"Marrying Hazel is also a form of compensation. Even without the Thornton Family, she still has me. Her life won’t be difficult."
"My younger brother has always loved competing with me. Now, Florence chose him. So, as his older brother, I’ll clear the path for them. As long as they’re happy, it doesn’t matter what happens to me…"
The lawyer let out a long sigh and nodded helplessly. "Alright, I’ll go over the agreement again. I just hope… you won’t regret this."
"By the way, make sure to delete the video you had played at the funeral three years ago. Don’t let Miss Hazel find out," Edward reminded.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. I hurriedly retreated to my room in a panic.
The hot tea in my hand spilled onto me, yet I felt nothing but an overwhelming chill.
It turned out that the video publicly played at my father’s funeral wasn't Arthur’s doing at all.
It was all orchestrated by his so-called righteous older brother, the one who had disguised himself as my savior.
Back then, when my fiancé, Arthur, abandoned me, I became a laughingstock at my father’s funeral.
Edward’s arrival wasn’t to save me or give me happiness. He had only come to deliver the final blow.
I thought of my mother, who entrusted me to him in her final moments.
Back then, he had sworn to take care of me, making promises with such a convincing perfect act.
All these years, I had trusted him to help manage my company, never realizing that every step was a calculated move to pave the way for Florence.
And like a fool, I cherished his so-called love, proudly believing I had found happiness.
How ridiculous.
The sound of a door closing echoed as the lawyer took his leave.
Edward rushed over in a panic, cupping my face and pressing a kiss on my forehead.
His eyes, tinged with the haze of alcohol, were filled with distress.
"Why are you standing at the door?"
"It’s nothing. I wanted to bring you some tea but accidentally spilled it."
“These things can be left to the nanny. You’ve been looking after Mom at the hospital every day. It’s already tiring enough. If you push yourself too hard, I’ll feel bad.”
With that, he kissed me again.
His touch was as tender and gentle as before. But I could no longer feel his warmth.
Could someone truly go this far for another person?
As I closed my eyes, tears slipped down.