Richard was suddenly overcby a foreboding sensation, like an impending storm. "It's been a while, so the injury has healed." "A while? It's only been a couple of hours. Don't tellyou've got ssuper healing power," Pearl retorted with a forced smile. Richard acted surprised. "Oops, you caught me." "Richard!" Frustrated, Pearl grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the marriage bureau. "Well, it's not too late now. We're right at the entrance, so we can still get a divorce." But Richard wasn't budging. After all his efforts, there was no way he would let her slip away.
Pearl glanced back at him, expecting sreaction to her tug-of-war, only to notice a hint of hurt in Richard's eyes. Did she misinterpret his expression? Richard stayed silent, looking vulnerable. "Please don't get a divorce," he pleaded, sounding like a scared teenager fearing abandonment.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtPearl felt a surge of guilt for her outburst.
Richard, pretending to be hurt, realized he'd found another way to manipulate Pearl-her weakness for vulnerability. If he pushed her too hard, she'd resist. But showing vulnerability seemed to melt her resolve.
Still, Richard resolved that if their future son ever tried this trick on Pearl, he'd immediately set him straight.
An awkward silence fell upon them.
Feeling like she had gone too far, Pearl gently tugged his finger and tentatively asked, "Are you mad?" Richard blinked but didn't say a word.
"Okay, I was just kidding. We're not getting a divorce. There's no way we'll do that." Richard reached out, gesturing for her to hug him.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmPearl embraced him tightly, apologizing for her harsh tone. "I'm sorry. I know you just wanted to marry me." Richard nodded, but he couldn't stop smiling.
Pearl, too focused on soothing him, didn't notice his grin, falling for his act.
Once Richard was assured that Pearl wasn't leaving him, he finally let her go.
He dropped her off at the office. Before driving asked, "Whoff, he leaned out a "What tshould I asket?" Content belo Pickup englishSW to you Pearl remembered her dinner plan with Hugo and casually replied, "I have dinner tonight. You don't need to pickup." Richard's suspicion was piqued. He didn't like the sound of this. "What dinner? Can't Wayne handle it?" "They specifically asked for me. It's best if Lattend," Pearl replied calmly, trying to mask any nervousness. Richard was sharp; any hint of anxiety would tip him off. S "Alright then. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning." Pearl smiled and nodded. "Okay." Once Pearl was in the office, Richard's expression turned calculating. He made a call. "Francis, keep an eye on Missus Pearl tonight. Make sure she's safe and find out where she's going." "Yes, sir!"