Sorry for the late update today. I had an incredibly busy and tiring day, but I couldn’t resist putting in the extra hours for my amazing and dedicated readers. :)
A soft smile curved Emmeline’s lips. "It just means you're a good guy, deep down."Her words seemed to strike an unexpected chord. Zavian softened the furrow between his brows and leaned in to rest his forehead against hers. "It's impossible to be completely bad when I'm physically holding someone as good as you. But I make no promises about keeping your heart safe - you're far too fragile."Emmeline glanced up to find him tapping his finger against his lips with a pointed look. "I think you might've nipped my lip during that kiss too. You'll need to make it up to me."Her brows knitted in exasperation. "You're such a pushy guy." She grumbled, rising on her tiptoes to press her mouth to his in a slow, close-mouthed kiss, eyes drifting shut.When she started to pull away, Zavian's arm banded around her waist, hauling her flush against the solid wall of his body and effectively trapping her there.Emmeline's lids fluttered open at the sensation of his heated breath fanning her flushed ch
The month of December brought blustery winds and heavy rains, but Emmeline found herself impatiently awaiting the first snowfall.It had been two long days since she'd last laid eyes on Zavian, with no phone calls or texts exchanged between them.A nagging worry gnawed at her - was he still upset over her jealous outburst during their last date?Emmeline busied herself baking a pair of cakes - one for the Kim family, the other intended for the Blackthorns. It was an excuse to pay Zavian a visit.After carefully boxing up the confections in pink containers, she gathered them into a single bag and headed out.Forgoing a coat over her sleeveless gray dress and black knit shirt, she reasoned the Blackthorn estate was close enough to forego bundling up. "I just hope Mr. Blackthorn is home, and this effort isn't wasted," she muttered under her breath.“Good evening,” Emmeline greeted the guards politely.They simply gave her a curt nod and waved her through the front gates, her face now fami
Emmeline woke up the next morning to the insistent buzzing of her phone on the nightstand. Blindly patting around, she finally located the device and squinted at the bright screen, her eyes still adjusting to the pale morning light filtering through the bedroom curtains.A tiny thrill went through her when she registered the name flashing across the display. It was a text from Zavian.“Let's go jogging. I'll wait for you in front of the club.”That simple message was enough to fully rouse Emmeline from her sleepy haze. Her mind drifted briefly to last night.She had returned home with Minnie's audacious proposal weighing heavily on her mind. As tantalizing as the idea was, she knew there was no need to rush into any decisions. Christmas was still several days away, affording her plenty of time to ruminate on the potential consequences. The idea felt both thrilling and terrifying.Sitting upright amongst the rumpled bedsheets, she hastily typed out a reply, unable to contain the giddy s
Zavian’s idea of a 'short walk' was another torturously long ten minutes before the trees finally parted, revealing another part of the famous river.As soon as they reached the grassy bank, Emmeline collapsed gratefully onto the soft ground, spreading her palms on the cool earth as she gulped in deep lungfuls of air."Remind me never to go exercising with you again, you sadistic monster!" she groaned dramatically.Zavian sat down beside her, stretching his long, muscular legs out while giving her a disapproving look, though the corners of his eyes crinkled with barely suppressed amusement."I can't believe you ruthlessly forced me to come this far," Emmeline whined breathlessly. "Why did I get involved with such a masochistic man who considers life a grueling mission he has to do to perfection?"Tipping her head back dramatically, she sobbed, "That's very stressful for a delicate flower like me!"Without a word, Zavian pulled a chilled water bottle from the pocket of his jacket and ha
Emmeline accepted his hand eagerly, allowing him to pull her up with a breathless giggle of excitement. "Hurrah for overpriced, sugar-laden beverages!" she cheered.They ambled towards the nearby cafe with their hands still intertwined, neither seeming willing to relinquish their tactile connection.Even after entering the bustling shop, Zavian kept his large palm possessively cupped around Emmeline's smaller one as they approached the menu hanging over the counter."What would you like, little girl?" he asked, tipping his head back to study the chalkboard list of drinks and pastries. "This overpriced establishment is my treat for torturing you so mercilessly earlier."Emmeline pursed her lips thoughtfully. She perused the offerings, giving an adorable little crinkle of her brow. "I can't decide if I want an iced coffee or a milkshake," she mused aloud, glancing up at Zavian. "I'm feeling a bit confused on what would hit the spot."Zavian’s eyes gleamed with wicked mirth as he leaned d
Monday arrived rather too slowly for the sinful partners.Emmeline pulled into the marina and parked next to Zavian's sleek black Lamborghini, noting he had beaten her there.She smoothed her hands over the skintight black sheath dress hugging her curves, the soft cashmere jacket he had gifted her draped stylishly over her shoulders and cinched at the waist with a wide belt.Grabbing her purse, she headed to his luxurious yacht, her heels clicking on the polished deck as she looked around for him."Mr. Blackthorn, where are you?" she called out."In the second-floor lounge," his deep, velvety voice carried down from above.Emmeline climbed the stairs quickly, finding him standing motionless by a large undecorated pine tree, his piercing gaze drinking her in hungrily as she approached."You're actually on time for once," he drawled, one side of his sensual mouth quirking up. "I thought I might have to kidnap you from your restaurant again."Emmeline smiled at his teasing reference to w
It had been two weeks of peace for Emmeline. At least Richard hadn’t hit her since that day though they often bickered. It was unavoidable.They were only two days away from Christmas!Emmeline had bought Zavian an expensive watch and, despite Minnie's advice, had knitted woolen gloves for him, convinced that handmade gifts were more valuable than others.She was still thinking of offering herself to him as well.That evening, Minnie came to visit them. The two hugged at the door before making their way to the sitting room."What’s the plan for Christmas Eve? Did Richard agree to let you out?" Minnie asked curiously.Emmeline clasped her fingers together and rubbed them nervously. "In fact, I haven't asked him yet. Perhaps I was seduced by the calm we've been living in lately, and I'm afraid my request might ruin it."Minnie stopped walking, looking at her friend sympathetically. "Do you want me to talk to him?"Emmeline was about to object when Minnie shoved her shoulder playfully. "I
Christmas Eve was so tiring, Emmeline made all the food on her own, not coming out of the kitchen since began.Her house was crowded with guests at eight o'clock- her parents, Richard's parents, her older brother and his wife. Fortunately, his two brothers didn't come, otherwise the house would have turned into a barn with their four children combined.Emmeline received them in a red dress, short but not tight, with long sleeves, under which she was wearing the underwear she had chosen for her rendezvous with Zavian.Everyone finally cleared out around midnight after the Christmas Eve party.Richard had knocked back way too many drinks and was totally plastered. When Emmeline told him she was heading out, he just gave a sloppy wave goodbye, not really registering what she said.Emmeline threw on a long black coat over her festive red dress and headed for the door.As soon as she arrived at the docks, her eyes were drawn to Zavian's yacht, twinkling with silvery lights scattered along i
The folder trembled in Emmeline’s unsteady hands. "You want me to meet Richard and threaten to expose him?" Her voice quivered. "On my own?"Zavian’s fingers pressed into her shoulders. "My knowledge of your ex-husband tells me he won't stand against this card we're about to play. He'll give up the lawsuit without hesitation, despite his lawyer's advice to the contrary."Emmeline shook her head, fear evident in every movement. "I can't sit before him alone and blackmail him with a secret he's kept from everyone. He won't take this lying down." Panic crept into her voice, making it shake. "He'll kill me."Zavian bent closer until his warm breath caressed her face. "You have me, little girl. He wouldn't dare hurt you knowing that." His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. "We have to exploit his weakness to our advantage."Emmeline searched for moisture in her bone-dry throat. "Do you think we can't win against him in court without forcing him to concede?""Of course we can defeat Richard
Emmeline rolled her eyes and dropped her hands from his face. "You don't need to remind me every time as if I'm always trying to seduce you. I understand my virginity is necessary to win the court case, and after my meeting with Yuna today, I couldn't possibly do anything to ruin myself."Zavian’s hand settled on her head and ruffled her hair with patronizing affection. "Good girl.""Don't treat me like I'm a little girl," Emmeline protested, knitting her brows together in frustration.The age gap between them had always been a sensitive topic, one that Yuna never failed to bring up during their confrontations.Zavian's warmth disappeared as he stepped away, moving toward the yacht's door with grace.His expensive shoes clicked against the deck. "You are my little girl.” He smirked. "Let's go for a ride. The scenery might lift your mood."Emmeline’s earlier irritation melted away, replaced by genuine excitement. The prospect of spending time with him on the water always had this effec
Emmeline drew in a sharp, shuddering breath."Neither Yuna nor anyone else can destroy me!" The words erupted from Zavian's throat, each syllable carved with steel-edged conviction. His jaw clenched and his muscles there ticked with barely anger. "If you believe her words, then you don't know me at all, little one."Warmth bloomed across Emmeline's tear-stained cheeks.Zavian palms cupped her face. His thumbs traced gentle paths across her skin, catching the tears that continued to fall despite his tender ministrations. The contrast between his fierce words and gentle touch made her heart flutter."She targets you because you're the easiest mark in her eyes," his eyes darkened with protective fury. "I won't let her harm you. Do you understand what I'm saying, Emmeline?"Their gazes locked, and Emmeline felt herself drowning in the depths of his eyes. Even through the tempest of her emotions, she found an anchor in his unwavering stare.The intensity radiating from him was quintessenti
The journey to the port stretched endlessly, yet Emmeline barely registered the passing scenery. Thoughts of Zavian consumed her. He was the only one who could steady her, the only one who could make her feel safe.The soft hum of the yacht’s engine greeted her when Emmeline arrived.She stepped aboard without hesitation, moving with urgency, as if time itself threatened to slip away from her grasp.Zavian’s tall and commanding figure was standing with his back to the door when Emmeline reached the deck.His hands were tucked into the pockets of his slacks and his posture deceptively relaxed. However, Emmeline knew him well enough to see the tension in his shoulders that betrayed his thoughts.“Mr. Blackthorn.” Her voice cracked with emotions.Zavian turned sharply at the sound. His striking features tightened with concern once he saw the state she was in."Little—" His words died in his throat as Emmeline launched herself at him. The impact nearly threw him off balance.Her arms wrap
Emmeline's gaze drifted away from Yuna to a random corner of the coffee shop, where a young couple sat sharing a dessert. Their happiness contrasted with the scene unfolding at her table."I pitied you at first because no one deserves betrayal," she confessed softly, watching the condensation trail down the window. "But my desires were stronger. I used to curse myself after every sin... until I committed one far worse."A sigh escaped Emmeline's lips as she returned her gaze to Yuna's eyes."I’m not a thief," Emmeline’s self-confidence grew stronger with each word. "I did not steal your husband from you because his heart no longer belongs to you. I didn't snatch him from your bosom - he deserted it long ago. I merely crept into the fractures that you created." The words tasted bitter on her tongue, but they carried the weight of truth she could no longer deny.Yuna’s grip tightened around her coffee cup. “Even if you rehearsed your stories together, they wouldn’t match this perfectly.
Emmeline’s thoughts drifted to Zavian, who had left with Yuna earlier. The image of them walking away together haunted her mind. Her fingers moved across the screen almost unconsciously."Where are you now?"The minutes ticked by without response, each passing moment heightening her anxiety. The silence felt deafening in her room as she watched the unchanging screen. Her desperation seeped through after what felt like an eternity."It's been half an hour since we parted, is it possible that you two are still together?" Emmeline sent another message.Her forehead creased as she stared at the unchanging screen. A bitter realization struck her, prompting another message:"What are you two talking about?"The absurdity of her own actions hit her suddenly. She tossed the phone aside and rolled on her back with fresh tears spilling down her temples."Of course, they're talking about her finding out about us. What else could it be?" Her voice was a fragile whisper, barely breaking the silenc
Emmeline caught a glimpse of Richard’s face through the tinted glass of his BMW as he also peeled away from the courthouse. His smug and self-satisfied smile made her stomach turn."Despicable!" she cursed under her breath. The word seemed inadequate to describe the magnitude of her contempt, but it was all she could manage without breaking down completely.Silence descended on the remaining trio, heavy and oppressive."Are you going to tell me why Mrs. Blackthorn seems to hate you so much?" Emile's question broke the quiet. "Why would she defend Richard after everything she knows about him?" His eyes darted between Emmeline and Brody, searching for answers in their expressions.Emmeline drew a shaky breath. "There's no enmity between us," she murmured. "At least, not that I know of."A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Maybe she's hated me all along, and I've been too blind to see it."Brody's gaze bore into her, sharp and calculating. "I think there's more to this than you're letting
"Yuna is indeed Richard's lawyer!" Emmeline’s voice cracked, denial weighing down every syllable.She tightened her grip on the strap of her bag so tightly her trembling fingers dug into the leather. It was the only thing keeping her grounded in this moment that felt more like a nightmare than reality.Zavian’s head snapped toward her in disbelief. "What the fuck?" The curse came low and rough, like a growl from deep in his chest.His jaw clenched so tightly that the muscles in his neck stood out.Brody tilted his head slightly as his sharp gaze flicked between them. "Didn’t she tell you she’s defending Richard?" His tone was calm, but there was an edge to it.Zavian let out a bitter laugh—one short and humorless. "Looks like I’m the last one to know." He spoke in a chilly tone.His hands curled into fists at his sides, the veins in his forearms standing out as he fought to keep his anger in check.Emmeline opened her mouth to respond, but Zavian’s attention suddenly shifted.His enti
Yuna’s face darkened and her teeth ground audibly.“Let’s move on to the best part of the recording.” Brody tapped the screen once more before she could protest."The pain I've put you through is nothing compared to the consequences you'll face once I'm free from this place," Richard's voice slithered through the room, venomous and chilling.All eyes turned to Richard, whose face had gone pale. His lips parted, but no words came out.Brody’s expression was sharp with mockery. “Care to explain to us exactly what kind of torment you put her through?”Richard’s hands trembled. “I meant… well, actually…” His words stumbled over each other, collapsing into an awkward silence.Richard looked at Yuna in desperation when his tongue failed him, silently begging for assistance. Despite the damning evidence Brody had just presented, Yuna’s expression remained composed and as solid as stone.“Torture,” Yuna began smoothly, “can mean many things. My client’s words in the recording are vague at bes