Daniel maintained his silence.
Linda stole a quick glance at him and couldn't help but feel he was even more intimidating when he stayed quiet. However, his silence now carried a touch of sadness.
After a while, he spoke softly. "Is he... treating her well?"
"Whether it's good or bad, it's not your concern anymore," she replied.
"It is my concern!" Daniel's voice trembled slightly. "If he treats her well, I promise I won't disturb her anymore. But if he mistreats her, I'll do anything to bring her back to me."
"Why did you act like you did in the first place, knowing all this?" Linda asked with a bitter smile. "Where were you when she wanted to be with you the most, have children with you, and live a happy life together?"
Linda's words rendered Daniel speechless.
"Reflect on it yourself," Linda said calmly before leaving the room. "Think about what she meant to you in the past. Did you truly see her as a woman, or did you treat her as a means to alleviate your loneliness?"
Daniel slowly rose and ventured into the courtyard. The night was draped in fog, casting a veil over the sky. He shivered, lighting a cigarette.
The history between him and Maisie was straightforward.
-
Daniel and Maisie met at a dinner party.
Maisie was a struggling student from a modest background who had been deceived into attending by a certain businessman.
This businessman had a favor to ask of Daniel.
Even though he was no stranger to such situations and knew the businessman intended to offer Maisie to him, Daniel couldn't help but pity the anxious girl.
That night, Maisie appeared extremely uncomfortable. She had never been to such an event and didn't know when to raise her glass or speak. She resembled a lost rabbit in a forest, anxiously scanning her surroundings for a safe refuge.
Daniel politely clinked glasses with her. However, Maisie couldn't handle alcohol, and her eyes welled up with tears.
Not one to force others, Daniel asked a few questions and had his secretary arrange for Maisie's return home.
To his surprise, Maisie came to see him the next day to express her gratitude.
"What are you thanking me for?" Daniel asked with a smirk.
Unable to meet his gaze, Maisie confessed, "Thank you for not letting me stay there last night. I was deceived into going. The boss said he would give me some money if I went to the meal..."
Daniel chuckled and waved it off, advising her not to take it to heart. "In the future, when you take on part-time jobs, be cautious. There's no such thing as a free lunch."
"Okay!" Maisie nodded earnestly. "I'll remember!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Married a Secret Billionaire