Doubt reflected in Erica's expression as she stared at the young woman in front of her. She didn't know whether she should believe Kaitlyn or not. Kaitlyn deftly pulled out her phone from her pocket to prove her innocence. I have the chat history with my cousin. If you don't believe me, I'll show you!
Then she turned to a chat page. The person who was marked as Phoebe by Kaitlyn did give her instructions to steal Erica's work.
Later, Mr. Huo asked the school to expel both my boyfriend and me. As no school is willing to accept a student who was expelled from Y City Film Academy, my parents spent a lot of money to admit me to a three-class university. Tears welled in Kaitlyn's eyes as she spoke. Her expression was so sincere that she almost convinced Erica.
But, Erica had dealt with the Su family's three sisters so often that she had learned her lesson. She was afraid that Kaitlyn was a lying bitch, just like her cousins. So, she simply nodded, even though she had doubts regarding Kaitlyn's candor. Eventually, she said, "I know, but I have to go to class. Bye!
Okay, but Erica, can you forgive me? I know that I was wrong!Kaitlyn begged pitifully.
It doesn't matter whether I forgive you or not. We are not in the same school now, and we won't meet each other in the future," Erica said indifferently. If Kaitlyn hadn't come to her, they might never have met.
Kaitlyn took a deep breath and sighed, Okay. I understand your feelings. After all, I did hurt you. Anyway, I still have to thank you. If you need any help in the future, just call me!
Well, thank you." Erica didn't want to talk to her anymore, so she thanked the young woman for her offer and turned to leave.
Several days passed, and there was no sign of Matthew. He stopped coming home, and Erica found that she was sleeping alone every night.
One night, as the pregnant woman lay in her bed, she touched her round belly and thought about her husband. The more she contemplated, the sadder she became. After a short while, she burst into tears. 'Matthew is a liar. He tricked me into getting pregnant. Now that I'm carrying his children, he won't even come home!'
She wanted to run away. She never wanted to return with his children.
Erica suddenly sat up in the bed. A marriage devoid of love would not last, and she had to leave herself a way out.
After much thought, she gave up. Yes, she gave up!
Matthew had provided her with bank cards. If she left home and used the cards, he would find out. Then he'd be able to track her and bring her home. There was no way she could run from him.
She could transfer the money in her accounts to someone else. But she didn't know any trustworthy people except her family, Rhea, and Hyatt.
She couldn't possibly take Rhea's or Hyatt's bank cards with her, could she? No way! Matthew was not stupid. He would investigate them if Erica ran away.
So, in the end, her plan would not work.
On the fourth day, Erica was so distraught that she called Debbie. That was when she learned that Matthew was on a business trip to M Country and that he would be gone for half a month. The ever-kind Debbie invited Erica to live with them in the Huo family manor so that she could take care of her.
Erica agreed. After all, it was scary to live in such a big villa alone.
She didn't dare to revisit Watkins. Every time she met him, Matthew would be furious.
So, she did the next best thing. She sent a message. "Watkins, are you feeling better now?"
After waiting for a long time, she received Watkins' reply. "I'm fine. The doctor said that I'd be discharged from the hospital in two days, and I can stay at home till my arm recovers."
"Oh, that's good!"
"Erica, can you pick me up from the hospital? My parents have been out of town these past two days, and I'm quite lonely. They will not return in time for my discharge, and I need your help."
When she saw this message, Erica considered his request for a while. Then, she refused politely, "I'm sorry, Watkins. I may not be able to help you. Is it all right if I ask my friend to pick you up instead?"
'I have always been considerate of Matthew's feelings. Alas! How could he not love a devoted wife like me? Why did he fall in love with a bitch?' The thought upset Erica.
She glanced at the phone repeatedly, but Watkins didn't reply. After waiting for a while, Erica began to get angry. 'Why didn't he respond to my offer? What does his silence imply?
Perhaps he's fallen asleep.' With a frown, she decided to focus on her work.
Over the next few days, Kaitlyn approached Erica repeatedly. She would often bring snacks for her as well. After observing Kaitlyn for some time, Erica felt that she didn't have any malicious intentions, so she gradually began to feel comfortable around her.
One afternoon, she prepared her camera for a photo-shoot in the school's photo studio. Now, all she needed was a model.
Kaitlyn came to her again. "Hi, Erica! Look at what snacks I've brought you!"
Then she pulled out a paper bag. Erica grinned. "Oh, macaroons. I love them."
"Yeah. Why don't you try one?" Kaitlyn opened the paper bag and took out the macaroons.
Erica selected a brown one and took a bite. Sure enough, it tasted familiar. "Hmm, yummy!" Sweet but not greasy. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the taste.
Kaitlyn also ate one. Then she asked, "What are you planning on shooting today?"
"I want to do a portrait, so Hyatt went to get the camera. I happen to need a subject to shoot. Would you like to be my model?" Kaitlyn had a good figure and could serve as a model.
The young woman hesitated for a while. With a brief nod, she said, "Okay, my boyfriend has photographed me several times before. I think I know what to do."
"Thank you! Would you like to try some of the clothes?" Erica pointed at a rack of clothes not far away.
"Okay!" Kaitlyn selected two items of clothing and went into the changing room.
While Erica was setting up the camera, Kaitlyn's phone rang, and she answered it. When she said "cousin," Erica's curiosity was piqued.
'Her cousin? Could it be Phoebe or Camille?'
Erica didn't like to eavesdrop on others, but as this conversation was between Kaitlyn and one of the Su sisters, she moved two steps closer to the changing room.
"A house? Didn't you just pay Mr. Huo ten million? What? He didn't ask you for the money? Shhhh. I need to keep my voice down. Erica is outside!" She then began to whisper so softly that
Erica had to go closer to hear their conversation.
"No, I won't do it, not even if you give me five million. Erica and I are good friends now! I won't do terrible things for you anymore. Is it true that Mr. Huo didn't ask you to pay the ten million? Oh, my God! Why was he so forgiving and generous? Is he still in love with you? Poor Erica!"
Erica's mind went blank when she heard Kaitlyn's comments. 'How could Matthew not ask Phoebe to compensate him? Is that the reason why he didn't give me the card?'
Erica's insecurities flared again. It didn't help that she hadn't seen Matthew in days! She could no longer focus on either the conversation or the photo-shoot she had planned.
She lowered her head in defeat and set the camera aside. Absentmindedly, she adjusted the aperture and sensitivity of the camera. When Kaitlyn stepped out, Erica said, "I'm sorry, but I've decided not to take any photos today. Change your clothes, please."
Confusion coursed through Kaitlyn, and she asked, "Why did you change your mind?" She seemed to think of something and approached Erica. "By the way, Erica, Phoebe just called me! She asked me to take you to a bar, but I refused. Be careful. It looks like she is planning something."
Erica silently stared at the girl for a while.
Afraid that she might not believe her, Kaitlyn hurriedly raised her hand and vowed, "I swear that I didn't agree to help Phoebe. If I had, I wouldn't have told you."