Hugh was kissing me while forcefully pulling me into the nearest room from the door. He slammed the door shut with a loud bang and locked it. Zachary clearly hadn't expected Hugh to suddenly lose it; he pounded on the bedroom door hard and fast, anxious and frantic.Inside, Hugh didn’t care. He pressed me against the door, his bloodshot eyes staring intensely into mine as if he could see right through me.“Tell me! Have you slept with him or not?”“What’s it to you?” I struggled against him, feeling both ashamed and angry. Why was he interrogating me like this? I wasn’t his pet to be treated however he wanted!“How far have you gone with him?” Hugh was still aggressive and hysterical. I turned my head away, not wanting to look at him. His madness and brutality made me feel disgusted.Seeing that I wouldn’t speak, Hugh became even angrier. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze, and then kissed me fiercely. His kiss was rough and intense, as if trying to suck my soul out o
In that moment, his gaze was sincere, as if losing me meant losing his whole world. His thumb gently brushed my palm, slowly trying to break through the walls I'd built.But I kept reminding myself—this was all an act, just another way for him to regain the power to hurt me. Without hesitation, I shook off his hand.Just then, Zachary appeared, holding a set of keys. His anxious face came into view. I hurriedly pushed Hugh away. His gaze darkened dangerously, like an enraged predator, glaring at me.I didn't dare look at him. Instead, I clumsily tried to straighten my clothes. Zach's handsome face showed a mix of fatigue and gloom. When he saw my swollen lips and messy hair, his expression dimmed even more.Did Zachary hear everything from outside the door? I wondered, my heart racing.Zachary quickly composed himself. "You two..." His eyes shifted from me to Hugh, standing behind me, his tone accusatory."This is between Shelia and me. It's none of your business," Hugh said cold
Zachary and I were sitting close together. I knew how selfish I was being, enjoying his company while my heart was still tangled up with another man—a jerk, no less.“Zachary, am I being too selfish, treating you like this?” I asked.“Don’t say anything. You’re exhausted. You need to clear your mind and get some rest,” he interrupted me, standing up and helping me off the couch. “I’m taking you somewhere.”I didn’t resist. Maybe it was his firmness that left me with no energy to argue, or maybe I really needed an outlet to release all my pent-up emotions.He drove us to a private horse ranch on the outskirts of the city. The vast green field stretched out like an ocean, the tender grass swaying gently in the breeze, filling the air with a fresh, clean scent. Sunlight bathed the meadow in a soft golden glow.“Do you know how to ride?” he asked, leading a sleek black horse over to me.I shook my head. I’d always wanted to learn, but for one reason or another, I never found the time
I'd never spoken up so fiercely in defense of someone before. Seeing Zachary like that ignited a fierce need to protect him. When he saw me stand up for him, his eyes filled with appreciation. I knew my words had hit Richard where it hurt. Guys like him—spoiled since childhood—couldn't stand being told they were inferior, especially in areas they prided themselves on.Sure enough, Richard's face darkened instantly, and he glared at me, teeth clenched. "You dare lecture me?"He sized me up, then suddenly yanked me into his arms. "Oh, I thought you were some innocent little thing, but turns out you've got your eye on my brother. What, trying to climb the social ladder? Why not play with me instead..."Before he could finish his disgusting words, Zachary lunged at him, grabbing his collar in one swift motion. His voice was icy cold, like a chill straight from hell. "Richard, if you dare speak to Shelia like that again, I'll tear your mouth apart!"Richard was caught off guard by Zacha
Zachary’s voice felt like a ray of light, piercing through the darkness of my despair. I clung tightly to the saddle, leaning my body forward to reduce the resistance.Zachary, riding his tall white horse, flew past me like the wind. He grabbed hold of my horse’s reins, trying to bring the wild animal under control.“Damn it, stop!” Zachary shouted, yanking hard on the reins. The horse, “Red Hare,” let out a pained whinny, rearing up on its hind legs. The sudden movement startled me, and I lost my balance. I could feel myself slipping from the saddle, about to fall...“Stop!” Zachary’s voice trembled slightly with urgency, and I could see the veins bulging on his hands as he pulled on the reins with all his strength. The horse, in response to the sharp tug, reared even higher, nearly throwing me off as I screamed in fear.At the same time, Zachary leaned back, lowering his body as far as possible, and I could almost hear the harsh scrape of his back against the ground. Under his
I carried the fondant cake I had made for Ada, pushing through the revolving doors of a luxury shopping mall. Classical music played softly in the background, the surroundings opulent and gleaming. I had thought Ada, this big celebrity, and I had become close, almost like friends. But now, her agent wasn’t answering calls, and she hadn’t replied to my messages. I’d been searching everywhere for her. Finally, I spotted her at the entrance of an upscale jewelry store.“Ada! I finally found you.” I squeezed past a group of girls who were screaming excitedly into their phones, making my way toward Ada. She was wearing sunglasses, casually browsing through the jewelry.“What are you doing here?” Ada took off her sunglasses, frowning slightly, clearly annoyed.I raised the cake I had brought. "Ada, I made your favorite fondant cake. The wedding situation was a misunderstanding, but we’ve got a solution ready."She didn’t even reach for it. Her eyes skimmed over the cake with disdain,
Hugh’s car came to a smooth stop in front of my building. I unfastened my seatbelt, my tone cold as I said, “Thanks, you can leave now.”But he grabbed my hand, his deep eyes filled with worry. “Shelia, I know you're still angry. I’ll take care of the issue with Carol…”“Hugh, what’s between Carol and me is just regular business competition. I don’t need your help. And we shouldn’t be involved anymore. I don’t want others to misunderstand.”My voice was distant and indifferent, like a bucket of cold water extinguishing any care he had in his eyes.“Shelia, do you really have to talk to me like this?” His voice was raspy, wounded, like the low growl of an injured animal.“Hugh, stop bothering me.” I looked at him coldly. “You got what you wanted—you used dirty tricks to secure the deal. We’re done. Please respect that.”With that, I opened the car door and stepped out without looking back.He followed me out, calling my name. “Shelia!”I ignored him, shutting the door to my apar
The rain poured down harder, and a gust of wind ripped the umbrella right out of my hand. Hugh was drenched, clinging tightly to me, and I could feel his body trembling from the cold. If this went on, he was definitely going to get sick. Despite his strong physique, he was prone to catching colds. Driving in this kind of storm would be dangerous too. Damn it, that stupid sympathy of mine was flaring up again!“You’re soaked. Come inside,” I said, pulling him toward my apartment, mentally cursing myself for being so soft-hearted.He followed me in without hesitation, using the handkerchief I gave him to dry his hair while glancing curiously around my place. “I had no idea you lived in such a big house. Even though we’re divorced, I feel like I barely know you.”It was true—my house was large, six floors with a basement wine cellar. This was Hugh’s first time inside.“My brother is still home, so let’s go to my bedroom,” I said as we quietly made our way upstairs.Seeing that I
Hugh’s actions made me want to laugh. Did he really think throwing money around could make up for all the hurt he caused me? What did he take me for? A cheap decoration he could put on display when it suited him and toss aside when he didn’t need me? I looked at him coldly, as if he were nothing but a pathetic clown—ridiculous and pitiful.Carol’s face turned green with jealousy when she saw Hugh "defending" me. She clung to his arm, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Hugh, why are you bidding on that worthless thing?"Before she could finish, Hugh cut her off, his voice calm but firm: "It’s just an auction, Carol. Stop talking."Carol was furious but swallowed her words, glaring at me like she wanted to tear me apart. I smirked inwardly but pretended not to notice, casually watching the next auction item on stage.Just then, Ada gracefully walked onto the platform, dressed in an elegant white gown and with flawless makeup. She took the microphone from one of the staff and began
*The charity gala began with the clinking of glasses and the buzz of polite conversation.Susanne was dressed in an elegant light blue gown, adorned with expensive jewelry worth millions, giving off an air of sophistication and grace. But I instantly recognized her necklace—it was an old piece, the same one she wore when she got married. Carol, on the other hand, was dressed in a perfectly tailored red gown, showing off half of her large chest, exuding a bold, radiant beauty. She clung to Hugh’s arm like a proud peacock, flaunting her charms for everyone to see. She whispered sweet nothings to every man who passed by, always on the hunt for new admirers.I looked at Hugh, unsure how to feel. There was a time when I used to attend events like this on his arm, foolishly believing that was what love looked like. Now, we were strangers.Carol had become the center of attention lately, thanks to all the media coverage.Zachary couldn’t come because his back injury was too severe, an
In the past, I would have apologized to him out of habit, a natural sense of submission. But things are different now.“What does it have to do with you?” I snapped back at him.Furious, Hugh threw the cake to the ground. Cream and fruit splattered across my shoes, but I barely noticed. I just stood there, staring at him in disbelief. Hugh, how could you do this?“Hugh, what’s wrong with you?” I tried to keep my anger in check, but my voice trembled despite myself.“You have the nerve to ask me that?” he growled through clenched teeth. “Shelia, how many times do you expect me to stand by and watch? Huh?”His hot breath, laced with the smell of alcohol, hit my face as he leaned closer. The rage in his eyes was like sharp knives cutting into my heart. I could feel the sting deep inside.“What did I do?” I lifted my chin stubbornly, refusing to back down. “Zachary is just a friend. He was hurt, and I helped him bandage his wound. What’s the problem?”“Friend?” He laughed bitterly,
I got breaking news from Gregory—a massive update! Garcie had collapsed in prison, and no one knows why. She’s in a coma now, lying in the ICU. What kind of drama is this?Damn it, just when we were piecing everything together, the trail goes cold! A few days ago, we discovered that Garcie wasn’t just working with Carol—there’s a big boss pulling the strings behind the scenes. Now, with her unconscious, all the evidence she could’ve provided is gone. How could this happen? Did someone try to kill her in prison? Or is she really sick?My head was spinning. I lit a cigarette, something I rarely do, but the nicotine helped calm my nerves a bit. If I could dig into these women’s connections, I’m sure I’d find links to some powerful figures.Just then, I heard a knock at the door. Zachary walked in, looking as handsome and intense as ever. Today, he was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, making him look even taller and stronger. But his deep, brooding eyes always seemed to carry
*These past few days, I’ve been on cloud nine! News about my successful deal with Ada is everywhere, headlines like “Business Genius Carol” and “The Youngest Marketing Queen” plastered all over. Every time I see those flattering articles, I can’t help but smile inside, though I keep my signature "elegant" smile on the outside.Hmph, Shelia, did you see that? The Ada deal you tried so hard to get—now she's working with me! Who do you think you are? Just a discarded woman Hugh threw away!To celebrate my victory, I arranged a get-together with Fiona. After all, we landed this project together. I wonder if Lucas will come too. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever dated. Maybe tonight, we could rekindle some old flames. I told Fiona to bring him along.I took extra care getting ready—slipping into a red backless gown, my hair elegantly pinned up to show off my long, slender neck. My makeup was flawless, and I looked sophisticated, sexy, untouchable. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I th
"Hugh, I’ve already scheduled a meeting with Ada. How about we go to Vienna the day after tomorrow? I heard the pastry chef at that hotel has won several international awards. We could try some of their desserts while we’re there." I put on a sweet, pleading tone, even though, in my heart, I thought Hugh was a total idiot—arrogant, cold, and not very bright.Without even looking up, he coldly responded with just two words: "Not going."“What’s that supposed to mean? I can’t handle Ada alone. She likes you! You have to come with me!” I tried to hold back my anger, raising my voice. How dare this useless man refuse me!He glanced at me with disdain, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Carol, I’ll say this one more time. Figure out Ada on your own. And honestly, you should give up—this was Shelia’s project from the start.""You!" I was trembling with rage, my carefully applied makeup barely concealing the fury twisting my expression. I’d gone through so much trouble to steal this projec
I sat in the café, gripping a cup of cold latte, my gaze fixed coldly on Marcus, who was sitting across from me. He kept his head down, hands nervously twisting together, looking like a beaten dog with its tail between its legs."Marcus, I really didn’t expect this from you," I scoffed. "I treated you like one of my own, and you..." I let out a cold laugh. "You and Garcie teamed up, scheming behind my back. But your biggest mistake was thinking you could cross me, Shelia!"Marcus jerked his head up, his face pale. "It’s not Garcie’s fault! We didn’t do anything!"“Do you even hear yourself, Marcus? Still defending her? That woman has been cheating on you left and right!"“No way! Don’t slander her! Garcie loves me and only me.”"How pathetic." I sneered. "Let me show you what your precious Garcie is really up to."I called Gregory. "Proceed as planned. Come pick him up."“Got it,” Gregory replied.I hung up, standing over Marcus, my voice cold. "Marcus, I’m giving you one last
The first step was to root out the traitor. To do that, I needed to find Gregory. He had been pursuing me for a while, but he was much younger than me, and I only saw him as a younger brother. I explained the whole situation to him, and he handed me a thick envelope filled with documents, a confident glint in his eyes."Shelia, it’s all in here. Marcus Leedon and Garcie Milton are working together, betraying the company. This time, they won’t get away with it! But for now, we don’t have enough solid evidence."I took the envelope, flipping through the pages. The evidence of Marcus and Garcie’s scheming was worse than I imagined. If it hadn’t been for this incident, they would’ve continued selling company secrets, and the entire company might have been destroyed in their hands! In a way, I should thank Carol for exposing the traitor early.Gregory handed me a stack of photos. "I dug up something else. Garcie is even more complicated than we thought—she’s been involved with several se
After leaving Amanda’s room, I rubbed my temples, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I needed to think carefully about my next move against Carol. This was like a game of chess, and I had to plan my strategy well.I went to the bathroom and soaked in a hot bath, hoping to relax. But just as I started to unwind, the doorbell rang. I barely had time to dry my hair, so I quickly threw on my pajamas and went to answer the door.“Shelia, are you home?” It was Zachary’s voice from outside, deep and gentle.I opened the door and saw Zachary standing there in casual clothes, looking even more fit than usual. He was holding two bags, his usual warm smile on his face.“What brings you here?” I asked, surprised but touched by his visit.“I came to check on you and brought some things,” he said, stepping inside and placing the bags on the table. Inside was a box of freshly picked strawberries and a beautifully packaged raspberry pie.“Wow, raspberry pie!” I lit up with excitement. It