Chapter 543 Withered Hearts (2)
Only after leaving the Windsor Mansion did Nicole finally allow herself to relax.
Sebastian gripped the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead as he asked with studied casualness, "Former lover? Does your husband know about him?"
Nicole fell silent for a moment before murmuring quietly, "He doesn't need to know."
"We'll end our arrangement eventually anyway, and besides—Jacob is ancient history."
Sebastian smiled faintly. "I think he'd care. By the way, he's returning to the country this week for an important project. You'll likely need to accompany him to some business functions."
"I understand."
Nicole leaned back against the seat, a distant look clouding her features.
Yes, she was married.
Two years ago, while traveling through a war-torn region, she had encountered sudden danger. Besides herself, there were two four-year-old girls in her vehicle—orphans who had lost their parents. When the gunfire erupted, she shielded the children with her body, taking shrapnel in her back before losing consciousness.
That was when she met Theron Voss.
She awakened in a luxurious mobile medical unit, a female doctor tending to her wounds. She lay face-down, her torso bare, while Theron sat nearby sipping red wine, watching.
He told her he was a venture capitalist. If she married him, she could adopt the two children—his credentials would allow them all safe passage out of the country.
Nicole had listened to his proposal in silence, accepting almost without hesitation.
He seemed surprised, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Two days later, they held a simple ceremony and became husband and wife.
A week after that, Theron brought her and the children back to England. The girls were reunited with distant relatives, but Nicole's marriage to Theron remained intact. She was his wife in name only—he provided her with separate quarters in all his properties and never demanded she fulfill marital duties.
Nicole primarily resided in Sovelan, where Theron had purchased a villa for her use. He visited every few months, staying for about two weeks at a time. Occasionally he hosted parties at the villa, inviting Nicole to serve as hostess—their most intimate moments, as he always requested the opening dance with his wife.
At the red light, the car came to a gentle stop.
Nicole pulled herself from her memories, thinking that when Theron returned this time, she might broach the subject of divorce. A man like him had no shortage of female companions—she shouldn't continue occupying the title of his wife.
She spent most of the day settling into her small apartment—a cozy one-bedroom that, while compact, was perfectly appointed and tastefully arranged.
That evening, Nicole received a bouquet of jasmine with an accompanying card: [Congratulations on your new home—Theron.]
Nicole cradled the fragrant blooms, admiring their delicate beauty before arranging them in a vase.
No sooner had she finished than Theron's call came through. His deep, resonant voice filled the phone, "Did you receive the flowers?"
Nicole touched the jasmine petals gently. "They're lovely."
Theron's pleased laughter carried the rich timbre of a cello as he continued, "Mr. Knight mentioned it to you, I'm sure—I'll be returning this week. Nicole, there are matters I need to discuss with you."
"Perfect timing. I have something to discuss with you as well."
Theron paused, then smiled—she could hear it in his voice.
"Nicole, it's been two months since we last met. I'm looking forward to seeing you."