Chapter 18
I searched around and found Raleigh in the second–floor bedroom.
He reeked of alcohol, slouched on the edge of the bed, holding a wine bottle in one hand and clutching a photo frame in the other.
His shirt was half unbuttoned, exposing his fair and sturdy chest.
When I reached for the wine bottle, he released his grip.
However, the moment I took hold of the photo frame, he abruptly opened his eyes, his deep and intense gaze locking onto me, clouded with the effects of alcohol.
“Don’t touch this,” he said, his voice husky.
His words piqued my curiosity, so I smiled and asked, “Can I see?”
“No,” he replied sharply.
Seeing his stubbornness, I didn’t insist. Instead, I helped him up, laid him on the bed, removed his shoes, and then went to fetch him a glass of water.
While he drank, I took a peek at the photo frame.
It was a picture of me kissing him.
“What’s so precious about this?” I wondered.
“Raleigh, why did you drink so much? This isn’t like you,” I asked in a serious tone as I looked at Raleigh drinking water.
His Adam’s apple bobbed, but his gaze remained fixed on my face.
I paused, understanding the intensity in his eyes.
He averted his gaze, set down the water glass, placed the photo frame in the drawer, and returned to his usual cold demeanor, murmuring, “I heard you’ve regained your memory. You should remember that I’m not your boyfriend, right?”
I remained silent for a moment, unsure how to tell him that hadn’t lost my memory.
“Shouldn’t you be with Justin right now?” Raleigh lowered his head and asked in a low
voice.
“I… actually didn’t lose my memory. I’m sorry, I used you,” I confessed, feeling guilty.
Raleigh was stunned for a moment.
“I’m here today to tell you the truth. Initially, I only intended to borrow your name for a while, but I never imagined you’d get dragged into this and ultimately cause you pain,” I
1/2
Chapter 18
admitted, averting my gaze and bowing my head.
“So… have
have you
broken up
with Justin?” Raleigh asked.
+25 BONUS
I was puzzled by his question as I lifted my head to look at him.
“I have ended my relationship with him the moment he pushed me into the sea. There’s no future for us,” I replied.
“Alright,” he responded.
Suddenly, Raleigh’s eyes
lit
up,
and he looked much better.
“Are you hungry? I can cook for you,” Raleigh said, checking the time and getting up from the bed while looking at me.
“I’m not hungry,” I was taken aback by his question.
“Aren’t you angry?” I asked, puzzled.
“I’m not angry.” Raleigh swayed as he walked out. I grabbed him back and urged him to lie back down on the bed to rest.
Thinking he might be hungry, I wanted to buy him some food, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the bed.
With a thud, my face came into intimate contact with his solid, bare chest. I could feel my cheeks flushing at the warmth radiating from his chest.
I quickly propped myself up with both hands, blushing as I looked at Raleigh.
“Sorry, Mr. Landon, I lost my balance when you pulled me,” I whispered.
“I prefer it when you call me Raleigh. Did you see the photo in the living room? You should know that I like you. I’m not asking for an immediate answer; you can take your time to think,” Raleigh’s stern expression softened as he spoke gently.
With my eyes cast down, I whispered, “Have you liked me since university?”
“Yes,”
At that moment, I leaned in and kissed his soft, warm lips, tasting a hint of alcohol, and feeling a bit intoxicated myself.
