My Darling, My Dearest

Chapter 19

Jack became fully awake at once. With a frown, he lifted the quilt off himself and got up.

Rachel didn't know why nobody in the house had woken them up. When she finally went downstairs, she found the servants cleaning.

But other than that, the whole house was quiet. "Where are Dad and Mom?" she asked.

"They went out early in the morning," one of the servants answered.

It immediately became obvious to Rachel that Jonathan and Tracy were intentionally giving them space. Rachel seldom stayed up late. But since she hadn't slept until early in the morning, it was not strange that she had overslept.

But why had Jack gotten up so late? Rachel's heart was overcome with doubt, but she had no time to ponder over anything. She glanced at the clock and hurriedly called the hospital.

It was well known among the hospital staff that Rachel never came to work late, nor did she leave early. So, her abnormal behavior over the past few days had attracted the attention of the senior staff.

Now that Rachel had overslept this morning, she asked for leave, but this only worried Director Yu, who was on the other end of the line. "It doesn't matter. Do you have any problems at home?" ■3

Rachel seemed to be in a tough spot these days. Recently, Eric had been admitted to the hospital.

Then, just a few days after being discharged, he had been admitted again! On top of that, Rachel had already asked for leave yesterday. Naturally, Director Yu was worried that Rachel was facing some kind of trouble.

However, Rachel quickly assured Director Yu that nothing was wrong and explained that she was asking for leave because she had overslept. Upon hearing this, Director Yu immediately breathed a sigh of relief. The two of them chatted for a few more seconds before hanging up the phone.

Knowing that Rachel had a strong background, Director Yu gave special treatment to her. Moreover, Rachel was outstanding in her work.

Bosses liked hard-working employees, and they liked outstanding employees who maintained a low profile even more.

Rachel had always done a good job, but she had never been greedy or arrogant. This was the reason why everyone got along well with her even though they were envious of her.

Although Rachel was a little bit aloof, she kept a good relationship with other people.

After hanging up the phone, Rachel wanted to call Jonathan so that she could leave for the hospital.

When she was about to dial Jonathan's number, however, a servant walked up to her and asked, "Mrs. Fu, would you like to have lunch here?" Before Rachel could answer, she heard a low voice from behind. "Yes, you can go and prepare."

Jack walked up to Rachel. "I'll take you to the hospital after you finish eating."

His words came as such a surprise to Rachel that she didn't even try to hide it. Anyway, she had no interest in going with Jack, so she replied, "There's no need for that. Aren't you busy? I'll ask Stuart to take me there."

"I'm going in the same direction as you are," Jack replied casually.

The same direction? Where was he going? His company was in the north of the city while her hospital was in the south.

But seeing that Jack had made up his mind, Rachel didn't say anything more. If he wanted to be his free chauffeur, she would let him.

After lunch, Jack started the car and waited for Rachel, who was making a quick phone call.

Much to his happiness, Jonathan heard from Rachel that his son was taking her to work.

After hanging up the phone, Rachel got into Jack's car, internally sighing at the fact that she couldn't live up to her father-in-law's goodwill.

Rachel knew that it would take them nearly an hour to reach the hospital, and she was very full, so she quickly dozed off.

She had tried to stay awake for a while, but finally, she hadn't been able to resist. Exhaustion had overcome her and soon, she was sleeping with her head against the window. ■3

For someone who had a regular lifestyle, her rhythm had been suddenly interrupted. As a consequence, she had fallen into a deep sleep.

While waiting for the red light, Jack turned his head and saw Rachel quietly leaning her head against the window.

Her face was as small as his palm, and she had delicate and beautiful features. Her eyelashes were so long that they hid her cold eyes.

As Jack continued to stare at her, he realized that her skin was as white as milk and flawless, without the slightest trace of a blemish.

He was so lost in admiring her face that the driver in the car behind him pressed their horn several times before he jerked back to reality.

Only then did Jack realize that he had unconsciously stretched his hand out to touch Rachel's face. He frowned and quickly withdrew his hand. Then, with his lips slightly pursed, he drove through the last green light.

When Rachel finally woke up from her deep sleep and looked around, she realized that she was alone in the car.

She rubbed her sore neck for a while, and then looked out and realized that she had reached the hospital. Why hadn't Jack woken her up?

She unfastened her seatbelt and took a look at her watch. Judging by the time, they must have arrived almost an hour ago!

When she got out of the car, she saw Jack standing a few steps away with a cigarette between his slender fingers. The thin smoke twisted in the air ■3

as it slowly rose up. Upon hearing the sound of the car door, Jack cast a glance at the car, extinguished the cigarette in his hand, and threw it into the trash can nearby.

Rachel calmed down and figured that she should bid him goodbye. When she was about to open her mouth, however, she was interrupted by Jack. "Where is Eric's ward?" he asked.

"On the 15th floor. Room 8023."

"Lead the way."

'How does he know that Eric is in the hospital?' Rachel wondered.

At that moment, Eric was lying in the bed, feeling bored.

He didn't feel like watching a movie to pass the time.

Just then, his friends called him and asked him to come and hang out with them.

When Eric told them that he was in the hospital, they cautiously asked if it was because of Celine.

That day, everyone present had been taught a lesson, especially those who had forced Celine to drink.

Eric told them the truth without any hesitation. To his surprise, as soon as these friends heard that he was hospitalized because of Celine, they quickly gave an excuse and hung up, afraid that they might get into trouble as well.

Eric sat there stunned with his phone still pressed to his ear, unable to believe what had just happened. 'Are these people my friends? ■3

Fuck!' Before Eric could vent his anger, however, the door of the ward was suddenly opened.

When he glanced at the door, he was so shocked that he almost fell down from his bed. It was Jack.

Just before Jack opened the door, he said to Rachel, "You don't have to come in. I need to talk to him alone."

Rachel just nodded and said, "He is stupid. Be gentle with him."

Jack's mouth twitched, but he didn't answer and pushed open the door.

Although Rachel's words had been vague and simple, Jack had understood her immediately.

Rachel had hoped that Jack could spread the word to instill fear in Eric, but she had never imagined that he would come here to personally threaten Eric.

Not long after, Jack steadily walked out of the room.

The moment he opened the door, Rachel felt as if there was a holy light shining behind him.

Then, she walked past Jack to enter the ward and saw Eric sitting on the bed in a daze. The bruises on his face had turned black and blue. His hand was wrapped in gauze that he had still not taken off.

Eric turned around in a panic when he heard footsteps coming in again, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Rachel.

Then, he looked out of the door nervously and ■3

whispered to Rachel, "Rachel! Close the door! Close it!"

Rachel turned around and closed the door as he asked. With a smile on her lips, she thought to herself, 'Poor boy...1

By the time she turned around, however, the smile on her face had disappeared, and she looked calm and expressionless as usual.

Eric jumped out of the bed and ran to Rachel. Sounding terrified, he pointed to the door and whispered, "Rachel, why did he come here? Why did he come to my ward?" "Yes, I just saw him.

What did he say to threaten you?"

"He threatened me! I..." Eric suddenly stopped and looked at her suspiciously. "How do you know that he threatened me?"

Rachel put her hands in her pockets and subtly averted her eyes. "I don't think he came here to have a cup of tea with you," she said sarcastically.

Scratching his head, Eric murmured, "So you'd believe if I told you that he came here to beat me up?"

Rachel smiled. "Yes, I trust you."

Eric's intention had been to gain some sympathy from Rachel, but when he actually heard her affirmative reply, he was almost enraged to death. He flushed and said, "He threatened me! He said he would kill me!"

He looked aggrieved, like a bullied child who was complaining to an adult.

Eric was only 23 years old. He hadn't ■3

completed his university education because he wanted to make money. He was the apple of his parents' eye, allowed to do whatever he wanted. In the end, his family had forced him to work in this city so that Rachel would be there to take care of him.

But Rachel had her own set of rules. Unlike her parents, she didn't allow Eric to do whatever he liked.

She had found out many of Eric's shortcomings only after he had come to live with her, but she had patiently talked to him several times about them.

However, it was like her words went into one of his ears and came out of the other.

Anyway, Rachel had recently become a little busy with her work and hadn't had time to take care of Eric. The other day, he had been drinking with his friends, but he had almost had his hands cut off by Jack.

Rachel wanted to take this opportunity to teach Eric a good lesson so that he wouldn't mess with Jack again.

She breathed out slowly, and her face suddenly became deep and serious. She raised her hand and patted Eric on the shoulder as she said, "Eric, I'm not going to lie to you. In this city, the one person you should not offend is Jack. He is ruthless, and everyone knows that. If you really love someone to the extent that you don't mind losing your life, then you don't have to listen to me." Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Eric took a moment to register what Rachel was saying. Then, raising his eyebrows in a panic, ■3

he said hesitantly, "Is he a gangster?"

Rachel smiled and patted Eric on the head. "Don't be silly. He is the heir of the Fu family. How can you think that he is from the underworld? As long as he wants to, he can do much more horrible things than any gangster. Don't provoke him, especially not by going after his lover. Got it? This is the last time I'll talk to you about this matter. It's not as if I like meddling in your affairs."

Recalling that Celine brought him soup a few days ago, Eric was on the verge of breaking down. He had said that he had the courage to compete fairly with Jack. However, after Jack dropped by his ward just now, he was thoroughly crushed. Jack coldly warned him against pursuing Celine.

Eric stuttered, "He...must be joking, huh? He's...your husband."

Curling her lips, Rachel said, "You have seen his cruelty several times. Do you think he will let you go just because you're my cousin? Just stop it, Eric! Don't make trouble for me anymore. If you something bad happens to you, I have to commit suicide to apologize to our parents!"

Eric's face turned pale. He lowered his head and said in a low voice, "Rachel... I'm sorry."

Again, Rachel patted him on the shoulder and said, "Have a good rest. I'm going back to work now."

"Okay," replied Eric weakly.

Since the hospital's door panel was thin, the room wasn't soundproof. Jack, who was standing outside, heard clearly their conversation. ■3

In fact, Jack didn't take Eric seriously. And, Rachel was right. For them, Eric was just a tool Celine used to irritate him. Eric was never really a threat.

However, Jack didn't know what was wrong with him today. In a spur of the moment, he just decided to come here and warned Eric to stop pestering Celine.

In the end, he attributed it to lack of sleep and dizziness. Subconsciously, Jack touched the cigarette pack and felt the urge to smoke to cheer himself up.

At that moment, Rachel came out from the ward. Seeing that he was going to smoke, she kindly reminded him, "Hey! Remember, you can't smoke here."

Pausing a bit, he returned the cigarette pack back in his pocket. Looking at Rachel for a moment, he suddenly bent forward and whispered with a small smile, "Am I famous for being cruel? Why didn't I know about it?"

A little embarrassed, Rachel lowered her head. She knew Jack heard everything.

Because Eric was still young and inexperienced, it was easy for her to deceive him.

Admitting that she spoke ill of Jack inside the ward, Rachel cleared her throat and said, "Let's talk over there."

Having no objection, Jack followed. Though he didn't have anything to say anymore, he wanted to hear what she would say.

Not long after, Jack's phone rang loudly in the ■3

empty corridor.

It kept ringing since Jack didn't answer it.

Rachel just didn't want Eric to hear whatever she would say. But in reality, she didn't have anything to tell Jack.

As she was about to find an excuse to say goodbye, Jack suddenly grabbed her hand. He immediately put something cold into her hand.

Looking at her hand, she was stunned and didn't know how to react. Then, Jack said, "I already granted your request. Shouldn't you do something in return?"

His phone screen was displaying Celine's name. Confused, Rachel looked at him.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Jack's face. As briefly as he could, he explained, "As you said that day, she needs a little stimulation."

Enlightened, Rachel smiled. Putting her free hand inside her pocket, she answered the phone. "Hello."

At the other end of the line, Celine was stunned for a moment. She thought she dialed a wrong number and checked her phone screen carefully. When she saw that the number was right, she replied angrily, "Who are you? Why do you have Jack's phone?"

Looking at the plain tiles at her feet, Rachel smiled again. She slowly replied, "It's Rachel, Miss Duan. What can I do for you?"

Suddenly, Rachel heard a glass breaking in the background, followed by Celine's sharp but slightly ■3

quivering voice, "Where is Jack? Why did you answer his phone? What are you two doing?"

Instinctively, Rachel turned to glance at Jack, who walked with her leisurely and seemed not to listen to their conversation.

They passed by the window; the sun's rays shone brightly on his handsome face. It was dazzling, but there was no appreciation of its beauty in his eyes.

The man Celine loved was so cunning. There was no way she could be a match for him. But it seemed that Jack still couldn't make her completely fall for him. It was a bit unbelievable.

Personally, Rachel thought that it wasn't right for Jack to do this. No matter what, she was his nominal wife, and Celine was his woman. He shouldn't have let Rachel answer the call.

Though they both knew his real purpose of asking his nominal wife to talk to his mistress, Rachel found it ridiculous to make two women fight for a man. He should solve his problem on his own.

'He is asking his wife to help him woo his mistress. How absurd!' Rachel thought.

While Rachel was complaining to herself, she answered the phone in disdainful and arrogant tone. "Does it have anything to do with you? It's none of your business, Miss Duan."

When Jack turned to look at her, he saw Rachel's expressionless face, which looked really weird. It looked like she was holding a script and was reading the lines accordingly.

"Sorry, he's not here now. You want to know his whereabouts? Do I need to tell you?"

Rachel answered the phone with words full of sarcasm.

But her face remained deadpan. All of a sudden, Jack was confused. He gave Rachel his phone because he wanted to know if she was willing to help him.

He wasn't stupid enough to ask a woman to help him deal with another woman. However, Celine was a pain in the butt lately, so he thought he should give her a lesson.

And he believed Rachel was the best choice since she proposed this in the first place.

Not noticing anything, Rachel didn't see the meaningful eyes boring into her. Celine, on the other hand, was so anxious that she wanted to find Rachel as soon as the girl kept quiet.

'What an immature girl!' Rachel sighed in her mind. However, she was surprised when the phone was snatched away from her hand.

Before she could react, she saw Jack holding the phone and already moving in the opposite direction.

Now that he had achieved his goal, he took his phone away. All Rachel could do was just shook her head. Then, she took out her phone and checked the time. Since there was still one hour before her duty, she turned to the direction of her office.

Just as Rachel expected, Jack took the phone back to coax Celine, who was about to lose her temper. ■3

At the other end of the line, Celine was about to cry because of Rachel. Then, all of a sudden, she heard Jack's voice. Her first thought was to vent her anger. However, when she heard his indifferent voice, she started to panic.

Instead of coaxing her as usual, Jack asked a few questions instead. Hearing him, Celine was completely flustered.

Relaxing herself, Celine coquettishly poured out her grievances to Jack. After a while, his voice softened.

"I'm really sorry, Jack. I shouldn't have treated you like that yesterday. Would you like to spend some time with me today? I will cook for you."

Jack loved her cooking. However, Celine didn't like to do it as much because she didn't like cooking. Moreover, she never went there anymore after learning Jack's marriage.

What Celine believed was after Jack ate the food she prepared, he would eat Rachel's food when he got home.

To be honest, Celine didn't believe Jack at all. If there was nothing between him and Rachel, why didn't they divorce after so many years? What men said were all lies.

Because she was really mad at Jack, she started acting like a spoiled child, changing her attitude from time to time. When Jack became really angry at her, she would bow down and apologize. This was her tactic.

Had it been someone else, Jack wouldn't have been bothered. But he seemed to be obsessed with her.

■3

However, Celine was getting more and more unreasonable recently. Every time she used this trick, Jack usually gave in.

They would go to her apartment and eat together. Once the dinner was over, they would settle their issues. And, everything would be back to normal where Jack would hold and kiss her.

The ever confident Celine believed that Jack would forgive her as easily as before.

Unexpectedly, Jack said flatly, "I'll see you next time."

When Celine heard this, she was so scared. "Jack! I was wrong. Will you leave me?"

Hearing her cry, Jack could not bear it anymore. He explained, "Don't think too much. I'm going south for a few days."

After hanging up the phone, Jack returned to the place where he and Rachel were before. But she was no longer there. 'Where did she go?' he wondered.

Checking his phone for Rachel's number, he discovered he didn't have it.

Furthermore, Jack didn't know where Rachel's office was.

Standing still for a while, he suddenly didn't understand why he was looking for her. Especially now that he had already achieved what he wanted.