Chapter 3 You Don't Have To Be So Cruel

Joelle found herself unexpectedly thinking of the wild animals she'd seen in documentaries.

Callum's look was like that of a predator locking onto its prey.

She paused for a moment.

As Callum casually twisted the ring on his little finger, his voice came out chilly and deep. "Miss Bennett, I believe it's clear that neither of us is looking for any unnecessary complications. I have a few questions for you. So, please, get in the car."

His tone was cold, as detached as if he were a stranger speaking, calm yet distant.

A twinge of sadness hit her. She couldn't resist mocking herself internally – weren't they, in fact, strangers?

A subtle smile formed on Joelle's red lips as she answered, "You're absolutely correct, Mr. Sullivan."

With that, she reached for the car door and went inside.

The driver discreetly left the vehicle, leaving Joelle and Callum alone.

Silence settled inside the car. They were neither too close nor too distant. She could smell the faint, cold scent that seemed to be his chosen cologne, a familiar fragrance she remembered from the last time she saw him.

Callum always found the scent of perfume off-putting, insisting she wash off any scent before he would allow her to embrace him. Then, on his birthday, she deliberately gave him a bottle of cologne for men. He responded by kissing her until she was out of breath, a playful punishment for her ill-considered present. And he never seemed to use the cologne she gave him.

Yet, here he was, scented with cologne. Could Emmeline have given it to him? It was a strong possibility. He appeared to enjoy Emmeline's company, not bothered by her interactions with other men.

Joelle pushed aside the ridiculous thought and said softly, "Mr. Sullivan, go ahead and ask your questions."

Callum looked at her briefly, his voice cold as he asked, "Are you involved in what happened to Emmeline and Jaxon?"

Joelle's surprise at his direct question led to a sarcastic laugh. Did Callum really believe she would engage in such petty schemes?

With a slight smile, she answered, "No, I wouldn't do such a boring thing. Mr. Sullivan, do you think I have any reason to do so?"

A coldness flashed in Callum's dark eyes.

"The reason is me," he said lightly.

Joelle paused.

She quickly understood what he meant. It was as if someone had squeezed her heart. She managed a slight smile and responded, "Mr. Sullivan, it seems you've got the wrong idea. I'm not the type to sneak around and steal someone's partner. Feel free to look into it. You won't find my name tied to this mess. I'm not worried."

The tight space of the car didn't let any light in, while the faint glow from the streetlights outside cast shadows on Callum's stern face. His eyes shone with an icy glare in the dim light, catching Joelle off guard.

In the next moment, Callum's lips finally moved as he said, "I hope you're really not involved, or I'll make sure you pay."

His voice was faint and cold, carrying both a warning and a threat.

Joelle felt let down when she detected the icy edge in his voice, commanding as he said to her, "Get out of the car."

Joelle's heart tightened. She felt a surge of defiance. Was he trying to scare her into submission with a veiled threat for the sake of his fiancee? Did he really expect her to just step out of the car, without any fuss?

Sure, she might be down on her luck, but she still had the temper of a spoiled rich girl.

"I want you to take me back," she said.

Callum's expression changed as he unexpectedly said, "Joelle."

She couldn't help but turn towards him. His lips barely moved, his tone icy, as he said, "Get out."

Shock and anger surged through Joelle. The driver, ever so polite, had already opened the car door for her, saying, "Miss Bennett, please get out."

Joelle sneered with frustration, then nodded and said, "Fine."

She unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

The car didn't linger, quickly driving off and leaving her in a swirl of exhaust fumes.

In her anger, she attempted to kick a nearby pillar, but her foot slipped, and the heel of her shoe snapped. She almost fell but caught herself in time. Her foot began to swell, the pain so intense it brought tears to her eyes.

Joelle pressed her lips together, whispering to herself, "Callum, you're truly my bane. You're such a pain! Everything goes bad whenever you're around..."

Tears started to form in her eyes.

But luck was on her side this time. Her reliable driver showed up soon after and took her home.

After resting for the night, Joelle made her way to the hospital first thing in the morning.

The doctor reviewed her test results, adjusted his glasses, and said to Joelle, "Your health is still fluctuating. Keep an eye on any new symptoms and stick with your treatment plan. However, there's no need to worry. Your condition is treatable and the likelihood of it coming back is quite low."

Joelle pressed her lips together, nodding in agreement.

She had been battling gastric cancer for years, experiencing many highs and lows. She was familiar with the doctor's comforting words; she had heard them many times before.

"Thank you," Joelle replied.

The doctor offered her a slight smile in return.

After saying goodbye to the doctor, Joelle left the consultation room. She hadn't gone far when she bumped into two people she knew all too well.

Emmeline looked drained, likely just out of an examination, while her mother Verena supported her with care.

When they saw Joelle, Verena's expression darkened. She said, "What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough problems? Just go away!"

Her harsh tone quickly drew the attention of those around them. Joelle assumed they had come for a check-up, especially after what Emmeline had gone through yesterday. They must have hurried over as soon as Emmeline woke up.

Joelle had no interest in starting a fight. She just gave a wry smile and turned to walk away.

But then, Emmeline's strained voice caught her by surprise as she said, "Joelle, if you want to end my engagement with Callum and take him for yourself, just say so. You don't have to be so cruel..."