A Quiet Line Crossed
A Quiet Line Crossed
After a moment’s pause, James added ndly, “When you’re with that old ssmate of yours, make sure you don’t let yourself get taken advantage of”
The second she heard him mention that so–called old ssmate–who didn’t even exist–Lily’s heart skipped a beat.
She figured he probably just wanted her and that imaginary guy to get together as soon as possible. That way. Henry might finally approve the divorce, and James would be free.
He’d already done so much for her tonight. She definitely owed him a bit of reassurance. Without missing a beat, she said, “Don’t worry, we’re doing great. We’re really in love. He’s such a good person–kind and caring. I feel really happy when I’m with him. Honestly… we might even get married after we finalize the <b>divorce</b>. And when that happens<b>, </b>you’re invited.”
She turned toward the front seat and tacked on, out of politeness, “You too, Ashton. You’ll both have toe to the wedding.”
“Mm.”
James knew Lily had been getting along well with her supposed old ssmate, but he hadn’t expected things to have progressed to the point of marriage.
He’d been wishing she’d settle down quickly with someone else.
But for some reason, hearing her say it aloud didn’t bring the relief he’d expected.
Instead, a strange difort stirred inside him. And, just like that, he didn’t feel like talking anymore.
He didn’t look at her again, simply turned his face toward the window and stared silently at the traffic streaming by.
Ashton, meanwhile, was about ready to drop dead from the shock.
He and the boss were supposed to go to Madam’s wedding?
Wouldn’t that be like personally attending the crowning ceremony of the man cuckolding his boss?
And the boss seemed kind of into it?
Ashton remembered what Henry had told him–about how the boss liked men.
Mr. Luke had given countless stern warnings, urging him to keep an eye on things and never let the boss get caught up with any sketchy guy!
He probably hoped the boss could straighten out and live a peaceful life with Madam.
But the boss only wanted to toast at Madam’s wedding to another man.
And on top of that, the boss had asked Ashton to prep all the gear for a camping trip tomorrowplete- with barbecuing–with <b>that </b>other <b>man</b>..
He’d already gotten the tent ready per the boss’s Instructions. But he couldn’t exactly follow around twenty–four seven. What if the boss and the guy did stuff in the tent..
Ashton clutched the steering wheel with a grim expression, soul thoroughly crushed. What the hell was even happening anymore?
After nearly half an hour in the car, Lily had mostly recovered. She didn’t want to trouble James by making him carry her again.
The lighting in the car was dim, so she hadn’t noticed his appearance. But once they were <b>back </b>inside the <b>room</b>, she saw it clearly.
James‘ usual crisp white shirt–always spotless–was now a total mess.
Her toes curled inside her slippers. She felt terrible. Her <b>voice </b>barely more than a whisper, she said. “James, I’m so sorry… I got your shirt all dirty.”
She wanted to offer to pay him <b>back</b>.
But James was so wealthy that her little pocket change would mean nothing to him. In the end, <b>she </b>didn’t bring it up and instead added. “I’ll be more careful in the future. I won’t mess up your clothes again. I’ll also try to avoid any physical contact<b>.</b>”
“Mm.”
James nced down at his shirt.
Dust and <b>tears </b>had <b>soaked </b>into the fabric. It really was a mess.
Strangely, it didn’t bother him<b>. </b>
He’d had a mild cleanliness obsession since he <b>was </b>a child. He didn’t like people getting too close, and he absolutely hated having his clothes dirtied.
But when Lily curled up in his arms, it hadn’t felt unpleasant.
Her tears, mixed with dirt, had <b>stained </b>his shirt, but even that hadn’t made him recoil.
What lingered in his mind instead was the memory of her tears falling, one after another, and how each one had seemed to scald his chest. The ache still hadn’t gone away.
When he lifted his eyes again, he saw the red marks still visible on her neck.
His pupils constricted slightly. Then, cool and detached, he said, “Go shower and put some medicine–n afterward. I’ll use the guest bathroom.”
He grabbed a change of clothes and stepped out.
By the time Lily finished her shower<b>, </b>James had already returned to the bedroom.
In his <b>hand </b><b>was </b>a <b>small</b>, elegant white porcin bottle. When he saw her, his tone was calm but firm. “Lily, sit <b>down</b>.”
Chapter 233 A Quiet Line Crossed
She didn’t know what he was nning, but she obeyed without question.
Quietly, she perched herself at the edge of the bed like a schoolkid on their best behavior.
Once she was seated, James walked over, still holding the porcin bottle.
Her heart started to race uncontrobly.
She couldn’t believe it–he was going to apply the medicine for her.
The
ointment he carried had been custom–made by a reclusive doctor he’d once begged for help when Lily had been hospitalized. It was said that even for deeper wounds, if used consistently for a month, the scarring would vanishpletely.
The red marks on her neck–after just one night of applying this stuff–would fade by half.
He didn’t mention the lengths he’d gone through to get the ointment.
Without a word, he uncapped the bottle and began applying it gently to her skin.
Lily <b>had </b>already changed into her clean pajamas.
It was a conservative two–piece set–long sleeves and pants, not even the slightest bit revealing.