Matilda hadnât encountered Raegan before and was clueless about her identity.
âH enley, who is she?â she asked.
Henley replied calmly, âMy sister-in-law.
â
Sister-in-law⦠The very woman from the scandalous video! Matilda immediately stepped forward, gripping Henleyâs arm as if to mark her presence.
âHi there.
â
Raegan could hardly manage a smile and barely acknowledged Matildaâss greeting.
She swiftly made an excuse to depart, leaving the two.
A hint of awkwardness appeared on Matildaâs face as she leaned against Henley, whispering, âHenley, why does it feel like she doesnât like me?â
Henley responded gently, âNo, youâre thinking too much.
â
Matilda gazed at him, her expression uneasy.
âBut⦠It seems Like thereâs something between you twoâ¦â
âMatilda.
â Henleyâs smile weakened a _ little, looking rather intimidating.
It seemed like a regular call, but Matilda strangely felt a hint of danger in it.
Instinctively, she started to apologize, âIâm sorry, Henleyâ¦â
Little quarrels among engaged couples could often be light-hearted and teasing.
Matilda had lost her cool over minor issues in the past, but she had never witnessed Henley wearing such a stern look.
This was the first time she had perceived him as slightly intimidating.
However, the next second, Henley gently drew her close and complimented her, âDarling, youâre truly wonderful.
â
His handsome face seemingly radiated affection.
Matilda melted instantly, feeling both warmth and sweetness in her heart, and quickly let go of her recent irritation.
She hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest.
âHenley, Iâll come over tonightâ¦â
This was Matildaâs main reason for coming today.
They had been acquainted and engaged for two months now.
It was the right moment to deepen their relationship beyond ordinary courtship.
Henleyâs chuckle was soft, his whisper teasing.
âComing over to my place⦠Arenât you concerned I might make a move on you?â
Matilda blushed deeply.
She held him tighter, teasingly saying, âYouâre such a naughty boyâ¦â
Had Matilda glanced up then, she would have seen Henleyâs expression, cold and devoid of any warmth or love.
Henley murmured with a husky voice, âIâve got to stay late at work tonight to finish the projectâ¦â
Disappointed yet wanting to be understanding, Matilda responded, âOf course, work comes first.
â
Eager to offer her assistance, she said, âIf thereâs anything my father can do to help, just say the word.
â
âsure,â Henley replied, embracing her quickly.
They looked every bit the enamored couple.
Back in her studio, Raegan reflected on her recent acting.
She could confidently say her performance had been quite convincing.
From her act of kneeling to her displays of anger, despair, and eventual acceptance, Raegan assumed she had somewhat deceived Henley.