Chapter 6

For the rest of the day, Rosalia did her job wholeheartedly, cleaning the villa up. Claudio didn't even bat an eye at her. He kept Carmen company the whole time. Night settled in, and he tenderly handed her a glass of milk. "Carmy, your wounds have just closed not long ago. Have some milk. It'll help with your sleep." Carmen noticed something off about it. So, she secretly poured it out and pretended as if she had drunk it all. Sure enough, after she "had fallen asleep," he pecked her forehead, got up, and opened the door. "Darling, can we really do it around Ms. Whitman?" Rosalia let out a surprised yelp. "My silly Rosie, when have I ever broken a promise I made to you?" Carmen trembled as she opened her eyes. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, she saw Claudio pinning Rosalia to the wall, kissing every inch of her body, and eventually becoming one with her. Her nails dug deeply into her palms, feeling the sting. But her heart no longer ached. Claudio wasn't worth it, after all. The next day, Claudio went to work early in the morning, and Carmen stayed in her room the whole day, working on her design. She didn't want to see Rosalia. So, she ordered the maids to bring her breakfast and lunch. When the knock came again at night, Rosalia was standing at the door. She had a tray of food in her hands, her tone taunting and smug. "Carmen, I saw you standing outside the hotel's conference room during the banquet. I have to say that you surprised me. "You used to be prideful, but it seemed like you've lost your dignity after I chopped off one of your hands. How could you have tolerated something like this? "I guess it makes sense. You're nothing but a good-for-nothing now. You needed Claudio to support you financially. That's why you don't dare to fight back, no matter what he does." Carmen felt physically ill when she saw Rosalia, her tone icy as she spoke. "What exactly are you trying to say?" "Tolerate it all you want. You can't make Claudio stay by your side. Step by step, I'll push you into a corner, until there's nowhere else to run. You'll have no options left but to disappear. Claudio is mine, and mine alone!" Carmen clenched her fists. Eventually, she gave up on the thought of slapping Rosalia. It wouldn't achieve anything. Instead, she would find other ways to exact revenge on her. Not willing to waste her time on Rosalia, Carmen intended to close the door. All of a sudden, she heard familiar footsteps. Rosalia immediately put on a pitiful look and fell backward, sending the dishes on the tray spilling on her. Raising her red, swollen hand, she said sorrowfully, "Ms. Whitman, I know you're still upset with me. If this is what it takes for you to vent your frustration, I'll gladly tolerate it for as long as you need." A hint of sorrow flashed in Claudio's eyes. Carmen felt disgusted. "I didn't do anything to her. She's faking everything." Rosalia cried even harder. "Ms. Whitman, if this is going to make you happy, then I'm the one who tripped and fell." Claudio's expression shifted slightly. Then, he subtly turned his gaze away and looked at Carmen. "Carmy, I trust you. If you two can't get along, I guess there's no point. I'll kick her out of the villa right now." "Huh?" Rosalia raised her head in shock, tears clinging to her eyelashes. He said icily, "Shut up and pack your stuff." She was stunned for a moment before biting her lips and holding back the hurt. "At once." "That's enough, Carmy. Don't get upset over someone unimportant. I left work early to be with you today. Let's grab a delicious dinner together." Claudio led Carmen into the walk-in closet and personally picked out her dress and the matching jewelry. "Get dressed. I'm gonna chase the maid away now." He made it sound cold-blooded. However, Carmen could hear through the ring how tender he sounded as he soothed Rosalia. "Honey, I'm sorry you have to go through this today. Needless to say, I'm heartbroken that Carmy shoved you to the floor, but this is a part of my plan, to begin with. "By agreeing to let me chase you out, you've officially regained your freedom." "W-What do you mean?" Rosalia asked. "All you have to do is go back to the villa for now. From today on, you can go wherever you want. Remember to send me a text when you get home," Claudio replied. Rosalia was so moved that her voice came out choked with emotion. "Darling, you're the best." Claudio chuckled. "You're my wife. Of course, I'm going to dote on you, and only you."