Divorce Anxiety
Chapter 135

"Are you seriously agreeing to be my relative?” Kathleen was startled.Samuel’s lips curled. "Yes."Adeep line appeared in the middle of Kathleen's brow. “You won't do things that I hate? For example,kiss me or flirt with me without warning?” she asked doubtfully."No,” Samuel responded with ashake of his head.”All right.” Kathleen paused. “I'll give you one last chance.”Chuckling deeply,Samuel spread his arms wide.Kathleen hesitated before wrapping her arms around him.Samuel felthis heart clenching up as a lone tear dropped down his cheek and disappeared underneathKathleen's collar.She’s so soft and fits right into my arms perfectly. Alas, this will be the last timewe'll ever hug each other.Kathleen had no idea why her heart was aching.A year had since passed,but the pain still remained.”From now on, we'll be a family. If you need help, just let me know. I'll trymy best to help,” Samuel rasped. “I promise no one will dare to lay a hand on you inJadeborough.”"Mm.” Kathleen bobbed her head His lips curled up, Samuel added, “One more thing.I hope you'll say yes to my request.”"Say it,” Kathleen urged.Please don’t show your affection forChristopher in front of me. I might've agreed to be your family, but that doesn’t mean I can acceptyour relationship. Do you understand?” Samuel stated.”Okay.” Kathleen nodded.I won't beaffectionate with Christopher in public, anyway.”l can't bring myself to release you,” Samuel grunted.“If I let go, you'll no longer belong to me.”Something told him he would forever be herfamily.Kathleen hesitated. “I'll let you hug me for ten seconds longer.”Samuel snickered andcommented, “How kind of you.”"Release me then,” Kathleen hissed with her brows furrowedup.”No!” Samuel tightened his grip. “I earned the ten seconds myself."Kathleen let out a lightsnort.Ten seconds later, Samuel released her reluctantly. He placed his hand on her head and said,“Let's get along well, Kate.”Kathleen was dumbfounded.Samuel let out a low chuckle. “What did youbring?"He must've faked that tear! I felt bad for him, but he started joking again. Never mind. If hedares to go against his word, I shall cut off all ties with him!“Quinoa salad.” Kathleen placed thetakeaway food in front of him. “It's still piping hot, so eat up. I shall take my leave now.""Did youdrive here?” Samuel inquired.”I'll get a taxi,” Kathleen answered.“I'll give you a ride.” Samuel got tohis feet. “I'll eat this at home.”"No need for that. It's just ten o'clock.” Kathleen raised her hand toglance at her Patek Philippe watch. “You don't have to give me a ride home.”Samuel put on his coat.“insist. Did you forget what I said? I said I won't let you run into danger ever again.”Every time herecalled how she had nearly lost her life after he abandoned her on the street, he would have toresist the urge to slap himself twice.Kathleen bit her lip. “All right."She had stopped recalling thematter.Samuel drove a Maybach, and it was the first time Kathleen had ever driven it.Sensing heranxiety, Samuel chuckled. “Drive slowly. It's fine. I can eat the quinoa salad in the car.”“Stop mockingme.” Kathleen clenched her jaw. “I can drive a Bentley, let alone this car. Eat your food.""Okay.”Grinning, Samuel started eating his supper slowly.Kathleen was focusing on driving. She pursed herlips in concentration and wore a determined expression.Samuel glanced at her and smileddiscreetly Finally, the car arrived at the house.She promptly heaved a sigh of relief. Turning around,she looked at the quinoa salad in Samuel's hand and grumbled, “The journey took over an hour.Why didn’t you manage to finish your food?"“It isn’t as good as your cooking,” came Samuel'sanswer.Kathleen snorted. “Back when I cooked for you, you never praised me.”Samuel flashed ahalf-smile. “I was an idiot back then."Kathleen frowned. “I'll park the car in the yard and tell Maria toprepare some food for you.”"Can’t you cook for me?” Samuel asked. “I collected so muchinformation for you and agreed to be your family today. Is that how you repay me?“Kathleen gapedsilently. Why is this suddenly my fault?She caved in. “Will pasta do?""Sure.” Samuel inclined his

head Kathleen sighed. “Let's go.”She unbuckled her seatbelt and got off the car.Samuel’s lips curledinto an alluring smile.He got out of the car and caught up to her.At the door, Kathleen entered herbirthdate. The door clicked open.Whipping around, Kathleen asked, “Won't you change thepasscode?"“No. Is there a rule saying I can't use my relative’s birthday as my passcode?” Samuelretorted.No, indeed. But one usually uses the birthday of one’s significant being as the passcode. It'stotally different!“Kate, you'll have to give me some time to get used to it.” Samuel's voice was bitter.“You changed our relationship forcefully. You might've gotten used to it, but I need moretime."Kathleen felt as though she was an evil person. “All right, then.”She strode into the house.Asmile nudged Samuel's lips as he went in after her.Kathleen went to the kitchen and opened therefrigerator.The refrigerator was full, so she grabbed a few ingredients and began cooking.Samuelremoved his coat and placed it on the couch.He went to the kitchen and asked, “Can I ask you somequestions?”“Sure, if you don't try to invade my privacy.” Kathleen was busy cutting tomatoes.Samuelsmirked. “How did you replace your brother?"“It was Chris’ doing,” Kathleen explained. “He helped meto check my family records and discovered I had a long-lost brother. All the while, he had beensearching for Charles, and Charles happened to be looking for me, too. They then bumped intoeach other.”Samuel fell silent. If I showed her more concern, I might be able to help her."Whathappened next?” Samuel asked.”Charles assumed we're getting a divorce, so he didn't show up. Heplanned to reunite with me after our divorce and take me with him. However...” Kathleen pausedmomentarily. “Anyway, he took me with him later on.”Oh, I see.Samuel's gaze was dark. No wonder Ifailed to replace anything even though I investigated Christopher thoroughly.”You never told us aboutthis,” Samuel remarked.”l didn’t want to trouble you.” Kathleen stopped in her tracks. “Actually, Idon't mind if your grandma decides not to adopt me. I'm glad that my parents are kind souls. Ididn't grow up to be like them, but I can promise that they didn’t save her just because she’s OldMrs. Macari.””l know. You don't have to explain that to me. There was no way they'd recognize herduring the incident,” Samuel replied hastily. He was afraid she would misunderstand things.Kathleenexhaled. “Anyway, I can't bring myself to ask for your help to replace Charles. I didn't know Chris washelping me, either."Samuel’s gaze deepened. “Why didn't you tell me?"“Because you don’t love me,”Kathleen answered with a soft sigh. “You were busy and didn't have time for me. I don't blame you,though.”