Chapter 201

Christina was having a great time at the art exhibit.

But just as she was about to leave, someone blocked her path.

It was Rhea, the woman who had a thing for Walter.

Rhea stood in her way, her eyes filled with malice.

Christina glanced at her, "What do you want?"

"I just don't get it. What is it about you that makes Walter so obsessed? All my efforts, and I look like a fool to him," Rhea said, stepping closer and touching Christina's face. "Is it because of this face?"

Christina took a step back, feeling a chill run down her spine as she looked at Rhea's crazed expression. "Rhea, get a grip. No one falls deeply in love just because of someone's looks. If you give your heart, you'll get the same in return."

Rhea snapped, "Bullshit! I've tried so hard, and it didn't work. But you, you get it so easily." She moved closer, "Your face is perfect. Even if I weren't a man, I'd like you. Christina, it's a gift from above."

Christina thought she was losing it. "I don't have time for this. I need to go."

Rhea grabbed her wrist. "Go? You're not going anywhere!"

"What?" Christina hadn't even processed what was happening when a crowd gathered around her. "What are you doing? Are you crazy?" Christina couldn't believe that Rhea, who once promised to help her win Walter's heart, would attack her now that she was alone in a foreign country.

Christina's heart raced as she looked around, realizing there was no escape.

Rhea's eyes sparkled with madness. "What are you waiting for? Take her away."

Christina tried to reason with her, but Rhea stuffed a scarf into her mouth, silencing her.

Surrounded by the crowd, Christina struggled, her eyes filled with terror. "Take her away," Rhea ordered again, her voice cold and firm.

Christina was forced into a car, which sped off into the snowy wilderness.

Outside the window, the snow-covered landscape stretched endlessly. Christina's heart sank. She had no idea where Rhea was taking her or if she'd ever get the chance to return.

The car bumped along a winding mountain road, and Christina's heart rose and fell with each turn.

After what felt like forever, the car finally stopped. Christina was pulled out, shivering as a cold wind hit her.

She looked around and saw an old mansion at the end of the road, hidden among the trees, looking eerie and foreboding.

"What do you want?" Christina didn't want to go inside.

"I suggest you cooperate, or I'll kill you. No one will find you here," Rhea threatened through gritted teeth.

Seeing the desolate surroundings, Christina knew Rhea wasn't bluffing.

This was likely a private estate, and even if she escaped, there was no one around for miles.

Rhea seemed determined to deal with her this time.

Before she could think further, Christina was dragged into the mansion.

It was dark and abandoned, filled with the scent of decay.

Time seemed to stand still here, everything frozen in a past era.

At first, Rhea would visit her, talking about Walter.

But gradually, Rhea's visits became less frequent and more mysterious.

"You know, I checked the news back home. No one seems to care if you're dead or alive," Rhea said one day.

Christina gave a bitter smile.

Since Nicholas's death, she had become a taboo subject, unmentioned by anyone.

Locked away here, seeing no one, she was on the brink of madness.

"Why don't you just kill me?"

"I can't bear to kill you. If I did, I'd have no way out. But soon, I'll succeed!" Rhea's sharp laughter echoed through the mansion.

Christina covered her ears.

Walter had been searching for Christina in the city for a long time.

In the vast snowy landscape, it was as if she had vanished into thin air.

He was disoriented, pulling his coat tighter around him.

As he turned to leave, he bumped into a woman.

"Sorry!" he coughed.

"It's okay," the woman replied, her voice low.

He looked up and his eyes widened.

"Christina."

The woman in front of him was Christina.

Her brows, her eyes, her lips-she looked exactly like the Christina he had been longing for.

He couldn't help but pull her into a tight embrace. "You've been abroad for so long. Do you know how long I've been looking for you?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hide," Christina said, lowering her head, guilt flashing in her eyes.

"It's okay. As long as you're here, I'm happy," Walter said, holding her even tighter, as if she were a precious treasure he had found again.

Christina's hand lifted slightly, as if to return the hug, but then she pulled back.

"Walter..."

Walter realized and let go, "Sorry, I was just so excited to see you. I've been looking for you for over a month. It was like you disappeared."

"It's nothing. I just didn't want to be found," Christina said, lowering her eyes.

Walter frowned, sensing something off in her words. A feeling of unease rose in him.

"What's wrong? Your voice sounds different."

Christina hesitated, then smiled, "The air here is so dry and cold. Even after all this time, I can't get used to it. Maybe it's a sore throat."

"Christina, I know you can't accept me, but please, don't hide from me," Walter pleaded.

A flash of hatred crossed Christina's eyes.

After a long pause, she nodded.

"I know you're doing this for my sake. I shouldn't have hidden."

Walter nodded, "Let's start over here."

Christina's heart stirred, and she nodded, "Okay."

She told him the hotel and room number where she was staying.

Walter, trusting her completely, moved to the same hotel, right next to her room.

The next morning, Christina heard a knock on her door. When she opened it, she saw a bouquet of vibrant roses.

In the cold weather, with the nearest flower shop far away, he must have kept them hidden in his coat, protecting the delicate petals all the way back.