บททั้งหมดของ The Ultimate Cure: A New Husband: บทที่ 41 - บทที่ 50

Francesco let out a bitter, self-mocking smile. For a man like Chris, Adriana had walked away from him without hesitation.In her eyes, he didn't even compare to Chris."Perhaps," Adriana murmured, then released her hand and paused mid-step on the dance floor, offering no explanation. "Anyway, thank you for covering for me. And I'm sorry about the incident at the fencing club the other day."She dipped into a small, polite bow, then stepped off the floor.She couldn't stay any longer with Francesco—if she did, she might spill every grievance she had bottled up inside. But with both of them married to other people, it wasn't the time—or the place—for such confessions.Francesco froze where he stood, his gaze cutting through the spinning dancers to follow Adriana's slender back.How ridiculous. He actually felt a pang of worry for her.He'd almost forgotten—she was the one most skilled at betraying true feelings."Sir, may I have this dance?"A young woman, courage trembling in

Grandma Rosie had once told Adriana she dreamed of Adriana's parents, Roger and Samantha, imploring her to take care of Adriana. To be entrusted is to be faithful. Adriana's sense of responsibility toward Chris likely stemmed from the influence of Grandma Rosie throughout her childhood.She crouched, brushing the dust off the photo on the tombstone with her fingers, and moved the camellias she had brought closer to the grave. Traditionally, chrysanthemums were used for memorials, but Grandma Rosie had loved camellias. Even while still healthy, she had instructed Adriana that when the time came, camellias must be placed at her grave.Soon, relatives began arriving one by one. Their surprise was palpable when they saw Joan; after all, they had attended Chris and Joan's engagement banquet years ago. And that little boy—Edward—carried in his features traces of three generations of Slater lineage.Instinctively, all eyes turned to Adriana, searching her face for a flicker of anger, res

When Chris's gaze met the sadness in Adriana's eyes, it felt as if an arrow had pierced his chest."One year. If, after a year, you still want to leave, I'll let you go. But during this year, no more talk of divorce."He didn't believe she could truly walk away from him. It was only the sudden appearance of Joan and her son that had clouded her judgment. Once he handled them, they would return to how things had always been—relying on each other, claiming each other."Alright. It's a deal."Compared to a lifetime, one year was nothing. Adriana didn't hesitate. Any chance to break free of constraints was worth waiting for.Chris studied her delicate, beautiful face. Even while arguing over divorce, her features retained their calm warmth. He couldn't resist raising a hand, wanting to touch her.But Adriana had already turned away, moving with effortless grace into the light outside the doorway.…After agreeing to the one-year arrangement, Adriana threw herself entirely into her

Adriana felt nothing. She had no desire to have children with him, and she didn't need his belated concern either.Chris lowered his head, slowing his tone."Six blisters from the burn… I'll transfer 600,000 dollars as compensation for the pain. How about that?"Adriana lifted her injured hand and regarded it silently. The redness and blisters were still shocking to the eye, the pain as sharp as ever."600,000 dollars… Chris, that's real generous of you." Her voice was quiet, steady, and firm. "I'll take it. After all, it was yours and Joan's son who hurt me."On the surface, it was compensation—but in truth, it was covering for Joan and her son. She had been scalded, yet they didn't even have to apologize. Chris had already taken care of it. 600,000 dollars could shut her up and spare them embarrassment. How profitable.Chris froze. "Yours and Joan's son…" The words cut deep.Adriana withdrew her bandaged hand and rose, leaving the room. Chris watched her vanish into the elevat

Chris frowned, eyes flicking between Adriana, Oliver on her left, and Francesco on her right.Oliver hurriedly explained, "Mr. Este is my guest. We're collaborating on a project."He had long sensed a tension between Chris and Francesco. It seemed the feeling was mutual—Francesco didn't look favorably on Chris either. Oliver had no idea when the two had clashed, only that he needed to keep things from spiraling out of control tonight."Mr. Slater, please sit here."He moved aside instinctively. Chris didn't hesitate and took the seat without a word.Adriana, wedged between Chris and Francesco, felt acutely awkward. If she had known both of them would be here, she wouldn't have come at all.Joan sat beside Chris, nudging Oliver slightly aside to make room."Looks like Adriana and Mr. Este are quite close. You two must know each other well, huh?"Adriana pretended not to hear. Joan had seen Adriana's drawing of Francesco. And at Oliver's family's gala, Francesco had invited her t