Chapter 4

Lynda awoke to a sharp pain.

She clutched her head, taking a moment to recall what had happened. This funeral had been completely ruined by Charles and Eleanor.

Her mother had suffered in life and found no peace in death.

Consumed by guilt, tears streamed down Lynda's face, soaking the bandage on her cheek. "Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have fallen for Charles..."

"What did you say?" The icy voice startled Lynda into silence.

Charles was sitting on the sofa, watching her coldly. She didn't know how long he had been there because she hadn't noticed him at all.

It wasn't surprising; over the past eight years, every time she was hospitalized, she was alone. Charles had never stayed by her side.

He strode over, his imposing figure wrapped in a black coat, exuding an aloof air.

"Does it hurt?" His tone was deliberately gentle.

Charles was showing concern for her?

It was something Lynda had only dared to dream about.

She was dazed, instinctively asking, "Are you worried about me?"

"You're my wife, so of course I am worried about you, right?" Charles frowned, taking her hand proactively.

He actually remembered she was his wife, yet it was him who had allowed Eleanor to destroy her mother's funeral.

His hand was warm and dry, the heat spreading to her heart.

But his next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her. "If you're not in pain anymore, sign the settlement agreement."

Lynda was incredulous, asking in a hoarse voice, "What?"

"So many people saw Eleanor hit you. If word gets out, it won't be good for her reputation." Charles said.

Lynda abruptly withdrew her hand.

So Charles' concern was for Eleanor again. He feared Lynda would sue Eleanor for intentional harm, so he acted preemptively.

Lynda gripped the bedsheet tightly, forcing out words through clenched teeth, "What if I refuse?"

Charles' face turned cold, his previous gentleness vanished. "Think of your father."

A blatant threat!

Lynda suddenly laughed, tears streaming down her face, her wounds aching from the laughter. "Charles, how did my father save a scoundrel like you..."

She signed the document haphazardly, her fingers trembling, her heart shaking, her entire being quivering.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Charles discreetly exhale, immediately sending a message to Eleanor, "Eleanor, she agreed. Don't worry."

Lynda turned her head, burying her face in the blanket, biting her lip to keep from crying out.

How could she have been so blind to fall for such a bastard?!

Soon, Eleanor called, and Charles glanced at Lynda before answering in front of her without hesitation. Eleanor's voice came through, "Charles, you're the best!"

His lips instinctively curved into a doting smile. "I..."

At that moment, Lynda grabbed a cup and hurled it at him. "Get out! Don't flaunt your affection in front of me!"

The shards cut into Charles' chest.

He was stunned, not expecting Lynda to hit him, anger rising within him. "Rest well. I'll come back when you're done throwing tantrums."

His tone was stiff, a stark contrast to the tenderness he showed Eleanor.

Lynda didn't even look at him, coldly uttering, "Just fuck off!"

Charles' eyes darkened, and as he was about to say something, Eleanor's call interrupted him, her voice dripping sugar, "Charles, why did you hang up on me?"

Charles immediately walked out, coaxing Eleanor as he left Lynda's sight.

Lynda rubbed her eyes vigorously, drying the tears that filled them.

She vowed to herself that after the waiting period, she would make sure Charles left her life for good!

Half a month later, on the day of her discharge, Charles surprisingly showed up in person.

In the past, she would have been overjoyed, but now, she simply settled into the back seat.

Looking at the empty passenger seat, Charles frowned. She used to insist on sitting in the front. What was wrong with her today?

Lynda gazed at the scenery outside, recalling how Charles never allowed her to sit in the passenger seat before. She hadn't understood then, but now she knew-the seat was reserved for Eleanor.

And Lynda wasn't worthy.

After arriving home, Charles uncharacteristically held the car door open for her and voluntarily offered to carry her laundry bag.

Lynda didn't understand his sudden attentiveness, but she didn't care anymore and didn't want it.

To her surprise, upon entering, Eleanor was sitting on the sofa, smiling at her. "Hello, Lynda."

Eleanor was wearing her pajamas-her favorite pair.