Love Me Or I Die

CHAPTER 26

For someone like Mr. and Mrs. Daniel who had no lack in anything, they preferred to receive this kind of small gifts at times.

Occasionally, she would make or draw the gifts herself.

Dora, Daniel's mum, would sometimes stare at Lucia’s stomach with much expectation in her eyes.

“Ah Dan, when are you planning to make a grandchild for me to hold?” She said it bluntly with some urgency. Her friends’ sons had gotten married, and they had grandchildren to play with. When she and her husband were at home, they might run out of topics to talk about regardless of how much they speak. Eventually, they would end up staring at each other.

This explained why they were envious.

Lucia lowered her head as her expression showed uneasiness. Her fingers spread across her stomach subconsciously, and she chewed on her lip. She could taste her tears which had fallen unknowingly. It was so bitter.

She might lose her happiness at any moment.

“Mom, we just got married not too long ago. There were no plans to have children so soon. Let us spend a couple of years to enjoy our lives together. Rest assured that you will have your grandson or granddaughter.” Daniel grabbed Lucia by her waist in one swoop. He had never hidden his intimacy with her in front of his parents.

Dora glared at her son. He might not feel rushed, but they did. Her friends’ grandchildren were old enough to mind their own business, but she had no idea when hers was coming or when she could hold her soft and fair grandson or granddaughter.

Daniel lowered his head and looked at his wife who was in his arms. He was surprised to see drops of tears on her hair. Why was she crying?

After his parents left, he lifted her face and saw her red eyes. There was evidence of her crying earlier, but she was smiling now. The smile was forced, and he felt his heart ached for her.

“Why are you crying?” He put his hand on her face and tried to see how she felt through her eyes. There was only pain besides the tears.

“Nothing.” Lucia shook her head faintly and leaned against his chest, “Ah Dan, will you be disappointed with me if I can’t conceive?”

His fingers paused. Did she know something?

“Are you suspecting your husband’s capability?” He put his hand on her hair. Weirdly enough, he really wanted to find out what it would be like for them to have a child. Would the child resemble him or her?

He quickly banished that impossible emotion.

That was not possible.

Lucia smiled and evaded the question. That smile was filled with sadness. Of course, she had no doubts about his capability. She was only doubting herself.

She sighed faintly as she continued to circle her arms around his waist. She could taste the bitterness in her mouth.

Daniel narrowed his eyes and stared at the unmoving woman in his arms. He knew she loved him. He would only know the extent of her love after he put her through his tests. He pursed his lips lightly. Something dark went past his eyes, but it was gone in a flash.

…

He grew somber as he stood in the hospital, with a cigarette in his hand. He exhaled rings of smoke as he stared at the doctor before him. “Can she be cured by any chance?”

The doctor cowered for the man’s eyes were so cold and piercing. He saw the man once on a daily basis, and he couldn’t help but shudder. It was comparable to seeing the boss of a triad who was there for a fight. If he was not careful, the boss would break his neck.

He quickly took the medical chart and flipped through it. Now, he was in a dilemma. Should he speak the truth, or should he put it across in a delicate manner? This man was unpredictable. He had trouble trying to meet the man’s expectations.

“I want the truth.” Daniel put his cigarette out and looked directly at the medical chart in the doctor’s hands. It belonged to Lucia.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Daniel. The chances of your wife conceiving are very low.” The doctor wiped the sweat off of his forehead. In reality, he was being delicate when he said the chances were low. It was impossible for her to conceive.

“Mr. Daniel, your wife is still young. If she takes care of herself, it may be possible…” He felt guilty when he said this. There was no possibility at all.

“Fine, you’ve said enough. I understand.” Daniel interrupted him and stood up. “Remember, you better shut your mouth. I don’t want anyone to find out. Do you understand?” His voice was mild, but the warning in his voice was serious.

“Yes, Mr. Daniel. I understand. I have never seen this medical chart before.” The doctor guaranteed. He was not a fool, and he would definitely keep quiet about it. If this matter got out, Daniel would kill him.

Daniel put his hands in his pockets. He felt an indescribable frustration. He had had his revenge on this woman’s body. He robbed her of her ability to be a mother; she would never be able to have her own child in this lifetime. Somehow, he could not help but wonder why he was feeling bad.

He stared out gloomily as he broke out in a smile. The show was over, and he had cast the net a long time ago. Now, it seemed it was time he started reeling in the net.

He walked faster with each step. However, the dark cloud that loomed over his head could not be dispersed.

For the past few days, Lucia realized that her husband had changed. He seemed to be really busy, be it in the company or at home. He was always bringing work home and the frequency of him smoking had increased.

She made some coffee and brought it to his room.

Knock.

“Come in, please.” A man’s voice sounded from within. His tone was cold.

She pushed the door open. Coffee could refresh a person’s mind. He would need it.

Daniel rubbed his forehead, and then he put his pen down as he noticed her. His usually sharp eyes were covered with visible blood vessels. Dark circles had also formed under his eyes. He obviously had not had a good rest for a while.

Lucia put the coffee down. Her hand moved naturally and rested on his shoulders. Every part of his muscles was tensed.

“Did something happen?” She looked at the stacks of documents in front of him. Could he really finish reading all these?

“Nothing.” His voice sounded hoarse. He took her hands in his. “Did I wake you? Alright, give me some time. After I’ve finished all the work, we will go on a holiday.”

Suddenly, she felt sad, and her heart ached. She hurt for him. He was so busy; would he think of her?

“Can I help you with anything?” Her hand still on his shoulder. She felt useless for the first time as she could not help him. With the exception of art and a bit of music, she knew nothing.

“There’s no need to.” Daniel patted her hand. “You just have to come and keep me company. I will be done soon.” He comforted her, but it only made her feel worse. Although he said ‘soon’, he still continued to work for a long time.

One night, Lucia sat as she reached out to touch Daniel’s forehead. He had been very busy lately, working till late at night every day and getting up before dawn to go to work. At times, he did not even have the time to eat.

In what way could she help him?

“Yes, how can I help you?”

“You really wish to help me?” Daniel opened his profound eyes abruptly and held her hand. His grip was so strong that she could feel the pain in her wrists. However, she did not retract her hands.

“Mmm.” Lucia nodded. “I will do anything as long as I can help.”

“Very well. You said it.” He suddenly pinned her body beneath his, and he let his madness and lust control their needs.

…

Lucia leaned on his chest. She did not know why he was behaving strangely. As if he was trying to release some pent-up energy. He had her in pain.

He had not treated her with such violence for a long time.

“I’m sorry, I hurt you.” Daniel hugged her closer. She could not see his expression in the dark, only his overly bright eyes. They looked detached.

“No. It’s not painful. I can do it if that’s what you want.” Lucia moved closer to him and circled her arms around his waist. She would accept everything about him, regardless of whether he was gentle or violent.

“Silly.” He put his hand on her small face, taking in the feel of her soft and smooth skin.

“Lucia, there has been a big problem with the company’s finances. Are you really willing to help me?” He lowered his head and kissed her on her forehead. She could not help but feel tense.

No wonder he had been so busy. There was an issue with the company. She was clueless, and she continued to enjoy everything he was giving her. He must have been very pressured. She could not imagine how he must have been feeling.

“Are you willing to do it?” Daniel asked again.

“Yes, I am. Although I’m not sure how I can help. As long as I can do it, I will do anything.” She nodded and replied without hesitation. It was as Daniel had said—silly.

He smiled. “Good girl…” He coaxed her like a child. A distracted man in the dark while a look of ruthlessness showed on his face.

…

Lucia was helpless as she looked around her in the quiet room. It was a suite in a five-star hotel. It was not a presidential suite, but no ordinary people could have afforded this. Why had he brought her here?

“Ah Dan, what are we doing here?” She looked up. Anxiousness showed in her eyes and instinctively; she felt afraid.

He looked back and rested his hand on her face. He saw her fear but had chosen to ignore it.

“You will know soon.” His expression turned aloof, and she shuddered.

His hand curved his arm and reached out. Finally, he ran it down her hair and landed on her face as if he was reluctant. He had to go. “I have to go out for a while. You stay here. Don’t leave.” His voice sounded vaguely detached. She could not hold on or get close to him.

She nodded and forced a smile. Her body was shaking. She could feel the danger instinctively, and it scared her. However, she still believed in him as she sat quietly and uneasily on the huge bed which could fit several people.

The sound of a door closing came from the doorway. She was alone in the room at the moment. She glanced at her surroundings and worked hard to hug herself tight. It was only her in the room, and she felt strangely afraid.

Time passed as seconds turned into minutes. She remained at the same position as her eyes constantly looking at the door, hoping he would come back soon.

The door opened and closed again. She stood up, and one could easily see her surprise. Was he back?

A man walked in, but he was not the Daniel she was familiar with. It was a stranger. The man looked sophisticated and handsome. He was wearing a suit which fitted his tall and sturdy frame perfectly. He was about the same height as Daniel, with profound features and a pair of dark-blue eyes which was so unlike those of an Asian’s. His nose was straight, and his lips were slightly pale, with a faint fickleness.

“Who are you?” Lucia’s hands were at her side, and she raised them. No one could accept a strange man showing up in their room.

The man continued to stand at the doorway and leaned his back against the door. He eyed her with a forced smile as she tried to keep herself calm. This was interesting.

“Mrs. Daniel, didn’t your husband tell you who I am?” He walked closer with both his hands in his pants’ pockets. Like a graceful panther, he took his time to move closer to his prey. Then, he would bite and tear off the skin and bones. Not leaving anything on the corpse.

The moment she heard that, she cowered violently. Did he know him?

“Ha…” The man laughed abruptly. “It seems like he didn’t tell you about our game, woman.”

The man strode closer and stood directly in front of her. She looked up numbly with pale-white lips as she started to tremble.

Game? What game?

“I have no idea what you are talking about. If you knew my husband, then you should know that I am his wife. He will be back.” She gripped her hands tightly and forced herself to be calm. She felt vaguely unsettled, and that pierced her heart.

The man gave her a faint smile which could have been charming, but in her opinion, it made him look like a devil. Sharp, piercing pain rattled through her.

The man looked at her face in a toying manner. His blue eyes deepened slightly. “I’m sure you knew about the problem in his company. Didn’t he tell you anything?”

The man’s thin lips curled into a smile. Lucia turned paler as she saw his mouth opened and closed.

“You don’t seriously think that he’ll be back? I told you. This is a game, and the door is over there. I won’t force you, and you may leave.” The man finished talking and sat on the huge bed, leisurely crossing his legs.

He remained unpredictable with his slightly narrowed eyes.

Lucia took a deep breath and walked towards the door. True to his word, the man did not attempt to stop her. As she put her hand on the doorknob, he abruptly started talking.

“Woman, you should know. If you choose to walk out of here, out of the door, then… the consequence will be the price of your husband’s company.”