Darlene was awakened by the vibration of her cell phone next to her pillow. It was... a message from her father - telling her to meet this afternoon.
She sighed softly and put the phone down. But when she turned her head, her heart almost stopped-as her face almost collided with Landen's. That face looked peaceful even though the jawline remained firm, and last night's cold gaze was far away from the handsome man. "This man..." Darlene shuddered in horror as she recalled the incident. But now the man looked like a tamed beast. Her eyes caught the scar on Landen's waist. Unconsciously, her hand moved closer. But before her fingertips touched, she pulled away-remembering something. Last night, that man just let her go? Darlene reflexively touched her neck, there was a small necklace with a small twig pendant. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat. "I think, he can't see this," she muttered as she tucked the necklace under the mattress. "It's not time yet, because he hates me so much. I could have died at his hands if he knew- I was the cause of his pain and suffering back then." An old wound was reopened. Ten years ago, when she was camping with her family, she got lost. The sky was dark and the rain was heavy, she almost fell into a ravine - and a boy's hand pulled her up. Sharp twigs tore at the boy's waist, but when she tried to help, he silenced her. "No one should know I'm here," he said before leaving. After washing her face and catching her breath, Darlene went downstairs to the kitchen. She didn't know what she could do in this strange house, but she at least wanted to show her gratitude. Either for what happened ten years ago or because he didn't tell her to sleep outside. The house was spacious and luxurious, leaving her stunned. Last night she hadn't had time to pay attention to the details. Servants were pacing back and forth, they looked at her as if she wasn't human. "What are you doing here?" one of the servants asked. "I-I wanted to make breakfast for Mr. Landen," Darlene replied nervously. "You think you're a real wife now?" she said sarcastically. "Let's bet Mr. Landen won't eat food that comes from her dirty hands," she told her friend, and they laughed until the sound of heavy steps stopped them. "Stop it." There was the stern voice of an old woman. She was Landen's nanny since childhood, and she was one of the most respected people in the mansion. "After all... she is Mr. Landen's wife. Respect her. And remember, none of the problems in this home are to be heard outside. Understood?" They left with a sneer, while the old woman approached Darlene and gave a small smile. "Every morning he has bread for breakfast - toasted for 30 seconds, and almond milk with a hint of cinnamon. And... I am Anna." Darlene nodded, taking everything to heart. "Thank you, Mrs. Anna." Landen appeared a few minutes later, his steps firm despite the cane. Darlene narrowed her eyes when she saw Landen put back on the cane he had thrown away last night. "Three years ago Mr. Landen had an accident with his girlfriend, Olivia." Mrs. Anna explained, and Darlene nodded her head. She now understood- Landen's leg didn't actually hurt, and apparently, only she knows that. "But... what was his reason for pretending?" Darlene was preoccupied with her question. "Mr. Landen... why haven't you used the elevator lately." Theo- immediately ran over, rendering assistance. Landen didn't answer. He silently glanced at Darlene's neck, looking for the necklace he had seen last night. "It's true. She's not that woman. I was drunk last night, so I couldn't control my thoughts," he said to himself. "What are you doing here... with my shirt?" Landen's voice rose and his gaze was sharp as it traced the woman's body. Darlene was nervous. She tried to cover her exposed thighs. " Sorry, Mr. Landen, my dress... is torn. I didn't have anything else to wear, so I-" "I knew it," Landen cut in with a cold voice. "You're that kind of woman. Sleeping with a man, then wearing his clothes. Did your father teach you this dirty trick? You think it's seductive?" And he still continued his words with a cynical face. "So... how many men have you trapped and made love to?" Landen spoke loudly, but somehow his words were very much at odds with his heart. It was like there was a little pinch in his heart at the thought of her having slept with other men. Darlene was stunned. Her breath caught. The words were like a whip - and more painful because they came from the man she had admired all along. She clenched her mouth shut, holding back the tears that were about to fall. "You are not the only one who does not want this marriage, Mr. Landen," she said softly but firmly. Her tears almost fell. Her hands clenched at the sides of her shirt, searching for courage. "I don't know anything about my father's plans. And I... never slept with anyone before." Darlene swallowed, her voice trembling. "You... were the first in everything." Landen was silent for a moment. There was something in the woman's gaze that made him melt a little. But he quickly dismissed it, remembering his deep hatred and resentment for her father. Landen laughed sarcastically. He took a deep breath and looked at Darlene sharply. "Then sign this." He placed a paper on the table. Divorce papers.
