Female Novel
Chapter 397
Zeke furrowed his brows.
He was thrown a tough question so he wasn't sure if he should answer in the affirmative.
Juliana bit down hard on her lip while staring intently at him. In a begrudging tone, she questioned, “Areyou still not going to tell me the truth even after I have decided to leave Hallsbay to reunite with myfamily?”
Zeke sighed softly before casting his fountain pen aside. While leaning against the backrest of his chairlazily, he touched his forehead and drawled, “I don't love her, for I'm not interested in romance. Orrather, I've yet to meet a woman who my heart yearns for.”
Upon hearing that, Juliana pressed on, “So will you marry her?”
“Not for the time being.” Zeke didn't mince words.
On second thought, he worried that his reply might give her hope, so he added, “If I must get married,she will be my first choice.”
Juliana straightened her body abruptly and gave him a solemn look before turning to walk to the door. novelbin
“Okay, I understand, Zeke. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. You have my best wishes from anothercontinent.”
As Zeke watched her retreating figure, his gaze darkened, and with his mouth agape, he was about tosay something.
Alas, he had no words as his lips quivered, so he could only stare as her figure disappeared from thedoorway.
This is for the best. She will return to where she belongs, and I shall, once again, have peace.
...
At a rented house in the suburbs, Shannon came out from the kitchen to answer the door at the foyerafter hearing someone knocking.
She was startled at the sight of her visitor.
“What brings you, Bailey?”
Bailey arched her brows. “Do you not intend to invite me inside?”
Shannon chuckled in merriment and stepped aside to allow her passage.
Bailey gave a friendly pat on her shoulder before striding inside.
“Make yourself at home.”
“Sure, I won't be too uptight being around you.”
Shannon was speechless.
After the two of them sat down in the living room, Bailey scanned her surroundings before inquiring,“Have you gotten used to living here?”
With a slight nod, Shannon casually replied, “It's okay. Why are you here?”
Bailey raised her brows and handed Shannon a ticket that she retrieved from her pocket. “This is aticket to the International Racecar Tournament. You've got a lot of free time at hand anyway, so youshould go relax. Please don't turn my offer down right away. This is my gift for you.”
Shannon was stunned for a few moments before slowly reaching for the ticket with a smile. “I wasgoing to get a ticket. Since you brought it to my doorstep, I see no reason to decline it.”
Bailey was relieved.
The fact that Shannon would still venture out into the world meant she hadn't cut herself out from theworld outside.
That was a good sign.
Ever since knowing that Micah wasn't responsible for Eugene's death, she was no longer in as muchdespair and sorrow like before. Perhaps she could now walk out of the gut-wrenching pain.
“Shannon, Micah wasn't lying. I've put him to the test using hypnosis. He really had no idea of thechild's existence and had never sent anyone after you.”
Shannon smiled, but it was a dry one, and her gaze was desolate. “It doesn't matter anymore for we
can no longer return to the past, Bay. I know what you're trying to say, but please keep it to yourself. Ido not wish to relive such excruciating pain and torment.”
All she wished for was to live out the rest of her life living in peace. After a few years, she would adopta child from an orphanage and pick a spot where she would spend her golden years caring for thechild.
“Okay.” Bailey didn't want to make things too complicated, so she didn't push seeing that Shannonwasn't going to listen to her. Then, she got up slowly from the couch. “I've got other matters to attendto, so I'll be taking my leave. I'll see you at our wedding at the race tracks in three days.”
“Sure. See you.”
...
At the Gezmond residence, Wendy leaned against the headboard with an ashen look on her face.
Juliana entered the room after pushing the door open.
Her heart clenched with pain upon seeing her sister in that state.
Is this what love is? Instead of offering sweet memories, it leaves behind wounds that cannot bemended.
“Wendy, I will let you back into the family after I take over power. Let's return and start a new life inMoranta, okay?”
Wendy's empty eyes regained some focus after hearing that. She tilted her head and stared at Julianabefore asking in a hoarse voice, “Aren't you courting Zeke? Won't you regret it if you just give up likethis?”
Juliana wore a rueful smile. “I would dive in regardless of the consequences if he loves me. However,everything proved that it is nothing but a one-sided love. Wendy, think of it as something selfish andreckless that I've done during my immature and youthful years. Time will make everything fade away.”
Wendy reached out to hug her. “I'm sorry. The family was supposed to be my responsibility. I was soselfish to have left this burden to you.”
“It's fine.” Juliana grinned. “It's also quite nice to be one of the most powerful women in the world. All ofAdrune would be in the palm of my hand. Who wouldn't want absolute power? I'm no different.”
Wendy's lips quivered. Just when she was about to say something, Juliana's phone rang.
“Wendy, I need to take this call. Get some rest. After I take over the family, I will welcome you andSebastian back.”
With that, she left the room in a hurry.
Wendy smiled wistfully while watching her leave.
Julie, I won't ever be going back home. Holden is a senior officer in Tarragon, and Sebastian is his son.The Hoffman family would never accept him.
Juliana took the call as soon as she got out of the room.