THE BILLIONAIRES WIFE

0012

He still has a chance; as long as he continues to treat her kindly, one day she will realize that the one who has been by her side, loving her for a full six years, is he

-Ethan.

After Henry completed all his tasks, he rushed to the convoy, only to learn that Thomas had gone out alone, forbidding anyone to follow.

Henry sighed; each time before meeting Mrs. Collins, Thomas would retreat into a long silence. Upon his return, his mood would remain sour for the entire day.

That day was undoubtedly the most arduous one for the entire group.

He truly could not comprehend how this mother and son had come to such a state.

Spring rain fell gently, transforming what had been a bright spring day into this dreary scene in no time.

Thomas donned a black trench coat over his suit, hands tucked into his pockets, as he aimlessly wandered along the almost deserted street, occasionally catching the shy glances of blushing young girls.

His expression was one of desolation, his silhouette exuding an overwhelming sense of grievance.

He was the president of Sun International, a master of commerce known for his decisive actions; aside from his rare displays of vulnerability before Henry, he had never allowed anyone else to witness this side of him.

From the age of four, his mother had thrust him into a world of delinquents, yet she had held him to strict standards, forbidding him to acquire any vices beyond the ability to survive and protect himself.

Reflecting on it now, he was unsure how he had endured all of it.

Upon arriving at a park, he found it nearly deserted due to the rain, with the few remaining souls hurriedly making their way home.

By the lakeside stood a willow tree at least thirty years old, its branches just beginning to sprout, swaying gently in the breeze.

The fine rain dampened his handsome face, rendering his meticulously styled hair a disheveled mess, and in that moment, Thomas caught a glimpse of his former self.

Fighting, battling against thugs, confronting gang leaders, and narrowly escaping death on several occasions.

He had persevered, earning the respect of both the legitimate and the underworld, who called him either "boss" or "Boss Thomas."

Yet, none of this had ever been a choice he was given; his mother harbored only hatred in her heart!

Ignoring the increasingly torrential rain, Thomas closed his eyes, and a vision unfolded before him..

A beautiful woman, with an unmatched countenance, possessed eyes that were cold and fiercely cruel.

In her hand, she held a syringe, her face wearing an expression devoid of warmth as she shook it slightly, deliberately pushing the yellowish-brown liquid into a man's arm without a hint of hesitation.

Not far from her stood a little boy, his innocent eyes wide with disbelief at the unfolding scene. Suddenly, the woman turned to him, and the smile on her face froze upon meeting the boy's gaze...

Thomas abruptly opened his eyes, tilting his head back to let the rain blur his vision, unable to discern whether the cold liquid cascading down was rain or

tears.

'.....

After the spring rain, the sky cleared, and a faint floral fragrance lingered in the air.

"Thank you, Olivia!" Amelia said sincerely.

When Olivia informed her that Thomas had indeed sent someone to investigate her, Amelia was nearly knocked off her seat in shock.

Why was he seeking her out now? There was nothing left to discuss between them.

"It's nothing; I merely helped keep it under wraps for you."

Olivia spoke casually, though inwardly she groaned, having deployed all her social connections to settle this matter for Amelia, even spending a considerable amount of money to silence the models involved.

She could not let Amelia know the full extent of this situation, or Amelia would undoubtedly feel guilty for days.

"What do you think? After being out for so long, have you not considered returning?" Olivia asked curiously.

Amelia stirred her coffee, the bitter taste dancing at her nostrils; life resembled this cup of coffee-remarkably bitter yet still something people cling to.

"Is it that you do not wish to return, or that you fear facing Emily's father?"

Olivia refrained from naming that person, even though she was well aware of his identity, suppressing her own astonishment.

Amelia pondered for a long moment before raising her head, "Olivia, if I were alone, perhaps I would have returned to see my father long ago. However, I still have Emily. I do not know what might happen if I were to take her back; I do not mind enduring hardships myself, but I cannot bear to see Emily suffer even a little."

"You're making excuses. You claim it's for Emily's sake, but you're using her as a shield. You are afraid to confront that person."

Olivia's tone was sharp, each word piercing straight to Amelia's heart.

"Does he know?" Olivia grasped Amelia's hand, her delicate features twisted with concern. "Does he know that you like him?"

Amelia felt her hand tremble slightly, her heart racing; how could Olivia have seen through her?

"There's no need to hide it from me. If I had wanted to know, I would have asked three years ago, not now."

Amelia gazed into the distance, the image of Thomas's tall, striking figure surfacing in her mind.

Does he know? He must know!

For just before he left to study abroad, confronted with his indifference, Amelia had finally lost her composure, the word 'like' escaping her lips impulsively.

They had both been taken aback; Amelia blushed, awkwardly pushing against the door, her mouth agape, unable to articulate her earlier outburst.

What chaos would ensue if outsiders or family members were to overhear!

Yet, she had finally spoken the heartfelt truth that had been bottled up for so long.

Then he departed; the day after she confessed her feelings, he made a last-minute decision to go abroad. On his departure day, he hadn't told her, and when she rushed to the airport, her father and his mother had already emerged from inside.

Had he come to despise her to such an extent?

Amelia held her breath, looking at Olivia as if she had made a resolution, "Olivia, I think it is truly time for me to return. There are some people and things I must learn to let go of, or perhaps forget."

"Can you do that?" Faced with Emily every day, could she truly move on?

"Yes! For Emily, I will unconditionally become strong," Amelia declared.

"Olivia, I may need to trouble you to help take care of the child for a few days. I don't want my family to know about Emily's existence. I'll be back within two days at most."

"You need not worry about the child; I will look after her. However, since you acknowledge the need to let go, I hope to see the genuine smile on your face when you return."

Amelia's eyes glistened with unshed tears; how could Olivia always see through her? Was her smile not authentic?

.....

When Thomas returned to the convoy, he startled everyone; the disheveled man was nearly unrecognizable.

Henry quickly found a coat belonging to Thomas, draping it over his wet clothes.

Thomas accepted the towel, carelessly drying his face before tossing it aside, leaning weakly against the car, an expression of exhaustion etched across his features.

"Boss Thomas, should we head straight back to the mansion?" Henry tentatively inquired.