Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 222: The Serenity Offered by the Lake

Chapter 222: The Serenity Offered by the Lake

Leslie threw her gaze outside the window, looking at the vastness of the night sky. She had just woke up from her nap. The clock was pointing to eight-fifteen.

Withdrawing her eyes from the windows, Leslie drifted her gaze to the bedside table where she kept Charlene’s diaries. Her mind recalled every important detail she found before, the ones that led to the shocking yet expected course of events.

About the night Charlene spent with a stranger, followed by her long confinement in a faraway place by the enraged Li family.

’I should listen to him first before I say anything.’

Leslie intended to bring up all those matters tonight during her conversation with Calix. She believed her guesses about his knowledge wouldn’t stray too far.

A perceptive and smart man like Calix wouldn’t do senseless things. There was a reason behind him asking her to talk after dinner. Especially after they had just returned from meeting Calliope.

’Let’s get this over with.’

Leslie wouldn’t ever dodge this much needed talk with Calix. It was essential if she wanted to get Calliope to live with her.

Thinking back to the hours they spent at the orphanage, Leslie’s lips were drawn into a smile. Relief flooded her heart as she remembered how Calix seemed genuinely enjoying Calliope’s presence.

This was a good sign, wasn’t it?

Leslie glanced at the arm she had temporary tattoos earlier. Each of them disappeared during her bath, leaving no trace at all.

Chuckling to herself, Leslie couldn’t wait to receive the photos from today – especially the ones taken with Calliope. She would get a frame and put it on the bedside table.

While Leslie was lost in her thoughts, she vaguely heard the sound of the door opening, followed by familiar steady footsteps. Turning her head toward the direction, her gaze met Calix’s countenance.

The man had changed into a fresh set of casual clothes. He opted for a three-quarter-sleeved T-shirt with a pair of long cargo pants. He let his bangs down, covering his forehead.

"I thought you’re still sleeping," Calix smiled easily as he approached the bed, "Aunt Wendy made beef lentil soup with bread for us."

Curling up her lips, Leslie returned Calix’s smile. She showed no signs of worrying about her previous thoughts. His calm countenance further helped in easing her concern.

"They’ll be as delicious... as always... Hurry ah, help me... I’m hungry now..."

Leslie lifted her arms, telling Calix to carry her to the wheelchair. Mrs. Su placed it a bit far from the bed. If the wheelchair was right next to her, she could slowly scoot her way there.

"Hahaha, okay, okay."

Calix quickened his pace, not wanting to make a certain someone glare at him. He swiftly carried Leslie to the wheelchair.

"Wanna wash your face?"

Calix glanced at the washroom. His question earned a nod from Leslie.

"Just a moment..."

After refreshing herself up by washing her face, Calix brought Leslie downstairs. Mrs. Su and Aunt Wendy were in the kitchen, enjoying fruit pudding made by the housekeeper. The food was already served in the dining room.

Leslie and Calix had a little chat as they enjoyed dinner together. Mrs. Su and Aunt Wendy let the spouses be, allowing them to have some kind of privacy.

Soon, Leslie and Calix were done with dinner. The wall clock displayed ten minutes past nine in the evening.

"Should we go to the lake?" asked Calix after helping Leslie to drink some water. He placed the glass on the dining table, "Tonight’s weather is good."

Leslie blinked, understanding that the time for them to talk was closely approaching. Without thinking further, she nodded, expressing her approval.

"A nice weather by the lake... makes up a good ambiance..."

No matter how the situation between them would turn out, hopefully, the serenity offered by the lake would lessen the strain.

Calix pursed his lips before a helpless smile was drawn on his face. He slowly rose to his feet while saying, "I’ll go and get your shawl. Wait here, en?"

"Okay."

Leslie quietly watched Calix walking out of the dining room. She unconsciously fiddled with her long skirt, willing herself to stay calm.

’This is it. There’s no turning back.’

Lowering her gaze, Leslie blankly looked at her fingers. She released the skirt before clasping her hands together. The little tremor of her heart traveled to her fingertips, expressing her slight anxiousness.

Everything would be alright, wasn’t it?

"I’m back. Wear this shawl."

Calix appeared soon after, bringing along one of Leslie’s woolen shawls. Without being asked, he swiftly draped the fabric on her shoulders.

"Thanks..."

Softening his smile, Calix pushed the stray strand of Leslie’s hair to the back of her right ear. The tip of his thumb gently grazed her earlobe, leaving a faint warm sensation.

"Let’s go."

"En..."

The weather outdoors was indeed nice. The moon was brightly shining on the night sky, basking its soft glow on the Earth.

Leslie enjoyed the peace and quiet offered by the spacious backyard of the manor. Calix silently pushed her toward the deck.

Their ears caught the gentle lapping of water and their eyes witnessed the glimmers on the lake’s surface. Its tranquility subconsciously reminded them of their time in Rome.

Calix moved Leslie from the wheelchair to the bench placed in the roofed wooden pavilion. The huge chair could easily fit four adults, adorned with plush cushions.

"Oh... you won’t sit here?"

Leslie raised her brows as she saw Calix pulling an ordinary chair toward the bench.

"I wanna sit in front of you," replied Calix quietly. He smiled faintly at the sight of Leslie’s blank look.

The husband and wife silently took each other’s countenances. The dangling fairy lights above shone on them, casting them under an orange glow.

Leslie pursed her lips, sensing how heavy the atmosphere suddenly be. Calix’s face gradually expressed the turmoils he had been keeping inside.

"Calix... Should we begin now?"

Leslie wished to get it done by tonight. Of course, she won’t say anything about her real identity – as someone named Leslie Song who came from another world yet.

Calix let out a chuckle, perceiving the quiet uneasiness Leslie tried not to show him. He randomly nodded a few times, acknowledging her silent desperation.

Well...

Time for him to start.

Calix took a deep breath, still rearranging how he should word it out to Leslie. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to be straightforward.

"I want to be frank with you, Leslie. About..."

Calix’s grim tone echoed in the stillness of the night. He took a pause, feeling the heaviness of his heart trying to pull his determination back.

Yet, he forced himself through.

Calix slowly uttered, "The reason behind our marriage, about why I chose you as my wife. It’s not simply because you were in a coma, Leslie. It was not."

There. He said it – the opening of the long tale he wished to tell her.

Calix paused again, he unconsciously clenched her hands as he shifted his gaze from Leslie’s face. His eyes momentarily wandered to the calm night sky before they settled on her again.

"I believe you’re not aware of what happened between us years ago, Leslie."

Of the heinous act he did to her on that night.