Zoey’s dream of buying lots of ice cream instantly went up in flames. “I’ll go by myself.”Laurence raised his eyebrows.“You should wait in the car.” He was still fair and asked, “What flavor would you like?”After some thought Zoey said, “I’d like either strawberry or cantaloupe. Cherry is also good. You should get me one of each.”Laurence suddenly pinched her chin and leaned down to kiss the corners of her mouth, as if he wanted to taste the sweet creamy strawberry flavor on her lips. “Don’t be too greedy.”Zoey pushed him away, her cheeks flushed, and she tried to calm her breathing. “Mr. Scott, you’re so stingy.”Laurence traced his fingers on her lips and chuckled. “I’m just not generous.”Zoey grabbed his wrist and insisted, “I’ll go with you.”Laurence was teasing her anyway and deliberately asked, “What? You’ll miss me?”Zoey ruined the atmosphere by deadpanning, “I’ll miss my ice cream.”She urged him to get out of the car. It was very cold outside, and Zoey
Zoey clutched the unicorn in her arms tightly, as though she was worried that he would snatch it away the next second. “If you want a unicorn too, Mr. Scott, get one yourself,” she said.Laurence chuckled at her rare display of “possessiveness”. “Don’t forget that I’m the one who paid for it. You wouldn’t have that unicorn if it wasn’t for me,” he reminded her good-naturedly.“And did I ask you to pay?” Zoey shot back.Laurence let out another chuckle. “Who did you learn to burn bridges from?”Zoey shifted over to the side, as though she was avoiding him so that he wouldn’t snatch her stuffed unicorn away. “I’ll send the money back right away.”It was just two hundred dollars. It wasn’t like she couldn’t afford it.Laurence pinched her full cheeks, smiling. “I was just teasing you, and you thought I was being serious.”Zoey remembered that Laurence didn't enjoy teasing her back then. That was fine with her. She used to have very little to tell him. Other than work, they practica
Zoey could never bring herself to turn someone down when they were so earnest. If she didn’t accept their good-natured favors, she would feel an inexplicable sense of guilt. Sometimes, it just wasn’t a good thing to be so soft-hearted. Still, Zoey accepted the food. “I’ll eat a bit more,” she said.Doris was all smiles. “Good.” She was a rather chatty person, for she continued, “You’ll look better with a bit more meat on your bones. A rounder face will bring out your features more. Your figure will round out as well.”Zoey had been sick in some form or the other ever since she married Laurence. She was beautiful, yet it seemed that luck wasn’t on her side in every other aspect of her life. Doris felt sorry for her. Zoey was fortunate to marry Laurence, for the Scotts treated her rather well compared to how the other old-money families treated their daughters-in-law. Not only that, but Laurence was also a gentlemanly man with good looks.Doris then came back with a plate of pudding
Shawn hadn’t been joking with her. He was completely serious.Zoey wondered if her ears were failing her. Why else would she hear such an absurd thing coming out of Shawn’s mouth? Was he having one of his crazy episodes again?Zoey could only think of one reason, and she said, “You’re making me see you in a new light. To think that you’re willing to go so far just for Sarah.”For Shawn to volunteer working with Zoey just so Sarah could have her happy ending…Shawn stood still for a moment. He wasn’t doing it for Sarah. If he actually wanted to do that, he would have done it a few years ago when he found out that Zoey had feelings for Laurence.“I simply wanted to make a business deal with you.”“Sorry about that, but even if I’m backed into a corner with no options, I’d rather marry and spend my time with a man who’s going to kick the bucket soon. I will never go to you.” Zoey dropped all pretenses with Shawn. “I wish I never met you.”She wished she never met Shawn because he w
Zoey wasn’t surprised. Amanda seemed to be head over heels for Laurence. Even when Laurence had harshly rebuked her during the banquet that night, Amanda hadn’t gotten angry.“That’s pretty nice actually. We now have less work to do,” Anne mused naively. “At first, I thought that she was just someone with a big, dumb crush, but she’s already good friends with all the big names here in our department.”Zoey was startled. “You’re not pulling my leg, are you?”Anne shook her head. “Nope, I’m being serious. She’s good at pulling the right strings and then fanning the embers that started before sitting back to admire her handiwork.”Zoey went quiet. “We better stay away from her,” she said.Zoey and Anne were still safe from the chaos. They had better keep away while they still could, for Amanda was someone they could not afford to be enemies with. If Zoey ever got on Amanda’s bad side, she would have to be the one apologizing. Laurence would not shield her.“I feel that Miss Hartner
Zoey and the rest of her coworkers listened on. Zoey even poured herself a cup of tea before returning to her seat to listen.The only extra detail about this that Zoey knew but the others didn’t was that Sarah didn’t have any scars on her back from the whipping. Those bloody wounds had long since healed, and you couldn’t detect that they had been there. Her back was back to being as smooth as before. However, the tiny scar on her shoulder still hadn’t disappeared. That little fingernail-sized scar was probably the only relic of that story left.Amanda was still furious, angry tears about to stream down her face. She definitely looked down on Sarah—did this nouveau rich girl think that she was worth anything?And yet, it seemed that Sarah was far smarter than Amanda was. She was cunning, calculative, good at stirring the pot, and a master actress. The average person would never be able to win against her.Amanda held back her tears. “If you loved her so much, why didn’t you divorce
Zoey had no words. Anne’s imagination was just too powerful.“Maybe Mr. Scott’s mega possessive of his wife, so he doesn’t want anyone else to set her eyes on her. Maybe that’s why he chose to hide his marriage,” Anne rambled on.Zoey wanted to laugh. “No way, right?”“Miss Jenner, you don’t read rich CEO romance novels, do you?” Anne asked solemnly.Zoey shook her head. “I never read them.”Anne sighed. “I really wish I could see who his wife is.” If this mysterious wife was able to win when there were many other rich young women around, then she must be ridiculously beautiful.Zoey fell into deep thought. “Didn’t you hear Miss Hartner though? They’re about to divorce. She probably won’t be his wife for much longer.”Anne had been so engrossed in thinking romantic thoughts that she had forgotten about that detail. “I got it,” she said solemnly after the gears in her head whirred.Zoey wondered what thought had gotten stuck in Anne’s mind now. Anne turned to look at her and d
Laurence’s words weren’t considered harsh. That was just how he was. His words were even more unkind once he was actually displeased. Although Zoey was already used to this treatment, she still felt uncomfortable hearing that, but she ignored it, not wanting to argue with him.Laurence’s cold smile disappeared, and he returned to his usual impassive expression. He pressed his lips together and stared at her. “There’s always a reason for everything,” he said softly.Zoey had already thought of her resignation speech before she knocked on the door. Her wish to move out wasn’t an impulsive decision. Their relationship had been worsening over the last month, and all those ugly feelings that she shouldn’t be having had the time to fester. She didn’t want to be so stuck in her love for him until she lost her own sense of self-respect. She didn’t want to end up in pain and cling to him even when she left. She had to slowly uproot him from her heart. No longer could she continue to stay in
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