Chapter 142
Ever since Xanthea’s coming–of–age celebration, it seemed like she had transformed into someone entirely different.
Gone were the days when she clung to Matthew, made a fuss over him, always thought of him, and constantly wanted to be by his side.
Her world had expanded to include academics, career pursuits, various hobbies, and friends.
uneasy
In contrast, Matthew felt like he was losing importance, with their one–on–one time dwindling to a pitiful amount. It seemed like he was gradually being phased out of her life, leaving him anxious and every day, fearing she might change her heart and leave him.
Hearing that familiar call now felt like a throwback to the past when nothing had changed!
This time, he resolved to cherish and protect her more than ever, never again taking her for granted!
“Matt, calling so late, are you missing me?”
“Yes! Yes, I’ve been thinking about you all day!”
“Huh.”
Xanthea grinned, revealing a sweet smile.
“I missed you too!”
“By the way, Kan, where are you right now?”
“Me?” Xanthea looked around, noting the pavilion, walkways, street lamps, small trees, and a sign emblazoned with ‘Marlowe‘ in golden letters, “I’m in the bathroom.”
“The bathroom? Which bathroom?”
“One in a really huge mansion! It’s as big as a castle!”
Xanthea described with no exaggeration, and Matthew began to sense something was off.
This wasn’t Xanthea’s usual way of talking. Could it be she was drunk?
Xanthea wasn’t known for her drinking, always moderate, only indulging in a bit of wine on special occasions. How could she be drunk?
He had earlier phoned the Nightshade family, her mom mentioned she was at the company. Then he asked Oliver, who was at a social event and didn’t elaborate much, only mentioning she was safe with Mr. Lockwood and not to worry. But still, he couldn’t resist calling her.
He had assumed ‘Mr. Lockwood’ was a senior executive at Oli–hea Media, but now, who would dare get Xanthea drunk and take her to a grand mansion? Could it be this Mr. Lockwood was Orion?
Orion got he drunk and took her to a mansion, what was he planning?
Matthew’s nerves tightened, and he anxiously asked, “Xan, are you with Orion right now?” Orion?
When Matthew said that name, Xanthea’s heart skipped, and she frowned, muttering, “Orion, Orion.”
Chapter 142
overvi
Why did that name sound so familiar? It seemed like to her.
A figure suddenly appeared, blocking a menacing thug; strong arms and a warm chest pulled her out of the icy lake water; drunkenly, he pinned her to the bed, his lips and tongue wildly claiming her as his own; he pried open her tomb, kissing earnestly, a single hot tear dropping on her cold corpse.
Countless fragments of memory flooded her mind. Xanthea briefly snapped to clarity, then lost herself in another vision.
On the rooftop, the cheating couple spotted her, their faces twisted in ugliness and scorn.
She stood there, disbelieving her eyes.
Laughing, they pushed her off the skyscraper, those terrifying faces etched forever in her memory.
Xanthea turned pale, her body ice–cold, even her hand holding the phone trembling uncontrollably, as she listened to the incessant voice in her ear, her emotions suddenly spiraling out of control.
“Why? Why would you do this to me? Why?”
*Chapter 143
Her sudden shrill scream startled Matthew.