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Chapter 5
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2024-12-26 23:05:23"Be my lover starting today, and I’ll make you my queen forever," Ben said while gently caressing Caroline’s smooth cheek.
Caroline wasn’t interested in the slightest. Receiving such an offer from Ben was never her wish. All she wanted now was to live a quieter life without thinking about men.
"You're just talking nonsense!" Caroline said as she tried to maintain her distance and moved Ben’s hand away from her cheek.
"Caroline, I mean it. I’m serious about this," Ben replied earnestly.
She gently pushed Ben away to create some space between them. Her heart raced wildly, and she felt unsettled being so close to him. However, Ben wasn’t one to give up easily. Caroline was already nervous, her thoughts filled with distrust toward the man standing before her.
"Ben, what are you doing?" Caroline gasped when Ben suddenly lifted her and carried her to the bed.
"I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you," Ben said firmly, gripping both her hands gently.
She froze for a moment, staring deeply into Ben’s intense gaze. Shaking her head repeatedly, Caroline couldn’t believe how men always seemed to act like this.
"Stay away from me! I’m not worthy of you, and you’re not my type either," she said, trying to suppress her emotions.
"But I truly love you, Caroline," Ben insisted.
"I just don’t want to be in any kind of relationship with a man. I have wounds in my heart that haven’t healed yet, and I want to focus on myself," Caroline said, tears streaming down her cheeks as the pain of her past overwhelmed her, making her unready for new love.
"If you have wounds, let me be the one to heal them. I want to be the person who’s always there for you, Caroline," Ben said softly, wiping the tears off her smooth cheeks.
Caroline didn’t want to drag anyone else into her complicated life, including Ben. He had been kind enough to help her, and she didn’t want to make his life harder.
"If that’s your decision, I won’t force you. But please know, Caroline, I truly love you, and I’ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes," Ben said softly before standing up and leaving, leaving Caroline sitting silently on the bed.
She could only watch the door as it closed gently after Ben’s departure. Her emotions were all over the place. On one hand, she felt guilty for hurting the feelings of a man who genuinely cared for her, but on the other hand, she knew she wasn’t ready to open her heart again.
***
Ben sat in his office, sifting through files containing information about Caroline and Johan. He wasn’t going to miss a single detail about them.
"Johan Charlotte works as a finance director," Ben muttered, pausing to think.
His thoughts centered on that name. It wasn’t just Johan’s position as a finance director that intrigued him but also his relationship with Caroline. Johan was still her husband. Ben knew his limits and was confident he could handle the situation.
A sly smile appeared on Ben’s lips. He already knew what he was going to do. After all, Johan had caused Caroline such deep pain that she couldn’t open her heart to anyone else.
Johan Charlotte, a finance director who seemed perfect on the surface but harbored a dark side unknown to many. Ben vowed to uncover everything.
***
Johan Charlotte sat in his luxurious office, having just finished signing some documents when his assistant, Kamelia, entered. He was meticulous about his work.
"Mr. Charlotte, someone wishes to meet you. They say it’s an urgent matter," Kamelia said.
"Who is it?" Johan asked as he removed his glasses.
"Mr. Benjamin Charles," Kamelia replied curtly.
"Mr. Charles? Who is he? I don’t even know him."
Johan instructed Kamelia to bring Ben into his office. He wanted to meet this man face-to-face. Kamelia left briefly and soon returned with Ben.
"Mr. Charles, please have a seat," Johan said politely.
Ben sat down comfortably, his calm demeanor unfazed by Johan’s sharp, assessing gaze. Ben had already figured out what kind of man Johan was. With his own resources, Ben knew he could easily dismantle Johan’s career in the company.
"We have a mutual matter to discuss," Ben said casually, pulling out a cigarette and lighter from his jacket. He lit the cigarette, blowing smoke calmly.
"What do you mean, Mr. Charles? I don’t understand," Johan said, frowning.
"Not everything in this world needs to be understood, Mr. Charlotte," Ben replied.
Johan chuckled and flashed a sly smile, nodding slightly as if to play along.
"I’m not the type to waste time on trivial matters," Ben said, exhaling smoke while locking eyes with Johan.
"What exactly are you trying to say, Mr. Charles? Your words have been cryptic," Johan said, folding his arms across his chest, watching Ben’s every move.
"I think you, of all people, should know that she deserves better than what she’s endured. I’m here to make sure she gets that comfort," Ben said, leaving Johan perplexed. He carelessly placed the cigarette on Johan’s desk.
Johan shot Ben a sharp glare. Unwilling to linger, Ben stood up straight, resting his hands on the desk.
"Your game is almost over," Ben said with a satisfied look, leaving Johan more puzzled.
Ben turned and walked toward the door. Before stepping out, he glanced back and delivered one final line that left Johan stunned.
"We’ll meet again as rivals, Mr. Charlotte."
***
On his way home, Ben stopped by a flower shop to buy a bouquet for Caroline. As he browsed, he seemed unsure of what to choose.
"Good afternoon, sir. May I help you?" the shop assistant asked, noticing Ben’s confusion.
"Ah, yes. Can you recommend some beautiful and fragrant flowers?"
"Of course, sir. Are these for a special occasion or someone in particular?" the assistant asked warmly.
"They’re for a friend... well, someone special to me. I want flowers that convey gratitude and care but aren’t too extravagant."
The shop assistant walked slowly, guiding Ben through the options. Finally, she stopped and selected a few for him.
"I suggest white roses to symbolize sincerity or perhaps lilies for beauty and purity. If you want something more cheerful, yellow tulips or a pastel mix would be lovely."
Ben imagined Caroline’s reaction to the bouquet. He was sure she’d love it.
"All right, wrap it nicely," Ben instructed.
After paying, he placed the bouquet carefully in his car. Just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed with a message.
[Sir, there’s a serious issue.]
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"What happened?" Ben hurried home after receiving a message from Andrew."Miss Caroline isn't in her room, sir. We've searched everywhere, but she's nowhere to be found," Andrew reported.Ben tried to remain calm, but his heart was racing with worry for Caroline. He instructed Andrew to check the CCTV footage, but Andrew had already reviewed it before Ben's arrival."Miss Caroline left on her own and didn’t take anything with her. I've been checking the footage since earlier," Andrew explained.Ben thought for a moment before mobilizing all his subordinate to search for Caroline. His command was clear, and they promptly got into their vehicles to begin the search."No one is allowed to return to this house until Caroline is found!" he ordered.***For some reason, Ben decided to look for Caroline near Johan's house. He had secretly gathered information about Johan and his whereabouts. Parking his car a bit farther away to avoid being noticed, he observed the area.What he saw shocked
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Ben had been feeling lonely at home for the past few days because Caroline was not by his side. She preferred to stay at Johan's house. Even though Johan had kicked her out of there, Caroline still wanted to stay. Ben wondered, did Caroline love Johan so much that she didn't want to separate from him?He was pensive in his room smoking a cigarette. Thick clouds of smoke floated in the air. Ben imagined Caroline was here. Suddenly, Andrew walked into his room."Mr. Charles, everything is in order. Just waiting for your orders," Andrew said firmly in front of Ben."Good job. I will call you when the time comes." Ben blew out his cigarette and puffed thick smoke into the air.He had to get Caroline back today. Whether she liked it or not, he wanted her back by his side.***[Are you still there?]A message came in from Ben via WhatsApp. Caroline had read the message but didn't reply to it. She wanted to get away from Ben, a man who always gave her attention and comfort. She felt bad if s
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"Caroline, I'm Ben. I won't kill you." Ben tapped Caroline on the shoulder from behind and they locked eyes.Ben helped Caroline up. However, he was surprised that Caroline's body had several cuts. He had guessed that this was Johan's doing. Ben immediately took off his coat and put it on Caroline's body."Caroline, let's go home. In my house you will be safe, no one will dare to hurt you." Ben carried Caroline because he couldn't bear to see her in pain like this.She wrapped her arms around Ben's neck and agreed to go home with him. Ben walked towards the car. Andrew and some of his other subordinates followed him from behind. Ben could not understand Johan's actions which he thought were too much for Caroline."Ben, I'm scared. So scared." Caroline let out a low voice that probably sounded like a whisper."Don't be afraid. There is me here who will always be beside you. Don't distance yourself from me anymore. Don't push me away from now on," Ben said as he continued walking.When
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Ben stayed all night in Caroline's room, not even sleeping. He was so faithful beside her as he gazed at Caroline's beautiful face. Johan was so cruel to his wife to do such a terrible thing.Just as Ben was about to fix Caroline's hair, she suddenly woke up. Caroline and Ben stared at each other for a few seconds. Then, she tried to sit up and was helped by Ben."Hi, how are you feeling now?" Ben asked gently."I still feel scared, Ben. I'm scared."The urge from inside his heart made him want to hug Caroline tightly. She just stayed still as Ben hugged her. The hug felt warm and soothing. Ben stroked her long hair lovingly."Caroline, you will be safe here. No one can bother you. Don't ever leave this house again, don't leave me, do you understand?" Ben's voice sounded very soft in Caroline's ears.She nodded and obeyed Ben's words. She would never go anywhere again. No more coming to Johan's house to beg to stay. Her relationship with Johan had to end. She cried in Ben's arms."Wil
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"Ben, what's going on?" Caroline felt anxious about Ben right now."It's fine. It's just that there's a little problem in the company. But, you just calm down, this problem will not become big and can be overcome."However, Ben didn't want to leave Caroline alone in this room. He could manage the company affairs later. The most important thing now was to accompany Caroline and make her feel calm."Are you still scared?" Ben asked."No, I'm not. I hope you don't worry too much about me, Ben. I'm fine. Can I go into the kitchen and see what Flo and the others are doing?" Caroline touched Ben's palms."Of course. You're free to do anything in this house, Caroline."Ben helped Caroline to stand up as her wounds still hurt. He also guided Caroline down the stairs slowly. Once in the kitchen, he met up with Flo and the others. They welcomed him kindly and were full of sweet smiles."Mr. Charles and Miss Caroline, what do you need?" asked Flo who saw Caroline and Ben's presence."Nothing. I
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"Caroline, what are you thinking about?" asked Ben as he rubbed Caroline's cheek with his thumb.After daydreaming for a while, Caroline finally came to her senses. Ben was so worried about her. Not only calm, but Ben gave her a warm hug that she could no longer get from Johan."Whatever makes you anxious, please let me know. I will erase all your anxiety, Caroline. Don't distance yourself from me again." Ben rubbed the top of Caroline's head repeatedly while cuddling comfortably."I just feel a little uneasy. Will I be able to be happy after divorcing Johan?" Caroline took a deep breath and rested her head on Ben's chest."Yes, of course you can. You deserve that happiness, Caroline. Once you are officially divorced from Johan, you will be free from all the pain. Enjoy your life to the fullest." Ben hugged Caroline's body even tighter.What if Johan's shadow never really disappeared from her life? Johan might not be in Caroline's life anymore, but the pain he gave her would always be
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Johan accidentally saw Caroline and Ben at the restaurant. He still remembered Ben's face well when he visited his company that time. It was true, all of this was related to Caroline."Caroline is the bearer of bad luck!" Johan swore harshly.Johan felt his emotions rising and wanted to confront the two of them sitting there. His hands were clenched tightly as if he wanted to punch Ben in the face.Suddenly, Caroline showed a frightened look because she saw Johan in this restaurant. Ben followed the direction of Caroline's gaze. Johan stepped forward even more while Ben just acted casually."Mr. Charles, it's very nice to see you here." Johan extended his hand towards Ben.Johan looked at Caroline. Caroline did not dare to look at her husband. Her hands were shaking with fear. Johan's hand was still not reciprocated by Ben."I feel happy too Mr. Charlotte." Finally, Ben stood up and returned Johan's hand.Johan smiled slyly at Ben. However, Ben did not feel afraid at all even though t
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Ben stopped the car immediately after hearing Caroline's words. She was surprised to see Ben's reaction."So, you still want to be with Johan?" Ben asked Caroline in a low voice as if he was not excited.Caroline did not immediately answer Ben's question. The man was still looking at her with a sad gaze. Ben let out a long breath and leaned his head on the back of the chair."If you want to get back together with Johan, that's your right and I certainly can't prevent it. After all, falling in love with someone we've been with for a long time, of course, leaves a lot of memories. Like you and Johan." Ben's tone was so sad when he spoke in front of Caroline.Caroline immediately shook her head and held Ben's hand. She was determined not to go back to Johan again."Ben, I have no reason to be with Johan anymore. And yeah, we're getting a divorce. I want to get my happiness back."Ben's face lit up. He was happy to hear Caroline's answer. Then, she told Ben to drive the car and get back h
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After a long night with Ben, Caroline is still in his arms. She had given him everything, not just her body, but also her heart and her trust. Behind the warmth of their touching skin, there was a meaningful silence."Do you regret it?" Ben whispered in Caroline's ear."No." Caroline shook her head softly."Then I'll make sure you never regret choosing me." Ben kissed her forehead warmly.Caroline smiled, her eyes still closed as she buried her face into Ben's warm chest. Her fingers traced Ben's skin as if memorizing every inch of the man's body that was now a place to lean on. Ben caressed Caroline's bare back with a gentle touch.They were silent for a moment, letting each other's heartbeats do the talking. The room was filled with traces of love that had not completely disappeared from the air. Their sweat had dried up, but the warmth still lingered between the bodies that were no longer separated.Ben looked at Caroline's face resting on his chest. Gently, he brushed away the few
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"Don't let her die now. I want her to live," Sophia ordered her subordinates.Jolina was already unconscious. The smell of blood wafted through the room. Her subordinates standing in the corner of the room just looked down. He knew very well that when Sophia wanted something, there was no room for error. Especially when Sophia said she still wanted Jolina's life, it was not mercy. Rather, it was a long unfinished threat."Take her to a safe place. Make sure she gets treatment, but keep an eye on her. I don't want anyone to find out about this matter too soon." Sophia gave orders to her subordinates.***The dim light from the lamp hung from the ceiling of the underground hospital room. There was no sound other than the slow beating of the heartbeat monitor.Jolina's body lay weakly on the iron bed, a white blanket covering her wounded body. Her face was pale with bandages wrapped around her head and abdomen. IVs pierced the backs of her hands and oxygen was attached to her nose. She w
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Jolina was chained to a metal chair in the center of the room. Her hands and feet were immobilized. Her clothes were stained with blood and a masked man approached, circling her slowly. Suddenly the door opened slowly. Sophia stepped in, her dress so elegant and her gaze so coldly fixed on Jolina. She stopped right in front of Jolina who was still limp. Her eyes narrowed sharply as she looked at the face that had always smiled confidently it looked fragile, helpless."Get up bitch!"A hard slap landed on Jolina's cheek. That brought Jolina to her senses, opening her eyes slowly. Then she was shocked to be in a place like this and surrounded by Sophia's subordinates."Let go of me!" said Jolina.Jolina began to come to her senses. Fear spread quickly as she felt the cold iron on her wrists and how she couldn't move her body at all. "You met Glenn earlier, right? You must have spilled the beans!" Sophia scooped Jolina's face roughly."I didn't say anything," she whispered weakly."Don
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Glenn stepped out of the living room with a flat face, but his eyes conveyed restrained annoyance. His steps were quick and he headed for the backyard. The cool night air greeted him, but not enough to ease the emotions that were beginning to warm up in his chest.In his hand was a full bottle of champagne - a bottle he took without saying a word. Andrew was lounging on a wooden chair, legs crossed, enjoying the evening as if nothing in the world mattered. When he heard Glenn's footsteps approaching, he turned his head and grinned."You don't seem to be in a good mood." Andrew raised an eyebrow."Mr. Charles and Miss Caroline were making fun of me," Glenn muttered as he sipped his drink slowly."You know he didn't mean any harm. It was his way of showing familiarity." Andrew laughed softly as he tapped Glenn on the shoulder. "Come on, Glenn. They're just joking."Glenn just glanced at him sharply, placing the champagne bottle on the small table. Then they got to talking."I just don't
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Ben's reaction was very different from the others. There was no shock on his face, no sudden burst of anger. He just stared at Jolina with eyes that remained calm, as if the name had long been in his mind."You're not surprised?" Caroline turned to Ben."No, I'm not. I expected it from the beginning. This must be Sophia's game." Ben took a slow breath before letting it out, his eyes remaining focused on Jolina."You have five minutes, Jolina. Tell Mr. Charles and Miss Caroline everything." Glenn continued to press Jolina."Sophia told me to make sure your relationship with Caroline was fractured. She thinks if Caroline feels insecure with you, she will stay away from you." Jolina bit her lip, her eyes glancing at Caroline for a moment before returning her gaze to Ben."Sophia wants me to leave Ben?" Caroline clenched her hands at her sides."I'm just following her orders." Jolina looked down for a moment.Ben sighed, then glanced at Caroline who still looked angry. His hand reached ou
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In the warm living room, Caroline sat comfortably on the sofa and leaned against Ben who sat beside her. The hot tea on the table had cooled slightly, forgotten as they were too engrossed in enjoying each other's company.Ben shifted his body a little closer, his hand coming up to tuck a strand of Caroline's hair behind her ear. The gesture was gentle, and caring, making Caroline look up at him with slightly sparkling eyes. They had both returned from Ben's apartment."You look beautiful tonight," Ben whispered into Caroline's ear."You say that as if I wasn't beautiful the other nights." Caroline blushed, a small smile etched on her face.Ben chuckled, then gently touched her chin, lifting Caroline's face to be level with his. Caroline looked intensely into Ben's eyes."You're always beautiful, but tonight... I feel like you look happier."Caroline was silent for a moment, feeling the warmth that Ben always gave her. She knew that this man always cared about her, not just physically,
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With one swift movement, Glenn pulled Jolina into the narrow alley beside the café. It was quieter there, with only the sound of vehicles from the main road. Glenn leaned one hand against the wall, making it impossible for Jolina to move."You have to choose, Jolina," he said quietly, but with pressure. "Tell me who sent you or I'll drag you straight to Mr. Charles."Instead of feeling scared, Jolina felt excited to be this close to Glenn. She wanted to flirt with the man, but that didn't make Glenn interested in her. Jolina smiled a little, trying to shift the tension between them. She looked up slightly, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint."Why are you so serious, Glenn? You know, if you weren't so stiff, maybe I'd have an easier time talking," she whispered teasingly.However, Glenn's expression remained flat. His eyes didn't show the slightest interest. Instead, his jaw hardened, and his grip on Jolina's wrist tightened."Don't play games with me. I have no time for cheap
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Arriving at the apartment, Ben opened the door and let Caroline in first. His steps remained calm. As soon as the door closed, Ben turned around and looked at her intently. His eyes were sharp, not with anger, but with deep concern."Caroline," Ben's voice was slightly hoarse. "I understand you want to find answers, but going off alone like that, I'm worried.""I didn't mean to worry you. I just felt I had to make sure of everything myself." Caroline bowed her head."Next time, don't do this alone. I'm here for you. Whatever you're looking for, we'll find it together." Ben let out a long sigh and stepped closer, his fingers lifting to touch the side of Caroline's face gently.Caroline nodded softly, her eyes beginning to feel warm with mixed emotions. Ben finally took off his jacket and placed it on the back of the sofa before sitting down. He was still staring anxiously at Caroline's face."Now, tell me everything from the beginning. What did you find at the hotel?" "Jolina wasn't o
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"No way." Caroline tried to keep her tone down to avoid sounding panicked. "She was at the party. She was wearing a waitress uniform and brought drinks for me and Ben.""I don't know who you're referring to, Miss." The receptionist was getting confused.Caroline was stunned. If Jolina wasn't hotel staff, then who was she? Was she just pretending to be a waitress to get close to Ben? Wasn't the security at the hotel usually so tight, why would anyone be able to sneak in unnoticed?Caroline swallowed. Her mind was spinning wildly, trying to put all the pieces together. If Jolina could disguise herself so easily, then she had access or someone to help her get into the party. But who, and for what purpose? She clenched her hands into fists on the reception desk, trying to remain calm despite the anxiety surrounding her."Can I see the event manager or whoever is in charge of the night, then?" Caroline said firmly."Please wait a moment, Miss. I will contact the management." The receptioni
