Chapter 6
Back home, Phoenix methodically organized financial documents.
Julian’s supplementary credit cards, jewelry, property deeds–she laid everything on the table, like taking inventory of a ridiculous dream.
Three days later, Julian was discharged.
He appeared at the doorway immaculately dressed in a suit, his tie perfectly knotted, showing no signs of having nearly died from a serious injury.
“Baby, work’s been crazy busy lately–no time to keep you company.”
He concealed his hospitalization, moving toward her for an embrace, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering on him.
Phoenix knew he feared raising suspicions, unable to explain his injury, hence his hasty discharge.
What he didn’t know was that she had witnessed everything–seen clearly how he risked his life for another woman.
“How’s our little one doing?” Julian suddenly asked, his gaze dropping to her belly. “Have you been taking your medicine? Your belly seems smaller somehow.”
He reached to touch her abdomen, but Phoenix instinctively stepped back.
“I’m not feeling well. Don’t touch me,” she said coldly.
Julian’s brow furrowed as he immediately summoned the servants to inquire about her recent condition.
Learning she hadn’t been taking her prenatal medicine, his expression darkened. He personally went to the kitchen to prepare the herbal remedy.
“Baby, be good,” he returned with a bowl, his voice dripping with tenderness. “Take your medicine for your health. It’ll make childbirth easier later.”
Phoenix stared at the dark brown liquid, about to make an excuse when the doorbell rang.
Julian’s friends arrived, looking urgent.
He instructed her to rest well before leading them to his study.
Once their footsteps faded, Phoenix immediately poured the medicine down the drain.
As she headed back to their bedroom, she overheard intense discussion from the study.
“Julian, Elise’s family is forcing her into an arranged marriage. She refused, so they’ve confined her at home. They’re planning to hold the wedding the day after tomorrow, making it a fait accompli.”
A crash sounded like a teacup shattering.
Chapter 6
After a long silence. Julian’s cold, detached voice emerged: “I understand.”
“What does that mean?” another friend asked.
“It means,” Julian said deliberately, “I won’t let her marry someone she doesn’t love.”
The study erupted in protest.
“What? You’re going to crash the wedding?”
“Julian, be reasonable! You’re a married man with a child due in months!”
“Have you considered how this will affect Phoenix’s reputation?”
“What about your child’s future?”
“Aren’t you afraid your wife will divorce you?”
Amid the chorus of objections, Julian’s voice cut through decisively.
“I’ll handle it. This won’t reach Phoenix’s ears.”
“But what if she finds out?”
After a few seconds of silence, his voice returned.
“So what if she does? I’ll comfort her. The girl loves me too much–she can’t leave me.”
Phoenix stood outside, face ashen.
Her fingers unconsciously touched her chest. Though there was a dull ache, it no longer felt like the searing pain she once knew.
She suddenly realized she was gradually letting go.
She truly didn’t love him anymore.
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