Chapter 825 - 809: Is There Regret Medicine in the World (9)

Chapter 825: Chapter 809: Is There Regret Medicine in the World (9)

"No, I’m fine. I don’t feel unwell anywhere."

"That’s good to hear."

Archie Lockwood’s blood boiled at the sight of this woman acting so nonchalant while speaking to Shannon Vance. He turned his head and coldly instructed Howard Rhodes, "Howard, take Miss Vance’s luggage to my room."

"Yes, sir."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a sudden silence fell over the room.

Shannon suppressed her wildly beating heart, looking at Archie in absolute shock. Behind him, Howard was just as astonished. It would have been perfectly reasonable to take Miss Bishop’s suitcase to his boss’s room. But now, he was supposed to take Miss Vance’s luggage there instead?

Eleanor Bishop’s nerves were pulled taut. Her lips were pressed tightly together, her hands curled into slight fists as she stared at Archie without blinking. She had already decided to kill any lingering feelings she had for him. Yet, hearing that he was going to live in the same room as Shannon still made her heart ache intensely, as if an invisible hand were crushing it.

Seeing that Howard hadn’t moved, Archie raised an eyebrow and snapped, "Howard, what are you standing around for!"

"Oh! Yes, sir, I’ll go right now."

Watching Howard carry her suitcase deeper into the house, Shannon took a step closer to Archie. She reached out to tug at his sleeve, her pretty face flushing red as she whispered, "Archie, are you... are you going to..."

Archie brushed her hand off his arm, only to reach behind her back and pull her into his embrace. With cold eyes locked on Eleanor standing nearby, he gave a mocking smile. "We’re getting engaged soon. It’s completely normal for us to live together."

Shannon stiffened slightly at his words, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. But when she met Eleanor’s gaze, she instantly understood everything. He was just using her to put on an act for that woman.

Since he wanted to put on a show, she might as well play along perfectly. Otherwise, she would be wasting this golden opportunity. With that thought, the smile in her eyes grew increasingly tender. "Mhm, Archie. I’ll work hard to be a good wife and a good mother."

Archie withdrew his gaze from Eleanor and looked down at the shy woman in his arms. He reached out and forcefully tipped her chin up. "As my woman, you don’t need to do a single thing. You just need to keep on loving me with all your heart."

"Archie, you’re so wonderful. Even if I wanted to stop loving you, I wouldn’t be able to." Shannon stared deeply at the man before her. Even though she knew he was just acting, she couldn’t help but get swept up in the performance herself.

These were the words she had been waiting to hear for so long! She thought that hearing Archie say such things to her in person made her life complete; she could die without regrets.

Archie kept his eyes fixed on the woman. Looking at her deeply affectionate gaze, his heart didn’t feel the slightest bit of comfort or pride. Instead, he only felt increasingly empty. There was clearly a woman right here who loved him so much. Her eyes and her heart were entirely filled with him. Yet, his own heart remained completely hollow. That sensation terrified him.

Shannon gazed at Archie, her heartbeat growing more and more uncontrollable. With flushed cheeks, she slowly closed her eyes, stood on her tiptoes, and aimed a kiss at his thin lips.

Startled by her sudden advance, Archie’s first instinct was to push her away. But just as he was about to make a move, something crossed his mind, and he could only slightly turn his head instead. Shannon’s kiss didn’t land on his lips as she had hoped; instead, she kissed his cheek.

Watching these sweet, affectionate scenes unfold right in front of her, Eleanor felt a wave of agony so sharp she nearly fainted. She struggled to prop herself up, unable to muster even a forced smile. All she could manage was to say stiffly, "I’m tired. I want to go rest. You two can continue."