worried about Ms. White¡¯s health. I even asked the nurse toe over to you a few days ago to ask Ms. White about her condition, but the nurse didn''t make things clear, and there was a misunderstanding. I''m really sorry about that, Ms. White." "Misunderstanding?" Alexia pursed her lips and mentally rolled her eyes. That woman, as usual, said one thing and did another. What did she mean by having the nursee over and ask Alexia how she was doing? The truth was that everyone in the room knew exactly what the truth was, and they even saw Nathaniel looking away and snickering! "Ms. White." Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "You don''t seem to believe my words much." "No!" Alexia gave a perfunctory smile. "Let''s consider it all a misunderstanding. It¡¯s in the past, so Ms. Chi should not mention it again." Alexia was in a hurry to get out of the hospital, not bothering to fight the hypocritical woman. "Since Ms. White has said so, I''ll respectfully do as I''m told." Evelyn nodded, then her eyes fell on the suitcase beside Alexia. ¡°Ms. White what are you¡ª" "I''m getting out of the hospital," Alexia said, patting her suitcase. Alexia¡¯s whole brow rose when she spoke of her discharge from the hospital. Evelyn looked at her flushed face and a touch of jealousy crossed her eyes. "So soon, huh?" "What? Do you mean you want your sister-inw to stay in the hospital for a few more days?" Nathaniel pushed up his sses. Evelyn''s expression stiffened for a moment and quickly returned to natural. ¡°What are you talking about, Nathaniel, I just envy Ms. White for her good recovery and being discharged so quickly. I don''t know when I will be discharged," she sighed moodily. Nathaniel, however, spoke to Evelyn unmercifully. "It''s early, you won''t be thinking about it for a few months." Evelyn gave him a pouting re. "Nathaniel, can''t you be more hopeful?" "I''m a doctor. Telling the truth is a responsibility to my patients, got it?" Nathaniel said in a greasy voice. "Nathaniel you¡ª" Evelyn bit her lip, looking like she was about to cry. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Alexia was afraid that Evelyn would cry out and disturb the patient next door, so Alexia spoke up quickly tofort her. "Don''t be sad, Ms. Chi, your operation has been sessful, I believe you will be discharged from the hospital soon." "Maybe." Evelyn lifted her thin, bony hand and gently wiped the wetness from the corners of her eyes. "This operation was a sess, but next time¡ª" "Evelyn!" Nathaniel''s face changed to one of rage as he bellowed. As if she had only then realized she said the wrong thing, Evelyn hurriedly faked a smile. ¡°So, Ms. White, have you packed your luggage?" "Yes?." Alexia looked at her suspiciously, then at the man beside her. Why did she feel as if those two were hiding something? "Now that we''re packed, can we talk?" Evelyn smoothed the wig on her head. Alexia''s heart sank. "Talk about what?" Evelyn did not reply but looked at Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, can you please give us a moment? I want to talk to Ms. White alone." "What do you think?" Nathaniel asked for Alexia''s opinion. Alexia was silent for a few seconds. ¡°Dr. Hardy, you should give us a moment, since Ms. Chi is here, it''s not good to let her make a trip for nothing." "Okay, I''m going out." Nathaniel turned and headed for the door. As he passed by Evelyn, he suddenly leaned down to her ear and whispered a warning. "Evelyn, don''t mess around and don''t do anything to her, you hear me!" Evelyn hooked her lips and whispered back in the same way. "Nathaniel, you seem to care about her a lot." There was a quick sh in Nathaniel''s eyes, which was fleeting, without admitting or denying her words. "I¡¯m telling you not to mess around." "Don''t worry about it." Evelyn lowered her eyes and looked at her hands, which looked like white bones, disgust was written all over her eyes. "In my current physical state, I can''t do anything even if I wanted to." "That¡¯s for the best," Nathaniel said as he left. Evelyn closed the door of the room behind her and wheeled the wheelchair to Alexia. Alexia, however, took two steps back to put distance between her, her whole body very alert. Evelyn smiled yfully. "What¡¯s wrong, Ms. White? I don''t eat people so is there really a need to be so afraid of me?" "I can''t help it. I''ve already learned my lesson twice. I''m afraid if I stand too close to Ms. Chi she may have another ident and I won''t be able to say anything. It¡¯s better to stay away," Alexia said in a cool and restrained manner. Hearing the sarcasm in Alexia''s words, Evelyn''s heart surged with hostility, but it was quickly suppressed. "Ms. White is joking. Don¡¯t worry, I won''t do anything to you this time. I just want to know, what tactics exactly did you use to gain Grandpa Lancaster¡¯s approval to marry Chaim?" Once, a long time ago, after all the effort Evelyn put into pleasing that old man, he refused to relent and let her Chaim Marry. But the woman in front of her, who was inferior to Evelyn in every way, was loved by that old man, and she just couldn''t understand or think about it! What was so great about Alexia, who has no family background and no looks? Why should she marry Chaim? "Tactics?" Alexia asked exasperated. "Ms. Chi, did youe here to suggest I used tricks to marry into the Lancaster family?" "Didn¡¯t you?" Evelyn sneered. ¡°I had the nursee talk to you the other day to talk to you about this, but you refused to see me with no sense. So I had to call Chaim." "Don''t you think your behavior is disgraceful?" Alexia questioned as she dug her nails into her palms. Evelyn covered her mouth andughed out loud. "I don''t think so, I just know that no one has ever dared to reject me, and I won''t allow anyone to reject me, not to mention you, not even Chaim! Your rejection is a provocation to me, so naturally, I have to teach you a lesson!" Evelyn pped the armrest of her wheelchair full of emotion, her expression crazed, Alexia no longer seeing a trace of Evelyn¡¯s gentle, orchid-like appearance. Alexia looked at Evelyn and silently took two more steps backward. This was perhaps what Lynn calls a sickly girl. ¡®Such people are just too dangerous!¡¯ "Alexia, you must divorce Chaim!" Evelyn suddenly spoke in a shocking manner. Chapter 52 I Would Get Him Back Chapter 52 I Would Get Him Back Alexia''s knees went weak, and she almost copsed to the floor. ¡°What? Divorce?" As expected, Nathaniel was right. "Yes, you''re not good enough for Chaim!" Evelyn lifted her chin slightly and looked at her proudly. Alexia pulled a chair over and sat down, lest she give in to the shocking words she would hearter. "Ms. Chi, what do you mean by not being worthy?" Alexia pursed her lips tightly. "I mean literally what I said. You understand what being worthy means, right?" Evelyn asked, leaning back indifferently. Alexia''s hands gripped the arms of her chair tighter, a hint of anger faintly stained her face. "I know what it means, but who are you to say I''m not good enough for Chaim?" "Are you worthy of him?" Evelyn asked rhetorically, one eye repeatedly looking her up and down. Alexia felt cornered from being sized up and having nowhere to hide so, she gathered her jacket and replied with some weakness. ¡°It''s not up to you to say whether or not you are worthy." "Ms. Chi, it''s not that I want to belittle you." Evelyn crossed her arms, her face wrinkling. ¡°It''s really that you are such that I can''t see a single sparkle in you, and from the time I learned you were married to Chaim, I even asked my father to check you out, and the results made me feel very disappointed." "You''re investigating me?" Alexia''s voice raised an octave, sadness settling in her heart. "Shh! Keep your voice down!" Evelyn raised a finger at her mouth. "I''m not investigating you. I just want to get to know you. I wanted to know what kind of character you were who could marry Chaim. However, I didn''t expect you to turn out to be so bad, so I''m just curious to know what exactly did to get married into the Lancaster family." "I refuse to answer!" Alexia flung out four words coldly. Evelyn narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "If you won¡¯t tell me, then I''ll discover it myself. First of all, you don''t have overwhelming family looks, nor do you have the ability and talent to hold your own, and you have three family members who do nothing but ask you for money. Ms. White, what qualifications do you have to stand beside Chaim like this?" "So you''re qualified?" Alexia asked angrily. "Yes! I am qualified, and very qualified at that!" Evelyn smiled arrogantly. "I have the family and the looks, the ability and the talent, and I¡¯m even the only heir of the Chi family. So I am an excellent match for him and can help him anytime, while you can''t do anything and will only drag him down." Hearing those words, Alexia felt like someone had fiercely stabbed her heart with a sword, and she couldn¡¯t catch her breath from the pain. N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. At Chaim''s wee party, Lynn also discussed this kind of topic with her. Back then, Alexia knew she wasn¡¯t good enough for Chaim. But it had been only a short time since such words were dragged out again by Evelyn, and the embarrassment in her heart couldn¡¯t be imagined. "So, Ms. Chi, just divorce Chaim, it''s better for you and Chaim. After all, you and Chaim are destined to be people of two worlds, and Chaim¡¯s world has never been suitable for you.¡± Evelyn saw Alexia''s pale face and knew that what she said had struck her, for this reason, she even softened her tone and looked like a person who actually cared. Evelyn thought Alexia would, therefore, agree, but unexpectedly, she suddenly shouted. ¡°Impossible!" "What?" Evelyn asked, stunned. Alexia bit her lower lip determination. "I will not divorce him. I know I¡¯m not worthy of Chaim, but so what? I will learn and will make sure I¡¯m a good wife, so I am not going to divorce him." "Alexia, are you serious?" Evelyn was furious. After all, she had said, she had not expected the woman to be so obstinate and uncertain. "Of course I''m serious." Alexia took a deep breath. "To put it simply, the fact that I gained Grandpa''s fancy to marry Chaim means I''m not as bad and useless as you say. I believe I''ll be good enough for him one day." "What''s the use of you believing that? Chaim doesn''t love you, he loves me! So what are you doing pestering him like that? Do you want to make a fool of yourself?" Evelyn''s eyes turned red with anger. Alexia pretended not to hear her and kept her mouth shut without uttering a word. Because it was already clear to Alexia that the more she continued to say, the more Evelyn would berate her. Anyway, she was Chaim''s wife, and it was only natural for her to pester him, which had nothing to do with being a deadbeat. When Evelyn saw Alexia pretending to be deaf and dumb, her whole heart exploded with anger, her hand on the armrest of the wheelchair gripping it as if she wanted to crush it. "Alexia, I''m asking you onest time, are you going to divorce him or not?" "No way!" "Good, then don''t me me." Evelyn smiled sardonically. Alexia''s heart thudded. "What are you going to do?" Evelyn''s lips smiled a cold smile. "I''m going to try to get you guys to divorce by any means possible, of course. Chaim is mine, even if we''ve been separated for three years. He only has me in his heart, so I''ll snatch Chaim back." "You want to be a mistress?" Alexia looked at her in amazement. "A mistress?" Ayer of hostility ted Evelyn''s eyes. "Alexia, of the three of us, you''re the third wheel, you''re the one who''s standing between me and Chaim!" "I¡¯m not standing between you two! You had already broken up when I met Chaim," Alexia said exasperatedly. "Breaking up doesn''t mean it''s over. He¡¯s always mine, and it''s not another woman''s turn to get her hands on him. So, Alexia, if you''re smart, be a good girl and leave Chaim''s side, or I''ll make sure you regret itter." "Aren''t you afraid I''ll tell Chaim about this?" Evelyn snorted disdainfully. ¡°Go ahead, see if he believes you or me." Alexia was silent. When Evelyn saw she had struck a chord, she was so pleased with herself she had little reason to stay any longer and was ready to leave. As soon as the door opened, Evelyn''s posture returned to the gentle elegance she hade with. "Nathaniel, we''re done talking,e in." Nathaniel walked in and first looked toward Alexia, seeing her with her head bowed and her breathing coming in uneven bursts. He couldn''t help but frown. ¡°What did you talk about?" Evelyn''s wide eyes darted around. "I won''t tell you. I must be off." Evelyn took control of the wheelchair and set off,pletely unconcerned about whether Alexia would tell Nathaniel about their conversation. Nathaniel walked up to Alexia. "Sister, did Evelyn say something to make you leave Chaim?" Alexia looked up at him in surprise. Nathaniel stuck his hands in the pockets of his white coat. "Looks like I got it right." Alexia put her head back down. "Dr. Hardy, do you think I should leave Chaim?" "What makes you think that you should leave him?" Nathaniel frowned. Alexia covered her face with her hands. "It''s just that I think Evelyn was right about some things. I can''t compare to her in anything, and I might not be good enough for Chaim." "Sister, don¡¯t listen to a thing Evelyn said. You are different from her. You are kinder than her, more humble than her. I think Master Lancaster saw this in you and let you marry Chaim," Nathaniel said comfortingly. "Really?" Alexia looked at him in confusion. Her eyes wide, like a small animal that couldn''t find its way, looked at Nathaniel and his heart jumped as his eyes behind his sses seemed to unfocus. "Really!" "Although I know you are onlyforting me, thank you anyway." Alexia smiled and was in a better mood. "You can trust me." Nathaniel reached out his hand and subconsciously rubbed her soft hair. "You..." Alexia looked at him in shock. Only then did Nathaniel react to what he¡¯d done, but before he could let go of his hand, Chaim''s voice called out from behind them, cold and tinged with suppressed anger. ¡°What are you doing?" Chapter 53 Stay Away from Men Chapter 53 Stay Away from Men "Chaim?" Alexia looked at her husband standing at the door in surprise. "Why are you here?" Chaim ignored her, staring at Nathaniel''s hand on top of her head with an icy gaze. Sensing his displeasure, Nathaniel calmly removed his hand and exined to Alexia with a light smile. "I was the one who called him over. You were discharged from the hospital today and I had hime and pick you up." "Ah, I see." Alexia nodded in a dazed manner. Chaim walked toward the two of them and asked again. "What were you doing just now?" "Chaim don''t misjudge what you saw. Alexia had a piece of lint in her hair and I helped her get it out," Nathaniel exined. "Right, sister?" Alexia didn''t want Chaim to misunderstand anything, so she nodded along with the lie. "Right." "Where''s the lint then, show me." Chaim pursed his thin lips. Alexia''s heart raced as she panicked. ¡®It''s over, he''s getting serious!¡¯ Where was she going to find some lint for him to look at! It was Nathaniel''s fault. Why did he touch her hair? Thinking, Alexia red at Nathaniel with dissatisfaction on her face. Nathaniel rubbed his nose before responding. "Sorry, Chaim. I can''t show you. I''ve already dropped the lint on the floor to be swept upter. Anyway, I¡¯m sure you two have things to discuss so I¡¯ll show myself out." With that, Nathaniel waved and walked away quickly, before Chaim could stop him. "Chaim... " Alexia started. Chaim interrupted her with a cold and sullen face. "Alexia, stay away from him and from other men in the future! Do you hear me?" Chaim hadn''t been there for days, and her rtionship with Nathaniel had grown into a friendship. It was clear Nathaniel had looked down on her in his words before, but now... And that Joseph Swift of the Swift Group, too. The day she signed the contract, actually asked about her too. ¡®Does this woman even know she''s married?¡¯ "That''s fine, it''s not like I have any male friends anyway," Alexia responded and froze. Chaim''s face improved slightly "Where''s the luggage?" "It¡¯s there on the bed." Alexia pointed to the suitcase beside her. N?velDrama.Org (C) content. Chaim walked over and reached over to pull the handle out of the rolling suitcase. "Let''s go." "I''ll do it." Alexia wanted to snatch the suitcase from him. She was pleased that he was willing toe and pick her up. But it was a little ufortable for her to ask him to carry her things again. "All right." Chaim put the suitcase back on the bed and looked at her expectantly. "Hurry up, I have to go to a meetingter." "Oh." Hearing the impatience in his voice, Alexia dared not say anything else and obediently followed him out. But as she walked, she kept feeling she had forgotten something and couldn¡¯t remember. It was only when she got into the car and saw Aunt Song that she realized she had forgotten about Aunt Song, which was embarrassing. Back at the vi, Alexia sat on the sofa and stretched,menting. "It''s still good to be at home." When Chaim, who was putting his suitcase away, heard this, his expression was slightly stunned and he lightly spat out a word. "Home?" He turned his head to look at her. ¡°Alexia." "Hmm?" Alexia cocked her head. ¡°What''s wrong?" "You think this is your home?" Alexia hmmed. "Yeah, isn''t this my home?" When she married him, his home naturally became hers. It was the only home she¡¯d ever known aside from her parents¡¯. Chaim pursed his thin lips. ¡°You''re still easily satisfied." He was losing sight of her. Having been alone for three years, she still called the ce home. What was going through her mind? "Should I take that as apliment from you?" Alexia looked at Chaim hopefully. Chaim turned his head back. "Do whatever you want." "Then I''ll take it as apliment." Alexia smiled, then her smile faded down, and she asked in a low tone. ¡°Chaim, when you visited the hospital the past few days, why didn''t youe and see me?" He didn''t know how much it hurt when she heard he had gone to see Evelyn and didn''t evene to see her. "No reason. You should rest. I have to go." Chaim''s eyes flickered for a moment, and he lowered his eyes and said in a light voice. Aunt Song came out of the kitchen with the tea she had made, just in time to see him hurrying away. "Ms. Alexia, where is Mr. Lancaster going?" Alexia shook her head. "I don''t know. I asked him why he hadn''te to see me in the past few days and he left." "Mr. Lancaster has been acting strange thesest few days," Aunt Song muttered. Alexia blinked in confusion. "Strange?" "Yes. Ms. Alexia, you don''t know, but two days ago when you were asleep, Mr. Lancaster actually came to see you, but for some reason, he just stood at the door and didn''t go in. When I asked him why, he left," Aunt Song exined, pouring Alexia a cup of tea. Alexia took it without drinking it, just holding it in her hand. "Did something happen?" "I don¡¯t think so. It didn¡¯t seem like Mr. Lancaster in any kind of trouble. Maybe you ask him sometime?" "It¡¯s probably not a good idea. Plus, I don''t think he''ll talk to me anyway," Alexia said, taking a sip of water. Aunt Song sighed and went about her business. After sitting on the sofa for a while, Alexia went upstairs to her room and put the swan ne into the jewelry cab to put it away. From then on, that ne, for all intents and purposes, didn¡¯t belong to her anymore. Alexia smiled as she looked at the swan ne through the ss and turned to go to the bathroom, intending to take a shower and get some sleep. ***** Alexia woke up the next morning, changed her clothes, and yawned as she went downstairs. It surprised Aunt Song to see her dressed up. "Ms. Alexia, you''re going to work today?" "Well, it''s been a few days since I''ve been there, and it''s time to go to work," Alexia responded. Aunt Song was a bit uneasy. "But your body¡ª" "I¡¯m already so much better." Alexia moved her arm to prove she was better. Aunt Song was amused. "Alright then, let''s have breakfast first." "Good." Alexia followed her to the kitchen. Chaim didn''te back that night, so Alexia was alone for breakfast and there was a lot left over at the end of the meal. Aunt Song frowned at the sight. ¡°Ms. Alexia, you haven''t eaten much. Are you feeling okay?" "I¡¯m not very hungry," Alexia said, rubbing her stomach. When Alexia woke up, she found that she had lost her appetite. "Why don''t you have an appetite, is there something wrong? Either you eat or don¡¯t go in today!" Aunt Song said nervously. Alexiaughed so hard she started to cry. "Don''t worry Aunt Song, I''m fine, really. I¡¯m sure the food from the hospital has messed with my appetite. I''ll be fine tomorrow. I really need to leave now." Alexia waved her hand, lifted her bag from a chair, and headed out the door. ***** Having not been to the office for several days, the moment Alexia stepped into the office door, she was once again greeted with all sorts of strange looks and whispers. As she entered the elevator, she was still wondering if she was part of some kind of joke again. "Aily!" Alexia just returned to her office and hadn''t even had time to sit down when she saw Lynn pushing her way through the door in a ze of glory. "You''re really here, I haven''t seen you at thepany for so long, I thought you¡¯d quit." Lynn grabbed Alexia¡¯s hand and looked her up and down with immense surprise. "Why do you look like you¡¯ve lost so much weight? You don¡¯t look too good, are you sick?¡± ¡°Yeah, I was. That¡¯s why I called in sick for the past few days," Alexia said, drawing her hand back. "What was wrong? You took off so many days! Are you okay now?¡± Lynn inquired with concern. Alexia''s heart warmed up as she poured a cup of water. "A minor illness. I needed a small operation and now I¡¯m fine." "You call having surgery a minor illness?" Lynn asked in shock. Alexia hurriedly shushed her. "Keep your voice down!" Lynn nodded repeatedly and lowered her voice. "Aily, you didn¡¯t have an abortion, did you? Otherwise what surgery can have you discharged so quickly?" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!