Chapter 539 Because of Love
Bianca stared at Smith's masked face, feeling a bit dazed. She always sensed that beneath that cold mask were a pair of fiery eyes, eyes filled with a passion she couldn't quite grasp.
Bianca recognized this look; it was genuine affection. When she first met Smith, it felt like love at first sight, or maybe he had already fallen for her before they even met.
With this suspicion in mind, Bianca looked at him calmly, her voice tinged with doubt. "Are we really meeting for the first time?"
Smith smiled, his warm breath brushing against Bianca's face. He gently touched her cheek, his voice husky, "You're curious, aren't you? Fall in love with me quickly, and I'll tell you the truth."
Bianca didn't resist his touch; instead, she felt a tingling sensation on her face, making her breath catch for a moment. After a few seconds, she chuckled lightly, "This is a political marriage. We're just fulfilling our needs. There won't be any love, so don't take it too seriously."
Smith took out a gemstone from his pocket, shaped like a four-leaf clover. He gently split it into two pieces and placed one piece around Bianca's neck. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "I bought this four-leaf clover gemstone. It will protect you and bless our marriage. Bianca, trust me, I'll make you happy."
With that, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. This refined and restrained gesture moved Bianca, her heart racing uncontrollably. The last time she felt this way was when she was with Edgar. The long-lost feeling made Bianca feel unfamiliar. She had always thought that after breaking up with Edgar, she would never feel moved again, never believe in love again.
But Smith in front of her had indeed touched her, deeply capturing her attention. Bianca even looked forward to the moment he would remove his mask. But she was no longer a young girl, not impulsive about certain things. She had learned to hide her emotions well, not letting anyone see through her. This was a skill she had honed over the years.
Bianca smiled politely, "Thank you. As long as we respect each other after marriage, that's enough." With that, she turned and left.
Smith watched her retreating figure, a bitter smile on his lips. He walked out of the palace and got into his car. As soon as he got in, he clutched his stomach, his eyes filled with pain. The driver noticed and immediately asked, "Mr. William, is your wound tearing? I'll take you to the hospital right away."
Smith shook his head, "No need, I can handle it myself when I get back."
"But it's a gunshot wound. If you don't treat it properly, it could leave lasting damage."
"I know, but I have more important things to do."
The car left the palace.
Bianca held Paxon's hand as they returned to her room, her mind filled with thoughts of Smith's passionate eyes. Why did those eyes remind her so much of Edgar? Was she overthinking, or was it just a coincidence?
Paxon noticed her daze and hugged her neck, giving her a kiss, "Auntie, are you thinking about that masked man?"
Bianca snapped back to reality, smiling, "No, I was thinking about you."
"You're lying. I'm right here in front of you. Why would you need to think about me?" Paxon said, his words making Bianca laugh.
She looked at Sebastian, "This kid's gonna be even more impressive than you when he grows up."
Sebastian chuckled, "It's not that my son is impressive; it's that you're too obvious, Bianca. Are you suspicious of the masked man?"
Bianca didn't deny it, "Yeah, I feel like he resembles someone, but it shouldn't be him."
"For your safety, I was planning to investigate him anyway. I'll give you an update in a few days."
"Okay. Can Paxon sleep with me tonight?"
Hearing this, Paxon clapped his hands excitedly, "Yes, yes! I love sleeping with Auntie. She has lots of pretty people here I can play with."
Bianca laughed and pinched his cheek, "Already chasing pretty girls at such a young age. You'll be quite the charmer when you grow up."
Paxon blinked his big eyes, "What does 'charmer' mean?"
"A charmer is someone who gets close to many girls."
Paxon immediately waved his hands, "Don't say that! If my wife hears, she'll be jealous."
His words made Bianca laugh, "Where's your wife? Show me."
"She's on her way to me. When she's born, I'll show you."
Leonard laughed and patted his little butt, "Your wife said she's not coming. She doesn't like that you wet the bed."
Paxon glared at him, "Uncle, do you know why you don't have a wife yet? Because you don't keep your promises. You said you wouldn't tell, but you did. Do you want me to pull your oxygen tube?"
His words made everyone laugh.
Leonard kissed his cheek, "Alright, I won't say it anymore. Just don't pull my oxygen tube, okay?"
Paxon arrogantly put his hands on his hips, "We'll see how you behave."
Leonard ruffled his hair, "How about I take you to Disney tomorrow?"
Hearing this, Paxon's eyes widened, "Do you mean it?"
"I mean it."
Paxon immediately held out his hand, "Pinky promise. Whoever doesn't go is a puppy."
Seeing his cute and silly expression, Sebastian couldn't help but smile. He walked over and picked Paxon up, "Tonight, sleep with Bianca. Tomorrow morning, let Leonard pick you up. Daddy has things to do, okay?"
Paxon nodded eagerly, "Of course! I'm three years old now, not a baby chasing after mom and dad."
Sebastian laughed and patted his butt, "Who was it that always wanted to snuggle with mom? Aren't you embarrassed?"
Paxon looked at him seriously, "You're thirty and still snuggle with mom. Why should I be embarrassed?"
His words left Sebastian speechless.
Bianca laughed, "As expected of a lawyer's son. His debating skills are strong."
They chatted and laughed for a while. Paxon stayed with Bianca, while Sebastian and Leonard went home.
Two days later, Sebastian met Smith at a secret club. The door opened, and the golden mask appeared again. Smith nodded slightly at Sebastian, "Mr. Winters, you were eager to meet me. What can I do for you?"
Sebastian handed him a file, his expression cold, "What's your purpose in approaching Bianca?"
Smith's deep eyes darkened. He slowly removed his mask, revealing his handsome features. His voice was husky, "Because I like her."