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Chapter 4
Beads of sweat formed on Louie’s forehead as he gestured toward Thalia.
“Thalia is a shareholder of this orphanage. I just happened to run into her today.”
Celia countered coldly, “What does that have to do with adopting Jenna?”
Louie’s expression darkened. “Celia, I never knew you could be so heartless. Jenna is such a sweet, pitiful child. Don’t you feel anything for her?”
She was heartless? She was cruel?
She was the one who’d been deceived and betrayed, yet somehow she became the villain?
Thalia stepped forward with a honeyed smile, taking Celia’s hand familiarly.
“Celia, Louie told me you two want to adopt Jenna. I’m so happy for you–she’s the most well–behaved child here.”
Celia couldn’t resist asking, “If Jenna’s so good, why don’t you adopt her?”
Thalia stiffened, forcing an awkward laugh.
Louie immediately shielded Thalia. “What nonsense! Thalia isn’t married–how could she adopt a
child?”
The words stabbed through Celia’s chest like needles.
Louie could consider Thalia’s feelings, but he never thought about how others would speculate about Celia if they adopted Jenna.
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For five years of marriage, Louie had used his “career growth” as an excuse to avoid having children.
Because of this, the rumors had been vicious.
Some said Celia had multiple abortions in her youth and became infertile.
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Others claimed she was barren from the start.
Even her mother–in–law sneered about her being “a hen that can’t lay eggs.”
Whenever Celia complained, Louie just bought her some luxury gifts to coax her–never once defending her publicly.
If he truly loved her, how could he stay silent while she endured these storms?
If she adopts a child from the orphanage, wouldn’t that confirm that she is unable to have children?
With last hope, Celia whispered, “Louie… don’t you want a child that’s ours?”
He lowered his eyes. “Let’s wait a few more years, alright? You know the company is expanding its
business now…”
“Fine. Whatever you say.”
She cut him off.
Her heart was already ashes–why bother?
Louie embraced her, relieved. “Celia, I knew you were the kindest and softest–hearted person.”
Over his shoulder, Celia saw the jealousy in Thalia’s eyes.
In that moment, she knew–Thalia no longer wanted to just be Louie’s legal wife. She wanted the world to see her as Mrs. Morris.
She wanted to throw away this battered relationship. As for who will pick up this pile of garbage, it has nothing to do with her.
As Louie followed the director to complete paperwork, Celia and Thalia remained by the stairwell.
“Don’t you think Jenna resembles Louie?” Thalia mused. “One might mistake them for father and daughter.”
Celia recognized the hint in her words. “Is that so? Then it really is fate.”
Thalia continued, “I wonder who Jenna’s mother is… probably a beauty.”
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Chapter 4
She deliberately flipped her long hair back, revealing the evident hickey on her collarbone.
“Sorry–my husband gets… overeager. Does Louie do the same with you?”
Celia inhaled sharply. “Ever seen a rabid dog chase its meal?”
Thalia’s expression changed. She was about to retort when she caught a glimpse of a figure at the
corner.
“Then let’s see if the dog goes for the food… or the person.”
Before Celia could process the threat, Thalia–with her back to the stairs–let herself fall backward.
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