7#07

7

Christina's provocative comments reached Ben's ears, prompting him to tug at Wanda's garment. "Mom, why don't we let Christina have the necklace? We've got plenty at home already."

Wanda managed a strained smile. "What if this is the only one I desire?"

Though typically indifferent to expensive items, she was determined not to yield this time.

Eric gently clasped her hand reassuringly before playfully tapping Ben's forehead. "In our household, we follow Mom's lead. How could you suggest giving away something Mom likes?"

He raised his paddle once more. Ultimately, Eric secured the necklace for seven million five hundred thousand dollars.

Christina's face flushed with anger. Teardrops gleamed in her eyes as she hastily exited the auction room.

Eric inhaled deeply, stood up and prepared to follow her. Before leaving, he bent down to plant a kiss on Wanda's forehead. "I'll collect the necklace and fetch some warm milk for Ben while I'm out."

Ben, who was about to trail his father, halted and turned to Wanda, begging her for a story. It was a familiar strategy and unspoken arrangement between father and son.

Previously, Eric would employ this tactic to divert Wanda's attention, providing himself with a valid reason to slip away and indulge in his affairs.

However, children's ploys are often transparent, and Ben's was no exception. Wanda excused herself, claiming she needed fresh air. Ben didn't insist further and allowed her to leave.

She followed Eric until he intercepted Christina in the restroom. From behind the partition separating them, she could clearly hear Christina's tearful voice.

"It's all because of you! You humiliated me in front of that woman. You only care for her. You don't think about me at all. If I'd met you sooner, there's no way you would have married her!"

She added, "The only reason she's still around is that she's your childhood friend."

Christina wept for a while. Eric remained silent, listening. When her sobs subsided, Eric chuckled softly and said, "Look at you, crying like a small kitten. You're such a mess."

His teasing only made the young woman pout and place her hands on her hips. "I don't care! Your wife took the necklace I wanted. You must make it up to me tonight!"

The atmosphere between them grew charged with desire, and Eric's voice lowered to a husky whisper, "You said it yourself. Don't beg me to stop later."

The man who always restrained himself around Wanda transformed into a passionate lover with Christina.

Wanda stood there, listening to the sounds of their intimacy, torturing herself. As it neared its end, she finally couldn't bear it anymore and fled the suffocating place.

What she didn't know was that after she left, Christina asked Eric, "Do you love me?"

"If I didn't, why would I be doing this with you?" Eric replied.

Noticing the desire in his eyes, she pressed further with a flirtatious tone, "What if you had to choose between me and that older woman?"

"Of course, I'd pick you," said Eric.

"Then why don't you divorce her and marry me?" Christina inquired.

Upon hearing this, Eric's expression instantly hardened. "You're overstepping."

Seeing the girl cry from his harsh reaction, Eric reverted to his affectionate demeanor. He embraced her and soothed her, "You know I rarely touch her. Isn't that enough proof of how much I love you?"

Christina sniffled through her tears. However, what she truly yearned for wasn't just his affection. She wanted to be his lawful wife. She was weary of sneaking around like a thief.

As she pondered this, her gaze drifted to her flat abdomen. One day, she would make Eric willingly divorce Wanda and marry her.

Meanwhile, Wanda wandered aimlessly, unsure where to go. She eventually found an unoccupied room, its darkness mirroring the emptiness in her heart.