Chapter 154 His Sexual Dysfunction Is The Reason For Divorce Hector smiled and said. “You’ve been holding onto this glass of juice for half an hour now. If you can’t bear to part with it.” He paused and continued sincerely. “Why not shift your attention to someone else, like me? I’m good at comforting people and fighting. I am very good–looking and physically fit. I can even learn to cook. I don’t mind that you act like a dull, old woman now. I might be taken soon if you don’t immediately seize a good man like me.” Calista laughed and said, “No, I can’t make a move on a friend.” “Then are you interested in all these girlish men?” Hector asked as he cast a disapproving look at Yara. She had said she supported his pursuit of Calista, but then she invited these men to join them. Calista put down the juice, then yawned. “Not really, so I’m planning to go back to sleep.” The aftermath of staying up late is feeling mentally drained for several days. Upon hearing that, Yara also got up. “Let’s go together. We set up this gathering just to help you relax. What’s the point in us continuing to have fun if you left?” The group left the private room, fearing something unexpected might happen. Calista didn’t want to see Lucian, but she ran into him right by the elevator. He was with Lily, Cade, and Paul. Calista couldn’t help but wonder what a coincidence. However, she didn’t deliberately avoid him. She just looked straight ahead, pretending they didn’t exist. The elevator was currently on the first floor, and for some reason, it remained there for a long time. Lily spoke up, her voice was cold, “Calista, what a coincidence, running into you here.” Calista didn’t say anything. The already tense atmosphere seemed to turn frigid by the moment. Lily felt a bit awkward. “Calista, about last night, I’ve explained…” 1/4 “Sorry.” Hector said as he put his arm around Calista’s shoulder and pulled her behind him. “Miss, do you have thick skin, or are you just oblivious? Can’t you see that no one wants to talk to you?” He had read on the news that Lily was rumored to be Lucian’s girlfriend. Lily’s eyes turned red, and she pursed her lips tightly. She turned and looked at Lucian as if she had been wronged. Lucian’s eyes swept over Hector’s hand on Calista and scoffed. Hector followed Lily’s gaze, and his lips curved into a contemptuous smile. “Mr. Northwood, you have a unique taste in women. I didn’t expect this to be your type.” Lucian replied indifferently, “When it comes to having thick skin or being, Mr. Calloway, you’re the best. Even when others dislike you, you insist on getting closer.” His words were very bitter. Calista frowned and said, “Lucian, please open your eyes and see who started this before defending someone.” Hector had confronted Lily to help Calista get rid of her. She couldn’t stand by and watch him being targeted by this morally questionable couple. Looking at Lily disdainfully, she mocked, “Miss […]
Chapter 153 It’s A Small World In the evening, Cade summoned Lucian to the Luminary Lounge. He pushed open the door to the private row, and was surprised to see Paul there. He sustained some injuries and was dressed in casual sweaters and pants, holding a glass of wine and drinking Lucian frowned and walked over. Cade sat between the two of them. They didn’t look at each other, and the atmosphere was visibly tense, freezing in place. Even the waiter involuntarily straightened his back and retreated into the shadows. Cade leaned lazily against the backrest behind him, his legs crossed. He squinted at the two who were ignoring each other and said casually, “You guys are so annoying. We’ve been friends for years. You’re ignoring each other because of a fight?” He had invited them out today to try to mend their relationship. Lucian looked up coldly. His voice was irritable and restrained as he said, “I have nothing to say to him.” Cade retorted, “Shut up. Are you still in kindergarten? Fighting and then ignoring each other like this?” Lucian glanced at him impatiently. Then, Cade waved his hand and said, “Forget it. I’d let this slide since you’re in a bad mood because of your divorce.” Paul paused when he heard about the divorce. A few seconds later, he raised his glass and emptied it. Cade pinched his brow and finally understood how their homeroom teacher must have felt when advising him and another classmate to get along peacefully. He suddenly felt the urge to slap them senselessly, “Paul, all Lucian cares about is your attitude toward Calista. Just say that you’ll treat her as a friend from now on, and this matter will be settled.” Paul’s voice was hoarse and low, perhaps from drinking too much, “That’s impossible. Ask him what he did back then.” 1/4 +15 BONUS Cade remained silent. Lucian’s face was dark and gloomy. There was a fierce glint in his eyes Even if I did nothing back then, you and her never end up together ” Paul raised an eyebrow as he challenged, “That’s not for you to say. No one knows for sure.” “You are never meant to be with her. Even back then, let alone now when she’s a divorcee ” The Baker family had introduced girls who were from prestigious families to Paul. They were all outstanding in every way. “Perhaps I couldn’t have stood up against other’s opinions back then. But now, I can decide who I want to marry. Since the two of you are divorced, and she and I are both single. There’s nothing wrong if I’m interested in her.” Paul’s gaze fell on Lucian. He was trying to provoke him. Cade watched the two of them stubbornly refusing to yield to each other and decided to leave. “I’m going out for a smoke.” He had not gone far as he lit a cigarette. The smoke concealed his handsome face. Just as he was doing so, someone came out of the adjacent private room, and when Cade raised his eyes, his gaze swept inside. Inside the dimly lit private room, there were a group of men and women. Their faces were vaguely visible. His gaze fell on one person in particular, and he raised an eyebrow and clicked disapprovingly. After a cigarette, Cade asked the nearby waiter, “Who reserved this private room?” The waiter recognized Cade
Chapter 152 Happy Divorce Apart from the title, the divorce certificate was almost identical to a marriage certificate. They were at the same place, and the document was similar. Everything was almost the same as when they got married. Calista was still in a daze. Lucian had already reached out and taken his copy without another glance and walked out. The two of them walked out of the City Hall together. Calista said softly, “Are you going to tell mom?” She couldn’t bear to see Selena’s disappointed expression. Lucian turned his head slightly, looked at her deeply, and then said blankly, “She’s not your mom anymore, don’t call her that.” Jonathan happened to have driven the car over. Lucian didn’t wait for him to get out and open the door; he merely got in and ordered, “Drive.” Today was quite cold. Although it didn’t rain, the sky was gloomy, and the wind was howling. Jonathan looked at Calista and asked, “Aren’t you taking Madam Calista?” Lucian glanced at him without saying anything. He didn’t refuse immediately, which meant he had the intention. NAT Jonathan voiced out his thoughts, “The weather is quite cold today, and the city hall is quite secluded…” But before he could finish his sentence, there was an enthusiastic voice across the street. “Calista!” Immediately after, a woman in fiery red rushed over. It was Yara. “Happy divorce, darling!” She handed over a bouquet of red roses and pointed to her outfit, “Look, I’m dressed up enough, right? Let’s celebrate you finally getting rid of that cold and sexless marriage. Come on, I’m taking you to find another flame. You can choose any you like” 7/5 Calista took the flowers, glanced at her best friend’s outfit, and said helplessly, “You’re too exaggerated. I don’t have any plans to find another man for now.” Perhaps this marriage was too much to bear, and now, she felt apprehensive about men +15 BONUS “You can take your time for now. Go for it if you find someone that suits you. If not, you can just forget about it,” Yara said, then looked at the Bentley parked on the side of the road. She raised her chin provocatively toward the closed window. “This time, you have to choose a man carefully, take your time, and don’t let those scoundrels blindfold you again.” He waited a while, but Calista didn’t say anything, clearly agreeing with Yara’s words. However, he wasn’t sure which statement she agreed to. Either to
Chapter 151 Let’s Proceed With a Divorce +15 BONUS Lucian silently watched Calista, but his gaze appeared extended beyond her, fixating on another girl with a radiant smile. The radiance in that girl’s eyes surpassed even the sun’s brightness in the sky, starkly contrasting with Calista’s current dim and despairing gaze. Calista had never looked so tired and disappointed, not even during her days of hiding from loan sharks. Back then, she had managed to maintain a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, even amid her dire circumstances. Her emotions were vivid, ranging from hatred to joy, anxiety to fear. However, in just three years, everything had transformed. “Do you seek a divorce because you’ve grown tired of this marriage, or is it because Paul’s affection for you has swayed your decision?” Lucian inquired in a low, husky tone. “So, you’re eager to have a love affair with him?” Calista fell silent for a while. She smiled faintly and replied hoarsely, “Lucian, we’re married, for better or worse. Do you seriously want things to get so bad that we’re at each other’s throats before you’re willing to end this?” Lucian’s eyes abruptly narrowed. An intense pain shot through his heart. Then, a layer of determination to destroy her wholly washed over him. He lowered his head and chuckled, “What will you do if I disagree? Will you end your life or attempt to harm me?” The earlier arguments left Calista feeling drained, so she chose to stay silent. “Even in moments like that, you still found the energy to take photos and gather evidence,” Lucian remarked with a hint of weariness. “Calista, should I applaud your determination or question your heart?” Calista stayed quiet as Lucian raised a hand to his forehead. It was as if all his emotions had withdrawn into a profound stillness. 1/4 +15 BONUS He spoke with weariness, whether prompted by Calista’s words or mere exhaustion. “If that’s your wish, then let’s proceed with a divorce.” After speaking, he closed his eyes in fatigue, exuding an icy demeanor that kept others at bay Calista had longed for a divorce, so when Lucian finally agreed, she was taken aback, wondering if she had misheard him. She inquired, “When should we go through the formalities?” Given Lucian’s history of toying with her, Calista found it difficult to believe his straightforward agreement. Lucian responded briskly, “Tomorrow morning.”
Chapter 150 Worn Out Calista couldn’t believe her eyes. The guard had already turned around, pretending to inspect the view of the garden. Lily wasn’t wearing any clothes! “Mrs. Northwood, there must be a misunderstanding here. Mr. Northwood was completely passed out when I left,” the guard quickly explained. Calista struggled to grasp her phone securely, her hand trembling as she reached for it in her bag. The guard was visibly anxious. His eyes darted between Calista and the garden. Surprisingly, Calista didn’t leave. Instead, she entered the house with her phone. Puzzled, he asked, “Mrs. Northwood, what are you. Calista switched on the lights in the living room, flooding the area with harsh illumination. The revealing light exposed the chaotic state of the two people on the sofa. Calista aimed her phone at them and began taking photos. Lily’s hand had been on Lucian’s shirt. She was wearing a black off–shoulder sweater, and the sofa’s backrest had partially covered her, leading Calista to initially mistake her for being completely naked when she glanced in from the doorway. “Lucian spilled some water. It’s cold now. Sleeping in wet clothes can easily lead to catching cold,” Lily explained, but she didn’t move away. Instead, she sarcastically smiled at Calista. “Mrs. Northwood probably doesn’t mind. Your heart is all set on Paul now, so you don’t have the time to care about anyone else.” Lucian remained in a drunken slumber, unaffected by the commotion. After speaking, Lily began unbuttoning his shirt. Suddenly, Lucian gripped her wrist tightly. Lucian’s brow furrowed, and his hoarse voice carried a stern warning, “Leave. Don’t touch me.” “Lucian,” Lily whispered, “It’s me, Lily.” Despite being intoxicated, Lucian’s grip didn’t loosen, as if he had no intention of letting her go. 1/4 +15 BONUS “Lucian Lily’s voice grew louder, and the intense pain at her wrist made her forcefully withdraw her hand. attempting to break free from his restraint. Lucian was stirred from his slumber by the commotion, his gaze unfocused. He didn’t feel like moving or speaking, but his tired eyes settled on Calista. He asked with a mild tone, “Why are you here?” He was still wearing the hospital shirt and suit pants, which now clung to his disheveled and battered appearance. He had several buttons on his shirt undone, revealing a chest covered in fresh and older bruises. Calista had only fully registered the scene when she moved her gaze from her phone screen to the living room. She replied, “You should ask your guard why he kidnapped me and brought me here at night.” Lucian shifted his gaze to the guard who stood nearby, who appeared rigid and composed. The guard spoke promptly, “It was Mr. Carter’s instructions. He was concerned that you might get into trouble if no one looked after you when you were drunk.” He wouldn’t have gone to fetch Calista so soon if he knew Lily was coming. Lily couldn’t stand that Lucian’s attention seemed solely fixed on Calista. He hadn’t even asked her why she was here, despite her being the one who had cared for him all along. Despite her disheveled appearance, Lily maintained an air of calm elegance. She carried herself gracefully and confidently as she said, “Lucian, it seems Calista has misunderstood the situation. She took some photos, and if they were to be made public, it could have detrimental consequences for both of us.” Calista raised an eyebrow and retorted, “Is this how you care for a patient, by undressing them without consent? If this were a bed, Ms. Scott, you might already be on it.” Lily furrowed her brow, seemingly offended by Calista’s statement. “Lucian had a bit too much to drink and ended up vomiting. I had to take off his clothes to clean up the mess. If you have any doubts, you’re welcome to confirm it.” 2/4 +15 BONUS She smirked and continued, “However, you shouldn’t be pointing fingers at me. If you had fulfilled your role and duties as his wife, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to look after him.” Suddenly, Lucian commanded, “Delete them.” Calista stared at the man before her. It felt like a sudden chill had washed over her. Despite being aware of Lucian’s biased support for Lily, Calista couldn’t help but feel a deep and inexplicable sadness. It was as if a cold, bone–chilling sensation had permeated her very being. Calista stared at Lucian stubbornly, refusing to speak, as a numb sense of desolation slowly welled in her eyes. Amidst the tense atmosphere, Lily stood up and said, “Now that you’re here, you can take care of him. I’m leaving,” Lily walked past Calista with a mocking smile. Her expression conveyed condescension, contempt, and a subtle provocation that went unnoticed by others. Lily had won the game. Lily patiently awaited their divorce, fully aware that the role of Lucian’s wife would eventually be hers and no one else could take that place. Once Lily left, the guards hurriedly exited as well. Calista remained still. She stood there and looked at the drunken man on the sofa. “Lucian, let’s talk,” she said. He chuckled, “I’m injured and drunk. Is it necessary to talk to me at a time like this?” Calista lapsed into silence, the cold air from the air conditioning giving her a chill in her thin attire. Finally, she spoke, “Is there any real value in us being bound together against our will?” Lucian narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Calista closely. Calista met his gaze head–on, the radiant light highlighting her face and exposing the profound loneliness that enveloped her. While Lucian might not have been aware of Lily’s arrival, the evidence suggested that Lily had arrived before Calista. Despite the circumstances, Calista’s emotions remained surprisingly restrained. Her demeanor showed no trace of anger, and she refrained from making any sarcastic or mocking 3/4 +15 BONUS Calista spoke in a plain and exhausted tone, choosing not to unleash a torrent of malicious words or mockery upon Lucian. She seemed like a lifeless doll, devoid of the lively emotions she once had. The pain in her heart overshadowed the injuries Lucian had on his body. Lucian closed his eyes. His tone lost its usual arrogance as he murmured, “It’s quite fascinating. I find it rather intriguing.” Calista had grown accustomed to his cutting remarks and aggressive attitude. She tightly closed her eyes and pleaded in a husky voice, “Let’s get a divorce. This endlessly complicated and exhausting marriage has worn me out. Every argument takes a toll on me.”
Chapter 149 Witnessing It Firsthand Lily couldn’t tolerate Calista’s indifference and replied coldly, “Don’t jump to conclusions about Lucian and zne. We’re just friends. Who are you to care for Paul anyway?” Lily learned about the incident’s details when she passed by the nurse’s station. She had gained insight into what had happened. Lily glanced at Calista’s bag and continued, “This restaurant isn’t near the hospital. You do seem quite considerate. I wonder if you bought something for Lucian, too?* Just as Calista was about to respond, Lucian exited the room. His injuries had been attended to, and he was wrapped in white bandages. Calista couldn’t help but remember Lucian’s words from earlier in the day, and the urge to argue suddenly vanished “Instead of hovering around me like a fly, you should focus on how to keep him once our divorce is final and secure the title of Mrs. Northwood.” Lucian approached Lily and said, “Let’s go. I’ll drive you back.” “Alright.” Lily cast a superior and disdainful glance at Calista, noting that Lucian didn’t even spare her a glance. It seemed he had truly moved on from Calista this time, which was quite reasonable. A controlling man like Lucian would likely never forgive a partner for cheating. Just then, Cade had already completed the discharge registration and was waiting in the car. Lucian opened the passenger door and got in “Let’s drop Lily off first.” Cade asked, “What about you? Are you going back to Everglade Manor? Or maybe you can stay at my place tonight. You might not even have a gravedigger if things go south in the middle of the night.” “There’s no need.” Cade wasn’t in the mood to persuade Lucian. If Lucian didn’t want to stay with him, so be it. 1/4 +15 BONUS “Want a drink?” Lucian suggested after dropping Lily off. Cade fired back. “Are you insane? You’re in such bad shape, and you want a drink? Are you trying to speed up your death or what?” Lucian scowled and looked at Cade’s midsection. “No wonder Cameron dumped you.” Cade could pick up the subtle nuances in Lucian’s veiled comment and smirked. “Drinking it is, then. Let’s go. After all, I’m not the one who’s seriously injured and won’t have to worry about any soon–to–be ex–wife either.” Lucian shot back. “If you think you’re so capable, why don’t you go and win Cameron back?” Words cut deeper than knives. Lucian’s comments cut deep into Cade’s emotions. Cade sneered, “You’ve succeeded in alienating everyone who cares about you. Living like a hermit is what you’ve brought upon yourself. You’ve made your bed, and there won’t be anyone left to
Chapter 148 Don’t Regret It No one had stepped foot in Room 507 since the morning Lucian chased the nurse out. Luciar sat in the same attire, the wound on his hand now scabbed over. The daylight outside gradually dimmed until it was completely dark. Lucian’s position remained unchanged. Except for the occasional blink of his eyes, he seemed like a lifeless statue. The ward had poor sound insulation, allowing the clear voices and footsteps from outside to penetrate. The hushed whispers outside made Lucian appear even more lonely. As night fell, the noises disappeared, leaving only silence. Click. Suddenly, the doorknob’s pressing sound resonated loudly in the quiet ward. Lucian’s eyes remained shut as he coldly ordered, “Get out.” But the intruder ignored him and entered the room. Bam. A loud crash followed as a chair blocking the door was kicked aside. After several thuds and kicks, the footsteps finally ceased when they reached the bedside. Lucian opened his eyes and looked at the person before him. His expression showed no surprise and asked, “What brings you here?” In such a situation, few dared to visit him, and even fewer would cause such a commotion. Cade casually sat beside Lucian on his bed, as there weren’t many other options in the room. He exuded an air of effortless elegance. He handed Lucian a cigarette and lit one for himself. “Do you think I’d come here willingly? The hospital director called my secretary to get you out of here. If you’re going to kick the bucket, don’t do it in their hospital.” Lucian glanced at Cade puffing away beside him and remarked in a monotone, “Smoking is prohibited in hospitals.” Cade responded cynically, “You, all concerned about the rules, yet you fought in a hospital? You +15 BONUS fearing you’d die on their turf, and now you’re telling me hospitals don’t allow smoking?” Lucian glared at him with a menacing expression. Cade continued mockingly, “What, you’re not done with the fighting yet? Want to end up as a piece of crap that no one gives a damn about?” “Just leave…” Cade flicked his cigarette and asked, “So, what happened? Why did you suddenly start fighting with Paul?” “Nothing happened.” Acknowledging to anyone that his wife was on the verge of leaving him for another man, especially a close friend of over a decade, was incredibly challenging. It was the kind of humiliating situation no one wanted to discuss. Cade blinked lazily and said, “Whether you spill it or not, I’m getting the doctor here to check you out. If you’re not dying, get up and roll into another room. The janitors need to clean up here.” Cade crushed the partially smoked cigarette and stood up. “By the way, Lily’s outside.” Lucian furrowed his brow. “You brought her here?“. Cade replied, “Do I look like I have nothing better to do? She was sitting in the lobby downstairs for God knows how long when I arrived. If you want to see her, I’ll let her in. If not, I’ll take her back when I leave.” Lucian put the cigarette between his lips and lit it. After taking a few puffs, he replied calmly, “Let her in.” Cade raised an eyebrow, then left to fetch Lily. Lily was waiting at the door. She entered the room immediately when she learned that Lucian was willing to see her. Tears welled up in her eyes after seeing Lucian covered in dried blood all over his body. 2/4 “Lucian” +15 BONUS Lucian remained silent, leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed. One of his legs was bent and propped up on the bed while the other dangled casually. His appearance was disheveled. Lily walked closer and asked, “How did you end up with injuries like this?” She reached out to touch the bruised mark on his cheekbone, but Lucian opened his eyes and stared at her with an icy, rejecting gaze before she could act on the thought. His indifferent attitude shattered her concerns. Cade arrived with a doctor just then. Lily redirected her frustration toward the nurses who had followed the doctor and said, “Look at his injuries! Why hasn’t anyone treated him yet? If something goes wrong, is your hospital willing to take responsibility?” The nurse, being scolded by Lucian earlier in the morning, felt aggrieved. She quietly defended herself. “It was Mr. Northwood’s orders not to let anyone see him.” She was not the one to blame! The doctor began tending to Lucian’s injuries, and as he wiped the blood away from Lucian’s face, the true extent of the wounds was revealed. Oddly, Lucian didn’t look better with the blood removed. He appeared even more horrifying. The bruised marks, swollen wounds, and his damaged nose were all the more evident now. Lucian didn’t flinch as the doctor treated him despite the pain. Lily inquired, “Where’s Calista? With you in this condition, shouldn’t she be here to look after you?” Lucian remained silent, but the nurse replied, “Mr. Northwood got these injuries because of Mrs. Northwood. She’s upstairs in the surgical ward, tending to another man.” The nurse who spoke had learned about today’s commotion through her colleagues. Lucian opened his eyes and shot at the talkative nurse. Lily saw Lucian’s expression and sneered, “Are you going to defend her, even after how she treats you? You can’t even tolerate criticism of her?” After speaking, Lily turned and left the room. +15 BONUS Cade, who had been busying with his phone on the side, raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to allow her to cause problems for Calista?” Lucian remained silent. Frustrated by Lucian’s lack of response, Cade chose not to press further and remarked, “Don’t regret it if things go south.” Lucian replied indifferently, “If you have nothing else to do, go ahead and take care of the discharge procedures.” “I have no intention of interfering in your affairs. Do you believe otherwise?” Cade replied. Just as Cade stood up and reached for the door, he heard Lily’s voice outside the door. “Lucian is in a terrible state, and you’re out here bringing food to some other guy? He’s suffering!” Lily had intended to go upstairs to find Calista. Coincidently, she ran into Calista as the elevator doors opened and saw her with a takeout container. Calista retorted, “Who are you to question me? Are you playing the role of Lucian’s ex–girlfriend, lover, or future wife?”
Chapter 147 Confession Lucian and Paul continued to throw punches at each other relentlessly. Calista’s voice quivered with anxiety, “Lucian…” However, her plea failed to deter the enraged and uncontrollable man. Instead, they only fueled his fury, intensifying his assault on Paul. Paul, who wasn’t used to physical altercations, was visibly outmatched. Calista tried to restrain Lucian, but a man consumed by anger was beyond reason. He nearly flung her aside in his blind rage. As Lucian attempted to lay another punch at Paul, she clung to his arm, using her body weight to hold him down. Despite Lucian’s strength, he couldn’t break free from her grip. Lucian gradually came to his senses, but his anger and desire for destruction grew stronger. His expression remained impassive as he questioned, “Calista, are you protecting him?” Lucian remembered the time he had fought with Hector, and Calista had walked away, showing no interest in the altercation. She had been detained by apartment security but had remained indifferent to the situation. However, this time was unlike before. She had put her safety on the line and rushed forward to stop him. It was evident who she cared about the most. Calista glanced at Paul. His face and clothes were covered in blood. It was hard to tell where it was all coming from. Despite still standing, he appeared unsteady and seemed on the verge of collapsing. Paul sensed Calista’s worrying expression. He looked at her and smiled faintly. “I’m fine, don’t worry.” Calista was overwhelmed by a profound sense of guilt. She had intended to end Lucian’s relentless taunting by admitting her feelings for Paul. She never could have foreseen the violent turn of events, with Lucian seemingly intent on brutally attacking Paul. 1/5 +15 BONUS Paul appeared ill–equipped to defend himself, and without Calista’s intervention, Lucian might have seriously harmed or even killed him. Calista could sense Lucian’s arm muscles tensed. She released his arm and stood in front of Paul. “That’s enough!” Lucian sneered, “What’s your plan if I’m not finished here? Do you think standing in front of him will save him?” Calista stared at the arrogant man before her, resisting the urge to slap him again. The commotion from the ward alerted the nurses stationed outside. In no time, they stormed into the room, accompanied by security. They found a room in disarray, with two men covered in blood. They exchanged uncertain glances, contemplating whether it was necessary to involve the police. Just then, Calista turned around, assisting Paul, and urgently addressed the doctor. “Doctor, please check on him immediately.” Paul looked terrible. Although the doctor was intimidated by Lucian’s presence, he prioritized the principle of saving lives over his fear.
Chapter 146 You Disgust Me Paul wasn’t one to readily accept responsibility. He usually maintained a friendly but emotionally distant demeanor, making it hard for others to connect with him. However, this time, he couldn’t avoid feeling personally involved. His emotions were a complex mix of anger, regret, and even a hint of sympathy. Lucian replied, “Yes.” Lucian had been sober that night, fully aware that Calista had gone with him under the mistaken belief that he was Paul. Their subsequent intimate encounter had not been consensual. Paul clenched his fist without hesitation and swung it toward Lucian’s face. While Paul wasn’t used to having fights, he had received training since childhood due to potential threats from his family’s background. His punch packed a considerable amount of force. Lucian quickly stepped back, using his hand to block Paul’s attack and simultaneously attempting to land a kick on Paul’s knee. The room was small and poorly soundproofed, causing the commotion to reach the hallway instantly. Calista, who had been waiting outside, grew concerned and rushed into the room. In reality, she hadn’t gone downstairs. When she saw Paul’s troubled expression earlier, she chose to stay out of the room and overheard their conversation. As Calista pushed the door open, she witnessed Lucian aiming a punch at Paul’s shoulder. Lucian had initially intended to strike Paul’s face, but Paul had skillfully dodged it. “Paul!” Calista hurriedly rushed over and pulled the wincing Paul away from the confrontation. She turned to Lucian and snapped, “Have you lost your damn mind?” “Step aside,” Lucian demanded. The weather outside was gloomy, and the room’s lighting wasn’t great. The fluorescent light illuminated Lucian’s face, casting an eerie aura around him. Calista had her hair in a bun and dressed casually that day. She appeared petite in contrast to 1/4 +15 BONUS Her overall demeanor gave off an air of innocence and vulnerability. Despite her diminutive appearance, she stood her ground before Lucian and shielded Paul behind her. “Lucian, inat’s enough!” Calista’s eyes shut tight. Lucian had pushed her limits countless times. She couldn’t be bothered to argue with him anymore. Instead, she glanced briefly at Paul, lowered her head, and said, “Let’s go, Paul.” She didn’t want to be seen in such a chaotic state, nor did she wish to encounter the sympathetic gazes of others. Paul gave her a deep, complex look, his emotions in turmoil. Lucian observed them indifferently, convinced Paul would have proposed to Calista on the spot if he hadn’t been present. He sneered, “Are you going to hide behind a woman and let her protect you?” Paul wasn’t one to seek physical confrontations, he believed that violence rarely resolved anything. However, his inherent pride and dignity made it difficult for him to tolerate such
Chapter 145 Revelation of That Night Paul furrowed his brow and shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I had no idea that Calista came to see me that night. The staff possibly took the money but didn’t follow through.” After all, Calista was rather timid back then, and the staff may have taken advantage of that. Yara remained unconvinced, no matter what Paul said. “If it weren’t for your customized, one–of–a–kind watch, Calista wouldn’t have mistaken you for Lucian…” Calista wouldn’t have ended up in the wrong bed and forced into marrying Lucian. She was nervous and had accidentally consumed too many drinks while waiting for Paul that night. She had dozed off, and when a man helped her from her seat, her blurry state prevented her from seeing his face. However, she distinctly noticed the unique watch the man was wearing. Paul had mentioned that his watch was custom–made, one of a kind in the world. Calista believed that tipping the waiter to convey a message to Paul had worked. Furthermore, the man exuded a familiar scent So, Calista thought it was Paul. She obediently followed him, trying vainly to catch a glimpse of his face through her drunken haze. But she was too drunk and could only make out the man’s smooth jawline, which resembled Paul’s. She had inquired about his willingness to marry her, and the man had responded with a nonchalant “uh–huh,” which Calista had interpreted as an agreement. “The watch?” Paul was currently wearing the same timepiece and displayed it by rolling up his shirt cuff. “This one?” The watch had been a gift from Lucian. Strangely enough, Paul had misplaced his watch at the Luminary Lounge gathering several years ago. Although undoubtedly valuable, he hadn’t attached much significance to it and had shrugged off its loss. Paul would have likely forgotten about the watch if Lucian hadn’t brought it up during their last 1/3 +15 BONUS Yara’s mood had soured, evident in her tone as she inquired, “How many custom–made watches can you possibly own?” Paul’s demeanor shifted instantly as he excused himself and hurried toward the elevator. Meanwhile, Lucian and Calista returned to Room 507. He shot her a disdainful look as she sat in a chair, pointedly ignoring him. His tone was icy as he remarked, “What’s this? Did I interrupt your little rendezvous with your lover?” Calista continued to ignore him, prompting Lucian’s frustration to grow. “Were you planning to elope with him if I hadn’t come downstairs?”