Chapter 6: Ambiguously Involved with Another Man

"Be careful!"

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed in her ears, followed by a large hand gripping her wrist and pulling her forward, causing her to crash into a man's... arms.

"Xiao Xiao, how are you feeling now?"

It was a warm, handsome young face, with an air of nobility and aloofness that couldn't be hidden. His eyes were dark and pure, exuding a natural chill when he looked at people.

But at this moment, his indifferent gaze, as calm as water, fell on her with an unexpected gentleness.

"Gege Hechuan?"

Vanessa Galsworthy blinked slowly, as if she couldn't believe she was encountering her childhood neighbor here.

"Mm."

The man responded softly, releasing her once she had steadied herself.

"I saw you looking unwell just now... Do you want me to call a doctor?"

"...No, it's just a bit of stomach discomfort."

Marcus Kingsley immediately offered to take Vanessa Galsworthy back to her room, and Vanessa Galsworthy, knowing she couldn't make it alone, weakly nodded.

But just as she reached for the doorknob, a furious voice filled with indignation erupted from inside the room.

"You scumbag, you still have the nerve to show up!"

"Vanessa Galsworthy marrying you was the worst luck ever! A perfectly good person has been worn down by your Montgomery family. Have you no conscience?!"

Inside the room, the man standing with his back to her had a tall, imposing figure, exuding a sense of pressure. But now, he was radiating coldness. Hannah Pope, undeterred by his intimidating presence, continued to berate him for his "scumbag" behavior.

Vanessa Galsworthy's hand trembled, and the noise drew the attention of both people in the room.

"Vanessa Galsworthy."

Edmund Montgomery turned around, his calm eyes darkening when he saw the intimate gesture between the two at the door.

He never expected that, upon coming to check on Vanessa Galsworthy out of rare concern, he would find her in such a compromising situation with another man.

"Who is he?"

His low, icy voice made Vanessa Galsworthy's heart quiver, and she instinctively began to explain, "He is..."

"I'm like a brother to Xiao Xiao. She was feeling unwell and almost fell outside, so I brought her back."

Marcus Kingsley's expression remained unchanged, as if he didn't notice the man's darkening face. He helped Vanessa Galsworthy sit back on the bed.

Xiao Xiao...

Edmund Montgomery repeated the name, the chill in his eyes intensifying.

"Unwell? I don't think so. She seems quite capable of running around."

His words were sharp, and his hawk-like gaze scrutinized Vanessa Galsworthy with a cold, interrogative look.

Vanessa Galsworthy suddenly thought of how the man had comforted other women with a gentle tone, and this familiar harshness became unbearable.

"So what." She took a deep breath, regaining her composure, though her fingers unconsciously tightened around the bedsheet, revealing the blue veins.

"What does it have to do with you?"

The room fell into a terrifying silence.

Even Hannah Pope, who had always seen Vanessa Galsworthy as a docile cat in front of Edmund Montgomery, was shocked by her confrontational words.

"What did you say?"

Edmund Montgomery's face was taut, his dark eyes fixed on Vanessa Galsworthy on the bed.

Vanessa Galsworthy lowered her gaze, ignoring him. Suddenly, a pair of long, fair hands appeared in her vision.

"Drink some water."

Marcus Kingsley handed her a cup of hot water, his other hand tenderly touching her delicate cheek, his concern evident.

Vanessa Galsworthy obediently took the cup.

She and Marcus Kingsley had grown up as neighbors, and he had always treated her like a little sister. This gesture was natural and affectionate, even Hannah Pope, her best friend, wore an expression of approval.

But Edmund Montgomery's face turned completely dark.

"Do you need someone to coax you to drink water? Vanessa Galsworthy, when will you change this spoiled habit?"

With that, he strode over.

"It's none of your business."

Vanessa Galsworthy avoided his movements, continuing to sip the water, her dismissive attitude igniting Edmund Montgomery's anger.

"None of my business? Vanessa Galsworthy, I am your husband. If I don't take care of you, who will?"

"Mr. Montgomery."

Marcus Kingsley stood up slowly, "Vanessa Galsworthy needs rest. You are frightening her."

Edmund Montgomery said nothing, but his face was eerily calm, a storm brewing in his handsome features.

Regardless of any issues between him and Vanessa Galsworthy, it was not for an outsider to interfere.

Moreover...

Edmund Montgomery sneered, "Vanessa Galsworthy, if you're putting on this act to get my attention, you've miscalculated."

Unwell? Clearly, she was using it as an excuse to flirt with others. How had he not noticed before that Vanessa Galsworthy was such a skilled liar?

"Edmund Montgomery, are you even human?" Hannah Pope, fuming, stormed up to the man, unleashing a tirade.

"Do you know how much Vanessa Galsworthy has suffered since marrying you? Now that she's unwell and has just had surgery, you don't care, and you come here saying these things. Do you have a heart?"

"Suffering?" Edmund Montgomery's face grew even colder, "What suffering has she endured in the Montgomery family? Has she lacked food or clothing?"

"The position of the young mistress of the Montgomery family isn't secure enough for her? I shouldn't have shown any mercy."

Vanessa Galsworthy's heart grew colder with each word.

She looked up, her gaze meeting the man who seemed to be visiting out of obligation, her eyes colder than ever.

How ridiculous, the only time her husband visited her, he accused her of acting.

"Edmund Montgomery, I have already signed the divorce papers, and I have moved all my belongings out of the Montgomery family. We have no more relationship."

"Now, you can leave."

"Vanessa Galsworthy!"

Edmund Montgomery's jaw tightened, his warning clear.

In the past, Vanessa Galsworthy would have immediately sensed his displeasure and apologized, but now...

"From now on, we go our separate ways. If Mr. Montgomery signs the divorce papers, your long-held wish can finally be fulfilled."

"I'll give you the freedom you want."

And please, let me go.

She didn't say the last part, but the hurt in her eyes was palpable.

Only Edmund Montgomery remained unmoved.

"I won't sign the papers."

After a long pause, he explained, "It's hard to explain to my parents."

Vanessa Galsworthy's heart died, and she couldn't even bear to look at him anymore.

A dull pain in her abdomen made her voice tremble.

"My parents just want a child. There are plenty of women who like you, and they can provide that. I'm sure your first love would be more than willing..."