Chapter 44: A Family

At this moment, William Foster’s desk had several books laid out, "Green Tea Guide," "How to Play the Role of a Weak Lotus," and "Teaching You How to Defeat Your Ex." The pages were slightly curled, clearly from frequent reading. Coincidentally, "Teaching You How to Defeat Your Ex" was open. The first line jumped into view: It is often said, if an ex cries, the current one will surely lose. We must break this curse, must... William Foster hadn’t read the rest, but just that one line already made his eyes flash with coldness. Samuel Grant, that bastard, thirty slaps are too cheap for him; he should be beaten so hard that he can’t even open his mouth. His heart was filled with anger and unwillingness. William Foster was really being hypocritical, complaining himself without issues, but if it were someone else. Like Samuel Grant, a scumbag daring to complain, the outcome wouldn’t be good. Clara Bennett now felt she was purely inviting trouble on herself. Why did she call William Foster? Clearly, there was no reason, she only did it out of concern. Even if it was truly done by William Foster, then so what? If he hit, he hit, it’s just a scumbag, no need to be overly concerned. As a result, with just one call, she ended up feeling like she’d done something wrong, her mood exceedingly complex. Clara urgently explained to William Foster, "I really didn’t mean anything else, you must believe me. If you want to hit him, hit him, this matter truly isn’t important to me." William Foster retorted, "If it’s not important, then what are you worrying about?" Clara said with a headache, "I’m not doubting your ability, I’m just worried about your safety, you know?" William Foster said coldly, "I don’t understand what you’re saying." Clara took a deep breath and patiently explained, "Samuel Grant that guy is like a mad dog, capable of doing anything. If it really was your hand behind it, every time you embarrass him, he will certainly resent you. What if one day he retaliates? I’m really scared this will happen." William Foster said lightly, "Didn’t you say you would protect me?" Clara, hearing his words, suddenly felt tongue-tied, smiled bitterly, "I did say that, and will try my best to do so. But I also don’t want you to offend too many people because of me. Frankly, in our current situation, it doesn’t seem worthwhile." William Foster slightly turned his head, the light in his eyes seemed to carry a hint of sharpness. To prevent Clara from noticing anything unusual, he asked, "As my little wife, why would you think it’s not worthwhile for you to do so? Even my parents say men should know to cherish their wives. Although my abilities aren’t necessarily outstanding, for you, I’m willing to strive to do some things well." Clara felt warmth surge through her heart upon hearing these words, her tone becoming much softer. "Actually, on my behalf, you’ve already done many things, really grateful for everything you’ve done for me. However, given our marriage is essentially an agreement, you should focus more on protecting your own interests." William Foster’s lips tightened into a line, silent. Seeing this, Clara couldn’t help but ask, "Why did you suddenly stop talking? Did my earlier words upset you?" William Foster responded coldly, "Not at all, you were absolutely correct. Since it’s an arranged marriage, we should prioritize personal interests." Upon hearing this, Clara’s heart instinctively tightened. Despite his cold tone implying no anger, anyone could hear he was genuinely upset. Strangely, William Foster speaking like this, Clara only felt her heart tighten, desperately wanting to cheer him up. She realized her words might have hurt him, this feeling of guilt made her even more eager to make amends. Clara bit her lower lip, her eyes showing some panic and helplessness, hastily searching for a topic to lighten the atmosphere. "Tomorrow I have an audition, if all goes well I’ll treat you to a meal, how about it? Let’s consider it my apology for tonight. Sorry, I really shouldn’t have doubted you. You clearly firmly promised you’d never do such things before, it’s my own sensitivity, and truthfully, it’s out of genuine concern for you that I worry." After hearing this, William Foster seemed somewhat improved in mood, but still kept a stern face, attempting to sound more cheerful, "Was that really your plan? Could this be just a little trick to divert my attention?" Clara was so anxious she seemed ready to jump up, loudly defended, "Of course it’s real! We’re in the same boat, it doesn’t matter who that person is, how could I take sides with them and abandon you!" Upon hearing this, William Foster was briefly stunned, then slowly smiled warmly, jokingly asked, "Was that so, have we reached the stage of considering ourselves a family?" Feeling the subtle shift in his words, Clara’s face instantly flushed with embarrassment, awkwardly explained, "Mar...married, no matter what form of partnership, essentially it should be regarded as familial ties right..." Thinking about the future days that need spending with the person in front of her, Clara felt using the term "family" to describe their relationship wasn’t exaggerating at all. Yet despite such ordinary words, uttered at that moment, they made her feel inevitably shy. Confronted with such sudden emotions, even she felt puzzled. Sensing Clara’s internal struggle, all of William Foster’s gloom dissipated, replaced by an extremely gentle tone that felt almost magical in its serenity, "Then tell me, what kind of role are you deciding to audition for tomorrow?" Clara grinned and waved her hand indicating secrecy, "Oh, at this stage I really can’t tell you, once all the work is done I’ll share." Seeing her unwillingness to share, William Foster didn’t press further, simply replied, "Alright then, consider it settled for now. See you tomorrow." Clara nodded in response, "Okay, see you tomorrow." William Foster said tenderly, "Goodnight, sweetheart." Clara’s heart skipped a beat, she felt an unprecedented sweetness rise, softly replied, "Goodnight." After hanging up, Clara was somewhat dazed. She stood quietly in place, replaying that warm moment in her mind. She started carefully considering William Foster’s many details, even if they hadn’t known each other long, she always felt like they’ve known each other quite a while, as if their rapport was like old friends.