The one thing that was taboo to Cooper was bringing up the subject of his lack of status in the Lyon household. He hated being looked down on.It had always been something he was sensitive about.His mother was not legally married into the family, she was just a mistress whom his father kept.Later, when his mother was killed, he was taken into the Lyons as the second son in title only.Before that, he lived in the slums with his mother. His life had been tough as nails.Ever since he was taken into Lyons, the media and the others around him had always scrutinized his background.Nobody in the elite circles ever regarded him with respect.Kelsey was the only one who ever talked to him.She was the only spark of light in the darkness that was his life.She was the only person in the world who was willing to care for him unconditionally ever since the passing of his mother.He had always wanted to get closer to Kelsey but had always been bothered about the fact that Kelsey was
From now on, they should keep contact at a minimum and avoid meeting…Josephine frowned. “Why?”Cooper grew impatient. “Quit asking me to explain. No contact means no contact, just do as I say, and don’t even meet me in person!”With that, he turned away indifferently without sparing another glance at her.Josephine tried to chase after him again. She pleaded for him to give her a proper explanation.However, Cooper ignored all of her pleas. She felt as if she was a child throwing a senseless tantrum.It ended with Cooper mercilessly shoving her out of the way before getting into the car and driving away.He had abandoned her in the seaside manor.She was beyond vexed.She had come together with Cooper, and now he had left her to her own devices!How was she supposed to get home?Once again, she found herself detesting Kelsey.It was all Kelsey's fault!If not for her, Cooper would never treat her like this.Who did Kelsey think she was to dine privately with Tyler of all
Tyler rolled up his sleeves and picked up a shrimp, then began to peel its shells.Kelsey did not think much of it because she assumed he was peeling it for himself to eat.She picked out another dish instead.Unexpectedly, after Tyler had peeled more than a dozen shrimps in one go, he stacked them all on a plate and set it right in front of Kelsey.“Dig in!”Kelsey was taken aback. “Are these for me?”Tyler smiled tenderly. “Don't you like them?”He knew she wanted to eat shrimps but deemed them too inconvenient to peel and gave up on the idea.Kelsey had to do a double take to register what happened, and then she blushed.“Thank you!”With that, she took the plate of shrimps and indulged in them. She was touched by the caring gesture.Halfway through the meal, she went to the washroom.That was when a tall figure strode into the restaurant.“Congratulations, looks like you finally got what you wanted!"The man was wearing an expertly tailored silver-gray suit. His featu
Kelsey’s vision turned dark in an instant and she passed out.…When she opened her eyes again, she found herself lying in a presidential suite located on the top floor of a hotel.She rubbed her bleary eyes in confusion and surveyed the place in complete disbelief.The last thing she remembered was dining with Tyler in a private restaurant by the sea. How did she suddenly find herself in a place like this?Then, she recalled what happened moments before she lost consciousness.She had been assaulted while going to the washroom and passed out!Who could it be?Someone who knew that she was having lunch with Tyler in that place and was bold enough to do this to her in Tyler’s presence!Could it be Cooper? Perhaps it was Josephine?Her mind was still running through the list of suspects when the door of the presidential suite was opened.A man with gray hair who looked to be in his fifties stepped inside.He was accompanied by a host of large, muscular bodyguards. There were
“Mr. Vernon, you’re not going to make an enemy out of Mr. Lang, are you?” Kelsey confronted his gaze and asked out of nowhere.Mr. Vernon sneered sarcastically. “Did you think I’d be afraid of that brat?”Kelsey grimaced. “You might not be afraid of him, but surely there is no need to stir something up just for the sake of a woman, don’t you agree?”Mr. Vernon laughed roaringly upon hearing this.“You are right, there is certainly no need for me to make an enemy out of Mr. Lang for a woman! Still… It also depends on what kind of woman we’re talking about.”Upon reaching this note, his expression suddenly became especially sinister. His tone dropped to a slow drawl as well.“I have already done my research. Mr. Lang has publicly called off the engagement with you and you don’t have any relations with him now. Do you think he will oppose me for the sake of a woman he’s already having his fill of fun with?”Kelsey was taken aback by this piece of information.As it turned out, the
While approaching Kelsey, Mr. Vernon began to undress himself.“Must be nice to be young. Your skin is as fair as the day you were born.”He savored Kelsey’s beauty with a perverted expression. Soon, his coarse fingers began to run across Kelsey’s cheeks while he clicked his tongue with pleasure.Kelsey felt goosebumps running all over her body.She would rather die than be taken advantage of by such a perverted old man.“What you are doing is illegal! Even if my father accepted your dowry, I haven't agreed to marry you, aren’t you worried about me reporting you to the police after this?”Although her consciousness was slowly being corrupted by the effects of the drug, she did what she could to save herself.Mr. Vernon only grew more arrogant and laughed roaringly upon hearing her vacant threats.“Report me to the police? After I'm done with you, I'll have you thrown into the sea to sleep with the fishes, then I won’t have to worry about you calling the police!” he stated with
Tyler strode to the bed.He observed the way Kelsey lay on the bed with her dress torn into tatters.His brows were furrowed tightly.Then, he immediately removed his suit jacket and wrapped it snugly around her body before bending over to carry her in his arms.Kelsey could feel herself enveloped in his familiar scent clinging onto the fabric of the suit jacket.Just like that, she suddenly felt secure.She knew that with him around, nothing ill would happen to her.At the same time, the familiar scent of his body had also stoked the flame of desire that erupted deep within her.She moaned softly and plunged into Tyler's arms with her head still spinning. She was filled with the immense desire to have Tyler pin her on the bed and have his way with her.Tyler’s expression darkened when he noticed how odd her behavior was.He turned to Mr. Vernon with a sharp look in his eyes. “What did you do to her?”“I… It’s…” Mr. Vernon buckled underneath the pressure of his intent gaze a
“Would you like me to help you?” Tyler growled in her ears, his voice primal.As soon as he said that, Kelsey did not take another second longer to kiss him.Tyler was slightly taken aback by the swiftness, then he palmed the back of her head and matched her intensity.Kelsey's lips tasted as sweet as ever on his, it was a taste he could never forget.As Tyler returned Kelsey’s kiss, she became increasingly drunk with passion.At this precise moment, nothing else was on her mind other than raw pleasure.She tilted her head upward to him and reciprocated his advances.She would like to make out with him forever, but that was when Tyler unexpectedly pulled away.Her eyes had grown misty with lust at this point. She looked at him feeling confused.Her lips had become swollen from making out and she was panting for breath.More than anything else, she was puzzled. Why did he stop suddenly?Tyler lifted her chin and stared deeply into her eyes. “Who am I?”Kelsey had to do a dou
Kelsey and Rosette discussed the specifics of auditioning for Adrienne’s new film’s costume design role.As the time neared noon, Kelsey glanced at her phone. Tyler had not replied to her text message. It was nearly time for Susan’s birthday celebration at St. Gill’s. Kelsey decided to go ahead to St. Gill’s. While on the way, she gave Charlie a call to inform that Tyler would not be available for the celebration. Charlie’s voice reflected his disappointment. “What’s this? Why can’t Tyler make it?” Kelsey bit the bullet and explained, “I haven’t been able to reach him.” “I thought Tyler adored you. Why couldn’t you get in touch with him? Did you upset him?” Charlie grilled her. Kelsey refuted, “Things have been going well for us, thanks for asking. He has an emergency today.” Her bond with Tyler could not be stronger. Heck, they nearly went all the way this morning. The nerve of her father to put her down. Charlie was furious. “I knew I couldn’t count on you.” He
Kelsey frowned. “What are you up to now?” She doubted Charlie was so nice to want the family to be together for her grandmother, Susan’s birthday. It was probably an excuse to get close to Tyler. Since Charlie got together with Megan, Kelsey could count on her finger the number of times he had been to the nursing home to visit Susan. Kelsey could not remember the last time Charlie celebrated Susan’s birthday. Charlie could not even remember Susan’s birthdate. Yet, Charlie was so kind to throw her a party. Kelsey could only suspect that Charlie had ulterior motives. “How can you say that about me, Kelsey? I’m your father. Am I wrong to throw your grandmother a birthday party?” Charlie reprimanded. Kelsey was skeptical. “You’re not wrong, but…” It was uncertain whether he had Susan’s interest at heart. “But what?” Charlie asked. He started blaming himself. “I know that I listened to Megan and neglected you and Mom. I’ve gotten rid of her. Now, I just want to be a go
With a predatory glint in his eyes, Tyler pressed his lips against Kelsey’s.“I’ll take your silence as your consent.” “Hang on!” Kelsey pushed him away. She meant business since it was about his sleepwalking last night. “I have a question.” “What is it?” Tyler asked in a raspy voice, his lips still lingering across her skin. His hands eagerly pulled her gown off her. “Do you sleepwalk?” Kelsey asked. Tyler paused, his eyes bearing a weight of emotions. Kelsey knew she was right on the money. Tyler had known about his sleepwalking. “Did you know you were sleepwalking last night?” Kelsey said while fixating earnestly on him. She was more concerned about his health. Tyler seemed healthy. Yet, he wandered off in a sleeping state. Judging by Tyler’s response, it was not his first rodeo. Generally speaking, sleepwalking was associated with trauma or unresolved issues. Kelsey suspected that Tyler had been through some kind of trauma, or something in his past wa
Tyler opened his eyes abruptly. Bare and dominant, he loomed above Kelsey while his penetrating gaze looked deep into her soul.Lost in the heat of his kiss, Kelsey opened her eyes in confusion at his sudden pause. She met his profound gaze. Kelsey’s heart skipped a beat. Her breath hitched. She stared at the man towering over her in disbelief, her eyes bulging. Tyler was awake. He examined her, his eyes scouring every inch of her body. Once he was certain that it was Kelsey, Tyler was relieved. “I’m home, babe,” he uttered with a sigh of relief. Feeling assured, he closed his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder. He filled his lungs with her familiar scent. Kelsey was taken aback, but her head gradually cleared. She thought that Tyler would not stop their little bed activity. However, Tyler stayed in the same position for a while. His steady breathing came soon after. He fell asleep. Kelsey was in disbelief. Since he wanted her so badly, Kelsey ass
Worried, Kelsey followed Tyler in case he hurt himself or fell off the stairs. He was not in a conscious state after all. Kelsey would not be so abrupt as to wake him from his sleepwalking. She was aware that waking a sleepwalker could lead to shock or other health problems.Kelsey stuck close behind Tyler and made sure he got up the stairs safely. Tyler returned to their bedroom and lay on the bed. Kelsey drew close for a look. The soft moonlight streamed through the French windows, casting a hazy glow over his defined face.Tyler lay there motionlessly, his eyes closed.Kelsey watched him sleep tenderly. For a moment, she drooled over him. However, she quickly frowned at the smell of alcohol on Tyler. Kelsey went to open the window to let in some airflow, dispersing the fumes of liquor. She then picked out a fresh pair of pajamas from the closet for Tyler.Tyler would need a change of briefs too. However, Kelsey’s cheeks burned when she pulled his brief draw
Kelsey returned to the villa she shared with Tyler. She intended to tell Tyler how her day with her best friend had gone. Charles was somehow caught in the crossfire. Yvonne’s mother-in-law accused her of having an affair with Charles which did a number to his reputation. Kelsey wanted to ask Tyler about his opinion on returning Charles’ favor. Since Charles was Tyler’s childhood friend, Tyler must know him best. However, Tyler had business plans to attend to, so he would not be home for dinner.Kelsey was alone in the upstairs bedroom, occupied with all related matters involving her new business venture. Since Kelsey and Rosette were going to audition to design costumes for Adrienne’s new film, Kelsey felt it was essential to study the genre of the new film and Adrienne’s past fashion choices. Time passed. By the time Kelsey shut her laptop, it was eleven at night. Rising to her feet, she stretched and walked out of the bedroom. Kelsey was on her way downstairs
“I’m sorry, Kelsey. I’m sorry to ruin lunch,” Yvonne murmured. Kelsey put her arm around her shoulder. “Why are you apologizing to me? Charles told me what he needed me for. It’s okay to skip lunch.” She paused and looked at Yvonne, her head tilted. “But Yvonne, you seem to have changed.” “How so?” Yvonne asked with a raised brow. “You’ve become composed and cunning now.” Kelsey said with admiration, “But it’s a good thing. I don’t want you to be Adam and his family’s doormat. You didn’t marry him to be his slave.” Yvonne curled her lips. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve learned a lot too. I had to learn from my mistakes.” She used to walk on eggshells around her husband and mother-in-law. She gave them too much leeway, and they walked all over her. In the future, Yvonne would not be so dumb as to let others hurt her again. She needed to stand up for herself. … Kelsey dropped Yvonne back home. Before, Yvonne would cry to Kelsey for hours after Agatha humiliated
“Didn’t you hear what Yvonne said? She’ll go ahead with the divorce. She doesn’t want to stick around until you take everything from her.” Kelsey snapped an angry look at Agatha. “Your son is the one with an affair. Don’t put this on Yvonne. Save your breath for your son. Yvonne is the victim. Who are you to accuse her?” Kelsey could not stand Agatha. Agatha placed herself above others and used Yvonne as a punching bag. Charles tipped the restaurant manager the wink. The restaurant manager led a security team to Agatha. “This is a public place, not your playground. Please leave now.” Agatha was humiliated to be thrown out of the premises. Instead of breaking down and apologizing, Yvonne calmly agreed to the divorce. Agatha did not see it coming. She needed to talk to her son. Clearly, Agatha had to find new ways to keep Yvonne in line. “Hmph! In that case, I should ask your parents if they know about their daughter filing for divorce,” Agatha said. In Agatha’s opi
Agatha’s son, Adam, was the one who had an affair. Yet, Agatha made Adam out to be the victim instead. Yvonne became the wicked woman who cheated on Adam. Kelsey racked her brain to think of ways to prove Yvonne’s innocence. Yvonne broke her silence.“Tell me. What are you trying to achieve?” Agatha’s big fuss was met with Yvonne’s nonchalant reply. For a moment, Agatha was in a daze. In the past, Agatha often berated Yvonne until the latter had no choice but to apologize. Agatha had always kept Yvonne in line through aggressive methods. Yet now, Yvonne asked her what she wanted to do. Instead of having a meltdown, Yvonne carried herself with ease. Agatha narrowed her eyes and said bitterly, “We pride ourselves on our decency. We can’t put up with your cheating. Just finalize the divorce and get out of my family. I don’t want to carry your shame.” She glared at Yvonne in disdain. “Fine.” Yvonne readily agreed. Yvonne understood that Agatha was a pro at throwi