Lesley took a deep breath as she calmed the strong emotions inside her. Many questions are forming in her mind. She wanted to demand an explanation and get angry, but she didn't know where to start. In the end, no words came out of her mouth.After a while, Kieran looked away as if he didn't want to see or look at her. It was as if a knife had been plunged into her chest repeatedly at the disdain she could clearly see in his eyes.Why? The biggest question in her mind right now."You should go back to your room. It's late," he finally spoke, but without emotion and still unable to look at her.Lesley frowned, confused by the sudden change in his attitude. What happened during the time they were apart? Her head felt like it was going to explode thinking for all possible reasons. This is too much... She can't take it anymore. She felt like the unluckiest being in the world at that moment, like heaven and earth met, crushing her in between. Is it because she is an abomination to all cr
Lesley's temples throbbed as she woke up from her short, light sleep. She forced herself to get up and sit on the bed. She massaged her forehead, hoping to ease the headache. She had only been able to sleep for two hours because of everything that had happened yesterday—most of all, last night.Why did Kieran act that way? What did she do that made him angry? And what did he and Avery do in that room? She saw the woman naked! Her chest tightened at the thought. The answer is obvious, but she can't bear to accept it. She felt suffocated. She stood up and went straight to the bathroom to take a shower. Even though she felt so weak and her spirit was at its lowest, she decided to confront Kieran about what happened last night. And she will make sure to speak up this time.Lesley is determined to do everything to keep their relationship. She loves him so much, more than herself or anyone else in the world. They went through a lot only to end up like this? No. She will not allow it. She
Iston sucked air through his teeth before exhaling violently. "Avery Sy," he answered, sounding annoyed. "That's her name, but I don't know if you know her."Lesley's lips slowly open in realization. That woman indeed treated her coldly, but she doesn't remember doing anything atrocious for Avery to spread nasty rumors about her. And why does she know her secret?"How could you say that? I mean, why would Avery do that to me?""Okay. Before I tell you, sit down," he said, pointing to the wooden table on their side with two chairs facing each other. "I'm going to get some coffee first."She nodded weakly then Iston left. She sat anxiously with her hands trembling from an overwhelming emotion while she waited. How did Avery know her secret? And even if she knows, what right does she have to tell other people?! It's her secret!Her heart seemed to twist when she remembered what had happened last night. Is that why Kieran suddenly changed his behavior toward her? Because Avery told the t
Lesley felt a pang in her chest. She hid her hands under the table, placing them on her lap while she clenched."Boss refused them at first because it was too old-fashioned," Iston continued. "But Avery's father was very insistent. He offered to double the support as long as Boss accepted his daughter. Due to his relentless plea, Boss finally agreed, but she still hasn't promised to get the two married. She will only allow it if both Avery and Kieran agree. The head of the Sy found that condition fair and agreed with only an engagement for the meantime. And they have been a huge help ever since. The Kingsleys are rich, but there is a limit to that. Especially since they only have a few businesses left. Fortunately, Sir Kieran has returned to help Boss manage businesses in Europe and the entire Crimson Clan."Lesley suddenly felt a strange pain inside her chest from Iston's words. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she stared at the cup of coffee. "Thank you, Iston. I appreciate your hone
"So what?! You're going to kill me? Do you think I am afraid of that?! Cath is my friend, and Kieran is my boyfriend! What do you think will happen to you when they find out what you did to me?!""Oh? You think we didn't think of that?" Ella answered, followed by loud waves of laughter."What are we stupid?" added Janet. "We do not need to kill you... Because you'll do it yourself."Ella and Janet quickly approached her, grabbed her arms, and forced her to kneel in front of Gracy."Let me go!" She tried to struggle, but her strength was no match against the two mutants."No matter how much you shout, no one will hear or save you, so shut up!" yelled Gracy, who slapped her hard.Gracy was not satisfied and continued to punch her in the face two more times. She became dizzy and almost passed out. She couldn't do anything but groan and wail at the pain spreading over her face."Bitch! Whore!" Gracy shouted before slapping her again.Lesley didn't want to cry because she didn't want to sh
"Where are you going? I'm not done asking you!""What else do you want to know? We already told you everything!""I don't buy it! Her injuries are not consistent with someone who fell off a cliff. Tell me the truth! Who hurt her?!"Because of the noise of Iston and Gracy arguing, Lesley woke up from her deep sleep. She slowly opened her eyes as she gradually regained consciousness.She blinks a few times while examining the white ceiling before realizing where she is. Even though her whole body is aching and her head is spinning, she forces herself to sit up to find out what happened after losing consciousness earlier. She scanned herself and saw bandages covering most of her body. Is she in Iston's clinic? She was sure she had heard his voice earlier."Cat got your tongue? Is it because you can't dispute my findings?" Lesley recognized it was Iston's voice. "Because you know I'm right, don't you?! I've been treating injuries for years, and her wounds did not come from falling off a
Kieran's image with Avery keeps playing in her mind over and over until she falls asleep. Sometimes, she gets nightmares about the brutal death of Amanda and Patrick at the cruel hands of Shane. But most of the time, her mind drifts toward the pitiful future that awaits her. She will be cast aside, ignored, and alone where nobody will care, just like now.She has never felt this lonely and sad in her entire life. Even when Amanda's words and treatment hurt her to her core, she didn't feel this much pain before. And when Shane threatened to make her obedient, there was Bangs who gave hope and light to her complicated world.But now?... No Patrick will defend or scold her. No Bangs to make her happy. Most of all, the old Lesley is no more, the girl who is full of color and a positive mind, constantly reminding herself that everything is going to be okay. That girl... is gone...Only Iston visited Lesley. But she doesn't open or answers every time he calls and knocks on the door. She wi
The woman's words were absurd and unbelievable. Is it really possible for Maridona to enter her mind? Lesley finds it hard to believe, but she can't push her away. Maridona's embrace is warm and comforting, as if the woman's arms are healing her soul. It is only a dream, but it feels... real.Lesley could not help but hug the woman too. At the same time, her tears flowed. Even though she hasn't told the reason for her anguish, she feels that Maridona completely understands.Her entire being felt the connection between them. It was as if she had nothing more to say or explain. She put aside her suspicions and doubt and sobbed on Maridona's shoulders, bawling like there was no tomorrow."Why am I still alive? Why did you let me live if this is what's going to happen to me?!" Lesley cried. "You shouldn't have allowed your father to put me in your womb... I shouldn't have suffered like this..."The woman stroked the back of her head tenderly. "I know, honey. I know... I'm so sorry you hav