The car sped along the road; right now, Heather was at a loss because she wasn’t sure whether she should continue to drive toward the Langston Residence or aimlessly drive around.
Matthias, who had calmed down, turned to look sideways at her. “The Langston Residence is in the opposite direction,” he deliberately reminded her.
She found a place to carefully park the car. “You should drive. Feel free to go anywhere, but I do not want to return to the Langston Residence.” Her mind was in a mess because she did not expect such a horrendous mistake from the past.
“What is it? Are you regretting it?” Matthias gave a mock smile. How I wish I could see what Heather is hiding deep down in her heart. Heather is reacting in such a way when I am convinced that she is a ruthless and vicious woman. This will shake my determination to seek revenge.
“Would you like to head to the West Suburbs?” Heather did not answer his question.
Matthias cocked his brow. Well, I lost myself for a moment in front of her. Now that she is showing me this side of herself, perhaps I should play along. “Sure.” He exchanged seats with her.
After starting the car engine, he looked straight ahead by keeping his eyes locked on the road. The two of them were silent throughout the entire journey! It was already getting dark by the time they arrived at the West Suburbs. Then, they exited the car one after another.
Matthias curiously followed Heather from behind. She continued to walk forward like a freed little bunny. She was always cold and detached in front of the public, so it was rare to see her letting her hair down.
Heather, who was leading the way, suddenly turned. “Matthias, there is a swamp right ahead.” She innocently smiled and it dazzled Matthias for a moment.
“It’s interesting that you are taking me to a swampland.” Matthias frowned lightly, but he followed her anyway. The closer she walked forward, the more she was in awe of the newly discovered land.
His mood improved while he walked along the path. There were many mosquitoes and insects during nighttime, but she seemed unfazed as she made her way forward. She didn’t seem fussy and frustrated about the situation.
In hindsight, women usually wouldn’t come to this sort of place. Who would want to be bitten by insects and mosquitoes? Furthermore, what’s there to look at in a swamp?
Large stretches of swamp lands showed up in front of them and he reached out to grab her, which caused her to forcefully smile.
“Be careful.” Matthias was worried that she would slip and fall into the mud. Heather started to make her way forward in a wobbly manner and each step she took struck him in his heart.
“Look at how pretty this is! It is still breathing,” she commented while smiling happily.
Although he shot her an odd look, he couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was when she smiled. After that, he heard her continue to speak, “The killer of the jungle is none other than the swamp—it looks dangerous at first glance, but I especially like it.”
She deeply inhaled the air that was mixed with the refreshing scent of soil. As a result, she looked intoxicated and as pretty as always even with her eyes closed.
Matthias copied Heather’s actions by closing his eyes while taking a deep breath. The feeling was oddly soothing and calming for him.
“The past cannot be undone,” she spoke while keeping her eyes closed.
“And the present cannot be predicted,” he responded casually. He couldn’t believe that he was happy for her to be by his side at this moment. The air seemed to be filled with her faint fragrance.
“I have no idea how to compensate you. I can understand that you want to take revenge on me to suffer as you did in the past,” Heather started to speak slowly. I should atone for my mistakes in the past.
“I thought ‘regret’ doesn’t exist in your dictionary.” Matthias still could not completely trust her because he wasn’t sure if she was scheming or being sincere.
“Similarly, I do not want to owe anyone anything.” She gave a faint smile. Currently, she and him were the only ones at the corner of the forest. The sky was getting dark and they looked like lost tourists.
It had been a long time since Heather last felt as lost as she was right now. She opened her eyes to gaze at Matthias. His eyelashes were thick and long—they appeared like a pair of butterflies when his eyelashes fluttered.
He gradually opened his eyes as she stared at him. They looked into each other’s eyes as they exchanged a silent moment there and then.
“Why don’t you try dating me if you truly wish to compensate me?” Matthias was especially serious when he suggested that and he didn’t sound like he was joking at all.
Heather stared at Matthias steadily because she wasn’t sure why he had made such a suggestion. Nevertheless, she was a very calm woman, so she wasn’t shocked by his request.
They looked at each other for the longest time. Finally, he turned to look away whereas she parted her lips. “You are not in love with me. In fact, you hate me. Why would you want to be in a relationship with me?”
“For the benefits,” Matthias answered quietly.
Heather turned to look at the swamp in front of her as her eyes reflected many complex emotions.
However, he broke the silence at this moment. “I know what you’re trying to do. You want the Langstons to work with the Hart Family and my target is the Hart Family.” He would not easily voice his true motives, but he was confident that it was a flawless reason.
“Grandpa doesn’t have any true power now, so it’s useless for you to associate yourself with me.” She had to remind Matthias that she did not have the final say in the Langston Family.
“You do not have to worry about it since I want to win over the Langston Family. Locke Group and Langston Group will be able to have an all-around collaboration,” he responded matter-of-factly.
“You want to date me because you plan to win over the Langston Family?” Heather asked suspiciously. I am sure that Matthias will not date his enemy just for that reason.
“Why don’t we have a contract? I just want the status of being your boyfriend. I am not interested in the rest.” Matthias knew that she was cautious about certain things. In any case, he was not interested in her in that regard.
“You should only be in a relationship with a person you’re in love with.” Heather rejected him indirectly because she just could not accept dating Matthias. I just can’t do it even if it’s a lie.
“There is no rush to answer me. Give me an answer after three days.” Matthias smiled at her.
She nodded while thinking, Nothing is set in stone; there is no harm in answering him after three days anyway. Well, I have ample time to give him a satisfactory answer in three days’ time.
“It is getting late. So, I’ll send you home.” He looked up at the sky. It will be pitch-black soon and it will be tricky to get out of here by then.
Heather agreed and she followed him from behind. The two of them walked in a single file while the mosquitoes feasted on their blood. She wasn’t bothered because she had visited the dangerous tropical forest in the past. At that time, she was even wounded, so she currently did not mind the hostile environment.
Matthias opened the car door for her as she entered the car. He sat at the driver’s seat like a gentleman while preparing to drive her.
“It is getting late. Why don’t you have dinner at the Langston Residence?” Heather checked the time and she figured it was about dinnertime by the time they arrived home.
“No need for that. I made everyone unhappy the last time I came by,” Matthias answered while chuckling in amusement. Well, it didn’t go according to plan the last time, especially when I bumped into Myra. Under those circumstances, I left a bad impression on Myra and I have been regretting it each time I recall that incident.
Heather did not comment further because she was just being courteous earlier. Upon careful thought on things, she realized that it wouldn’t be right. What will the others think if Matthias were to show up at the dining table with me in Langston Residence? Well, everybody will just misunderstand the situation.
They remained silent throughout the car drive and finally arrived at the main entrance of Langston Residence after a long time. She got out of the car as she addressed him at the same time when he was about to alight from the vehicle. “You don’t have to get out of the car. Drive my car today!” She was trying to diminish the chances of a misunderstanding. On the other hand, she wanted him to conveniently leave too. I have taken a lot of Matthias’ time today. He might be starving if I continue to drag him along. I don’t want it to be my fault again.
Upon arriving at the Langston Residence, Heather couldn’t be bothered about the curious stares of her family members because she was lost in her thoughts about what happened with Matthias. I did not expect that he would want to be in a relationship with me. There is no way I’ll agree to that. However, he was forthcoming with his intentions—he wants to work together with the Langston Group. To be honest, I am tempted. On one hand, the Hart Group has been adamant about not working with us whereas on the other side, the Locke Group is keen on collaborating with us. In comparison, it seems like working together with Locke Group is the better choice. However, I have promised Myra to try to repair the relationship between the Langstons and the Hart Family, so as to get the two families to collaborate. Will I be considered disloyal since I am tempted? She looked distressed.
After looking at it from different perspectives, I believe that Matthias is still envious of Grandpa’s power. Otherwise, based on his relationship with Blake, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him to get the two families to work together. Blake isn’t the most reliable fellow out there, but he rarely brings anybody to the Langston Residence, much less when there’s a family reunion. Since Blake has taken the initiative to invite Matthias to the Langston Residence, it means that he is willing to collaborate with Matthias. Since he has Blake wrapped around his finger, why is he still so hung up on Grandpa? Why is he adamant on having a relationship with me? Why does he insist on being with me to win over the Langston Group for a collaboration?
The more Heather thought about it, the more she found the entire situation fishy because she had a nagging feeling that Matthias wasn’t being honest with her. She couldn’t help but relate this issue to Myra. Could it be possible that Matthias is pestering me due to Myra?
The thought flashed through Heather’s mind, but she dismissed it almost instantly. It wouldn’t make sense if Matthias hadn’t given up on Myra. If he were to be in a relationship with me, he would be giving up on her by default.
After all, not many women would be comfortable being embroiled in something suspicious with their best friend’s boyfriend. Well, if I were to start dating Matthias, the relationship between the four for us will be intriguing.
Matthias wants to go against the Hart Group. As for now, I am not sure whether it’s just a business competition or a personal grudge. I will never get involved with him if it involves any personal grudges. If it is a fair competition in the business world, there will be no animosity in our personal lives. However, once it involves any feud between the wealthy families, there will be two opposing sides for sure. I can never be on Myra’s opposing side. Even though I owe Matthias a whole lot, I will not use this to compensate him.
Robert suddenly called out for Heather, who was deep in thought. She did not even notice him standing at the corner a short distance away from her.
“Why did you return so late?” He asked unhappily. She shuddered involuntarily while looking up at him. There was an unnatural expression plastered on her face as she thought, Did he see Matthias sending me home?!
