Rising From the Ashes After Seven Years Wasted

"Why didn't you make a scene downstairs just now?" Wayne asked in a scrutinizing tone.

I met his eyes unflinchingly and said in a flat voice, "Haven't you always complained that I had a bad temper and told me to be more generous? I gave Ingrid both the bracelet and the necklace. Isn't this the outcome you wanted?"

A complicated emotion flashed through Wayne's eyes, and he released my chin. Then, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his embrace.

He carried a faint scent of tobacco mixed with Ingrid's perfume. The combination made my stomach churn.

Wayne lowered his head. As he spoke, his lips brushed against my ear.

He said, "Hillary, I know you feel aggrieved today. Ingie's sister was left disabled after she saved my life back then. So, I have to take care of Ingie.

“As long as you're obedient and stay in line, there will always be a place for you in my home. You'll still be the woman who has stayed by my side the longest."

He was making me a promise. However, he was offering it with the air of someone bestowing a favor. In his mind, he thought I would be grateful for those words.

A rapid knock sounded at the door.

Ingrid's delicate voice came through the door. "Wayne, my chest suddenly hurts so much. Can you come keep me company?"

The arm around my waist loosened instantly. Without the slightest hesitation, Wayne turned and headed for the door.

When he was about to step out, he paused and looked back at me. "There's a charity gala tomorrow night. I'm taking Ingie with me. She just came back and doesn't have a suitable gown. Have the maids take that Stargazer couture dress from your wardrobe and alter it to fit her tomorrow."

I stared at him in disbelief.

The Stargazer gown had been custom-made for me by a top Fairen designer five years ago when we had officially confirmed our relationship. The hem was adorned with 999 diamonds.

That dress was a priceless possession that I treasured. Under normal circumstances, I didn't even allow the maids to touch it. Once, a newly hired maid had secretly tried it on. When I found out, I immediately drove her out of Saphira.

At that time, Wayne had praised me. He approved of my actions and said that no one was allowed to touch what belonged to me.

Now, he was asking me to give that dress to Ingrid.

My fingers dug deeply into my palms, and I nearly drew blood with my nails.

Looking at the matter-of-fact expression on Wayne's face, I nodded gingerly and said, "Okay. I'll have someone send it over tomorrow."

Wayne gave me one long look before pushing the door open and leaving. I heard his gentle voice, drifting in from the hallway as he comforted Ingrid. Next came the sound of a door closing in the room next door.

I turned and walked to my desk. I pulled open a drawer and took out a desk calendar. Picking up a red marker, I drew a heavy X over today's date.

Two days remained before Micah came to take me home.

I took off the champagne-stained gown and walked into the bathroom. Warm water flowed over my body. I looked at my pale face in the mirror.

Seven years ago, Wayne pulled me away from the scene of a gruesome car crash. He gave me a second chance at life.

Over the past seven years, I took knives for him, handled his dirty secrets, and managed the Seyfried household for him. I had long stopped owing him anything after all that I had done.

The next morning, I had a maid deliver the Stargazer couture gown to Ingrid's room following Wayne's instructions.

Ingrid deliberately left the door open. As I passed through the hallway, I saw her twirling in front of a mirror while wearing the dress that didn't fit her at all.

She picked up a pair of scissors. Without hesitation, she cut off the most intricate diamond-studded tulle panel from the hem.

"This design is way too old-fashioned. It'll look better if it's shorter," Ingrid complained to the maid standing nearby.

The maid cautiously glanced at me as I stood outside the door and didn't dare respond.