บท 70: Chapter 70: Argument
Lisa look at Lugard cold face and looked away, gazing outside the car. The city lights blurred together as her mind replayed Sarah's terrified expression.
"Too cold," she murmured, laying her head against the car window.
The glass cooled her cheek, but her thoughts remained fiery. Why was Lugard being so distant? Hadn't he just saved Sarah from that monster?
Lugard's low voice broke the silence. "Adjusting the temperature."
The car's heating system hummed to life, warming the interior.
Lisa's eyes drifted shut, her breath misting the window. She felt Lugard's gaze on her but didn't meet his eyes.
The drive continued, silence wrapping around them like a shroud.
"Why do you suddenly turn cold all of a sudden, without talking to me all day?" Lisa asked, looking up at him.
Lugard's gaze flicked to the side, his eyes locking onto Lisa's. For a moment, they stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.
"So, am I not worthy to be called your husband in front of other people?" Lugard asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
Lisa's eyes met his in the rearview mirror, surprised by the sudden question.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, cautious.
Lugard's expression remained impassive. "You addressed me as 'Mr. Lu' in front of Sarah. Again."
Lisa shrugged. "It was just the way I normally address you, it was a slip."
Lugard's gaze lingered on hers, cold and unyielding. "Slip?"
His tone sent shivers down Lisa's spine.
"What's the big deal?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Lugard's response was icy. "You know exactly what it means."
The silence that followed was oppressive.
Hmm, why so angry about it?" Lisa asked, her voice laced with frustration. "I have been calling you 'Mr. Lu' since we met. I don't call you husband, and you never complained. Now you're so angry and cold because I didn't address you as my husband in front of a stranger?"
Lugard's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his expression unyielding.
"Is that not what you want?" Lisa pressed, her anger rising. "You said you have a lover out there, right? Someone you want to make your wife. So, I'm doing her a favor by not calling you husband. That way, when you guys get married, she'll have a face in public and not be seen as a third party."
Lugard's jaw clenched, his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel.
"What's wrong, Lugard?" Lisa taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can't handle the truth?"
Lugard's silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken emotions.
"I have told you countless times, let's get a divorce, Mr. Lu, so that you and your lover can be together," Lisa said, her voice laced with frustration and bitterness.
Lugard's face turned black, his eyes narrowing into slits. "I'm not going to divorce you, got it straight into your head?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Lisa's eyes flashed with anger. "Why not? You've made it clear you don't want me. You're just keeping me trapped out of pity or guilt."
Lugard's jaw clenched, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "You don't know what you're talking about, Lisa."
Lisa's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Oh, I think I do. I know I'm just an obstacle to your happiness."
Lugard's gaze snapped to hers, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You're my wife, Lisa. And you'll remain my wife."
The finality in his tone sent shivers down Lisa's spine.
Lisa's eyes blazed with defiance. "And what exactly does that mean? That I'm your property? Your prisoner?"
Lugard's expression remained unyielding. "It means you're mine, Lisa. My wife, my responsibility."
Lisa's voice rose. "I don't want to be your wife! I want a divorce."
Lugard's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes flashing with warning. "You'll do as I say, Lisa. You'll stay by my side."
Lisa's anger boiled over. "Or what? You'll lock me away? Keep me captive?"
Lugard's face darkened. "If that's what it takes."
The air was electric with tension.
Lugard swerved the car to the side of the road, slamming on the brakes.
Lisa's heart raced. "What are you doing?"
Lugard's eyes blazed. "You think you can just walk away from me? From our marriage?"
Lisa's voice trembled. "I'm not walking away. I'm running."
With a sudden movement, Lugard reached out and grasped Lisa's wrist, his grip like steel.
"You won't go anywhere," he growled.
Lisa's eyes locked onto his cold gaze, a spark of fear igniting within.
"Take me home," Lisa demanded, her voice firm and resolute. "I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't want to go on any vacation with you."
Lugard's gaze hardened, his grip on her wrist tightening.
"You're being unreasonable, Troublemaker," he warned, his voice low and menacing.
Lisa's eyes flashed with defiance. "Let me go, Mr Lu. Now."
The tension between them crackled like electricity.
Suddenly, Lugard released her wrist, his face twisted in a scowl.
"Fine," he snapped. "We'll go home. But this isn't over,"
The car screeched into motion, speeding toward the city.
Lisa's heart pounded, relief mixed with anxiety.
The car drove into the Skylight Hotel's parking lot, the guard bowing and greeting Lugard with a respectful, "Welcome, Mr. Lu, sir."
Lisa stared at Lugard, puzzled, her voice cut through the air.
"Why did you bring me here? I want to go home to the estate," she said, folding her arms and glaring at Lugard.
"I'm not going anywhere," she added stubbornly.
Lugard's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes flashing with annoyance. He stepped out of the car, walked around to Lisa's side, and opened the door.
Without a word, he reached in, scooped Lisa into his arms, and slid out of the car. Lisa struggled, pounding his chest.
"Put me down, Mr. Lu!" she demanded.
Lugard ignored her protests, his face set in a determined line. He carried her toward the hotel entrance, Lisa's anger and frustration palpable.
"I will deal with you tonight," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "You will get punished."
The guard watched, wide-eyed, as they disappeared into the hotel.
The Skylight Hotel's grand entrance came into view as Lugard carried Lisa through the gleaming glass doors, flanked by polished chrome handles. The guard's respectful bow and greeting still echoed in the air.
Inside, the hotel's opulent lobby unfolded like a luxurious oasis. Marble floors, polished to a high shine, reflected the soft glow of crystal chandeliers suspended from the high ceiling. Elegant columns, adorned with intricate gold leaf patterns, supported the structure.
Plush, cream-colored sofas and armchairs were arranged in cozy clusters, inviting guests to linger. The sound of soft jazz drifted from the lobby bar, where patrons sipped cocktails amidst the warm ambiance.
A stunning waterfall feature cascaded down one wall, creating a soothing background melody. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers, arranged artfully in elegant vases.
To the left, a sleek, black marble reception desk curved like a ribbon, staffed by impeccably dressed attendants. Behind them, a dramatic LED display showcased the hotel's logo, shifting through hues of blue and silver.
Lugard carried Lisa through the hotel's lobby, past the elegant waterfall feature and plush sofas, toward the restaurant. The maître d' greeted them with a bow.
"Welcome, Mr. Lu. Your table is ready."
Lugard nodded, carrying Lisa into the dining room. The maître d' hurried to pull out a chair, and Lugard deposited Lisa into it.
Lisa's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm not hungry."
Lugard's gaze locked onto hers. "You'll eat."
The waiter arrived, presenting menus. Lugard ordered for them both, ignoring Lisa's protests.
As they waited for their food, Lisa's silence was palpable. Lugard's expression remained unreadable.
Their food arrived, and Lugard handed Lisa a fork. "Eat."
Lisa hesitated, then began to pick at her food. Lugard watched, his eyes never leaving hers.
The tension between them was oppressive.
Suddenly, Lisa spoke. "What's the point of this, Lugard? Why bring me here?"
Lugard's gaze narrowed. "You need to understand something, Lisa. You're my wife. You'll do as I say."
Lisa's eyes flashed. "I'm not your property."
Lugard's smile was cold. "Aren't you?"
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