Chapter 4 It's Better To Have You Present With Me

Upon learning the details of Lyla's situation, Derrick's understanding dawned on him. "So that was why you asked me to find you a man three months ago. I didn't know that your relationship has got to this point."

After pondering for a moment, Derrick spoke up. "Actually, this might be for the best. When you suddenly got married without a wedding, only a few people knew about it. I had a feeling it wasn't for love. Now that everything's out in the open, you two can go your separate ways."

Lyla said softly, "But I did marry for love..."

Her words were a bit muffled so Derrick asked her to repeat herself, leaning over her.

Lyla pushed him away, took a sip of wine, and spoke nonchalantly. "I thought he would object to me being with another man."

She had anticipated that Joshua would be angry, interrogate her and teach her a lesson. She thought he would finally understand how she felt when she discovered the family living on 14th Springton Street.

However, Joshua remained unfazed. He did not return to Harvey Mansion for the next three months, not even once. Just like Derrick had said, they were living separate lives.

Only last night did she receive a message stating that Nathan was cheating on her with a woman in a hotel room, along with the room number and password. Acting on impulse, she decided to catch him red-handed and didn't consider who sent the message. It turned out to be Joshua.

But the question lingered in her mind. Did he do it because he couldn't stand the thought of being cheated on or was it to assert his dominance over her?

In truth, it wasn't necessarily because he cared about her. It was more likely due to his pride as a member of the Harvey family, as he had mentioned in the car that it was a foolish provocation.

As Lyla's phone buzzed, she retrieved it to find a message from Joshua inquiring about her whereabouts.

Without hesitation, she shared her location.

Upon seeing that Lyla was at the Golden Club, Joshua furrowed his brows and left the CEO's office.

The assistant, who was waiting in front of the desk for Joshua's orders, was at a loss what to do.

Didn't Joshua just ask him to pick up Mrs. Harvey? Was he going himself? In person?

Unaware of Joshua's motive, Lyla continued chatting with Derrick and sipping her drink. She remained sober, being a seasoned drinker and having consumed a light wine.

After a while, Lyla's phone vibrated again and she noticed a message from Joshua. "I'm at the door."

What was happening? Why was he here to pick her up?

Lyla hastily grabbed her bag and stood up to leave.

"Where are you going?" Derrick shouted.

"I'll talk to you later." She left without looking back.

As soon as she stepped outside, she saw a familiar black car parked on the opposite side of the road. Lyla blinked and looked again to confirm her suspicion.

The car honked and she walked over. Upon finding Joshua behind the wheel, she withdrew her hand from the back seat handle and got into the passenger seat. "Why aren't you at work? Checking up on me? Afraid I'll keep another man behind your back?"

Joshua glanced at her and replied, "You wouldn't dare."

Lyla was always unwilling to be looked down upon, and she wanted to argue back. However, Joshua continued, "Is there a Chanel store nearby?"

"What? You want to go shopping with me at this time of day?" Lyla was taken aback.

Suddenly, Joshua loosened his grip on the steering wheel and leaned closer to her, exuding a faint scent of men's perfume. Lyla's body tensed and she instinctively leaned back, sandwiched between the seat and Joshua.

They had been this close before, but those were three months ago. She wasn't used to being so near to him anymore.

Joshua's usually calm face broke into a smile as he noticed Lyla's nervousness.

Lyla's chest tightened in response. He helped her fasten the seat belt.

The next moment, Joshua returned to his seat, started the engine and headed towards the Chanel store. He spoke in a playful tone. "Justin and his wife invited me to lunch. It's better to have you present with me."

Lyla felt a little embarrassed and angry, feeling like she had been tricked by him. "You could have told me. But I don't think there's anything wrong with what I'm wearing. Do I have to change?"

As he made a U-turn and parked the car, Joshua spoke. "You stink of alcohol. Get out of the car."