Chapter 371
Chapter 371
Even after spending a few moments next to Thomas, Veronica hadn’t recognized him, the boy whom she decided to accept into the university.
It wasn’t her fault, though. After all, it was eight years ago. Thomas’ appearance and temperament changed a lot since then.
Back then, he was just a teen. But now, the naivety in him had vanished. Instead, there was determination in his eyes.
Besides, she had only seen him twice. He never left a strong impression on her during their encounters.
“You’re welcome.” Thomas waved a hand in dismissal before turning away to watch the scenery outside the window. He was grateful that she couldn’t recognize him, or else it would be awkward.
Once the cab stopped outside the auction house, he tried to carry her out of the car.
“It’s okay. I’m feeling better now.” Victoria stubbornly refused his kind gesture and got out of the cab on her own.
“You’re injured. Let’s go to my place. I’ll give you a checkup.”
After that, he dragged her into his Maserati without waiting for her reply.
She cried out in surprise when she felt a tug on her body. The next second, she was sitting in the passenger’s seat. She scanned her surroundings indifferently. After all, she was once the daughter of the Pearson Family. She was familiar with luxury cars.
A few years ago, Terrence forced Veronica into an alliance marriage with another family she had zero knowledge about. Even though she protested, she eventually bent to his will. After finding out her
attempts to fight for her freedom were fruitless, she gave in.
The family resided in the city next to Irieson, which was Riverdale.
Her life went smoothly at first. Even though their marriage started without a base, her so-called husband treated her with care. To her, days like that weren’t too bad at all.
Her husband was never a core member of the family. Having sided with the defeated party in the family war, he got kicked out of the family. Fortunately, her mother-in-law’s family was influential in Irieson. Therefore, Veronica and her husband returned to Irieson, seeking help from his mother’s family.
At first, Veronica was happy to return to the city she grew up in after everything. She didn’t expect that returning to Irieson marked the beginning of her nightmare.
Trying to please his mother’s original family, her husband took all of Veronica’s savings, including the properties she bought under her name. He coaxed her to give him all her money and turned them into gifts for his relatives.
His wish came true. After working hard to please the family, they took him under their wings. He became full of himself and got carried away, eventually having affairs. Even more, he saw his mistress without bothering to hide the truth from Veronica.
Veronica had enough of it. However, her husband was a heartless man. Every time she tried to protest, he beat her up.
No longer wanted to suffer, she fled the house and worked as a waitress in the hotel. Even though life was tough, she didn’t have to endure others’ disdain or her husband’s violent behavior.
She was indifferent after learning that almost the whole Pearson Family got wiped out. Like Olivia and Ophelie, she hated the family. After all, she never felt a sense of belonging in the family.
If Victoria was able to choose, she wished that she was never a Pearson.
Olivia was busy with work, so the two seldom talked to each other. Ophelie called Veronica a few times to get an update. Meanwhile, Veronica lied by telling her niece that she was happy with her life. She didn’t want to worry them. After all, the daughters of the Pearson Family shared a miserable life.
After parking his Maserati outside Northpine Villa, Thomas reminded Veronica, “Careful. Watch your step.”
After walking into the villa, she scanned her surroundings and asked, “You live here?”
Not only did the young man stand up for her, he also brought her to his home to treat her. He’s too nice.
“Sort of.” Thomas gave her a vague answer. He picked up needles for acupuncture and got some alcohol from his room. After running a quick checkup on her pulse, he asked her to lie on her stomach. He told her that he was going to do acupuncture therapy on her to help with her condition.
Half an hour later, Thomas put away his kit. “How are you feeling? Does it still hurt?”
“Oh?” Veronica was surprised to find the unbearable pain in her abdomen vanished after he treated her. What a talented young man! I don’t feel the pain anymore. He has amazing skills.
“Don’t worry! I’m healed. Thank you so much.”
“That’s good to hear.” Thomas sized Veronica up. Time flew. Eight years had gone since he last saw her. However, her face showed no signs of aging. She’s still as beautiful as the first time I met her.
Eight years ago, Veronica was in her mid-twenties. She was young, beautiful, and had a prominent family. As the head of the Admissions Office, almost all men in Irieson’s University of Technology saw her as their ideal wife.
Nowadays, Veronica was no longer the naive girl. She had matured over time. But to most men, a mature woman was more charming than an innocent girl.
“W-Why do you keep staring at me?”
Veronica had a hint of fear on her face. I hope this young man isn’t up to something.
She was confident in her appearance. She didn’t have to recall her younger days, but even when she was working as a waitress, the male guests fell for her. Some self-proclaimed big shots even hit on her. Is he no different from the rest of the men? I’m doomed.
Her head was spinning after getting involved in drama earlier. As such, she followed Thomas home without a second thought. Realization belatedly dawned on her. If he tries anything, I have no chance of escape.
Thomas immediately withdrew his gaze. Even though he wasn’t trying to hit on her, it was impolite to stare at a woman.
Veronica sighed in relief when Thomas looked away. It seems like I read too much into his intentions.
“You’re a kind young man. Thank you for standing up for me. I shouldn’t overstay my welcome.” Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Veronica got up from the couch and headed toward the door.
“Ve—” Thomas tried to call her back to ask whether she was facing a problem. However, the words stuck on the tip of his tongue and he was unable to get them out. All he could do was to watch her walk away.