Chapter 1187: Heartache

Theodore turned, glancing at the woman. He inhaled deeply from his cigarette, extinguishing the butt before saying, "Take off your clothes."

The woman was startled. She'd taken a job the previous night, accompanying a man at a bar. Seeing Theodore, she'd been secretly pleased. He was a frequent patron, known for his good looks and generosity. Though she hadn't seen him in a while, she'd heard he'd secretly married and had a child. Seeing him again, she thought, "Men are all the same." She believed he wouldn't resist her. She'd been pursuing him since the night before, but he'd only allowed her to drink with him, refusing any further advances. Even her own initiative had been rebuffed. Cautious all night, unsure of his intentions and fearful of angering him, they'd slept separately. He'd spent the night smoking by the French window. In the morning, he'd turned on his computer when the phone rang. He handed it to her, asking for help connecting it.

"Just make her think we've slept together," he said.

Confused but afraid to disobey, she prepared to perform her part, but the call ended before she could speak. Returning the phone, she was surprised when he again asked her to undress. She'd almost believed him to be a changed man.

What was happening now? "Take it off," he repeated.

Quickly regaining her composure, she obeyed. After all, she was merely a companion. Undressing was second nature to her. Soon, she was naked; he'd also removed his shirt.

"Come here, hold me," he instructed.

Obediently, she clung to him. He took several pictures with his phone, then pushed her away, nearly knocking her over as he dressed. He tossed some cash onto the coffee table and left. She stared at his retreating back, then at the thick wad of money, dazed.

Theodore reached the garage, sat in his car, opened his chat with "Little Bunny," and selected a photo. It had been a while; he hadn't sent it yet. He tossed the phone aside, slammed the gas pedal, and sped away.

He arrived home. Opening the door, he saw Little Bunny doing housework, seemingly cheerful.

She ran to him, beaming. "Welcome home!"

"Didn't you go to work today?"

"My agent just called; the job was cancelled. I saw the house was a bit dirty, so I started cleaning. It's so big, I've only managed a small area," she complained.

"We have a housekeeper; you don't need to do this," he said coldly.

"I had nothing else to do. Besides, are you going out again today?"

"Hmm."

"I'll cook for you."

"Um."

"Are you going to shower and go to bed?"

"Um."

"I'll help you."

She quickly put down her cleaning cloth and went to prepare a bath. When she finished, Theodore stood at the bathroom door.

"You can go now," she smiled.

"Little Bunny, is there anything you want to ask me?"

"What?"

"Never mind." He left, closing the door.

Little Bunny watched the door, her smile fading. She'd tried to forget this morning's events, but her thoughts lingered; otherwise, she wouldn't be distracting herself with housework.

Theodore showered and found Little Bunny cooking. He glanced at her, then sat on the sofa, ignoring her. She remained silent, diligently preparing his favorite dishes. She even opened two bottles of beer, pouring herself a glass.

"Theodore, dinner's ready," she called.

He put down the remote, deliberately placing his phone on the coffee table, before entering the dining room.

"Would you like to try it? I made lots of dishes," she said eagerly.

Seemingly indifferent, he picked up his fork, took a bite of chicken.

"Is it delicious?"

"Yeah."

"Then eat more," she smiled. She reached for the serving dishes.

"Little Bunny, could you get my phone?"

"Okay."

She retrieved his phone. The first thing she saw was a picture of him intimately embracing another woman—completely nude. A sharp pain pierced her chest. He sat there, watching her back, aware of her subtle movements, knowing she'd seen it.

She must hate him now, right?

He continued eating and drinking, leisurely.

She returned the phone. He glanced at her; her face revealed no emotion. Calmly, they ate together, as if nothing had happened.

"Do you want a drink?" he asked.

She nodded, smiling sweetly. "Okay."

He wondered how she could smile. She should have slapped him. He'd expected it—a slap.