Chapter 4: Rooftop Confessions

When I arrived at the Delacroix mansion, I saw the little one lying on the bed, her pale face blooming with pride. She must have been pleased at dealing with that woman, but I suddenly felt a bit angry. That woman wasn’t worth her getting hurt. Not even close.

“Quinn said you hurt yourself while playing tricks on that woman. I didn’t believe it. You’re as sly as a fox—how could you get yourself hurt?” I said this with a trace of anger, even laughing in exasperation. “Turns out even foxes can get what’s coming to them.”

The little one gritted her teeth and threw a pillow at me. I caught it, and my anger vanished. I went over to take Lucy Yi’s place and started massaging the little one’s back. In the past two years, her figure had become even more alluring; her waist was so slender, I could almost hold it in one hand.

What did the little one eat to grow up like this? How could her waist be so soft? My hands lingered, memorizing every curve, every sigh. I didn’t want to let go.

After she fell asleep, I left the Delacroix estate and returned to the Grant mansion. The night was cold, the city silent except for the distant hum of traffic. I stood by the window, thinking.

If Lucas Jennings had properly returned my little one to me, I wouldn’t have acted against him again. I could have let go of his past scheming and ambitions. But since he hurt my little sun, I would not be merciful. Someone like me was never kind or soft-hearted. That’s just the truth.

That woman’s fall was, of course, Ben’s doing. Since the little one hurt her back in a fall, it was impossible for that woman to be unharmed. She only lost a child; leaving her alive was already a reward for returning my little one to me, thanks to Lucas Jennings.

But Lucas Jennings would never have children again in this life. “After taking this medicine, he won’t be able to have children again?” I asked Ben.

Ben nodded expressionlessly: “That’s what Dr. Morgan said.” I nodded in satisfaction and tossed the bottle to Ben: “Go.” I wanted Lucas Jennings to know that what he lost because of his ambition wasn’t just the little one. He lost everything.

Quinn told me she’d arranged for the little one to go watch lanterns. Lanterns were nothing special—if not for the little one loving them, I wouldn’t go year after year.

Quinn, as usual, picked a mask for the little one, which happened to match the one in my hand. I put on the mask with satisfaction, thinking Quinn was truly thoughtful and would make an excellent sister-in-law. She always thought of everything.

But the little one disappeared halfway through. I searched for her a long time before finally finding her on the mansion’s rooftop. The city lights stretched out below us, the air crisp and electric. I felt my heart skip a beat.

“Julian, you are a complete ass!” When I found her, she was already dead drunk, lying in my arms and cursing me up and down. I hadn’t bullied her lately, so I didn’t know why she always cursed me when drunk. I just held her, letting her say whatever she needed.

Could it be she already knew about the things I did behind her back? The thought made my stomach twist. Thinking this, I immediately carried her back to her room, then grabbed the pair of masks and ran to the mansion. I couldn’t shake the worry.

Harrison, as expected, was still awake, standing by his desk with a half-smile, looking at the masks in my hand. No matter how cold and ruthless I was in front of others, I could never hide anything from him. My face grew hot, and I said helplessly, “Brother, please let me marry her.”

“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to force it?” Harrison’s voice was full of teasing. Even my ears were burning: “I was too young before. Now I think, only by keeping her by my side can I protect her well.”

I ran out of the mansion to my brother’s laughter, but my heart felt as sweet as if filled with honey. Now, I could continue to keep the little one pampered and delicate, never suffering the slightest pain. That was all I wanted.

A few days later, I heard the little one and Quinn had a falling out. They’d always been close and had never quarreled before. The little one would surely be sad. I knew it would hit her hard.

Sure enough, the little one climbed onto the rooftop again, holding a wine bottle bigger than her own head. I took her wine away, thinking that once she married me, I’d never let her drink again. Not a chance.

I thought the little one must be upset over her quarrel with Quinn, but instead she asked me, “The family’s decision—why didn’t you refuse it?” At that moment, looking at her was like looking at a bowl of sweet soup; I felt sweet inside before even tasting it. My heart flipped.

It was my requested arrangement; why would I refuse? After a while, the sweetness faded, and I heard the meaning in her words. I felt a pang of worry.

“Could it be you still like that brat Lucas Jennings?” My words came out cold. The little one snatched the wine from my hand and gulped a few mouthfuls, as if pouring it onto my heart, making me ache unbearably. I watched her, helpless.

“I’ve long known you like Quinn. You went to ask for her hand, that’s all. The family doesn’t know your tricks. Seeing me bullied by that jerk Lucas Jennings, they arranged for us to marry. Since it doesn’t suit your wishes, you should have refused.”

I looked at her rambling, almost laughing in exasperation. Who told her all this nonsense? The little one didn’t tell me who told her, because she got drunk again. Maybe she drank too much just now and was now really out of it. I just shook my head.

I was about to carry her back to her room, but she vomited all over me. I immediately kept her away from me so she wouldn’t get dirtied by the mess, but she hugged my arm and cried.

She said, “Quinn is mad at me.” I know. She said, “Because I wanted Quinn to marry you with me.” ??? All these years, I’ve never been able to stay angry at this little one. Now, though, my heart ached with anger. I carried her back inside without a word. I just wanted to keep her safe.

I must have looked terrible, because Lucy Yi took one look at me and didn’t dare look again. I carefully placed the little one on the bed, determined to come up with a way to punish her properly. I can’t even stand other men looking at her, and she wants to share a husband with someone else. Not happening.