Chapter 19 What I Want Is for You to Value Me

She spoke with a calm and gentle tone. It was just a simple question, but it made Christopher fall unusually silent. He instinctively replayed Adeline's words in his mind. Noticing Christopher's hesitation, Adeline silently curved her lips into a faint smile. "Christopher." She lowered her gaze as she murmured, "We've been married for almost three years. In that time, you've been involved in 297 rumors. I've dealt with 296 of them and met 134 of your rumored girlfriends, but you don't even know what dishes I don't eat." With that, she chuckled lightly as she found their marriage somewhat absurd. Christopher's heart sank. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, slammed on the accelerator, and brought the car to an abrupt stop by the roadside. His intense gaze locked onto Adeline, concealing layers of unspoken thoughts. "Adeline…" Adeline got out of the car and stood by the roadside railing. The breeze rushing against her sent her long curls fluttering. She couldn't tell if it was the evening chill or the coldness in her heart, but she felt a distinct chill. Christopher followed her, and soon, a black coat was draped over her shoulders. It was a traditional high-collared suit adorned with exquisite custom-crafted patterns. The garment carried a familiar yet distant woody fragrance. Standing quietly next to her, Christopher smoked in silence. His gaze was fixed on her. "I was ten that year." Adeline gazed into the endless night sky. Her voice was calm and distant. "That morning before school, my mom said to me, 'Adeline, be a good girl today, and when you get back, I'll cook your favorite honey garlic spare ribs.'" "That day, my mom was especially happy and dressed so beautifully. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Later, I found out it was her wedding anniversary with my dad." With that, Adeline lowered her head and gave a bitter, resigned smile. Christopher's face expressed more than words could. The diamond stud in his left ear gleamed under the streetlight. He simply stood there, listening as she went on. "However, before school was over, our driver rushed to pick me up. He was in a hurry, and his expression was grim. I knew something was off, but I never imagined..." A hint of a sob crept into her voice, and her eyes began to redden. After a brief pause, she continued, "The last time I saw my mom, it was her cold, lifeless body and the bathtub in her bedroom, with water stained red by her blood." The pool of crimson water was so glaring, and it had stained her eyes as well. Adeline couldn't understand how Giselle, who had gently kissed her cheek that morning and promised to make her favorite honey garlic spare ribs that evening, could have suddenly ended her own life. That day, Adeline didn't get the dinner she was looking forward to. Instead, she received the news of Giselle's death. She turned around and looked up at Christopher. In her usually resilient eyes, there was profound sorrow. Her vision was blurred by tears, and she could barely make out the expression on the person in front of her. "In the years that followed, I never ate honey garlic spare ribs again." A tear slipped from her eye, and her voice quivered. "Because I would suddenly tremble uncontrollably and instinctively start to vomit. Emma was doing it on purpose today." With reddened eyes, she asked, "Christopher, do you still want to ask me what that was about earlier?" He might not understand her, because no one would be willing to take the time to understand someone they dislike. However, he shouldn't question her in that tone. Adeline's eyes were full of tears, almost on the verge of spilling over. The way she looked, both defiant and hurt, was like a little animal in need of protection. Christopher stared at her intently, lifting his hand to lightly sweep his fingers across the edge of her eye before pausing on her cheek. With a soft push, he pulled her into his arms. "Adeline, I'm sorry..." His husky and low voice was filled with sincerity. His apology only made Adeline feel more aggrieved. She buried her head in his chest, and her tears started to stream down. From a soft sob to quiet restraint, she finally burst into uncontrollable crying. Watching the delicate body in his arms sobbing uncontrollably, Christopher suddenly curved his lips into a smile. "Adeline, this is the first time I've seen you cry in front of me." Well, except for when they were in bed. He found himself unexpectedly drawn to the feeling of being needed by her at that moment. She was crying so hard that her tears and snot stained his shirt. Christopher frowned slightly in disdain but didn't push her away. Once her emotions settled, Adeline muttered, "This is also the first time you've said sorry to me." "But Christopher..." She lifted her gaze, and her eyes were still red. "I don't want your apology. What I want is for you to value me." Christopher stared at her for a long time. His intense eyes were filled with unspoken meaning. The next moment, a faint smile appeared on his handsome face. "What are you trying to say?" Adeline replied, "Since we're married and that can't be undone, and you have no intention of divorcing me for now, how about we try to live well together?" Christopher thought he had misheard. She spoke with such seriousness, but his calm, unfathomable eyes showed no emotion. Before he could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and immediately answered. A stern and authoritative voice came through the line. "Mr. Lambert, you and your wife are being watched." After hanging up the phone, Christopher let out a light scoff. "Adeline, too much sweetness will rot your teeth." Adeline furrowed her brows slightly as she tried to understand the meaning behind his words. Just then, Christopher spoke again. There was a trace of mockery in his eyes as he said, "Once a person's desires are fulfilled, they grow insatiable. When you've sat in one spot for too long, you'll want more. Adeline, I've already given you enough... Be good and don't be greedy." His tone was lazy and deep, especially the last few words, which carried a hint of seduction. It was as if he were soothing a spoiled girlfriend. However... There was no warmth, and it was even rather hurtful. Adeline understood his words perfectly. She gazed at Christopher's face, which held a mocking smile. All of a sudden, she kicked him hard in the leg. He didn't even try to avoid it, taking the full impact of the kick. His good-looking face immediately scrunched in pain, and he yelled, "Adeline!" Adeline gritted her teeth and said, "I guess it's my mistake for being too naive and not recognizing your true nature." She had actually thought Christopher would change and settle down with her. However, it turned out to be all nonsense. She yanked the coat off her shoulders and threw it on the ground without a second thought. Not satisfied, she stomped on it a few more times in front of Christopher. The black coat was instantly marked with grey footprints. Christopher's face darkened, and with a grim expression, he said, "If you were anyone else, you'd have died by now!" Adeline snorted coldly as she raised her head to look at him. "If you were anyone else, I would have taken you down with me!" The more she thought about it, the more infuriated she got. She shot him a glare and then strode toward the sports car. After taking a couple of steps, she stopped, turned back to Christopher, and reached into his pocket for the car keys. Before walking away, she didn't forget to kick him one last time. This time, Christopher dodged. However, he could only watch as she drove away alone. "Hey!" He stared at the sports car getting farther and farther away. He never imagined that Adeline would drive off in his car, leaving him stranded by the roadside at night. He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number. It was answered in two seconds. Without waiting for the other person to speak, Christopher furiously said, "Joe! Come pick me up!"