Chapter 4

Bradley added lightly, "I did date her. But it was the only way to make her give up. "I turned her down plenty of times, but she wouldn't stop. Sometimes the only way to kill someone's fantasy is to let them see the truth for themselves. Once that illusion shatters, it's far more effective than a simple rejection, don't you think?" He leaned closer until his eyes met Caroline's. "But don't worry. I never touched her. My heart only has room for you." Caroline froze for a second. She was impressed by how convincing he could sound. It seemed that he was so sure that Bianca wouldn't dare tell anyone about the abortion, and that was the only reason he could lie so easily. She studied him quietly, as if she were seeing a stranger for the first time. However, Bradley had misread her silence. His gaze dropped to her lips, and he leaned in to kiss her. Caroline turned her head sharply. "You kept something this big from me. I haven't forgiven you." He chuckled under his breath, brushing his face against her neck. "How do I earn your forgiveness, Carol?" She lowered her eyes. "Does that mean you'll do anything I ask?" "Anything," he said without hesitation. She paused for a moment before she said, "I want your phone's passcode then." Bradley blinked in surprise, then smiled. "You want to check my phone? Go ahead. I've got nothing to hide." Then, he recited a string of numbers. She couldn't help asking, "What do those numbers mean?" He smiled faintly. "It's my father's death anniversary." Caroline's heart gave a sudden jolt. "I'm sorry." He replied casually, "It's fine. I just didn't want to forget. But your birthday is written right here." He tapped a finger to his chest. Caroline couldn't even smile. He wasn't keeping that date out of sentiment but as a reminder. She couldn't believe that he had gone to such lengths for revenge against the Sawyer family… Could it be that his father's death wasn't an accident? A chill crept up her spine. Caroline pretended to be tired and closed her eyes. When Bradley stepped out to take a call, she immediately grabbed her phone and texted her best friend. "Help me find a private investigator. I need to know how Bradley's father really died." The reply came quickly. "Your stepbrother? You sure care about him. Alright. I'll ask around and update you." The smell of disinfectant made her head spin. She slipped her phone away and stepped into the hallway for some air. When she turned back, she froze. At the end of the corridor, Bradley was holding a slim young woman in his arms, gently comforting her. The woman's face was streaked with tears, and he gently wiped them away with his thumb. Caroline had seen the obedient act he put on for her, and the cold, sharp edge he showed the world. But she had never seen him look at anyone with such gentleness and quiet indulgence. She realized that this was what he looked like when the mask came off. She swallowed the sting rising in her chest and quietly returned to her ward. The moment she lay down, her phone rang. It was Edmund. His voice was warm with excitement as he said, "Carol, I've finalized the engagement with the Hutchinson family. We'll announce it next week during my and Chloe's wedding anniversary dinner. There'll be two celebrations in one night! If you have any requests, tell me." "I don't have any," Caroline said softly as she lowered her gaze. "My only request is to keep it private, at least until the announcement is made." Before she could say more, the door swung open. Caroline quickly hung up and looked up to see Bradley standing there. "Keep it private? What are you keeping private?" He stepped forward, his presence overwhelming. Caroline instinctively leaned back, but he caught her and pulled her into his arms. "So, you're keeping secrets from me now?"