Matthew appeared worn out, and his expression shifted as he heard Dolores’ words.
He straightened himself and leaned against the car, laughing, “Can’t I come to see my wife?”
Dolores furrowed her brow. How shameless could he be? They were divorced!
Matthew maintained his nonchalant attitude. “I don’t mind. Go and tell your son about our relationship…”
“What do you want?” Dolores was frustrated. Was he nothing more than a scoundrel?
His smile vanished as he suddenly said, “If you don’t want me to enter your house, then come to me.”
Dolores stood her ground, deep in thought. Samuel was a sensitive boy, and after the incident, he harbored deep hostility towards Matthew. How would she explain his presence to the child if he entered the house?
Matthew couldn’t see clearly and closed his eyes. With a raspy and hoarse voice, he said, “Time is running out for me, just like my patience.”
Dolores moved slowly, and he patiently awaited her decision. With each step she took, his figure became clearer. He had distanced himself from deceitful schemes and embraced a life rich in business. He had left behind his unscrupulous dealings, transforming into someone indescribably tender. His expression was no longer as rigid as his words. There was a newfound trace of tenderness in him. Dolores had never witnessed this side of him, but she knew that he remained true to himself and would never change.
She wrung her hands, composed herself, and pleaded, “Please, don’t interfere in my life anymore.”
Matthew lifted his tired eyes and gazed at her. “How will you plead with me?” he scoffed. “If you want to request something, you must show sincerity. Will you offer yourself?”
What did he mean? Did he see her as a promiscuous woman? Yes, she lost her virginity at eighteen, but that didn’t make her promiscuous! Dolores’ face turned red with anger, her shoulders trembling vigorously. Her tone changed as she retorted, “Are you a scoundrel?”
Her cheeks tightened, veins pulsing with anger. A few strands of hair fell out of place around her neck, accentuating her feminine appearance. Matthew swallowed hard and felt like he must be going mad. He found himself aroused by her anger.
He reached out to grab Dolores’ waist and pull her into his embrace. When she realized what was happening, she slapped his chest with her hands and struggled, “Let go of me!”
Matthew took a deep breath, but instead of releasing her, he tightened his grip on her waist. He grabbed her hands and spoke softly, “Behave yourself.”
Dolores glared at him. Why was he interfering in her life? Was it too much to ask for a peaceful life with her children?
“I’m exhausted.” Matthew rested his chin on her shoulder, inhaling her fragrance. He buried his face in her neck and spoke with a deep voice, “Find a place for me to rest.”
He was truly fatigued.
Dolores noticed the dark circles under his eyes and his slouched posture. “Are you feeling unwell?” she asked, taken aback.
He nodded. Dolores was stunned but couldn’t help but feel compelled to take care of him.
“I’ll find you a hotel, okay?” Dolores offered.
“Okay.”
Dolores helped him into the car and fastened his seatbelt. She closed the door and took her place in the driver’s seat, starting the car. She was familiar with the area and quickly found a hotel. After about five minutes, she stopped the car in front of a five-star hotel. Tossing the car key to a hotel staff member, she instructed them to assist Matthew.
“I’m only taking you to the hotel. You’ll have to pay for your own room,” Dolores made it clear.
He was wealthy, while she had to earn every cent she had. She couldn’t afford unnecessary expenses. She needed to save money for her two children-daily expenses and education required funds. Her children were growing, and there were many expenses. She had to be a strong support for her children. She wouldn’t let them suffer due to a lack of money.
Matthew was tall, and it was a struggle for her to support him. He didn’t put his full weight on her, but he didn’t expect this woman to draw a clear line between them in every aspect. She was now a renowned designer and not penniless. It was just the cost of a night’s stay. How could she be so calculating?
Resting his arm on her shoulder, he shifted his weight onto her. Dolores felt the burden on her shoulders increasing with each step. She muttered silently against this man in her heart. Why was he so heavy, like a pig, despite not looking fat at all?
As they approached the front desk, Dolores asked, “Where is your identification card and wallet?”
Matthew leaned on her, barely opening his eyes, and struggled to speak, “My ID card is in my pants pocket, but I don’t have any money.”
Dolores clenched her teeth and couldn’t help but want to leave him there and walk away.
Why hadn’t he taken any money with him? Fine, he wasn’t in the habit of carrying cash, but he should have had some cards. Dolores felt his pockets, her fingers slim, long, and delicate. Each touch sent a jolt of electricity through her.
What a ridiculous lack of self-control! He had become a complete laughingstock in front of this woman. Each touch from her aroused him. Matthew closed his eyes.
Dolores felt a wallet in his pocket. She opened it and was taken aback. Didn’t he claim to have no money? Then what were all these bills? Dolores rolled her eyes but decided not to take the cash. Instead, she took out a card and handed it to the front desk, saying, “Presidential suite with the best service. Charge anything that requires payment.”
He was loaded anyway!
Matthew, “…”
Front desk, “…”
Were rich people always so extravagant?
The lady at the front desk fidgeted for a moment and raised her head to ask, “Is there a PIN number?”
Dolores poked him in the abdomen. His chest still ached from her previous blows, and now his abdomen hurt too. He felt like he was about to die. “No.”
“No PIN,” Dolores replied.
The front desk returned the card along with the room key to Dolores and said, “Top-level, Room 888. The presidential suite includes personalized services. The total is 108, 000 yuan.”
A hundred thousand for one night? Dolores shuddered; it was too expensive. Luckily, she wasn’t the one paying the bill.
Dolores placed the card back into the wallet and returned it to his pocket. They took the elevator to the top floor and looked for Room 888.
She swiped the card to unlock the door.
With a “ding,” the door opened. Dolores pushed it open, revealing a room adorned with two grand crystal chandeliers hanging from the high red and gold ceiling. The scattered lights from the chandeliers gave the room a noble and luxurious ambiance.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the beautiful city. The curtains were made of flannel and lace. In the center of the living room sat a deep red European-style sofa. The spacious living space boasted luxurious chairs, cabinets, and other elegant furniture, designed to resemble Western palaces. Dolores couldn’t help but think that the money could have been better spent elsewhere.
Supporting Matthew, she pushed open the bedroom door. There was a deep, red-colored bed headboard, a low stool at the foot of the bed, a white carpet, and silk bedding adorned with gold trimmings.
Everything exuded high-end luxury, both visually and sensually. Dolores guided him onto the bed, feeling exhausted herself.
Matthew sank into the soft bedding and winced as he rubbed his wounds.
“Have a good rest. I’ve arranged the best service for you. You’ll have a comfortable evening. I won’t disturb you any further.”
With those words, Dolores turned to leave…