Ryan followed her, saying, “Honestly, from the moment I saw you, I could tell something was off. If you need any help, just let me know. After all, we grew up together and were childhood friends.”Back then, he had a crush on Jamie. But when his family moved to another city, they lost touch, and those unspoken feelings faded, tucked away in the past. Now he had a girlfriend, and he knew he and Jamie weren’t meant to be. But for the sake of their shared history, he still wanted to help if he could.“Thanks, but there’s really nothing I need help with. I can manage everything on my own,” Jamie replied, pausing to thank him. She didn’t want to owe anyone any more favors. Ryan had his own life, and so did she; she didn’t want to pull him into her problems.“Alright, but if you don’t mind, could we sit down for a few minutes to catch up?” Ryan asked again.Jamie agreed, and they chatted briefly about their lives since they had last met. When Ryan heard that her child was sick, his exp
“Who are you? This hospital hallway has plenty of cameras. I’m warning you to watch yourself and don’t go bullying women in public!” Ryan rolled up his sleeves, ready to step in.Ben wasn’t the least bit intimidated. He had been into fitness since college, initially because Jamie liked men with abs, and eventually, it just became a habit. He loved the intense, sweaty workouts, and facing off against someone like Ryan barely registered as a challenge.“Don’t fight, please!” Jamie quickly stepped between them. She turned to Ryan. “I know him. Please, just go.”“But he was about to hurt you right in front of me, no less. If he’s this rough now, imagine what he’d do if I left!” Ryan protested, refusing to back down.Every word he said only added fuel to Ben’s already raging anger.Ben’s jaw clenched so tightly his teeth ground together. He had canceled a meeting, sped through traffic, and run countless red lights, all in a rush to make sure Jamie was safe. And what did he find? Jami
But Ben’s sharp tongue didn’t let up, and within a few cutting remarks, he had Jamie feeling utterly humiliated.She tried to explain, “There’s really nothing between us. We just ran into each other today and talked for a bit.”Ben cut her off before she could finish, “Oh really? Then it just shows you’ve been surrounded by men for the past four years. A woman like you probably wouldn’t even know who the father is if you were pregnant.”Jamie’s body tensed at his words. He could insult her, but she wouldn’t allow him to bring her child into it.“Ben, I’ve only ever been with you. If I’m pregnant, the child would only be…”“Are you trying to say the child is mine?” he challenged, staring directly into her eyes. “I remember asking you, the night before you left, what you would do if you got pregnant. You told me, without a second thought, that you’d abort it.”Back then, he had been thinking that if she were pregnant, they would get married. He was ready to defy his parents if need
But Winnie was pregnant and needed regular checkups to minimize any risks. Jamie continued, “And Winnie always praises how considerate you are, She even mentioned that you personally found her doctor for the prenatal exams. But now you’re saying this… Aren’t you worried she might overhear?”“If I don’t mind her discovering our relationship, do you really think I’d care about that?” Ben replied, full of confidence. “Even if she finds out everything, she’ll still stay with me.”Jamie knew him well enough to understand that he never made claims unless he was sure. If he was saying this so confidently, it meant he believed he had Winnie completely in his grip.A wave of dizziness hit Jamie. “I did what you asked last night, and I’ll go along with whatever you want tonight as well. I…”“I’m a lawyer, not a collector of cast-offs. Especially ones with a clear price tag of over $10,000. What are you lined with, gold or diamonds?” Ben interrupted again, his words laced with cruelty.But
Inside the hotel room, the place was a mess. Nina Walker woke up, her entire body sore and achy. She rubbed her temples, preparing to rise, and glanced at the tall figure lying next to her. His strikingly handsome face boasted sharply defined features and deep-set eyes. He remained sound asleep, showing no signs of waking.Nina sat up, the sheets slipping off, revealing faint marks on her fair, sensual shoulders. She got out of bed, bloodstains clearly visible on the sheets.Glancing at the time, realizing she was almost late for work, she grabbed her scattered professional attire from the floor and changed into it. Her stockings were already torn by him. She balled them up and tossed them into the trash, slipping on her high heels. There was a knock at the door. Nina was already neatly dressed, back in her role as an efficient secretary, holding her purse as she headed out. Entering was a pure-looking beauty. Nina had called her. The type that Nash York liked. Nina said, "You ju
Upon hearing the voice, Nina's face jolted with surprise, nearly stumbling.With her balance faltering, her body leaned towards him. Nash felt her body tilting and reached out to steady her by the waist. The scorching warmth instantly reminded her of the scene from last night when he ravaged her recklessly.Nina composed herself, lifting her head to meet his deep gaze. His eyes were too serious, containing both questioning and doubt, as if trying to see through her with just one look. Nina's heart raced rapidly. She dared not hold his gaze for another second, instinctively lowering her head.When he assumed it was the woman from earlier, he flew into a rage. If he were to discover it was her, her fate wouldn't be any better. Yet, she couldn't accept it. If Nash knew it was her, could their marriage last a little longer? She dared not meet his eyes. "Why would you ask such a thing?" Only she knew she was hoping for it.However, Nash chuckled lightly. "You don't have the courage."
She looked up to see Miranda wearing an apron, holding a ladle. Upon seeing Nina, her smile faltered for a moment, then she warmly greeted, "Are you Sally’s guest? I just made some extra soup. Come in and have a seat." Her demeanor was composed, entirely that of the lady of the house. It was as if Nina was the guest from afar. Indeed, before long, she would become an outsider.Nina frowned, feeling deeply repelled. When she married Nash, Miranda even sent a congratulatory letter. It was impossible for her not to know Nina was Nash's wife. Seeing her standing motionless at the door, Miranda quickly came over and took her hand, "A guest is a guest, don't be shy, come in." As she approached, a faint jasmine scent filled the air, the exact same fragrance of the perfume Nash gave her on her birthday last year. She felt her throat ache, and her breathing became heavy, as if there were a thousand pounds on her feet, making it difficult to move. Sally noticed Nina standing there m
"Nina seems to be in a bad mood today. She didn't want to come to deliver the documents, so I had to come instead," Miranda placed her scalded hand in front of him. "Nash, don't blame Nina. I don't think she did it on purpose. I hope it didn't delay you."It was the first time Nina had done something like this with the company's documents in someone else's hands. Nash's expression was grim, but he restrained himself in front of Miranda. He just adjusted his tie and replied calmly, "It's okay." Changing the subject, he added, "Since you're here, stay for a while."Hearing him say this, Miranda felt a sense of relief. At least he accepted her and didn't dislike her. "Aren't you supposed to have a meeting? Will I disturb you?" Nash made a call, "The meeting is postponed for half an hour." Miranda smiled faintly. Before coming, she had wondered if her departure without notice would make him resentful. It didn't seem as bad as she had imagined. Lost time could be made up for. Sitting