Chapter 3 A Visit to Family

He needed to act now.

Linda's presence beneath him was undeniable – a softness, a warmth. Even without love, Shane couldn't deny the allure of her body. A possessive impulse rose within him.

Linda placed a hand on his shoulder, her breath catching slightly. "Shane," she said, her voice a touch unsteady, "I haven't taken my medication lately. There's a chance I could get pregnant."

Her words acted like a brake. Shane paused.

Desire battled with reason. He wanted her, yes, but not at the cost of losing control. Children weren't part of his current plan, not within the confines of his marriage with Linda.

After a prolonged silence, he delivered a cutting sneer. "It seems you've been giving this a great deal of thought these days."

Dismissing her resistance, Shane supported himself with one hand, reaching into the bedside table drawer with the other. He pulled out an unopened box, its packaging emblazoned with three simple English letters.

He was about to tear it open when his phone began to ring.

Ignoring the persistent ringing, Shane ripped open the small package with one hand and bent down to kiss Linda. She resisted, turning her head to break free... the incessant ringing of the mobile phone persisted.

Finally, exasperated, Shane answered the call.

It was his mother, Mrs. Deborah Harvey.

Her tone was cool, almost detached. "Shane, your grandmother isn't feeling well. Come home and see her. And bring *her* as well. Your grandmother has a craving for that lotus root powder cake she makes."

It was a veiled request, coated in concern for the elderly. Mrs. Deborah, never one for overt sentimentality, made her dislike clear.

Shane, his weight still partially on Linda, stared down at her, his dark eyes assessing. After a moment's consideration, he spoke into the phone. "I'll bring her by later."

Hanging up, he rose and began to dress. "Grandma's ill and wants to see you... If you're planning a scene, save it for later."

Linda remained on the bed, feeling depleted. Eventually, she too rose and dressed in silence.

As he fastened his trousers, Shane cast a glance at Linda's slender back and then at the unopened condom box on the bedside table. A slight tightening of his lips was the only outward sign of his thoughts as he left the room.

By the time Linda descended the stairs, Shane was already in the car, smoking.

Dusk had deepened, leaving only a faint twilight.

Linda was dressed in a white silk shirt and a floor-length black skirt of the same material, revealing only a sliver of a slender, pale calf.

She initially moved to get into the back, but Shane opened the passenger door. "Get in the front."

Linda obeyed, getting into the car without a word.

The black Bentley glided silently out of the villa gates. Shane gripped the steering wheel, his focus on the road, but his eyes flicked to Linda in the rearview mirror.

Three years of marriage, and Linda rarely rode in his car. Now, on the precipice of divorce, neither seemed inclined to speak.

The silence was heavy.

Half an hour later, the car pulled into a sprawling estate nestled in the hills. As the ornate wrought-iron gates swung open, the villa blazed with light, illuminating the grounds like daylight.

Shane switched off the engine and turned to Linda. "Grandma's frail, and she can't handle any drama. You know what to say."

Linda opened the car door and replied in a flat voice, "Don't worry."

Shane watched her back for a moment, then got out and quickly closed the distance, taking her hand. He felt her initial resistance, but he tightened his grip on her palm. "Remember what you agreed to."

Linda's fingers curled slightly, but she didn't pull away.

Mrs. Deborah was waiting in the grand hall. Seeing them enter hand-in-hand, she frowned imperceptibly before saying quietly, "Dr. Peter Williams just left. You can go and see her." She then turned her gaze towards Linda.

Linda greeted her mother-in-law. After a long pause, Mrs. Deborah responded curtly.

Normally, Linda would be hurt by the coldness, but now, preoccupied with her own situation with Shane, she felt detached... Shane's voice broke through her thoughts. "Let's go see Grandma."

Inside the bedroom, the elderly woman indeed seemed unwell, resting against the pillows. Seeing Shane and Linda enter, her aged eyes brightened immediately. "I've been waiting and waiting for my dear Linda."

Shane gently guided Linda forward.

He leaned in close to the old woman's ear and said, "I knew you weren't feeling well, so I didn't bring any outsiders."

The old woman smiled.

But she feigned deafness, cupping her ear and asking loudly, "What? Are you and Linda finally having children?... Shane, children are important! Don't worry about me being old, that can wait.

Knowing the old woman was being deliberately provocative, Shane shot Linda a hard look.

Linda didn't offer any affection during the visit.

After a brief chat with the old lady, she announced, "I'm going to make lotus root powder cakes."

The old lady smiled contentedly as Linda left.

Meanwhile, the old lady had spoken to Shane earlier, "Shane, what's with the special treatment for Maria? A few fireworks? Your wife will be jealous! And Linda, watch your husband! If you can't stand him, leave."

Shane brushed the comments about the fireworks aside without explaining. He suspected Secretary Esther had been behind that gesture!

Later, after a long conversation, Linda returned with the snack.

Shane observed her. Despite doing housework, Linda remained impeccably dressed, radiating an air of dignity and beauty – the perfect picture of a high-society wife.

He felt a momentary disconnect.

The old woman enjoyed the snack and cut to the chase, "Shane, you'll be 30 in two years. Others already have two children. When will you give me a great-grandchild?"

Linda remained silent.

Shane glanced at her, idly playing with a lotus root powder cake, and replied, "Linda is still young. Let her enjoy life a little longer!"

The old lady saw through their issues but didn't press the matter further.

They had dinner at the Harvey's house. By the time they left, it was late.

Shane fastened his seat belt and glanced at Linda. She stared out the window, her face barely visible.

In the dim light, her profile was soft and pale.

Shane looked at her for a while and then pressed the accelerator.

The black Bentley moved smoothly, the lights blurring past. He clearly wanted to talk, as he drove slowly.

About five minutes later, Shane spoke softly, "I'll arrange for your father to be admitted to the Hospital tomorrow, with the best team of specialists. And... if you need money, tell me."

His tone was gentle, almost a concession.

He didn't love Linda, and he was bothered by her calculated actions, but he wasn't ready to divorce... it would complicate his life and affect Shane's Group's stock value.

He figured he could get used to it!

Besides, her appearance and figure were top-notch. Sexually, at least, he found their relationship satisfying.

With that thought, as the traffic light turned green, Shane glanced at Linda.

Gripping the steering wheel, he continued, "Secretary Esther won't be coming to the house anymore. You can put away your jewelry. I'll explain it to her."

Linda listened quietly.

The air conditioning was high, and she crossed her arms to ward off the chill.

Married to Shane for three years, she knew his character well. His concessions were a form of granting a favor... and she should be grateful. But she wasn't.

He said a lot and conceded a few points, but he avoided mentioning Maria. Which meant if she accepted his arrangement, Maria would continue to be present in their lives...Nothing would really change.

Linda was tired and didn't want to remain trapped in a loveless marriage.

She refused softly, "No, my father's doctor is doing a good job."

Shane understood her meaning. She rejected his offer and insisted on divorce. He felt anger rise within him. "Linda, don't forget the prenuptial agreement. If you divorce, you won't get a dime."

"I know!" She replied quickly.

Shane lost his patience and said nothing further.

Twenty minutes later, as the car pulled into the villa they shared, he stopped the car and told the doorman, "Lock the gate and don't let a fly out."

The doorman looked suspicious, wanting to ask something,

But Shane had already driven off and parked in front of the villa.

The car stopped. Linda unfastened her seatbelt and started to get out. With a click, Shane locked the car.