Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 181: I Dreamed of Your Ghost Chasing After Me

Chapter 181: I Dreamed of Your Ghost Chasing After Me

Staring at his own reflection in the full-length mirror, Calix listlessly buttoned the sage green dress shirt. He exhaled a deep sigh, lamenting how dispirited he looked this morning.

"Hurm... are my eyebags showing much? Doesn’t the concealer work?"

Bending forward, Calix lightly touched one of his under eyes, closely inspecting his face. Aside from applying his morning skincare routine, he dabbed some concealer to cover his eyebags.

Calix could barely sleep last night. His mind kept thinking about his conversation with Irene and the tasks he assigned to Edward the other day.

"If guilt can kill, I might be dead already ah. What to do? My heart is too kind."

CEO Xu kept talking to himself, trying to regain his motivation. He didn’t want to show how much the matters were weighing his mind. More so when he couldn’t really act well when he was alone with Leslie.

"What’s supposed to come will come," Calix arched his brows. He smoothened the light gray vest worn over the shirt, "Now, let’s focus on my goals first."

Standing straight opposite the mirror, Calix bumped his fist into his other palm. He grabbed his suit jacket, phone and wallet before leaving the bedroom. The clock was pointing to a quarter past seven.

Mrs. Su had already brought Leslie downstairs. Calix put on a smile right before striding into the dining room.

"Morning, Leslie," Calix swiftly approached her, pulling out the chair next to Leslie, "If I were you, I’d sleep in rather than wake up so early."

"You’ve said that... before..." Leslie curled up her lips, happy to see Calix, "Good morning..."

Sitting on the chair, Calix glanced at the small bowl of porridge placed opposite her. A cloth covered her lap while a napkin hung from the neckline of her nightgown.

A few small drops of the porridge left stains on the cloth alongside the area around the bowl. The spoon lay in the dishware.

Noticing where Calix’s eyes drifted to, Leslie smiled awkwardly, "Sorry... it’s quite messy..."

"Were you trying to eat by yourself?" Calix softened his voice, not feeling frustrated at all about the stains, "Did you get it?"

Leslie thinned her lips in displeasure toward herself. Letting out a sigh, she dejectedly shook her head, "Only thrice... barely..."

"That’s a good sign. You couldn’t do it at all just the other day," Calix raised one hand, gently patting Leslie’s head, "Keep up your good work. You’ll get better in no time if you don’t ever give up."

Leslie blinked, sensing how broad yet warm Calix’s palm patting her head. Lifting the corners of her lips, she nodded once.

"Okay... ah, you better eat... won’t you be late? Mrs. Su can... feed me after this..."

"Nah, I have plenty of time," Calix shrugged while reaching for the pot of hot soy milk, "Don’t bother Mrs. Su. Shouldn’t I, your husband feed you when I’m available?"

Leslie pulled her eyes away from Calix, coughing awkwardly, "Seems like you’re... diligent in playing... the role of a good husband..."

"Practice makes perfect," Calix arched his brows, smirking while pouring soy milk into a cup.

Leslie chuckled, her countenance mellowing. Calix’s choice of words tickled her heart.

The spouses started eating. Aside from chicken porridge, a plate of steamed buns, half-boiled eggs and hot soy milk were served on the table.

While enjoying CEO Xu’s service, Leslie quietly stared at the man dressed in sage green and light gray colors. Somehow, he actually didn’t look as cheerful as he presented himself to her right now.

"Couldn’t sleep... last night, Calix? You look... quite pale..."

Leslie’s question received a lopsided grin from Calix. He half-expected her to say something like that.

Hey, was her eyes or sense that sharp?

While scooping some porridge for Leslie, Calix replied jokingly, "How could I sleep? I dreamed of your ghost chasing after me. It’s your fault ah."

Leslie blinked before widening her eyes, glaring at Calix, "How was it... my fault? Did you do something... bad and afraid I’d know?"

Ouch. If only she knew how much her words hit the spot.

"Hehe, it’s nothing. I wanted to sleep early but got hooked on my favorite comics’ new releases. I reread some of the previous Chapters too."

Calix’s explanation drew soft chuckles from Leslie. Her shoulders slightly shook, flaring vibration from her laughter.

’She smiles and laughs. That’s good.’

Calix’s inner glum turned brighter at the sight of Leslie’s carefree laughter. The melodious echoes left his heart fluttering.

But...

’How will she look at me once she knows what I’m doing behind her back?’

Calix didn’t want to dampen his slightly improved mood but, the thought clawed into his mind as if to remind him of the possible consequences following his actions.

’No. Don’t hesitate, Calix. There’s no turning back.’

Inwardly shaking his head, Calix continued having his breakfast while also feeding Leslie. He couldn’t foresee how things would be between them in the future thus, he wanted to savor as many little moments like this as possible.

"Be careful during your rehab. I’ll be back around six."

After finishing breakfast, Calix got ready to leave. Pushing the chair backward, he stood up.

"Bye... say hello to the cafeteria... food for me..."

Chuckling, Leslie waved both hands at Calix.

"That’s what you’re thinking now?"

Calix purposely widened his eyes, garnering more laughter from Leslie. She showed no signs of being sorry.

Rolling his eyes, Calix gently flicked Leslie’s forehead. He pretended to warn her before leaving the dining room, "Don’t skip your meal. I’ll get Aunt Wendy and Mrs. Su to report to me."

"Yeah, yeah... go to work now... Mr. Xu..."

Calix smiled in helplessness. Spinning on his heels, he finally left.

Monday morning at the office was just like usual for Calix. He was swamped with his own work while having occasional discussions and short meetings with the key members of the organization.

A momentary freedom was bestowed to Calix at noon.

"Edward, come inside now."

Calix’s exhausted voice traveled through the intercom line, calling his trusted chief personal assistant to meet him. In a few minutes, Edward made his appearance with something in his right hand.

"Yes, Boss. Are you waiting for this?"

Blinking, Calix stared at the thin file held by Edward. A thought flashed in his mind.

"Is that... what I’ve asked you to find?"

"Uhuh, yes," Edward stepped forward, placing the file on the huge wooden desk, "I wanted to give it to you this morning but, seemed like you’re busy being angry at the directors."

Calix made a face. He fully recognized the hint of smugness in Edward’s voice.

"Don’t make fun of me ah," Calix sighed, his casual tone changed to somber, "So, did you find it? More details about my wife?"

Calix reached out for the file. Flipping to the first page, his gaze was immediately locked to an old photo of Leslie in a high school uniform.

"They are some disturbing facts," Edward frowned. He also had stopped messing around. Staring directly at Calix, he spoke further.

Perceiving the sullen look on Edward’s usually indifferent face, Calix could tell what the young man dug was perplexing.

"...what is it? What did you find?"

Edward coughed once, words slipping out of his mouth.

"Six years ago, Mrs. Charlene disappeared for more than one year."

Calix’s breath hitched.