Seeing the happy smile on her face, Roderick smiled gently and
ruffled her hair dotingly as he had always done.
“Andie, you finally forgive me.”
This was the first proper conversation they’d had since Matilda
came into the picture.
The smile on Andrea’s face faded.
“I wasn’t upset with you.”
It had always been the other way around.
He thought she had pushed Matilda into the water, believing
she was the petty, jealous one.
Roderick continued to coax her.
“Don’t be mad at me, OK, Andie? I promise–there’s nothing going
on between Matilda and me. It’s just an act. But I couldn’t turn
down the Turner family just like that because of their status.
“On your twenty–fifth birthday, I’ll tell Dad and Scarlett
everything and seek their approval. Alright, Andie?”
Chapter 10
He took her hand and rubbed it against his cheek, his tone
pitiful.
Roderick could trick people with his eyes, which were usually
cold and aloof, but when it came to moments like this, they
were always filled with affection as if he had loved her to the
core.
He had always been like this, hurting her and then making it up
to her.
And she had been a fool, being tricked by him for so many
years.
She sneered inwardly. However, this time, she didn’t withdraw
her hand.
Because she didn’t want him to know she was leaving soon.
Before the day she left, she had to pretend that she knew
nothing and act normal.
With that in mind, she asked, “Really?”
“Of course,” Roderick smiled.
“But, Andie, Matilda is my fiancee in name after all, and I have
to take care of her feelings.
Chapter 10
“Otherwise, both her family and Dad will give me a hard time.
I’m afraid you’ll have to endure it for now.”
He seemed extremely sincere.
She would have fallen for his lie again if she hadn’t known the
truth.
“Alright.” She nodded.
After patching things up, they went back home.
Just as Roderick pushed open the door, he heard Matilda
coughing in the kitchen.
The whole place was filled with smoke.
He strode into the kitchen and turned off the stove.
“Matilda, you haven’t recovered. Why are you up?”
Matilda pouted, looking aggrieved.
“I wanna cook for you and Andie. But it seems I messed up. I’m
sorry…”
He took the spatula from her hand and hugged her gently.
“Leave it with me. You don’t have to cook at all. Now, come
Chapter 10
outside, OK? It’s so smoky in there.”
Matilda nodded obediently and turned around, only to meet
Andrea’s gaze.
She smiled, walked forward, and said, “Andie, I’m new here and
don’t know anyone. Roderick said I could live with you. Is that
OK?”
Andrea thought, “She’s so good at acting–just like Roderick. Sure
enough, they’re perfect for each other.
“She seems so gentle and harmless. Is she really that vicious
woman who pulled me into the pool together with her?”
Now that Matilda acted as if nothing had ever happened, she
had no choice but to play along.
“Of course, if that’s what Roderick wants.”
She was in a foul mood as she thought she’d see Matilda every
day from now on.
No longer wanting to see either Matilda or Roderick, she went
upstairs to sleep after saying this.
Though Roderick was her stepbrother, they lived like a couple
and even shared the same bedroom.
Chapter 10
But Matilda came here right after Lucian had left, so they had to
continue to sleep separately.
Now, however, she was glad they didn’t sleep in the same room
anymore. It saved her the trouble of keeping up appearances.
with him.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.