Chapter 05 Mr. Bennett's Mistress

"Tim, go to a domestic service company and find a few reliable housekeepers, preferably ones who can cook really well. It would be best if they have a nutritionist qualification," I instructed Tim, sitting in the backseat with a pile of supplements.

"Yes, ma'am," Tim responded.

After marrying Charlie, both sets of parents mentioned hiring a few servants to clean the house, tend to the garden, and cook meals. However, being in the haze of love, I refused.

Having another person in our love nest would be an eyesore and could affect our intimate moments, like making love in the living room and then moving to the kitchen.

As expected, I ended up living like a widow. Since I've been reborn, I shouldn't have such foolish dreams anymore.

Returning home, I walked ahead carrying my Prada handbag, while Tim followed behind with a stack of supplement packs. As soon as I opened the door, Charlie came down from upstairs, casually adjusting his cuffs. His casual movements were the most charming.

"Tim, you may leave," I put down my handbag and instructed Tim.

Tim placed the supplements on the table, respectfully nodded to Charlie, and quickly left.

"We have a cocktail party in an hour, and your parents will also be attending. Get yourself ready to come with me," Charlie informed me nonchalantly, paying no attention to the things I bought from the pharmacy.

He never wanted to accompany me to any event unless I was useful for that occasion, like when my parents had to attend.

Since being reborn, I haven't gone back to see my parents, not because I'm unfilial, but because of what happened in my previous life. I still feel guilty and a bit afraid to face them.

"Oh, alright." I stood up and went upstairs.

I haven't had a moment of leisure in the past half month. I've bought a new batch of clothes, with styles and designs completely different from the monotonous and dull ones before.

I chose a little red dress with an off-shoulder design revealing a slightly open V-neck with a layer of sheer fabric, creating a subtle and alluring look. The lower part of the dress was fishtail, showcasing my slender and straight legs.

Even though I'm excessively thin, my fair complexion and a height of 168 cms compensate for it. Except for my smaller chest, I feel pretty good about myself.

As for the innocent style that Lauren has, I don't think it suits me. After all, I'm not in my twenties anymore.

After applying makeup, I put on a set of crystal earrings and a matching necklace that would blind others under the spotlight. In the past, I used to be restrained, but now I want to be more exuberant.

Charlie was waiting downstairs, talking on the phone. He didn't react at all when he heard me coming downstairs, not even a glance. I didn't mind and went to wait in the car on my own.

A few minutes later, Charlie came out. From getting in the car to starting the journey, his gaze didn't fall on me for even a second.

Throughout the ride, Charlie and I didn't exchange a single word.

He drove his car, and I played with my phone.

I added Jason's WhatsApp and thought of expressing my concern for his well-being.

Me: Jason, if you find the hospital cafeteria food unsuitable, I can have someone deliver meals to you.

Jason: No need, I can manage with the food here.

Me: I forgot to buy nutritional supplements for you today. I'll bring some when I visit you tomorrow.

Jason: You really don't have to be so polite!

Me: It's not about being polite. I caused the accident that landed you in the hospital. Don't feel bad, just let me know if you need anything directly.

Jason and Lauren were in a similar financial situation. For Lauren, Charlie was the rich and handsome god, so I could also become a goddess for Jason.

Thinking about it, we were quite evenly matched, and I felt a subtle sense of balance in my heart.

At the red light ahead, the car stopped, and Charlie finally moved his neck and glanced at me. He belatedly noticed something different about me today but remained critical. "This outfit is wasted on you."

As expected, the scenes in TV dramas where the female lead's change in style dazzles the male lead are fake.

I put down my phone and placed my hand on my chest, retorting, "Is it really that small? I deliberately wore a thick push-up bra today."

My audacious gesture successfully made Charlie's face darken again. He coldly remarked, "Rosalie, can you please be mindful of your words and actions?"

"Why?" I questioned.

I have been mindful for so many years. Has it been useful? Those who have experienced death once tend to be more open-minded. Instead of constraining myself, I prefer to unleash my emotions.

"Don't forget your identity." Charlie's tone had already turned sour. He didn't treat me as his wife, but demanded that I behave according to this identity.

I turned my head to look at the scenery outside the window, not wanting to speak. In the past, whenever Charlie initiated a conversation with me, I would be overjoyed and try to find various topics to keep the conversation going.

At the venue of the party, Charlie and I played the role of a married couple for a while. After exchanging a few words with some familiar business partners, I found a place to sit and rest alone.

There was also a young woman sitting next to me. When I took a closer look, I realized she was the young star who recently made headlines for staying overnight with Charlie.

"Ava, why are you sitting here alone?" another woman approached and asked the starlet, Ava.

"I'm just resting here, Sophia. Why don't you join me for a while?" Ava's voice was incredibly sweet.

I noticed that Charlie seemed to like women with pleasant voices. It was the same with Lauren, and all the women he had been linked with in scandals were like that.

The two of them started chatting beside me, seemingly unaware of my presence.

Sophia kept teasing Ava. "Your Mr. Bennett is over there! Why don't you go say hello?"

"Stop making things up. Who's my Mr. Bennett? He has a wife," Ava playfully responded.

"His wife hasn't been seen in ages. It's like she doesn't exist. Everyone knows you've been getting close to him lately. I heard he even bought you a house," Sophia said, full of envy.

"Uh, he's quite generous to me," Ava said with a hint of boastfulness in her words, "I don't even know why he treats me so well. I consider myself lucky to have met him."

Charlie is generous to everyone except for me, his illusory wife.

Every woman who has had a scandal with him has spoken highly of him after breaking up. That's the allure of money.

At that moment, my parents approached and saw me sitting alone. They asked, "Rose, where's Charlie? Why isn't he here with you?"

Upon hearing Charlie's name, Ava and Sophia immediately turned their heads to look at me. Their expressions must have been quite interesting.

I stood up and held my mother's arm, acting spoiled. "What's the point of being with him? It's just like discussing business with a group of people. I'd rather chat and have fun with you guys."

My mother looked at me in surprise. It had been many years since I last acted spoiled toward her.

"You guys chat, I'll go talk to them for a while." My dad couldn't sense my change at all and cheerfully went to find his old friends.