It should have been touching, heart-wrenching and pitiful, yet after Ava uttered those subsequent words, a rare hint of a smile emerged in Poe Vaughn’s eyes. Meanwhile, outside the door with her ear pressed against it, Sister Wei couldn’t help but chuckle. She didn’t intend to eavesdrop; she simply wanted to ask if the gentleman needed something to eat, or if the madam required anything. Unexpectedly, upon coming up, she heard Ava crying, the sound was loud, clearly transmitted out. Sister Wei was startled by Ava’s crying, for she had never imagined Ava would cry. Such a strong force, overwhelmingly domineering, how could someone appear and not fall short, yet cry? She couldn’t believe it at all. Soon enough, Ava’s words followed, and many unknown facts to her clearly fell into her ears this night. Sister Wei was stunned. Was the marriage between the gentleman and the madam really ? And that’s not all, she couldn’t think further, couldn’t react in time, a bombshell dropped into her ears again. Was this fake marriage orchestrated by the gentleman? This... this was simply too shocking! And before this shock passed, Ava began to blame herself, not at all considering it Poe Vaughn’s calculation, but her own stupidity. Sister Wei couldn’t help laughing. One piece of news after another, eventually all calmed in Ava’s painful self-reproach. Sister Wei quietly left. She thought, their madam was genuinely lovably naive. However, perfectly suited to the gentleman. Sister Wei left a smile as she descended the stairs, never coming up again. In the bedroom, Ava was still crying, repeatedly calling herself stupid, saying her brains were squeezed in a door, kicked by a donkey to do such stupid things, losing such a precious friend. She regretted it deeply. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel_fіre.net Poe Vaughn said nothing more, simply lifted Ava to nestle her face into his embrace, letting her tears soak his chest. He listened to her sobbing, gently patting her back with his large hand, again and again. At this moment, his eyes seemed exceptionally calm, just like his heart, so steady. Ava cried herself to sleep, her eyes swollen from crying, even asleep she was still sniffing. Poe Vaughn fetched a warm wet towel to wipe her face and noticed Ava had cried so much she was sweating. He feared she might catch a cold sleeping , so he cradled her for a bath, asking Sister Wei to change the bed linens. Sister Wei hurriedly came to change them, soon descending the stairs, not lingering nor glancing at the two, very discreet. Poe Vaughn placed a refreshed Ava back onto the bed, took the quilt to cover her, by then Ava’s sniffling had lessened. Only her brow remained furrowed, evidently still upset in her heart. He knew her heart ached, yet he felt no jealousy or envy, just as she said, she had done so much for him, what more could he expect? This was already enough. Originally, he didn’t intend for her to do this either. She had the freedom to make friends, even if they were male. However, seeing her eyes red and swollen, if they don’t reduce, tomorrow they might swell worse. His eyes flickered slightly as he rose softly to leave. The living room lights remained on, Sister Wei in the living room napping on the sofa, she hadn’t gone to her room, fearing Poe Vaughn might need to instruct her on something. Poe Vaughn descended the stairs, immediately spotting Sister Wei dozing on the sofa, her head bobbing down uncontrollably, wanting to sleep but striving against it. Poe Vaughn lightened his steps, approaching Sister Wei quietly, speaking, "Sister Wei." Sister Wei paused, then instantly opened her eyes, dazedly looking at the person before her. Upon seeing clearly that it was Poe Vaughn, she immediately came to her senses, hurriedly standing up, "Is there something the gentleman wants me to do?" Though she had awakened, her body was still in the rising phase, hence she stood too quickly, her whole body swaying. Poe Vaughn steadied her. Sister Wei quickly said, "Thank you, sir." After making sure she stood steadily, Poe withdrew his hold and asked, "Which room is the doctor in?" Sister Wei promptly pointed towards a bedroom on the first-floor corridor, saying, "Is the madam feeling unwell? I’ll call the doctor right now." Without waiting for Poe Vaughn’s answer, Sister Wei swiftly went to the door to knock. Soon enough, the doctor appeared, and Poe asked how to reduce swelling after crying, the doctor said to use medicine for quick relief. Poe inquired about the medicine, the doctor mentioned the name, and Poe took his phone to make a call. After hanging up, he said to the two, "Rest now, there’ll be no more issues tonight." The doctor nodded, returning to rest, whereas Sister Wei wasn’t reassured, "Sir, I’m fine, I’ll stay in the living room, if there’s anything you need, call me anytime. Also, I have warm dishes in the kitchen, if you’re hungry, or madam’s hungry, I’ll serve them to you at any time." Poe Vaughn looked at Sister Wei, "There won’t be anything more tonight." His words were clear, hinting for Sister Wei to rest. Sister Wei felt suddenly moved, though the gentleman seemed cold, his actions always carried warmth. Sister Wei returned to her room, and Poe Vaughn ascended the stairs. Not long after, the medicine arrived, Poe took the ointment and applied it to Ava’s eyes, quickly the redness disappeared from her eyes. He felt relieved, placing the ointment on the bedside table, got onto the bed, holding her in his arms, gazing at her sleeping face. Seemingly in deep sleep, and perhaps having vented, her furrowed brow relaxed, she was at peace. In this moment, he tightened his arm, closing his eyes. The sensor lights in the bedroom gradually dimmed, the curtains automatically drew shut. All light was obscured, night enveloped, deep sleep followed to cover here... Meanwhile, at Silvermist Isles. Inside the villa, the lights shone brightly, yet silence and solitude surrounded, deeply shrouding Jace Kingsley. Jace sat on the carpet, holding a wine glass, sipping the drink inside. Beside him, wine bottles scattered on the carpet, their contents all emptied. He had drunk much, yet remained sober. His heart ached, though knowing Ava had her reasons for leaving him, he couldn’t ease the pain. He liked her, loved her, for so many years, it never changed. He wanted to be together with her, wanted to have her, he had been striving all these years, just to freely possess what he desired. But why is it so hard? Ava, I just want to be by your side, even as just an ordinary friend is fine. Why do you deprive me of such a humble longing? At this moment, his face was filled with pain, he lifted his hand, draining the wine in the cup. The next morning, bright and early. Just past six, a car drove into the villa, stopping outside the entrance. Sister Wei had already risen, preparing new breakfast in the kitchen. Hearing the noise, thinking of something, she quickly emerged. From the back seat, Sharon Sheridan alighted, followed by Sister You standing by Sharon Sheridan’s side, supporting her.