"Tori...!" "Tori!" "What?!" Victoria, who had just surfaced after throwing herself into the sea, heard her name being called over and over again, making her a little irritated. She swam back to her husband, standing on the yacht, already preparing to go to the sea. "I thought you couldn't swim and accidentally splashed in earlier," he said with a chuckle. Victoria splashed water on his feet. "My dislike of swimming doesn't mean I can't swim, Mr. Hurlington." "I'm sincerely worried about you, Mrs. Hurlington." After that, Maverick plunged into the sea after Victoria. Victoria swam followed her husband, who seemed to be very excited. They floated on the waves as they stayed in the middle of the sea, having gone some distance from the yacht. "This island doesn't seem to have been touched by humans. The sea water is still apparent," says Victoria. "I just heard that a new species of marine fauna was discovered around this sea." Victoria couldn't help but be surpr
Agriche's Mansion "Good morning, Father, Mother." Petter and Rosalee, who saw Victoria and Maverick's presence, were surprised. Both of them assumed that the new couple was still on their honeymoon. Or at least they were at home resting before returning to their respective activities the next day. They must have wondered about the purpose of their daughter and son-in-law's visit. "Are you guys home yet?" asked Rosalee after greeting them with a hug. "We arrived yesterday morning. I'm here to pick up my things and see Father," Victoria replied. "Mr. Hurlington, can't you prevent your wife from resting first after such a long journey?" Petter's judgmental gaze turned to Maverick. "You probably know better how stubborn your daughter is, don't you, Father-in-Law?" said Maverick with a shrug as he glanced at his wife. Victoria quickly intervened, saying, "Father, 15 hours of rest is enough to make me not tired anymore." "But should you rush to meet me to take over th
'Why does this have to happen again? Victoria stared pensively at the ceiling of her room after waking up moments ago. She again felt a warm embrace under the covers that made her reluctant to get up. And the regular breathing caused a tickling sensation in her neck. Plus, the distinctive masculine scent from beside her was enough to make Victoria's heart race. Victoria turned her head to the side and saw her husband's handsome face, who was still fast asleep. She stares at him for a long time until her hand unconsciously touches the man's jaw, making him open his eyes. Maverick immediately saw Victoria and caught her touching his face without permission. "I-I'm sorry," Victoria said softly as she quickly withdrew her hand. However, Maverick was quicker to hold her back, which made Victoria's gaze return to him. She then gave an excuse, "I was trying to wake you up earlier. That's why I touched you. I didn't mean to." "Verick?" Victoria called back to him as he remained si
"Good morning," Victoria greeted as she pulled out one of the dining table chairs and sat next to her husband. The two, who had been at the table earlier, seemed to be having a serious conversation, turning their attention and returning her greeting. Victoria had just sat down and asked a question when she noticed another empty chair. "Where's Mother?" she asked. Victoria knew Emberly's reason for not wanting to see her. However, unlike her daughter, Rosalee should have sided with Petter if she still wanted to bear the Agriche name. But Victoria doubted if her father would divorce his wife one day, even though Rosalee would potentially always defend and look out for her daughter. "She's sick, so she needs rest." Petter replied and immediately changed the subject, "About the Victorya Hotel." When Petter brought up the topic, Victoria and Maverick naturally stopped their activities in unison. Especially Victoria, who was already prepared not to give in to his wishes. "
"Your relationship seems to be closer than yesterday," Maverick commented, opening the conversation with her when they were already in the car. "I admit he has changed a bit since I dragged Agriche's name, but there's a side of him that hasn't changed either." Looking out the windshield, Victorian turned to Maverick, who was driving beside her. She continued her words as she snorted, "Basically, he hasn't changed at all. He treats me better, so at least he doesn't have the title of bad father." Maverick looked away briefly before finally refocusing. For a while, until some crossroads, there was no talking. "What did you promise him if you failed?" he asked later. "I will obey all his wishes without exception. It's no different being his puppet as I have been living," Victoria replied indifferently. It was as if she didn't care and didn't mind at all. In fact, before getting married and getting hit with the truth by her ex-fiancé, Victoria had been living like that all alon
Brak! "Damn it!" Emberly threw down the newspaper she had just read. All news outlets, without exception, broadcast Maverick and Victoria's intimacy and news of their closeness. This situation constantly forced her to see how her stepsister was faring—mocking her that her life was even better and happier than hers. Everyone sided with Victoria, pitied her, was happy for her, and envied her life. Emberly couldn't help but hate Victoria more and more and blame her for everything that happened to her. "I've done nothing wrong, but everyone treats me like this! It's not fair, Victoria!" she growled, clenching her fists. Knock, knock, knock! A knock on the door was heard amidst the sound of the television. With lazy steps, Emberly walked over and opened the door. Then, how surprised she was to find someone visiting. "Honey..." She hugged Emberly as soon as the door opened. "Mom? Why are you here? Are you not working today?" asked Emberly after breaking their hug.
Agriche's Mansion "You still remember to go home?" With a cold tone, without even looking at her face, Petter managed to intimidate Emberly. That night, Petter, sitting alone in the living room, relaxing after work, welcomed Emberly, who had just returned home after a few days away. She had decided to stay in the apartment since Victoria and Maverick's wedding to avoid her because she was reluctant to see her. Emberly couldn't help but be surprised to find Petter the first person she'd seen upon her return. She stood stiffly without being able to answer her father, who was still angry with her. "You still dare to come in front of me after all the shameful things you did?!" he snapped as he stood up and walked over to Emberly, making her back away even more frightened. "I-I'm sorry, Dad," she stammered. "Don't call me Father! I don't think I have a daughter like you anymore!" Once again, Petter yelled at her, causing Rosalee to come over this time. "My dear ..." As
Flashback After Rosalee went home, Emberly brooded in the apartment alone. She couldn't stop thinking about what she should do now. Alden, meanwhile, was busy with his work, not giving her the slightest notice. He was more concerned with his work than her. Unlike when he was still with Victoria, Alden prioritized her, even above his work. Too tired to think, Emberly decided to try contacting Alden once again. However, she still got the same answer. Soon, amidst the room's silence, knocking on the door was heard for the second time that day. "Mom, did you leave something here?" Emberly, who thought her mother was back again, immediately asked a question. However, seeing another person in front of her, she couldn't help but be surprised. In the next second, she hugged the man. "Alden!" "I didn't think you'd come tonight," she said, unable to hide her happiness. "My work today can be done faster." Alden released their embrace and went inside first toward the kitchen. Em
"Thank you for allowing your hotel to be the venue for my birthday party," she said after signing the documents Victoria brought. They shook hands warmly while exchanging friendly smiles. "No, it is I who should thank you for accepting my proposal." Victoria and the actress chatted intimately about a few things while eating the menu that had arrived. She tried her best to balance the topic of conversation with the knowledge her secretary had given her about the actress. "By the way, I have to leave now as I have another appointment. Sorry, Mrs. Hurlington. I will send invitations to both of you. Let's chat another time." She stood up after looking at her watch. Meanwhile, her manager quickly brought the actress' belongings. Victoria also stood up and nodded, "Of course, thank you for your time, Miss Angel." "It was nice spending time with you, but it's a shame it has to end." They hugged briefly in farewell. Angel put her glasses and mask back on before exiting the priva
"Verick, are you trying to get us into trouble?!" Victoria ignored her husband's question and turned to scold him for nearly hurting her head. Just like his wife, as if he didn't care about her anger, Maverick ignored her as well and kept demanding answers. "What are your plans for meeting him?!" "What's wrong with you? Just because I met him, what are you angry about?! We're only on contract, in case you forgot!" In a fit of rage, Victoria didn't think about her words and raised her tone of voice while pointing at Maverick. It was then that Maverick fell silent, no longer replying to her argument as if he had woken up. A few seconds of silence filled inside the car. Although they were quiet with each other, the atmosphere was still so intense due to the emotions of their respective egos. The eyes that stared intently at Victoria still hadn't changed. He then got out of the car without saying anything and slammed the door. After Maverick's departure, Victoria sighed deeply. She
"Victoria, who is he?" asked James, who was just watching while holding Maverick."Mr. Benedict." Maverick stared intently at the man in front of him as if he were ready to beat him up at any moment.Before Victoria could speak up to answer, Nadine spoke first. "Wait, wait, isn't he that very famous person? A shameless cheater? He's your ex-fiancé, right, Victoria?"Victoria nodded once in response, which made Nadine turn her attention to Alden. The woman also put her body in front of Victoria, just like Maverick, who was ready to hit him at any time."What business do you have with Victoria? As Verick said, you guys are no longer related to each other!""Babe..." James pulled his fiancée, making her shut up to let Victoria speak and end this situation."I have something to tell you, Victoria." Alden's words suddenly made Maverick look even more furious. He looked like he couldn't control himself and could have hit Alden anytime without Victoria holding him back. "There's no need to t
"For someone coming to a place like this for the first time, I think they will like it. Just like me. The aquarium is wonderful and interesting, James," Victoria commented while talking about her opinion.Victoria didn't mean to curry favor or anything. She just liked the aesthetics and the efficient and sophisticated system. After all, neither James nor Nadine would think so since they knew how much richer the Agriche and Hurlington families were compared to them."Thank you, Victoria. I heard that the name of the hotel you lead is also experiencing a lot of progress and development." Victoria smiled a little at the news already reaching their fellow businessmen."I added some buildings without changing the concept. It was my mother's hotel, and my father didn't want any changes.""That's a great achievement in such a short time that an A-lister like Angel would hold a party at your hotel. I heard a while ago that the hotel was going bankrupt." Nadine chimed in, only to be responded
"Come on, Tori," said Maverick, who had unknowingly opened the car door for Victoria, who was still silent.Her eyes took in the surroundings of the place where they were now. Victoria followed where Maverick took her and waited obediently like a puppy when her husband left her to buy two entrance tickets."Well, now, let's go in." Maverick showed the tickets and again took her by the hand to enter the building.From the outside, the building was bright blue. When the two entered the building, the blue color became natural due to the reflection of the large glass filled with seawater. Maverick was right. Victoria loved this place. She stared in amazement at this place she was visiting for the first time. It was a large aquarium and a museum displaying various sea creatures."Do you like it?" asked Maverick, quietly watching his wife.Victoria turned to him and nodded with a smile. "Thank you for bringing me here.""Thankfully, my intention to entertain you did not fail," he said.His
"Hey, by the way, isn't this where I proposed to you?" Maverick released their embrace and stared at the surroundings.Victoria blinked her eyes a few times while looking at Maverick with furrowed brows in confusion. She tried to dig into her memory to recall what her husband had said. However, no matter how much Victoria tried, she never felt that she was proposed to by the man other than having a conversation before they got married. Right after the plan to expose Alden and Emberly's affair succeeded."If you're talking about the day our first plan succeeded, I don't think it was a proposal," Victoria said with a chuckle.She stepped into the gazebo first, followed by her husband. He matched her slow pace until they sat on the same chair where they had chatted before they got married a few months ago. Time had unknowingly passed quite a while since the day they got married."You never proposed to me, but we'll talk about the same thing again in this place. So, is there a plan to expo
"How are you feeling, Victoria?" Victoria felt a cold sweat starting to break out on her back. Without answering, she only stared straight at the couple as they entered the car and drove away. She thought the question indicated Maverick's desire to know her true feelings for him. 'Does he already know?' She continued to question in her head in desperate fear. 'Then what will happen afterwards?' "Tori..." His soft voice broke the silence in the car. Maverick turned off the car engine that had been running. He pulled Victoria's face suddenly, making her put on a surprised expression so she couldn't resist. "Verick, I..." Her words only reached her throat. She could not express her feelings right now, which could break their contract. "Look at me and answer the question," he said in a commanding tone as if reluctant to be contradicted. "I don't know, Verick." Slowly, she said it without looking at the pair of eyes before her. A long silence followed again, and out of curiosity, V
After Victoria's departure, Gustav had not yet risen from his seat. He watched his best friend's husband sharply and cautiously as if he were very wary of him. Likewise, Maverick did not let Gustav go for a second, as if they were in a staring contest. No one wanted to give in first. "I warned you not to overreact, Hurlington! You're nothing more than a contract husband written on paper." Gustav attacked him first with his sharp words. "I know what I'm doing, Alessandro. We did it for both of our businesses. Instead of warning me, you should have supported her if you were her friend." Maverick replied indifferently to the warning. "I know your business, and that's more than enough!" he exclaimed. "Are you jealous of me and Victoria?" Maverick asked back while furrowing his eyebrows. "Ha!" Gustav snorted harshly and looked away. He looked back at Maverick with both hands, intent on grabbing his shirt collar. However, he decided against it. "I already think of her as my own
"So, may I dance with you, My lady?" Victoria smiled amusedly but couldn't resist accepting her husband's hand. Maverick pulled her hand until they joined the other couples on the dance floor. He swung around her waist and danced in time with the soft music. "You're gorgeous tonight," Maverick complimented, which inevitably caused a reaction on Victoria's cheeks. Luckily, her cheeks were covered with enough blush color to look natural. "Thank you for telling me, husband," she replied confidently. Victoria was again trying to control her heart rate, which had been going crazy since the dance started, with their bodies pressed together. She also had to keep reminding herself that his every gesture, compliment, and treatment of her was just an act. The feelings that shouldn't be there grew with each passing day due to this charade. No wonder Maverick's treatment seemed so natural, even when it was just the two. Until now, when they were attending Agriche's company birthday