Contract marriage:Mother for rent, wife for free
Chapter 40: Caught...but not really

Chapter 40: Caught...but not really

Lin Wei leaned against the taxi seat, her pulse finally slowing as the city blurred past the windows.

The adrenaline from the academy encounter still tingled under her skin, and she couldn’t help but glance behind her every few seconds, half expecting to see Lu Chen chasing the taxi down the street.

When they reached the hospital, Lin Wei handed the driver the fare with shaking hands. She took a deep breath before heading inside. Visiting her mother always made her feel like a kid again—barely holding it together, juggling dreams and reality.

The familiar antiseptic smell calmed her nerves a bit. She greeted the nurse at the reception and made her way to the room, trying to push away thoughts of Lu Chen. Her mother looked up from her hospital bed, her face lighting up with a smile as Lin Wei entered.

"You’re here," her mother greeted warmly, trying to sit up straighter. Lin Wei quickly moved to adjust the pillows.

"How are you feeling today?" Lin Wei asked, forcing a smile.

Her mother gave her a tired but reassuring look. "Better. The nurses here are lovely."

Lin Wei’s phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen—another message from Bai Yue.

Bai Yue: "Mission accomplished. Didn’t let the ice prince or his minions catch a whiff of you. You owe me bubble tea."

Lin Wei smiled despite herself, typing back: "I’ll buy you a whole bakery."

Her mother watched her curiously. "Who’s

that?"

Lin Wei hesitated. "Just a friend from college. She’s helping out with... some things."

Her mother’s eyes softened. "It’s good to have friends looking out for you."

They continued chatting about lighter topics—the food, the nurses, and a new series her mother had gotten hooked on. Lin Wei tried to relax, focusing on the calm moments and her mother’s soft laughter. But underneath it all, she couldn’t shake the memory of Lu Chen’s piercing gaze.

Just as Lin Wei tucked her phone away, another message popped up—this time from Ezekiel.

Ezekiel: "Back tomorrow. Prepare the boys’ schedule for next week."

Lin Wei swallowed the unease that bubbled up. It was fine. He didn’t know. Probably.

After helping her mother freshen up and promising to bring some homemade dumplings next time, Lin Wei excused herself. The walk back to the main road was quiet, her mind racing with what-ifs. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was looming—like a dark cloud on the edge of a clear sky.

As she waited for a taxi, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, and Lin Wei’s heart plummeted.

Lu Chen’s cold, sharp gaze met hers.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice low and unyielding.

Lin Wei considered bolting but knew it would be pointless. With a resigned sigh, she walked over, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, keeping her tone neutral.

Lu Chen didn’t answer immediately, instead gesturing to the passenger seat. "Get in."

Lin Wei hesitated but knew better than to argue. She slid into the seat, and the door clicked shut with a finality that made her stomach twist.

The air inside was stiflingly silent as Lu Chen drove, his hands gripping the wheel tightly. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke.

Lin Wei glanced at him, trying to gauge his mood.

Lu Chen’s jaw tightened. "You should have told me you were going outside today."

Lin wei gulped. Had he perhaps not seen her?

Trying not to let her sagging shoulder be an indication of the relieved sigh, she sat up straight and stared at him.

"Why? You’re not my keeper. I don’t have to report every move to you."

He glanced at her, eyes narrowed. "It’s not about control. It’s about safety."

Lin Wei huffed, crossing her arms. "Since when do you care about my safety?"

The car pulled to a stop at a quiet park, and Lu Chen turned to face her fully. "Since you got involved with Wang family. Do you even know how these things goes? How dangerous it is for you? You’re supposed to be in charge of the kids. Don’t go wandering around.

"

Lin Wei raised an eyebrow. "Danger? I only went out to get some things, it’s not like I went to an underground fight show."

Lu Chen didn’t laugh. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice low and rough. "You have no idea what you’ve stepped into."

A shiver ran down Lin Wei’s spine, but she held her ground. "Then enlighten me."

Lu Chen’s gaze softened just a fraction. "Just...be careful. Madeleine isn’t the one woman in Ezekiel’s fan club. And let’s say, Madeleine is a calm cub compare to the other’s."

Lin Wei frowned. "But it’s not like I’m dating Ezekiel or anything. I don’t even like him." her tone was indignant.

He didn’t answer, just started the car again. Lin Wei knew pressing him wouldn’t work. Instead, she watched the city lights blur past, wondering just how deep she’d managed to get herself into trouble this time.

After a long, tense silence, Lu Chen suddenly spoke again. "I saw the most amazing thing today. You won’t believe I saw someone like you,"

Lin wei’s blood spiked and her mouth turned dry.

Lu Chen chuckled drily. "She even has the same dress as you."

Perhaps he was dumber than Lin wei thought. Maybe he only had book smarts and nothing else.

If so, then it was going to work in her favor. If he was this oblivious and even ready to spin excuses for her, maybe she ought to relax.

Lin Wei looked at him sharply, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Did you see her face?"

Lu Chen’s lips tightened. "I wasn’t able to. I was accosted by one weird lady, she was babbling about Alien kittens until I almost want to smack my head against the wall."

Lin Wei’s mind raced. She chuckled uneasily.

Bai yue had done was she was best at. .

He gave her a sidelong glance. "You’re getting awfully silent."

Lin Wei didn’t respond, focusing on the city passing by outside. But the silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and simmering tension.

He suspected, Lin wei realized with a sudden jolt. He at least, had a doubt about her story about wanting to get something. And the way he’s been studying her closely like newly bought painting, must mean he suspected her of something.

When they finally pulled up to the mansion, Lu Chen didn’t move to get out immediately. He just sat there, fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel.

Before Lin Wei could leave, he spoke one last time, his voice quieter. "Just be careful. Not everyone around you is as they seem."

She wanted to question him further, but his expression made it clear that the conversation was over. With a sigh, she exited the car, feeling more confused than ever.

As the door closed behind her, she couldn’t help but wonder—what had she really gotten herself into?

But those thoughts, it seem, would have to wait. A soft hooting sound like that of an owl, made Lin wei stared around with apprehension.

Her eyes collided with green eyes. Green feline eyes. How did this always happen?

She pinched her brow and stared at the cat, who stared indignantly back.

"Who are you?" The question made her silly, but the cat simply blinked owlishly at her.

With a sudden pang, she noticed the cat had a white stripe that looked just like miss meowgly. And it was not looking indignantly.

It was in pain, there was a deep gnash in the side of it belly.

She groaned out loud. It was always from one problem to another. How exactly had the cat gotten into the mansion? Not only did the cat miraculously appear in the mansion, it had to be in her room didn’t it!

"Come here," she cooed.

The cat did not resist, and it limped into her hand. She patted the tiny thing and wondered if she might be able to book a vet appointment today.

She was just about to find out on her phone, when Harry bursted into the room.

"Veronica! Uncle Lu says I can’t put peanut butter in my soup_" he stopped mid sentence, staring with wide eyes at the hissing bundle in Lin wei’s arm.

"Is that.." his voice was a hoarse whisper, "is that a cat?"

"Well, I wouldn’t call it a dog." Lin wei grinned.

"How did you get it? I’ve always wanted to get one but daddy insisted I don’t. Can I hold it?" His babble ended with an awe.

"It’s hurt,"

"Hurt? Let’s take it to the doctor then."

"I know but we need to feed it first.

Here," she handed him the cat, "I’ll go find some chicken in the kitchen."

Harry’s soft coos made her smile as she strode out of the room. Until a loud scream rented the air, it sounded like someone was being shredded into pieces.

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