chapter 14 You'd better not play tricks with me

The doorbell persisted, but Mila seemed oblivious. She remained reclined, pondering how reluctant Carrie must be feeling, forced to come and plead.

Back in the day, right after narrowly escaping death, the first thing that greeted her upon waking was the onslaught of abuse from the internet. Those unflattering photos with other men and the torrent of curses accusing her of betraying Edwin nearly crushed her will to live. If not for Mattew's presence, urging her on, she might have succumbed to the condemnation long before the fire. In the end, her investigation revealed it was all Carrie's doing.

For dismantling her marriage, clandestinely bearing Edwin's child, and subjecting herself to such notoriety, not even ten thousand deaths would suffice to atone for Carrie's sins. However, Mila wasn't in a rush to confront her now.

Drawing it out, savoring her suffering, had its peculiar pleasure, didn't it?

With this thought, Mila's lips curved slightly, though the malevolence didn't stem from the depths of her heart.

Edwin knocked insistently, but there was no response from within. It almost felt as if no one was home, but he was unwilling to give up. There was a lingering obsession, a need to see for himself if Mila was truly at Luna's house.

He kept at it for a good ten minutes before Mila finally stirred and ambled to the door.

Clad in a loose nightgown, it did little to conceal her graceful figure. Disheveled hair framed her face as she swung open the door barefoot, quipping casually, "Who on earth is this? You're impolite!"

Edwin was momentarily taken aback.

Mila's nonchalance and ease brought his wife to mind.

"Mila."

He breathed her name subconsciously, but Mila froze on the spot.

How could it be her?

Though she knew staying at Luna's could arouse Edwin's suspicions, she hadn't anticipated his swift arrival.

Panic flashed through her eyes, swiftly replaced by composure. She tugged at her collar uncomfortably, clearing her throat before asking, "Mr. Ye? What brings you here?"

The address of "Mr. Ye" brought Edwin back to his senses.

His gaze narrowed slightly, roving over Mila from head to toe as if attempting to penetrate her being.

Mila's palms grew damp, yet she maintained her composure and smiled, "Mr. Ye, your gaze might cause misunderstandings. If your future wife were to see, I might find myself in trouble again."

"Who are you?" Edwin had no intention of beating around the bush. His keen gaze bore into Mila's.

In the past, Mila had been most fearful of those eyes, which seemed capable of peering into one's soul. Even now, five years later, she felt a twinge of trepidation, but she forced herself to meet Edwin's gaze head-on.

"Whom does Mr. Ye think I should be?" Her smile was radiant, her eyes clear, with a hint of allure.

Had it been any other woman, Edwin might have turned away without hesitation, but this Mila left him plagued with doubts.

Suddenly, Edwin stepped forward, pinning Mila against the wall.

"Miss Shen, it's in your best interest not to play games with me. I, Edwin, am not one to be trifled with. Offend me, and you'll be utterly shattered."

He was so close; their breath mingled. Mila clenched her hands, her smile growing even brighter.

"Is Mr. Ye teasing me? Or is this how your YH Group retains its talents?"

"Mila, what's your purpose here? Don't tell me you're unaware of the connection between this place and my wife. You share Luna's name, and we both know Luna. Is this all mere coincidence?"

Edwin's breath quickened.

His warm exhale washed over Mila's face, and she could feel the strength in his chest beneath his shirt.

He's as captivating as ever!

Sadly, he's also heartless.

Mila's eyes narrowed slightly, and she murmured, "Mr. Ye's wife? Miss Chu, isn't it?"

She lifted her gaze again, her eyes devoid of any emotion, as pure as a clear spring.

Edwin's heart skipped a beat.

Who else could possess such familiar eyes and gaze but Mila?

So why wasn't she admitting it?

Why did that face not match the one etched in his memory?

Was it because of the fire?

Suddenly, Edwin reached out, attempting to tug Mila's collar down.

Mila was instantly petrified.

"Edwin, what are you doing? I'm warning you, touch me again, and I'll call the police!"

She clutched her collar, palms sweating anew.

She couldn't let him do this!

Even with the plastic surgery she'd undergone over the past five years, the burns remained.

She'd anticipated Edwin might grow suspicious and investigate, but she hadn't expected him to be so dismissive. After all, she was still a designer at HJ Group, right?

Seeing the panic in Mila's eyes, Edwin hesitated.

"What do you think I'm trying to do? Isn't this your intention?"

As he spoke, Edwin's grip tightened, a reckless look in his eyes.
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