"If you don't love her, then why do you lie to her that you do?"…Paityn's eyes reddened. “You’re such an asshole.”Lorian looked at her. He turned to the window and took a cigarette from his pocket before placing it between his lips. As he fumbled with the lighter, he spoke in a husky voice, “Most couples in this circle are like this, aren’t they? Paityn, weren’t you also seeking benefits with Jamie? Also, didn’t you sleep with him?”Lorian sneered softly, “Who is more noble than whom?”Paityn’s heart raced violently. “How is it the same, Lorian? I had no marriage contract with Jamie. It was mutual consent.”Lorian took a drag from his cigarette. He turned to look at Paityn and his voice grew even colder. “Then, where did my marriage contract with Tegan come from?”“Besides the fact that I needed a wife, wasn’t it also your greed, Paityn? Tegan wouldn’t care about the McKinney family’s fortune. She has a job and can support herself. With your capability, you could easily sup
Lorian’s fingers paused. Under the brilliant light of the crystal chandelier, his handsome face looked unusually grim. He held the bathrobe with his long, slender fingers and stood quietly at the door of the walk-in closet, gazing at his wife.Tegan had already sat up. They locked eyes in the dim light. She repeated, “I want a divorce, Lorian.”“Why?”Lorian looked intently at his wife, his dignified face showing a trace of barely perceptible fatigue. “Is it because of what happened that day? I admit my attitude was harsh, and I am sorry to you and the child. However, I can make it up to you, Tegan.”Tegan gently shook her head. “I don’t want you to make it up to me. I’ve thought it through, Lorian. This marriage is not what I want. In fact, you haven’t wronged me. You just don’t love me. I expected too much out of you.”…However, was it really too much?Tegan had endured a loveless marriage. As a wife, however, she needed basic concern from her husband, not just a response of
Tegan trembled all over. Lorian kissed the corner of her mouth. He gradually conquered her. He held her slender body and kissed her deeply. Whether she cooperated or not didn’t matter to him. He only wanted to test her obedience.After a long while, Lorian finally released her. Tegan couldn’t help but lightly touch her lips. In the past, their kisses had stirred her heart. The sensation of her heartbeat quickening was so delightful that it made her lose herself in it. Now, however, Tegan felt nothing of the sort. Lorian gently stroked her face and said, “I’m going to take a shower.”Tegan sat to the side and watched her husband open the bathroom door before going inside. His figure was long and perfect. Tegan knew that Lorian was considered charming by many women, and there were plenty willing to engage in an affair with him. What many didn’t know was that he had no conscience. He had abandoned it for a long time. Tegan smiled faintly.When Lorian emerged ten minutes later, Te
Was Dustin not supposed to know that Tegan had rejected his approach?Dustin’s affection was profound. He was unwilling to force an already married woman into a difficult situation or subject Tegan to societal scrutiny. He refrained from continuing his confession and simply watched her leave the office and step into the bright sunlight.Dustin thought to himself that such a wonderful woman deserved to live in the sunshine. However, he couldn't help but be concerned for Tegan.Every day, Nayeli would bring supplements. Although Nayeli didn't have the means to buy expensive ingredients regularly, it was Dustin who purchased it and had her prepare it. Naturally, Tegan couldn’t let Nayeli spend her own money. So, she quietly reimbursed the latter.Time passed swiftly, and Dustin continued to show his concern for Tegan in his own way. Occasionally, he would run into Tegan on campus and exchange a few words. Tegan was unaware of this, maintaining a respectful distance as a married woman.
Lorian looked down at the high-end fashion bag in his hands as his thoughts drifted.After ending the call, he reflected on the few dates he and Tegan had shared. Despite the formality and pretense, he quite liked spending time with her. In fact, she had a certain quality that made their interactions pleasant. Lorian had also made time to be with Tegan after her miscarriage, trying to offer support. However, it was evident she no longer cared. Each time he kissed her in bed, her response was noticeably perfunctory. Lorian suspected that if they were to make love, Tegan might even fall asleep beneath him. More to the point, she didn’t shy away from showing her disinterest.Such a marriage felt undeniably cold and unfulfilling.…At six in the evening, Lorian returned home from work.The Rolls-Royce Cullinan stopped in front of the main residence. As the driver's door opened, a long leg emerged, followed by Lorian’s strikingly handsome face. His black hair shimmered in the sunse
In the moonlit night, Lorian’s striking face was partially obscured by shadows, making it hard to discern his true emotions. He grasped Tegan's arm once more and said his farewells to Dustin.Dustin looked at Tegan. Despite his deep affection for her, he knew he couldn’t show any sign of it in front of Lorian. His voice held a touch of bitterness as he said, “Goodbye, Ms. Tegan.”Dustin stood under the tree and was bathed in intermittent moonlight and shadow. He seemed to be a figure caught between two worlds.Tegan’s lips moved slightly as she replied, “Goodnight.”As they sat in the car, Lorian casually fastened his seatbelt and asked, “Are you unhappy that he’s being transferred?”Tegan sat in the front passenger seat and stared at the boundless darkness outside with a blank expression. “What do you mean, Lorian? Was it your decision to transfer him?”“Yes,” Lorian did not deny. “It was my decision. I'm your husband and a prestigious man. I can’t tolerate another man’s undue a
Tegan remained still. Lorian turned to look at her, then leaned over to open her side of the car door. He said, “Get out.”Tegan unfastened her seatbelt and slowly walked toward the foyer. Lorian smoked and watched her retreating figure. He saw how her back was upright, but it also carried a hint of loneliness under the night’s shadows.Lorian's gaze grew contemplative. He was overwhelmed by a sense of confusion. He found himself at a loss about how to handle and arrange things with Tegan.It seemed there was no love between Lorian and Tegan. Separation was something he didn’t want, either.Lorian rarely felt so torn. He stayed in the car, smoking a couple of cigarettes before finally stepping out. When he entered the villa’s grand hall, Tegan was not there. Two servants were clearing the table in the dining room. They saw Lorian and reported softly, “Ms. Tegan seemed upset. She only ate a couple of bites before going upstairs.”Lorian looked up toward the second floor. Moments
It was a call from Noah.Lorian pressed one hand against Tegan’s side while answering the phone with the other. His gaze was fixed intently on her. On the phone, Noah's tone was quite urgent. He asked them to come back because Gwen was in trouble. As for what had happened, Noah didn’t clarify. After hanging up, Lorian turned to the side and sighed lightly. “We need to go back.”Tegan was eager to comply. She didn’t want to share a bed with Lorian. They might not be having sex, but she didn’t even want him to touch or hold her. She stared at the ceiling quietly and murmured, "Okay."Lorian turned his head to look at Tegan profoundly.…Half an hour later, Lorian and Tegan arrived back at the Sanders Villa. The villa was brightly lit in the middle of the night. As soon as they reached the foyer, they heard Noah screaming.“Break up with him immediately!”Lorian’s handsome face darkened. He glanced at his wife before quickly walking into the villa’s main hall. Noah and Gwynn sat