When I got Xander home, I thought I’d finally have some peace, but Nan wouldn’t take no for an answer. He insisted it was “on the way” and practically dragged me into his car. I had no energy to argue.When we pulled up at my Apartment, I got out quickly, hoping he’d take the hint and leave. But no—he followed me, his voice warm and concerned.“With all the stuff online, would you like me to recommend a reliable lawyer or public relations firm?”I paused, surprised by his sincerity. Of course, he would know about the chaos. The ugly headlines about Noelle had been trending all day.I turned to him, meeting his earnest gaze, and forced a small smile.“Don’t you think I’m really greedy for money, like they say, just because I accepted that two million deal?”Nan raised an eyebrow and shook his head. “How could that be? You’re my idol. If anything, you’re worth way more than that. The person who got to use your music should feel honoured.”His tone was so serious that I nearly laughed. T
James threw me on the bed like I was a sack of potatoes, then stomped over to my closet, yanked out some clothes, and threw them at me."Put this on and come with me!" he barked.I sat up, completely disoriented, my hair a mess, and my anger bubbling to the surface. There was no way I’d comply with his ridiculous demands, especially not at this hour."Have you completely lost your goddamn mind?!" I snapped, brushing my hair out of my face. "I’m not going anywhere with you! If you won’t agree to a divorce, we can separate. Two years apart, and I can file for divorce on my own!"I squared my shoulders, staring him down despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest.James's expression darkened, his presence more suffocating than ever."Separate?" he sneered. "You think you can walk away just like that? If I don’t agree with the divorce, you’re going nowhere, Zelda!"Then he turned to grab the quilt from my bed.I backed away instinctively, wrapping my arms around myself."What are y
“Get out?” I echoed, my voice laced with disbelief. “What do you mean, get out? Out where? Go where?”The dark night pressed against the windows, and I could feel the cold seeping into the car even though I was wrapped in a quilt. My night dress—short, silky, and wholly inappropriate for the situation—clung to me.“It’s pitch black outside, and you want me to walk out there like this?”James leaned back in his seat, his expression as cold as the night air. “Then maybe you should apologize,” he said simply as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world.I blinked, incredulous. “Apologize?”“Yes,” he said with an almost bored indifference. “Maybe if you apologize, you can stay in this warm, dry car. Otherwise, you can step out into the rain.”Rain. That’s when I noticed the faint pitter-patter against the windshield. He glanced out the window and added nonchalantly,“I think it’s starting to get heavier.”I could feel my blood boiling, anger rising in me like a wave. I stared at h
JamesI had just returned to the Mansion. On my desk lay a thick file detailing Duan Kun’s crimes—pages filled with accounts of his abuse, both coercive and violent. The sheer scale of it turned my stomach, and I could barely stomach the thought of what could’ve happened if Zelda hadn’t escaped him that night.The room felt heavy with my anger as I read on, each detail stoking the fire of my rage. I was lost in it until the vibration of my phone broke through the tension.Her name on the screen immediately drew my focus. She’d unblocked me and sent a message, asking to meet. My grip on the anger loosened slightly as I read her words, and for the first time in hours, the icy edge in my chest dulled.Without hesitation, I threw the file into the trash and turned to Lei, who stood silently nearby.“Make sure Duan Kun pays,” I said firmly. “Leave him alive, but make him wish he weren’t.”Lei bowed slightly, his acknowledgement silent but resolute, before leaving to carry out my orders.Se
I sat alone in the café downstairs, my mind swirling. The lawyer I had hired had fled as soon as he realized that my opponent was James Ferguson. He had seen the name, and panic took over him, so now I was left waiting, alone.I glanced at the time—soon, I had to head to the fashion design studio for practice, but all I could focus on was getting this divorce agreement signed. Today. It had to happen today.But just as I tried to calm my nerves, I felt a shift in the atmosphere. It was as if someone’s gaze was pinning me in place. When I raised my eyes, I saw him—James—striding toward me with that familiar cold aura around him. A chill seemed to follow him wherever he went, and as he came closer, the air seemed to freeze.Before I could even react, he grabbed my wrist, yanking me out of the chair. My heart raced, panic setting in as he pulled me toward the door. His pace was unrelenting, the sharpness in his movements sending waves of unease through me. I stumbled, my thighs colliding
When I heard the voice outside and realized it was Susan Wenger, I felt an unexpected wave of relief. The tension in the car wasn’t mine to bear anymore—it was James’s.Leaning closer to him, I whispered mockingly, “Don’t even think about letting go now. If she gets upset and something happens to her baby, don’t expect me to take the blame.”His grip on my waist tightened briefly, a silent warning, but he let go shortly after. The haste with which he distanced himself only made the moment more uncomfortable.A bitter laugh escaped me, and without thinking, I reached for the car window button. If he wanted to keep up appearances so badly, why not let her see everything?Before I could press it, his hand shot out and grabbed mine, his tone cutting through the tension.“Stop playing games. Get off. Now.”The coldness of his words stung, but I bit back my reaction and moved off him towy the passenger seat, my face burning with suppressed anger. The window rolled down just as I settled in,
SusanWhen James glanced at the invitations and gave a curt nod, I felt a momentary sense of relief. He didn’t outright refuse."Anything else?" he asked, his tone cold and distant. His indifference stung, but I forced myself to keep my composure, biting my lip and softening my gaze to look as pitiful as possible."I'm going to take endorsement photos later," I said, my voice deliberately timid. "This is my first endorsement. Can you come with me?"I watched his face carefully, hoping for even a flicker of warmth. Instead, he seemed distracted, almost annoyed. Yet, when he nodded and said,"Okay, I have a meeting later," I felt a rush of triumph.He agreed. That was all that mattered."Then I won't bother you anymore," I said with a gentle smile. "See you in the afternoon."I left his office, keeping my smile intact until I reached the car. As soon as I sat down, frustration boiled over, and I slammed my bag onto the seat beside me."What's wrong?" my assistant, asked, concern evident
The moment James's voice came through the phone, sharp and commanding, my chest tightened."Zelda Liamson," he said, his tone filled with disdain, "if you regret the divorce, move back to the Mansion now and admit your mistake. I'll pretend I never signed the divorce agreement. Stop calling and saying inexplicable things."I felt a weight lift slightly from my chest. His reaction meant he hadn't gone back on his word—he'd signed the agreement. Relieved but determined, I took a steadying breath and replied calmly,"You won’t regret it. Mr. Ferguson, you’re overthinking things. I’ll raise the 30 million as soon as possible, and I won’t bother you anymore."With that, I ended the call, my hands shaking ever so slightly. I could feel the lingering tension in his voice, a reminder of the control he once held. But now, that Chapter was closing.*******JamesI sat back in my chair, my jaw clenched as I replayed the conversation in my mind. The audacity of her. Susan thought she could manipu
ZeldaLilian Wenger's red eyes and embarrassed flush were hard to ignore. She’s a dancer of some renown, and those in the arts often possess a certain nobility. But the comfortable life she was accustomed to was clearly weighing on her, the thought of losing it all outweighing any sense of shame.I never expected Susan to still be lying to her parents, still clinging to the fiction that James is her child’s father. My brow furrowed.“Please?” I prompted.“James has stopped investing in the Wenger family. It was agreed upon, but he’s cut us off without warning. Our funding has dried up…” This was news to me.James hadn’t breathed a word of it.“Zee, for your grandmother’s sake, you can’t just stand by and watch the Wenger family crumble. Grandma and Grandpa built that business.”Grandmother Wenger passed away when I was five. My memories are hazy, but I remember her warmth and her adoration. It’s undeniable that my adoption by the Fergusons was tied to my connection to the Wenger famil
ZeldaI woke up in the big bed at the Mansion, disoriented. The last thing I remembered was being in the car with James, the argument hanging heavy in the air. I looked down. My clothes had been changed. They were clean and fresh. Aunt Jiang, no doubt.My lips felt strange, a little sore, with a faint medicinal scent, like antiseptic. Someone had been… cleaning them? The thought made me uneasy.Aunt Jiang bustled in.“Madam, you’re finally awake! I’ve been to check on you twice. Breakfast is ready. Please eat quickly, so you can take it to your husband.”“How did I get home last night?” I asked, my voice still thick with sleep.“Mr. Ferguson carried you back himself, Madam. He took care of you all night before returning to the hospital. He wouldn’t let me help. I don’t know if his wound reopened. He looked so worried. His face was so pale when he left…”My brow furrowed. Guilt, sharp and unexpected, pierced through me. Aunt Jiang’s words painted a picture of James, concerned and carin
ZeldaA prickling sensation crawled up my spine. Something was wrong. As the man reached for me, I reacted instinctively, swinging my bag and hitting him squarely in the face.“Someone, help! Help!” I yelled, my voice ringing out across the crowded club.The commotion drew attention, but the two men were quick. One grabbed the woman in the red dress, while the other wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close.“Baby, stop making trouble,” he said loudly, his voice dripping with false concern. “Let’s not quarrel, okay? It’s all my fault! Sorry, my wife drank too much…”He was trying to drag me away, to make it look like a lovers’ spat.Panic clawed at me. I saw, out of the corner of my eye, that the people I’d hoped would notice were buying his act, turning back to their dancing.“I’m gay!” I shouted, desperation giving my voice an edge. “Let me and my wife go! We’re a couple! We don’t even know you!”I struggled against his grip, trying to reach the woman in the red dress. “Let
ZeldaMy heart plummeted. James… he’d lied. Deliberately.The thought echoed in my mind, a cold, sharp shard of ice. He’d manufactured this whole injury, just to manipulate me, just for the baby. The same way Hellen Ferguson only cared about the child, not about… me.The realization stung, leaving me feeling foolish and betrayed.My legs had gone numb. I hadn’t even noticed the bodyguards leaving. I sank to the floor, hugging my knees, trying to contain the rising panic. After what felt like an eternity, I forced myself to stand. I clutched the incubator, a fragile shield against the truth, and walked to his ward. I needed to hear it from him. I needed to understand.But as I cracked open the door, their voices drifted out, stopping me cold.“Brother has succeeded in wooing his wife? Didn’t little Zelda Liamson cry and make a fuss before, insisting on getting a divorce and going abroad?” Miguel’s voice was laced with that familiar, subtle mockery.Then Yuell Qing’s laughter was sharp
ZeldaI blinked, realizing just how cunning James really was. He hadn't explicitly said anything about cancelling the divorce, but he’d subtly manoeuvred me into this position. Unbelievable.I puffed out my cheeks."You wish! I can't even count the ways you've made me unhappy. I'm only staying temporarily because of Little One, and because your injury is partly my fault! Don't think you've won me over that easily. You're just an…apprentice husband at best!""Apprentice husband?" James raised an eyebrow.I nodded firmly. "Don't you understand? Like the interns at Ferguson's. You're on probation. Less than a month. If your performance is satisfactory, I'll consider things. But if it's not…Mr. Ferguson should be very clear on the process, right?"He was silent for a moment, then I narrowed my eyes."Do you have any objections?“He clicked his tongue, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Then perhaps Mrs. Ferguson could enlighten me on the criteria for this…internship? What requirements must
Zelda"What paternity test?" I asked, my brow furrowed. I took the phone from James, staring at the report on the screen.It wasn't a paternity test at all. It was a kinship test. And the result…grandfather-granddaughter? My confusion deepened."Whose grandchild is this?"I scrolled back, finally taking in the names of the individuals involved in the assessment. My eyes widened in surprise."It's…Bai Luoqi's child?"Luoqi! It all clicked into place. He’d passed away, which explained why James was so invested in this child. Luoqi had been busy with the Bai family’s overseas business these past few years, just like Susan.They’d both been out of the Country. And then, the timing…Susan had returned with James and the Bai's. The media had assumed they were Susan’s parents, making all sorts of incorrect assumptions. No wonder they’d all come back together."So," I said slowly, piecing it together, "the Bai family's IPO is at a critical stage. Luoqi's death is a huge blow, and you’re trying
ZeldaMy mind was a whirlwind. Tissues, where were the tissues? Liamson, Zelda Liamson, that's me, and right now I was trying desperately to stop James's nosebleed. It was all so embarrassing!And then there was James, throwing that cup of water. At Xavier! His brother. I felt a surge of mortification."I told you to stop messing around!" I scolded, my cheeks burning. "This whole ward is a mess!"James, bless his heart, just looked gloomy."It's inconvenient," he mumbled, "Let's just get discharged tomorrow.""Discharged?" I exclaimed, aghast. "How can we? Your injuries aren't nearly healed! And…and I need to see Xavier. James, why did you hit him?"I turned to go out, but James grabbed my wrist, his grip surprisingly tight. It startled me."What's wrong?" I asked, looking at him.He seemed to realize he'd been too rough and loosened his hold a little."I think…I think my wound might have opened again. It hurts," he said, his brow furrowed.My worry instantly eclipsed everything else.
I was stunned. My head snapped back, and a jolt of disbelief running through me.“How could you even think that?!” I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief. “There’s nothing between me and my Hammer. I don’t… I don’t like him! How could you even imagine such a thing?”James’s expression was a mixture of anger and something else… hurt? He sneered a harsh, bitter sound.“He coveted you back then. He even dared to come to the Ferguson family to propose! And in the past two years, he abandoned his life as the heir to the Yassir family to work at the Ferguson hospital… just to be near you. You kissed in the car. You hid your pregnancy. You talked about divorce. You were going to go abroad with him! And just now… you were snuggled in his arms! What am I supposed to think, Zelda? What?”His words hit me like a physical blow. He loosened his grip on my chin, but the damage was done. My neck felt strained, stretched to its limit. I stared at him, his eyes burning with a cold fury, and a wave
ZeldaHis hand, James’s hand, was a vice around my waist. His fingers pressed right on the bruise, a throbbing reminder of his unfounded anger. The scene in the ward replayed in my mind, fueling my own simmering frustration. He’d stormed out, furious, without even knowing what had happened.Then, his accusation about Hammer. I glanced at Hammer’s cheek, the fading bruise a testament to James’s… overreaction. Something snapped. I shoved him away, my brow furrowed.“James, have you said enough?!” I retorted, my voice trembling slightly. “I just fell asleep. Brother was worried I’d catch a cold and put his coat on me. Is that so terrible? I asked him for help at the airport. If you want to blame someone, blame me. Why involve him?”A wave of hurt washed over me. If James hadn’t forgotten I was waiting outside, would I have fallen asleep on that bench? And he had hugged Susan in front of me, without a word of explanation, but my innocent interaction with Hammer was enough to ignite his ra