“But… if you’re prepared to face the public with me, then I’ll attend all future socializing events while holding you close.”Shaun emphasized each word with seriousness as if he was saying his vows in the church. Catherine felt something moved.She was only a normal woman. She could not resist feeling touched despite knowing there was someone else in his heart. Especially when those sweet whispers came out from the mouth of this ridiculously handsome man. Right at that moment, the bewildering attractiveness he exuded swept through her senses.“It seems like I’ll have to prove my love to you with actions.”His thin lips curled into an enigmatic smile before he kissed her lips.“No…” She was flustered upon realizing what he was about to do.She had been traumatized since that first night.“Good girl, you’re such a Nervous Nellie so I must give you some sense of security.” He held her thin waist closer.Her cheeks were flushed red. How could he say those words with such con
11:00 a.m.Shaun came home from work to pick Catherine up.She stepped forward to grab his hand, and her eyes sparkled like the stars in the night sky. “I really like this evening gown.”“That’s what matters.”He said with raised eyebrows. As long as she was pleased, it was worth him spending all night stealing this evening gown from Melanie.On the way to the hotel, the car came to a halt at the intersection, waiting for the traffic light to turn green.Catherine suddenly noticed something outside the window and felt her heart flutter. “Pull up at the front of the road. I want to get something from the pharmacy.”“What do you need? I’ll go.” Shaun looked her in the eye.“Um… birth control pills,” she replied unnaturally.“Actually, we can think about having kids,” he said with a serious look, “I’ll be a good father.”“...” She had no words to reply to him. Their relationship was too unstable for having kids.Besides, she still had to take care of many problems.“I don’t wa
“Oh wow, so this hotel actually belongs to Charlie! I heard that the hotel’s turnover for this year is among the top three of all hotels in Australia. That’s impressive.’“That’s right.” Melanie shifted her gaze toward Charlie who was being surrounded by the crowd. The man was quite attractive, although not as handsome or fit as Eldest Young Master Hill. Besides, his future was full of opportunities and potential.Everyone from the Hill family was present today, not to mention the other influential names in the politics and business industry. She felt distinguished for having these guests at her engagement ceremony. This was the wedding she had been dreaming of.Shaun would probably regret his choice when he arrived later. It was his fault for not wanting to marry her.Plus, there was Catherine as well. That disfigured woman must be so envious of her.“Look, Eldest Young Master Hill is here! He’s accompanied by Catherine Jones.”Aunty Irene shouted out of the blue.Everyone pr
“That’s right, I feel bad for you too,” Melanie echoed, “Besides, sometimes men say what they have to say for dignity’s sake.”“Indeed, it’s important that a man guards his reputation. Ah, Young Master Campos, when I first arrived in Canberra and heard about the infamous rumor about you and the female university student, I thought the poor girl was going to have a change of fate. As it turns out, I was wrong.”After pausing for a brief second, Catherine said seriously to Melanie, “My younger sister, since it’s your engagement ceremony today, I’d like to give you a genuine word of advice. Every woman will turn old or ugly one day. Beautiful women are everywhere yet inner beauty never fades away. This is the real secret of maintaining a long-lasting marriage.”“You’re right, my wife.”Shaun said before turning to look at President Thompson. “I bet you understand this really well. After all, President Thompson, you always go after girls as young as 18. I heard you’ve found yourself an
“Dad, Nicola was responsible for my facial disfigurement,” Catherine interrupted. “Not long ago, I was locked away by the Hill family in their dungeon. Nicola worked with Valerie and instructed the staff to poison my porridge for this to happen.”“What?” Joel was in shock. On second thought, it did sound like something Nicola would do. “I’ll go look for this crazy woman…”“Dad, many distinguishable guests are here to witness the engagement ceremony between the Yule and the Campos families. It’s not the time to make a scene. Besides, Old Master Hill and the others are here too. I’m sure they’re not going to take your side.” She tried to change his mind.Joel clenched his hands into fists. He was furious. “But your face…”“Uncle Joel, some things take time,” Shaun said in a low voice, “I’ll make sure those who hurt Catherine will pay for their actions.”Joel felt a heavy weight lift from his chest. He had enjoyed fame and success for the major part of his life. However, he realized
“Alright, let’s have a seat.” Shaun led Catherine to the table in a calm and casual manner.A variety of fruits and nuts were already placed on the table.She shelled a couple of pine nuts but gave up quickly afterward as it was too much work.Upon noticing that, he did the work and placed a couple of unshelled pine nuts in front of her.She was touched by this sweet and thoughtful gesture.“Cathy…”Wesley’s gentle voice suddenly rang in her ears.She lifted her gaze to the source of the voice. Wesley looked elegant in his blue suit and white pants. His eyes twinkled with shock and pity when he looked at her.He took a step forward and lifted his hand subconsciously to caress her face.Another hand grabbed his hand in mid-air. Shaun raised his eyebrows and hugged Catherine closer to him. “What’s the matter? Are you planning to harass my wife in public? That’s not a good move.”“Shaun Hill, you’re no longer who you were before and I’ll win Catherine over in no time. You don’t
“I…” “Did you hear that? My wife wants you to leave. Are all male homewreckers shameless like you?” Shaun hugged Catherine closer and said gently, “My dear, take a seat. I’ll continue deshelling pine nuts for you.Something flashed across Wesley’s eyes as he looked at the woman who was resting her head against the other man’s chest. A shadow veiled his tense features before he turned around to move along.Catherine sighed internally as she lifted her gaze to look at the man’s receding silhouette. She really wished Wesley could move on soon.Since she had made the decision to return to Shaun’s side, she knew it was unlikely for them both to be together again.It was even more impossible now that she was still married to Shaun.“Eat your pine nuts and stop thinking about other men.” He turned her face around. “Wesley is more complicated than you think…”“...”“Not everyone can attend this engagement ceremony. He’s not a local in Canberra and doesn’t have many connections, yet
Director Irvine scanned across the room to ensure no one from the Hill family had the intention to lend Shaun a hand. “I’m not an unreasonable man. Since you broke my arm, then I shall return the favor today. Besides, my wife is infuriated that your wife tried to seduce me. But we can forget about this if you let her slap your wife across the face.”Catherine laughed upon hearing that. “Do you have proof that I actually tried to seduce you? I’m sure there are security cameras everywhere. Let’s check the footage to see if I actually laid a finger on you.”Director Irvine flew off the handle. “What do you mean? Why would I accuse an ugly woman like you?”“The distinguished Director Irvine wouldn’t have to accuse you. Things have taken such a bad turn yet you still refuse to admit your wrongdoing. I think one slap across the face is not even enough.” President Thompson seemed to be trying to make matters worse.Melanie suggested helplessly, “Cathy, quickly apologize to the man and pro