Chapter 405 Why Did You Lie to Me?
Half an hour later, they went back home.
Oliver got out and hurried to the front door. He was eager to see Sarah, but his emotions were all over the place.
Messing with the Moore family was bound to cause trouble.
But when he pushed open the bedroom door and saw Sarah sleeping soundly in bed, his anxiety melted away.
He and Sarah had so much history together.
How could Nicholas throw him off balance?
The Moore family was powerful, but Oliver wasn't someone to mess with either. Otherwise, Matthew wouldn't have been so accommodating today.
In those few seconds, Oliver's mind raced with thoughts.
He walked to the bedside and looked at Sarah's serene face. She had been so guarded around him lately, rarely showing such vulnerability. Now, she lay there, soft and unguarded, on his bed.
As he watched her, he loosened his tie.
He lay down beside her, not intending to do anything, but when Sarah woke up and he saw the flicker of fear in her eyes, he felt a mix of anger. He grabbed her slender shoulders and pulled her into a kiss.
She resisted fiercely, her long legs kicking out even as he held her. One of her kicks landed squarely on his chest.
In the next moment, he pinned her down. He looked down at her, his blue eyes fixed on her face.
She looked so young, her cheeks flushed from sleep, her eyelids slightly swollen. She didn't look like a mother; she looked like she was in her early twenties.
Oliver's voice was hoarse. "Don't move."
"
Let go of me." Sarah turned her face away, her delicate nose tinged with red. She struggled with all her might, but the difference in their strength was too great. She couldn't break free.
Oliver still held her.
He was mindful of her feelings, treating her gently. He brushed her damp hair aside, his voice unbelievably tender. "Sarah, why did you lie to me? You didn't sleep with that man."
Sarah was momentarily stunned.
So that was it. He knew the truth, and that was why he had set aside his disdain and 'accepted' her again.
How ridiculous!
Sarah looked up at him, refusing to make a sound. She bit her lip until it bled.
Oliver's heart ached, and he treated her even more gently.
Sarah said nothing. Only tears silently fell from the corners of her eyes.
Whether she wanted to make love or not, he never considered. He only cared about his own satisfaction. His supposed deep affection made her sick.
When it was over, Sarah went to the bathroom.
She stood under the shower, letting the hot water wash over her again and again.
She returned to the bedroom wrapped in a bathrobe and took a morning-after pill. Oliver watched from the bed, saying nothing.
Seeing her finish taking the medicine, he spoke in a faint voice. "The man you were with is Nicholas, the Moore family's heir. To avoid unnecessary trouble, don't see him again."
Sarah said nothing.
Oliver felt a surge of anger but didn't want to push her too far. He softened his tone. "Come sleep for a while. You haven't been sleeping well these past few days."
But Sarah stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a cup of water, lost in thought.
After a long pause, she spoke softly. "I want to go home. I haven't been home in half a month. Claire will be worried."
Oliver frowned. "This is your home."
"We're separated." Sarah's voice was calm. "Oliver, you don't think that by being forceful a few times, you can make me come back and obey you, do you? I have nothing left to fear."
Oliver didn't want to let her go. But with what happened to Lowell, he knew he was in the wrong.
After a moment's thought, he let her leave.
He wanted to drive her, but Sarah refused.
She took the driver's car.
After half a month, she returned to her apartment, feeling like she had been away for ages.
Claire opened the door and looked outside. "Mrs. Windsor, where's your luggage?"
Sarah said softly, "It's at the gallery."
Claire didn't think much of it, chattering happily. "I thought the gallery wasn't going well. Mr. Windsor came by this morning, and I asked him casually. He said you'd be back soon, and here you are. Mr. Windsor really knows."
Sarah knew what she was thinking.
She said lightly, "It's over between us. It's never going to happen."
She hadn't seen her two children in a long time and missed them terribly. As soon as she walked into the bedroom, Jacob hugged her.
Jacob called her "Mom" affectionately and dragged her to see Nicole.
Nicole was almost six months old.
Claire had dressed her in a pink outfit. She looked adorable, her little face beautiful. She recognized Sarah, waving her tiny hands and smiling.
Nicole hadn't cut her teeth yet. When she smiled, her gums were visible, making her look even cuter. Jacob leaned over the crib, his eyes warm as he looked at Nicole.
Sarah hugged Jacob and kissed Nicole.
Claire stood at the door. "Mrs. Windsor, I'll make your favorite dishes for lunch. You'll eat at home, right?"
Sarah nodded lightly.
After the ordeal, she had lost a lot of weight. She rested at home for two days before returning to the gallery.
Sofia called when she heard Sarah was back.
Sarah didn't tell her the truth. She just said there were some family matters that delayed her, but the gallery would open as scheduled. Sofia was relieved; she had always thought highly of Sarah.
After hanging up, Sarah was about to inventory the artwork.
Felicity burst in. "Mrs. Windsor!"
Sarah looked at her, frowning slightly.
An employee came over, apologizing. "Ms. Miller, this madam insisted on seeing you. I couldn't stop her."
Sarah spoke calmly. "You can go back to work."
She led Felicity to the lounge, offering her a seat and a cup of coffee.
But Felicity didn't drink it. She looked at Sarah's serene face, feeling a surge of anger. Sarah didn't love Oliver but still held the title of Mrs. Windsor. To Felicity, all her calm demeanor was an act.
Felicity was jealous. She blurted out, "Because of you, Lowell's legs are broken. We don't know if he'll ever walk again! Mrs. Windsor, you have such power! Lester died for you, Lowell was injured for you. How many more people will you harm before you're satisfied?"
Sarah's face showed no emotion.
She asked, "Miss Mitchell, isn't Lowell in this situation because of you? Lowell came to me, saying you were distraught over Oliver and insisted on seeing him. Lowell begged me to help you. But Felicity, I warned you both not to get involved with Oliver. Even if he were single, he's not someone you can handle."
Felicity's intentions were exposed. She was furious. "You're lying! Lowell was hurt because of you."
However, Sarah remained calm. she said softly, "Feelings between men and women can't be forced. Oliver doesn't care about you. Why cling to him? You could have had a good life."
Felicity's lips trembled slightly. She knew deep down that Sarah was right, but emotionally, she couldn't accept it.
She couldn't stomach the fact that she'd poured her heart out, only for Oliver to toss her aside like trash. Her pride refused to let her slink away like some pathetic loser.
Her lips quivered as she stared at Sarah for a long time.
Finally, she covered her face and ran out.
The reception area was empty, the coffee had gone cold, and Sarah sat there alone.
She felt sorry for Lowell. But she wouldn't try to make it up to him. She was afraid of causing him more harm. Lester's death was already a lifelong regret.
When spring arrived, she took Nicole back to Vesper City to visit her parents' graves.
The spring breeze swayed. Pale yellow daisies danced in the wind, as if Alyssa was talking to Lester.
"Lester, I love the name Nicole."
"Lester, let's go back to the countryside."
"Lester, are you still mad at me for keeping secrets back then?"
The wind blew, brushing away the tears on Sarah's face.
On Valentine's Day, Sarah's gallery opened.
With her funds and connections, the gallery did well on its first day. By noon, she had sold 42 paintings, some worth millions. Sarah was very pleased with the start.
Sofia, who was out of town, called to congratulate her.
Sarah spoke softly on the phone, "It's partly luck, and I also have to thank Mrs. Stevens for your support."
Sofia knew the truth.
Even though Sarah and Oliver's marriage was rocky, they hadn't split up. Yesterday, Everett played golf with Oliver, and when they talked about Sarah, Oliver's face was full of affection. Everett said Oliver and Sarah wouldn't break up.
Everett relied on his partnership with Oliver.
So Sofia put in a good word for Sarah, working both angles.
Sarah understood.
She used to give a damn, but not anymore. Business didn't run on principles—it runed on deals. And sometimes, she should let shit slide.
She talked to Sofia for ten minutes before hanging up.
Looking around, she saw all the opening gifts from friends and family.
At noon, with nothing else to do, Sarah started opening the gifts. When she unwrapped a painting, she was stunned. It was a piece by her teacher from Vesper City ArtScape Academy.
"Vineyard at Dawn."
Every brushstroke was familiar to Sarah.
She couldn't help but shed tears.
But the sender was Oliver, and inside was a card written by him.
[Sarah, you took Nicole to visit your parents. I followed you.
I know you don't like me, so I didn't show myself. I went to Vesper City ArtScape Academy, where you studied. Do you remember? On your first day, I took you there.
Sarah, we were already married then. But you didn't dare to say you were married, calling me your brother in front of the principal. Do you know how I felt? I thought I would cherish you forever.
But Sarah, there's so much between us. I have a dark heart, but you are so pure. We grew further apart. I noticed your fear and hesitation. I thought about letting you go.
But in the end, the devil won.
Sarah, I don't expect forgiveness for what I've done. But I pray that one day, we'll stand together again—like those vines under the morning sun, weathered but still growing.]
Sarah quietly finished reading.
She knew he had put thought into this gift, and his words were sincere, but she couldn't accept it. She stored the painting in the warehouse.
And she threw the card in the trash.
There was a knock at the door.
Her secretary entered, speaking softly. "Ms. Miller, a guest bought five of the most expensive paintings. She signed a $40 million check. She wants to meet you."
Sarah stood up. "Alright, I'll go now."
She followed the secretary to the exhibition area.
In the VIP section, Isabella stood with her back turned, wearing an elegant long dress, her hair styled up. Even from behind, her presence was impressive.
As Sarah approached, Isabella turned around, smiling warmly at her. "You must be Sarah."
Sarah was taken aback.
Isabella continued to smile. "I am from the Moore family. Nicholas is my son, he has mentioned you. I was curious and wanted to meet you. You're just as talented as I imagined."
Sarah felt uneasy.
Even though nothing had happened that night, she had mistaken Nicholas for a male model. Now, Nicholas's mother, Isabella, was here, supporting her business and making small talk.
No matter what, Sarah couldn't feel at ease.
She spoke softly. "Mrs Moore, I was out of line that night. I owe you an apology."
But Isabella waved it off, she smiled. "Nicholas isn't a girl. No need to apologize. But my father was quite upset and wanted an explanation from you. He even joked about giving Nicholas to you. I reminded him that Ms. Miller is going through a divorce. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Isabella had achieved her goal.
An opening should be lively. Her refined son had insisted she come to support Sarah. Now that she had delivered the message, she didn't stay long.
She didn't want to make Sarah uncomfortable.
She had a good impression of Sarah, finding her a quiet and steady young woman.
She also felt sorry for Sarah. What must Oliver have done to push her to such a desperate decision?
As she sighed, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up beside her.
The door opened, and out stepped Oliver.
Seeing Isabella, his blue eyes flickered. He buttoned his suit and approached, greeting her politely. "Mrs. Moore, here to support the gallery?"
Isabella knew he was insincere, she smiled warmly. "I had to come for Sarah's opening. Nicholas asked me to."
She added, "It's good for a girl to have a career."
Oliver forced a smile. "I absolutely support my wife's career."
Isabella smiled. "Mr. Windsor, you're doing well. Unlike some men who say they support but don't act on it. At least they don't hold her back. But Sarah is excellent. She's young and pure. My father likes her and asked me to invite her to the Moore Mansion for coffee."
"Nicholas likes her too." she added. "Nicholas used to be against marriage, but now he's reconsidering."
This blatant provocation, if Oliver didn't understand, he'd be a fool.
He laughed coldly. "Sarah and I are still married."
In contrast to his cold demeanor, Isabella remained gentle. "But you're separated, aren't you? It's okay, Mr. Windsor. Nicholas is young. He can wait…"
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