I naturally wrapped my arms around his waist and said, “Since you called me your girlfriend, can I check out your place? I’m also hungry”
“Of course, no problem. Besides, I’m pretty good at cooking.”
“Then I want four dishes.”
“I’ll make that happen.”
Jasper’s laughter echoed in the mountains.
Maybe it’s his influence, but I felt incredibly carefree.
Jasper’s place was bigger than I imagined.
He hurriedly brought me a pair of brand–new men’s slippers.
“They might be a bit big, but they’re the only new pair I have.”
4:23 PM
<
I casually put them on and smiled, “No worries.”
“Luckily, I occasionally tidy up, so it’s not too messy.”
Even though he’s the host, he seemed more nervous.
I plopped myself on the sofa, resting my chin on my hand, and said, “I can’t cook, so I’ll have to trouble you today.”
Jasper didn’t go to cook immediately. Instead, he brought over a first–aid kit.
Yesterday’s wound was initially bandaged, but Declan’s grip today caused blood to seep through, sticking the bandage to the wound.
Jasper carefully poured iodine on the bandage, trying to separate it from the wound.
Such delicate work, yet he did it so earnestly.
Half an hour later, it was re–bandaged.
He didn’t forget to remind, “Don’t get it wet these next two days.”
I instinctively asked, “Then how do I shower?”
“Two days without isn’t a big deal.” He thought for a moment and added, “I won’t mind.”
“You dare!”
“I don’t dare.”
“Hmph!”
“Shall I start cooking then?”
“Mm.”
I nodded with a smile.
I suddenly realized that every time I’m with Jasper, I feel especially relaxed.
An hour later, he brought out four dishes.
Sweet and sour pork, garlic shrimp, steamed fish, and cucumber salad.
He handed me the utensils.
“Try it.”
I tasted several dishes and gave him a thumbs up.
The color, aroma, and taste were all outstanding, unforgettable, just like the person…
Seems like I won’t have to worry about finding a place to eat in the future.
That afternoon, I got a call from Dad.
He basically wanted me to attend a bidding event in ten days. He said if I could secure the land in the south of the city, the company would be entirely in my hands.
I knew about that land. Besides Declan’s family and Willa’s family, several other businesses were eyeing it.
In my past life, because of the kidnapping incident, I was quite traumatized. Plus, Cora’s death later affected me deeply.
As a result, I fell seriously ill and missed that bidding event.
But even if I weren’t ill, I wouldn’t compete with Declan.
4:23 PM
<
Back then, I was entirely devoted to him, thinking I’d finally found someone I could trust for life.
But at that time, the Declan company was facing a debt crisis. It was challenging for Declan to secure that land, and I ended up transferring some money from Willa’s family to help him.
Declan eventually succeeded at the auction. After acquiring the land, he built a theme park, attracted businesses, and in a few years, elevated the Declan company to new heights.
It was clear that the land was a profitable project, or else so many wouldn’t be interested.
This time, I’m determined to get it.
What I didn’t expect was for Cora to come and plead with me.
Her attitude was completely different from the aggressive one a few days ago.
This time, she lowered herself, using a humble tone to plead with me.
“Can you not break off the engagement with Declan? Between him and me, it’s always been just friendship. If you agree, I promise never to appear in front of you two again…”
I looked at her silently, feeling nothing but speechlessness.
Yes, in the past life, I always thought they were just good friends.
But after Cora died, Declan’s behavior showed it was far more than just mourning a friend.
I remember the day he agreed to divorce me. It was after my tenth self–harm attempt due to depression.
He came back to find me lying on the ground, covered in blood.
Perhaps fearing I’d die in his house, he finally agreed to divorce me.
But on the way to the divorce, he suddenly asked me.
“Do you know today is Cora’s death anniversary?”
I looked at him in confusion and shook my head.
I couldn’t even take care of myself, let alone remember such things.
But my reaction completely infuriated Declan. He angrily pounded the steering wheel, calling me cold–blooded and heartless.
“The life you have now is thanks to Cora’s sacrifice, yet you’ve never been grateful. You even forgot her death anniversary! You think leaving will free you from guilt?
“Willa, you make me sick!”
At that time, I was furious too, so I retorted without hesitation, “Yes, you know gratitude, you can’t forget her, so why don’t you go die with her!”
As soon as I said it, the car suddenly swerved uncontrollably and drove the car off a cliff.
Even at the point of death, Declan was still blaming me:
We owe Cora, and we should spend our lives atoning for it. What gives you the right to live peacefully…”
In this life, we owe each other nothing.
I want to see what kind of end Declan will meet.
I gestured for Cora to stop talking.
Constantly thinking about the past life really made me sick.
<
“Haven’t you got the situation straight? Both Declan’s family and Willa’s family have already considered the engagement void. Did Declan send you?”
She shook her head.
“No, I just don’t want to see him fail.
“Willa, you used to like Declan a lot, didn’t you? This time it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have suspected you hired the kidnappers, and I shouldn’t have suddenly returned from abroad. Otherwise, Declan wouldn’t have had to save me and hurt you.”
I was a bit dizzy from her roundabout way.
“Don’t want to see him fail?”
Cora explained, “The Declan family needs that land in the south to recover. Willa, if you’re determined to break off the engagement, can you at least not compete with Declan?”
I chuckled coldly, “You must be dreaming.”
Now I finally understood.
In the past life, when we rushed to save Cora, the police had already captured the kidnappers and recovered the ransom.
Plus, with the money I took from Willa’s family, Declan secured the land.
But now, because of my self–rescue, it alerted the kidnappers, and they fled who knows where.
I felt a little overwhelmed by her words.
“Don’t want to see him fail?”
Cora explained, “Declan’s family needs that land on the south side of the city to recover. Willa, if you’re set on breaking off the engagement, could you at least not compete with Declan for it?”
I scoffed, “Are you serious?”
Finally, I understood. In the past, when we rushed to rescue Cora, the police had already caught the kidnappers, and both large ransoms had been successfully recovered. Plus, with the money I took from Willa’s family, Declan was able to secure that land. But now, because I saved myself, it tipped off the kidnappers, and they vanished without a trace. The police haven’t found any leads, let alone recovered the ransom. So, Declan’s family has already lost their advantage in acquiring the land.
Cora still wouldn’t give up. She gritted her teeth and suddenly knelt before me.
“Willa, I’m begging you. You don’t have to love him, but can you not ruin him?”
I’d seen guilt–tripping before, but never this shameless.
I leaned down, got close to her, and whispered, “When you heard about Declan’s arranged marriage with me, you went abroad. Yet, when you heard about our engagement, you suddenly came back. You’re right, it’s all your fault. So, you should help him yourself. The Tang family isn’t as wealthy as the Lin family, but you can still help a bit, can’t you? Besides, the last time he spent money, it was to save you, not me. You’re asking me for help–who’s the fool here?”
Cora’s face turned pale. She opened her mouth but didn’t speak again. If she understood, great; if not, the suffering was hers alone.
I went home during this time and found that my parents were gone again. It seemed they were still the same, only caring about their own pursuits and never changing. All they needed was a qualified heir, regardless of who it was. Whatever, it’s not like I care about them that much
anyway.
After lying at home for two days, my hand was almost healed. I took a car from the garage and headed straight to Jasper’s auto repair shop. But before I saw Jasper, I ran into that tattooed guy from before. He awkwardly greeted me, “Hey, sis.”
“Where’s Jasper?” I asked him.
He scratched his head and replied, “Bro Jasper went out. Do you need him for something?” As soon as he finished speaking, he smacked his ‘mouth and muttered to himself, “Can’t I look for him just because? Stupid mouth!”
4:23 PM
<
Then he grinned at me, “Sis, please rest for a while. Bro Jasper should be back soon.”
D
