Fredric’s POV“So, where exactly are we going?” Paula shot me a wide smile, her right hand slowly drifting toward my sensitive area. I quickly pushed it away.“Focus on the road. Do you want us to die in a crash?” I snapped.“Relax, sweetheart. Since when did you become this cautious? You used to be the wildest guy I knew. I don’t mean to insult your wife, but you’ve changed so much since being with her. It’s only been a few months since you were away from me. Don’t you miss being wild? I mean, being yourself. Come on, Fredric, we agreed to stay friends back when you met me at the hospital, remember? Think of me as your refuge, the place where you can pour out everything. Don’t we all need a place where we can show both our light and dark sides?”When I looked into Paula’s eyes, any trace of what I once called “love and affection” was gone. Her words sounded like garbage—proof that love and hate really are separated by the thinnest line.“I never agreed to be friends. That was what yo

:Fredric’s POV“This is fine. Stop here.”I tapped the dashboard, signaling Paula to pull over right at the entrance of the elite residential district. She gave me a cynical smile as she stopped the car.“Why? Afraid someone will catch you coming with me? Even your grandmother and your precious wife won’t know who’s sitting in this car. Do you think they’d start pounding on the windows to check who’s inside?”I didn’t bother arguing. I got out immediately and started walking toward where Mathilda and my grandmother were.The sound of Paula’s engine revving again told me she wasn’t satisfied. I knew she’d follow me—she never let anything go easily.“Oh, I forgot—we’re still in the middle of the little game you mentioned earlier. Sorry, sometimes I forget how to control myself. And by the way, your previous house was beautiful. I hope I’ll be there soon. Remember, Fredric, everything you wanted before came from the descriptions I always gave you of my dream home, right? That’s proof eno

Mathilda's POVI stood in front of everyone, who were now applauding enthusiastically because I had managed to donate two million dollars to this charity event. Even as I stepped down from the podium stairs, they kept looking at me, ignoring the master of ceremonies who was introducing a famous singer to entertain us. So this is what it feels like to be revered—money really can buy people’s admiration. At the very least, it makes them swallow their pride.I, Mathilda—who was always insulted and cornered—am now the most respected woman in this room.“Wow, that’s kind of crazy, isn’t it?” Hans said.“It is. Do you understand why everyone is shouting like crazy, making my stomach feel tight?”Hans’s expression changed, and he immediately grabbed my arm and asked, “Are you okay?”“Yes, you don’t need to worry. This is my first pregnancy, but I’m pretty sure the tightness in my stomach is because of it. And thank you for worrying about me—you’re a good doctor.”Hans gave a crooked smile an

Mathilda’s POVI stood in front of a small house surrounded by a fence. The gaps allowed me to peer inside; the gray house was in a state of neglect. I didn't know who had put up this fence. As I recalled, after my father's death, the house had been bought by Mrs. Cher, and the money was given to my greedy family who never cared about me.It was sad to think of all the memories that happened here. I missed my childhood."Excuse me, what are you doing here?"A middle-aged man approached me. Dressed in a white shirt and jeans, he looked at me with a bewildered expression."Uh, nothing. I was just looking; it used to be my parents' house.""That's fine, but I'm sorry, you need to leave. This is a project zone, and strangers are not allowed to look or come close."His words made me nod, and I walked away from the house. Where would I go now? I didn't know. I had told Fredric I was going to the village; if that had actually happened, it would have been so nice.Unfortunately, I didn't even

Mathilda's POVFredric and Paula's laughter echoed like a deadly chant in my ears. I had been here for almost ten minutes, merely a spectator to the conversation among everyone at the table, including Hans."By the way, I want to announce something important here, while there are many important people present, especially Paula's younger sister. I have decided to marry Paula and move in with her by the end of this week at the latest."My heart seemed to stop when I heard those words come out of Fredric's mouth. I mean, how could he say that? Joy erupted from everyone except Hans, who immediately looked at me. I swallowed hard and couldn't contain the pain; I stood up reflexively and left the table.I quickened my pace, not knowing who would follow me. I was sure one of them would come after me."Mathilda!"My guess was right; someone came after me, and of course, it was Hans. He grabbed my hand when I was in front of the elevator, his face looking at me with pity."I'm fine. I just wan