Chapter 7
Winter leaned against the seat, gazing blankly at the reflection of New York's lights in the car window.
She had a lot on her mind, but she was in no mood to speak up.
Besides, who would listen to the ramble of a crazy woman who just got magically revived two years before her death? Even Winter would think that woman must be nuts.
So, she kept her thoughts tightly contained within.
Unfortunately, Arthur didn't think the same.
He kept checking on his Madam, whom he had carefully protected for more than five years, from the rearview mirror and wondered what went wrong between her and Sebastian Saenz.
'Did Madam finally realize that the bastard is a greedy leech who wants her money?' Arthur wondered. 'If it's so, then good grief. She doesn't need another man after Aiden's death.'
Winter noticed Arthur's eyes constantly checking on her, so she started a conversation. "You can ask me anything, Arthur. I know you're curious about what happened."
Arthur's grip tightened on the steering wheel.
He wanted to stay silent as he usually did. But he was genuinely concerned about his Madam's condition.
Thus, he asked a simple question, "What happened, Madam?"
Winter sighed, "I had a horrible nightmare while waiting for him in my bridal room."
"A nightmare?"
"Mm…" Winter nodded weakly. "Yes, It was a long and unsettling dream. In it, I married Sebastian and lived as his wife for two years."
"And in those two years, he stole all of my assets, alienated me from my family and friends, and also cheated on me," she continued. "I was left with nothing, so I jumped from the balcony of the penthouse to my death. It was just a dream, but it felt too real to ignore. I don't want to get hurt by him, so I left."
Arthur wanted to add more slander to his Madam's nightmare so she wouldn't think about returning to him.
After all, Winter was so smitten by Sebastian, and it worried him so much because his Madam was naive.
Deep down, Arthur knew that wasn't the only reason for him to hate Sebastian or any man who wanted to be with his Madam after Aiden's death.
Nevertheless, he was glad that this ominous dream had finally opened her eyes.
"Indeed, Madam. You cannot ignore that kind of ominous dream. I also had a bad impression of him ever since he entered your life," Arthur said. "He has that arrogant, conceited, and narcissistic tendency that shouldn't be overlooked. If you were to have a child with him, that child wouldn't receive the love they deserved from their father."
Winter lowered her head, silently rubbing her flat belly, "You're right. My child wouldn't be loved by their own father. That's why I'd rather leave that nightmare with him in my belly."
"Madam…" Arthur felt the sadness in her voice. He knew it was just a dream, but since it scared her so much, he had to give an assurance. "Don't worry, Madam. Even if that dream were to come true, I will always stand by your side."
Winter lifted her head, her gaze heavy with grief as she looked at Arthur. "Even if it costs your life?"
"Yes," Arthur confirmed without hesitation. "I will be by your side, no matter what. Even if it means losing a limb or my life."
'Because YOU are my life, Winter…' Arthur added in his heart, though he dared not to say it out loud.
He knew his place and dared not to do more because he didn't want Winter to feel uncomfortable around him.
It was better to let her stay ignorant about this feeling he buried deep in his heart. So he could stay with her for the rest of his life as her sole protector.
Meanwhile, Winter felt the guilt was eating her up from the inside out. She felt so stupid and ignorant for not knowing what happened to Arthur in her previous life.
Winter shook her head as she tried to hold back her tears. "In my nightmare, you disappeared mysteriously a year after my wedding reception."
"That's—impossible, Madam," Arthur said. "I'd never leave your side unless I'm dead."
"Then you were probably dead, and it's my fault because I didn't care enough to look after you," Winter confessed as she tried to release some of her guilt.
Arthur got confused by Winter's story.
"In that case, I promise I will be more careful, Madam. I will stay alive to protect you for the rest of our lives," Arthur assured her. "I would be ashamed if you had to look after me. I am supposed to be your guardian, not the other way around."
The more Arthur tried to comfort her, the sadder she became.
This man was truly devoted to her, yet she had ignored him all this time.
She didn't want to cry in front of Arthur, so she looked out the window once more and said, "Just drive me back to my penthouse, Arthur. I need some time alone."
"... Understood, Madam."