chapter 15 The evil young man comes to your door

Esme Su stared into Theodore Zhao's eyes, remembering how he had once used these words to take her away from the Wei family's engagement party, in a domineering and unreasonable manner.
Theodore Zhao nodded seriously, "Of course, I still mean it!"
Esme Su scoffed, "Are you satisfied now? Happy? Proud? Let me tell you, I am broke now and might even be homeless in the future. Don't you regret it then!"
After speaking, she turned around and walked away.
Theodore Zhao was somewhat puzzled. Why was she throwing this temper at him?
Could it be that all this was being blamed on him?
For the first time, Theodore Zhao experienced Esme Su's capricious, willful, and unreasonable behavior. Holding back his temper, he quickly followed her.
Just a few steps in, he saw Esme Su being stopped by someone.
"Miss Su, are you also shopping at the supermarket?"
Two young and fashionable girls approached, referring to her as "Miss Su," likely her subordinates from the company.
Esme Su nodded, maintaining her usual cold demeanor. Even in a bad mood, she didn't let it show.
"This is..."
One of the girls looked at Theodore Zhao and then stopped speaking.
Esme Su also paused, a flash of surprise crossing her face.
She hadn't expected to encounter her subordinates at the supermarket, especially at this time, with a strange man. How should she introduce him?
She couldn't bring herself to call him "husband," and even "friend" felt awkward.
Even if the two women in front of her would believe it, the company would be abuzz with rumors the next day.
Normally, Esme Su wouldn't care about such gossip, but with the company facing internal and external troubles, any rumor could be the last straw.
She didn't crave luxury but didn't want to see the Su family fall because of her.
Theodore Zhao stepped in, helping her out of the situation, "Miss Su, let me help you put the stuff in the car."
The two girls seemed to realize something, asking, "Miss Su, do you have a bodyguard with you when you go out?"
Esme Su looked at Theodore Zhao's back with a complicated expression, feeling somewhat sorry for him. She responded briefly and then hurried after him.
Without the car keys, Theodore Zhao could only stand by the car, drawing odd looks from passersby.
Esme Su came out, opened the trunk, and once Theodore Zhao got into the passenger seat, she apologized, "I'm sorry about earlier."
Theodore Zhao smiled, "It's okay, I'm used to it."
The ride was silent.
When Esme Su turned off the car, Theodore Zhao was already standing at the door with the shopping bags.
As she stepped out, her elegant leg emerged first, followed by her slender ankle and arching foot, gracefully encased in high-heeled sandals.
Theodore Zhao marveled, a goddess truly turns even the simplest actions into enchanting displays.
In the kitchen, Esme Su asked, "Do you need any help?"
It was a polite offer; she had rarely used the kitchen since moving in half a year ago. The kitchen was more like decoration for her.
She had only been in the kitchen a handful of times, and she didn't even know how to turn the gas stove on, let alone where the dishes were.
Theodore Zhao didn't expect any help from Esme Su, who was used to luxury. He told her to rest on the sofa while he busied himself in the kitchen.
The kitchen was spotless, and all utensils and cookware were brand new.
Theodore Zhao wondered how she had managed her meals before.
Thankfully, the kitchen was well-equipped with all the necessary tools, all from well-known international brands.
Esme Su curled up on the sofa with a blanket, dozing off for a bit.
She was awakened by the delicious smell coming from the kitchen.
Rubbing her eyes, she went to the dining room to find four dishes and a soup, all looking and smelling delicious.
It seemed surreal to her that such a feast could be prepared in her own home.
"You made this?"
She asked as she began to taste the food.
Theodore Zhao, wiping his hands on his apron, asked, "How is it? To your liking?"
"Not bad!"
Esme Su responded, her eyes gleaming with pleasure. In her vocabulary, this was high praise.
She contributed significantly to finishing the meal, showing her appreciation through her appetite.
Theodore Zhao cleaned up and washed the dishes.
She stood by, watching. The air still carried the lingering scent of food, and the residual warmth from the kitchen brushed against her face.
It brought a hint of life to this otherwise cold house, making it feel more like a complete home.
Esme was startled by the sudden thought that popped into her mind.
She hurriedly reminded herself that her involvement with Theodore Zhao was just an act for the occasion. In a month, they would part ways. She mustn't let a simple meal sway her, barely suppressing the flicker of panic deep within.
After finishing the cleanup, Theodore Zhao checked the time, 9:00 PM.
Esme Su, having enjoyed the meal without contributing, felt a bit embarrassed. Before she could thank him, Theodore Zhao was already dressed in his security guard uniform, ready to leave.
"Where are you going?" she asked instinctively.
"To work."
He replied, already wearing his shoes.
"Working so late?"
Esme Su was surprised, then remembered his night shift job.
However, he got up so early today and has been busy all day. Does he still have the energy for the night shift?
Theodore Zhao joked, "If I don't work hard, how can I support a family?"
The mood lightened, and Esme Su playfully retorted, "Don't flatter yourself. Who needs your support? I'm the Executive Vice President of Su Corporation, with a monthly salary of thirty thousand. It's not clear yet who's supporting whom!"
Realizing her words might sound flirtatious, she was about to add something, but Theodore Zhao had already turned away.
"Will you be back tonight?" she hurriedly asked.
Seeing his pause, she quickly clarified, "Don't get me wrong."
Theodore Zhao knew that his marriage with Esme was completely like forcing a duck onto a perch.
For Esme, it might just be a play for her family to see.
To put it more bluntly, to her, he was merely a tool for her cold war with her family, an excuse to fend off the Wei family.
Take this relationship seriously?
He wasn't that naive.
And perhaps, Esme Su was already regretting it.
Theodore Zhao was self-aware. Until she fully accepted their relationship, he didn't want to impose himself and stay here shamelessly.
Saying so, he gestured a phone sign with his hand, "I get off work late, I'll just go back to the dormitory. If you need anything, call me anytime."
As Theodore turned to open the door, he froze on the spot.
Outside stood a man, seemingly about to knock, but before he could stretch out his hand, Theodore had opened the door first.
The man outside looked no more than twenty, dressed in trendy brands, head to toe in hip-hop style, wearing a cap askew, and sporting exaggeratedly large skateboard shoes.
Theodore asked, "Who are you looking for?"
The man, upon seeing Theodore, also paused for a moment.
He took off his sunglasses, his expression odd and full of disdain, asking, "And who are you?"
As he spoke, he tried to push past Theodore into the house.
Theodore didn't budge, blocking him and repeated, "Who are you looking for?"
The trendy guy widened his eyes and retorted arrogantly, "Who I'm looking for is none of your business. What are you, get out of my way!"
Not wanting to waste words, he shouted as he tried to barge in, "Esme, where are you? Who's this jerk blocking me?"
Hearing his foul language, Theodore's patience ran thin.
He pushed the man back with added force.
Sending him stumbling into the stone pillar by the door.
The man's face turned red with anger, and he furiously threw down his cap, "Damn security, getting cocky, huh? Dare to push me!"
Theodore's eyes darkened instantly. Before he could step forward, footsteps were heard from behind.