Chapter 13
The weight in his chest grew heavier. He pulled the first-aid kit over, gently applied ointment to her wounds, and asked softly, “Why didn’t you ever tell me before? About them hitting you?”
Lottie stayed quiet.
Because back then, she had genuinely wanted to be a good wife-a proper Mrs. Mathis.
She had believed Nigel would be a good partner.
From the outside, the Pollard family looked no different than her own family. And how many women would sit their husbands down and complain about being mistreated by their own kin?
She wasn’t that naive.
And he had never cared enough to ask.
Deep down, she’d always known-Nigel didn’t really love her.
It was only a few days ago that she realized he probably never had.
Good thing she never built her life around being loved.
She rested her hand lightly on her leg, absentmindedly picking at her fingertip. Her voice was soft. “I didn’t want to put you in a tough spot. Between me and the Pollard family.
“After all, Mathis Group still does business with them.”
She couldn’t tell the full truth.
So all she could offer was a heartfelt half-lie.
But when Nigel heard it, his throat tightened. The guilt hit hard.
Her thoughtfulness should never have been the excuse for him to hurt her.
He took a long breath, pushing down the pressure in his chest, then reached out and gently ruffled her hair. His voice was low and coaxing. “I’m sorry. I really messed up this time. I even forgot our anniversary.
“Lottie, is there anything you want?
“I’ll get it for you. Anything at all.”
A house, a car, jewelry, designer bags-he’d never been stingy with gifts.
“Well…”
0.0 %
13:33
Chapter 13
Lottie thought for a moment, her voice light and clear. “Then I want you to like the birthday gift I gave you.”
“That’s it?”
“Yeah.” She nodded with a faint smile.
At twenty, her birthday wish had been to marry Nigel.
At twenty-four, her wish was to leave him. Cleanly. Without looking back.
And yet-when her eyes met his, so full of sincerity, she felt an unexpected flicker of guilt.
Just for a second.
Then his phone rang.
Not his usual ringtone.
A custom one.
Lottie only needed a glance at the screen: Esther.
1288 Vouchers
Nigel picked up. Whatever was said on the other end made his expression change instantly. He stood up, tense. “It’s serious? Why didn’t you call a driver? How did you even twist your ankle?
“Send me your location. I’m coming now.”
He hung up, already halfway to the door-even though he hadn’t finished tending to Lottie’s injuries.
The cotton swab in his hand was still dabbed with ointment. He suddenly looked torn.
Lottie reached out, took the swab from him, and offered a gentle way out. “I can finish it myself. Go take care of what you need to.”
People always said: the child who cries gets the candy.
But in Lottie’s life, crying never brought sweets-only punishment.
Still, she figured… someday, she’d buy her own candy.
As much as she wanted.
“…Alright.”
Nigel let out a breath, almost relieved. Then, as if needing to explain, he said, “Esther’s hurt. She’s out alone with the kid-it’s not easy. I just want to make sure she’s okay.”
He turned and quickly headed out.
But just as he reached the door, Lottie called out, almost involuntarily, “Nigel-how come you two seem to be so close?”
Nigel’s heart skipped a beat, and he came to a sudden stop.
1288 (Vouchers
He met Lottie’s clear, steady gaze, and her name slipped from his lips before he could stop himself. “Lottie…”
She suddenly smiled, light and breezy. “Relax. Why are you so tense? I know you and Esther go way back. It must be a habit by now to worry about her.”
As the black Maybach pulled out of the driveway, Lottie slowly leaned back on the sofa.
