Chapter 1 Mess Around
Vivienne Lancaster never thought the one to ruin her marriage would be her sister-in-law, Eliza Benton-not some scheming mistress, but family.
Eliza had been taking meticulous care of Sebastian Hartwell after returning to the country two months ago.
She’d make him hangover soup and pick out his outfits before he went out.
She’d serve him food, peel shrimp for him, and take a walk with him hand-in-hand.
And she’d even draw him a bath at night.
Vivienne had been swamped with the development of third-generation imaging chips, so she had barely come home over the past two months.
When the maid Ivy Blackwood subtly hinted that Eliza and Sebastian’s relationship had crossed the line of normal sibling behavior, she smiled, figuring Ivy was overthinking it.
After all, Eliza was seven years younger than Sebastian, who had found her in the snow and raised her like his sister.
It made sense that they seemed a bit intimate.
Besides, Sebastian had always kept other women at arm’s length, not even flashing any of them a smile.
Vivienne had never thought for a second that he’d betray her.
Until one day, she came home without a heads-up.
She stood at the bedroom door.
The smile on her face froze as she spotted Eliza in a nightgown on top of Sebastian, whose robe collar was half-loosened.
His toned abs were exposed in the air as Eliza’s fingers slipped beneath his robe.
“You’re such a sleepyhead! Lucy is already off to kindergarten, and you’re still in bed?”
Sebastian laughed, which was quite rare.
“It tickles. Stop it, Eli. I’m getting up, alright? You win.”
“Tell me, Sebastian. I’m way more considerate and helpful than Vivienne, right?”
Vivienne was certain he’d say no.
After all, six years ago, he had resolutely cut all ties with his family just to marry her.
34.34
I Walked Away Naked and
He had even set a rule-everything she said and did was right. There were no exceptions.
His friends, those rich elites in Northgale, all agreed that she meant the world to him.
Every time he wanted to sleep in, all she needed to do was cast him a glance, and then he’d surrender without a complaint.
However, in the next second, he said gently to Eliza, “Of course.
“Eli, you’re the sweetest and cutest in my heart. Vivienne is nothing compared to you.”
Vivienne was stunned. His words stabbed her heart hard like a sharp knife, leaving her shuddering.
Meanwhile, Eliza buried her face in Sebastian’s chest.
“How I wish I could stay by your side forever.”
He said, “Silly. This will always be your home.”
This would always be Eliza’s home?
Vivienne smiled bitterly.
Perhaps he had forgotten that she owned the manor.
It took her only five years to earn her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in semiconductor materials, and semiconductor companies from different countries were lining up to hire her.
Sebastian built Rose Manor according to her preferences, which impressed her, or she wouldn’t have stayed in Northgale.
A sharp, cold glint flashed across her eyes as she turned around to go downstairs.
[vy saw her. “Mrs. Hartwell, you’re back.”
“Yes.”
She didn’t stop in her tracks.
Sure that the despicable duo had known she was back, she chose to wait for them in the first-floor hall.
Vivienne pulled out the surveillance footage.
Only then did she discover the truth.
Eliza pretended to be all sweet and well-behaved when she was around.
Yet, whenever she was away, Eliza would drink water from Sebastian’s glass, hold him from behind, sleep while resting her head on his arm, and so on.
Chapter 1 Mess Around
Sebastian had never turned down any of her requests, allowing her to cross boundaries tacitly.
On top of that, Eliza even affected Lucinda Hartwell, Vivienne and Sebastian’s daughter.
She constantly fed Lucinda the importance of freedom, encouraging Lucinda to wear perfume and makeup.
Lucinda exclaimed, “Mommy is so bad. She wouldn’t let me do anything. Eliza’s the best!”
Vivienne, let’s go back to the room, alright? I can explain.”
ust then, Sebastian’s low, slightly cold voice rang out above Vivienne’s head.
he looked up and saw him in a tailored suit.
He was thirty years old, still as tall and upright as when they first met. He had sharp features, and his expression was as calm nd indifferent as ever.
tanding next to him, Eliza seemed even more petite. Biting her lip, she seemed utterly innocent and harmless.
nowing he was in the wrong, Sebastian explained patiently, “Eli is like a sister to me, and you’re my wife. That’s why I said ou can’t be compared.”
Yeah, Vivienne. Sebastian and I were just messing around.”
While you were on top of him?” Vivienne retorted with a sneer.
liza’s doe-like eyes were glistening with tears. “Vivienne…”
You don’t deserve to say my name, you angelic bitch,” Vivienne interrupted her bluntly.
Vivienne!” Sebastian’s face fell.
Enough is enough. I told you already. Eli is like a sister to me, and you know what she’s been through. It’s only right that we ake care of her and be nice to her.”
Save it. Just admit it, Sebastian. I know you wanna sleep with her,” Vivienne said bluntly.
ler jaw tightened.
This is my home, Sebastian. If you still want us to work, don’t let me see her again.”
After all, he had been a devoted, responsible husband over the years. He deserved a chance if he could fix his mistakes in time.
Sebastian fumed, “Eli has just come back to Northgale, and she has no one to turn to. She’s only twenty-three. Where’s she supposed to go?”
‘A hotel! A shelter! Rather, get married! And the funeral home is always an option.”
Vivienne’s words were utterly sharp.
Chapter i Mess Around
Special software was required when it came to the chips’ logic diagrams and circuit schematics.
Since she had to deal with personal affairs over the next few days, she left the task of purchasing licensed software to
someone else.
At 4:30 p.m., she picked Lucinda up from kindergarten.
Lucinda would soon be five years old. Though she had always been there for Lucinda, they had never grown close.
The reason was simple-her parenting was worlds apart from that of the Hartwell family.
Sebastian allowed Lucinda to spend as much time as she wanted on the phone.
Sebastian’s parents took her side unconditionally, even when she made a mistake.
And now, there was Eliza.
They all tried to win Lucinda’s favor by doting on her.
Vivienne was the only strict one.
Lucinda was very disappointed when she didn’t see Eliza. On the way back, she refused to open her mouth.
Upon returning home and seeing Eliza gone, she punched Vivienne frantically.
‘Mommy, you chased Eliza away, didn’t you? She’s too afraid to talk whenever you’re home. Why did you come back? I want
Eliza back!”
Vivienne was both angry and sad.
Though Lucinda hadn’t been close to her, this was the first time Lucinda had hit her.
She crouched down, trying to reason with Lucinda.
But Lucinda refused to listen. Instead, she grabbed Vivienne’s arm and bit down hard.
Vivienne was totally dumbfounded. Did her own daughter just hurt her for another woman?
Just then, Sebastian strode in, picked Lucinda up, and went back to her bedroom to comfort her.
Utterly irritated, Vivienne pulled out a cigarette, walked toward the window, and lit it.
As Sebastian walked out of Lucinda’s bedroom, he spotted Vivienne, who was smoking.
Her eyes were dull, devoid of any emotions, reminding him of a walking corpse.
His heart suddenly ached.
