Alicia's heart skipped a beat, astonished by how quickly Louis had guessed her thoughts. But recalling Henry's warning not to let Louis know about it, she casually brushed off the topic with a seemingly indifferent remark.
However, Louis's fingers firmly clasped her back, gently caressing her as he spoke with warmth and affection, "I've never considered you a gold-digger or something, honestly. You're my wife, and I've always respected you."
Alicia felt a mixture of pain and bitterness upon hearing this. Though she wore a smile, it couldn't conceal her inner turmoil and conflict. She had thought she had grown accustomed to this life, but when Louis said those words, she realized she'd been avoiding her true feelings, knowing their relationship couldn't last.
