Silly Bride

Chapter 186

“Are you doing this again?”With that, Winnie reached out to tug on Xavier’s arm.As he was hugging Rachel in his arms too tightly, she was finding it difficult to breathe.“If you keep doing this, she’s going to suffocate,” Winnie said.The same situation happened the last time we sent him to the hospital. When he awoke, he mistook Christopher for me. What should I say today? Should I be grateful that he didn’t hug Old Mr. Xander? It feels like we are going back to point zero!Rachel had started to struggle. Since Winnie was unable to budge Xavier’s arm, she proceeded to pinch him, saying, “Hurry up and let go of her! She’s going to suffocate soon because of you. I’m the real Winnie!”However, it made him angry.He looked up and directed a sharp gaze at Winnie. “What are you doing? Get lost.”His growl frightened Rachel.Thus, she started to sob. “You’re too frightening. I’m scared.”Her tone was similar to that of Winnie’s when the latter pretended to be mentally challenged. Xavier’s heart softened the second he heard her words.He quickly withdrew his penetrating gaze from Winnie. Then, he started to comfort Rachel in the softest tone he could manage.While cooing at the woman in his embrace, he caressed her head non-stop.Watching the scene before her, Winnie was caught between laughter and tears.She was unable to do anything to Xavier. Therefore, she could only coax Rachel.“Rach, why don’t you get out? Otherwise, you’ll be very uncomfortable. Talk to him nicely so that he can release you.”The only person that Rachel knew in the room was Winnie.Hence, she was willing to listen to Winnie’s words and began to plead with Xavier.When Xavier heard her pleas, he loosened his grip on her.Winnie wanted to hide Rachel behind her, but Xavier moved faster.With a stride of his long legs, he swiftly got out of the bed and pulled Rachel to stand behind him.Afterward, he used the advantage of his tall stature and looked down at Winnie. “What do you want to do to my wife?”The woman felt her head throbbing with pain. “I will answer this question later on. Before we continue, I have a question to ask you.”“You want to ask me questions?” Xavier narrowed his eyes and continued, “Who are you to do that?”Winnie knew that he would not believe it even if she were to tell him that she was his wife.Therefore, she paused for a while before she made up an excuse on the spot. “I’m your doctor. My name is Winnie Garland.”Xavier’s frown grew deeper. He tilted his head to look at Rachel, who was

behind him, then turned to glance at Winnie.“You have the same name as my wife?”Winnie took a deep breath. “Thank goodness. Thank the heavens that you still remember your wife’s name!”“My time is extremely precious. Please don’t speak nonsense.”This is great! Winnie secretly rejoiced. Compared to his previous attitude as a domineering CEO, he was able to use the word “please.” It was considered progress.“Here’s the thing—I’m your doctor. When you were sent to the hospital, someone injected an unknown poison into your body. The poison has affected your central nervous system negatively. So, I want to ask you something. How much do you remember about that day? For example, why did someone inject poison into your body? Who was it? Where were you before the incident? What were you doing? Can you remember any of it?”Xavier frowned and did not say anything.Winnie moved her tongue across her molars. “What’s with that response? Why aren’t you saying a word?”Even when he was acting like a domineering CEO previously, he never had the bad habit of ignoring other people.He stared at her fixedly and voiced, “This is not the hospital. Why am I here? Don’t you think you need to explain that to me first?”“Great! This is just great!” She realized that he was exuding an overbearing aura just like before.Then, she continued, “I will call Josiah now and ask him to come here. He can explain everything to you in person. Are you satisfied with this answer?”“Do you know Josiah?”“Of course. This man next to me is my master. He’s here because your good friend, Josiah, requested for him to come here.”“All right. I’m going back to my office now. When you’ve contacted Josiah, you can find me in my office directly.”With that, he put his arm around Rachel’s shoulders. “Let’s go, Dumbo. I’ll bring you out of here.”“Wait a minute!” Winnie sighed.Xavier sneered at her. “Do you think you can stop me?”She was at a loss for words.Left with no choice, she could only bid Sebastian goodbye.“It’s the same situation as when he woke up the first time. His memory is a bit muddled. But at that time, he became better the next day after getting some sleep. I will check on his condition tomorrow. As of now, I need to follow him. Otherwise, I won’t be able to explain to Mr. Zimmerman that Xavier has taken Rachel with him.”Even though Sebastian was a mere outsider, he was already at his wit’s end. Therefore, he was able to understand her feelings.“Go ahead. If you need anything, feel free to call me.”Xavier had returned to his previous decisive and resolute self.From what he could gather from his conversation with Louis, he was able to remember everything that had happened before, including

Yulissa’s death. However, he had no recollection of what happened during his short-term memory loss for the next few days after her death.Ironically, while Winnie and Xavier were making breakfast in the kitchen that morning, she had been wondering if he would forget about those funny yet blissful memories they shared after his condition was cured.As expected, he forgot everything.He forgot that they had become husband and wife for real, as well as the memories of them spending their time together every day and working in the same office.When Josiah arrived, all he saw was Winnie and Rachel staring at each other in the lounge.“Where is Xavier?” he asked.Winnie leaned on the couch and answered weakly, “He’s in a meeting.”“Why is he still in a meeting at this juncture? What exactly is going on?”“It’s the same thing as what I have informed you over the phone. I can feel that I’m on the brink of losing my mind,” she replied and massaged her temples tiredly.Afterward, she continued, “Do you think it’s his problem or mine? Why can he remember you, Louis, and everything in the office every time but not me? Previously, I could let it go when he stubbornly thought I was still a dumb person as in the past. This time around, it’s worse. Not only did he continue to think that I’m a dumbass, but he has even mistaken someone else for me.”Josiah shrugged wordlessly. Then, he said, “It’s because you’re the most special person in his heart. Most importantly, you have tortured him mercilessly. Truthfully, it’s not groundless that he thinks of Rachel as you. You were very arrogant before and always wanted to dump him. He was scared of you. But when you pretended to be Dumbo, it was different. You were obedient and well-behaved. Moreover, you always stuck at his side and called him ‘Handsome.’ You had never thought of leaving him either.”A moment later, he continued, “Naturally, he would hope you’re still Dumbo. Now that a mentally challenged Rachel has suddenly appeared, it’s not surprising that he would mistake Rachel for you since his central nervous system is damaged, and she’s the first dumb person he sees. Besides, Rachel is beautiful. Even though she is not as beautiful as you, she is still good-looking. If she dresses up a little in the future, I’m sure she will be a very pretty and alluring lady.”Winnie did not say anything. Instead, she pulled out a pillow behind her and threw it at Josiah.He extended his hand and caught it. Then, he comforted her by saying, “Don’t worry too much. Everything will work itself out. Previously, he thought of his love rival as you. But didn’t he get well after he had slept?”As soon as he finished speaking, Louis pushed the door open and walked in,

followed by Xavier.The latter glanced at Josiah and sat next to him.“You’re here. What’s the matter with this traditional medicine practitioner who calls herself Winnie Garland? Did you really ask for her help?”Josiah adjusted his glasses and studied Xavier carefully.“Hey, you’ve pretty much recovered to the old you. Come on. Show me your domineering CEO look.”Instead of uttering threats to him as he did in the past, Xavier merely stared daggers at Josiah.The only thing that he did was say, “How childish!”Josiah spread his hands nonchalantly. “Fine. Let’s get down to business, then. Indeed, I’ve hired an old traditional medicine practitioner for you, and he’s extremely skilled at acupuncture. As for the woman in front of you, Ms. Winnie Garland, she’s Old Mr. Xander’s last apprentice, his proudest one yet. She’s a talented traditional medicine practitioner. Old Mr. Xander recently—”Before he could finish his fabrication, Winnie interrupted, “That’s enough. Why don’t you bring him to your hospital for a checkup?” Josiah did not continue the topic and nodded. “Yes, that’s what I shall do. You’ve given a great suggestion!”Meanwhile, Xavier clearly remembered that Yulissa had given him an injection before.Therefore, he knew that he had to receive medical treatment. After glancing at his watch, he turned to Louis, who was standing behind him, and asked, “Do I have any plans later on? If there’s none, I will go to the hospital.”Even though there were actually plans, his health was more important. Thus, the meetings and projects could be postponed.“There’s none. I will arrange the car for you.”Xavier grunted in acknowledgment as he tugged at his necktie.After tugging at it twice, he stood up swiftly and walked toward Rachel, who was playing with Winnie’s phone.The moment he saw the boring game on the screen, he took the phone away from her hands.Then, he looked at her and said, “Help me to untie this.”Rachel pouted from having the phone taken away from her. Her expression made it seem like she wanted to cry.At that sight, Xavier frowned. His cold tone became gentle subconsciously.“What’s the matter? Do you feel aggrieved? But you can’t play with the phone at such a close distance. It’s bad for your eyes. If you like to play games, I will arrange for someone to install some games on the television.”Rachel was afraid of him. However, she could not do anything except sob and nod her head.Seeing that Xavier was about to pull Rachel into his arms, Josiah could not stand it anymore.He strode over and tugged at Xavier’s necktie.Xavier was stunned and asked incredulously, “What are you doing?”Josiah pulled his necktie out. “Didn’t you say that you want to

loosen your necktie? I can help you.”As a matter of fact, if he had not gone over, he did not doubt that Winnie would wrap her fingers around Xavier’s neck and strangle him. After all, her expression was so cold that it seemed like she could freeze everything around her.Then, Josiah added, “Uh… Let’s not bring her with us when we go to the hospital later, okay?”“Why not?” Xavier frowned. “She will be wherever I am. I won’t let her leave me.”“Fine, then. You’re the boss.”Winnie was not even allowed to sit in Xavier’s car during the journey to the hospital.It was because he did not think that they were close. Thus, he did not want her to disturb his time with Rachel, who he claimed to be his wife.If it were not for Louis, who sat in the front passenger seat, repeatedly assuring that he would not allow the CEO to perform any intimate gestures with Rachel, nor let him “beguile” her, Winnie would have shamelessly sat between Xavier and Rachel.In the end, she had no choice but to take a ride in Josiah’s car.While driving, he asked, “Ms. Garland, can I interview you?”She was not in the mood to joke around. “Just say it directly.”“Haha!” He seemed to be gloating over her misfortune. “If you were to know that this would happen today, would you still have dumped him in the past?”“That’s pure nonsense. The past is the past. This is the present now. During that time, he made me unhappy, so I don’t see any problem with us going our separate ways. But now, who would have thought this could happen? By the way, do you think he will become better tomorrow?”Josiah stopped joking the moment he heard her question.His expression instantly turned solemn. “Do you want to hear the truth?”“Of course.”“Firstly, he should first go to the hospital for a medical checkup. Secondly, I don’t think he will recover quickly this time around. This is because he’s recovering faster in other aspects. Moreover, his personality has become just like before. The current situation is different from the previous one.”Upon hearing his reply, Winnie fell silent.Josiah could not help but tilt his head and glance at her when he noticed that she had not said anything for a long time.“Of course, nothing is certain. Maybe he will get better tomorrow. It seems that acupuncture doesn’t necessarily work for his condition. We can only wait for new developments from the lab and the research institute in Yartran.”However, Winnie did not agree with him on it.“I do think that acupuncture is effective on him. It’s just that something wrong must have happened somewhere. At the very least, acupuncture has solved his insomnia, hasn’t it?”“Perhaps acupuncture can only solve that one problem?”“Maybe you’re right. But I will continue to learn

acupuncture.”The two cars arrived at the hospital one after another.Josiah had made a call to the hospital beforehand. Thus, when Xavier arrived, it was quickly arranged for him to have the VIP checkup.However, the nervous system is the most complicated and unfathomable part of the human body. The experts discussed for half a day but were still unable to come out with an effective treatment course.He was only told to continue eating his medicine and undergoing his treatment for the time being.Josiah comforted Winnie when he saw her listless look by saying, “There’s nothing we can do. It’s always so tricky for illnesses involving the nervous system. Let me give you the simplest example— neurological tinnitus. It can’t be cured at all. Many people will suffer from ringing in their ears for the rest of their lives. However, there are some people who wake up from a night of sleep and have their tinnitus completely cured.”Winnie glanced at him. “Can’t be cured forever? Is this how you’re supposed to comfort someone? I can see that you are—”Before she could finish her sentence, her phone rang.She took it out and saw that it was a call from Michael.Thinking that it would be a good idea if he could come over immediately to take Rachel away, she answered the call right away and told him to head to the hospital.As he was nearby, he managed to arrive very soon.The moment he wanted to take Rachel away, Xavier came out of the examination room all of a sudden.Upon seeing that an unfamiliar man intended to take Rachel away, he quickly stood in front of her and shielded her.“What are you doing?”Michael was slightly confused. Moreover, he was stunned by the aura that Xavier had exuded. “Hello, Mr. Fairchild. I-I’m Michael Zimmerman. I’m here to bring my daughter, Rachel Zimmerman, home.”As soon as he finished speaking, Rachel greeted him by calling him “Daddy” repeatedly.Xavier tilted his head to glance at her. “Dumbo, you’ve got the wrong person. He’s not your father.”Michael was perplexed.Winnie, who stood next to them, sighed deeply before leading Michael to the side and explaining the situation to him.Although Michael understood what had happened, he still wanted to take his daughter home.“It is indeed pitiable that Mr. Fairchild has gotten this weird illness, but Rach must go home with me. I can’t let her go back with him.”“I know. I will definitely send her back to you, but for now, I need you to cooperate with me. He has mistaken her for me. I will have my granny take her home. If you insist on doing so yourself, I’m afraid the situation will become even more complicated.”“Oh, okay. I won’t do it. But if that’s the case, I’ll have to trouble Mdm. Sumner again.”AtContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

the same time, Josiah was persuading Xavier.“Do you remember that you would harm Dumbo when you became berserk previously? Thus, you can’t stay with Dumbo tonight. She has to go home with her granny. Do you remember that she has a granny?”“I do remember.”“That’s great.”After speaking, Josiah flashed Winnie an “okay” sign discreetly.Once that was settled, Winnie made a call to Jacinta and instructed her to come over.Xavier knew Jacinta. Therefore, when she arrived and informed him that she wanted to take her granddaughter home with her for a few days, he did not object to it even though he was unhappy.Just like that, Rachel was finally taken home by Michael.Before Jacinta left, she advised Winnie discreetly, “You’ll be extremely exhausted because of Xavier’s current condition. Who can be sure that this situation won’t happen again next time? No one can stand it if it occurs frequently. Winnie, listen to me. Break up with him as soon as possible. If you can’t overcome the sadness, you can go overseas. Don’t stay here anymore. You will have peace of mind if you are far away.”“No, I can’t do it.” Winnie looked over her shoulder to glance at Xavier. “He’s given me his life. We are no longer two separate entities. Our lives have long been intertwined from the times we’ve spent together.”“You’re so stubborn. There will be a time when you will be the one crying.” Jacinta was very disappointed with her. However, she could only let Winnie off as Rachel was pulling her arms and urging her to leave.After that, Winnie followed Xavier and Josiah to Lagune Mansion.Josiah was Xavier’s private doctor, so he had a guest room in Lagune Mansion that he usually stayed in.As for Winnie, she was also staying there that day as a private doctor.That night, she slept in the guest room alone, waiting for the next day to arrive.Soon, the sun rose. A new day had come.However, something unexpected happened.