Melanie's gaze bore into Alanna. She didn't believe a word of that. She didn't believe that Hades and Alanna were in a transactional relationship.Even if it used to be that way, it was impossible for them to still be in one.Hades was getting increasingly invested in Alanna, so much so that Melanie thought it exceeded his concern for her.Otherwise, Hades wouldn't have publicly announced that he was single. Also, he wouldn't have let Alanna off the hook after she splashed coffee over Melanie.Yet Alanna called that a transactional relationship? Bullshit!Besides, Melanie knew well what happened between them when they were young. Even if Hades thought of their relationship as a deal, Alanna most definitely harbored feelings for him!With a clenched jaw, Melanie hissed, "Do you think I'll believe whatever you say? Alanna, heed my advice, and don't ever dream that you'll be able to climb the social ladder this way!"Alanna laughed. "Ms. Smith, you two are getting engaged soon. Is
"I don't want to go." Alanna lowered her head as she stirred her coffee. She was not in the least interested in the banquet.Why should she attend it? To see Hades and Melanie acting all lovey-dovey? Or to witness how they finally had a happy ending after the twists and turns in their relationship?Yves stopped asking. The TV in the cafe was airing entertainment news."The head of the Florentine family made an appearance at a social function with his first love once again. They wore matching outfits, and their eyes were full of affection. Could it be that we might hear good news from them soon?"Alanna looked up just in time to see the photo it was broadcasting. In it, Melanie wore a black mermaid dress while Hades stood beside her in a black suit.She was looking up at him while he was gazing down at her. As the announcer had reported, their gazes were full of affection.Alanna quickly withdrew her gaze.Yves frowned. "Ms. Jacinto, Hades isn't—"Alanna interrupted, "I don't ca
Michel felt somewhat awkward. Hades arrived soon after he asked Alanna that question. He felt like he was being caught in the act.However, Hades should have noticed that Michel was interested in Alanna ages ago. It was just that none of them brought it up.Now that Hades was getting engaged, Michel finally mustered the courage to ask Alanna out. However, judging from Hades' attitude, he might not let Alanna go even after he got engaged.Michel thought it was a pity, but all he could do was let out a resigned chuckle. He couldn't risk offending Hades."You're here, Hades? Then I'll take my leave." With that, he got up.Hades glanced at him and eventually turned to Alanna. "Mr. Luther is leaving. Don't you have anything to say, Ms. Jacinto?"Alanna pressed her lips together. After a while, she turned and said, "Goodbye, Mr. Luther."Michel nodded and looked at Hades. "See you, Hades."Hades said nothing, and Michel left sheepishly.Alanna looked up and met his gaze. "Mr. Luther
Alanna looked out the window. There was a bit of a jam since there was a festival that day. The street was full of couples holding hands.Suddenly, Hades' phone rang. As usual, it was the ringtone he set specifically for Melanie.Frowning, Hades answered it."Hades, why aren't you here yet? Everyone's waiting for you.""I won't be going," Hades replied straightforwardly before hanging up.Alanna said, "Sorry to hold you up when you're supposed to be on a date."Hades scoffed as he looked at her. "The same goes for you. I interrupted your date, too, didn't I?"Alanna merely cast him a glance and said nothing else.After getting through the congested areas, Hades sped up. Shortly after, they arrived at the apartment.Alanna was about to get out of the car when Hades promptly locked the car doors.While loosening his necktie, he said, "There's no hurry."Then, he lifted her and placed her on his lap. They hadn't done it since that day.Hades had been in a terrible mood these f
Hades' gaze was profound as he stared at Alanna. A smile remained on her smooth, pretty face.He once said he liked it when she smiled. However, her smile was now an eyesore to him.Sneering, he asked, "That eager to leave me?"Alanna merely stared at him without responding. However, her answer was obvious.Hades abruptly tightened his hold on her chin. "I told you, Alanna. Without my permission, don't you dare think about leaving. I hope you keep that in mind."After saying that, he let go of her and turned to leave. With a resigned chuckle, Alanna washed up and lay in bed.The next morning, Chelsey took a day off to keep Alanna company. She was worried that Alanna might be feeling down.Alanna thought she was doing fine, though. Still, she didn't refuse Chelsey's goodwill.They left early in the morning for the mall. While they shopped, Chelsey watched Alanna's expression closely.Alanna knew she was worried and smiled. She felt amused. "I'm fine. You don't have to keep watc
Alanna frowned. She immediately understood where Yves planned on bringing her."Yves, I don't want to go there."Yves frowned. "Ms. Jacinto, I'm not bringing you to Hades' birthday banquet. I'm bringing you out to have some fun. We're going to a club, The Royale."Alanna didn't know what Yves had in store for her. But she was not interested. She was not in the mood to party either.Yves noticed her lack of enthusiasm and began to panic."Ms. Jacinto, I'm not planning anything bad. Could you trust me just this once, please?"Alanna ended up compromising after looking at Yves. After all, Yves was the one who had treated her the best.She put on some light makeup and changed into a dress.Although she had barely dressed up, Yves was still stunned by her beauty. He could not help but question his brother.He had no clue how Hades could stomach looking at Melanie when he had someone as beautiful as Alanna by his side.She was so much prettier than Melanie."Let's go."Alanna too
Alanna immediately paused when she heard Hades. But it only lasted a second before she continued walking out.Although she knew it was humiliating to leave now, she did not want to stay.Although it would look like she had no right to stay in that room if she left as soon as she came, she did not have the patience to deal with Hades and his friends. Terrence could not stand her. She could not stand him either. So, why should she torture herself by staying?As for Hades…Alanna laughed bitterly. Why would he ask her to stay when his first love was right by his side?She straightened up and walked toward the door with no hesitation. Hades' expression immediately darkened when he noticed Alanna was adamant about leaving.Yves noticed and quickly stopped Alanna. "Ms. Jacinto, you can't leave. You just got here."Alanna chuckled. "I'm sorry, Yves. I don't like it here."Yves frowned and glanced at Hades. He wanted Hades to ask Alanna to stay. But Hades only glared at Alanna. He
"Wait for me in the car."Alanna did not say a word and got in the car.Hades took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Melanie. But Melanie refused to take it.He sighed in exasperation and reached out to wipe her tears away.Alanna could only laugh bitterly when she saw them from inside the car. She really should not have come here today.Alanna lowered her head and stopped looking out the window.After a long time, Hades finally opened the car door and got in the car. "Ms. Jacinto, you're getting more daring each day."Alanna knew he was referring to her walking toward Michel while he was right there. But she did not have anything to say for herself. At that moment, she really did not want to sit next to Hades. She lowered her head and did not argue. She only said, "I shouldn't have come."Hades immediately frowned. "What? Do you feel like you were mistreated?"Alanna was quiet for a moment before she said, "No."Hades looked at her with a frown and did not