Chapter 71 Chapter 71: Leaving in Disappointment

Chapter 71 Chapter 71: Leaving in Disappointment
So, Amelia took a step back to advance, saying:

"I need a place where William can’t find me. I’m really scared."

Balthazar considered her request reasonable and nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I’ll rent a house for you to recover in. And after that?"

He wasn’t planning on supporting her forever. If she had that in mind, he’d leave immediately.

Amelia was clearly startled by his question, but her mind quickly shifted gears. She came up with a plan and replied:

"Once I’ve recovered, I’ll ask a friend to help me return to France. I want to start over, where we first met."

Amelia gazed deeply into Balthazar’s eyes, hoping to find some lingering affection, but there was none. He was merely contemplating the practicality of her words before nodding and saying:

"Alright, let’s do that. I have to go now, but wait here. My assistant will contact you once your accommodation is arranged."

With that, Balthazar stood up and left the café without another word. As he walked away, his hand touched the ring box in his pocket, and he could hardly wait to propose to Selena.

Amelia watched his retreating figure, her face twisting in rage. Her hands clenched into fists, trembling uncontrollably.

Just wait. When I regain my power, I’ll take each of you down.

Especially that vixen, Selena.

...

Meanwhile, Selena was lost in thought when she received a call from Sophia, asking to meet her.

Sitting across from Sophia, Selena remained silent, lost in her thoughts. Eventually, Sophia broke the silence:

"You’re with my brother to get revenge on the Sterling family, aren’t you?"

So, she had been called here for questioning. Selena had nothing left to hide, so she nodded. Sophia continued:

"What grudge do you have against the Sterling family?"

Selena hesitated briefly before deciding to tell the truth:

"I’m William’s ex-wife."

"What?"

Sophia's eyes widened in shock. She had imagined many scenarios, but never this. She remembered William’s ex-wife as a plump, somewhat rustic woman. How could that woman possibly be the beautiful Selena sitting before her?

"Did you have plastic surgery?"

Selena sighed and replied:

"Let’s just say that’s true."

In fact, it wasn’t far from the truth. The supreme god had given her beauty, which was practically the same as rebuilding her face.

Suddenly, Sophia found herself unable to hate Selena anymore. Thinking of all that she must have endured, Sophia felt more pity than anger. In the end, Selena had led a tragic life.

Sophia recalled meeting William’s ex-wife once. Her first impression was that the woman was kind-hearted but had been utterly crushed by her husband’s family. Such a person was more deserving of sympathy than blame.

"What do you plan to do next? Stay with my brother, or break up with him?"

Now that she knew Selena's story, Sophia didn’t mind her becoming her sister-in-law. At least she was kind-hearted and only sought revenge on those who had hurt her, without harming the innocent.

Selena lowered her head, her shoulders shaking as though she couldn’t control her emotions. Sophia knew she was crying but wasn’t sure how to comfort her, so she sat quietly, letting Selena release all the pent-up sadness.

After a while, Selena lifted her head, wiped away her tears, and smiled:

"I want to be with him, but I don’t deserve him. He should marry someone pure."

Sophia frowned and argued:

"What do you mean, ‘not pure’? How can you say that about yourself? I think your soul is purer than most people’s. You’re the cleanest person I know."

Hearing those words, Selena laughed, feeling much lighter inside. Perhaps Sophia had forgiven her for her deception.

Suddenly, Sophia grabbed her hand and said earnestly:

"Please, give yourself and my brother a chance, okay?"
Selena hesitated briefly at Sophia’s suggestion, but soon after, a bright smile appeared on her face, and she gently nodded.

In truth, ever since Balthazar found out about her past but still wanted to help her, she had long decided that she wanted to spend her life with a man as generous and kind as him. All she needed was a little push, and today, Sophia gave her just that.

"I understand, I’ll try.”

After that, the two parted ways and headed home.

When Selena returned to the villa and saw Balthazar wearing an apron, cooking in the kitchen, her smile grew even brighter.

Balthazar turned and kissed her on the forehead, then softly said:

"Go sit at the table. Tonight, I’m cooking for you, so you can see that your man is also very handy.”

Selena playfully pretended to punch Balthazar in the chest before turning and sitting down at the table.

Though Balthazar could cook, he only made Western dishes. After placing the cheese steak in front of her, he carefully cut it into small pieces for her.

"Please enjoy, my lady.

With one hand behind his back and the other lifting Selena’s soft hand for a kiss, his gesture made her laugh at his playful humor.

Balthazar sat across from Selena, watching her enjoy the meal he prepared, his mood soaring. He felt the ring box in his pocket and was about to take it out when she spoke:

"Tomorrow is our one-year anniversary of living together. I’ll cook a grand meal for you when you come home. I have something to tell you then.”

Balthazar froze for a moment. Tomorrow was the day their contract as lovers would end, wasn’t it? Did she want to end their contract?

No, that couldn’t be. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes full of affection, and her tone held joy when she said that. All these signs pointed to her not wanting to leave, and on top of that, she had something she wanted to tell him.

Could it be... a confession?

At this thought, Balthazar couldn’t contain his happiness, and a wide smile spread across his face.

"Alright, I’ll come home early tomorrow.

Then he patted the ring box in his pocket. Well, he’d wait until tomorrow, after hearing her confession, before taking it out. That way, they could both offer each other the most precious gift from the heart.