QT: Against My Will-Chapter 598 - 10.10 - Expressions Of Love - Rebirth Of The Heart
Article 1: Edward’s Extravagant Expressions of Love
Whether it was opening an art gallery in her name or exclusive opera performances, Edward’s gestures, though grand, have sparked a debate about the extent of his love.
Bing Shi wanted some suits that could assemble around her like the ones in Iron Man or Black Panther, and without much thoughts Edward began to initiate projects in Seraphine’s name, such as integrating tactical gear technology into everyday dresses, creating a niche fashion brand that wasn’t even for sale.
@GlamGossipGal: More Money than Sense? Looks like the Ashtors have found yet another way to flaunt their wealth.
@RealTalkRicky: I guess when you’ve got too much money, you run out of ideas on how to spend it.
@FairyTaleFails: From Fairy Tale to Farce. Have you seen what she was wearing? I guess when your husband’s parents are rolling in money, even your everyday wardrobe is couture.
Contrasting sharply with Edward’s lavish displays, Daniel recently took Isabelle to his childhood’s favorite dining spot, a quaint and cherished local establishment. Next, they were spotted in an amusement park. These simple yet heartfelt gestures have made many relate with them and support them.
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A car glided to a smooth stop in front of an elegant building. Bing Shi stepped out of the car, her eyes talking in the modest facade of the restaurant. It was a place that whispered luxury rather than shouted it.
The space was intimate, designed not for crowds but for a select few who were fortunate enough to secure a reservation.
Bing Shi, though not a foodie by nature, was always excited to eat at these places, "I could eat a horse," she’d declared, touching her empty tummy.
"Good thing we’ve got twenty-two courses coming up," Xuan Mu responded. He had sensitive taste buds, preferring plain meals over strong flavors, and ate for the sake of his body rather than for the taste (that’s why none of them was a foodie). But he would often secure reservations at these exclusive venues whenever a new menu was up.
Xuan Mu used to invest in culinary research in the past, supporting the chefs and food scientists in their quest to create new, extraordinary courses for Bing Shi — molecular gastronomy was their favorite (the FenLin he founded focused mainly on that).
The way Bing Shi enjoyed those tiny meals in her own distinctive way brought him immense joy. She would be fascinated by the stories the chefs shared, and also the science behind the preparation, feeling a connection to the dishes that went beyond taste and aroma, and he also began to appreciate the explosion of flavors in those bite-sized wonders. Though deceptively small, the amount of them often left them with an overwhelming sense of fullness halfway through the course.
The room’s ambiance subtly shifted when Isabelle and Daniel entered. The chef, spotting Isabelle, immediately approached with a broad smile, "Isabelle! It’s been too long," the chef exclaimed warmly, "Here, I’ve prepared a seat for you." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
Isabelle’s smile matched his enthusiasm. "It’s wonderful to see you again, Marcus. This is my husband, Daniel," she said, gesturing towards Daniel, who extended his hand.
Their pleasant exchange was suddenly interrupted by Edward, "Excuse me, but I thought this was a private session." His words hung in the air, creating a moment of uncomfortable tension, "I would appreciate it if we could adhere to the intended deal."
The chef was taken aback by Edward’s blunt demand to kick Isabelle and Daniel out. He called his assistant, assessing the situation before ending the call, "I believe there must have been a misunderstanding. I rarely, if ever, offer completely private sessions. Given this unfortunate mix-up, I would like to extend an offer for you to stay and enjoy the evening at the house’s expense."
The assistant, motivated by personal gain, had discreetly reserved all the booking slots for Edward. This action was taken without considering the possibility that Chef Marcus might personally invite Isabelle to join whenever she wanted.
Edward turned to his wife, his expression softening slightly, "Do you want to stay?"
Bing Shi shook her head, "Not anymore." She understood her husband’s insistence on completely private sessions. It wasn’t about luxury or impressing her; it was for himself.
Xuan Mu just really couldn’t stand the behavior of some people, and would rather pay extra than risk some strangers ruining his mood with their ’stupidity’.
Edward, without a word of farewell or further discussion, firmly took Seraphine’s hand and led her outside. Noticing that her tummy might be hungry, he bought her a filled baguette, packed with savory ingredients in the closest convenience store that had some robots operating it.
Bing Shi settled onto a stool by the window, taking a small bite of the baguette. From this cozy vantage point, she observed Edward discreetly speaking with someone at the back.
It became clear what he was doing as the shop owner nodded and switched the ’Open’ sign to ’Closed’.
"We should get something for our baby boys while we’re here," she called out from a distance.
Xuan Mu, chewing on his baguette, scanned the store shelves. "I noticed they’ve got that new cereal flavor here," he pointed out, suggesting it as a potential treat for their sons.
Soon, social media sharply mocked Edward’s attempt to appear down-to-earth like Daniel, exaggerating how he was disconnected from reality.
@User6437: This is next-level relatability. #sarcasm.
@User367: When you’re too ’abnormal’ for a regular store visit. #OutOfTouch
@User109: Did you see how Seraphine nibbled that baguette? #PrincessBites
Compared to Daniel and Issabelle, who had been face slapping everyone right and left, Edward and Seraphine didn’t have official social media accounts nor a PR team, so they didn’t know what was being spread about them.
They treated the public’s fascination with them like a pesky bee – waiting for it to lose interest and buzz off.
Edward was not exactly Mr. Popular. and Seraphine? She was viewed with about as much warmth as him, if not slightly better.
Bing Shi was acutely aware that if Edward became more popular, she would have likely faced loads of harassment and threats. Xuan Mu kept the delicate balance with the least amount of effort, and her eyes couldn’t stop following him with a smitten smile, "I love you."
Xuan Mu looked up from the aisle, confused by the randomness in her confession, "I love you more," he responded, walking over to her with a basket filled with groceries.
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Daniel couldn’t shake his bitterness when even after everything, many people still admired Seraphine.
He couldn’t wait for the day when his wife would overthrow Seraphine completely with her accomplishments as a supermodel and a businesswoman.
In his eyes, Seraphine was merely a trophy wife without notable achievements, doing completely nothing except for accompanying Edward’s side like an arm candy.
@Mr.Jelly: Can we talk about how stunning Seraphine looks in absolutely everything? 🤤
@User2427: Seraphine’s got that old-school trophy wife charm – the kind that has her husband utterly captivated. She should make a masterclass on how to be a trophy wife with such style and grace. 🏆👏
Every time Seraphine stepped out in an outfit, dupe-makers would work overtime to transform her fashion choices into the hottest-selling pancakes.
Was it for her fashion sense or a hidden desire to capture good luck in catching a wealthy spouse?
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Fast forward, two years had passed by, and little XiaoPu had learned how to walk and talk, but instead of eagerly exploring the world around him, he often preferred to stay in one place. He would be lost in his own thoughts, his gaze distant.
Whenever Edward and Seraphine came to take him for the weekend, XiaoPu’s reaction was always the same: he would cry. It was a heart-wrenching wail, a sound that seemed to emanate from the deepest part of his soul.
His mother couldn’t bear it. She would clutch her son tightly to her chest, her eyes red-rimmed and desperate.
"What have you been doing to my son?!" she finally erupted one day as Edward and Seraphine arrived. "Why does he cry every time he sees you?! What are you doing to him?!"
Edward and Seraphine exchanged glances, but said nothing. They simply handed over an envelope, thick and heavy with the weight of the weekly financial support they provided.
"We’re his godparents. Why would we harm him?" Edward finally spoke, his voice calm.
XiaoPu’s mother stared at the envelope in Seraphine’s hands, her eyes filling with tears. She had no choice but to relinquish her grip on XiaoPu. They were still reliant on Edward and Seraphine’s financial help, a fact that tied her hands and gagged her questions.
Three times a week, the routine was unchanging. Edward and Seraphine would arrive to pick up XiaoPu for a three-day stay, and each time, the little boy’s cries would fill the air like a mournful melody. His small arms would hit at Edward’s chest and his teeth would bite at his fingers.
XiaoPu’s mother kissed her son’s forehead, a lingering touch filled with love and apologies, and handed him over. As she watched them leave, her son’s cries echoed in the air. She felt an indescribable emptiness settling over her, like a fog that wouldn’t lift.
