Daniel tightened his fists, a mix of anger and smugness coursing through him. He took pride in his financial prowess, and at the very least, he treated Maisie fairly when it came to money.
He asked, half in jest, "By the way, are you and your fiance still sharing expenses?"
Maisie's expression changed, and she nervously averted her gaze, fiddling with her hands.
"Well... I'll get you a thermos," she said, as if to leave.
But just as she reached the door, Daniel called her back. "Maisie, I have an empty apartment."
She was momentarily stunned.
He offered her a warm smile. "You could move in. I... I can cut you a deal on the rent. What do you think?"
-
The apartment was situated in the city center within a top-tier luxury complex. It was a spacious 200-square-meter flat with a south-facing orientation and ample natural light streaming in through full-length windows. It offered a panoramic view of the bustling neighborhood below, especially enchanting in the evenings.
The apartment was decorated in a tasteful gray-and-white color scheme and exuded simplicity and elegance without sacrificing its grandeur. High-quality materials were used for the furnishings, and even the wallpaper hinted at luxury.
As soon as Maisie stepped inside, she was captivated. But as she stood in the center of the living room, a slight feeling of unease settled in her chest. There was a subtle but palpable ache in her heart. She took a few deep breaths, and when she saw Nicole's awe-struck expression, she smiled gently.
"Daniel is letting us stay here," she explained. "He's even giving us a reduced rent."
Nicole stared at her, her gaze knowing, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
"The security here is much better than where we used to live," Maisie assured Nicole. "You won't have to worry about Wesley and those creditors bothering us anymore. Now, you should seriously consider filing for divorce."
"Okay." Nicole nodded and started carrying her luggage into a room.
Maisie began unpacking her belongings, and that's when Daniel called her.
On the other end of the line, Daniel smiled with a touch of disappointment. She remained the same, not ready to call him by his name easily.
She had always been cautious around him, with timidity in her eyes. Her compliance had always hinged on the fact that he could provide a better life for her family.
Even after three years together, she still addressed him as "Mr. Quimby".
"Mr. Quimby…" Maisie's sweet voice came through. "I am deeply grateful for helping us with this move. You can trust that I'll take good care of the apartment and pay the rent promptly. I'll move out as soon as I find a new place."
"No rush. The apartment will remain vacant anyway," Daniel replied softly.
"I feel bad. I don't know how to thank you," she admitted.
"If you really want to show your appreciation, invite me to a meal." Daniel's voice remained gentle but resolute. "Right there at your place. You can do the cooking. What do you say?"
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