"Stop right there!" Scott's low voice rang out, his handsome face now marred with thinly veiled disgust and anger. "Michele, don't make me hate you even more."At those words, Michele froze in her tracks. Her eyes, red and swollen, were brimming with sorrow, humiliation, and an unwillingness to accept defeat. Yet, she ultimately gave in, deflating like a punctured balloon. Gritting her teeth, her voice filled with stubbornness and pure anger, she declared, "In this lifetime, the only wife you will have is me, Michele! No other woman should even think about it!"With that, she spun on her heel, feigning composure, though her steps were unsteady as she staggered away.As Michele's footsteps faded into the distance, a pang of disappointment tugged at me. However, I remained composed, aware that this was just the beginning of a long journey filled with more thrilling encounters ahead.The moment Michele disappeared, Scott immediately got off the bed and put a deliberate distance be
My blood ran cold.I kept my head lowered, my fingers absently rubbing the handle of my coffee cup. Then, suddenly, my grip tightened, and a cold gleam flickered in my eyes. 'Who does Michele think she is? Just some shameless woman throwing herself at a man, desperate for attention, fawning over someone who doesn't care about her. 'Without my son's heart, she wouldn't be alive today,' I mused. 'And she has the nerve to come here and humiliate me? On what grounds?'My fingertips clutched the cup's handle more tightly than ever, and the temptation to fling the hot coffee straight into Michele's smug face was overwhelming. But I knew that the time was not right, and for now, I had to endure.After what felt like an eternity, I released my grip on the cup. I slowly picked up the bank card that had been lying on the table between us. Calmly, I pushed it back across to her, put on an innocent expression, and said, "Mrs. Langley, you've got it all wrong. There's nothing between m
"Ah!" In a swift, instinctive motion, I ducked behind Scott, my expression the picture of a frightened little deer seeking refuge."What are you doing here?" Scott's earlier warmth vanished, replaced by an icy indifference as he fixed Michele with a sharp gaze. Without a moment's hesitation, he positioned himself between us, his arms wrapping protectively around me.Michele's face contorted with fury when she saw that, her knuckles whitening as she clenched her fists. "Adrianna! You wretched—" Her voice cracked, thick with rage.Scott's face darkened, and his voice was cold and cutting as he ordered, "Michele, apologize to Adrianna now."I could hardly believe it. He wasn't holding back at all. He offered Michele no dignity, no escape. Her face paled, and her voice, shrill and trembling with disbelief, rang out. "Why should I apologize to that shameless woman? She's the one who seduced you—""Shut up!" Scott's sharp retort sliced through her accusation before she could finish.
"Are you afraid of Michele?" Scott asked, his voice low with concern. "Don't worry. I won't let her lay a finger on you.""No!" I shook my head frantically, my voice choked with emotion. "Our statuses are different, and I'm not worthy of you."My expression of despair was finely tuned to stir up a man's protective instincts.As I anticipated, Scott's expression softened with concern, and he pulled me closer to him. "Who told you that?" His voice was gentle yet firm. "Adrianna, to me, you are the most precious thing in this world.""Here," he said, his tone changing as he momentarily let go of me to retrieve something. He pulled out a small, elegant jewelry box. "I have something for you.""What is this?" I asked.When I opened the box, I had to catch my breath. Inside lay the newly released Ocean's Embrace diamond bracelet, a collaboration piece by Kairos Jewels. It featured 108 diamonds arranged to mimic stars circling the moon, each stone sparkling with an intense brilliance.
His hands slid up, tugging my clothes higher as his hot lips traveled down my body, trailing over my skin until they finally paused at my breasts. Without hesitation, he took one of my breasts in his mouth and sucked my nipple fervently."Ah…" A soft moan escaped my lips.My body reacted instinctively, like an animal in heat.The excitement built so intensely that Scott's eyes shone with a wild fervor as he roughly pushed me down, his hands eagerly fumbling to pull off my skirt.Just as our passions were about to crest, the sharp ring of a phone sliced through the heated atmosphere.He froze, his actions halted just as he was about to succumb fully to his desires. The interruption visibly frustrated him, and his handsome features twisted with impatience.At first, he tried to ignore it, but the phone continued to ring persistently."Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, his expression darkening with irritation as he reached for the phone beside him.Reluctantly, I slid off hi
"Be good, darling. I've got something important to handle right now, but once I'm done, I'll spend some real time with you," Scott's voice was smooth, soothing like he was coaxing a child."Oh, by the way, what would you like?" he asked after a pause, thinking perhaps material gifts would placate me. "Jewelry? Accessories? I'll buy you whatever you want.""I don't want anything," I replied softly, infusing my tone with a natural allure. "But can you take me to tomorrow's charity auction? I'd like to experience it.""Of course! No problem at all," Scott answered without hesitation.After exchanging a few more sweet nothings, he finally hung up. I tossed the phone onto the bed carelessly, a cold smirk playing at the corner of my lips.I was aware that I didn't yet hold significant sway over Scott, but that didn't concern me. My confidence in my ability to not only entangle him further but to bring him down with me was unshaken.…The next day, Scott and Michele arrived at the char
"Hey, have you all heard? Kairos Jewels just released a limited-edition diamond bracelet called Ocean's Embrace, with 108 diamonds encircling it like stars surrounding the moon. There's only one in the entire country!" one socialite exclaimed excitedly."I saw it in a magazine. It's absolutely stunning!" another woman chimed in enthusiastically."But it's so expensive! I wonder who could possibly afford it," someone added thoughtfully."Bet you didn't know—I've got some insider news. Our very own Mr. Langley bought it," another woman revealed.As soon as those words were spoken, all eyes turned immediately toward Michele.A flicker of surprise flashed across her gaze, but she quickly masked it with a sweet, almost bashful smile. She beamed, reveling in the moment before responding, "Oh, my husband… He just loves pulling surprises on me."The crowd of elegant socialites and wealthy wives buzzed with even greater envy."I knew it! Mrs. Langley, only you could be worthy of owning
"Ha!" A soft, mocking laugh escaped my lips. Instead of fear, a thrill surged through me as I stepped away from the crowd, seeking a secluded spot to make a crucial call. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I pulled out my phone and dialed Scott's number.The moment he answered, I burst into pitiful sobs. "Mr. Langley, we need to end this."His response was immediate as he coaxed me in a soft and soothing voice. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Don't cry. Tell me what happened."My voice shook as I spoke, each word tinged with hurt and worry. "Your wife just saw me wearing the Ocean's Embrace. The look in her eyes—it was as if she wanted to tear me apart. She won't let this go."Scott's brows creased, his concern evident. "Adrianna, I'll—"He never finished his sentence. I knew he meant to say, "I'll protect you," but I interrupted him sharply. "Mr. Langley, I need to leave now. I'll resign and then stay far away from you, disappearing from your life forever."He objected instan
Just before I slipped into unconsciousness, I thought I saw Scott rushing towards me, his arms enveloping me in a frantic embrace. He called my name over and over, his voice filled with fear.It was almost comical—a man as ruthless and cold as Scott, driven by fear.…I fell sick. The world passed me by in a hazy blur. Despite my condition, Scott kept me confined, fearful I might try to escape.One morning three days later, I was half-asleep when someone harshly pulled me out of my daze.It was Zeana. "You witch! Do you think you deserve my son?" she hissed, glaring at me with venom before looking me over with disdain. "I've already eliminated his real love, so you're just a stand-in. Know your place."'The real love? Is she referring to Scott's first love?' I wondered."You caused that woman's car accident?" I gasped in realization."That's right!"Due to her lack of regard for me, Zeana did not bother to hide anything and just smirked. "Scared now? Adrianna, if you value
I did not have many belongings. After briefly packing everything away, I ended up with one luggage bag. Terry held my hand with his free one as we walked side by side, each pulling a bag. We exchanged smiles, filled with the excitement of crossing the great ocean to start anew.How thrilling it was!At that thought, my smile deepened. However, before my smile could truly blossom, our happy moment was abruptly interrupted by a shocking explosion. I flinched, terror seizing me.Terry's face was dark as he hurriedly pulled me into his arms to keep me safe in his protective embrace. The mansion's doors had been blasted open. Through the settling dust and smoke, Scott—dressed in his finely tailored suit—and a group of mercenaries strode in.His eyes fixed on our intertwined hands, narrowing with a dangerous intensity as a lethal intent emanated from him."Adrianna, come here!" he barked out through gritted teeth. "No way!" I shot back immediately. "Scott, I have nothing to
"Mr. Finnen, please spare me!" the bald man pleaded. With a cold look on his face, Terry stood up and looked at the other man like he was already dead. "You deserve death for hurting her."Then, he said to his subordinate, "I don't want to see him again.""Yes, Mr. Finnen! Scott has gone too far. Should we inform Ms. Nanami?"Terry faltered for a moment before shaking his head. "No, there's no need. Such filth is not fit to be heard by her. She will have me for the rest of her life. I will protect her, never letting her come to harm ever again."I stumbled as I ran out. Still, I could not hold back the pain. With my arms around myself, I sank to my knees and howled with sorrow. Scott, the man who kept going on and on about how he would marry me. I really was blind. I could not even differentiate a man from a monster.As for Terry…"Fool! You're an absolute idiot…" I murmured through my tears. But then, slowly, a smile broke through my sorrow as warmth filled my heart. S
Caught off guard, I ended up with Michele's hands wrapped around my neck as she squeezed hard. "L-Let go."Michele's strength was overwhelming. I tried to pry her hands away, scraping and scratching until blood welled up on her skin, but I could not get her off me. Breathing became a struggle, my face turning an ashen white. Dizziness washed over me in intense waves, a loud roar filling my head. I pushed past the agonizing pain and desperately called for help. "H-Help! S-Save me!"But Michele was unfazed, her voice hysterical as she screeched, "Scream all you want, Adrianna! No one will come to your aid. "I've sent all the servants away, so stop wasting your energy. Just accept your fate and die!"Despair seized me as I realized Michele spoke the truth.Yet, I couldn't resign myself to this fate. I couldn't die just like this. With a clenched jaw, I gathered all my strength and stomped hard on the back of Michele's knees. "Argh!"Her grip slackened in pain. Seizing
I bit my lips hard. I was using the pain to numb the pain in my heart. Indeed, what a joke. I shut my eyes. When I next opened them, they were covered in ice. "Scott, I agree to do what you suggested," I calmly stated....I called Terry, telling him I had escaped. When he heard I wanted to stay by his side due to how scared I was, he immediately sent a car for me. I was brought back to the Finnen Residence. Melissa had gone on a vacation abroad. The only other person at home was Michele. However, she was resting in her room due to the shock and trauma she suffered. I did not see her at all. "Adrianna! I was just about to send someone to rescue you. Thank goodness you're alright!" Terry embraced me. This tall man was actually looking at me with red eyes. I went stiff. With a frown, I resisted the urge to push Terry away. On the inside, I was laughing. What a great actor Terry was. Not even in his dreams could he have imagined that the bald man had put the call
Michele stopped talking. Her face was swollen, as blood began to drip from the corner of her mouth. She was utterly stunned. At the same time, she backed down and became more subdued. My reaction was the opposite of hers. I was unusually silent and seemingly calm. The bald man could not resist glancing at me. Then, he pulled out his phone and put it on speaker as he called Terry. "Terry, I have Adrianna and Michele.""Let them go! How much do you want? I'll pay." Terry's voice rang over the phone. "Do you think I need money?" The bald man scoffed. Moments later, he spat out through gritted teeth, "You killed my family, so I'll give you a taste of the same agony."Let's play a game. You can only choose one woman out of these two. The one you choose will be released while the abandoned one..." The bald man excitedly glanced at the metal cage. "She'll be fed to the dogs!""Terry! Terry, pick me! Pick me! I'm your sister!" Michele immediately started shouting in panic. Ter
Silence fell. It was a very long silence. I could faintly hear heavy breathing coming from outside through the crack of my door. While I could not see Terry's face, I could sense the pain and conflicted emotions he was being barraged by. Michele was his sister! How could he go after her? "I'm sorry, Adrianna. I... I can't do that." Terry's voice was hoarse and dripping with agony. "Still, I won't give up on you."In the end, it's my family who wronged you. I'll use my whole life to make it up to you, to give you a good life."As he did not want to push me too far, he left for now. I felt a heavy burden on my shoulders. At the same time, I came to a decision. I pulled out my phone and called Scott. "Hey, babe, have you thought it over?""Yes." I nodded. "I've made up my mind.""Really? Babe, once this is over, I'll marry you..."I instantly interrupted his happy rambling and emphasized, "I won't do it. I won't get together with Terry."Silence fell on the other e
The man who pinned me down six years ago was Terry.My son was his.Michele was also his sister.Michele caused my son's death and even stole his heart.Goodness! I was going to explode.Not even the most melodramatic romance novels would dare to come up with a plot like that.I could not accept it. It really was too much for me.However, something felt strange about the entire affair. There was an eerie and unsettling quality that I could not pinpoint.With fists clenched tight, I forced myself to calm down. "How did you know that I was the one?""The manager of Club Kyo told me. He has a photo of you walking out of my room."A photo of when I left?Something clicked in my mind. I hurriedly asked, "Which room were you in back then?"301."301?"Oh." I heaved a sigh of relief when I heard he had been in room 301.Back when I was working part-time at Club Kyo, I was instructed to deliver something to room 301 by my manager. Something had happened inside, as it was extreme
Scott stared deep into my eyes. "I'll divorce Michele. Adrianna, marry me. Be my wife."I felt an urge to cry, and my eyes turned red.Strictly speaking, Scott was my first man. When I used him, he gave me warmth and someone to rely on.My heart was not made of stone. How could I not be moved? I had indeed fallen in love with him.I wrapped my arms around him. Tears shimmered in the corners of my eyes as my mouth twitched.I wanted to tell him yes. However, Scott suddenly said, "There is still one more obstacle between us, though, Adrianna. It's Terry."For the sake of his sister, he'll never let us be together. Moreover, don't you also want revenge? Once we topple the Finnen Family, we can finally be together."He shoved a USB flash drive in my hand."He wants you to be with him, right? Good. Go to him and copy all of the company secrets stored within his personal computer."I froze. As I stared at the face I knew well, my mind was blank.Just a moment ago, he claimed he wou