Chapter 5 Why Did You Stop Pretending?

• "Why did you stop pretending not to know me? If you keep up with the act, I might believe you've lost your memory." Her futile struggle elicited an inexplicable sense of satisfaction in Elias.
• "You b*stard! Scoundrel! We don't talk, and we don't greet each other after the divorce! Don't you know that simple rule of thumb?" Amanda glared at the shameless man before her. His well-defined features and perfect jawline seemed better than ever.
• Meanwhile, he carefully studied the woman's face and noticed she seemed different from four years ago. She had exquisite and light makeup on her pale, tender skin. Even the movement of her red lips seemed seductive. Back then, he had never taken a good look at her because he rarely went home.
• While he was in a daze, she shoved his tall frame away. "Don't touch me! You have no right to do that!"
• For some reason, the words 'no right' angered him, and his brows raised at the sound of that. "I have no right to touch you, but that sleazy old man does? You didn't take a penny when you signed the divorce papers, saying they were dirty, but you're now seducing old men? Isn't that dirty?"
• When the lawyer informed him Amanda did not take a penny and said his money was dirty, he was so furious that he lost his appetite the whole day.
• Seduce? Those words are too exaggerated! she thought. "What does that have to do with you?"
• Looking at the work of art that was Elias' face, she felt pity for him because under that handsome face was a sc*mbag!
• He scoffed. "What does it have to do with me? You used to be my wife, but why did your taste change so much after we divorced? How could you take a fancy to greasy old men?"
• "You—"
• "Amanda, I'm warning you. If I see you hanging out with those old men again, you won't be able to stand what I'll do."
• She laughed in anger. "What will you do?"
• They were divorced and had nothing to do with each other. What else could he do to her?
• Unexpectedly, the man replied, "I'll move your mother's ashes to a new spot."
• Shocked, she did not resist roaring at him, "Elias Winters, you're a monster!"
• How cruel can he get? This is inhumane!
• Once she finished screaming, she was about to slap him, but Elias stopped her. "It's good that you know. Don't anger me because those who anger me will not have a good ending."
• "B*stard!" Amanda pulled her wrist back.
• Elias ordered, "Come with me tomorrow to visit Grandpa. Explain that we broke up on good terms so he can stop reminiscing about you."
• "I'm not going!"
• "I'll be seeing you at the manor tomorrow. If I don't, you know what I'll do." He was ready to leave, ignoring her refusal.
• While looking at the man's cold back, Amanda felt like going up there and biting him. He is such a bully!
• At that moment, a man resembling a bodyguard approached her. "Miss Bailey, I'll send you home."
• "Who are you? I don't know you and don't need you to send me anywhere."
• She was about to open her car door, but the bodyguard stopped her and announced, "Mr. Winters sent me to protect you until you safely arrive at the Winters Manor tomorrow night."
• Speechless, Amanda complained, Elias is such a shrewd! It seems like I can't avoid meeting Old Mr. Winters, but I can't let the bodyguard send me home, or else he will notice my baby.
• Then, she called Helean and deliberately walked away before the call was answered. His voice came from the other end, and she quickly instructed, "Helean, I need to trouble you to take care of my son. I might not return tonight, so please take care of him."
• "Would you mind if I brought your son home with me tonight?"
• "Sure. You just have to keep him company. He's very obedient and would go to bed after drinking his milk."
• …
• Meanwhile, Elias returned to his car and was relieved when he saw Amanda entering the bodyguard's car after making a call. As for Grace, sitting in the passenger seat, she had witnessed everything that had happened and was bursting with jealousy. She deliberately fell into the swimming pool, thinking she could attract his attention. However, she did not predict he would still chase that woman to the parking lot.
• With a towel wrapped around her body, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed, "Elias, are you going to get back with your ex-wife? Have you forgotten about that night at the ceremonial banquet four years ago? I even gave you my virginity. You said you would take responsibility and promised Yelan before he passed away…"
• Elias used his long fingers to massage his forehead, seemingly frustrated. "Don't overthink it, and stop mentioning that night. I know what happened and will take responsibility for my actions."
• That was why he did not believe Amanda when she said she was pregnant because of that night four years ago. When he awoke the next day, he saw Grace lying beside him with her clothes all messed up. There was even a patch of red on the snow-white bedsheets.
• At that moment, he was stunned. However, Grace was Yelan Murphy's younger sister, and Yelan was his most trusted bodyguard, who died a tragic death to save his life. Back then, he begged Elias to take care of Grace with his last breath… Hence, despite not having any feelings for her, he had to abide by his promise.
• Grace noticed there seemed to be a trace of frustration on Elias' face, so she quickly explained, "I'm sorry, Elias. It's because I was too afraid to lose you…"
• "I'll bring you home." He turned on the engine and left.
• She wanted to stay a little longer, but when she saw his cold countenance, she decided to save it for next time.
• …
• In the evening of the following day…
• Throughout the day, the loyal bodyguard Elias assigned to Amanda followed her around until he safely escorted her to the Winters Manor. She descended the car unwillingly and saw Elias standing outside the manor, waiting for her.
• "Mr. Winters, Miss Bailey has arrived."
• Elias hummed in response. "Good. You may leave now. I'll send her home later."
• "Yes, Mr. Winters."
• Noticing the bodyguard had left, Amanda wanted to slip away, but Elias grabbed her slim wrist. "Amanda, do you think you can escape?"
• "Let go of me! I can walk on my own!"
• She struggled to free her wrist, but the man kept a tight hold on her. "Grandpa had taken great care of you when you were his granddaughter-in-law. Can you stand watching him so upset? He's been hospitalized several times because he was worried about you. Don't you want to visit him?"
• "I…" She felt a lump in her throat.
• When she was still married to Elias, Howard was the nicest person to her, and she did feel sorry to leave without informing him back then. So, why not take this opportunity to explain everything to him?
• "Let's go inside. Grandpa is getting old, so let's not make him worry about us." Then, he pulled her toward the manor's entrance.