Zoey Jenner stared at the pregnancy test she was holding.In the small cubicle of the bathroom, she began contemplating her sex life to figure out which man had caused this.It could have happened last month.She had been on a business trip with Laurence Scott. She had just finished a long and hot spa session and was feeling a little drowsy when Laurence took her to bed. The next morning, both of them acted as if nothing had happened. When she opened her eyes, he was already dressed in a smart suit and was putting on his tie.Before he left, he had told her, “Don’t forget to take a contraceptive pill.”And it wasn’t that Zoey was forgetful. She had just been busy. Working with Laurence wasn’t easy; he was strict to the point of being brutal and never showed her any pity. Hence, by the time Zoey finally remembered that she needed to get contraceptive pills, it was already a few days too late. At the time, she thought that she wouldn’t be so unlucky, but she was wrong.Zoey pulled hersel
Zoey had no idea either. Anne continued, “It wouldn’t be easy being the president’s wife. Imagine having to deal with so many other women throwing themselves at your man.”Zoey agreed with that. It was certainly annoying being Laurence’s wife. Zoey and Laurence had been married for more than half a year.Their story was a classic: they had sex and had the misfortune of getting caught by Laurence’s mother. At the time, she had come out of Laurence’s bedroom wearing his shirt, and his mother thought that she was his girlfriend. Laurence’s mother had been worried about her son’s marriage, so she invited Zoey to have dinner with his family.At the same time, Laurence had had enough of his mother’s constant urging for him to get married and the endless blind dates she had set up for him. So he proposed a business marriage between them. She needed the money, and he needed the marriage.So they got married.Laurence would pay her a sum of money as compensation and also pay for her mother’s
His voice was impassive as well. “Don’t worry, we’ll never have a child.”Zoey nodded and answered softly, “I understand.”She did understand. To Laurence, everything was negotiable except a relationship. In high school, Laurence had been the most popular kid, whereas she had been invisible. She was like an extra in a movie, just watching from the sidelines as the main character got together with the love of his life. She couldn’t remember how long she had been in love with Laurence. When Laurence suggested that they get married, she thought that she was dreaming.Throughout high school, she had only spoken three words to him: “Hi, I’m Zoey.”Laurence didn’t even remember that they were classmates in high school. He didn’t know that she had once been so nervous about introducing herself to him back then. Zoey sat on the bed in the dark.She caressed her stomach. It was hard to imagine a child in there, much less her and Laurence’s child. But she couldn’t be sure yet. Pregnancy tests w
Zoey’s expression soured. “I’ll go when I have time.”The assistant laughed awkwardly. “It’s tomorrow. Don’t forget to go.”Zoey’s breathing was heavy. “Okay.” She hadn’t expected Laurence to be so quick. “I’ll be on time.”The office was filled with the smell of coffee. Zoey was nauseous all afternoon. She only felt slightly better after opening the window for some fresh air. Before the day ended, she went to the bathroom to vomit again. She hadn’t expected her morning sickness to be so serious.Just after she cleaned herself up, her phone rang. Zoey answered the call.Laurence’s voice sounded cold through the phone. “Where are you?”“Bathroom,” Zoey replied.“I’m waiting for you in the car park. We’re going home for dinner tonight.”“Yes, Mr. Scott.”Thankfully, they rarely went back to have dinner with the Scott family. Laurence’s mother was hoping for a grandchild. In the car, Zoey felt nervous sitting next to Laurence. He had a strong aura that often made people nervous.He looked
Zoey’s hand was shaking uncontrollably. Her tears fell onto the paper and smudged the ink. She lifted her hand and wiped away her tears. Lips pressed tightly together, she tore up the note and threw it into the trash can. Zoey knew Laurence well. She knew he didn’t like to be disobeyed.Anyone who crossed him would see retribution tenfold. Zoey picked up the check, gripping it so hard that it crumpled in her hand. When she finally calmed down, she shoved it into her bag. She had no reason to refuse this. She needed the money more than anyone else did.Zoey went downstairs and ate her breakfast. Right on time, Matthew, Laurence’s assistant, called her to remind her about the checkup at the hospital. Zoey hung up the phone and took a taxi to the hospital. At the hospital, she paid someone to do the checkup in her place.Once the woman she hired came up, she took a taxi to another hospital and did a check. It would take a few days for them to generate a report, but the doctor told her tha
Anne leaned close to Zoey’s ear and whispered, “I heard that Mr. Scott’s crush came back from abroad, but she’s sick.”Zoey was taken aback. She hadn’t heard anything about Sarah coming back. However, it was true that Sarah was sickly. Zoey did not like Sarah. She didn’t like Sarah’s mother either. The both of them had stayed in her mother’s house previously. It was Sarah’s mother who had caused Zoey’s mother to commit suicide. Death would’ve been an easy way out, but there were worse fates than death. Zoey had given it some thought before. If she had been cheated out of her entire life savings by the man she thought she loved and had to endure her husband’s mistress’ bullying in her own house, she would probably kill herself too.Therefore, she was cold when she answered, “I see.”That night, Zoey had to accompany Laurence to a charity banquet. In the car, she could tell that Laurence was in a bad mood. He was cold and distant. Zoey only remembered her condition when they were about
Tristan did not get an answer after a long wait.“So do you mind?” he eventually asked. Laurence was expressionless.“Well, I don’t,” Laurence continued with a dry smile just as Tristan was about to express his excitement. “But you should ask her.”Tristan clicked his tongue.“I can’t tell if you care about her or not.”Miss Jenner was very pretty and elegant. She had a great figure. Anyone could see that she was hot. Unfortunately, Laurence was a cold and unfeeling man. Tristan had known Laurence for a long time and therefore knew him well enough. He had never seen Laurence being nice to any woman who wasn’t Sarah.Back then, Laurence was very nice to Sarah. He loved his first crush with everything he had. Laurence looked at him impassively and said, “Business is business. She wouldn’t mind.”Tristan was actually joking earlier, but he hadn’t expected Laurence to be so “generous.” Well, maybe it wasn’t that unexpected. Laurence had always been rational.Tristan couldn’t help but say
Zoey paled. Laurence had never really cared about her. To him, she was just a vessel for his lust. At that moment, Laurence was cleaning her fingers that were stained with wine. He was quiet and focused on cleaning every finger. This was one of the rare times Laurence showed her some tenderness. She couldn’t help but fall for him a little more every time he showed it. All she wanted was the tiny bit of love that he would sometimes show her. She wasn’t greedy for money, but she hungered for love.Suddenly, the memories of a summer long gone returned. It was the last class they had before the summer. The weather had been perfect. When she passed by his classroom, the sun was shining on his face. The boy she loved was using a ribbon to tie one of his hands to Sarah’s while she was sleeping.Laurence had propped his head up on one hand and watched her lovingly as she slept. When the rest of their classmates began to get rowdy, he signaled for them to shut up so that they wouldn’t disturb
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