Chapter 45 Acting
"Since we're putting on a show, we gotta play our parts well. Plus, you're an adult now. Time to stop making your mom worry," Seb suddenly said.
Hearing this, Susan couldn't help but give a bitter smile. She was mocking herself inside but still calmly replied, "Thanks for being so considerate."
In reality, Seb's earlier affection and concern were just an act. 'Susan, you were even moved by it, thinking about living a good life with him, maybe even growing old together. But it was all just a performance, and you took it seriously?' she thought to herself.
"No need to thank me. We're legally married now. We should find common ground while respecting our differences," Seb said, like he was discussing a business deal.
Susan lifted her chin, trying hard not to look too desolate. "You're right."
By this time, they had reached the car. Leon took the luggage from Seb, and the two of them got into the car, which disappeared in the next moment.
The car swiftly weaved through the traffic. Susan's eyes gazed at the receding scenery, and she suddenly felt a deep sense of sadness.
She was about to move into Seb's house, but there was no love between them, and she was carrying his child. She had never imagined her marriage would be like this.
As Susan had expected, Seb lived in one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Maple Valley, Greenwood Estate. The most distinctive feature of Greenwood Estate was its architecture, surrounded by flowers and trees, giving a strong sense of greenery as soon as one entered. Hence, the property prices here were exorbitant, and the residents were either wealthy or noble.
Seb led Susan into a duplex, which was at least 2,100 square feet. The decor was very modern, with simple black and white furniture and decorations, giving off a cold and rigid feeling, lacking the warmth of a home, more like an office.
Susan glanced around the large house. To be honest, she didn't like it. The black and white curtains made her feel a bit suffocated.
Seb placed Susan's luggage on the black and white floor, then took out a set of keys and a bank card from his pocket in front of Susan. Susan looked at him in confusion, wondering if he was about to explain something to her.
Sure enough, Seb pointed to the keys on the coffee table and said, "These are the keys to the house. There's also a car in the parking spot that you can use if you need it. Now that your identity is public, it's not suitable for you to work at Prosperity Group anymore. I'll submit your resignation for you. You can use this bank card freely, with a monthly limit of $100,000, which should be enough for you, the child, and your family's daily needs."
He had arranged everything meticulously. Susan looked at the keys and the bank card on the coffee table, feeling a sudden wave of sadness. Seb's tone was like a boss giving instructions to an employee, lacking any warmth that should exist between a couple.
"I understand. Thank you," Susan finally said, lowering her eyes.
At this moment, Seb glanced at his watch and said, "Familiarize yourself with the place. I have something to do and need to go."
"Okay," Susan nodded.
It wasn't until she heard the door close that she realized Seb had really left.
Looking around the large house, Susan felt a sudden sense of loneliness. It was just her in this big place.
Carrying her luggage upstairs, she found two bedrooms. One was large, with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet—clearly the master bedroom. The other room was smaller but clean and tidy.
Susan was at a loss. Seb hadn't told her which room to sleep in before he left.
After some thought, she decided to take the smaller bedroom. After all, she was pregnant, had light sleep, and could vomit at any time, which would definitely disturb Seb's rest. Plus, she couldn't fulfill Seb's physical needs now, so there was no need for them to share a bed.
After wandering around the house for several hours, Susan found that although she didn't like the decor and furniture, the facilities were very complete. The bathroom was stocked with daily necessities, and the fridge was filled with various high-end foods, showing that Seb was indeed very wealthy.
Looking at the bank card Seb had given her, with a monthly limit of $100,000, she realized she wouldn't have to worry about food and drink in the future. However, after just a few hours, Susan felt like a caged canary, which made her very uncomfortable.
Around five in the afternoon, Susan received a message from Seb on WhatsApp.
Seb: [I'll be home for dinner tonight, around seven.]
Just a simple sentence, but Susan stared at it for a long time before realizing that Seb wanted her to cook dinner.
Susan felt a bit annoyed. Seb could have just told her to prepare dinner instead of beating around the bush.
But then Susan thought about how she was living here for free, with money to spend, and her life was actually quite good. Moreover, Seb had just helped her deal with her arch-enemy Amelia. She should do something to repay Seb.
Thinking of this, Susan wasn't angry anymore. Seeing that it was getting late, she quickly went to the kitchen to see what she could cook for dinner.
Susan had grown up in a poor family, so cooking was second nature to her, and she was quite skilled at it. In just an hour, she had prepared a meal.
Just as she finished setting the table, Susan looked up at the clock on the wall. It was exactly seven, and the clock started chiming.
The next moment, the door opened from the outside, and Seb, dressed in a black suit and carrying a briefcase, walked in.
As soon as he entered, he smelled the aroma of the food, which made him glance towards the dining room. He saw Susan, wearing an apron and with her hair tied back with a simple blue headband, and his eyes darkened.
Susan didn't expect Seb to be so punctual. She smiled and said, "You're back. Dinner is ready."
"Okay," Seb nodded.
He then took off his coat, changed into slippers, and walked over.
Susan placed a bowl of rice in front of Seb. He seemed hungry and immediately took a bite of the food.
Susan reached out and slapped his hand, saying sternly, "Go wash your hands first!"