“Laney, when you truly love someone, it should make you happy–not leave you drowning in despair.”
“You don’t love him anymore, you know that, right?”
“You’re just used to loving him. You can’t face it, can’t admit it to yourself. You’re scared of change, terrified of not knowing what comes next.” Fernando saw Blanche’s tears slide down her cheeks and gently pulled her into his arms.
He could see all of it–her pain, her vulnerability, her desperate struggle to keep going. His heart ached for her. “Laney, stop loving him. Please.”
He wanted to protect her, to keep her safe in the palm of his hand, never letting anyone hurt her again.
Blanche met Fernando’s worried gaze. In four days, she’d be gone for good. She’d be saying goodbye not just to Eddy, but to Fernando as well.
She remembered how, when she went missing, Eddy had stormed into the university lab in a rage. She didn’t want him coming after Fernando once she was gone. This was her chance to make things clear.
“Fernando, he’s my husband. Please, stop talking about him like that. Just take me home.”
“I’ve finished the security system. Felipa can handle the rest. After this… let’s not see each other anymore.”
Fernando watched the woman he loved suffer in a broken marriage, powerless to change anything. No matter how he tried, he could never catch up to Eddy. It broke his heart. “Alright. I’ll take you home.”
When they arrived back at the villa, the house was quiet–some people had already left, others were drunk and asleep.
No one noticed that Blanche had ever left. Not even the bodyguards.
Blanche climbed the stairs to the second floor and went to Healy’s room.
Lauren nodded politely to her. “Ma’am, the little one’s asleep.”
Blanche sat on the edge of the tiny bed, holding Healy’s small hand in hers.
Compared to Terrell, her son was wild and stubborn, constantly testi her patience. But he was still her little boy.
Спартет. 13
Lauren hesitated, then finally spoke up. “Ma’am, my probation period is over, and the young master… Well, he’s not exactly a fan of mine. Could you maybe put in a good word for me?”
Blanche’s sadness softened. “Don’t worry. This house isn’t about to be run by a child.”
She turned, offering Lauren a gentle smile. “Just stay with him and take good care. of him for me.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Really.” Lauren looked touched. Then, as if remembering
something, she added, “Ma’am, my sister’s a TV anchor. Today, that Miss Marshall you confronted–she leaked a rumor about you and Professor Reese to my sister.”
“She even-”
“What else did she do?” Blanche wasn’t surprised; Ingrid was always stirring up trouble.
“She gave my sister a video, something about Mr. Edwards and…” Lauren trailed off. Before coming to work for the family, her own relatives had warned her: the rich are a mess, don’t get blinded by the glamour.
But after joining the household, she’d seen how happy Eddy and Blanche seemed. As Healy’s tutor, she’d accompanied them out, and even the spoiled rich kids never dared cross the line with her.
Only Healy was a handful.
But tonight, her sister called, bursting with excitement over a “bombshell” story–one that would make her the star of the network, she claimed.
Blanche’s health was so fragile; if a scandal like this got out, it might just destroy
her.
Lauren’s voice trembled as she noticed Blanche’s expression darken. “Ma’am, please don’t worry. My sister promised not to leak anything.”
“Miss Marshall just wants to break you and Mr. Edwards up–to slip in while you’re vulnerable.”
“Please don’t be upset. I’m sure the video’s fake–probably just Al or some clever editing. Mr. Edwards would never betray you.”
“But Miss Marshall is ruthless. Even if my sister turns her down, she might just take the story somewhere else.” That was the real reason Lauren had deci Blanche everything.
to tell
21:43
Blanche patted Lauren’s hand gently. “Do me a favor. Tell your sister to agree to Ingrid’s request, but delay the release for four days.”
“Ma’am?” Lauren was startled.
“It’s fine, Blanche said softly. “Just do as I say. Ingrid’s determined to set this off–if not your sister, it’ll be someone else.”
Her mother once said, “You can trust Eddy. He’ll always protect you.”
Even her mother had been fooled.
He’d left her alone and sick, unable to wait even a moment before running to Jeannette.
He didn’t love her anymore.
So she’d let them have each other.
Just then, the door swung open.
Eddy strode in, looking refreshed and radiant.
He pulled Blanche close, his arms circling her waist, his forehead touching hers. The sharp scent of expensive cologne and something decadent clung to him.
Blanche shoved him away with all her strength. “Don’t touch me!”
