Chapter 262 Will You Hide It from Me Until Death?
Nicole’s surprise was evident. She stood in place with wide eyes, "Y-you… Just now…"
"You didn’t see anything."
"No!" she shook her head, "I did see; very clearly and explicitly!"
"Nicole!" Joshua's voice grew increasingly firm with anger. "You dare ignore my words now?"
Silent, she quickly moved close and reached for his wrist, trying to take his hand out of his pocket.
However, he cruelly brushed her off.
It was all very clear now.
He had blood on his palm but wouldn't admit it, even fearing to let her see.
What was he hiding?
"Joshua… I understand now, I get it…"
"What do you understand?" he retorted coldly. "Watch your mouth, Nicole."
"I'm not stupid, Joshua. These past few days, I've been wondering; Why did you still marry me even though you love Brittany? Why slip into a trap I set up..."
"Enough!"
She continued, her voice tinged with confusion and pain, "I've pondered over it for a long time, but I just can't figure it out. I even went so far as to investigate you, but you’ve always been meticulous; not leaving any traces so that I couldn't find anything."
"The more flawless it was, the more suspicious it becomes. How can a person leave no trace at all? There's only one explanation— they've deliberately erased them, not wanting anyone to discover."
"Joshua... If I hadn't seen what I did today, would you have kept this from me forever?" Each word pierced straight into the deepest secrets of Joshua's heart.
"Enough!" he yelled.
She stared at him, stunned for a moment. Her eyes watered as tears fell, "I understand now; everything you’ve planned is all because of..."
"Shut up!" his voice was a harsh whisper as he rebuked her.
Connecting all the dots, Nicole finally understood everything.
If it weren't over something terrifying like death, how could he ever hurt the woman he loved?
Ever since their last unpleasant exchange, when she was driven out of the capital city's number one estate, she had been trying to find out the reason behind Joshua's actions.
Unfortunately, her abilities fell short, thinking she would never be able to unravel the truth. Yet, it turned out to be so cruel.
She loved Joshua dearly. No matter how harshly he treated her, she couldn't hate him, let alone stand by and watch him head to his downfall.
She stepped forward and embraced him tightly. "You're coughing up blood... Joshua, will you bear all this alone?"
With his status, he could’ve been cured long ago if it was a common illness. How did it lead to this?
Josh preferred to be alone, “Let go, Nicole. You’re not the only one I can rely on, okay?”
Instead, she hugged him tighter while whispering, "Brittany’s here; she's watching from behind."
He stiffened, unable to move.
As he processed her words, his arms mechanically rose to wrap around Nicole.
Every motion was painful for him.
Brittany only came out because she heard from a subordinate that Joshua was coughing violently in the hallway. To her annoyance, she saw two lovers in tender intimacy. She lowered her eyelashes, laughing at herself out of self-ridicule as she returned inside.
Hearing the door close, Joshua pushed Nicole away and went to his office with a bitter laugh.
Nicole hurried after him.
The room fell into silence.
Sitting on the sofa, he grew impatient under her gaze and scowled. "What is it?"
With a voice choked by sobs, she spoke up, "We're... about to get engaged soon. It's less than a month away."
He said indifferently, "I know, so get out. If another person hears about today's affairs, the Garcia family can get ready for bankruptcy."
Nicole stared at the indifferent man, her heart wrenching with pain.
Her voice was sharp, "Being cruel to a woman who doesn't love you is one thing, but Brittany loves you. You can't stand seeing her suffering from the pain of life and death, and I—I love you as well, Joshua!"
"So what?" he scoffed. "Just shut up and do your role. I promise you a life of luxury and ease. Of course, you can forget it if you don’t want to, Nicole."
Nicole’s knees buckled as she fell onto the couch, covering her face as she cried bitterly.
"Why should I refuse? After all, I'm the one who'll be with you in the end," she cried, choking back sobs. "At least, I can be by your side."
Joshua wasn't heartless like stone, but he wouldn’t feel pity for any other woman.
His love and gentleness; it belonged to Brittany alone.
He couldn't promise her the rest of his life, grow old with her, or even marry her— he felt like trash.
If he couldn't even protect that gentle warmth meant only for her, what kind of man was he?
"Nicole, don't see me without my permission before the engagement," Joshua's voice was cold as ice. "Now, get out."
Nicole laughed painfully. "You really are cruel. To me, to Brittany, and even more so to yourself!"
She sniffled, hastening out the door.
Joshua stared silently from the window, his gaze empty.
On the other hand, Sebastian’s mind was in chaos as he left the office.
Driving toward the garden manor, his concentration drifted.
The butler called him again and said, "Mr. Lawrence, Ms. Blair's condition has worsened. What should we do?"
Sebastian sped up, not waiting to respond when he heard Lynda's feeble scolding from the other end, "I... I'm fine. What are you talking about?"
After saying that, she said to Sebastian, "Sebastian, it's nothing serious; just some issues from the surgery a few days ago. Just go on with your work and visit me when you have time."
Her voice alone made her seem weak, as if a gust of wind could knock her over.
Sebastian gripped the steering wheel. "I'm on my way, so just rest."
"Sebastian, t-there's no need. You get back to your work." At that moment, Lynda was laying on a hammock without care.
When he reassured her of his visit, determination shone in her eyes.
"No need to elaborate," he said as he hung up.
However, as soon as he ended the call, his phone rang again. Seeing the caller ID being from Willowbrook Estate, a vague glint of helplessness crossed his eyes.
He didn't know how to face Isabella now, his mind a mess.
The phone kept ringing, stopping only to start again after the automatic cut-off.
He answered, "Speak."
"Mr. Lawrence, there's been an incident," came the usually composed butler's frantic voice, "The lady has vanished!"
"What did you say?"
"After the lady finished her check-up, she went out but hasn't returned. I've tried to contact her, but her phone is unreachable."
Sebastian immediately slammed on the brakes.
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