Chapter 457 Cooperation

Astrid was left speechless by my words.

Anyone with a bit of sense would understand that no family would want a sickly person burdened with troubles to marry into their fold.

1 had a clear view of my own situation and held no extravagant hopes. But just because I had no expectations didn't mean others weren't cooking up schemes.

When the doctor came in to check on me, I watched him intently. He seemed uncomfortable, clearing his throat.

"Your condition..."

"Luca, are you changing careers now?" I gestured to him. "Take off the mask. There's no one else here."

My caretaker was on a two-hour rotation, giving me just enough time to have a proper conversation.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Luca removed his mask and looked down at me. "Are you really sick?"

"Yep. I'm not taking it, unfortunately." I pointed at a bottle of water nearby. "Help yourself. I won't be playing hostess."

Luca shook his head. "I'm here to discuss something serious. Long story short. Let's work together. I'll help you escape this situation, and you'll help me stall Leonard."

I looked at him, bewildered. "What can

can I even do?"

In my current condition, all I was good for was being Leonard's prop in his fake love show and his scapegoat for

any

blame

He licked his lips. "I know things are rough for you, but do you want to be stuck with him watching you all the time? I've heard he's keeping you from getting proper treatment. Isn't that a death sentence? Are you really okay with this?" "Get to the point." 1 pressed my aching forehead. "Didn't you say time was tight?"

Luca sat down in the chair beside me. "I'll arrange for you to fake your death. Julian is your brother-in-law. He can handle the paperwork, and my people can keep Leonard distracted. Once you're 'dead, he'll be thrown off balance, which will give me the opening I need.- "As long as he's distracted, I'll have a way to bring him down. The rest won't concern you. How does it sound?"

He looked at me steadily, and my mind blanked for a moment,

Did he really mean to help me escape?

But what would happen after I "died?

Where would I go?

How would I live without an identity?

And most pressing of all-my illness couldn't be cured by simply disappearing

Questions spun through my head, and I felt dazed. But I had to admit Luca's suggestion was i Seeing my silence, Luca grew anxious. "Eva, have you thought this through? Are you really going to remarry him? Think about it. If you do, he'll be your was intriguing. It was something I had never considered. sole legal guardian. Have you thought about that? Right now, he's already signing contracts under your name. If any of these projects go wrong, are you really planning to take the fall for him?" My eyes widened as the full implications hit me. That was indeed a huge problem

We hadn't even remarried yet, and he was already introducing me as his wife. What if he forced me into it?

If I gave him control over everything, how would I protect myself?

Voices sounded outside the door, signaling the caretaker's return. Luca quickly put his mask back on.

"I'm still sing my old number. Contact me once you've decided. Eva, this is your only chance. You know that."

Luca left in a hurry just as Nins entered, glancing after him curiously.

"Ms. Green, do you need another check-up today? Dr. Pope didn't mention anything."

I nodded slightly, smiling at her. "He's just a tralure checking up on me. Don't worry."