Impulsive Vow to an Enigmatic Husband novel Chapter 25

"I've been hanging out with Ben, first, because he's single, and second, because no one's talking smack about us, so I don't have to worry about gossip getting to me."

Cornelia really wanted to shout this at Marcus, but in front of the high and mighty CEO of the Hartley Group, she was just a small assistant. He could crush all her efforts with a single word, and she had no power to argue with him.

Cornelia didn't say a word, just staring at him as he stared back.

Though he was the one who got mad at her for no reason, now he looked at her as if she had done something wrong, waiting for his judgment.

Even from a few meters away, Cornelia felt like she was going to be 'burned' by his anger.

She quietly sat back down and focused on eating.

After a long silence, Marcus spoke again, his voice much softer this time, "Finish up and go back to rest. If you feel unwell, see a doctor."

Cornelia obediently nodded, "Yes."

Usually, Marcus was scary enough, but an angry Marcus was like a terrifying demon. Staying in the same space with him for even a second was torture.

Cornelia ate a little and quickly returned to her room.

Back in her room, her smile vanished the moment she closed the door, and the pain from her injured arm made her grit her teeth.

She didn't want others to see her weakness, nor did she want to see their pity or sympathy. Only when she was alone did she dare to take off her mask and reveal her true emotions.

Her arm injury had been treated with care by the doctor, but the wound was large, so how could it not hurt? Her laughter earlier was just a cover.

Now, it wasn't just her arm that throbbed. Cornelia also felt a pang in her abdomen, akin to menstrual cramps. However, her cycle was always punctual, and it was still over a week away.

Cornelia went to the bathroom and found out she indeed had her period.

She immediately called the hotel front desk for help, but since the hotel wasn't open yet, personal items weren't fully stocked.

So, Cornelia endured the pain, put on a down jacket, and left the hotel.

There were few streetlights outside, and it was drizzling, making it hard to see the road.

Walking alone on the dark, damp path, listening to the strong wind, Cornelia felt scared. She quickly tightened her down jacket, as if it would make her feel safer.

Seeing the supermarket not far ahead, a stray dog suddenly appeared and rushed towards her, startling her.

Fortunately, she had quick reflexes, crouching down and pretending to pick up a stone, which scared the dog back a few steps.

Seeing this method worked, she repeated the action, and the dog retreated again. But soon, the dog realized it had been tricked and rushed at Cornelia like crazy.

Just when Cornelia thought she couldn't escape, she closed her eyes in fear. However, the expected pain didn't come, and instead, she heard the dog's shriek.

In the rainy night, such a scream sent shivers down her spine.

Cornelia opened her eyes to see Ayden, his eyes filled with terrifying murderous intent, holding the dying dog.

Both the man and the dog in front of her scared her.

Cornelia instinctively took a step back, "Ayden, why are you here?"

She recollected that Ayden hadn't joined them on their West Region venture this time, yet now, he surprisingly materialized before her, piquing her curiosity.

As was his norm, Ayden regarded her with an impassive face, remained silent, and ambled away cradling the ailing dog.