Is It Love Or a Lie?

Chapter 5 Can't Let Anything Slip

Florence clutched her phone tightly, her fingers turning pale as she tried to steady her voice.

"Felix, it's me, Florence... Yes, I'm alright now, and so are the babies... I need a favor from you."

She took a deep breath, her tone firm, eyes filled with determination. "I need you to keep an eye on two people, Lancelot and Shirley. I want to know their every move, down to the smallest detail. And, there's something else I need you to investigate..."

After hanging up, Florence leaned back against the headboard, a heavy weight pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

'In my previous life, I was blinded by love. After the loss of my four babies, I was so consumed by despair that I never doubted Lancelot or thought to investigate the truth. It wasn't until the Moore family went bankrupt and my father ended his life that I learned from Shirley that everything was part of Lancelot's plan for revenge! I was nothing more than a pawn in his scheme. A man who could use his wife and babies like that doesn't deserve my love. This time, I won't let Lancelot succeed.'

"Ms. Moore, are you alright?" Nancy asked, her concern evident as she looked at Florence.

'Since Ms. Moore woke up, she hasn't been the same. She may still look like the spoiled young lady she used to be, but I can sense that there's something hidden deep within her.'

"I'm fine, Nancy, just a bit tired," Florence showed a faint smile, concealing the storm brewing in her heart.

'I can't give myself away yet. I have to make Lancelot lower his guard if I'm going to uncover the truth and clear my family's name.'

The next morning, after the doctor's visit, Nancy began packing up their things, preparing for Florence's discharge.

Everything was in order when the door to the ward opened, and a tall figure appeared, holding a bouquet of vibrant red roses.

"Florence, I've come to take you and our babies home."

Lancelot approached the bed, offering her the roses, his deep gaze showing a rare warmth.

Florence's heart pounded, memories of their past flooding her mind like a tidal wave. What once seemed like sweet moments now cut like a knife, leaving deep scars on her heart.

'In my last life, I fell for those tender looks, believing that Lancelot was just a cold person who secretly cared for me. But it was all just an act.'

Now, with a clearer view, she saw through Lancelot's facade. His apparent affection was nothing more than a performance.

Lancelot noticed her staring blankly, not reaching for the flowers, and a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. "What's wrong? You don't like roses? Or..."

He paused, a subtle hint of suspicion in his voice. "Or, you don't want to come home with me?"

"Mr. Grosvenor, what are you saying?" Nancy quickly interjected, sensing the tension. "Ms. Moore is just so happy to see you, right?"

Nancy's words snapped Florence back to reality.

'She's right. I can't let anything slip! If I want my revenge, if I want to make Lancelot pay for what he's done, I have to keep playing the role of the loving wife!'

With that thought, Florence's face broke into a radiant smile, her expression brimming with sweetness as if spring flowers had bloomed across her features. Her voice was so soft it could melt in the air.

"Lancelot, how could you think that? I'm more than happy!" She reached out to accept the roses, bringing them close to her face to inhale their scent.

The vibrant red of the roses contrasted beautifully with her smooth skin, making her look even more radiant.

As Lancelot gazed at the smiling Florence before him, the flicker of doubt in his heart began to fade, replaced by a barely perceptible tenderness.

He wrapped an arm around her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Florence, thank you for giving me our four babies."

Florence leaned into his embrace, feeling his warmth, but inside, she felt a chill, a wave of disgust rising within her.

'The man who took my babies' lives in our previous life is now putting on this act. How hypocritical.'

Back at the villa, Florence immediately noticed the dining table in the living room, covered with a lace tablecloth and laden with delicate dishes and desserts. A bottle of red wine stood nearby, catching the light from the crystal chandelier above, casting a warm glow.

The scent of roses mingled with the candlelight, creating an atmosphere of romance and warmth.

"You did all this for me?" Florence feigned surprise, covering her mouth as her eyes lit up with feigned gratitude and joy.

"Yes, I knew you'd be discharged today, so I prepared it just for you."

"Lancelot, you're so good to me!" Florence stood on her tiptoes to plant a soft kiss on his cheek, her face alight with happiness.

Dinner unfolded in a seemingly warm and peaceful manner.

Lancelot attentively served Florence while she played the role of the gentle, doting wife, engaging in lighthearted conversation.

But beneath the surface of this serene scene, danger flowed.

"Florence, weren't you and Shirley best friends? Why did things suddenly..."

Lancelot set down his knife and fork, casually bringing up Shirley, his deep eyes fixed on Florence, searching for any trace of unease in her expression.