Chapter 181

William wasn’t in the mood to bring up anything about Samantha anymore. His gaze was cold and piercing as he narrowed his eyes, looking Rachel up and down.

Rachel felt the intense pressure of his focus.

After a brief pause, William finally spoke. “You bought a plane ticket. Where were you planning to go?”

Rachel had mentally prepared herself, so now that William asked, she remained relatively calm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

At her denial, William placed his warm palm firmly on her shoulder. He thought for a moment before speaking again.

“I know I’ve been a bit distant lately because of work. It wasn’t intentional, but there’s no need to get so upset that you’d go buy a ticket and leave in a huff.”

Rachel looked up at him, neither angry nor raising her voice. Her expression was unsettlingly calm. “I’m not angry. I think you’ve misunderstood something.”

“As for the situation with Samantha, I did treat you a bit harshly, and I even pushed you today,” William said, ignoring her words. “I’m sorry.”

He reached out to take Rachel’s hand but accidentally brushed against the wound on her palm. She winced and instinctively pulled back.

Only then did he look down and notice the injury. The cold edge in his voice immediately disappeared.

“Did you fall when I pushed you earlier?”

“It’s fine.” Rachel backed away slightly, trying to pull her hand free from his grip.

“Don’t move. Let me see. Does it hurt? I’ll blow on it.” William gently held her hand and bent forward to blow softly on her wounded palm.

Rachel stared at his dark hair. This person used to be so familiar to her, but now he felt like a complete stranger. William’s warm breath brushed over her wound, soft and soothing, but the pain had long passed. She’d already endured the worst of it all by herself. Whatever comfort or apologies he offered now meant nothing.

Rachel pursed her lips and forcefully yanked her hand back. “It really doesn’t hurt. It’s just a superficial wound.”

William’s eyes were filled with concern as he looked at her. “For now, just stay home and rest. I’ve already arranged a place for Samantha to move to. She’ll be gone in the next day or two.”

Rachel looked up, her voice hoarse. “She’s moving out?”

“Yeah. That way you’ll feel more at ease at home too. The Oasis project is about to begin, and I won’t be so busy anymore. Besides, our anniversary’s coming up. I’m still waiting to open the gift you’re giving me for it.” William pulled her into his arms, his hand wrapped around her waist. “I wonder what you’ve got for me. It must be a huge surprise.”

Rachel smirked sarcastically. “Yeah, the gift I prepared for you will definitely be a huge surprise. You’re going to be very shocked.”

William was still completely unaware. He smiled warmly as he gazed at her. “If you say that, I’ll want to unwrap it now.”

“Don’t. You’ve waited this long, what’s another two days?” Rachel stopped him quickly, afraid he might actually go back and open that box now.

William gently cupped her cheeks with both hands, and in his eyes was a tenderness Rachel hadn’t seen in a long time. “Alright, if I’ve waited this long, I can wait a few more days. Rachel, you still haven’t answered me. Were you really planning to leave Vurelia City?”