Chapter 780
Wooing My Ex-Wife
After lounging in the hospital for two days, her belief that the rumors were false strengthened.
People were saying Cedrick and Gwendolyn were the model couple of Salinsburgh, looking perfect and sweet from every camera angle. It seems to me that theyâre probably putting up a front. Cedrick doesnât seem to feel any lust toward Gwendolyn despite her beauty. Every time he came to the hospital, all he ever did was chat with me. Meanwhile, the guards got to enjoy meals from a five-star hotel. He was so gentle with me, but beneath his soft words hinted at a sliver of estrangement as though the couple werenât as close as they seemed. Iâve been here a few days but donât see Cedrick buying me a new phone. He merely assigned more guards to watch over me and forbade me from going anywhere. I havenât heard anything from Boss either, so I donât have any of the latest intel.
The woman sighed as she studied her face in the small mirror on the table. A few minutes later, she began spacing out with her chin resting on her palms.
A grim expression marred her pretty face when she thought of her superiorâs command for her mission.
âWhat are you thinking?â
A deep yet gentle male voice sounded from the bedside, startling her.
She turned around, saw Cedrickâs handsome face, and instantly steadied herself.
âH-Hubby, why didnât you make a sound when you came in?â
Cedrickâs intense gaze lingered on her face as if he was seeing someone else through her.
He then averted his gaze when he saw the confusion in her eyes. âYou were lost in thought, Gwenny, so you didnât notice me entering,â he calmly explained.
The corners of her lips curled into a sweet smile. âI was just thinking about you, and you appeared.â
Cedrick remained seated by the bed, his demeanor still somewhat indifferent as he listened to her speak. âI should be able to be discharged today, right, Hubby? I havenât seen Benny and Zendy for a week now. Iâm anxious and want to see them as soon as possible.â
For the past two days, the doctor has been examining me and keeping me here by insisting I have high blood glucose, optic neuropathy, or low blood pressure. Iâm bored out of my brain, staying in the narrow confines of this room!
Cedrick chuckled softly. âWell, Iâm actually here to talk about getting you discharged. Iâve spoken to the doctor, and he said your condition has stabilized. You can leave the hospital today.â
âReally? Thatâs great!â
Ecstatic at the news, the woman quickly got out of bed and began to pack her belongings.
However, there wasnât much for her to pack, considering she was kidnapped in the first place, and Cedrick didnât have many items for her after rescuing her.
Cedrick tucked his hand in the pockets of his suit pants and walked out of the room, leaving her to pack up.
Five minutes later, she came out of the room with only a small bag, which contained all the toiletries she had from the past few days.
The officers standing by the door were observant and kindly assisted her with her bags.
As she looked around the inpatient department hallway, Cedrick was nowhere to be seen. âWhereâs my husband?â the woman asked.
âMr. Jenson went to the smoking room.â
âOkay, then bring my things downstairs, and get me a strawberry mousse from the five-star hotel next door. I want to eat it on the way back.â
âYes, maâam.â
With a haughty demeanor, the woman spoke as if they were her subordinates before whirling around and striding confidently toward the smoking room, in search of Cedrick.
âYes, maâam.â
With a haughty demeanor, the woman spoke as if they were her subordinates before whirling around and striding confidently toward the smoking room, in search of Cedrick.
The smoking roomâs glass door allowed her to see Cedrick smoking by the window when she stood in the doorway.
He had taken off his blazer and was wearing only a white, silky shirt. With his sleeves rolled up, his toned arms and bulging veins were on display.
As he blew a smoke ring, the screen of smoke obscured the melancholy and coldness in his eyes. The sharp angles of his jaw added to his regal presence, and his every movement exuded sensuality. His perfect waistline and frame completed the captivating image he presented.
This man is too tempting.
âGwendolynâ stood on the other side of the door, admiring him for a while. His charms were irresistible, and she couldnât help but succumb to them.
Her conviction strengthened as she arched her brow and smiled wickedly. âItâs a shame not to enjoy such a perfect man. But once we get home, Iâll do everything I can to take you down.â
The real Gwendolyn canât come back anymore, so I might as well take her place and become her.
Having collected her thoughts, the woman opened the smoking roomâs door and walked over to him.
She reached for the cigarette between his fingers and scolded him coquettishly, âNaughty Hubby! Have you forgotten that youâre not allowed to smoke? Benny has a weak body and canât stand the smell of it.
How are we going to meet the children later?â
Cedrickâs gaze was fixated on her face, which looked exactly like Gwendolynâs. The rims of his eyes reddened, and his lashes fluttered fervently. He quickly pinched his palm, suppressing the shock and joy welling up within him.
Sheâs not Gwenny. Sheâs not her. The real Gwenny wouldnât chide me in this manner; she would tell me off. Besides, if she had caught me smoking red-handed, she wouldâve given me a harsh punishment. In fact, she might even pull out the Lego pieces. This woman knows about the smoking, but she doesnât know about the punishments Gwenny uses on me, for itâs a well-kept secret between us two.
After a few deep breaths, Cedrick composed himself and regained his impassive composure. He reached for the blazer slung over the chair and said, âOkay, Iâll stop. Letâs get out of here.â
With that, he stepped out of the smoking room.
âGwendolynâ hurriedly followed him, wanting to cling to his arm.
âWait for me, Hubby.â
Yet, Cedrickâs pace didnât slow. He had no intention of waiting for her. She couldnât even grasp the hem of his shirt and could only quicken her steps to keep up with him.
Upon arriving at the hospital basement parking lot, they saw Swain standing by the car, waiting for them. He greeted them with a bow and a smile as soon as he spotted them.
âGwendolynâ didnât care much for subordinates like him, but she suddenly remembered she was in disguise and couldnât disregard her manners. Urgently, she forced a polite smile in acknowledgment.
To her surprise, Swain fought her for the passenger seat.
âApologies, Mrs. Jenson. The boss and I have some business to attend to later. Usually, I take the passenger seat when heâs driving,â Swain politely explained.
In other words, he was telling her to get in the back seat.
Feeling a tinge of embarrassment, âGwendolynâ repeatedly glanced at Cedrick, hoping heâd take her side.
Wouldnât the wife usually take the passenger seat? I was planning to feel up his arms as he drove!
Cedrick noticed her inquisitive look but merely uttered a casual response, âI donât want you to feel uncomfortable sitting in the passenger seat after the accident. Swain and I have something to discuss, so heâll ride with me. Youâve just been discharged, and I want you to forget about the accident entirely.â
Upon hearing his explanation, âGwendolynâ found no reason to argue further. She didnât want Cedrick to bring up the accident at Bluebay Tunnel again, so she could only agree with a smile.
âAll right. Youâre so considerate, Hubby. Youâve thought about all the details!â
A knowing smile curved Cedrickâs lips. âI have to be on my toes with you around.â
Unaware of the implication behind his words, she got into the back seat of the car.
The carâs engine rumbled loudly as it left the hospital behind.
During the drive, Swain attentively handed a cup of warm coffee to âGwendolynâ after catching the look Cedrick gave him.
âMrs. Jenson, Boss asked me to get you a cup of coffee earlier. Please have some. I also got you the strawberry mousse you wanted.â
Swain passed a small dessert and a drink to âGwendolynâ in the back seat.
âThank you.â Accepting both items, she sipped through the lidâs opening and complimented, âMm! This is good. Youâre so thoughtful, Hubby.â
Nevertheless, Cedrick remained focused on driving, not sparing her a glance.
Swain, who had secretly investigated her for the past two days, knew the woman was an imposter, so he merely rolled his eyes at her compliment.
Soon after taking a sip of the drink, she gradually succumbed to drowsiness and eventually awoke in an abyss of darkness, where her surroundings remained obscured from view.
An eerie atmosphere enveloped the surroundings, accompanied by a metallic tang in the air that resembled the scent of blood.
Panic-stricken, the woman called out for Cedrick, âHubby?â
The lights flickered on moments later, casting a dim yellow glow that wasnât blinding but allowed her to survey the room.
Within the enclosed room, she couldnât spot any windows, but her gaze fell upon a disturbing sightâ
whips, ropes, iron locks, and other appalling equipment hung across the walls.
Dread washed over her as her gaze darted from one instrument to another. Her breathing stopped, and her pupils constricted when she caught sight of a figure sitting not far away.
Cedrick sat there, observing her with no warmth in his eyes. His lips pressed into a thin line, and the aura he emitted felt oppressive, resembling a judgmental devil scrutinizing her sins.
In a strained attempt to appear calm, she shouted, âHubby, where are we? Why is this place so terrifying? Arenât we going back home? Werenât we on our way to see Benny and Zendy?â