Luana had been worried about Clarissa because Albert had tried to dissuade her from visiting his parents' home.
Even Albert's parents seemed reluctant to have her come, citing reasons like the poor environment in the suburbs and concerns that Clarissa wouldn't be comfortable there.
Luana suspected they might be hiding something. Still, Clarissa thought they were just being considerate, fearing that a bad experience in the suburbs might affect her relationship with Albert.
Luana didn't want to overstep, so she kept her concerns to herself.
Now that they were already married, it seemed odd to Luana that they still wouldn't let Clarissa visit.
Clarissa, however, didn't seem to mind. "Who cares? I don't want to go to some suburb anyway. Albert and I are staying in Los Angeles, and his parents can stay at their place. We don't have to live together, and that means no conflicts. I'm more than happy with that," Clarissa said.
Seeing Clarissa's attitude, Luana swallowed her words.
Maybe she was overthinking things. Albert's parents had been very welcoming and kind to Clarissa.
When they learned about the wedding, they had taken out their savings to contribute a small portion of the down payment for the house.
Clarissa had paid most of the cost, but the Sni family had shown their sincerity, too.
Considering that Albert's parents earned little income from farming, their contribution was already significant.
Perhaps they really were just worried about Clarissa disliking the rural environment.
Luana put aside her thoughts and linked arms with Clarissa as they chatted and laughed their way out to go shopping.
Mr. Night sent her a few more messages as they got into the car. Luana picked up her phone and glanced at them.
"You're such a slut."
"Slept with me and still sleep with other men. Are you that desperate for a man?"
"B*tch, you should die."
Each message was an insult.
Luana was so angry that she trembled all over. Who did he think he was? A rapist had no right to insult her.
She clenched her phone and typed furiously. "Are you insane? I'm not yours. I can sleep with whoever I want. What's the matter with you?"
After sending the message, Luana remembered that he had something on her. She wanted to take it back but saw that he was typing...
That meant he had already seen her message. Trying to retract it now would only make her look more guilty, so she decided to let it go.
"I am insane, for not being able to let you go."
A reply came within seconds.
Luana was taken aback. Mr. Night couldn't let her go?
As she was thinking about how to respond, another message came through.
"I've tried to forget you, but I miss you so much. Every moment, every day, you're all I think about. Will you meet me at Nightfall?"
The last sentence had a pleading tone.
Luana thought he was seriously delusional.
How could a rapist miss her? He probably just wanted her body.
Cline had once said her body was like opium—addictive once you tasted it.
He was probably just like Cline.
Luana sighed and replied. "I'm on my period these days. I really can't."
She hoped to buy some time and sent the message.
Clarissa noticed her put away her phone and smiled gently. "Your new boyfriend?"
Luana was taken aback for a moment, then remembered that she had lied about having a suitable partner to avoid telling Clarissa about the rape.
The lie was out there, and she couldn't take it back, so she nodded awkwardly. "Yeah."
Clarissa didn't seem to notice anything unusual and asked excitedly, "When are you bringing him over?"
Luana's ears turned bright red. She felt very embarrassed and stammered, "Clarissa, he actually..."
How could she explain? If Clarissa knew she had been bullied by Mr. Night, with her hot temper, she would definitely go after him.
Just like when she found out Albion kicked Luana, Clarissa had planned to rush to Washington to teach Albion a lesson.
At that time, Luana hadn't even dared to tell Clarissa that her heart had failed after being kicked. She had kept it a secret all this time.
Seeing Luana's hesitation, Clarissa's eyes showed a hint of worry. "Is he like Cline, not wanting to marry you but just wanting to keep you around?"
Luana shook her head quickly. "No."
Clarissa frowned deeply. "Then what's going on?"
Luana sighed. She couldn't keep it a secret anymore and had to confess everything to Clarissa.
After hearing her story, Clarissa slammed on the brakes and pulled the car over to the side of the road.
"What did you say?" she exclaimed.
"You were raped by a stranger?" she repeated, not sure if she had heard correctly.
[$]
Luana's face turned bright red, but she had to nod.
"Let's go to the police!"
Clarissa was angry. She was ready to drive to the police station, but Luana stopped her.
"I already reported it. It's hard to find out who he is, and besides, he has something on me. I don't dare to offend him..."
"What kind of leverage does he have?!"