Semua Bab Leaving You Bereft: Bab 1001 - Bab 1010

Roxanne walked over and counted the number of people, making sure everyone important was there.She glanced at the diamond watch on her wrist, her red lips parting as she said, "It's 10:10 pm now. In an hour and 30 minutes, the waitress's flight will take off for Usna. Before that happens, I think I should congratulate Mr. Frey on becoming a groom next year. And Danielle, congratulations to you, too."Her smile was utterly captivating, and her slender fingers traced along the rows of sparkling trophies."You know, I don't actually dislike the waitress. She's beautiful, pure, and devoted. If I were a man, dating and marrying her would be like getting a treasure from heaven."But our proud Mr. Frey can't accept it, thinking he's just a substitute. Sure, at first, she might have considered you a replacement. But with her personality and family connections, finding a man who resembles the one she missed wouldn't be all that difficult."Later, Jareth came back. If she were smarter and

Benedict went back to his apartment in the city, but he only stayed for half an hour before leaving again. He carried a small suitcase and drove off in a black Cullinan. This wasn't the home he'd shared with Tessa.A week later, through an agent, he bought back his old apartment for twice the price and spent a fortune restoring it exactly as it had been.But when he moved back in, there was nothing left of her, no trace of her presence. None of her little things, no hint of her scent, no silhouette of her in the rooms. Only regret and emptiness remained.Every time he looked in the mirror and thought of shaving, he'd remember what she once said, "Benedict looks better with a beard."So, he'd put the razor away again.He continued to wear the clothes she had once complimented him on, ate at her favorite restaurants, and stayed at Central Hotel whenever he missed her. He still checked his mailbox and went to the Hall residence from time to time, hoping to hear something about her.

After a long pause, Tessa finally answered, "Pretty good."Benedict didn't say anything else.The car was dim and quiet.He turned his head to look at her. Her eyes were closed, her face relaxed, as if unguarded, but he knew better. She just didn't care.To her, he was nothing more than an insignificant figure from the past. Over the years, she'd been busy studying, building her career, and taking care of her child. She'd probably thought of him only a handful of times, if that.But he couldn't bring himself to ask. Even hearing her say, "Mr. Frey, long time no see," felt like a favor he didn't deserve.From across the lot, headlights cut through the dark, casting a pale glow across her face. The light outlined her features. She was still stunning, but the softness of her youth had been replaced by a poised, mature kind of beauty. Now, she looked composed and self-possessed, the kind of woman who'd learned restraint.Without thinking, he murmured, "I thought you would end up li

Benedict was in a foul mood all day. His head was full of Janon standing beside Tessa.He wondered if Janon just cooked and did laundry for her, or if he also satisfied her in other ways.Was Adam too old for that now?By 7:00 pm, Vivian, sensing the tension, took Darren and Tabitha home.No matter how bad Benedict felt, he couldn't just let the three of them take a cab, so he forced himself to drive them back. But after dropping them off, instead of heading to his own place, he somehow ended up parked right in front of Tessa's apartment building.And then it hit him. So, this was why she'd bought that apartment.It was for that kept man.Calling him her "assistant" was just a cover. He was clearly her lover—the obedient, gentle kind. The type women dated for convenience and satisfaction.Just thinking about it made his chest tighten.It wasn't unusual in their social circle. A lot of successful women did the same, choosing handsome, well-behaved younger men to handle their da

A psychiatrist?Benedict stared at the words for a long time before slowly looking up. "What's that supposed to mean?"Jareth said, "If your head's still not clear, I can dump another bucket of ice on you. It means exactly what it says. I'm guessing it started as therapy, but then she realized Janon was... useful."So, she hired him as her 'boyfriend'. I doubt a doctor making less than two million a year would turn down a job from the Hall family's princess."At that, a flicker of hope rose in Benedict's chest. But he didn't dare let it burn too bright.That kiss had been real. Who the hell kissed like that for therapy?Still, things suddenly felt different.He dragged a hand over his face, and his spirits suddenly lifted.Catching Jareth's cue, one of the maids brought over a cup of tea to help him sober up and said kindly, "It's a good sign. With Mr. Benedict's looks and reputation, who could possibly outshine him? No matter how young or capable others are, they can’t compare