That evening, Henry Williams had arranged to go fishing with some old friends, so he didn't return for dinner.
Only Benjamin ate with them.
Sitting at the dining table, he watched them come downstairs together. Though they showed no intimacy, he could read the unspoken understanding in their expressions.
"Oh, look who finally decided to leave their room?" Benjamin said teasingly.
Emma blushed and glanced at Benjamin's hand. They seemed to be living well enough, yet they bickered constantly.
But Benjamin wasn't offended. He draped his arm over Emma's slender shoulders and lifted his chin. "This is what they call a couple in need. You wouldn't understand." He turned to look at Emma. "Isn't that right, my wife?"
"Mm." Emma nodded in agreement.
After dinner, Benjamin drove off. He'd probably stay out all night again and only return in the early hours.
"It's only six o'clock. You're not planning to go back to bed, are you?" Benjamin stood up and looked at her coldly.
In his eyes now, all Emma did was eat and sleep. Was raising a wife the same as raising a pig?
"I've been lying down all day. My back aches, and I feel dizzy whenever I get up. How about we go for a walk? Well..."
After taking her medicine, Emma had almost fully recovered. Her complexion had improved significantly, and she wanted to get some fresh air. Some activity would do her good.
Benjamin didn't say a word. He just glanced at Emma and headed upstairs in two quick strides.
Emma watched him go, his arrogant and aloof nature on full display. Did she say something wrong? Even if he didn't want to go, he could at least say something, right? Not just walk away without a word.
Emma huffed angrily. Fine. If he wouldn't go, she'd go by herself.
She walked to the porch, too lazy to change her shoes, and stepped out of the living room in her plush pink slippers.
Charlotte saw her heading out and hurried over. "Madam, are you going out?" She looked at the slippers on Emma's feet. She wouldn't get far wearing those.
"Yes, I want to take a walk." Every time Emma saw this young girl, she felt better.
Charlotte was pleasant and had a sweet smile. She was only sixteen or seventeen. Lately, she had been taking excellent care of Emma's daily needs.
"Madam, let me come with you. You'll be bored all by yourself..." When Charlotte smiled, her long eyelashes framed a pair of lively eyes. Her dark pupils sparkled like two crystal grapes, making anyone feel at ease.
Emma hesitated for a moment, thinking that Charlotte was usually very busy and deserved some rest when she had time. So she said, "No, Charlotte. I'll be back soon. If you haven't eaten yet, go have your meal. And remember to run my bathwater tonight."
"Ah, I understand, Madam!" Charlotte replied cheerfully, and in the blink of an eye, she was gone.
An autumn breeze blew. It was getting late, and Emma was only wearing a thin dress. She felt a little cold.
Emma sighed softly, hugging her shoulders with her hands as she slowly walked out of the Williams' villa.
After a few steps, she thought she heard something strange. She turned her head and saw Liam not far behind her. He was still holding a black coat in his hand?
Emma watched him walk toward her step by step, his expression still as cold as a block of ice.
Liam looked at her the same way, walked straight up to her, and draped his coat over her shoulders. "Are you trying to catch a cold? Did you not take enough medicine this morning, coming out dressed so lightly?"
Though his tone was full of reproach, Emma felt a warmth in her heart.
This ice-cold man... he was actually good at taking care of people.
"So you went upstairs just to get my coat? You could have just waited for me at home."
Really, would it kill him to say one more word?
"If you don't wear it, I'll make you take medicine tonight. Believe me." Liam deliberately put on an angry expression and reached out to take back his coat.
Emma was quick. She dodged to the side, escaping Liam's clutches.
The two of them walked forward in tacit understanding. Around the Williams' villa, there were countless Phalaenopsis orchids. It was autumn.
During the most vibrant season for Phalaenopsis, Emma couldn't help but relax every time she saw this sea of flowers. Looking around, the flowers here seemed as boundless as the ocean.
Blooming orchids could be seen everywhere, looking like beautiful butterflies fluttering up and down among the green leaves.
The name was beautiful, and the flowers were even more so. Emma walked lazily on Liam's left side. The setting sun in the distance slowly descended, casting its light on the clouds and creating beautiful, enchanting sunset hues.
"Thank you, Liam..." Emma said this from the bottom of her heart.
"Thank me for what?" When Liam heard her voice, he turned to look at Emma's cheek. Perhaps it was the beautiful atmosphere and scenery that made people feel intoxicated. When Liam looked at her, she seemed like a fairy.
Emma happened to be wearing a long white dress. With the beautiful scenery, she looked like a beauty stepping out of a painting.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me, for your tolerance and patience, for your care and concern for my parents." Emma paused here and gave a mischievous smile. "Liam, without realizing it, you've done so many things for me. Is there anything I can do for you?"
But Liam seemed to possess a kind of magic that made people feel he was almost omnipotent. So, if Emma could help him, maybe she could do it well.
Thinking of this, Emma's mood sank a little.
For the first time, she wanted to do something for him sincerely, even if it was just a small thing.
"As long as you do your best to be Liam Williams' wife and don't cause me any trouble, I'll be satisfied." Liam looked straight ahead coldly and said faintly.
"That's simple. I can do that. Just put your heart at ease. I promise to complete the task." She couldn't do much else, but she could try her best not to let him down.
Playing the role of Liam's virtuous wife wasn't hard. When it came to acting, Emma was practically an Oscar-worthy character.
Cough.
The prerequisite for her to play this role well was that Liam couldn't be arrogant, overbearing, unreasonable, or have such a strong desire for her...
If she brought up these demands now... would it dampen his enthusiasm a little?
Emma froze, swallowing the words that were already on the tip of her tongue.