Chapter 43

Angelia also noticed the unusual behavior between Mrs. Lancaster and Terence Jackson, but as an outsider, she saw through it but didn’t say anything.

“Waldo has many girlfriends, and I know of at least twenty-something young women in their twenties. He told me that he has liked young girls in their twenties since he was in his teens, and now he’s over fifty. However, Mrs. Lancaster also has more than just Terence Jackson as a lover, and Waldo knows about it,” Viola continued.

Angelia remained silent and did not speak.

“Angelia, let me tell you a secret…” Viola looked at Angelia with a sense of unease.Actually, this is the world of the rich. In the world of the rich, there are too many temptations and too many things that are unrestricted. Nowadays, young girls are too free-spirited and open-minded about sex. In the face of money and materialism, many pure things have already been corrupted.

For wealthy men, they have too much money and enough capital to play with these girls. After being in the dyeing vat for a long time, even precious gems will be stained with color and become dull and dirty.

“Angelia, I really like you. I liked you at first sight. You are not like those girls whose eyes are full of power and desire. You are very pure and rational, and you have your own beliefs.

I hope you and Jerome can be together.

However, there are some things you need to let go of and be open-minded about. Jerome is not an ordinary person. If we put him in the past, he would be the mayor.

When he likes you, he really likes you. He will also treat you well. And he also has a sense of responsibility and will not easily abandon his woman. Like Waldo, although there are many young girls around him, as long as his wife doesn’t make trouble, he can still live a comfortable life.

If Jerome has other women, Angelia, please be patient. He won’t treat you badly, I guarantee it,” Viola said earnestly.

Angelia’s heart was uncomfortable, very uncomfortable. It was like being forced to drink a lot of bitter water that couldn’t be excreted, and could only let these dirty things corrode her flesh and blood.

Although she was poor and longed for love, her eyes could not tolerate a grain of sand.

Just like Neville, who had been in love for five years and betrayed her, she would rather not have love than to humbly beg for it. No matter how sad she was, she would force herself to give up.”You’re drunk. When you take a shower later, I’ll go buy some hangover medicine for you. After you finish eating it, you can go to sleep and won’t have a headache tomorrow.” Angelia changed the subject.

Viola hugged Angelia’s arm and leaned her head affectionately on her shoulder, whispering, “Angelia, you’re so good. No wonder Jerome likes you. Whatever he likes, I will like too. Even if you are a married woman, I approve of you being together. But I don’t want you to be sad in the future. You need to be mentally prepared now so that you won’t be so sad later.”

But what should I do?

She now felt inexplicably sad, perhaps not sad, but desolate and fearful of the future.

In fact, Viola understood what she said.

Her father’s family was very wealthy and he found another woman outside, despising her mother.

Her mother was proud and fought with her father, eventually abandoning everything, including her.

She wanted to marry for love, but in the end, love was all she had and it also ended with love.

The husband doesn’t have to be very rich, just reliable, able to accompany her when she’s sick, patient to listen when she’s sad, and willing to stand up for her when she’s wronged.

Simple and plain, peaceful and stable, accompanying each other for a lifetime, holding hands on the long road of sunset…

“Angelia, Angelia.” Viola called twice before Angelia came back to her senses and looked at Viola.

“When we stopped on the eighth floor just now, we didn’t get off. We’ve passed the floor now,” Viola said.

“Oh. Oh.” Angelia apologized and pressed the eighth floor button again.

“I’m sorry,” Viola apologized. “Did what I just said make you sad?”

“It’s okay,” Angelia smiled.Viola teased, “Maybe I’m just too pessimistic, but Jerome might be a miracle. When he was in high school, I asked him what kind of girl he likes. Do you know what he told me?”

Angelina, considering the context and Jerome’s personality, replied, “Why should I like girls?”

Viola was surprised and widened her eyes, “How did you know? Did he tell you?”

Angelina smiled faintly, “It’s something he would say.”

Viola continued, “I was so worried at the time, afraid that he might like boys. I introduced him to many girls, but he didn’t even look at them. However, a few years ago, he seemed to have fallen in love with a girl and was depressed for a long time. When I asked him who she was, he wouldn’t say. Besides that girl, I’ve never seen Jerome interested in any other girl.”

The elevator beeped, and they finally reached the eighth floor.

Angelina helped Viola out and she said, “You two must be good to each other and have children early. I’ve seen too much and experienced too much, and I’ve given up on love. I won’t get married in the future, and I’ll definitely be lonely. I can help take care of your children.”

Angelina lowered her eyes. She and Jerome hadn’t even started dating, let alone getting married and having children. After sending Viola back to her room, she went to the drugstore to buy hangover medicine. On the way back, she received a call from Jerome.

“Angelia,” he called out. His voice sounded tired, and her heart ached.

“It’s already past midnight there, right?” Angelina asked softly.

“Yeah, I just wanted to hear your voice.”Angelia’s eyes turned red, “Your aunt came today, and I was supposed to surprise you, but I didn’t expect you to go abroad. She got drunk at a party with her friends, so I went to the pharmacy to buy her hangover medicine. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.”

“I didn’t expect her to come looking for you. I was planning to take you to meet her on her birthday, but she got impatient.”

“She’s pretty good and young-looking, like a beautiful older sister.”

“She’s much younger than my mother…”

“Jerome.” Whitfield’s voice came from Jerome’s end.

“It’s so late, and you still have social engagements.” Angelia muttered unconsciously.

What she didn’t know was that Jerome had been busy with social engagements since he got off the plane until now. He probably wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

He just took the time to call her.

“I’ll be busy for a while, so buy the medicine and go back early. It’s already past ten where you are, and it’s not safe for a girl to be alone at night.”

“Okay.”

“After you get back, send me a message.”

“Okay,” Angelia replied, reluctant to hang up.

Jerome hung up the phone on his end.

She suddenly felt empty inside.

There was a song whose lyrics went something like this: I don’t miss you because I’m lonely, I’m lonely because I miss you.

When she got back and opened the door, she heard Viola angrily shouting from the bathroom, “Are you crazy or have you lost your mind? Don’t tell me you did this because of her, without reason or impulse. This not only ruins you but also ruins all the trust in you! Where are you now? I want to see you.”

Angelia saw Viola come out of the bathroom with a bad expression.

When she saw Angelia, there was something strange in her eyes, and she apologized, “I’m sorry, Angelia, I have something to do and I have to leave now.””Can you be alone now? You’ve had a lot to drink, do you need any help?” Angelia asked worriedly, not wanting Viola to leave alone.

Viola shook her head. “I’m fine. My friend will come to pick me up soon, he will take care of me. It’s getting late, you should rest well. We’ll keep in touch.”

Viola started packing her luggage while Angelia didn’t know what had happened to her and didn’t feel like she could be of any help. She poured a glass of water and handed it to Viola. “Take some hangover medicine first, or you’ll have a headache tomorrow.”

Viola glanced at Angelia, then closed her luggage and stood up to take the cup from Angelia. She took the medicine, sat on the bed, and stared blankly, feeling sad and agitated.

Her phone rang. Viola answered and said, “I’ll be down now, let’s talk in the car.”

Angelia helped her with her luggage and said, “I’ll take you down.”

“Thank you,” Viola said, opened the door, and walked outside.

Angelia accompanied her to the door and saw her friend, a middle-aged man she didn’t know, with a Range Rover. He took Viola’s luggage and put it in the trunk. Viola was in a bad mood, feeling low and lost in thought. She opened the passenger door and sat there, continuing to stare blankly and lost in thought.

The man didn’t talk to Angelia, and took Viola away.

Back in the room, Angelia hesitated whether to tell Jerome about what happened. But it was Jerome’s aunt’s business, and if she didn’t want to say anything, it would be better for Angelia not to pry.

She decided not to say anything and sent a message to Jerome, telling him that she had arrived at the hotel. Jerome didn’t reply.

She took a shower, lay in bed, and tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Finally, she fell asleep and had a nightmare.

In the dream, she saw Alyssa being sold to a mountainous area by Sammie and she couldn’t contact Jerome.

Alyssa suddenly appeared, crying and calling for her mother.

She woke up in a cold sweat, feeling anxious as if something was about to happen.

She called Sammie, but he answered in an annoyed tone, asking if she was crazy for calling at such an early hour.

She expressed her desire to talk to Alyssa, but Sammie told her to wait until she woke up and hung up.

Angelia looked at the time, it was 5:25 am.

She couldn’t sleep, so she left the room, returned to Columbia, and sorted out her rented house.

Her phone rang, and it was Sammie.

She answered quickly and heard Alyssa’s voice on the other end, sounding urgent and worried.

Angelia’s heart was in her throat and her eyes were misty.

She wanted to ask where Alyssa was and if she was okay, but even if she found out, Sammie would just move her again.

Asking if she was okay would only make Alyssa more anxious.

She paused for a moment, calmed her emotions, and smiled as she said, “Mom is on a business trip, and Grandma is not feeling well. When Mom comes back from her trip, she will come to pick you up.”

Alyssa started crying, and Angelia felt heartbroken as well.

She listened quietly to Alyssa’s crying, holding back all her emotions, and comforted her by saying, “Watch TV, play with your toys, and tell Sammie what you want to eat, and he will buy it for you.”

“I don’t like it here. I can’t go out, and there are two people watching me. They won’t let me make phone calls, and they even said my grandmother died. If I don’t listen to them, they’ll kill me,” Alyssa complained.

Angelia clenched her fists. How could they threaten a child like Alyssa!

“They won’t really kill you, they’re just trying to scare you,” Angelia reassured her.

She had to get Alyssa out of there as soon as possible.

“Can my mom come pick me up today? I miss her, and my grandmother, and the bald guys,” Alyssa choked out.

“Give your phone to Sammie, I need to talk to him,” Angelia said.

Alyssa raised her hand and handed the phone to Sammie.

Sammie answered the phone and said, “Alyssa has gained a few pounds since she’s been here. Don’t worry, I’m taking good care of her.”

“Sammie, can you step outside? I don’t want Alyssa to hear our conversation,” Angelia requested.

“Sure, I’m outside now. What do you need to say?” Sammie replied.

“I can’t wait until I’m pregnant to see Alyssa. It’s been too long, and I’m going to break down. Alyssa is sad that she can’t see me either,” Angelia said.

“Angelia, I’m afraid you’ll leave me,” Sammie said.

“If we sleep together, can I have Alyssa back after? Besides the rape five years ago, I haven’t been with a man,” Angelia nervously asked.

Sammie remained silent.

“If you want to, we can do it at noon. But after that, you have to give Alyssa back to me,” Angelia negotiated.

Sammie still didn’t say anything.

Angelia was getting anxious. She had to get pregnant, and if Sammie didn’t agree, it would be difficult to achieve.”We are still husband and wife. If I have any improper thoughts, you can arrest Alyssa again. What are you afraid of? I am the weaker one here. Now, I am willing to sleep with you, but do you really need me to be reluctant for you to be happy? After all, we are going to spend a lifetime together, not just a momentary encounter,” Angelia continued.

“Do you really mean that?” Sammie asked, somewhat incredulously.

“Do you think I am not sincere enough? Alyssa is in your hands. What can I do if I am not willing?” Angelia became a bit angry.

Sammie thought for a moment, “Where are you now?”

“On the way back to Columbia,” Angelia replied.

“Let’s meet for lunch. Do you want to come to my place, yours, or a hotel?” Sammie asked.

Going to his place was impossible. It wouldn’t be good to switch with Aimee. If she really got with Sammie, she would have no way out.

But going to a hotel was also risky. Unless Aimee hid in the closet ahead of time, opening the closet would make noise and could easily be discovered. After thinking it over, she decided to go to Angelia’s place.

“I’ll come to your place. Are we having lunch there?” Angelia asked.

“Yes, we must eat,” Sammie agreed readily.

“Let’s meet at twelve,” Angelia said.

“Okay,” Sammie agreed happily.

Angelia hung up the phone and called Aimee. “I invited Sammie to my place. Please transfer the money to my account and I will send you my address.”

“Okay, what is your account number?” Aimee replied readily.

“I will message you the details. Once I receive the money, I will send you my address. Also, can you please buy two identical dresses?” Angelia requested, sending her bank account details.

Aimee was quick to transfer the money to her account. Soon, Angelia saw Aimee.Aimee surveyed her room, “You live in such a shabby place.”

Angelia didn’t bother with her question, walked into her room, and efficiently changed the bedsheets and duvet cover to red.

“If you want to smoothly become Sammie’s mistress, remember to reveal the news only after you get pregnant. Otherwise, if you just sleep with him, Sammie won’t marry you, and you don’t have enough capital for Amanda Charles to accept you,” Angelia reminded.

Aimee was unhappy but also aware that Angelia was right. She said coldly, “I know.”

“No matter what I say to Sammie, you have to hold back and not reveal anything, otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain,” Angelia continued.

Aimee nodded in agreement.

“Try not to make any noise during the process, and try not to let him touch you too much. You know. You and I are very different,” Angelia advised.

Aimee’s face looked worse, deliberately saying, “I heard yours was done through surgery.”

“I don’t have that much money,” Angelia retorted, reminding her, “We use darkness as a signal. When you do it, try not to be too enthusiastic. Sammie doesn’t like overly enthusiastic women.”

“Where should I hide?” Aimee asked, looking at the bed, “Under the bed?”

Angelia didn’t want to hide under the bed, feeling their vibrations made her nauseous. She moved the paper box at the far end of the groove and placed it under the bed, then moved the empty paper box in the groove outside.

“You’re thin, so there shouldn’t be any problem hiding in there,” Angelia said.

Aimee pushed the paper box, “I pushed three at once, which was a bit inconvenient. If it fell over, it would definitely make a sound.””I will use solid adhesive to glue the three cardboard boxes together in a bit. With just a push, they can easily be opened,” said Angelia. “Also, we will wear the same clothes and use the same perfume. After you finish, there should be no time for cuddling as it could lead to trouble. You need to get up immediately.”

“Okay.”

Angelia opened her computer and printed two copies of the agreement, handing one to Aimee. “Sign it.”

Aimee glanced at the agreement and frowned. “You are only helping me once. What if I don’t get pregnant?”

“You should have brought a collector. Sperm can survive for a week. Of course, if you are not pregnant after a week, give me another million. Who knows, I might still be willing to help you,” Angelia replied.

“You are so cunning,” Aimee sneered and signed the agreement.

“Change into your clothes in my room. Although I have a dinner appointment with Sammie here at noon, I can’t guarantee he won’t arrive early. I still need to go out and buy groceries,” Angelia said.

“But if you cook, won’t you smell like food?” Aimee worried.

“I will only cook two or three dishes. The rest will be pre-cooked. I will try to get Sammie to drink more. When he’s drunk, his judgment will be poor,” Angelia explained.

“No, if you drink and I don’t, it won’t work,” Aimee said, suspicious of Angelia’s plan.

“I will put white wine in a spray bottle. You can spray it into your mouth a few times. He won’t suspect you as much as he would me,” Angelia suggested.

“Then you should hurry and prepare. If he comes at 10, it will be a waste of time,” Aimee urged.