Singed Once Always Wary

Chapter 22 Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

She casually lied, “My husband is merely a programmer.” With a sincere tone, she added, “Marriage necessitates effort from both parties. I can’t let him shoulder all the responsibilities alone.” She graciously pushed the coffee towards Raymond with a smile. “Despite his modest income, he takes excellent care of our family.”

What Se

Selena described, however, was an idealized image of a suitable partner, which was far from the reality of Raymond.

Curious to bridge the connection between her and the client, Selena asked, “And Mr. Montague? The lady earlier mentioned that you’re married. What’s your wife like?”

After all, he didn’t even know her name or appearance, so what answer could she expect from him?

Raymond furrowed his brows slightly, answering honestly, “I don’t know.”

It had been long after he sent the divorce agreement to the Fair family, but he didn’t get any news from his wife. She seemed content to cling to the Montague family like a parasite.

Selena was taken aback by his frankness, but fortunately, at that moment, the waiter served three exquisite dishes. The seemingly chaotic colors of the food complemented each other perfectly, as the chef was an art lover who incorporated famous paintings into his culinary creations.

“Mr. Montague, please enjoy,” Selena said, hoping to finish the conversation quickly and head to the hospital, given her worsening double vision.

Raymond, however, raised his coffee cup casually, asking, “How did you know I have stomach. problems?”

Hesitant, she answered, “I guessed it because I heard that you are a workaholic who often skips. meals.”

In fact, Cassius had mentioned Raymond’s work obsession during their phone calls, expressing his concern. Selena, unable to refuse Cassius request, promised to remind Raymond more frequently. However, they hadn’t met in the three years of their marriage.

As more dishes were served, Selena introduced each one, watching Raymond’s reactions. Yet, Raymond was the most skilled at controlling his micro–expressions. After seven courses, he hadn’t even smiled.

Selena couldn’t determine his food preferences. Even when it came to picking up his utensils, he

took a few bites before putting them down again. Did he dislike it all? She began to question whether Carter’s information was accurate. If Raymond had indeed studied art–related subjects, his reaction would have been different.

“Penny?

“Are you alright?”

Selena snapped out of her thoughts, realizing that Raymond was already standing in front of her, her brow furrowed.

Her mind went blank as if a fragment of her memory had suddenly vanished. Hastily, she said, “I’ll

go pay.

Raymond glanced at her. If not for her sincere expression, he would have believed that what she’d just done was to skip out on the bill.

The waiter placed the bill in front of her, but she remained unresponsive. Helplessly, the waiter handed the POS machine to Raymond instead.

Raymond found the situation amusing and swiped his card, noticing Selena still lost in thought beside him.

“It’s paid for,” he informed her..

Feeling embarrassed, Selena rose abruptly from her seat. However, the swiftness of her movement caused a wave of dizziness to wash over her. In an unexpected turn, she found herself leaning towards him. Initially, he attempted to sidestep her, but upon noticing the escalator beside them, he paused. In the next moment, without any warning, she stumbled and fell into his arms. It was only then that he became aware of her feverish body temperature.

The cool, fragrant scent emanating from him filled her nostrils, jolting her confused mind back to life despite her discomfort. She forced herself away from him, apologizing, “Sorry, I think I caught a chill last night.”

Caught a chill? Observing Selena’s pale complexion, Raymond couldn’t help but wonder if this woman had spent the entire night immersed in cold water without asking her husband for assistance.