Chapter 8

　　Louisa's POV 　　The party started at dusk. 　　Standing behind the upstairs window, I watched glamorous rich people gently walk into the mansion. 　　Among them, I recognized some familiar faces, including prestigious businessmen, politicians, and celebrities. 　　They were chatting with Lucas, who looked fascinating and sophisticated in a sleek tuxedo. 　　He looked as confident as a prince holding a glass of champagne in his hand. 　　It seemed that my husband was indeed doing a groundbreaking job to expand his social circle. 　　Taking a glance at myself in the mirror for one last time, I bit my lips. 　　I couldn't recognize the girl in the mirror. 　　I had never put on this much make-up like this on my face. 　　The only thing that looked familiar was my chestnut-colored hair and olive-colored eyes. 　　"Look at you! You look stunning in this beautiful dress!" Jessica exclaimed with both of her hands overlapping on her chest. "Go downstairs and let Lucas see you! He'll be more than happy to present you in front of everyone!" Then, she nudged me and said, "As his wife, you'll have to get used to this kind of occasion." 　　I slowly moved downstairs. 　　My plan was to blend into the crowd without being noticed. 　　But all of a sudden, I heard Jessica's loud voice from behind - 　　"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? I hereby present it to you... Mrs. Louisa Farrow!" 　　At that moment, everyone downstairs was looking in my direction, including my husband. 　　Mrs. Louisa Farrow. This new identity sounded alien and dangerous to me. 　　This grand entrance was completely different from what I had in mind. 　　However, I had to go along with it. 　　Then, I saw the darkening look on my husband's face. 　　What happened? My heart sank. Did I do something to embarrass him in front of everyone? 　　I wanted to walk away, but it was too late. 　　I was standing there in front of everyone. I had nowhere to hide. 　　My husband put down the champagne glass and walked straight toward me. 　　He looked still calm and reserved as usual, but I could tell he was mad at me. 　　"Is this some sort of sick game that you're playing with me?" he asked. 　　"Lucas, I don't know what you're talking about..." 　　"You're wearing Laura's dress. Where did you get this dress? You've got no right to wear it." Lucas' voice was stern and cold. 　　I took a glance at Jessica. She had a shit-eating smirk on her face. 　　That fucking bitch set me up! 　　At that moment, I wanted to jump at her and punch her stupid face. 　　But I didn't want to make a scene. 　　So, I took a deep breath and said, "Lucas, there's something I need to tell you..." 　　He interrupted me and said, "You've already said enough. Now go upstairs and stay there. I don't want to see you tonight." 　　"What's going on here?" I heard Mrs. Farrow's voice from behind. 　　As soon as she saw me, her face became pale. 　　She covered her mouth with both of her hands and exclaimed, "This isn't happening... Lucas, whom are you talking to? Is that Laura?!" 　　Lucas quickly approached her and caught her in his arms. 　　"Mother, she isn't Laura. Laura's dead." He said in a low voice, trying to soothe her. 　　"No! That's Laura! I recognized her dress!" Mrs. Farrow looked as if she was under a serious panic attack. 　　Lucas immediately turned to me and said anxiously, "Take off your clothes." 　　I petrified. 　　Is my husband asking me to take off my clothes in front of a whole house of guests?! 　　"You've heard me loud and clear, woman. Damn it! Take off your clothes now!" Lucas said in a pressing voice. 　　Mrs. Farrow was going through a seizure in Lucas' arms, with her eyes rolling around and white foam in her mouth and everything. 　　I ripped the satin dress off my torso and threw it at Jessica, who looked horrified by what she had done. 　　Mrs. Farrow's body started to twitch like she was possessed. 　　The crowd panicked and withdrew, but I walked forward wearing nothing but undergarments. 　　"Stay away from my mother," Lucas warned me. 　　I ignored him and held Mrs. Farrow's head in my hands. Her mouth opened and closed due to the spasm of her muscles. 　　If I didn't do something, she would bite her tongue and choke on her own blood. 　　I didn't think twice and put my arm into her mouth. 　　She bit my arm and wouldn't let go of it. 　　It was so painful that I had to bite my lips. 　　"What are you doing?!" Lucas looked shocked, trying to pull me back. 　　"I'm trying to save your mother's life," I said with fast and shallow breath. "Hold her head and keep it from bumping into anything. Do it right now before she breaks her neck!" 　　Lucas immediately followed my instructions. 　　Blood kept coming out of my arm. 　　Lucas saw it and frowned. 　　I looked at the crowd and said in an assertive voice, "What the fuck are you looking at?! Call for an ambulance!" 　　People immediately took out their mobiles and started to dial. 　　Mrs. Farrow's body was still twitching, but it wasn't as badly as it used to be. 　　Finally, when the paramedics arrived, Mrs. Farrow was rushed into an ambulance. 　　The gentle cool breeze at night was stroking my skin. I held my arms and realized that I was practically naked. 　　At that time, someone placed a jacket on my shoulders to cover me up. 　　I turned back and saw my husband standing behind me. 　　"My mother's condition is under control." Lucas took out a roll of bandage and grabbed my arm. Then, he started rolling the bandage to cover the bite mark on my forearm. 　　I wrapped his giant jacket around my body and secretly inhaled. 　　I loved the mixture of cigarettes and cologne on it. 　　It was a unique smell that I would definitely miss. 　　"The paramedic told me that you've played a critical role in saving my mother's life," he said. "Where did you learn how to do it?" 　　"I used to work as a night shift paramedic in an E.R. at the City Hospital," I replied. 　　"If I get shot one day, will you patch me up?" He lowered his head to get closer to me. His voice was deep and breathy. 　　I could tell that he started to get curious about me. 　　But it was too late. 　　I had already made up my mind. 　　We remained silent for a while. 　　I could see disappointment in his eyes. 　　"I didn't expect my mother would have such a strong reaction to a dress," Lucas said. 　　I took a deep breath and said, "Jessica gave me the dress and told me that you would love to see me in it. I just wanted to impress you." 　　"I am impressed." He said, placing his arms around my waist. "Not because of what you were wearing, but because of what you've done..." 　　At that time, my husband's voice stopped. 　　I looked up and followed his eyes to see Jessica sitting alone on the ground, holding her knees and weeping like a child. 　　She looked so hopeless and innocent. 　　Lucas said, "I have known Jessica all my life. She has always been the spoiled one. This must be one of her pranks. She's terrified right now and she needs my help. Do you mind if I go and check her out?" 　　"Not at all." I let go of my husband and said in a decisive voice. "But before you go, I've got something to show you." 　　I took out a mobile phone from my purse and handed it to him. It was the one that I used to record Dr. Jafar's confession. 　　Lucas looked confused. 　　"And one more thing. I don't want to be your substitute wife anymore. Lucas Farrow, I want a divorce."