Arranged Marriage: Beneath The Rumors

Chapter 71: 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."