Chapter 1082: Caroline's Breakdown
Theodore walked ahead, lost in his own turmoil. He felt disoriented, unsure why he'd left his room. Then, he saw something upsetting, sparking anger he couldn't express.
"Mr. Wold, aren't you going to take the car?" Samson called out, summoning his courage.
The inns were a short fifteen-minute walk apart, but since Samson had driven them, driving back seemed sensible.
Theodore turned, his gaze settling on Samson's enthusiastic faceโa stark contrast to the silence Theodore's coldness had previously imposed.
"Where's the car?" Theodore asked.
"In the garage over there."
"The key?"
"Here."
Theodore took the key, then said to Little Bunny, "Follow me."
Little Bunny sensed Theodore's displeasure. She took two steps, then stopped as Theodore added, "Samson doesn't need to return to the inn tonight."
"Where should I go, then?" Samson asked, confused, trailing behind.
"Wherever you want," Theodore dismissed him, grabbing Little Bunny's arm and striding away without a backward glance. Samson watched them vanish into the dark, windy night, feeling disoriented.
Theodore opened the car door.
"Let me drive. You're injured; it's inconvenient for you," Little Bunny offered.
Theodore briefly glanced at her before tossing her the keys and settling into the passenger seat.
As she prepared to start the car, she noticed Theodore's silent, somber expression. His anger seemed aimless.
Little Bunny leaned closer, fastening his seatbelt. He hadn't bothered to buckle up, assuming their destination was near.
"My driving isn't very good," she explained, meeting his gaze.
"Your bed skills are better, thoughโฆ" Theodore blurted.
Little Bunny froze.
His smile softened at her slightly embarrassed expression. Her nearness and words inexplicably improved his mood. She fastened his seatbelt, then sat upright and began to drive.
The car moved slowly through the dark, narrow roads. Finally, they arrived safely at the inn.
They exited the car and returned to their room.
"There's a video you want on your phone," Theodore said abruptly.
Little Bunny was surprised; she assumed he referred to the video of Caroline in bed.
"Caroline spoke with you on set; it's on Louie's phone," he clarified.
Understanding dawned. She'd assumed Theodore was unconcerned.
"Was it worth lying with Louie for that?" he asked.
Little Bunny clutched her phone tighter.
"Never mind, go take a shower; you smell of alcohol," Theodore instructed, wanting to avoid a detailed argument.
"Mr. Woldโฆ"
"Don't call me that," Theodore's mood soured. Then, seriously, he added, "Call me husband."
Little Bunny hesitated.
"What's wrong? Did I make things difficult?" he pressed.
"No," Little Bunny shook her head.
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"Husband," she said, resigned.
"Make it sweeter," Theodore insisted.
Little Bunny took a deep breath. "Husband."
"Hmm," Theodore murmured, satisfied.
"About that news storyโthe one saying Caroline and I don't get alongโcan it be retracted?" she asked.
Theodore frowned. Did she enjoy being scolded? he wondered.
"I want to deepen her notoriety. She'll fall hard when she has her moment," Little Bunny explained.
Theodore was astonished. He'd always perceived her as weak and gentle. Samson's call had surprised him earlier; this revelation was even more shocking.
"I once gave Caroline a role you'd given me. Later, because of her pregnancy, she took over the role. She became famous, and I thought I could leverage her fame in the industry. But she didn't help me; she sabotaged me, taking roles and endorsements. For years, I avoided conflict, hoping for peace. But her arrogance grew. My compromise only made things worse," she explained.
"Okay," Theodore agreed readily.
"Thank you, Mrโฆ husband," Little Bunny corrected herself.
Theodore smiled; the word "husband" warmed him.
"Need any other help?" he asked.
"Nope. I can handle the rest."
"In that case, go shower."
"Okay."
Little Bunny entered the bathroom, relieved. She hadn't been sure of his help, but he'd offered it. She wondered how long their arrangement would last, how long before he tired of her.
The next day dawned. A scream shattered the morning quiet. A man awoke groggily, then stared in disbelief at Caroline beside him.
It should have been Little Bunny. Why was it Caroline?
Caroline was equally astonished. Theodore wasn't there.
Despite her sleepiness, she remembered their passionate night. She'd thought he still cared, given their intense embrace. She'd planned to boast to Little Bunny, but everything had gone wrong.
Oh no!