Zoey was well aware that no matter how many times Laurence had to make the choice, his decision would still be the same.He couldn’t even be bothered to lie or sugarcoat his words to make her feel better.Zoey tucked herself tighter in the blanket. The coldness around her was the only thing she could feel. Her frail hands gripped the corners of her blanket weakly, the wedding ring on her ring finger nowhere in sight. No one knew when it had fallen off.She was stunned for a brief moment when she caught sight of her bare finger, but she quickly snapped out of it.The ring could have been lost when she fell into the sea.It hadn’t been very fitting, to begin with. It was too loose for her slender fingers.Laurence noticed her staring at her hand silently. "What is it?""Nothing." Zoey shook her head.If it was lost, then so be it. It wasn’t important anymore.After all, it was just a random ring that Laurence's assistant had picked out.It carried no vows and didn’t symbolize anything, s
It had occurred to Zoey that Laurence might disagree.But she could not fathom why he would disagree. Laurence had hordes of people who fancied him and would marry him willingly. Even if it was a contractual marriage or a marriage in name only, she was sure that many would be happy to do so.No matter how she saw it, she was indispensable.She could only pin it on his ego—that even if there was a divorce, he must be the one to bring it up, or he would be offended. She’d half a mind to beg Laurence to let her go. But she was parched, and a bitter taste rose at the back of her throat.He might think that she didn’t know what was good for her, that since he’d offered her such handsome conditions, she should comply with all his requests and take everything that he threw at her in silence. But she really couldn’t take it anymore.So even though Laurence didn’t want to hear it, Zoey still said softly, "Mr. Scott, let’s have a divorce."That hadn’t been as arduous as Zoey thought it would be
It was a Saturday, so the telecommunications companies were closed.Zoey was lost in her own thoughts when Laurence came out of the bathroom in a set of fresh clothes. His hair was still slightly damp, and he’d put on a loose and comfy off-white sweater. He looked very homely and somehow exuded a rare gentleness. Zoey slowly turned to look at him, seemingly with something to say."I lost my phone," she said a while later."I’ll get someone to buy you a new one. You can use mine in the meantime."He had two phones, so he didn't hesitate to hand her his personal phone.Zoey stared at his outstretched hand for a long time before she finally accepted the phone and thanked him."Mr. Scott, I’ve given things thorough consideration," she said slowly, enunciating each word clearly. "Let’s get a divorce." She’d never been more serious.Putting an end to things would be the perfect way to end this imperfect marriage.She didn’t want to wait until it left a bad taste in both their mouths to end
Zoey’s words were calm and easy.But they were like nails that pierced Laurence's flesh, unrelenting and firmly embedded in his heart, bringing him great pain.His eyes were dark. "It wasn't my intention to torment you."He gripped the back of a chair so tightly that his knuckles went white. His striking face reflected on the window pane, but his eyes were icy cold.Zoey lifted her head. She looked fragile. "I know, Mr. Scott. I know." She nodded lightly.She understood that Laurence bore no malice toward her. He didn't mean to make her suffer or make her angry.Every decision he made, he made based on his own personality and judgment.Strict, logical, and apathetic. That was just how he was.She understood him. But still, she could not stop herself from feeling anguished whenever he chose to sacrifice her."Zoey, I do not want you to make decisions when you’re being emotional," he said coldly.Zoey looked extremely feeble, her pale pink lips almost losing their color as she spoke soft
Laurence’s other hand latched onto Zoey’s wrist. Her hair was pinned under his arm as he pried her mouth open with his fingers.The seductive action brought along with it a trace of coldness.He enjoyed seeing her helpless, vulnerable, and at his mercy. It satisfied a twisted desire for control deep within him.Her breath quickened, and Laurence could hold back no more. He lifted her face and bit her lip.He came on aggressively and pushed her lips open with his own, probing with his tongue as he went. Their breaths intertwined, and their saliva mixed. In the end, even their tongues hurt.Zoey tried to back off, but even the slightest intention to shy away from him would be punished with a stronger retaliation.After some time, she started to feel dizzy from the lack of air. He finally took pity on her and released her.Her lips were red and swollen, with a small cut at the corner where he bit her. He had truly not held back one bit and let loose all of his pent-up emotions.Zoey slowl
Zoey was glad that she was having problems with her hearing now, so what Laurence said hadn’t sounded so horrifying.She didn’t wish to have a row with him.He stared at her with a cold expression as he cut her off. His eyes were pitch black and as deep as an abyss.As Mrs. Scott had yet to make her way downstairs, she was alarmed by the deafening noise.There had been a resounding bang when the door was slammed shut. She turned around and doubled back to the master bedroom. She knocked twice, but nobody came to the door.Although Laurence always had his own sense of propriety, Mrs. Scott was still worried that something might go wrong. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out for the doorknob, ready to open the door.Right then, Laurence opened the door from the inside. Mrs. Scott took a few steps back. Eavesdropping, after all, wasn’t the nicest thing to be caught doing. She chuckled awkwardly. "Did you have an argument with Zoey?" "No," Laurence denied.Mrs. Scott didn’t beli
Zoey put on some extra clothes before she went out unhurriedly. She didn't like the cold.She didn't question it when she noticed the bodyguards standing guard around the mansion. After all, it was only natural for Laurence to be more cautious after such a dangerous incident had occurred."Miss Jenner, where are you headed?" Larry detained her respectfully.Zoey dismissed the uneasy feeling that rose within her when she saw the guards staring her down as if she were a prisoner. She pursed her lips before saying, "I’m meeting Mr. Scott. Is there a problem with that?"Displeased, she clenched her hands into fists in an attempt to rein in her temper. "Do I need his permission to go out now?"Larry didn’t know how to answer that. He wasn’t a convincing liar, but he was worried that the truth would upset her, which would be detrimental to her health.She was weak enough as it was, and he didn’t think that she could put up with more agitation. So instead of telling her, he told one of the gu
Laurence pursed his lips and kept silent when he saw the tears in Zoey’s eyes and how pale she looked.She stood before him and teetered for a brief moment. Laurence reflexively reached out to steady her, but she refused his help, pushing his outstretched arm away expressionlessly. "Do you think that I’m ridiculous and in over my head?"Laurence withdrew his hand, his expression dark. "No," he said in all earnestness.Zoey was really irked this time around. She was usually stoic and calm, and no matter how sad or angry she got, she used to be able to compose herself and endure everything.Her edges had long been polished off.But everyone had their soft spots.Finally, she couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. They fell like raindrops, blurring her sight. "Why are you always so cruel to me? Why is it that you always hurt me so heartlessly every time?"Her words came out choked, her voice nothing but a rasp.Laurence reached out and gripped her wrist forcefully, fearful that she would d
Ryan had a reason for barging into the room. He thought he had seen something he shouldn't have.He had witnessed Zoey's relationship with his brother over the past few years. He hadn't thought so many things would happen between them when they got married.In the end, Laurence fell for her.The high and mighty guy had willingly become the loser for that woman.Zoey could tell from Ryan's reaction that he had misunderstood. Without bothering to explain, she walked straight out of the office.Laurence ignored Ryan, too. He treated Ryan as if he didn't exist and strode out the door after Zoey. Ryan was left alone in the office, dumbfounded.Laurence's assistant greeted him politely. "Are you here for ..."Ryan was still in a daze. He snapped to his senses and said, "I'm here to see my brother!""Mr. Scott just left.""I saw that.""Then, is there anything else I can do for you?"Ryan turned around to leave but returned halfway. He put his arm around the assistant's shoulder as
Zoey could feel the gazes on her as she stepped into the office. There were hardly any familiar faces left in the office.She secretly sighed in relief. She would have felt awkward and at a loss if she had to face the inquisitive gazes of acquaintances.Laurence held Zoey's hand, and she had no choice but to let him do as he pleased. She couldn't resist him.They entered Laurence's office. His office looked cold and plain, just like he was.Zoey noticed he was still grabbing her wrist. She took a deep breath and asked, "Where should I sit?"Perhaps surprised by her sudden cooperative attitude, Laurence raised an eyebrow. After a pause, he kindly reminded her, "The door is locked."Without a key, the door couldn't be opened from the inside.Zoey tried to pull her wrist away. "Got it."Laurence watched her sit on the sofa, and he relaxed slightly. He asked politely, "Would you like something to drink?"Zoey was momentarily lost in thought. She replied, "Warm water will do"Laur
Zoey was composed. She didn't seem worried about Laurence investigating her past in Novarvia. But deep down, she wasn't confident.Laurence had long lost any moral boundaries. Despite knowing she was married, he showed no concern about interfering in her marriage. He would likely become even more audacious and unrestrained if he discovered that her marriage was fake.Just the thought of it gave Zoey a headache. She never thought getting rid of someone would be so difficult, even if they held a certain position of power. Shaking him off became increasingly challenging.Lost in her contemplation, Zoey failed to notice the driver had changed direction. When she finally realized, the car was parked at the entrance of the Scott Group.Zoey pondered briefly. She thought the driver was sending Laurence off. She waited patiently and remained seated in the car.The man beside her calmly looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you getting out?"Zoey furrowed her brows. "Why should I?"
Sarah always seemed like she was thriving. Looking radiant, she hooked arms with the man beside her. She no longer looked as worn as she had a few months ago.Laurence was acquainted with the man beside her. His gaze was indifferent, showing neither surprise nor much emotion. Firmly grabbing Zoey's hands, Laurence wouldn't let her leave his side.Laurence had no intention of greeting Sarah or engaging with William. He held Zoey's hand, seemingly aware she didn't want to deal with them either. He turned his face to her and said, "Let's go."Zoey didn't refuse. They left quietly.This time, Sarah didn't stop Zoey. She usually tried provoking her.Once they were far away, Zoey immediately shook off Laurence's hand. He saw her furrowed brows and the undisguised disgust in her eyes. She must have hated Sarah a lot. She didn't even want to see her.Laurence explained, "I didn't know she would be here today."Zoey ignored him and walked ahead. The man behind her suddenly circled he
Zoey had no idea whether she was acting out of spite or being stubborn, but she arrived at the restaurant as promised. The restaurant had a private courtyard that offered great privacy. She didn't want to cause the person she was meeting any trouble. Neil's wife was once Zoey's client. Both parties were pleased with the business transaction. Zoey didn't like socializing, but she was out of alternatives. She forced herself to befriend Neil's wife. She had something to ask of Neil because her passport application had been dragging on without any progress. Zoey didn't want to lose control of her emotions again. She could still keep her cool if she stayed away from Laurence. To her surprise, Laurence had found out what she had been secretly up to. It was like he had installed a bug on her. She was horrified. "I've heard a lot of good things about you, Ms. Jenner." "You're too kind, Mr. Jackson." Neil was nicer than she expected. He didn't act superior or avoid the topic. Inst
Zoey ended the phone call. Without having to ask, Zoey knew what was going on when she saw Laurence. Needless to say, Laurence had taken the liberty to take the morning off for her. She couldn't be bothered to be angry. Instead, she felt numb as it had happened too many times before. Zoey looked down at her changed pajamas and turned to the man by the bed. She asked, "Where are my clothes?" Laurence met her gaze. He didn't feel embarrassed at all. "They were in the wash. They are in the dryer now." Zoey lifted the bed covers and stepped onto the carpet. She made a beeline for the walk-in closet, which was filled with many clothes she hadn't taken with her when she'd left years ago. She picked an outfit and put it on. Laurence was still in the bedroom when she walked out of the walk-in closet. He put on his tie and looked over at her. She glanced at him and said, "You should've woken me up last night." Laurence approached her. He was tall and looked sharp in his suit, with
Zoey was fast asleep. She thought she was dreaming when someone lifted her up. Her body clock over the last few days had been regular. She was going to bed early. Now, she couldn't keep her eyes open. Maybe she went back to sleep because she didn't sense any danger.Laurence hooked his arm behind Zoey's knees in a cradle and pulled her arm over his neck to secure her from falling. She mumbled in her sleep. He guessed that she was dreaming.Laurence couldn't hear what she was saying. He leaned in with his ear near her lips, but her mumbling stopped.The chauffeur, dedicated to his job, was on standby outside. Seeing his employer in the distance, he opened the door respectfully.Laurence carried Zoey into the car. The chauffeur closed the car door and glanced again at the woman in his employer's arms from the rear-view mirror. She looked familiar, but he didn't want to make any assumptions. "Where to, sir?" The chauffeur couldn't read his employer's mind, so he was careful not to
The bar wasn't too far from the restaurant. It was less than a ten-minute drive away. Laurence refused to let go of Zoey's wrist. He was bold to show off their closeness even though it was inappropriate. The others could hardly take their eyes off the couple. It was drama in the flesh. If they remembered correctly, Zoey had denied their relationship online two days before. She had even announced her marriage to someone else to set the record straight. What was going on? They had a hunch about the situation, judging by the resistance on Zoey's face. Maybe her ex-husband wouldn't leave her alone. The man seemed relentless in his pursuit. Nevertheless, it was not their business to get involved. At the end of the day, it was between Zoey and Laurence. Everybody quieted down and sobered up. The group caught a cab to the destination. Laurence shamelessly invited himself to join the group, and no one objected, not even politely. They weren't fools. They wouldn't offend the man for
Zoey felt a tingling sensation along her ear. It felt as if she had been electrocuted. Laurence's tone was half-joking, but there was seriousness behind it. He was ready to tell on her to her husband the moment she nodded. Zoey had lost her patience with him a long time ago. She couldn't help but snap back every time. She looked up. Her face was small. She was about to tell him to get lost when the man took the chance to deepen the kiss. He squeezed her chin, forcing her to part her lips to let him in. Zoey was pinned against the wall. His scorching breath took hers away. She was trapped like prey in a snare. The more she struggled, the tighter his grip became.Laurence didn't stop with a brief kiss. He didn't give Zoey room to breathe, and she could feel her limbs going weak. Her tongue was going numb. The woman opened her mouth, gasping for air. She hung onto his collar to stop herself from going limp. The man was always greedy. He could never get enough of her. Zoey had