Exposing the Charade of Deep Affection - Season 2 Episode 23

Reminded by him, I suddenly came to my senses, stopped in my tracks, and reluctantly glanced in the direction of the two people before sitting down at a position behind with Lucas.

Just as I sat down, the stage lights suddenly lit up, and a refined female voice rang out, “To all our friends who have traveled from afar, we apologize for the long wait. However, I assure you all, tonight will be a delightful evening.”

As the woman’s voice rang out, a curvaceous woman holding a microphone, with a charming smile, stood on the stage.

No sooner had her words fallen than the curtain behind her slowly opened, revealing a row of slender, attractive girls, all dressed exquisitely, standing neatly in a line,

Meanwhile, a wave of whispers swept through the audience. Naturally, I had no idea what these people were discussing, nor did I have the patience to listen carefully, but Lucas’s expression seemed a bit off.

glanced at him, asking softly, “What’s wrong?”

He pursed his lips, his voice cold as he said, “The world is going downhill.”

After a few seconds of delay, I realized that beautiful women and wealthy people have always been closely linked.

Beauty and money, sometimes seemed to be equated.

On stage, each person displayed their unique charm, flaunting their beauty and physique. Below the stage, the audience was overwhelmed

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with excitement, eager to join in. This place was truly a den of enchantment for the wealthy.

I furrowed my brows, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, and asked Lucas, “How long do we have to stay here?”

His brows were furrowed, and after looking around, he turned to me and asked, “Did you see anyone familiar?”

I paused for a moment, then realized, he was asking about Ezra. I shook my head, I had been watching since I came in, and hadn’t noticed a trace of him at all. Even after five years, it would be impossible for me not to recognize him. This could only mean, he wasn’t here.

Lucas pursed his lips, falling silent for a moment before looking at me and saying, “He couldn’t have not come. This cruise ship is large, and knowing his personality, he should be on the top deck. You should find a way to go up and check.”

I nodded, unable to resist taking in the chaotic scene around me. I turned to Lucas and asked, “Can you handle this…” After all, this place could truly drive one insane.

Lucas pursed his lips, glanced at the drink on the table and said, “Don’t worry, I didn’t drink this stuff, nothing will happen.”

True, he was a police officer, his composure and alertness were much higher than mine.

I smiled and pointed upstairs, indicating that I was leaving first.

After leaving the auction hall, I went around to the stern of the ship. The sky outside had already darkened, and the ship was sailing on the sea at a leisurely pace.

I didn’t know whether Ezra actually attended the party or not, I could

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only follow Lucas’s instructions and try to make my way to the top floor.

But before I had taken a few steps, a gunshot suddenly rang out from the auction cabin. I broke out in a cold sweat, instinctively wanting to go back and see what was happening.

Just as I turned around, I was suddenly yanked by someone and dragged into the dark cabin of the ship.

“Help…” I didn’t even have the chance to call for help. After a wave of pain surged from my back, I lost consciousness.

“Ah…” I woke up to the sound of screams like a pig being slaughtered.

I opened my eyes, and what came into view was a grand, luxurious sea- view cabin. Outside the wide glass window, with just one glance, you could see the boundless sea. Unfortunately, it was now nightfall, and I couldn’t appreciate the vast sea.

“Awake?” A deep, stern voice came from beside my ear.

I realized too late, jolted with surprise, and sat up abruptly. Unexpectedly, I saw a magnified handsome face in front of me. The man had distinct features, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses resting on his high nose bridge. Behind the lenses, a pair of enchanting eyes were looking at me with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.

“Ezra!” The name that I had long forgotten suddenly slipped out of my mouth, startling me into abruptly moving backwards.

Seeing my reaction, the man in front of me laughed. His originally devilishly unruly black eyes became even more captivating, making it impossible for people to look away.

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Looking at me, he smiled, “Dear Tabatha, so you’ve never forgotten me. It seems my years of longing were worth it.”

These words could be heard from anyone else’s mouth, but they were unbearable when spoken by him. The gentler his words, the more they were drenched in blood.

I clung tightly to the bedsheet beneath me, fear screaming in every cell of my body. Suppressing my trembling breath, I looked at him, “Ezra, you…”

“What? You want to ask if I miss you after all these years of

separation?” He interrupted me, the smile still hanging on his face, only becoming increasingly terrifying