Chapter 169

Chapter 169

As liquid flowed from beneath the crunchy red sphere, Carynnes unpleasant thoughts resurfaced. This was serious. But still, it was better than meat. She continued to chew on the tomato.

She couldnt understand why she was so surprised.

Why was she feeling so confused?

Yesterday, while you were asleep, the delivery carriage came and went, Raymond said.

She took the tomato out of her mouth in response.

But why did you only bring this?

You cant eat anything properly right now anyway.

Even so, does that mean our choices have now been limited?

She glared at him, but he just shrugged and replied matter-of-factly.

I thought you might need meat. Your face has looked too pale since earlier.

Do we have any sweets?

Yes.

Give them to me right now.

If you eat sweets, itll only spoil your appetite. Ill give them to you after the meal, once your digestion has settled.

Carynne was shocked and opened her mouth wide. She gripped a firm tomato in her hand and gave Raymond a stern look.

Youre not going to suggest that I skip even my dessert, are you? Do I have to be restricted so much that even my meals are being policed?

Its just a suggestion.

Trying to control me, arent you?

Thats not it. I just

Raymond stopped talking. And eventually, with a sigh, he caught the tomato that she had thrown at him.

Should I have let it hit me?

I threw it because I knew youd catch it, so dont bother.

Raymond placed the tomato on the dining table and sighed.

I probably still should have gotten hit and pretend to act pitiful in front of you. Anyway, fine, I understand.

Raymond raised his hands in surrender.

He seemed much too accommodating. It was hard to think of him as the same man who was preventing her from meeting other people.

So, Carynne threw another tomato. Raymond, once again, did not let it hit him.

A quiet meal finally came to an end, and he brought some sweets for her. Seated on a mint-colored, long sofa, She examined the sweets he had brought for herchocolate-covered biscuits and apple pie.

Lance made these, didnt he?

Her face lit up. Lance, who used to be the pastry chef at the Tes Mansion, had a distinctive touch that was instantly recognizable. Since Raymond wasnt particularly fond of sweets, she praised him to encourage Lance to improve his skills. Consequently, she had to pay more attention to her figure as time went on.

I hope you can be patient for a little longer. Lets do whatever and go wherever we want after a year.

But how much did he really know? She was curious. She tried to hold it in.

Raymond got up and turned to leave againto go to his office, where he was doing things that he wasnt telling Carynne.

Maybe he wasnt staying in that office at all. Maybe he was doing something in another place that she didnt know about.

But, whatever he was doing, Carynne didnt need to worry about it. Theres no need to know. He wouldnt harm her.

But still

So, who owns the fingernails that youve pulled out?

Raymond stopped in his tracks. Carynne regretted asking the question. Raymond turned around. Carynne lowered her head.

It felt a bit uncomfortable to look at him. Would he get angry? Or would he feel awkward? She just remembered that she already decided not to ask him.

But she just couldnt bear not to.

Carynne.

Raymond approached her and knelt down on one knee. He looked up at Carynne from beneath as she had bowed her head. He placed one hand on hers.

His face looked so incredibly gentle and so incredibly affectionate, showing no signs of dirtiness or cruelty.

Is that why you were uncomfortable all this time?

She unclenched her fist. Inside it was the fingernail she had found. Raymond took it from her and put it in his front pocket. Looking into Carynnes face, Raymond spoke.

Its necessary work, so theres nothing to be scared of.

Necessary?

It was a very clear answer. Raymond didnt get angry, nor did he seem flustered. It was because it was something he considered perfectly natural.

Yes. Its to gather as much information as possible. Theres nothing for you to be scared of.

He gave Carynnes shoulder a firm squeeze. Then, Raymond got up.

So please dont think about such things.

He was willing to handle the dirty and unpleasant tasks himself.

* * *

Raymond brushed his disheveled hair nervously and picked up the pliers.

Damn it.

He didnt want to show any dirty business to Carynne, but he had made a mistake. Raymond felt pathetic about himself and nudged the thing in front of him with the pliers.

Its been dead for a long time.

But he had obtained everything he needed, so it didnt matter.

Raymond knew well that even if Carynne tried to kill someone, she would do it very clumsily. With her feeble arms, she wouldnt be able to do it properly.

Such rough tasks were up to the husband.

Raymond began to clear away the mess in front of him to finish his work.