Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 250

Chapter 250

“Well…” Vance fidgeted. “T-There is something at the company. I need to head out.”

Any further explanation would only compound the excuses and heighten the embarrassment.

Midway through his departure, he turned back. “Mr. Wilcox.”

Elton smiled politely. “Anything I can help you with?”

“Do you happen to know…” Vance found it difficult to ask about Josette’s whereabouts from an outsider.

But if he didn’t ask, he’d never find out. So, after a moment of hesitation, he went on, “Do you know where she went?”

Elton shook his head regretfully. “I’m afraid not. It’s been a while now. I have no idea where she is, and you…”

He caught him because, apparently, Vance had no idea, too.

“Thank you anyway.” Vance forced a smile, but the unspoken question lingered in his mind.

Rebecca had gone abroad, and Josette had vanished. He didn’t even know where they were and had to ask strangers. How absurd was that?

Following his blackout, he had no clue where his car was, nor could he linger and wait for his driver to pick him up. He was far too unkempt.

He called a ride instead. His previous order had originated from Catherine’s complex to Josette’s house. Judging by the timestamp, he had spent the entire night at that gate.

He rubbed his temples, unable to remember the details.

The restaurant was near Catherine’s residence, so starting the ride from there made sense. Perhaps they had escorted her home.

He felt terrible. His clothes carried the damp residue of evaporated rain. His pants clung soggily and were muddied. He needed to get home for a shower and a change of attire.

The ride arrived. As he opened the door to enter, the driver shot him a disdainful stare.

Vance looked down at his mud-encrusted pants. They were understandably off-putting.

“Sorry about that. I’ll compensate you for the cleaning,” he said, eager to head home as soon as possible.

“Get in,” grumbled the driver at last.

“Thank you.” Vance checked his phone, finding that the battery was low. “I’ll pay you now. My phone is dying.”

“That’ll be $50,” the driver stated, “for the interior cleaning.”

1/2

Vance let out a wry chuckle. At that moment, money seemed to feel insignificant.

+25 Bonus

Vance transferred 10,000 dollars, which spooked the driver. “Buddy, are you alright? Going through some rough patch?”

His suspicion was reasonable, given the strong smell of alcohol and the dirty clothes. He seriously wondered if Vance had injured his head from a fall and couldn’t think straight.

Vance apologized, “Sorry for the trouble.”

The driver freaked out. “It’s fine, man, and you don’t need to give so much. You’re scaring me, man.”

Vance looked out the window as familiar scenery flashed by. He had traveled this road dozens of times over the past five years.

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Yesterday was my birthday. I wanted to hear best wishes. Can you do it for me?”

The driver froze. “Happy birthday, man!”

I

A simple best wish in exchange for 10,000 dollars? That was crazy.

He probed, “Your girlfriend didn’t break up with you, did she?”

Vance shook his head. “No. My wife is just sulking and out having some fun. But she’ll come back.”

“Buddy, when your wife is mad, it’s automatically your fault. End of story.” The driver nodded in understanding. “Even if you’re right. Don’t you think so? You married her to bring her joy, not frustration. If she is upset, you must have screwed up somewhere.” 43

Csapte 19