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 was

Alston, someone took a photo of you and Miss Clayton together. Everyone’s saying that the wedding will happen soon.

going viral on social media. In the photo, he was tending to the garden while Elyse was sitting in the wheelchair looking on with a loving expression. It had been

been left under the original post. Most of them said

tighter his grip became, and the darker

to me now?” His tone

Leo’s tone before answering, “I just

been reassigned to the communication

it happened an hour

Laura than he was on anyone else. Laura had committed several mistakes even graver than this, but she had

the news with a thoughtful look in his eyes. He

one more thing I want you to do,” Leo instructed just as Eugene was about to end the call. Eugene listened dutifully, but his eyes progressively widened as he heard Leo’s command. “Yes, Mr. Alston,” Eugene

Leo was in no mood to sit around

Toby called out

perceptive look in his eyes as he asked, “Why

call between Leo

without saying anything. He didn’t

“Is it because of Amelie?” His fingers dug

Leo

that Toby had never used with Leo in

on his shoulder.

didn’t say anything. Instead, he swung

was caught off-guard and took a punch to the face. A bruise blossomed on his handsome face as blood trickled out of the corner of

didn’t answer. He swung

was up this time. He dodged Toby’s fists as he raised his own, and the

a little droopy, but she saw Brianna sitting on the bed

eyes were

asked puzzledly as she stroked

calling you.” Brianna passed

Amelie realized the phone was ringing. She quickly answered the call. “Why are you calling me this late, Julia?