Chapter 56: Chapter 56
After hearing about Flora's escape, Maxwell wasted no time lingering outside and hurriedly returned. Was his heart burning like this just because of anger? Perhaps even he couldn't feel the slight hint of a different emotion, and even if he did, he wouldn't admit it! How could he have any lingering feelings for this woman he despised so much?
"Maxwell, just let her go. Keeping her here will only lead to trouble," Mrs. Smith said, seeing the mixture of anger and regret on his face, further affirming that Flora's departure was for the best.
Maxwell stood still, his fists clenched tightly. He would never let her off the hook! He would never allow her and Henry White to be together. Until he decided to discard her, Flora would only belong to him!
Seeing him silent, Mrs. Smith continued, "Maxwell, have you felt it? You're starting to change your perspective regarding her. If she continues to stay in the Smith Family, you will gradually fall in love with her. You'll be torn between pain, love, and hate. She is the daughter of our enemy. Have you ever thought about living such a life?"
Maxwell's heart tightened as he stared at Mrs. Smith in astonishment. How could she say such things? Could it be that he really had started to change? Even Mrs. Smith noticed this change? Upon reflection, yes, he wasn't as cruel towards that woman as he used to be. He was changing! This was a dangerous sign!
His tightly clenched fist slowly loosened. He didn't want to change! He couldn't change! He and she could only be enemies, for a lifetime!
"Chiyoko is your fiancée, despite the betrayal you once experienced. But her identity hasn't changed. Moreover, it's apparent that she truly loves you. People make mistakes sometimes, so forgive her this time," Mrs. Smith stood by Maxwell's side and patted his shoulder.
This was the second time Maxwell had stepped onto the third floor in over a year. The first time was to come up and catch Flora, who was misbehaving. But this time... he didn't know why, but he walked up the stairs.
Seeing Maxwell enter, Betty paused for a moment, then lowered her head and tactfully walked out. That Maxwell would come to see Miss Chiyoko was not only surprising to her, but to everyone!
On the pristine bed, Chiyoko was lying peacefully in the middle, her forehead wrapped in bandages. Even with her pale complexion, she still looked beautiful, as if she had been artificially crafted, every part of her flawless and impeccable.
Maxwell stood beside her bed, looking down at her from a higher position. It had been a year since he had looked at her. He hadn't expected to see her like this today, to appreciate her beauty in this way.
This indescribably beautiful woman was his fiancée, but she had willingly seduced Oliver out of loneliness. This was something he would never forgive her for. He hated this betrayal, he hated this woman!
Seeing her, he was reminded of Flora, who had just escaped, the woman who had betrayed Joshua in the same way. Just like how he would think of Chiyoko whenever he saw Flora, these two women were the objects of his deepest hatred!
Maxwell leaned down, his warm palm gently caressing her delicate cheek, stroking it tenderly. With parted lips, he sneered and whispered in her ear, "Darling, have you been well this past year?"
Perhaps sensing his presence, Chiyoko stirred, seemingly struggling to awaken, but she hadn't succeeded. With light sobs, she weakly uttered a few words, "Maxwell... Maxwell, don't... don't ignore me."
The hand that roamed her face froze for a moment. His lips curled up, deepening the coldness of his smile. Did she really still love him? If so, that would be perfect. There was nothing more painful than not receiving love!
"As long as you wake up, we'll get married and go to your favorite Provence, to Rome. We'll travel the world together," Maxwell still leaned close to her ear, smiling as he painted a picture of their happy life, pouring this illusion into her dreams, implanting it into her mind, making her suffer!
Chiyoko seemed to accept the illusionary happiness he bestowed upon her, a slight smile forming at the corner of her mouth. It was as if she had truly entered the realm of happiness.
Seeing her reaction, Maxwell smiled in satisfaction. Underneath the transparent silk nightgown, her perfect body was intoxicatingly beautiful. Maxwell's gaze wandered over her, surprisingly without any desire for this flawless body, instead only deep disgust.
Flashing through his mind were scenes of other men pressing on top of her, entangled in sordid encounters. He had never possessed her body, because he despised it, even considering her unworthy of being his bed slave.
But Flora, at least her body was clean. It was because of this that he would repeatedly engage in sexual acts with her, using her as a tool for his own release!
Flora had never slept so soundly until she woke up in the late morning, the unfamiliar surroundings instantly reminding her of everything that had happened the day before. She had escaped! She had finally escaped from that devil's lair!
She joyfully bounced out of bed and walked out of the bedroom, finding the house to be quiet. Curiously, she ventured into the yard and finally spotted Auntie Grace diligently weeding the vegetable patch in the corner.
She walked over and asked, "Auntie, what are you doing? Do you need any help?"
Upon hearing the voice, Auntie Grace turned around with a smile and said, "Oh, Flora, you're awake. I've heated breakfast in the pot for you, go ahead and eat. I'm just keeping myself busy, no need for your help."
"Oh, thank you, Auntie," Flora gratefully replied and turned back towards the house. She was surprised by Auntie Grace's kindness, and a feeling of gratitude began to stir within her.