Chapter 4
We both came from broken families–my father was in prison, his father owed a debt to loan sharks.
After I went to college, my mother had been stabbed by my father, who had been released from prison, and fell from the second floor, leaving her paralyzed.
It was always Neil’s mother who tirelessly cared for her, helping her get through her final years.
“Is Neil treating you well?”
She asked, as usual, at the end of her
message.
Mothers, no matter what, always show
Chapter 4
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endless patience for their children.
But Neil’s mother always feared I’d get hurt, constantly making sure to ask.
Her words felt like something my real mother would say.
When I saw the message, I nearly broke down in tears.
“It’s fine, I choked out as I typed the words.
It was rare that Neil came home early.
It was rare for Neil to cook.
But he did such rare things today.
After finishing the last financial report, I collapsed onto the sofa.
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The smell of chicken soup wafted from the kitchen.
I’d always had a weak stomach.
Even when busy, Neil would take the time every night to make me a bowl of yam chicken soup.
But now, it seemed like that bowl of soup. had changed owners.
I turned my head, watching Neil prepare the ingredients, pack them into a thermal box, zip it up, and clean the table.
“Are you going to meet Carroll?”
Neil grabbed his coat without hesitation and said bluntly.
“Yeah.”
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The door handle was already turned.
I stared at his resolute back, a sudden dizziness sweeping over me. Unable to hold back, I asked, “You have so many ways to find investors, so many ways to repay Carroll’s father’s kindness, do you really need to see her?”
“Do you really just want resources, or have you really not gotten over her?”
Neil seemed to have been expecting my question.
“I’ve told you many times. Her family just went bankrupt, but their connections are far deeper than ours.”
“Why take the long route when there’s a shortcut? Don’t you understand that?”
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His voice, as always, was cold.
“You’ve never once considered my situation!” I sat up, my fingers gripping tightly.
“How should I consider your situation?”
Neil turned back, slamming the thermal box onto the table. “I haven’t done anything with her. Even our communication has been within normal limits!”
Neil walked toward me, his features sharp, his demeanor forceful. “Is it that you’re upset we haven’t made our relationship public?”
“Then how about you go with me to the anniversary celebration tomorrow night?”
“All our new and old partners will be there. Let’s let everyone get to know you properly!”
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He planted one hand on the sofa, trapping me in the shadow.
“Helen? Are you satisfied now?!”
I lay awake for a long time that night.
When Neil opened the door, I was still wide. awake.
I had moved out of the master bedroom, but Neil followed me into the guest room.
He reached over and placed a hand on my waist, pulling me into his embrace.
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