chapter 17 I support you no matter what you do

Carrie hurriedly trailed after Edwin, pleading bitterly the whole way.

As their voices grew distant beyond the door, Mila clutched her hands together tightly. Edwin was truly cold-hearted and ruthless. Even when he betrayed her and their marriage, entangling with Carrie five years ago, he hadn't been as callous as he was now.

She vividly recalled Edwin's tender attitude towards Carrie at the hospital and the sheer joy he exhibited upon learning of Carrie's pregnancy. If he could dispose of a woman he cherished so easily, what place did his former wife hold in his heart?

Perhaps she had erred from the very start, falling in love with a man like him. He was an unfeeling soul, an impenetrable stone, impervious to any warmth.

Though this was a truth she had long come to accept, Mila's heart still involuntarily ached. The trials of the past five years surged back to the forefront of her mind, the harsh voice of the bodyguard ringing out amidst the raging flames. She could still feel the bone-chilling despair and isolation she experienced, knowing all of it was at Edwin's behest.

Only when such a man experienced the depths of heartbreak, and felt the pain of betrayal from a beloved, would he truly comprehend the abhorrence and unforgivability of his actions!

Mila's eyes gleamed with intense hatred. She had returned with one purpose: to make Edwin fall in love with her. She looked forward to witnessing the heartbreak etched across his face in the end.

Mila slumped against the floor beside the door, unable to collect herself for a long while. It wasn't until her phone rang that she regained her composure.

The caller was Leo Tang, the president of HJ Group in the United States.

Seeing Leo Tang's name on her phone, Mila's lips finally curled into a faint warmth.

"Leo."

Mila picked up the phone, her voice notably softer. She owed so much to Leo over the past five years. If not for him, she might have perished in the fire. He gave her a new identity and life, nurturing her into a renowned designer who could support herself and Mattew.

Mila was deeply grateful.

Leo's voice carried a gentle tone upon hearing Mila. "How is it? Are you getting used to being back? He didn't give you a hard time, did he?"

In truth, Leo didn't want Mila to return, but he understood that the hatred in her heart ran too deep. If she wasn't allowed to seek revenge, he feared she would never find peace. There were other reasons for her return, reasons that pained Leo greatly, but he had to concede.

Listening to Leo's soothing voice, Mila felt a surge of strength return to her body. She rose from the floor, took a deep breath, and said, "Everything's going smoothly. Edwin has begun to doubt me, but with your expertise, he probably won't uncover any significant leads. I'll be cautious, so don't worry about me."

"If you ever feel you can't bear it any longer, you can always come back. Remember, I'll face it together with you, no matter the situation."

Leo's words stirred Mila somewhat. "Thank you, Leo, but there are things I must do on my own. Besides, Aurora needs Edwin."

As they discussed this, both fell into a thoughtful silence.

"Is Aurora doing okay?" Mila finally broke the quiet.

"She's fine, but she sleeps a lot. When she's awake, she often looks for you and Mattew. But don't worry, as long as I'm here, Aurora will be well."

"Thank you, Leo."

Besides gratitude, Mila seemed at a loss for words.

"Silly girl, you know that your gratitude is the last thing I seek. If you need my help, just ask. That rascal Mattew is quite mischievous. If you're worried about him or if he hinders your work, I'll send someone to bring him back."

"No, with Mattew here, I still have some motivation. He's fine here. Don't worry. Besides, Edwin will find out about Mattew sooner or later. Avoiding it won't help. The only way is for him to recognize Mattew from the beginning. Only then will Mattew be safe, once Edwin accepts that he's not his son from the outset."

Leo had no retort for Mila's words.

"I support you in whatever you do."

"Thank you, Leo. However, today has left me quite suspicious. Perhaps I was too hasty. I plan to conceal the burns on my body. Do you know anyone reliable who can assist?"

Mila felt a twinge of fear at the thought of Edwin's ruthlessness upon his arrival. She'd escaped this time, but what about in the future? If she intended to make Edwin fall in love with her, she'd eventually need to be truthful with him, which would expose her burns.

Leo fell silent for a moment before whispering, "There's a private tattoo and embroidery studio in the alley to the south of the city. The master is skilled and happens to be an old friend of mine. You can go there. Even if something arises later, there will be no evidence."

"Thanks."

Mila and Leo discussed Aurora for a bit longer before ending the call. Yet, her thoughts were consumed by Aurora's frail appearance and pallid complexion.
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