A Matter of Wife and Love by Mila

Toby remained quiet for quite some time. His brows were tightly knitted together, and he felt torn.

After a while, he stepped back abruptly and rubbed his forehead. “Sorry about that. I had a little too much to drink.”

As his hand fell back down to his side, he regained his pleasant, gentlemanly demeanor. He then nodded at Amelie and left.

She stared at his retreating figure in confusion. Although she could tell that he was in a bad mood, she didn’t know why. I guess something must’ve happened, she thought to herself as she turned around and went back in.

Behind her, the elevator door came to a close. The warm, gentle smile on Toby’s face slowly vanished as his features contorted in pain. His long sleeves kept his clenched fists hidden from sight. It had taken him all the self-restraint he had to not blurt out the last thing he wanted to say.

He didn’t tell Amelie that he discovered her secret an hour ago. In the past, he suspected that she was Big Eyes, and now, he had been proven correct.

He didn’t go to Leo with this information right away. Instead, he came to look for Amelie first, but he had no idea why he did that.

For some reason, his chest was killing him. It felt as if someone had stabbed a dagger right through his heart.

When he thought about everything Amelie had to suffer throughout her marriage while staying with the Alstons, the pain he felt became so excruciating that he almost gasped for air. What was it like to cling to hope in the middle of despair? How did she survive those times? It’s Amelie’s business, so why does my heart hurt so badly?

Toby pressed his fist against his chest. Deep down inside, he knew why, but he dared not say it. If he did, Amelie would stay away from him. He even had to use the excuse of being drunk just to see her.

Toby went back to Prix Bar. He owned the establishment, so no one stopped him along the way. Once he got back to the private room, he lay down on a couch and covered his head.

“What’s up with you?” When Leo came in, he was surprised to find Toby in this state.

Leo was used to being stern and indifferent. He rarely showed any emotions in his expression, but he still knew how to express concern for others.

Toby’s hand moved away slightly as he turned to look at Leo.

Soon, he started laughing.

Leo was even more puzzled by the laughter. He walked over to the other side, bent down, and poured himself a drink.

Leo was in a bit of a funk as well because of Amelie. She didn’t even want to listen to my explanation. It’s clear she doesn’t care about me anymore.

This was what he wanted all along, but now that his wish came true, his mood was sour. It felt as if his chest had been replaced by an empty cavern—a hollowed-out hole.

Leo’s phone rang. It

you and Miss Clayton together. Everyone’s saying that the wedding will happen

and started tapping. True enough, he saw a photo of him and Elyse going viral on social media. In the photo, he was tending to the garden while Elyse was sitting in

of them

tighter his grip became, and the darker

me now?” His

the iciness in Leo’s tone before answering,

Eugene’s return, Laura had been

happened an hour ago?” Leo’s voice became

than he was on anyone else. Laura

a thoughtful look in his eyes. He sighed to himself as he replied, “Yes, Mr.

you to do,” Leo instructed just as Eugene was about to end the call. Eugene listened dutifully, but his eyes progressively

Leo was in no mood to sit

out

perceptive look in his eyes as he asked, “Why are you treating

the call

saying anything. He didn’t plan on

it because of Amelie?” His fingers

mistaken,” Leo

Toby had never used with

sudden, he felt a grip on his shoulder.

anything. Instead, he swung his fist right at

bruise blossomed on his handsome face as blood trickled out of the corner of his lips. “Toby! Have

answer. He swung his fist

this time. He dodged Toby’s fists as he raised his own,

but she saw Brianna sitting on

eyes were bright and

is it?” Amelie asked puzzledly

you.” Brianna passed the phone

was only then that Amelie realized the phone was ringing. She quickly answered the call. “Why are you calling me