Contrary to Natalie's excitement, Scarlett's first response was frantic denial. She'd initially intended to keep everything that had happened with Jonathan a secret, even from Natalie, because of the amount of humiliation it brought up, but she simply couldn't stand the notion of hiding it from her best friend anymore. Scarlett didn't want to bear this burden alone, so, in the end, she confided in Natalie, entrusting every last detail to the person she deemed closest to her.Her first encounter with Jonathan, her pregnancy, the conflict between the two of them, along with Jonathan's threat for her to be his mistress for a month to protect Dylan's innocence when his return from abroad exposed Justin as Jonathan's younger brother … Scarlett did not spare Natalie any of the details as she recounted, quite literally, every bit of her long, painful history with Jonathan.As she spoke, her embarrassment grew—it was only natural for her to feel ashamed, though she felt a shuddering relief as
Scarlett wasn't about to let such a life-changing opportunity slide. If she could star in a TV show, the ludicrous pay could tide her over for a long while, not to mention the line of other opportunities that was bound to come along with it. This was a chance she had been waiting for all this while—a break in her career where she could be taken to greater heights in the industry and consequently live a better life.The suddenness of her grandfather's death seemed to have deeply affected her grandmother, so much so that she was currently hooked up to a respirator to help her breathe. Her grandma's unexpected illness still pained her to this day, and she decided to head over to the hospital to visit her after work.Unfortunately, the old woman showed no signs of regaining consciousness, her reliance on the ventilator growing by the day, a pallid sheen having taken residence permanently on her face.Scarlett's heart ached as she beheld her beloved grandmother lying lifelessly on the hospi
Despite having already made up her mind, Scarlett didn't find it appropriate to tell Ezra directly that she didn't want Jonathan to see her with another man. It wasn't that she was afraid of his rage—she was afraid of its consequences, which made her hesitant to trigger his temper if she could help it.Jonathan's threats were still ringing in her ears, an incessant reminder that plagued her. How could she forget when it was all still so vivid? She could curse him and yell at him, and she could call him a bunch of names and manage to get away with it, holding on by the skin of her teeth, but to appear in front of him with another man didn't seem to promise such optimistic outcomes.Left with no other choice, Scarlett could only alight from the car and head toward the entrance of the hotel along with Ezra. Even though her head was lowered, she could feel his piercing gaze threatening to strip her whole being right then and right there.Jonathan's gaze was cold as he stared at the man wal
"Miss Langston, you might be new here, but that's alright. You haven't seen how many newbies I've trained who eventually became famous. Just look at Daphne. She was once as clueless as you are now. Fortunately, our Daphne here picks up new things quickly and does as she's told. I'd say she understands the rules we play by too. Look at how famous she is now. I say, Miss Langston, if you grow to appreciate and abide by our rules, there's nothing you can't achieve."The man's sleazy words, barely hidden behind courtesy, gave her the urge to flip the soup bowl in front of her and pour the boiling liquid down his face in a fit of rage. While she wasn't familiar with whatever rules he was talking about, she understood what he was implying. Scarlett would never agree to any of that and would never stoop to the level of playing dirty just to get what she wanted. If she were truly that kind of person, her qualifications would've skyrocketed her fame so much that it would've long surpassed Daphn
No matter how unwilling she was to comply, Scarlett knew she had no other choice. She couldn't possibly remain at the entrance in a stalemate with the driver, so she forced herself to board Jonathan's car. She didn't need to look to deduce the surprise on Ezra's face, though his shock was understandable. The fact that she was acquainted with Jonathan was shocking enough for anyone, really.Scarlett thanked him once more, her countenance filled with awkwardness.Ezra simply nodded without a word. He didn't know what he was supposed to say anyway—when they first met at the entrance earlier, he had sensed something strange between Scarlett and Jonathan, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. He didn't know if he was more surprised by Scarlett's firm refusal of not knowing Jonathan or the fact that she actually did.The truth was, their relationship didn't seem simple at all. Why else would the other man send a personal chauffeur just to pick her up if they were mere acquaintances?
Jonathan did not give her the chance to hesitate or argue before scooping her up and carrying her, bridal style, to his own room. His expression was dark, foreboding—as if he couldn't wait to tear her apart and savor whatever was left of her.Along the way, her heart pounded with fear. How she wished she could faint—at least if she did, she wouldn't have to see with her own eyes the events that were about to unfold.Scarlett knew that Jonathan was not one to forgive and forget, at least, not so easily. Her appearance together with Ezra definitely had infuriated him. Not only that, the fact that she had confided in Natalie about their past would surely push him off the edge. She could imagine how angry he currently was, but even if she could, it didn't mean she was ready to be on the receiving end of his palpable rage.In her defense, she never thought she would encounter him at the entrance of the hotel earlier. It wasn't something within her control, and Jonathan had not given her the
After Scarlett hurled the insults at Jonathan, she could almost hear him grinding his teeth in anger. That was a sign that she might be handled roughly later. But that didn't come as a surprise because Jonathan had been torturing her in the same manner all along. Feeling desperate, she closed her eyes and submitted herself to what would come next. At first, she expected him to slap her furiously after hearing her insults, but instead of that, he aggressively kissed her all over the body. Somehow, she felt incredibly vexed by Daphne's scent on his body."Jonathan Leonard! Get lost! Get away from me! You make me sick. Get lost now!" She wiggled to free herself as though she could not bear his presence for a second longer. Alas, her action further triggered him. Slowly losing his control, he ripped her clothes and pressed himself against her to stop her from breaking free.For a short moment, his rage-filled eyes looked dazed at the sight of her seductive body. However, her disgusted exp
Even though Scarlett knew that leaving was not an option, she had to ask because she was obsessed about leaving, a thought that mattered so much to her. Jonathan was a devil in her eyes. If it weren't for him, she could have lived a happy life with Justin without even getting married.She woke up early the next morning because Jonathan rose early. He seemed to have forgotten about the incident from the night before and looked refreshed, nothing like the man who inflicted torture on her. Anyway, she wouldn't want to go against him, not because he instilled fear in her last night, but because she learned that the more she fought against him, the more he clung to her. She had probably used the wrong tactic against him all along. She shouldn't have rebelled. Perhaps, if she acted demure and obedient like the other women, nothing would have happened between Jonathan and her. He might even grow tired of her after a few days. By then, she would not even need to be let go or "discarded like tr
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