Chapter 42 The Child's Biological Father
The organizer was already losing patience and didn't want to waste more words. He called out directly, "Security!"
Several security guards who'd been standing by at the edge of the exhibition area immediately sprang into action, stepping forward to politely but firmly escort Edith and Ethan out.
"You have no right to kick us out! They're the ones who should leave!"
Edith kept shouting, but was soon unceremoniously escorted out of the venue by security.
Frederick nodded slightly at the organizer. "Can we test drive now?"
"Of course, please come this way." The organizer immediately switched to a respectful smile.
Frederick wrapped his arm around Xandra's waist. "Let's go."
Xandra pressed her lips together lightly, her gaze involuntarily glancing in the direction Edith had left, feeling somewhat dazed.
Though watching Edith get thrown out on the spot was satisfying, the things she'd said stuck in Xandra's heart like a fine thorn.
What exactly had happened four years ago? Why had she lost those memories? Could it really be like Edith said—that she'd selectively forgotten due to trauma?
"What are you thinking about?"
Frederick's low, magnetic voice sounded in her ear.
Xandra snapped back to attention. Not wanting to appear too fragile, she pushed down all her emotions and said with forced lightness, "You're really good at using borrowed authority."
Frederick looked down at her strained smile and replied flatly, "I learned from you."
Xandra smiled, pressing her lips together. "Are we both a little devious?"
Frederick's lips curved slightly upward. "Having power and not using it—that's what makes you a fool."
"True."
After a few rounds of their light banter, Xandra's mood improved slightly.
The test drive specialist drove the car to the test track—an enclosed racing circuit.
Seeing her standing still, Frederick asked, "Not getting in?"
Xandra waved her hand. "You drive. I'll just ride along for the fun of it."
It wasn't that she was timid—her mood was just too unsettled right now, and she was afraid of losing emotional control and causing an accident.
But Frederick opened the driver's side door for her instead. "When you're in a bad mood, you need an outlet. Driving a sports car is one of the most effective ways."
His gaze was deep and certain, as if he could see right through her thoughts.
Meeting his eyes, Xandra suddenly felt her nose tingle. Maybe it was because Frederick hadn't doubted her despite Edith's words, or perhaps it was his quiet comfort that warmed her heart—warmed it so much she nearly cried.
She temporarily pushed aside those messy thoughts and got into the driver's seat.
Frederick closed the door for her and sat in the passenger seat.
Seeing her looking around nervously, he smiled. "Don't be nervous. This car isn't much different from a regular one—just better performance."
Frederick explained the car's features like a professional instructor.
Xandra listened carefully and remarked casually, "You know so much about this car!"
Frederick paused for a moment—his family had more than one sports car, how could he not know?—but said instead, "What were you doing when the instructor was explaining earlier? Just staring at those car models?"
Xandra laughed. "I was not! I'm not Frederick."
Frederick raised an eyebrow. "You're insulting people again."
Xandra froze. "I'm insulting people? Who?"
"You're saying I'm not a man."
"...When did I say you weren't a man?"
"I wasn't looking at those car models just now."
Xandra fell silent—this Raymond always found ways to make her laugh.
"Can I start driving now, sharp-tongue?"
Xandra couldn't help but smile. "You're the one with the sharp tongue."
Seeing her smile deepen, Frederick's mood seemed to brighten along with it.
Xandra started the car, initially driving very carefully.
Frederick kept egging her on. "Are you a snail? Golf carts go faster than this."
Xandra gritted her teeth and sped up.
Frederick still wasn't satisfied. "Faster. This is a sports car, not a regular sedan."
Xandra steeled herself and floored the gas pedal.
With the convertible top open, cold wind howled and whipped through her long hair, and the sports car's characteristic deep rumble exploded in their ears...
Frederick glanced at her, saw the fierce determination in her eyes, and quietly gripped the handle, his body tensing slightly.
He'd told her to go faster, but not this crazy! The wind hitting his face felt like knives!
Xandra got addicted to the thrill, circling the track lap after lap with no intention of stopping.
Frederick finally couldn't take it anymore. "That's enough."
Xandra obediently slowed down and pulled the car to the side.
Frederick's Adam's apple bobbed as he tried to suppress the acid churning in his stomach. "That's how hard you vent?"
Xandra felt completely loosened up. She smoothed her wind-tousled hair, her eyes crinkling with laughter. "Probably because you were sitting next to me, so I felt bold."
Frederick raised an eyebrow. "I'm your anchor?"
Xandra paused, then laughed out loud, her laughter bright as starlight in the night sky.
Frederick's lips curved slightly. "Feeling better?"
Much better, naturally.
Xandra's smile softened as she nodded gently. "Thank you for cheering me up."
Frederick looked at her. "Xandra, remember—you're not alone anymore. I'm your husband. Whatever's bothering you, you can tell me."
His gaze was steady and certain, making her want to trust him.
Xandra's heart trembled slightly as she confessed, "I lost a portion of my memory. I don't know who the biological father of my three children is. Mom and Dad only told me that four years ago I went to Valcouraine to meet someone important, and when I came back, I was pregnant. I'm not sure if what my cousin said is true or false."
This was the first time they'd talked about the children's biological father.
Frederick looked thoughtful. "How did you end up going to Valcouraine?"
"I don't remember. Why?"
"Nothing."
He was just thinking that four years ago, he'd also been in Valcouraine—and was very curious about who that important person Xandra had met was. Could the children's biological father be that person?
Xandra looked at his unreadable handsome face, her fingers curling slightly. "If what my cousin said is true, would you mind? If you do, we can get divorced."
She knew many men cared about a woman's past, especially someone like her who'd gotten pregnant before marriage and was the subject of gossip. What's more, Edith had implied she'd been forced—and while that made her a victim, in conventional eyes, such a woman was "tainted" and didn't deserve a good man.
"I have no plans to divorce."
Frederick's tone was calm. "Xandra, everyone has a past. I won't pry into yours. You just said yourself—don't compare yourself to others, living your own life well is what matters."
"I'm giving those same words back to you—live your life steadily and don't overthink things."
His expression was calm and composed, inexplicably warming her heart.
Xandra felt truly fortunate that her flash-marriage husband was such a broad-minded person.
Her eyes inexplicably heated up as she said softly, "Thank you."
Frederick reached out and pinched her chin. "How will you thank me?"
Xandra was still thinking about how to answer when she saw his gaze sweep down to her lower abdomen. "All you know is empty words."
Xandra fell silent.
She'd been so moved she was nearly in tears, but this interruption made them instantly evaporate, replaced by burning cheeks.
She pulled his hand away. "What's the rush? It's not like it won't get better."