Chapter FortyBecause she didn't know if Max was plotting something or simply wanted to celebrate for successfully implementing that project. Max chose a very luxurious and glamorous restaurant, making Bella feel a bit uneasy as she walked in with her husband.It wasn't because the place was too expensive, but there was something off in the atmosphere between the two of them."Max, you seem very happy tonight. How far along is the project?" Bella took a sip of her wine, appearing cheerful as she inquired about Max's project.Since Max became the director, he had successfully completed many projects, so this wasn't the first time. What surprised her was that instead of meeting with partners and celebrating with his friends, Max chose to celebrate with her."Don't act so surprised. Even if it's not to celebrate the successful deployment of the project, I would still take you out for dinner. We are a couple; there's nothing strange about dining out together." Max said casually.Initially
Chapter Forty-One"Who's there? Who is coming here at this hour?" Bella muttered softly, glancing towards the cat's eyes. However, due to the lack of light outside, she couldn't see clearly who was outside, and hesitated to open the door.The person outside spoke, "Bella... I know it's you. Please, open the door quickly."Upon hearing the familiar voice, Bella sighed lightly, relieved that it wasn't some stranger. However, the man standing at the door wasn't necessarily a good person either. Bella only cracked the door open, her eyes revealing a hint of annoyance and dissatisfaction."Why are you here? Do you know what time it is? Are you aware that you're disturbing others?" Bella fired a series of questions without giving the other person a chance to respond.Levi looked at Bella with a sly smile, finding amusement in her discomfort. "It's freezing outside. Let me in, please," he said, holding onto his own hands, pretending to be cold, despite wearing a warm coat.Bella didn't belie
Chapter Forty-TwoBella was stimulated by him to the point of climax. She quickly sank into the pool of desire and reached the orgasm that Levi created. Bella had no idea how sexy her current appearance was, her face turned red, her vision began to become blurry, her mind was like a blank piece of paper and she couldn't think of anything at all.Levi smirked with amusement at Bella's expression, seemingly accustomed to his touch now. He recalled the first time Bella and he engaged in this act, back at that bar, fueled by alcohol, she was so enthusiastic and spirited, yet he could still see the concern and fear in her eyes. If Levi hadn't been sober and not inebriated, he certainly wouldn't have known that night was Bella's first time.Thinking about this woman's first time with him, he couldn't help but smirk in satisfaction, but when he thought about Bella going out to dinner with Max tonight, a romantic dinner in a fancy restaurant, his smile faded."You seem very satisfied, don't y
Chapter Forty-ThreePearl didn't want things to spiral out of control. She was a woman who understood very well that no man could resist being near his wife without touching her. Not to mention, since Bella started working at the company, she had developed a sense of style and fashion that was very modern, making Pearl's eyes burn but she couldn't do anything.Max would surely find it difficult to resist a beautiful and gentle woman like Bella. Currently, Max still came to Pearl, indicating that she still held an important place in his heart. But nothing lasts forever, and Pearl was increasingly unwilling to continue accepting herself as the third party. If things continued like this, she would forever remain in the shadows.Pearl gently kissed Max on the lips, her tone sweet and gentle as she said, "Don't be angry... I like this because I miss you too much. Do you blame me just because I miss you?" She knew Max preferred softness over hardness; as long as she was gentle and sweet, no
Chapter Forty-FourUpon hearing Bella's words, Pearl became so enraged that she trembled, wish could give Bella a painful slap."What does she think she is to confront me like that? Going on long trips, huh? Ha! It's only because Max pities her that he suggested such a thing, yet she acts like it's a source of happiness to confront me. We'll see about that." Pearl resolved to ensure that Bella couldn't have a proper trip with her husband because Max would definitely come to Pearl's place then.Like before, on their third wedding anniversary, Max didn't care and came to his wife. So after this project is successful and completed, Max will be by her side. Pearl was secretly pleased, she was sure she understood Max more than Bella.With these thoughts, Pearl's mood improved. She smoothed her hair and reapplied some powder and lipstick in the restroom. Looking at herself in the mirror, Pearl smiled contentedly, convinced that she surpassed Bella in many ways. She was more beautiful, pure,
Chapter Forty-FiveThis was the first time Bella found herself in such a situation, unsure of who sent these things to her. Flowers and a gift box? Without much thought, Bella understood the significance of the gift, which only added to her confusion. "It's really perplexing."Bella picked up the card and opened it, feeling normal until she read its contents, which immediately made her uncomfortable and flushed with anger."Is he really crazy?" Bella muttered angrily, but she dared not speak loudly.Looking at the bouquet in her hand, Bella wanted to throw it away, but hesitated, knowing that discarding such a large bouquet would surely attract attention. After some thought, Bella went to the security office."Hello, it seems someone sent this to me by mistake. I'm not sure who sent it, so you can keep it. If nobody claims it, just dispose of it for me," Bella said with a smile, not showing any hint that could confuse the security guard who took it. With that, Bella quickly stashed th
Chapter Forty-SixAs soon as Bella picked up the phone before she could even speak, the voice on the other end spoke first. [Have you received my apology gift? Why haven't you replied to my messages? Are you still angry with me?]"I've already said it, I'm not angry. What our relationship is, don't you understand?" Bella sighed, her mood unsettled, but her mind was clear. She is very aware of the relationship between herself and Levi. The thing that must not be violated is having feelings for the other person. Levi's actions right now are like the two are lovers, but Bella knows clearly that he is just doing so on a whim.Arbitrary people like Levi can easily do actions that make others misunderstand, especially women. It's not natural that Levi is so loved and admired by most women, not only because of his handsome appearance but because of his misleading actions that make others think he is a kind and warm person. Bella only recently realized this, not through a specific moment, bu
Chapter Forty-Seven"It's like you're talking about yourself. Indeed, Max betrayed you and your marriage, but aren't you also having an affair?" Levi spoke bluntly, disliking Bella's apparent inclination to forgive Max.Bella remained unruffled by Levi's frank revelations. Instead, she looked at him and chuckled, "Exactly, I acknowledge my actions were despicable and repulsive. Despite knowing that Max was unfaithful first, I too engaged in infidelity while our marriage was still ongoing."Levi smirked, "So, you feel guilty and remorseful towards your husband? I always knew you were kind, but I didn't expect this level of kindness. It's quite ironic.""No, I don't feel guilty or remorseful towards him; I'm merely curious," Bella clarified.Frowning slightly, Levi found Bella's speech ambiguous and often veiled, making it hard for him to discern her true intentions. However, it also added to her mysterious allure, leaving him curious about her thoughts. "Infidelity is infidelity, what
Chapter Ninety-Two"She insulted me, and you're just brushing it off?" Pearl wanted a few comforting words from him, but his indifference left her deeply dissatisfied.Max didn't look at her; he focused on his documents. With a sigh, he said, "Enough. Tonight, join me and Bella for dinner at this restaurant. She really wants you to come. She considers you her best friend, yet you treat her this way. Don't you feel guilty towards Bella?""WHAT? Max… what are you talking about? You're asking if I feel guilty towards Bella? Are you crazy? Why should I feel guilty towards her?" Pearl was furious at Max's words, unable to comprehend how he could say such things.They had been secretly involved behind Bella's back for years, even before Max and Bella got married. Together, they planned to take over Bella's father's company and intentionally made it impossible for Bella to conceive. Everything that had happened was a joint effort between Pearl and Max, not just her alone, yet now Max made it
Chapter Ninety-OneAfter the health check-up that day, the person most anxious and eagerly awaiting the results was Pearl, even though she had nothing to do with the health check-up. In contrast, Max seemed almost indifferent to it and showed clear annoyance whenever Pearl brought up the subject."Can you stop it already? I know what I need to do. Stop nagging about it all the time. Don't you find it annoying? If you have so much free time, you should focus on your own work. You know very well that the salary you receive every month is too high compared to the effort you put into your job," Max snapped irritably. He was growing increasingly fed up with this woman. Who was she to demand that he listen to her?Too troublesome!Pearl immediately retorted, "Why are you yelling at me? What did I do wrong by asking you to do this? You regretting it now? Don't forget, there's no turning back for us anymore."Of course, Max understood Pearl's words better than anyone, but he deliberately pret
Chapter Ninety (1)The Previous Night…The party had come to an end, with most of the guests having left, leaving only the staff to clean up. Max was so drunk that he was no longer conscious, and slumped over the food table despite the waitstaff's attempts to rouse him."Sir? The party is over...""Just continue with your work. He's my friend; I'll take him home," Levi said, raising an eyebrow at Max, who was asleep on the table.The male staff member immediately bowed, "Yes, sir."Levi called two bodyguards to help Max into the car. The driver was surprised, seeing his master allow someone else into the car besides Ms. Bella, moreover a drunken man.As the driver was about to take orders from Levi, he said, "I'll drive him home."In the car, it was just Levi and Max. Max was completely unconscious, sleeping in the back seat, unaware that Levi was taking him home.Seeing Max's sleeping form in the rearview mirror, Levi couldn't help but smirk. "Perhaps after tonight, I'll have to get
Chapter NinetyMax wanted to relive the sensation of last night, but he couldn’t remember anything at all—not even a blurry image in his mind. This made him even more regretful and unwilling to accept that he had made love to his wife while being completely unconscious.Just as he was about to touch Bella's chest, she gently pushed him away and spoke in a tired and somewhat coquettish tone, “Last night was enough. I can't continue anymore. Besides, you were so drunk last night that you had no control, and now I’m extremely tired and have no energy left.”Hearing his wife’s words, Max felt both happy and confused. He didn’t know how to feel about what Bella said because he couldn’t remember experiencing any of it. Did they really make love? But he couldn’t doubt her since the love marks on Bella's neck and chest, along with her exhausted state, were clear evidence of how crazy their last night had been.Seeing Max standing there lost in thought, Bella pouted and asked, “What are you th
Chapter Eighty-NineAfter Levi left the company, Pearl was extremely upset in the office. It was the first time she had been ignored and shown disdain by a man.As soon as Max returned to the office, Pearl clung to his arm and said coquettishly, "Max..."Before Pearl could finish her sentence, Max gently pushed her away and sighed, "How could you be so rude, Pearl? You can address me however you want in the company, but Levi is not just my friend; he's an important client. Thanks to him, I've been able to secure many successful projects.""I... I didn't mean to, I just thought since he's your friend, he's also my friend. I just wanted to be friendly and create a harmonious atmosphere. He didn't need to be so harsh with me." Pearl pouted, feeling she did nothing wrong, thinking Levi was being too strict and arrogant.Max didn't want to continue this topic but felt the need to make Pearl understand. "Are you delusional? Levi is your friend? Do you think you're on the same level as him?
Chapter Eighty-EightMr. James seemed to sense the unusual nature of his daughter's marriage clearly. Rarely seeing his daughter and son-in-law, and knowing that Bella did not want him to interfere in her small family to ensure her happiness and her right to decide her own fate, he had complied with her wishes.However, when Bella mentioned that she had been experiencing abdominal pain to the point of bleeding and yet Max showed no concern, Mr. James found it hard to accept such indifference.“Tell me, what’s going on between you and Max?” Mr. James tried to suppress his discomfort as he spoke to his daughter.Bella, of course, wanted to tell her father everything, but it wasn’t the right time. She simply smiled lightly and said, “Nothing is wrong, Dad. Don’t worry too much, I will handle everything myself.”“You? Handle everything yourself? Bella, I respected you and gave you the full right to make your own decisions and didn’t interfere. But look at this, married for four years and
Chapter Eighty-SevenThe atmosphere in the room began to feel strange, and Bella was confused by his question."Are you asking about the nature of our relationship? What are you talking about? Of course, our relationship is mutually beneficial. You help me get revenge on them, and in return, I fulfill your sexual needs." Bella said casually because it was the truth, an obvious truth. She didn't understand what Levi was implying.Levi didn't show any particular reaction as if he had already guessed Bella would respond that way. He sighed softly."But I feel that in this relationship… I'm not getting any benefits."Bella didn't understand, but she knew his words carried a hidden meaning. She frowned slightly, "What do you mean? Speak clearly, you’re not someone who likes to be vague."Levi's gaze was cold and dangerous. Bella couldn't look into his eyes for too long, so she took a sip of tea to calm herself. She didn't know why Levi was angry, but since she needed his help now, she coul
Chapter Eighty-SixBella worked, but her mood was restless and anxious. She kept glancing at her phone, waiting in worry and unease, but also full of anticipation and hope. Lauriel, sitting next to her, chuckled softly."Are you waiting for your boyfriend to call? You really know how to choose a boyfriend. He's not only handsome and tall, but he also seems very wealthy... like someone with high social status. Bella, tell me, which prestigious family does your boyfriend belong to? He doesn't seem like an ordinary salaried worker like us."Lauriel spoke with admiration in her eyes, not just for Bella's exceptionally attractive boyfriend but also because she had heard that the man had paid all of Bella's hospital bills, wanted to transfer her to a private room, and ensured she received special care. This level of attention wasn't something an ordinary man could afford, everyone knows that hospital fees are not cheap, and hospital services are extremely expensive.Bella knew Lauriel had
Chapter Eighty-Five"Miss Bella... please stay in the hospital for another day or two until your health is fully recovered. You are leaving right after waking up will-" The doctor said worriedly.Bella waved her hand, cutting him off, "I know, but I feel much better already. I have things to do and can’t stay here any longer."Hearing this, the doctor continued to advise Bella to stay for further examinations. Bella raised an eyebrow and said, "You don’t need to worry. I’ll rest well at home, so there’s no need to stay in the hospital.""But if you leave now, what am I supposed to tell Mr. Karter?" the doctor murmured. However, he couldn’t stop Bella if she wanted to be discharged.Since there were only the two of them in the room, Bella heard him clearly. She shrugged and said, "I’ll tell Levi later."Though she didn’t show any special emotion outwardly, Bella felt extremely uneasy inside. When Levi left the room, she had the quiet space to think more carefully about the unusual thin