"Are you telling me that you love her so dearly that you forced her to marry you?" Rachel had never regretted something as much as she did now. She wouldn't have asked him such a question if she had known that his answer would hurt so much.
"Do I love her?" Duke shook his head and suddenly thought about the question very seriously. "I don't know. In fact, I'm also curious about it." He was suddenly angry with Belinda. Did it mean that he had fallen in love with her?
Rachel's lips twitched. She was about to say something but then changed her mind. It was then that she caught a glimpse of the slender silhouette at the door. An idea occurred in her head and made her smile. She hurriedly hugged Duke and patted his back consolingly to show off. Rachel squinted with a challenging look at the approaching woman.
Belinda strode in but unconsciously stopped at the sight of Rachel. What she saw made her angry. However, that did not make her turn away. Rather, she found herself marching more determinedly than before. She would never swallow such insult and humiliation in silence.
Duke didn't expect that Rachel would hug him. He was dazed and exhausted, so his mind went blank for a moment as he lay in her arms. He pushed her away the moment he got his wits back but it was too late. Rachel had gained her ends.
"What a coincidence that we meet again, Miss Qin." Belinda grinned from ear to ear. There was no trace of displeasure on her lips though she was furious deep inside. What a twist that Rachel was also there. Now she knew why Leena was confused about Duke's participation in such an activity.
"Well, it's not what you see." Rachel pretended to explain when in fact, what she wanted was to cause a deeper misunderstanding.
"Belinda, here you are." Duke staggered to his feet but fell over himself. Rachel subconsciously wanted to help him up but Belinda was one step ahead.
"You're drunk." Belinda's brows were in knots when she gathered Duke to her. She was worried about him and found no time to answer Rachel.
I only drank a little, really." Duke burped. He leaned on Belinda's shoulder and breathed softly.
"I can prove it. Duke didn't drink too much. He's drunk because he drank some mixed wines." Rachel was vexed at the bottom of her heart but then managed to act considerately.
"I'll take him back, Miss Qin. Thank you for taking care of my husband." Belinda didn't like to address Duke "my husband" in public but chose to stress it before Rachel. Such a civilized way to tell her enemy to give up as Duke was already taken.
"You're welcome. That's what I should do," Rachel talked back and then bit her lips. She hated how Belinda was so swollen with arrogance.
"Oh? Can you tell me what you mean by that, Miss Qin?" Belinda sneered. 'That's what you should do? Since when have you become that close?' She thought to herself.
"Sorry. I think you misunderstood. What I mean is, I should take care of the CEO as an employee of the Leng Group." Rachel explained anxiously as if she was afraid to make the woman before her angry.
It looks like I think too much. Miss Qin, thank you for your kindness. I'll ask your CEO to reward you handsomely." Belinda was puzzled by Rachel. She had just emphasized that Duke was her husband. Her defeated reaction to it was something she never expected. Did she just change her strategy?
I'm flattered. The reward is not necessary. I can leave now since you're already here. Goodbye!" It might not be good to retreat for the sake of advancing but it was suitable at that time. Rachel pretended to be calm no matter how unwilling she was to leave.
"Bye." Rachel then walked to the room. Her sudden change really surprised and confused Belinda. Why would she have hugged Duke and patted his back consolingly if she had really given up on him? Did she just want to take care of the drunken CEO? Duke wasn't completely drunk. He clearly heard the dialogue between Belinda and Rachel but didn't say anything. Edward once told him that he should never get himself involved in a fight between two women or he would be doomed.
"Let's go." Belinda pursed her lips. She didn't want to pursue this matter further. Duke was entitled of his own personal space. She couldn't deprive him of that right even if she was his wife. She chose to trust him unconditionally.
"Belinda, I can explain." Duke hastened to explain as soon as he got in the car. He looked at Belinda's poker face nervously. He was afraid that she would misunderstand him.
No need. I have my own judgment." Belinda preferred to believe Duke rather than doubt him. The reason was simple. Duke wouldn't have behaved affectionately towards Rachel earlier if they really had an affair. Why? Because he knew that Belinda would pick him up.
"What is the result of your judgment?" What happened just now was beyond his expectation. Nevertheless, he hadn't felt any panic the moment he saw Belinda came. As the saying goes, a straight foot is not afraid of a crooked shoe. Belinda would mistakenly think that he was trying to hide something if he explained further. Thus, he decided to keep his mouth shut. Nonetheless, he was curious about what was in her mind.
It depends on what role you play." Belinda started the car and left Joy Karaoke. She was a smart woman, so she wouldn't make a fuss about this matter. She chose to deal with it rationally.
"What role do you want me to play?" Duke looked at Belinda expectantly. He cared about Belinda and what she thought about him mattered to him a lot.
"What I want doesn't matter. What matters is where you put yourself in." Belinda looked sideways at Duke. She frowned at the smell of alcohol that was filling the car. It was so strong that she had to roll down the window.
"Well, you can assure yourself on that. I know I'm married." Duke was disappointed for not getting the answer that he wanted. However, he felt relieved that Belinda didn't unreasonably quarrel with him. He had to admit that she was really smart and knew how to make herself invincible, even if it annoyed him a bit.
"Why would I doubt you? Are you hiding something from me and afraid that I'll find it out?" Belinda suddenly slammed the brakes because another car overtook hers at a fast speed. The driver might be a young man who was after thrills. Luckily, Belinda had driven slowly and was able to react on time, or else they could have been hit. Duke, who was drunk, banged his head unprepared.
"Damn it! Is it necessary to show off his Rolls-Royce? Such a fast speed may take his life!" Duke cursed while touching his forehead. It was good that his seat belt was fastened or his forehead would be swollen.
"Are you all right?" Belinda was also shocked but she was more concerned about Duke.
"I'm fine. How about you? Are you okay?" Duke gave Belinda a once over. The fright had sobered him up.
"Yes, I'm okay. It's good that you're alright." Belinda calmed herself down and began to speed up the car. "It's late at night," she continued,
We'd better be home as soon as possible. Many people drive under the influence at this hour. It isn't safe even if I follow traffic regulations because others may not."
Slow down. Take it easy." Duke knew Belinda was really frightened because she was suddenly green around the gills.