Chapter 144 Do You Love Her That Much?
Zoey basked in that joy for a while before turning around and shyly calling his name. "Charles."
Charles seemed to snap back to reality in that moment—the person standing here was Zoey, not that other woman. He immediately let go of her.
In that instant, Zoey understood. He'd mistaken her for someone else!
She stood there, lost. So I'm just a substitute?
"Charles, just now... were you thinking of someone else?" Zoey's voice was trembling.
Charles realized his reaction would hurt Zoey, but he had to admit—that was his genuine response.
"I'm sorry. I heard you singing just now, so I mistook you for someone else." Charles said apologetically.
Tears were already streaming down Zoey's face. "Did you love her that much?"
Love? Charles actually hadn't thought about her in ages. That moment just now was truly just an automatic response—like seeing a dish you haven't had in years and instinctively reaching for your fork.
But would that dish still taste the same?
Seeing him not answer, Zoey's tears flowed even harder. How foolish. She'd known all along it was one-sided, yet kept thinking he'd fall for her. Never imagined she'd end up being a replacement.
"Charles," Zoey choked out, "I'm giving you tonight to think long and hard about whether you still want this wedding. If you've changed your mind, we can cancel anytime."
With that, she set down the fruit knife, washed her hands, then turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Charles sat in a kitchen chair, staring blankly at the fruit Zoey had cut.
...
Phoenix City, by Thousand Lanterns Lake.
On the lake sat a small island with a villa community called Phoenix Bay. Phoenix Bay was like paradise—towering palm trees, various man-made fountains, and rare botanical gardens.
Under the real estate agent's guidance, Wentworth and Matilda viewed two villas. Because only two remained.
Buying a villa required not just money but qualifications—approval was needed to move in. And Wentworth happened to meet those qualifications.
Wentworth asked Matilda, "Which one do you like?"
From the moment they'd set foot on the island, Matilda's eyes had been glowing. Any normal person would love this place. She wouldn't lie and say she didn't.
She had only one concern. "If I lived here, wouldn't the commute to work be too far?"
Wentworth pulled her close, saying gently, "If you lived here, you'd need a driver to take you to and from work."
"I'm just a small-time doctor. If I have a driver every day, people will talk."
"So what's more exhausting—people talking, or driving to work every day yourself?"
Matilda had no comeback. True, it was easy to go from frugal to extravagant, but she was used to living freely on her own. Living this kind of pampered lifestyle—she worried she couldn't adjust.
Wentworth coaxed her again. "Let's not worry about whether you'll live here. Let's buy it first, and you can move in when you want to, okay?"
Matilda asked again, "But the price..."
"Money's not an issue."
"..."
Under Wentworth's persuasion, Matilda chose the villa closer to the bridge. From that villa's balcony, you could see the lake and also watch vehicles coming and going.
Though she liked living alone, she was afraid of too much quiet. Being able to see cars passing by made it feel more lived-in.
This villa cost over a hundred million dollars. The moment Matilda nodded, Wentworth bought it without hesitation, putting only her name on the deed.
Though property purchased after marriage legally belonged to both regardless of whose name was on it, having only Matilda's name gave her a sense of security. She was the homeowner.
...
Leaving Phoenix Bay, Matilda realized she'd walked right into Wentworth's trap.
They'd agreed—buy the villa first, and she could live there if she wanted or not if she didn't want to.
However, the moment they left Phoenix Bay, Wentworth immediately contacted renovation and furniture companies, had them add Matilda on WhatsApp, and said all decisions about renovations and furniture were hers.
His response to any question? "Might as well get it ready. How can anyone live there if it's not renovated?"
Matilda had barely added the renovation manager on WhatsApp when Wentworth called Kai, having him help recruit security and housekeeping for the villa.
His response? Have them ready now, so when you want to move in, everything's set.
Matilda was used to being frugal. She couldn't possibly let security and housekeeping live in such a huge villa while she didn't, could she? Of course she'd have to move in herself.