Chapter 22
"My husband? Oh, he's just a programmer," Selena fibbed with a casual shrug. She added earnestly, "Marriage is a two-way street. I can't let him carry all the weight."
She slid the coffee towards Raymond and flashed a graceful smile. "He might not make a ton of money, but he's all about family."
Selena was painting a picture of the perfect partner she had in her head. Raymond, though, was nowhere near that image.
"So, Mr. Montague, I heard you're married. What's your wife like?" Selena asked, trying to make small talk and build a connection.
Raymond didn't even know her name or what she looked like, so what kind of answer could she expect?
Raymond frowned slightly and replied honestly, "I don't know."
Yet, she kept dragging out the divorce, showing no reaction even after the papers were sent to The Fair Manor. What was she waiting for?
Raymond figured she just wanted to keep leeching off the Montague Group.
Raymond's honesty caught Selena off guard. Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, giving her a chance to change the subject.
"Chef Bell is really into art. His thing is blending famous paintings into his dishes."
Three fancy plates were set down, their colors a chaotic yet harmonious mix.
"Enjoy, Mr. Montague."
Selena's vision was getting worse, and she just wanted to finish up and get to the hospital. But Raymond, holding his coffee, asked casually, "How did you know I have a stomach problem?"
Selena was startled. "I guessed. I heard you're a workaholic, so I figured you skip meals a lot."
Actually, she got the info from a call with William, who complained about Raymond's work obsession and stomach issues. William hoped Selena would look out for him more.
Selena couldn't say no to William's kindness, so she reluctantly agreed each time. But in three years of marriage, she and Raymond had never even met.
As more dishes came out, Selena introduced each one, watching Raymond's reactions. But he was a master at hiding his feelings. Through seven courses, not even a flicker of emotion.
She couldn't tell what he liked. He'd taste a bit, then put down his knife and fork. Not a single dish seemed to please him.
Selena started doubting Carter's info. If Raymond had studied art, he shouldn't be so indifferent.
"Penny? Ms. Cooper?" Raymond's voice snapped her back to reality. He was standing in front of her, slightly frowning.
Her mind went blank. "I'll go pay the bill," she blurted out.
Raymond glanced at her. If not for her sincere look, he'd think she was planning to dine and dash.
The waiter had placed the bill in front of her, but she didn't respond. Helpless, the waiter handed the card machine to Raymond.
Raymond found it amusing, swiped his card, and noticed Selena still in a daze.
"I've already paid," he said. She stood there awkwardly, then got up too quickly, feeling dizzy, and leaned towards him.
Raymond was about to step aside but saw they were near the escalator. After a brief hesitation, she fell into his arms.
He realized she was burning up.
The cool scent of Raymond's cologne reached her nose, and her foggy brain started working again. Ignoring her discomfort, she stepped back. "Sorry, I think I caught a cold last night."
Seeing her pale face, Raymond wondered if she'd foolishly soaked in cold water all night.
"Why didn't you call your husband to pick you up last night?" Raymond asked, puzzled.
With that kind of drug, having someone help would be way more comfortable than enduring it alone.
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