The Dankworth family did not have to marry into the Burns family. After all, there was not only Finn in this world.
But Lily couldn’t let go of him. She felt like a person trapped in quicksand, the more she struggled, the deeper she sank.
When Lily found out that Finn was keeping a mistress behind her back, she thought about breaking off the engagement. But she couldn’t help but remember the good things about Finn.
She remembered their first meeting, how he helped her retrieve her bag, how they went on dates, had dinner, watched movies. They were so compatible, and he was so handsome. When she considered his family background as well, he was undoubtedly the most perfect man she had ever met, even though he had a mistress.
In their circle of wealthy people, who wasn’t a bit lustful? Even her own father indulged in secret affairs, didn’t he?
Lily couldn’t let go of Finn because of the lingering sense of injustice. She couldn’t stand the thought of Finn not having her in his heart, even though she was clearly better than the woman named Aoife in every way.
Aoife, a rustic girl from the countryside, poor and plain, with nothing to her name. What could she possibly compare to Lily? Why would Finn have feelings for her?
If Aoife obediently left on her own, Lily would let her go. But if she didn’t…
A flash of ruthlessness passed through Lily’s eyes.
Lily had the resources to be confident. She knew the situation in the Burns family. She could live without Finn, but Finn couldn’t break off the engagement with her. Old Burns was getting older, his health deteriorating, and he needed someone to inherit the family business. Besides Finn, there was also a man named Hamish.
She could help Finn acquire shares in the Burns family and inherit the family estate. Could Aoife do that?
In matters of love and profit, she was one hundred percent sure that Finn would abandon Aoife for the sake of profit.
In these “capitalist families,” what did emotions matter? They were just a seasoning of life, a necessary sacrifice at times.
Soon, she would have her confirmation.
Suddenly, the sound of an engine outside could be heard. Lily’s expression remained calm, as if she had expected someone to return at this moment, unlike Aoife’s reaction.
From afar, Finn spotted a black car parked outside, with fresh tire tracks on the road. It seemed like they had just arrived.
For the past few days, Finn had been focused on Aoife, knowing she wouldn’t leave. He felt relieved enough to go on a business trip, leaving her alone at home without anyone watching over her. Little did he know that his lapse in alertness could attract Lily.
If Lily hadn’t sent him her location and mentioned that she was coming to North Bankshire to find him, he would have been kept in the dark.
When did Lily find out that he had a property in North Bankshire? If she knew he had bought a house there, did she also know about Aoife’s existence?
Finn’s mind was in turmoil, but he couldn’t stop Lily from coming. All he could do was return in advance.
Even now, Finn wasn’t sure what was worrying him.
Was he afraid that Lily, upon knowing everything, would make things difficult for Aoife, or was he worried about losing his profits?
Finn got out of the car and quickly walked inside. Finding Aoife’s figure, he glanced around before fixing his gaze on Lily, who was sitting on the sofa sipping coffee leisurely.
“You’re back quite early,” Lily said, setting down her coffee and getting up, walking towards Finn in high heels.
Finn nodded. There was a slight curve to his lips, his face seemingly unchanged, but his eyes held a searching look. He couldn’t read Lily’s expression at the moment. Did she know everything, or was she clueless? Did she come here without any ulterior motives, just to see him?
“Why did you suddenly think of visiting me?” he asked.
“We are engaged, after all. Isn’t it normal for me to come to your place for a meal?” Lily replied.
“Have you had lunch yet? If not, let’s go out for a meal.”
“I haven’t.” Lily hooked her arm around his, walking close to him, completely disregarding Aoife beside them.
“I just arrived here. I had a glass of milk for breakfast, and now I’m hungry… I came here secretly to surprise you, but I didn’t expect to find another person in the house,” Lily feigned ignorance, pointing at Aoife. “Who is she?”
Whether Lily genuinely knew or was pretending, she was trying to get Finn to give her a way out.
“She’s just a maid I hired.”
Lily lifted her head, emphasizing her question. “Is she really just a maid?”
Finn wrapped his arm around her waist, a smile playing on his lips. “Of course. She cooks well and takes care of the household chores. Hiring her is like having four or five people. She cleans, does the laundry, trims the trees in the yard, weeds… all by herself.”
“I see,” Lily received the satisfactory answer she was looking for. Finn didn’t disappoint her.
Aoife kept her head down. Finn was right; she was a maid who did everything, but he failed to mention one thing-she also slept with him.
Finn and Lily standing together seemed so compatible, a match made in heaven.
She had imagined what Finn would be like with another woman, but all her thoughts couldn’t compare to what she saw today with her own eyes.
This kind-hearted Finn was the first impression she had of him, and he was so gentle, happy, with a soft tone in his voice. She didn’t even need to look at him; just hearing his voice made her feel the sweetness.
After hearing him once, her heart was ready to melt.
The gentle Finn was something to yearn for.
She had fallen for Finn’s subtle tenderness, even though she knew it was all an act. But she couldn’t help but indulge in thoughts of him occasionally.
Lily said, “As long as she’s a maid, that’s fine. I thought you were keeping a mistress behind my back.”
Finn glanced at Aoife. “I wouldn’t look at anyone besides you. I have you; there’s no way I would keep a mistress. You and her can never be compared.”
Finn’s tone was cold, his words sharp like knives.
“I’m hungry. I don’t feel like going out for a meal. You said this maid cooks well, so let her cook for us. I want to taste her cooking for lunch today,” Lily said, watching Aoife. As she saw Aoife’s complexion turning paler, the smile on her lips grew wider.
Making a scene in front of me? Let’s see how you can act now, you harlot.
Aoife stood still, immobile. Finn reprimanded, “Didn’t you hear? Go and cook.”
Only then did Aoife leave.
With the voices of the two people still ringing in her ears, Aoife stood in the kitchen, unable to drive them away.
Aoife wanted to laugh, but the laughter wouldn’t come out.
No comparison?
Aoife was all too aware of the disparity between her and Lily.
Just as she could never imitate Elisa no matter how hard she tried, she had spent so much time by Finn’s side, always deferential and submissive, but she never made any progress.
Even in the intimacy they shared every night, their illicit relationship felt like an insurmountable gap.
A person deprived of sunlight, having climbed out of the abyss, found that even the sunlight could hurt.
Suffering long-term hurts made her used to pain, until she no longer dared to seek help.
Aoife’s mind began to recede, the roar of thunder in her ears drowning out the voices of the two in the living room. But in the end, wasn’t she about to leave him soon anyway? No longer would she have to be his mistress. She would regain her freedom; she should show happiness.
“The food you cooked is so sumptuous,” Lily said after washing her hands and returning to the table. “It smells delicious.”
Finn served her a bowl of soup. “Try it.”
“It’s really good. Isn’t she joining us at the table?” Lily asked.
Finn replied, “Have you ever seen a maid join the meal?”
Satisfied, Lily smiled without saying a word.
Aoife felt a twinge in her heart, but she went back to behaving as she did before. In the past, after she finished cooking for Finn, she would wait in the inconspicuous corner until he finished before sitting down. Now, things were back to how they used to be; there was nothing for her to get used to.
Indeed… there was nothing for her to get used to. Soon, she would be leaving him. She wouldn’t have to be his mistress anymore, and she would regain her freedom. She should show happiness.
“Your maid not only cooks well but also looks beautiful. Where did you find her?” Lily asked teasingly.
Finn teased back, “Feeling jealous?”
Lily hummed in agreement, teasing, “Do you think I’m petty?”
Finn shook his head, his deep brown eyes filled with meaning. “If you’re truly concerned about her, I’ll dismiss her this month.”