Chapter 33

Joshua walked in, dressed in a black suit, his tie perfectly knotted. Normally, this kind of outfit would make a man look stiff and sophisticated, but on him, it only gave off a kind of quiet luxury.

He came in with a slight chill from the rain, and the cold air followed him in.

Having lived with Joshua for many days, Shermaine knew just how well-built he was. She remembered the scene of him swimming in the backyard pool. She didn’t have the chance to fully admire his physique because, by the time she could, he’d already put on a bathrobe.

She’d caught a glimpse of a tattoo on his chest—probably a dragon—but she hadn’t gotten a good look from where she was standing.

What really surprised her was how perfectly timed his appearance was. He overheard everything she said to Wendelyn.

Shermaine forced a smile as she thought, "I’ve made myself sick talking like that. I don’t know what he thinks about it, but whatever. He’s always been so good at playing along with these acts."

She still carried her faint smile. “I’ll go back soon, and I can see you then, so it doesn’t matter whether I call or not.”

“You should’ve told me. When things get this big, others might not be able to handle them properly,” Joshua said, his voice calm, but the undertone was clear.

Jameson thought to himself, “Sounds like you’re talking about me.”

Jameson really hadn’t been of any help during this mess. He even criticized Shermaine for causing trouble for the Jean family. But with all these rich kids now in jail, this wouldn’t bring the Jean family any good press.

In fact, it would bring plenty of bad attention. Still, from the looks of it, Jameson knew Joshua would probably handle it.

Jameson thought, ‘Shermaine indeed brought us shame. Her reputation is already in tatters. Having a daughter like her is a real headache. Compared to her, Wendelyn is so sweet. She is the one who makes me look good.”

Jameson forced a smile and said, “Hey, Josh, you’re here.”

Joshua replied, “Yeah, I’m here to take Shermaine home.”

Jameson said, “Thanks for doing that.”

“She’s my fiancée. I’d love to do that,” replied Joshua curtly.

Jameson didn’t know what to say. He just kept smiling and muttering, “Yeah, sure.”

Wendelyn stood nearby, her lips trembling, her face pale like she might collapse at any moment. She tried to force a smile and greeted Joshua. “Hi, Joshua.”

Joshua gave a slight nod but didn’t engage. He looked at Shermaine’s hand, wrapped in bandages with a bit of blood seeping through. The wound must’ve been pulled open again. He turned to the officer and said, “Officer, do you have a first aid kit?”

The officer nodded. “Just a moment, I’ll grab it for you.”

Outside, the drizzle blurred the night, giving everything an eerie, distant feel.

Shermaine rested her chin on her hand, her expression almost bored.

Joshua moved swiftly to change her bandage, his motions practiced and quick.

Shermaine, meanwhile, kept scribbling in her apology letter.

Joshua glanced at her and asked, “Left-handed, huh?”

Shermaine replied, “I can write with both hands.”

Joshua didn’t often give compliments, but her handwriting really was something else. It was graceful, mixed with a bit of fierceness. He praised, “You write really well.”

Shermaine didn’t even pretend to be modest. “I’ve always written like this. In fact, as a reward for your compliment, I’ll give you a poem I wrote next time.” With her level of skill, it would be worth keeping as a treasure.

Shermaine thought to herself, ‘He’s cold most of the time, but when he says he’ll treat me well, he really does. I’ve got to admit that—’

He whispered, “Thanks.”

She replied, “No problem.”

Seeing their lovey-dovey interaction, Wendelyn stood outside the door and looked blank.

Joshua was a man of prestige, a dream for so many women. Yet he had always been untouchable, like a devout follower who didn’t give in to the temptations of love or desire. Yet here he was, personally tending to Shermaine’s wound.

Wendelyn couldn’t stop the bitter feeling rising in her chest. Even Amira and the other rich ladies couldn’t help but be taken aback when they saw it. But this wasn’t an enjoyable spectacle.

Shermaine had already turned their families into a laughingstock in Basterel, and what was coming next was nothing but endless trouble. If they could, they’d definitely want to get revenge for their sons.

However, Joshua’s appearance was a sharp reminder that Shermaine was under his protection. If they wanted to make a move on her, they’d better think twice.

Ruth, who had been mostly quiet until now, was trying to comfort Wendelyn. “Wendy, don’t be upset. Just ignore them. Joshua must’ve lost his mind to treat someone like Shermaine so well.

“If he really marries her one day, I’ll make sure he knows he just married a brainless, useless woman with nothing but big boobs.”

Ruth continued to trash-talk Shermaine, “I heard from the teacher today that Shermaine’s in the lowest-performing class. She can’t even answer the simplest questions. What future does she have? Joshua’s being nice to her, probably just out of some obligation to Ross.”

Wendelyn frowned and asked, “Obligation to Ross?”

Ruth explained, “Yeah, Ross saved Joshua’s life once. Maybe Joshua’s just repaying him by being nice to Shermaine. You should let everyone see how much better you are. Maybe one day Joshua will regret his choice and wish he’d chosen you instead.”

Wendelyn thought to herself, ‘That explains why Joshua insists on Shermaine being his fiancée. Looks like there’s some deeper reason behind it. It’s too bad I’m not Ross’s real sister. If I were, Shermaine wouldn’t even have a chance. It’s all just luck for her.’

Wendelyn replied, “I get it, Mom. I will.”

It was crazy how some inspirational words could mess with people’s minds so easily. Wendelyn didn’t even stop to think about what Joshua was really like. Instead, she let herself be caught up in her own delusions and deceived herself.

After finishing with Shermaine’s bandages and putting the bandage on, Joshua handed the first aid kit back to the officer and extended his hand. “Let’s go home.”

‘Is he trying to hold my hand?’ Shermaine thought, but still reached out and placed her hand in his.

His palm was warm, but due to his military background, his hands had rough calluses on the fingertips and palms. Shermaine thought, ‘Oh well, it’s just for show anyway. Might as well play my part to the fullest.’

She said goodbye to Jameson, and the two of them walked out holding hands.

The umbrellas were put into a bucket at the entrance. Joshua grabbed a black umbrella and opened it up.

Once they walked out, Shermaine felt like she’d played her part enough and tried to pull away, but Joshua’s grip didn’t loosen. He said, “Someone’s still watching.”

Shermaine glanced back and saw that Wendelyn’s eyes hadn’t left them.

They didn’t let go of each other’s hands until they got into the car.

Joshua’s expression was still calm, as if he wasn’t holding a woman’s hand, but simply holding onto an umbrella. After sitting down, he instructed the driver, “Drive.”

The driver replied, “Got it, Mr. York.”

Suddenly, Shermaine grabbed Joshua’s hand again. His hand was much larger than hers, and her five slim fingers slipped right between his.

Joshua asked with a confused face, “What’s this about?”

Shermaine answered, “I was the one who held your hand first, so naturally, I’m the one who can let go.”