CHAPTER 45: CHAPTER 45: WILL YOU BLAME ME?

After arriving home, Henry Preston instructed Laura Lawson to make some sobering tea, and I added, "Auntie Lawson, please make some more, I need some too."

Laura replied respectfully, "Yes, madam."

Henry pulled off his tie and tossed it on the sofa, leaning back and closing his eyes to rest. I watched his jawline for a while, then his Adam’s apple, and finally my gaze settled on his neck.

Against the black shirt collar, his skin looked very fair, and there was a faint hickey, exuding an ambiguous allure.

Was it left by Azure Vaughn? No, no, no, that’s impossible. If Azure had started giving Henry hickeys, it would mean she was beginning to accept him, and Henry would be overjoyed and wouldn’t have come back.

So it must have been left by another woman, I analyzed in my mind.

Anyway, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Although most of the time it was just an act without going all the way, I still felt uncomfortable. But I’m much better now, more worried about whether Azure will be able to accept this kind of life in the future.

But, for Azure’s sake, Henry would definitely choose to refuse such acts, right? I mocked myself in my heart. Why was I so unlucky, that after ten years, I still couldn’t make Henry sacrifice anything for me.

"Forget it, I won’t drink the sobering tea." I murmured with annoyance as I got up and headed upstairs.

Once I got back to the bedroom and was about to change into my clothes for a shower, Henry pushed open the door.

I looked at him in shock, "What are you doing here?"

Henry didn’t speak. He just closed the door and locked it, then moved a few steps closer to me. I felt lost and had an uneasy premonition.

Sure enough, Henry had not only been drinking but also seemed a bit inflamed with desire.

He lowered his head and slowly kissed my lips with a burning, lingering gaze. I wanted to push him away, but his hand was at my back, and with a pull, I couldn’t break free.

"Henry, what are you doing?!" I exclaimed in shock and anger when his lips left mine, my heart pounding wildly.

"Someone spiked my drink, Zoe Hathaway..." Henry’s voice was low, with a hint of restraint. He bent down close to my face, as if promising, "I’ll take care of it soon."

With that, he picked me up and laid me on the bed. My mind was a blank, and my entire body seemed to short-circuit.

Just when Henry had stripped me completely, Laura’s voice came from outside, with a hint of hesitation, "Madam... are you asleep? The sobering tea is ready."

Henry and I both froze, and suddenly, in a bold move, I wrapped my legs around his strong waist. Henry’s expression changed, becoming more passionate.

I let out an involuntary sound, and I heard Laura’s footsteps receding outside.

"Henry..." I held onto the last sliver of sanity, looking at Henry and asking, "Will you blame me in the future?"

"For what?" Henry kissed the corner of my lips and asked.

For deliberately letting your future mother-in-law witness us flaunting our love, for putting obstacles in your path to pursuing true love.

I answered silently in my heart, but said nothing out loud, instead, I intentionally lifted my head to kiss his Adam’s apple. This was a trick Crystal Dawson had taught me to seduce men, but I had never had the chance to use it.

A few seconds later, I couldn’t help but marvel at Crystal Dawson’s genius!

After a night of entanglement, I once again experienced the feeling of my bones falling apart. That bull about resolving things quickly was all lies!

When I went downstairs, supporting my waist, Laura had already prepared breakfast. Noticing my peculiar walking posture, she had a knowing, teasing smile on her face typical of someone who’d been there. "Madam, eat breakfast. I made five-red porridge for you; it’s good for women."

My face flushed, and after a couple of dry coughs, I tried my best not to waddle like a penguin.

"Where’s Henry?" I asked while eating the porridge.

"Mr. Preston went to the office early. He didn’t even have breakfast," Laura replied.

"Oh." I nodded. Henry was always busy, with so much to handle at the company. Even when he had free time, it was spent socializing or with Silas Lockwood and the others.

All kinds of rumors were spread in the gaps.

Just after finishing breakfast, Joel Sutton’s call came through. I glanced at Laura, then answered, "What’s up?"

"Miss Hathaway, I’m really sorry about last night. I drank too much. How much was the room charge? I’ll transfer it to you!" Joel said.

"It’s fine. Are you feeling better?" I asked gently.

"A bit better. I’ve figured it out. If Azure really likes me and hasn’t changed her mind, she’ll definitely continue to choose me firmly. I need to trust her. I’ll do my best in this relationship, and leave the results to fate." Joel’s voice sounded relieved.

It seemed that he had listened to my advice, which made me very gratified, "That’s good. I still have some things to take care of. Talk to you next time."

After hanging up, I went upstairs to change clothes, preparing to go out. I needed to have a talk with Leah Lane.

Leah hadn’t been looking for commercial performances or competitions lately. Instead, she was busy at home with preparations for the year’s end wedding. Connor Hawthorne continued working, so many things were left for her to arrange.

The couple’s wedding house was already renovated, but it needed decor, and the wedding process had to be planned out—lots of troublesome matters that should be completed by year’s end.

"Zoe, do you want some dumplings? Connor made them for me last night. They’re cabbage and pork, really tasty!" Leah warmly greeted me at her home.

"I’m not eating. Yara, did Connor go to work?" I looked around. This was the place Leah and Connor rented together, about 100 square meters, two bedrooms and a living room. Compared to her family’s large villa, it was really frugal.

But Leah had decorated the place earnestly, showing her dedication to the relationship.

As a man, Connor Hawthorne must feel somewhat inferior; it was evident from the wedding gown incident.

Leah brought over a plate of fruit, smiling, "Yes, he says he doesn’t want to rely on my family; he wants to work hard to give me a good life."

What hypocrisy! Such a seemingly good man, but secretly he’s cavorting with other women at bars. I mentally cursed Connor Hawthorne a thousand times.

"Yara, do you like eating celery?" I asked tactfully.

"No, I don’t." Leah shook her head.

"Then do you like eating spinach?" I asked again.

Leah shook her head again.

She had never liked green vegetables. After listing all the green veggies I could think of, she suddenly laughed, "Zoe, why are you asking these all of a sudden? I didn’t like eating vegetables before, but I have to force myself now."

I was taken aback, "Why?"

There was a touch of tenderness on Leah’s face as she touched her belly, "I haven’t had the chance to tell you, but I’m pregnant. It’s only a month and a half so far."

"What?!" I practically jumped up, my face turning extremely unpleasant, "You’re pregnant? Didn’t you plan to prepare for pregnancy after the wedding?"

"So this child is a gift from heaven. Since he’s here, I’ll accept him and cherish him." Leah was already lost in her beautiful visions of the future, "I haven’t told Connor yet. He’ll definitely be thrilled. From now on, we’ll be a happy family of three!"