Chapter 3

This man was distant and inscrutable. He was very difficult to get along with. The superiority and mystery he carried were attributes Winnie, hailing from a prestigious family herself, recognized as qualities reserved for the elite.

"My name is Lawrence," the man whispered in a low tone as she was almost asleep.

The next morning, after Winnie got up and had breakfast, she noticed Melissa Clark across from her, looking at her with a smile.

"Winnie, I think you two are a perfect match. You should take good care of yourself. Come on and have more caviar." Melissa encouraged before shifting her focus.

Winnie almost choked on her food at the madam's statement. Despite her lively demeanor, one would never guess she had only a year to live, given her pale complexion.

Winnie's gaze drifted to the handsome figure, Lawrence Rodriguez, in a white shirt and black suit at the far end of the dining table. He still wore a silver half-mask, showcasing a high, straight nose and beautiful thin lips.

However, his expression remained cold, evidently accustomed to his mother's lack of seriousness.

The servants and Melissa showed no different reaction to his mask.

This only fueled Winnie's confusion. Who exactly was he? His identity remained shrouded in mystery.

At this moment, Taylor descended from upstairs with a blanket and asked quietly, "Madam, the blanket is clean. Shall I put it away?"

Winnie glanced over, not understanding his meaning.

Melissa noticed her curiosity and explained with a smile, "This is a festive blanket, used on wedding nights. Even the servants don't understand the rules and gave it to you..."

"Your thinking is too closed-minded!" Lawrence interjected unhappily.

Approaching Winnie's table to grab some jam, he paused with his long legs and raised an eyebrow, "She was a virgin, and I know it." The insinuation was clear-first-time sexual intercourse might result in bleeding.

"Am I right?" Somewhat uncertain, he leaned closer to Winnie's ear and asked her.

Winnie's snow-white ears turned red; how could she respond to this?

Especially since he didn't leave and his cool masculine breath carried pressure, emanating a pleasant scent that stirred her skin.

Afraid that he might say even more outrageous things, she could only scoop up a spoonful of soup angrily and stuff it into his mouth, "Please eat, and speak less."

"Mrs. Rodriguez... Mr. Rodriguez has a severe case of mysophobia!" Taylor was frightened.

However, Lawrence just stared at Winnie and surprisingly swallowed the spoonful of soup, his thin lips faintly curling as he walked away.

The more composed he was, the more Winnie blushed. Looking at the spoon he had eaten from, she didn't know whether she should pick it up or not!

Melissa smirked and handed her the spoon, "Winnie, you should eat quickly. It's like having a sweet indirect kiss... Hm? What happened to your palm, child?"

She suddenly grabbed Winnie's right hand.

Winnie lowered her head. A frosty gaze appeared in her eyes. Memories of the day Ava stepped on her palm during the kidnapping resurfaced. If she hadn't known medicine and collected herbs while escaping, her hand would have been useless long ago!

Ava was jealous of her gifted hands!

"Why didn't you say anything last night?" the man said coldly, furrowing his brow slightly. "Taylor, go call the doctor," he ordered sternly.

When the family doctor arrived, Winnie was shocked. Wasn't he the most famous doctor in Lymington? The Anderson family had tried numerous times to get him to visit, but they failed every time, and yet, it seemed he was a resident in this villa?

Who in the world was Lawrence? Winnie wondered.

"Ah!" Winnie winced in pain from the medicine as it was applied.

This caught Lawrence's attention, and he put down the newspaper, immediately feeling uneasy. Crossing his long legs, he saw the horrifying scars on her small hand, remembering her fingers as soft and white that night, on his body...

He gulped, then raised an eyebrow as he stood up, commanding the doctor, "Don't leave her hand with scars!"

The doctor trembled nervously under Lawrence's instruction.

Melissa smiled and whispered to Winnie, "Seems like he really cherishes your hands. Oh, what a naughty boy!"

Winnie, with her face flushed red, was forced to understand. She had never met such an open-minded woman before. As she blushed, the man ignored her, only casting a serious glance her way every once in a while.

Melissa immediately scoffed in his direction.

...

After breakfast, Winnie and Lawrence were pushed out of the house by Melissa, "Go and get your marriage license! I won't feel at ease until you do!"

Outside, the Bentley was already parked at the door. Lawrence, being a gentleman opened the car door while Winnie awkwardly got in.

The assistant handed him a laptop as he sat in front, and he didn't say another word.

Winnie wanted to sneak a peek at his information from the laptop, but she didn't dare.

Winnie sat in the back seat and for the first time that morning had a chance to take in the day. It was a cool day, and not particularly hot even though the sun was out.

Winnie began to ponder the events of the last two days, and she was lost in her thoughts for the rest of the drive.

Soon, they arrived at City Hall.

There weren't many people getting their marriage licenses on this day, so the process should be relatively simple Winnie thought. But as soon as Winnie got out of the car, she froze as though struck by horror she saw two familiar figures!

Daniel and Ava!