CHAPTER 14: CHAPTER 14: I DON’T HAVE A HABIT OF LIVING APART FROM MY WIFE

Inside the envelope was an access card, a black card embossed in gold with the name of the complex and the apartment number—

The Paramount Gardens, Tower A, 3901.

The Paramount Gardens?

This was the most expensive apartment complex in Jadeston City, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.

He’s giving her a place to live?

Seraphina quickly tried to hand the envelope back.

"No need, I have somewhere to stay."

Their marriage was contractual, and she would obey the terms on the contract.

But she wasn’t his kept canary, and she surely wouldn’t accept such a valuable gift.

"Move in tonight." Ethan Sterling’s voice was quiet but carried an undeniable authority, "I’m not in the habit of living apart from my wife."

Seraphina was startled, "You want to... live together?"

Ethan shrugged, looking completely matter-of-fact.

"Mrs. Sterling, aren’t you planning to fulfill your wifely duties?"

Seraphina swallowed hard and didn’t say another word.

Their contract spelled it out clearly—she had no reason to refuse.

"The door code is 0912." Ethan leaned against the desk and winked at her, "See you tonight, Mrs. Sterling!"

Leaving The Finance Tower, Seraphina took the subway back to school, still gripping that envelope in her hand.

Looks like...

Tonight, she really couldn’t escape.

Oh well, this day was bound to come sooner or later.

A man like Ethan Sterling—how could he possibly let her go?

0921?

That code sounded oddly familiar.

Seraphina thought for a moment, but couldn’t remember.

Bzzzt—

Her cell phone vibrated in her backpack. Seraphina pulled it out and answered.

The call was from the music store manager, letting Seraphina know that a buyer had been found for her violin.

"Five hundred thousand! The buyer really likes your instrument, didn’t even haggle. You can come get the payment any time."

With that money, she’d finally be able to arrange surgery for her father.

Seraphina should’ve been happy, but her heart felt heavy and sour.

Ten years of playing—it had become such a vital part of her life, and now, just like that...

Sold!

Seraphina clenched the access card in her hand.

"I’ll be right there."

Wanting to get her father’s surgery scheduled as soon as possible, Seraphina treated herself for once, flagged a taxi, and rushed to the music store.

After paying the transaction fee, she smoothly received a cashier’s check for five hundred thousand.

"Um..." Holding the check, she cleared her throat, "Do you know who bought the violin?"

The store manager shook his head, "The buyer didn’t say, and it’s not convenient for us to ask."

Seraphina didn’t pursue it further.

Once the violin was sold, even if she had the money later, getting it back would be impossible.

Knowing or not knowing who had bought it—it didn’t matter anymore.

After thanking the manager, Seraphina went to the hospital, looking for her father’s attending physician, Dr. Bennett.

"That’s wonderful." Dr. Bennett’s face lit up when he heard she’d gotten the money, "Professor Hans just happens to be coming to the country soon for a medical summit. That will save you on airfare and hotel costs. I’ll contact him right away and help Mr. Thorne set up a consultation. Pay the money directly to the inpatient department—the fees will be automatically deducted from your deposit."

For the first time in a month, it was good news at last.

Seraphina thanked Dr. Bennett with gratitude in her eyes, and went to the inpatient department to pay with the check in hand.

After paying, she went back upstairs to the ICU ward, hoping to see if she could get visiting rights.

Stepping out of the elevator, she immediately spotted a familiar figure outside the ICU doors.

Silver-gray trench coat, elegant and poised.

Adrian Chamberlain stood in the corridor, looking every bit the perfect gentleman, drawing glances from the passing nurses.

Before, seeing Adrian like this, Seraphina might’ve taken out her phone to snap a picture.

But now, she felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest.

If Adrian came to the hospital, it couldn’t be for any good reason.

She quickened her pace and blocked the ICU doorway, wary.

"What are you doing here?"

"Seraphina, there you are." Adrian smiled innocently, "I just came to check on your father."

Seraphina clenched her fists, "If you touch my dad, I’ll fight you to the end!"

"This isn’t the place for a talk. Let’s go over there."

Adrian turned and walked toward the far end of the corridor. Seraphina turned, glanced at the closed ICU door.

Theodore Thorne lay on the hospital bed as usual, and Seraphina relaxed a bit.

She turned and followed Adrian down the corridor.

When they reached a quiet corner, Adrian stopped.

"What happened that night was Claire making trouble. It wasn’t my idea. I apologize on her behalf."

Adrian held out his right hand, pinching a check between his fingers.

"This is two million. Enough for your father’s surgery and follow-up treatment."

Seraphina didn’t take the check, her eyes fixed warily on Adrian’s face.

"How do you know my dad needs surgery?"

This man was too devious—she couldn’t let her guard down.

"Seraphina, relax. My intentions are good." Adrian offered her a set of keys, his tone gentle. "I bought a two-bedroom in Jadeston Apartments, across from the hospital. You can move in—it’ll be easier to care for your dad, and whenever I have time, I’ll keep you company."

Keep her company?

Didn’t he just want her to keep him company?

Finally, the fox showed his tail.

He’d already destroyed her family, yet he still wouldn’t leave her alone.

Did this man ever truly care about her, even for one moment?

"Save it. Even if I were to have a sugar daddy, I’d pick someone richer and more generous than you."

Seraphina slapped his hand away and turned to leave.

"Seraphina!"

Adrian grabbed her arm and pulled her into a supply room, blocking the door.

"What happened before was my fault. I’m sorry. Seraphina, let’s start over, okay?"

Seraphina remained unmoved.

"Get out of my way!"

"Seraphina!" Adrian reached out to hold her shoulders. "Just listen to me—"

Seraphina flung off his hand.

"If you don’t move, I’ll call for help!"

Adrian’s face darkened.

"I’ve apologized already. What more do you want?"

Apologized?

He’d ruined the Thorne Family, and now thought a simple "sorry" could erase it all?

And now, talking about starting over—how could he even say something like that?

Seraphina turned, looking intently at his handsome face.

"Adrian Chamberlain, are you even human?"

"Seraphina, stop being unreasonable." Adrian frowned, "My patience does have limits!"

He hadn’t made a fuss about her breaking off the engagement in public, embarrassing both him and the Chamberlain Family. He’d even lowered himself to make amends.

As far as Adrian was concerned, he’d already been more than generous to Seraphina.

Even if she wasn’t grateful, she should at least treat him with a little more respect.

"If you have any decency left, stay away from me. Stay away from my dad!"

With a forceful shove, Seraphina threw open the door and left.

Adrian rushed out after her, watching as she hurried away.

His hands at his sides slowly clenched into fists.

"Seraphina, you’re the one who forced me!"

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Help me look into that Professor Hans who’s going to operate on Theodore Thorne. The more detail, the better."