He is Shrewd There was an Italian restaurant across the street.


    Two people were stepping out, the woman leaning on the man’s arm.


    They probably just finished lunch, but it seemed like it took a while.


    They stood in front of the restaurant.


    After some exchange of words, the woman kissed the man on the cheek.


    He ruffled her hair affectionately, giving her a tender smile.


    After hailing a cab for her, he turned and hurried across the square.


    They were none other than Matthew and Mnie.


    My cheeks became flushed.


    I forced an awkward smile, and I could sense the twitching at theers of my mouth.


    I looked at As and said, “I’m sorry you had to see that.” He stared at me before speaking.


    “Don’t be.” I struggled to manage the awkwardness I felt.


    I thought Matthew and Johnson had gone out to dine with clients, but I was wrong.


    Only Johnson was doing that.


    The atmosphere turned heavy.


    Fortunately, the server arrived with our drinks.


    As pushed my drink toward me as he stared.


    After a while, he asked softly, “Does it bother you?” I chuckled.


    As’s question left me unsure how to answer.


    To say I wasn’t was a lie.


    I saw my husband doing it with another woman.


    How could I not be bothered? However, it wouldn’t change reality.


    I felt like a failure, so I ignored his question.


    He always seemed to witness my most embarrassing moments.


    I couldn’t decide if he was my nemesis.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    or my guardian angel.


    Sipping my juice, I felt a slight ache under my right rib.


    “I want to exin something to you,” I said, facing him His eyes had a puzzled look as he waited for me


    to continue.


    “That night when you saw me by the river, I wasn’t trying tomit suicide.” I didn’t know why I was


    exining this to him.


    After all, As was a stranger to me.


    Maybe my pride was acting up.


    “I felt dirty after what I saw at home that night.


    I just wanted the river to wash away my shame and anger.


    He looked at me seriously.


    I chuckled and continued, “The woman you saw with him earlier is his sister, Hearing that did not


    change his gaze.


    I was surprised.


    I suddenly felt like a sad movie character.


    As had no connection to my life, and Tanum Corporation hoped to get a project from hispa My


    actions were incredibly unwise.


    I was so foolish.


    +15 BONUS The ache under my ribs worsened.


    I pressed my hand against it, realizing I hadn’t felt like this in a long I time.


    My palm was slightly sweaty.


    “Are you feeling unwell?” He noticed my subtle movement and stared at my hand pressed against my


    side.


    “Oh no, it happens all the time! I’m fine!” I withdrew my hand and changed the subject.


    “Why were you by the riverside that night?” I couldn’t ask how he saw me “jump into the river.


    Was it a coincidence? I couldn’t believe that he would be by the riverside sote at night.


    “You left your luggage in the car,” he replied casually, I filled in the rest of the story.


    As must’ve seen me rush out.


    He could not stop me or return my luggage.


    That was why he had followed me to the river and rescued me.


    1 He was wise.


    I grinned at him, but the intensified pain under my ribs made it difficult to remainposed.


    My forehead felt cool, and I persisted, “Thank… you! I’m not feeling too well.


    I’ll… excuse myself.


    My My vision blurred from the sudden pain.


    I wanted to get up and leave quickly, but I lost control when I groaned.


    In a daze, I felt a powerful arm stabilize my body.


    Hisrge hand held mine.


    The pain made my ears buzz, and I couldn’t hear his voice.


    “Ahh, it hurts… “I clung to thatrge hand like a lifeline.


    The intense pain darkened my vision, and I lost consciousness.