After One-night Passion, I Discovered That Man Wasn't My Husband

It was Ashton.

He was fuming with rage: "Nolan, what are you doing so close to Delia?"

I didn't let go of Nolan's hand: "I'm putting medicine on him. Is that not allowed?"

Nolan played along, wrapping his arm around my shoulder with a cheeky grin: "That's right. Sis saw that you were busy with Melody, so she came to check on me. Ashton, don't tell me you're jealous?"

Ashton's face turned so dark it could have dripped water.

On the way, Melody pretended to be concerned: "Delia, I don't mean to preach, but you're about to get married. You should be mindful of your distance with other men."

I feigned surprise: "Does lending a helping hand count as distance? Then what about Ashton always helping you? Let me think... You said your house was leaking the other day, and Ashton rushed over in the middle of the night. By that logic, wouldn't you two be beyond redemption?"

Melody choked for a moment: "That's different."

I grinned: "Well, Nolan and I are different too."

We set off, but I didn't get into Ashton's car.

Instead, I hopped into the SUV.

Last night, it wasn't Nolan.

The marks on his wrist weren't bite marks; there were no teeth impressions.

The wound was from a blade. It couldn't have been him. Looking out at the beautiful scenery outside the window, I felt somewhat bewildered. Was it Ashton's doing, meant as leverage for a breakup? Or was it to threaten me?

These past three years, I've been good to him.

He came from an orphanage, with no family or roots.

I supported him as we started our business together, living in a cheap rental apartment.

I used my family's connections to help him network.

Too many emotions were swirling in my head, and having not slept well all night, I dozed off leaning towards the car window for a moment.

My cheek shifted to the other side.

A bump in the road suddenly jolted me awake, and I found myself staring into a pair of cold, distant eyes.

"Callie......"

My heart skipped a beat.

The man was dressed in all-black hiking gear. His sharp features, combined with his light-colored eyes, made his already handsome face appear even more aloof and unapproachable.

"We'll be there in half an hour."

His reminder sounded more like a warning.

I instinctively sat up straight: "Sorry......"

Among the three people, he was the first one I ruled out as a suspect.

Because this golden boy was, without a doubt, disabled.

His wheelchair was stored in the trunk of the car.

Before the accident, Callie was the most dazzling presence in any crowd. From a prominent family, he excelled at everything.

In his senior year, he had already achieved success as an entrepreneur. While other classmates were still job hunting, he was giving graduation speeches as a young business tycoon.The wind of success blew fiercely, making him too dazzling to behold.

Now, he struggles to move his legs, clutching his cane tightly as he exits the car, inching himself from the back seat onto the wheelchair.

I want to help, but Callie gives me a cool glance, saying it's not necessary.

I'm surprised he agreed to come on this camping trip.

Ashton, with his all-knowing tone, said: "For someone with a disability, it's best to treat them as you would anyone else. He's had this accident and hasn't been able to recover. Before, he was the golden boy of the Warwick family, living the high life. Now his dad's brought home his illegitimate son from outside. He can barely fend for himself."

"He probably wanted to get some fresh air, but let's hope he doesn't try to off himself. We can't be held responsible for that."

I frown at the schadenfreude in Ashton's words.

After setting up camp, everyone gathers around the bonfire to chat.

Melody and Ashton are the last to arrive. Her lips are bright red, with faint bite marks visible at the corners.

Perhaps the young couple had a little spat.

Melody suddenly looks at me: "Delia, didn't you say you were going to introduce me to a boyfriend?"

She deliberately winks at Callie, the most handsome guy here.

"Where is he?"