At that moment, everyone but her had raised their wine glasses and drained them. Scarlett's brows were furrowed as she surveyed the treacherous liquid in her own glass, last night's incident replaying in her mind again and again. She had vowed to never drink again, for the consequences were simply not worth that momentary bliss that came forth with alcohol. What if she got drunk here again? She didn't want to humiliate herself in front of three strangers she barely knew—not if she could help it.The sight of alcohol itself made her nauseous, especially when Jonathan was sitting across from her, forcing her to relive those painful memories. She used them to prevent herself from downing the wine no matter how much she wanted to, and Samuel instantly picked up her discomfort. "Ms. Langston," he began in a concerned tone. "What's wrong? You don't look too good. Are you not able to drink alcohol?"His reassuring words calmed her slightly. She couldn't help but wonder why Jonathan couldn't b
Even with Samuel's defense of her, Scarlett didn't know if she should hand the glass in her hands to him after what Jonathan had to say about it. She knew, better than anyone, what kind of person Jonathan was. He needed to have the final say; everyone else be damned. She didn't know what grudge he held against her—he knew she couldn't drink much, and she didn't wish to be subjected to the same humiliation he piled on her that night either. He just seemed intent on not letting her have her way that night when things could have been settled and put to rest without his interference.Just like that, she found herself trapped in a dilemma, her fate governed by that pervert with no visible way out.The tenseness of the situation made even Aria feel awkward. While she understood Jonathan's intentions, she did not wish for them to be involved in another conflict. After all, they were both people whom she loved the most—Jonathan, her favorite cousin, and Samuel, the man she loved. The fact that
Jonathan's current expression was at odds with the man who'd forced her to drink against her will earlier. His concern for Scarlett seemed genuine, which befuddled her immensely. How could a man as temperamental as him exist? She wasn't the only one surprised by his sudden change—even Samuel and Aria couldn't help but gaze at him curiously. None of them could understand Jonathan's intentions or his ever-changing attitude toward Scarlett.Scarlett was beginning to suspect that something was wrong with him. Was he still mad at her for what happened last night? If he was, was it really necessary? It seemed awfully spiteful to hold a grudge against her after all this time, and for something so meager too.The way he treated her was punishment enough, at least in her opinion. Yet it didn't seem that way to Jonathan, who was hell-bent on seeking revenge. Scarlett had never seen a man this vindictive—a spoiled, rich kid who thought of himself as a god amongst humankind.Besides, if what he wa
Many things had happened at home that required the attention of both her and Grandma, so she had to leave soon. After all, none of the children at the orphanage were grown yet, and she couldn't leave her Grandma to shoulder the entirety of the burden. On top of that, with the massive blow Grandma had taken recently, her pain and suffering were beyond what Scarlett was facing right now.Jonathan and Aria wanted to leave as well. As such, the four of them stood outside the front doors of Samuel's villa and waited for the driver to pick them up. Jonathan suddenly pulled Scarlett away while they were waiting, as if he thought that she was a nuisance just by standing there. Scarlett had no idea what Jonathan was trying to do. So what if she was standing there with them? It wasn't as if she were blocking them! Why did he care where she was standing? He was an enigma—no, actually, he was more like a madman. Despite her reluctance, she just let him pull her away. After all, the events ov
So what if Scarlett knew that he was lying? It wasn't like she could just call him out. She had no choice but to pretend like nothing was wrong and smile foolishly at Samuel, neither confirming nor denying Jonathan's statement. In the end, it was of no consequence to her whether or not Samuel knew the truth, so she didn't really care. On the other hand, Aria, who'd been studying Samuel's face closely ever since Jonathan started talking, felt her heart stop when she saw Samuel's carefully blank expression.If Samuel himself had been the one offering to send her home, she would have happily agreed. However, Jonathan had been the one to suggest it, so now she wasn't sure if Samuel was actually willing to take her home. She knew that Jonathan had her best intentions in mind, but she didn't want Samuel to feel obligated to do anything for her. It was true that she was hopelessly in love with him, but she didn't want to seem too desperate for his attention either. She gave an awkward sm
Jonathan, who was focusing on driving, seemed to feel Scarlett's eyes on him. Without looking away from the road, he teased with a light smile, "Take a picture; it lasts longer."His arrogance made her frown. Why couldn't he just focus on driving? "Don't be ridiculous. I wasn't even looking at you. Besides, it's not like you're anyone important to me, so just focus on driving," Scarlett frantically retorted."You seem to have trouble remembering things, considering how you need me to constantly repeat myself. I've already made it quite clear that you are my woman now. So, you can stop denying that there is anything between us. In fact, I'm warning you against trying to deny being mine. You won't be able to handle the consequences." Jonathan threatened nonchalantly.Jonathan's threat brought back bad memories for Scarlett. She knew how heartless and cruel he could be, and sometimes she wondered if he was actually a robot in disguise. Just like a robot, he was completely devoid of fee
Sometimes, Scarlett really couldn't understand how such a heartless man like him could exist. Did he really want to torture her to death? Why did he have to keep forcing her into such situations?"I hope you keep my words in mind and never forget them. From now on, if you make a mistake like this again, don't blame me for being heartless for what I would do to you. I trust that, from the past few days that you've been by my side, you know exactly what I can do. But it's alright if you feel like you still don't know what I'm really capable of. After all, we have all the time in the world for you to get to know me." After his threat, Jonathan returned to his car and sped off without even looking back. Scarlett glared daggers at his car as he left, hoping that she could tear him apart limb from limb to satisfy her anger. How could there be such a shameless man? How could he blatantly bully a weak woman like her just because he had money? Did he really think there was any point in forci
Once Scarlett was settled in her seat, Justin slowly drove them to an area that resembled a military base. Was Justin's family part of the army, or were his family members high-ranking officials in the army?The dread in Scarlett's heart steadily rose as she saw a large mansion, which not only had an incredibly beautiful garden but also a massive swimming pool. Scarlett was completely stunned by the sheer size of the mansion. It was comparable to the castles that she'd seen in the past. She couldn't wrap her mind around just how rich Justin's family was. Though he'd said that his family was well off, she hadn't thought that they would be this ridiculously rich.Scarlett was suddenly filled with annoyance at Justin for not explaining his family background to her before. Now that she was here, she suddenly felt as if she was incredibly underdressed and that her clothes didn't fit in with the lavish mansion at all. After all, she knew how judgmental people from wealthy families co
Scarlett knew there was no real solution to the problem between her and Jonathan. The both of them were just choosing to ignore what had happened between them.There was nothing left for them to do to fix what had been broken.Until now, she still felt as if she was in a dream. Was she really married to Jonathan? Was she really living with him in such a lavish house? She found it hard to wrap her mind around it because it was all so surreal.The warm water in the tub sloshed gently over her body, and she felt her eyelids droop. These few days have been tough, and she hadn't been able to sleep well. All she wanted to do was fall asleep in this tub. If she were any less rational than she was right now, she probably would've just fallen asleep in the tub.Scarlett changed into a simple set of pajamas after her bath, completely ignoring the sexy lingerie set that Jonathan had picked out for her. She could probably wear that lingerie set if she were alone but she couldn't possibly w
Jonathan's tone was loving and teasing, and she was immediately transported back to the carefree times she had spent with Jonathan at university. Back then, they didn't have much to worry about and could just enjoy dating each other without reality holding them back."Have you had breakfast? I'm making breakfast right now. Do you want some?" Scarlett asked."No, thank you. I don't like eating in the morning. You can go ahead and enjoy your breakfast," Jonathan replied. Jonathan never got into the habit of eating breakfast; after he went overseas, he had less reason to have breakfast. As such, he never ate breakfast anymore. After Scarlett had finished her food, Jonathan drove them to city hall to sign the necessary documents for their marriage.The entire time, Scarlett felt as if she were in a dream. Everything that was happening seemed so surrea. The absurdity of the events and the fact that she had not slept well in two days only made her more dazed. Scarlett hadn't realize
Scarlett immediately understood what he was trying to say and bashfully lowered her gaze. Since when had he become so sleazy? Going overseas had done nothing to teach him to be a better man. Scarlett didn't know how to answer him, so she stared silently at the ground. Suddenly, she thought of something and raised her head to say, "Jonathan, I have to tell you something. I can marry you, but you must promise me one thing. We won't have a wedding ceremony."Jonathan was upset by that suggestion, and he huffed, "What? No ceremony? Are you planning on just getting married in secret? Is it that embarrassing to be married to me? Is that why you don't want a ceremony? If you don't want to marry me, just tell me! You don't have to do all this to show how reluctant you are to marry me!" Jonathan had no idea what was going on in her head. What woman would outright refuse to have a wedding ceremony? Any woman would love to have a grand ceremony to celebrate her marriage, but now that Sca
Just then, Scarlett heard someone call her name from behind her, "Scarlett?"Scarlett turned in confusion and realized that it was the school counselor. She never expected to see him here, and her heart was filled with warmth at the sight of him. She hadn't seen him since graduating, so she didn't think he would still remember her. She hastily wiped the tears from her face before greeting him with a brilliant smile, "Mr. Brown! Why are you here?""I had nothing to do today, so I thought I would drop by to play basketball. How's work? Why aren't you here with Jonathan? I can't believe it's been a year already. Time really flies … I still remember when Jonathan would play basketball, and you would cheer for him from the sidelines. I miss all of you, so come by with Jonathan next time! By the way, don't forget to send me a wedding invitation when both of you get married. After all, I've got my eye on both of you, and I'm sure you will end up together. I remember how nice Jonathan trea
"Hey! What are you doing? Are you going home now?" Scarlett asked."Of course! Where else would I go? Didn't we just break up? Why are you calling me again? Don't tell me that you miss me already!" Teresa's voice which was filled with glee, came from the other end of the receiver. Hearing her voice made Scarlett feel much better than before, but Scarlett was worried that she would no longer be so happy after Scarlett tells her the truth. She didn't want her problems to affect the lives of those around her. Since she made a mistake, she would be the one to bear responsibility, and no one else should have to suffer because of her … especially not her best friend.Scarlett hesitated before asking, " Teresa, do you like your job?""What's not to like? I love it! Being a teacher is my dream! My students are obedient and understanding. My job also gives me a sense of accomplishment! Why are you asking me this now? I've told you before that my dream is to be one of the best teachers in
As she spoke, Scarlett attempted to push Jonathan away, but he was too strong. She couldn't fight back at all. She felt like a fragile child in front of Jonathan, and he could crush her into pieces with just a little force. Jonathan leaned in and whispered coldly, "Do you think I’m still as compliant as before, allowing you to push me away repeatedly? Let me tell you, I’m not the same. How well do you think you know me? Let me make it clear, I will get what I want, including you!" Scarlett sensed the threat in Jonathan's words and looked at this unfamiliar man with some caution. She asked cautiously, "Jonathan, are you threatening me? What exactly do you mean? Why don't you just tell me instead of playing games? My time is not free, so let me go if you won't talk. I still have to work tomorrow." Scarlett was truly exhausted at this moment. Listening to her colleagues discuss Jonathan in the office had already put her on edge. After work, she spent so much time walking aroun
Jonathan did not take her comments to heart and continued coldly, "You came home quite late, Scarlett. It seems like you've learned to enjoy life more now, huh? Weren't you just a bookworm before? Why are you so late today? You've changed a lot after starting work and made more friends, huh? Tell me, who were you out having dinner with just now? A colleague? Your boss? Or is it your boyfriend? Whoever it is, it seems like he takes good care of you, and since you were having so much fun with him, why bother coming back home in the evening?" Scarlett could hardly believe the cruel words that came from his mouth. When did Jonathan become so heartless? Although he could be a bit carefree before, he would never say such things to her. In Scarlett's eyes, Jonathan had always been gentle and caring, completely different from the person uttering these words now. Scarlett felt infuriated and couldn't help defending herself, "It's not what you think! I was just having a cup of coffee with
The two best friends chatted, and before they knew it, time had passed as they enjoyed their coffee. Soon, night fell, and the sky that was once adorned with the setting sun was now full of twinkling stars. It was beautiful, but it also reminded Scarlett of the day she parted ways with Jonathan. That day was just like today, a beautiful night with bright stars. However, things had changed, and she could never sit here and talk with Jonathan as she did that day. Teressa noticed the shift in mood from across the table. After hesitating, Teresa couldn't help but speak up, "Scarlett, Jonathan ... He's coming back soon." Teresa didn’t know the details of Scarlett and Jonathan’s relationship, but she knew they went on a trip together during their final year while everyone was looking for internships. It was quite sudden since Scarlett barely hung out with Jonathan. Then, there were rumors that they were dating, but Jonathan went abroad to study soon after, and Scarlett never menti
Scarlett sighed heavily at these words. “Yeah, there’s no way our small magazine can get an interview with the great Jonathan Leonard. Only those major news outlets have the qualifications for that. It’s his first time returning to the country after going abroad, so this is big news. The media would be busy with this, but it’s certainly not for us to handle.” Just then, the editor-in-chief of the office suddenly appeared. He must have overheard their discussions outside and sternly said, “Am I paying you to gossip around? You’re all good for nothing. You’re all itching to gossip now that I’ve eased up on you?” Once he roared, everyone fell silent. They either looked down at their computers or pretended to be busy with their work. No one responded to him. Who dared to oppose the editor? His words were final. However, Scarlett, who had always disliked this editor, felt grateful to him at this moment. She thanked him silently for saving her from her colleague’s gossiping. This wa