Initially, how he had snatched her from Garrison’s side was a feat. Trying the same method now, it seemed, would not be so simple.
Looking at the photo where Winifred was happily holding Garrison’s hand, such a tender scene was like a stab to Leland’s eyes.
Leland felt a painful twinge in his heart. He tugged at his collar in irritation and then leaned back in his chair, his whole demeanor exuding an air of indelible defeat.
He took out his phone, hesitated, and then sent another message to Winifred.
“Have you eaten?”
At this hour, she probably had.
Winifred had slept until past noon, awakened by hunger in a groggy state, feeling heavy-headed and light-footed. After getting up, she intended to check the time on her phone, but upon unlocking it, she found yet another message from that man.
Staring at the inexplicable greeting in the message, Winifred felt a surge of perplexity and irritation. Was this his way of showing concern?
It was a type of concern she could not afford to accept.
Just waking up and seeing that man’s message, you can imagine her mood. Annoyed, she tossed her phone aside, not wanting to look at it.
Still somewhat hungry upon waking, now she had lost her appetite completely.
But remembering Garrison had gotten up early to cook for so long, Winifred still went to the kitchen. She opened the thermal container that housed the hot dishes and the rice cooker that was stewing bone soup, still steaming, ready to be served.
Winifred ladled a bowl of soup and took it to the dining room. Without Garrison by her side, the soup, though delicious, tasted bland. Holding a small spoon, she sipped absentmindedly, her mind drifting even while sipping the soup.
That man wouldn’t easily let her go. What should she do? A dangerous thought suddenly burst in Winifred’s mind-what if she pretended to get close to him, biding her time, and then kill him unnoticed?
Winifred shuddered, astonished at herself for harboring such a terrifying thought. And such a bizarre idea, too. Aside from the actual feasibility of killing someone and disposing of the body discreetly, that man was no fool. How could she possibly kill him so easily? She wasn’t physically strong enough.
Winifred thought too much all at once, even recalling how that man had suddenly fainted that night.
Perhaps his physical condition was poor, a result of excessive sexual activities. She could make him die in bed. It was disgusting yet somehow funny, but that might be the easiest way to achieve her goal.
Suddenly, Winifred put down her spoon and slapped her own face. What was she thinking?
The bone soup that Garrison had simmered was very white, with a thin layer of oil on the surface. It tasted good at first, but after a few bites, it felt greasy. Maybe it was the thoughts in her head that made her lose her appetite even more.
With every bite, she sighed. If Garrison were here, he would undoubtedly chide her, saying she was too picky for her age.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Winifred snapped back to reality, instinctively thinking it was Garrison returning.
Speak of the devil? Winifred stood up, shuffling in her slippers toward the door, opening it without seeing who it was, already exclaiming, “Garrison, did you forget your keys…”
Her words cut off abruptly. Winifred’s mouth remained open, her expression changing from joy to astonishment to incredible panic, her eyes widening in an unfathomable fear.
How could that man be here? How did he know her address, and what was he here for?
Winifred’s mind was in turmoil, unable to focus. Instinctively, she tried to shut the door, but the man standing at the entrance pushed back with such force that she staggered backward, unable to close it.
Realization dawned on her. She must be out of her mind. If Garrison had truly forgotten his keys, he would have told her in advance. Why hadn’t she looked through the peephole before opening the door at the mere sound of a knock? Her lack of safety awareness was worse than a three-year-old child’s. No wonder Garrison was always worried about her being home alone.
The three questions that had initially plagued her mind, she could now answer herself.
He knew her identity, and even her contact details; what could he possibly not find out? His purpose here was simple-to trouble her. What else could it be? She wouldn’t think he was here to show concern.
Winifred watched him fearfully, her mind clearing from its previous fog. She retreated, clutching her phone.
“Sir, trespassing is illegal.”
The man frowned, his eyes sharp as a hawk’s, exuding a cold light. He looked at her as if she were prey, his gaze filled with danger.
He stood at the door, one hand on the frame, his posture relaxed yet imposing, exuding an intimidating aura that made it difficult to look directly at him.
If he were just an insignificant stranger, Winifred might have internally remarked on his striking appearance. His features could be described as “superior,” even the line of his jaw had a naturally noble curve.
But what use was good looks if the character was vile? Such people never deserved praise.
“Have I broken the law? Do you want to call the police? Should I give you the local chief’s number? Or perhaps, you’d prefer to call Garrison back to confront me?” Leland sneered, seemingly mocking her helplessness. “Would you dare, Winifred?”
Leland was seething inside, holding back his anger was already a miracle. Hearing that Winifred was feeling unwell, he had thought long and hard before deciding to check on her, choosing a time when Garrison was away.
But what had he heard upon arriving? Winifred calling Garrison instinctively as soon as she opened the door.
Leland felt a surge of “betrayal,” a sensation so strange even to him. Though many things had happened between him and Winifred, she was never truly his. If he had to label their relationship, it would be as enemies.
Winifred had disappeared for so many years, erasing him completely, even the sole label of “enemy” between them had vanished.