Benson

Chapter 37 Benson’s Smoke Screen

In a comer of the banquet hall, Marcus was engrossed in a video call with Yvonne. Suddenly, he sensed a change in the atmosphere and instinctively turned around.

His gaze met Benson’s. He called out softly, “Benson.”

Benson’s eyes slowly shifted from Yvonne’s shocked face to Marcus. A faint smile played on his lips, his tone teasing, “You two seem pretty close!”

Marcus scratched his head awkwardly and replied, “Not bad.”

From the video call, Yvonne’s voice came again, sounding a bit hurried, “Marcus, you go ahead. We’ll talk about it another day. Bye.”

Marcus said, “Oh,” then turned curiously to Benson, asking, “Did you and Yvonne have a fight?”

Benson shook his head slightly, asking in return, “No, why do you ask?”

“It just seems like you two aren’t like siblings,” Marcus frowned, searching for the right words.

“Oh? Then what do we look like? A couple?” Benson’s tone was laced with sarcasm. Marcus waved his hands, hastily explaining, “No, that’s even less likely. If Yvonne were your wife, you’d be even more clingy than me. I’ve seen you looking at her in a daze several times. At the club that night, Benson, were you captivated too?”

“Enough,” Benson interrupted, his tone tinged with impatience, “What do you know?”

Benson turned to leave, but Marcus wouldn’t let it go, trailing after him and urgently asking, “Aren’t you going to tell me who that man is?”

His voice was anxious, eyes fixed on Benson, trying to glean answers from his expression. Marcus hurried, as if afraid of missing the chance to uncover the mystery.

Benson stopped, looking at Marcus’s eager face. He lit a cigarette slowly, took a deep drag, and then asked, “Why do you want to know who the man is?”

“I think Yvonne really likes him. Know your enemy, right? Besides, I want to know who would give her up,” Marcus said, his words filled with curiosity and confusion.

A sudden wave of tension washed over Benson. He took a deep drag of his cigarette, as if seeking calm from it.

Smoke rose before him, forming a thin barrier that isolated him from the outside clamor. He gazed into the smoke, eyes deep, as if contemplating something significant.

After a moment, he exhaled the smoke slowly his tone resolute, “Don’t ask about it. Wait until she tells you herself.”

His voice was low and firm, hinting at a protective instinct, as if avoiding a hi

After saying this, Benson flicked the cigarette butt away. It traced a graceful an before landing

He turned, walking away with firm, unhurried steps, blending back into the livel Marcus watched Benson’s departing figure, his heart filled with questions.

He felt there was something indescribable between Benson and Yvonne but coul grasp it

Meanwhile, Yvonne’s heart was racing.

She knew that Benson had seen her video call with Marcus, making her feel guilty. She feared Benson’s anger, worried he might trouble her because of this.

Yvonne couldn’t sleep. She took her book and notebook downstairs, sitting on th room sofa, waiting for Benson’s return.

She wanted to ask him directly what he meant and how they should handle their relationship.

Time ticked by slowly. Yvonne sat on the sofa, her eyelids growing heavier.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly midnight, but Benson had not reti

Sleepiness overwhelmed her. Eventually, she pulled a blanket over herself and fell i deep sleep on the sofa.

The living room was dimly lit, only the cloak ticking, marking the passage of time. Yvonne’s breathing became steady, her face showing a mix of unease and expectation. When Benson returned, only a floor lamp cast a gentle glow in the living room.

He quietly closed the door, his eyes naturally falling on the sofa.

Under the cashmere blanket, Yvonne’s exposed leg appeared especially fair and glowing the light.

She was lying on a pillow, deeply asleep, her hair scattered around, revealing her flushe nose and slightly parted red lips.

Even in her sleep, her face was vibrant and captivating.

Benson’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he looked away, picking up a red

notebook from the floor.

Conous, he opened it and found it filled with Yvonne’s handwritten notes and reflections on books she had read.

The notes were neatly written and dete

Chap 37 Benson’s Smoke Screen

Benson couldn’t help but glance at her again, silently admiring her dedication in this fas paced era.

He stood there, his gaze once more falling on Yvonne, quietly observing her for a while. before gently nudging her shoulder.

Yvonne murmured, slowly opening her sleepy eyes, looking at Benson with a bit of confusion.

“Waiting for me?” Benson’s voice carried a hint of coldness.

As her awareness returned, Yvonne sat up, clutching the blanket, and hastily explained, “As long as we don’t divorce, I won’t start anything with Marcus.”

Benson didn’t respond immediately. He sat on the sofa opposite her, his thoughts in turmoil.

He realized that when Yvonne disobeyed, he felt unhappy; now that she was so compliant, he felt irritated.

He sighed deeply, unconsciously rubbing the ring on his finger, trying to calm himself.

“Should I have the lawyer draft the agreement? Benson’s voice was calm but carried a hint of helplessness.

Yvonne’s gaze was drawn to the ring on his finger.

She knew they didn’t have wedding rings. Now, seeing the ring on Benson’s finger, she understood he had acknowledged Mary as his wife.

A sudden sharp pain struck Yvonne’s heart. She thought she no longer cared, but at this moment, her heart ached intensely.

She recalled falling for Benson at 19, and it had been seven years. She had given so much but seemed to have gained nothing.

For a moment, she felt unwilling to give up, but thinking of her three years of persistence and waiting, she told herself not to torment herself anymore. If he didn’t like her, he didn’t

like her.

“Okay,” Yvonne’s voice was weak but firm.

Benson said nothing more. He sat there, his fingers continuously rubbing the ring, as if seeking some solace.

The living room was filled with the ticking of the clock and indescribable heaviness in the air.

their silent breaths.