Chapter 868

Chapter 868:

? ? ? ? ?

Their close posture could easily give someone the wrong idea that they were a couple.

However, Elin knew the reality of her situation. She was nothing more than an occasional companion for Erick.

Trapped by Erick, Elin was nervous. With nowhere to run, he looked down and stammered, “What… what do you mean?”

Erick looked at her intently and asked dryly: “1008, the code for your door. Did you put it on purpose with my birthday?

Erick didn't know how to face Elin, feeling slightly frustrated. Their connection would never receive his father's blessing. After all, Elin was nothing more than a maid's daughter. Even if Elin had never married, it would still not be acceptable.

Elin squeezed her palm and responded softly under his gaze: “It's Dayton's birthday.”

Erick froze, momentarily taken aback. He couldn't believe he had forgotten that Dayton, the guy he despised, was born on the same day as him.

At first, the fact that they shared a birth date had brought them closer than other children of the nobility.

But Erick had never anticipated that Dayton would be a pervert whose eyes were fixed on Elin, a shy and timid girl. It wasn't long before Dayton proposed to Elin, sparking Erick's jealousy.

Erick admitted that he lacked Dayton's courage. In their world, marriage was a strategic move to advance family interests, not a matter of personal choice.

Not in Erick's wildest dreams did he expect Dayton to dare abuse and torture Elin, the marriage a deliberate move to provide convenience to satisfy his twisted sense of pleasure.

What really surprised Erick, however, was that Elin programmed the passcode with Dayton's birthday, seemingly a sign of their enduring love despite everything.

Erick's eyes stopped at the old scar on Elin's shoulder and he asked her, "If you loved him so much, why did you run away?"

Sensing his gaze, Elin tensed and hunched her shoulders, betraying her discomfort. Unlike other women, she felt self-conscious about her back, with no pride or confidence to show for it. The scars on his back were the result of the mistreatment Dayton had inflicted on him.

Elin shook her head, her voice soft. "I don't love him."

A feeling of joy stirred inexplicably in Erick's heart at her words.

Elin continued: “I have been his wife for two years. "I've gotten used to it."

It was similar to the chill that came over Elin whenever she thought of Dayton. He had simply gotten used to it. In public, he had to act as if he adored Dayton, bowing to him and praising him…

Custom was truly more terrifying than love.

Erick was stunned and did not expect it. How could Elin have gotten used to Dayton's wife?

"Go back to sleep." Elin gently pushed Erick away and hurried back to her bed. She feared that if she delayed a second longer, she would not be able to contain her grief and her face would reveal her desperation in front of Erick. I didn't want his pity.

Erick stayed in the kitchen, lost in thought. When he returned to the bedroom and saw Elin curled up on the side of the bed, a stab of pain hit his heart.

The bed was spacious, his own impression of lying there was still visible, and yet she had distanced herself so easily.

As the cold wind crept in, Erick's thoughts became sharper. Even with his naive understanding of love, he could feel Elin's distance. As for his privacy, he was probably acting out of that damn feeling of gratitude.

Elin's reaction should be considered a relief, but Erick felt a blockage in his chest, his frustration boiling. He couldn't pinpoint the cause of his frustration.

After a brief pause, his pride did not allow him to stay here any longer.

He dressed quickly, regaining his calm and distant demeanor. He looked at Elin in bed, who seemed asleep or pretending to sleep. Without a word, he left, closing the door behind him.

The door made a soft bouncing sound.

Elin's eyes snapped open.

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