Silly Bride

Chapter 388

What are you up to?”“I’m here to help you, of course.” The man retrieved a cigarette from the box. After lighting it up, he asked, “Do you mind if I smoke?”“No! You can smoke, but don’t forget to tell me everything.”“Of course.” The man took a puff of the cigarette before asking sternly, “Do you know what would have happened if I hadn’t stopped you in time just now?”Shania furrowed her brows. “I had no idea Xavier’s driver was nearby. I should thank you for that. But why did you help me? How did you come to know my name?”“I want to be your friend, that’s why,” came the man’s answer. His eyes crinkled up as he added, “I believe you’ve heard of the saying that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”Shania gave Xavier the once-over before raising an eyebrow in question. “So, you’re telling me that Xavier is your enemy? What’s this all about? What’s the source of your animosity?”“What do you think?” The man pointed at his own face. “Do you think I look like him?”Shania scrutinized him carefully, her gaze lingering on his features. “You don’t just look like him. I’m sure I can say with confidence that you look exactly like him. Are you twins?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.The man shook his head and told her the explanation he had been preparing to deliver for some time. “We’re not exactly twins, but you’re close. We’re actually half-siblings who share the same father. We share the same surname, Fairchild, but that is where the similarities end. He is the fortunate young heir, while I, unfortunately, am the illegitimate child who must remain hidden from the public eye.”“Really?” Shania sounded suspicious. “I’ve never heard about Xavier having a half-sibling.”“It’s normal, as this is the Fairchild family’s secret. Never mind if I’m just an ordinary, illegitimate child. I am the spitting image of him, so do you think he’ll be kind enough to allow me to live? He thinks my existence is a threat to him.” Shania was perplexed. “What do you mean by that? Do you mean to suggest that Xavier has done something to you as well?”“Yes, that’s right,” the man replied, his expression showing a hint of sadness. “Don’t you find my voice weird?”“Yes, it sounds strange. It doesn’t sound normal. Have you experienced any kind of injury to your vocal cords?”“Yes.” Hatred filled the man’s gaze as he spoke. “It was Xavier’s doing. He wanted to get rid of me, but I was lucky enough to escape and survived. However, my vocal cords were damaged beyond repair. All I want is to spend the rest of my life in peace with my mom, but he took that away from me by killing her. I don’t care if he wants me dead, but he had no right to kill my mom. Xavier, his dad, and the Fairchild family owe us! I came to Avenport to reclaim what was rightfully mine. That’s why I said we’re friends.”A brief silence later, Shania said, “If you’re not lying, then Xavier deserves to die.”She decided not to completely trust him, but if he could help her take her revenge, she would be willing to overlook any lies he might have told her.After pondering for a moment, she questioned, “What are you going to do now? Is there a way for me to get involved in my plan? I would like to be able to contribute in some meaningful way.”“It looks like I found the right person,” the man commented.