A resounding slap landed on Mason's face.Mason came to a halt, his gaze lowered to the person on the pillow. Zoe's heart surged with emotions, her silk nightgown slipping off her shoulders, revealing the delicate and rounded contours of her breasts. She exuded a fragile beauty."Getting violent now?" Mason spoke softly, his eyes carrying hidden emotions.He held onto her hand, firmly pressing it above the snowy white pillow... For a moment, he didn't make a move.Zoe's nose turned red.She looked up at Mason, her voice broken. "Mason, are you trying to rape me now? If that's not what you want, then let me go!"Mason didn't release her.He stared at her vulnerable state for a while before speaking in a hoarse voice. "When I said I wanted to start over, I meant it."Zoe turned her face away.Her face buried deep into the pillow, she murmured, "There will be no children between us, let alone anything else. I can't afford to play around, Mason. We're done!"She finished spea
"Prepare it yourself." Zoe's voice was soft and hoarse. "Mason, from now on, I won't manage your personal life. You can pay someone to tend to your clothes and accessories. Otherwise, you can bring Ava to the house and give her a raise to do it."Mason frowned, displeased. "I don't like others meddling in these private matters."Silence filled the bedroom.After a while, Zoe's voice was raspy. "Then, bear with it. I won't do it. If you think spending so much money on me is a waste, you can divorce me, Mason. I don't have to be Mrs. Lockwood."Mason stood quietly.He understood Zoe's meaning. She would stay as Mrs. Lockwood, but she wouldn't serve him anymore. She didn't even mind if Ava intervened in their lives. She really didn't see him as a husband anymore. She was thinking that since he played around with women, one more or one less didn't matter.Mason snorted. "You're quite feisty all of a sudden!" After saying that, he went into the dressing room and changed into anoth
When Mason returned to the villa, it was almost eleven o'clock.Entering the foyer, a servant approached and welcomed him softly, "Sir, you're back. Do you want to have supper?"Mason took off his coat, unbuttoned two shirt buttons, and then said calmly, "Just something plain and simple will do. Is Zoe already asleep?"The servant respectfully took his coat and whispered, "She had a little something in the evening, played the piano for a while, and hasn't come down since."Mason murmured his acknowledgment.As the servant left, he walked to the dining room. He sat down, reached for the glass door of the French window, and lit a cigarette. In the pale smoke, memories flooded back. He remembered how Zoe used to wait for him at home, preparing a table full of dishes or snacks, eagerly anticipating him trying it. Even if it was just a bite, it could make her happy for half a day.In the past, the dining table was lonely.Now, it was still lonely, but the person who felt the lonel
In the past, Zoe seldom visited those places because Mason didn't like them.Now, she no longer cared whether he liked it or not and agreed to Ella's invitation.The bar's music was deafening. Ella swayed her body, enjoying the atmosphere. She had always enjoyed the extravagant life. She ordered a bottle of red wine for Zoe, saying, "This wine won't get you drunk."Zoe pulled her to sit down and asked softly, "Why did you choose this place?"She was concerned about Ella.Unknown to others, Ella had lost her hearing in her left ear since childhood, when she was assaulted by debt collectors who were trying to force her parents to pay up. Even though Zoe got Noah to pay for her treatments later on, visiting the best ear, nose, and throat specialists all over the city, it couldn't be restored.Ella paused.Then she sat down, casually tossing her black hair and smiling. "It's an old injury. It doesn't hurt anymore! You've got to live a little. Drink that wine. Forget about Mason, L
Zoe felt a bit tipsy from the drinks.It was around 11 PM when she settled the bill, and Mason walked into the bar from outside.On this winter night, he wore a thin black coat, but the intricate blue patterned shirt inside contrasted the gloominess, making him look sharp. Perhaps it had rained a bit outside, as there were some water droplets on his coat. With his deep-set eyes and the rain-soaked exterior, he appeared as if he emerged from a storm.The bar still echoed with deafening music.They gazed at each other through the crowd, the man profound, the woman aloof.Zoe wore a semi-transparent silk blouse, paired with a black skirt, adding a hint of allure to her usual elegance. Mason's eyes gradually deepened.After a moment, he walked toward her.Mason took her coat from her hands, draped it over her shoulders, and meticulously fastened each button, from bottom to top, without missing one.This man's concealed intentions were obvious.Zoe found it ridiculous. As he held
He carried her onto the bed.Clothes, shoes, and stockings were tossed on the floor in a suggestive mess.Zoe, feeling the effects of the alcohol, sensed a swaying sensation everywhere. Unable to resist, she wrapped her arms around Mason's shoulders.At that moment, the phone on the bedside table rang.It was Zoe's phone.Zoe reached out to grab it, but Mason got hold of it first. He anticipated it might be Cecil trying to make a move on his wife again. However, upon opening it, he found a message from an unknown contact with an attractive and youthful profile picture."Zoe, can I see you again?"Mason's face turned as cold as ice. He stared at Zoe. "You met this guy at the bar? Did you give him your number?"In reality, it was Ella who gave him Zoe's number.However, Zoe was in no mood to confess at this moment. Not only did she avoid explaining, but she also clung to his neck and spoke with a soft and charming tone, "Yes! He's a young and handsome guy! Mason, you can flirt
In the late night hours, Mason entered the Lockwood Hospital.He had experienced excessive bleeding.Even though he tried to conceal it, the doctor treating him could still catch a faint scent of his masculine presence. On top of that, he had casually thrown on a shirt and pants. It was easy to imagine some intense physical activity before coming to the hospital.The doctor found it difficult to express in words.While stitching up the wound, he cleared his throat and advised, "Mr. Mason, if this happens again, you need to pause any strenuous activities and come to the hospital immediately. Otherwise, it could lead to complications.""I can't stop." Mason leaned against the couch, casting a dark glance at Zoe beside him.She seemed fine, willingly accompanying him to the hospital. Maybe she was here just to gloat at him being in such a state.Zoe ignored him, engrossed in checking her phone messages. Mason couldn't help but wonder if she was secretly communicating with that youn
He was lost in thought, pondering Zoe's words from earlier. The door opened, and he thought it was Zoe returning. Without thinking, he said, "Zoe, have you ever had dreams about me?"Lilith's face turned pale. She couldn't believe what she heard. Mason almost confessed to Zoe. The tone he used was so gentle, something he had never used on her.There was no response at the door for a while. Mason raised his eyes and saw Lilith.At that moment, his eyes were filled with weariness. He leaned back, speaking softly, "Why is it you? It's late. Go back to the ward and rest."Lilith felt hurt. She looked at Mason for a long time before mustering the courage to ask, "Do you really love her?"Mason didn't answer. Lilith was on the verge of tears, but she put on a brave facade. "It's okay, Mr. Mason. I'll only be happy for you. It will be even better if Mrs. Zoe loves you."Mason wasn't interested in hearing these words from her. He signaled for the medical staff to take Lilith aw