Chapter 175

When Evelyn got home, Monica was preparing to go out.

"It's so late, where are you going?"

"Henry and I are going for a walk to digest. I ate too much." Monica's face was flushed.

It was all Henry's fault for taking her to such delicious hotpot today. Her stomach was still full.

"You two are really in newlywed bliss." Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"But why don't you move to his place? Living separately right after marriage?"

"You don't understand—distance makes the heart grow fonder. We need time to get to know each other gradually." Monica smiled.

"Well, enjoy your time together." Evelyn yawned. "I have a bid tomorrow, so I'm going to sleep. Don't stay out too late."

"Your opponent is Sloane, right? Get good rest and crush her tomorrow!" Monica raised her fist encouragingly.

Evelyn smiled and went upstairs to wash up.

As soon as Monica stepped out the villa gate, she saw Henry waiting for her under a tree not far away.

The spring night was still a bit cool. Both wore athletic outfits.

Coincidentally, they were the same color scheme—standing together, they looked like a matching couple.

"Is Evelyn going abroad soon?" Henry naturally took her hand. "What should I get her kids as a gift?"

"Chloe likes painting, Caleb likes programming. Pick something along those lines." Monica answered with a smile.

She suddenly remembered that during her two years with Caspian, he'd never asked about Chloe and Caleb's interests or given them any gifts.

This was what they meant by loving someone and loving everything about them, right?

The two walked slowly side by side through the neighborhood, chatting casually, relaxed and content.

Monica had thought there wouldn't be anyone outside at this hour, but after walking a short while, a woman walking a Samoyed approached.

Monica's eyes lit up instantly.

The Samoyed's fluffy fur looked like a moving cloud, snow-white, glowing softly under the streetlights.

Her gaze stuck to it, unable to look away.

The Samoyed was very friendly too, breaking free from its leash and running over to them excitedly, sniffing around Monica.

Monica crouched down and rubbed the fluffy head.

She instinctively glanced at Henry beside her.

"What's wrong?" Henry looked down at her.

"N-nothing." Monica laughed awkwardly.

She couldn't very well tell him that in her mind, he was like a large Samoyed.

The woman walking the dog had been about to continue forward, but hearing Henry's voice, her steps suddenly stopped.

She looked toward them in surprise.

"Henry, is that you?"

Hearing someone call his name, Henry instinctively looked at Monica first.

Monica was baffled: Why are you looking at me?

In those few seconds, the woman had already walked up to them.

She wore tight athletic wear that outlined her fit, graceful figure—clearly someone who worked out regularly.

Her shoulder-length hair blew slightly in the night breeze, revealing a stretch of fair neck.

"It really is you!" The woman smiled, showing white teeth. "I thought I'd mistaken you for someone else."

Henry looked at her with confusion in his eyes.

After thinking for a moment, he asked hesitantly, "Sorry, you are?"

"Lavinia Ellington. You forgot? We participated in a model competition together at Cascade College."

Lavinia was clearly unhappy that Henry had forgotten her, a hint of reproach in her tone.

Henry seemed to have some recollection, yet also not really.

He answered honestly, "Sorry, my memory isn't great."

He glanced sideways at Monica and found her crouched on the ground, completely absorbed in petting the dog, having a great time.

Perfect. His wife didn't care at all that he was talking to another woman.

In her eyes, he wasn't even as important as a dog.

"Is this... your sister?" Lavinia looked at Monica crouching on the ground and asked tentatively.

Monica felt the dog in her hands instantly become less appealing.

Sister?

Everyone always said she had a youthful face! And she was dressed very youthfully and athletically today—where did she look like a sister!

"She's my wife." Henry's eyes held a doting smile. As he spoke, he patted the dog hair off Monica, who'd just stood up.

Surprise flashed in Lavinia's eyes. "You're married? How come I never heard anyone mention it?"

"We just registered recently. We haven't had the wedding yet, so only family knows."

Henry spoke candidly without any evasiveness. "We're planning to notify everyone at the official wedding."

Monica's face flushed, her heart pounding.

Every time Henry introduced her to someone, he said so openly that she was "his wife."

Even though he said it so naturally and casually, each time Monica's heart would skip a beat.

Perhaps because her only previous relationship had always been secretive.

So much so that she'd forgotten—real love was like this, open and honest.

"Hello, Ms. Ellington. I'm Monica Reed." Seeing Lavinia's gaze fall on her, Monica smiled and introduced herself.

"Monica, your name is beautiful, and so is your voice." Lavinia smiled.

"You have a very distinguished air about you too." Monica complimented sincerely.

"Well, I need to finish walking my dog. I'll let you two go."

Lavinia waved at them and led the reluctant Samoyed away.

Monica's gaze followed the Samoyed until it disappeared around the corner.

"So fluffy. Such a good dog." She sighed from the heart.

Indeed, what she loved most were dogs like Samoyeds—sunny, sweet, fluffy, and cheerful.

"How about we get one too?" Henry suggested with a smile.

Monica blinked at him. "I feel like I already have one."

Henry looked at her questioningly.

Monica stood on tiptoe and ruffled his fluffy hair, sighing with satisfaction.

Wait, was she treating him like a dog?

Henry: Then he must be the most handsome, gentlest guard dog exclusively for Monica!

Monica had no idea what Henry was thinking.

Feeling it was getting late, she pulled Henry back toward home.

"That lady just now graduated from Cascade College? That's impressive."

"Actually, I don't know. I don't even remember who she was." Henry honestly scratched his hair.

Monica's eyes widened. "Such a pretty lady and you don't remember her?"

"Pretty? I didn't think so."

Henry said seriously, "In my heart, you're the most beautiful."

"The first time I saw you, I thought you were glowing."

"Really?" Monica could hardly believe it.

"Really!" Henry nodded emphatically.

"Mr. Phillips, if you keep complimenting me like this, I'll get conceited. I feel like these past few days you've lifted me to the sky."

"You deserve it." Henry smiled and pinched her cheek. "You're the best in the world!"

Monica's heart started pounding again.

By the time they got home, it was almost one in the morning.

This time, Monica stood at the door and took the initiative to stand on tiptoe and kiss Henry.

"Mr. Phillips, good night."

Henry froze for a moment, then smiled.

"Mrs. Phillips, good night. See you tomorrow."

Monica waved at him and walked through the door with light steps.