Chapter 33: Do You Know Evil Magic?

1/11

Julian introduced himself. “Hi, I haven’t formally introduced myself yet. My name is Julian Hart. I’m Ms. Ashbourne’s driver and assistant.” He rubbed Eloise’s head, looked at Alistair with a smile, and continued, “My father was Madam Ashbourne’s driver. I’ve lived here since childhood and grew up with Ms. Ashbourne.” Alistair understood—they were childhood sweethearts. No wonder Eloise was so close to him.

Alistair sensed a warning in Julian’s friendly smile. Julian seemed to be saying, “You better not bully Carol. Otherwise, I will not forgive you!” Alistair smiled and met Julian’s gaze. “Hi, glad to meet you.” He reflected that if he had a younger sister who suddenly brought home a stranger of unknown origin, his reaction would likely be more intense than Julian’s. Both Julian and Mabel seemed remarkably calm about Caroline’s sudden marriage. This was likely due to Caroline’s usual decisive and often arbitrary nature; they were all used to it.

2/11

With Alistair alone, Julian had many questions: how they met, what was so special about him that made Carol see him differently. He only dared to consider these questions; he wouldn’t dare ask them aloud. He admitted he was a coward, especially around Caroline. She’d warned him her husband liked quiet and asked him not to bother him. Even tortured by curiosity, Julian dared not ask more. He shook his head. He was truly jealous of Alistair—the first person Caroline protected to this extent.

3/11

Julian clearly recalled Alistair’s past. Originally an excellent student with prospects for a good university, he’d married into the Whitfield family to pay his father’s debts, working tirelessly for six years as a househusband. He was undervalued and held no status within the family. When his ex-wife’s former lover returned, she kicked Alistair out overnight. Then he met Caroline… and they married the very next day. Caroline reportedly initiated the marriage certificate application. Julian felt sympathy for Alistair; he himself couldn't have endured it. Alistair appeared cowardly and incompetent, but was actually patient and tenacious—qualities Julian greatly admired.

4/11

Julian felt confused. Perhaps Caroline admired Alistair's perseverance… No, that wasn't right. She married Alistair first, then he started investigating him thoroughly. He’d been pondering this for days, finding no answer. It wasn’t that he was looking for trouble; it was unbelievable! If Caroline simply wanted a father for Eloise (an idea she'd previously revealed), Julian could understand. But yesterday, she’d said she was serious and wanted to spend her life with Alistair. Someone else saying this, Julian might not have taken it seriously. People are fickle; lifelong fidelity is difficult. His information suggested it was impossible for Caroline and Alistair, knowing each other only a few days, to have any vows or lasting affection. He couldn't understand Caroline’s choice. But since it came from her, he had to take it seriously. He knew Caroline well; she never spoke casually without thinking. Was she possessed, committing to a man she’d known for three days? He made a terrifying guess: Could Alistair know some kind of evil magic?

5/11

Eloise got along well with Alistair, which wasn’t surprising; having a five-year-old son, he had experience caring for children and could provide the fatherly love Eloise had lacked. But aside from possession, Julian couldn’t explain Caroline’s devotion. It was too weird! Possession by evil spirits seemed to solve all doubts! He blurted out, “Buddy, we’re alone. Tell me honestly: do you know something others don’t?” “Dad, look! So many flowers!” Eloise exclaimed, captivated by the scene. Alistair, confused, looked back at Julian. “Huh?” Julian chuckled dryly. “Nothing.” The excited girl dragged Alistair toward the flowerbeds; the wind carried a faint floral scent.

6/11

He heard Julian’s question. It was so abstract he didn’t know how to answer, so he pretended not to hear it, forcing a helpless smile. Julian’s question about knowing something others didn’t immediately translated to: did he know evil magic capable of bewitching people? Otherwise, how could Caroline have married him so quickly? Caroline was a cloud; he was mud. Alistair was self-aware; he possessed no such magic. At most, he was lucky, bound to the Life Choice System. The system gave him a chance, and Caroline was his new chance. It was the outcome Caroline desired. If he couldn’t confuse others, protecting her from life's troubles would be impossible. Only Mabel and Caroline remained in the hall.

7/11

Mabel, recalling their earlier hand-holding, knew it was intentional, a performance to make the charade believable. Oh, this naughty girl! Defying norms always caused headaches. When Caroline insisted on adopting Eloise despite everyone's objections—rejecting suggestions of finding a wealthy family or having Mabel raise her—she was determined to be a mother, even as a child herself. Caroline played with an orange, saying frankly, “I’ve definitely considered this before.” Mabel caught the key word “before.” “Are you serious?” “Grandma, when I meet the right person, can’t I be serious?” Mabel sighed inwardly; she couldn’t win an argument with Caroline.

8/11

“How long have you known each other? I haven’t met him, so it must be short. Time reveals true character. Why the rush? Is he…” Mabel wanted to ask if Alistair had used sweet words to deceive her, but that was like accusing her granddaughter of being blindly in love. With sharp eyes, she sensed Caroline wasn't that kind of person. “It wasn’t long,” Caroline said softly. “But Grandma, time doesn’t explain everything.” Mabel had a complicated expression, hesitating before sighing, “Carol, if you think I control you too much, I’ll let things take their course and won’t arrange blind dates.” Caroline replied, “Grandma, this has nothing to do with you.”

9/11

Mabel thoughtfully asked, “So it’s about Eloise? Carol, you never look back, but marriage isn't a joke. You feel sorry for Eloise, but think about yourself too.” Caroline emphasized, “I want Eloise in a healthy family atmosphere, Grandma, but only a man who satisfies me can be Eloise’s father.” Mabel curiously asked, “What’s so special about him?” Caroline couldn’t answer; she didn’t understand herself. She couldn’t say it was a sense of familiarity that made her wholeheartedly marry Alistair without complaint or regret. It sounded like a curse. If she said that, her grandmother might arrange an exorcism. Caroline never considered magic; it was nonsense. It was her inner impulse that drove her decision.

10/11

Caroline was thoughtful. She’d been busy; she’d “tricked” Alistair into getting the marriage certificate. Now she wanted to spend time with him, so she’d put her trip to Chicago aside. For some reason, mentioning Chicago evoked inexplicable resistance, though she’d never been there, according to her recollections and indirect information from others. Compared to others' accounts, she trusted her own memory more. But she’d lost a year of memories…