Chapter 6
Jolene learned that Cedric loved eating fish. The next day, she went to the pond in her backyard to get a few fish. She wanted to practice cooking them so she could make fish
dishes for Cedric in the future.
She had just gotten her hands on a fish she had her eye on. Turning around, she noticed Simone, who had somehow managed to enter her house and was walking toward her. Fiddling with her fingers, Simone put on a pitiful look. “Ms. Miller, did you find out that Pres got injured in a fight because he was trying to protect me? Is that why you’re angry? “It’s all my fault. Blame me if you want. I know you’re his fiancée, while I’m only the daughter of a housekeeper. I’m not worthy of his attention…”
Jolene frowned at her feigned innocence. She turned to leave. However, Simone grabbed her hand. Under her confused gaze, Simone smiled provocatively.
Jolene had yet to understand the change in her attitude when she suddenly slapped herself hard several times.
She sobbed, “Ms. Miller, I don’t mind it even if you hit me or scold me. I only wish that you stop being mad at Mr. Norwood. You can do as you wish as long as you visit him! I won’t resist.”
Jolene became wary of her unusual behavior. She realized something was wrong. Wanting to leave, she tried to wrestle her hand from Simone’s grasp.
Just then, Preston barged in with a group of people, seething. They surrounded her and Simone.
Preston barked, “Jolene, why did you hit Simone? I’ve already agreed to have the wedding, haven’t I? You shouldn’t push my limits!”
Jolene stared at him coldly. “I didn’t hit her. There’s a surveillance camera right over there. You can check the records if you want.”
With that, she wanted to leave. However, overcome with fury, Preston merely glared at her as her words fell on deaf ears. He snarled, “I’ve always thought you’re only arrogant because you’re spoiled. Now I realize you’re just evil!”
Then, he asked his friends to hold Jolene back as he held Simone’s hand. “Simone, I will never let anyone make you sad. Hit her back!”
At first, Simone choked up, saying that she didn’t have the nerve to. After everyone else encouraged her, she stopped pretending and slapped Jolene with every ounce of her energy.
Jolene’s face became swollen, and the unhealed wound on her forehead started bleeding again. Her cheek burned with pain, and there was a ringing in her ear.
When no one noticed, Simone shoved Jolene into the pond before Jolene could come to her senses. Then, Simone acted all kind, wanting to help her out of the water.
Preston merely cast Jolene a cold glance and left with his friends. “Let her be. The water’s shallow. She won’t drown.”
Jolene floundered about in the water for a long time. She was almost exhausted when someone finally found her and rescued her.
That night, she had a high fever which lasted until the next day.
She dreamed of many of the events that happened in her past life. Tears dangled from the corners of her eyes as she mumbled in her sleep.
“I feel unwell, Pres. I thought you were out buying croissants for me. Why aren’t you back yet…”
“It’s my fault. I’m sorry, Pres. I promise I will never hide the love letters others write to you ever again…”
Preston just happened to enter at that moment. He was stunned momentarily as he remembered the days when Jolene followed him everywhere and he willingly doted on her. His heart softened.
He muttered, “It was all good until you made a fuss. If you hadn’t insisted on marrying me, I would’ve taken care of you like a younger sister forever.”
Through the fog in her mind, Jolene heard him and woke up.
When she opened her eyes, Preston put on the same disdainful look he had days ago. He said solemnly, “Grandpa told me you were sick and insisted I check on you. Don’t overthink. I’m forced to come. I wouldn’t have otherwise!”
Simone came in right after that, seemingly fearful. She apologized helplessly. “Ms. Miller, it was my fault. Please forgive me.”
Jolene had taken a slap for no reason and had been pushed into the pond. However, having just recovered, she was still too weak to argue.
She propped herself up with difficulty and was about to chase them both away when she noticed Simone staring intently at her neck.
She couldn’t help but touch her neck, around which hung a necklace. Preston gave it to her as a coming–of–age gift.
Preston noticed it too. He knew the necklace was important to Jolene. His gaze turned solemn as he said, “Simone, I’ll custom–make another one for you later-”
He couldn’t finish his sentence. Jolene had torn the necklace off her neck and flung it at them. Forcing herself to sit upright, she pulled out the box that she packed earlier and
handed it to Preston too.
Seeing how indifferent she was, Preston felt a sudden pang of uneasiness. “What are you doing?”
Jolene shoved the box into his arms, saying gently, “I’m getting married. My future husband will misunderstand if he sees the presents you gave me. Preston, I’m returning them to you. You and I no longer have anything to do with each other.”
Preston thought she was acting up again. He overturned the box and glared at her, fuming. “You were the one who hit Simone, yet you have the audacity to throw a tantrum!T your future husband, aren’t I? What do you mean we no longer have anything to do with each other? Let’s see if you can keep this up on the wedding day!”
He vented all the dissatisfaction he had been suppressing. Then, he stomped off with Simone.
Staring at the mess on the floor, Jolene smiled. She called for the housekeeper. “Get rid of this junk.”
