After a passionate, steamy night, Rebecca felt the man beside her rise from the bed and enter the bathroom. She lay motionless, utterly drained and unable to move.
The sound of water flowing could be heard coming from the bathroom. Rebecca forced her eyes open and glanced at the clothes scattered all around the floor. The fresh memory of the night’s activities surfaced in her mind, and she instinctively clutched the blanket as her cheeks blushed crimson. She and Jacob… Since they were young, both of them had been betrothed to each other by their respective families. But over the last few months, Edward’s behaviour had changed. He grew distant, treating her with cold indifference as if she had upset him somehow. Yet, no matter how many times she asked, he never gave an explanation. After his car accident, during which she stayed by his side for three months, nursing him back to health, that was when his attitude toward her had changed a little. Now that they had consummated their relationship, he was going to take responsibility and marry her, wasn’t he? She couldn't help but tremble in excitement at the thought; her eyes twinkled with happiness. As she was lost in her thoughts, the door of the bathroom suddenly opened, and the man came out leisurely; Rebecca looked over. He had tied a towel around his hips, revealing his sexy, sculpted chest. His body was still covered in water droplets, and he looked mesmerizing. Even though they had already consummated their relationship, Rebecca yet felt impossible to look straight at his face. She was shy. However, she noticed Edward was giving her cold shoulder as he walked past her and grabbed his clothes from the floor. He put on his clothes unhurriedly. Rebecca tightened her fist around the sheet, a nervousness crossed her eyes. She took a deep breath and began, "Ed...." Rebecca bit her lower lips and felt impossible to voice out her thoughts. In contrast, Edward was indifferent as if he did not care about Rebecca or the night they had spent. Rebecca was disheartened, but she quickly collected herself and continued, "Since we have already done it, don't you think." Edward finished buttoning up the suit and turned around at Rebecca. He lifted his eyebrows and rested his eyes on her. He was silent and cold which caused Rebecca's nerves to rattle. His unresponsiveness was cruel for Rebecca to tolerate. She was about to open her mouth again, but Edward's voice interfered, "Done it? Done what?" Rebecca froze in shock. What was that supposed to mean? They had spent such a night together. Was not he thinking of marrying her? The thoughts plummeted heavy on her heart. Edward saw the blank look in Rebecca's eyes, and the meaning dawned on him, causing his lips to twitch. He said sarcastically and crudely, “You voluntarily threw yourself into my arms and gave me your virginity. And now you’re telling me that you want me to take responsibility for you?” His words crashed like thunder in Rebecca's brain, momentarily causing her to zone out. A chill ran down her spine. Blood drained from her face as her hand trembled. Though it was true she took the initiative to kiss him under the influence of Alcohol, he did not stop her advances. Now, how could he say that she threw herself into his arms voluntarily? She loved him! She cherished the night she had spent with him. But to Edward, it was just a mere night with a girl. All these thoughts were extremely painful for Rebecca to settle. She stared at Edward with baffled eyes as her thoughts killed her inside of her head, 'Everything had been fine. Why did he suddenly become so cold? Why was he saying such cruel things? Had she done something wrong?' Edward took a step forward, got his phone from the bedside table, and said, "I will give you an answer later because right now I have very important work to do." And Edward turned around and headed toward the door. He opened the door to leave, but stopped and looked over his shoulder, saying, "I was always clear about my feelings." And stepped out, closing the door behind him, leaving Rebecca alone in the room. The tears in her eyes rolled out, and her breath stuck to her throat. Rebecca couldn't believe that the person she loved had just walked out, saying he was clear about his feelings.  Rebecca waited for a week to get a call from Edward. She kept convincing herself that he must have been upset that morning and just needed some time to think. Any moment now, he would surely reach out to her. However, she got a call from Edward's assistant, who said, "Miss Rebecca, I know it is not appropriate for me to say, but I have to deliver the message as instructed by my boss.” Ummm.." the assistant's voice showed strong hesitation. Rebecca was holding her breath. Sweat formed on her forehead and she asked, "I hope it is not that bad." "Well, he wanted to break off the engagement, and he would compensate your family," the assistant said, and it was enough to shut Rebecca. After the call was disconnected, Rebecca sat on the couch, dumbfounded. Her face slowly turned white. Her father saw her expression, and asked matter-of-factly, “Sweetheart, was that Ed on the line? What did he say? Is there going to be a wedding soon?” Her mother looked at her expectantly from the side, waiting for her reply. "Is there going to be a wedding soon?" she asked. Their question broke Rebecca out of her stupor, and she met her parent's eyes as she trembled violently. The news of her spending a night with Edward spread like wildfire. As a result, she and her family were hoping that Edward would agree to this marriage. Now what? She would become a laughing stock to the world. "For God's sake, Rebecca, say something!" "He broke off the engagement. He doesn't want to marry me," Rebecca said through shaky breath, her eyes brimming with tears as she grabbled with the pain she had never known. On the contrary, Rebecca's mother was unable to process the information and fell to the ground in shock, fainting from the devastating news.★★★★★"Edward, what is the meaning of this? How could you break off the engagement!? I demand an answer!" Elder Harrington fumed over his grandson, who sat leisurely by the window and swirling a glass of wine in his hand."There is nothing to explain, Grandfather. I simply no longer wish to marry her," Edward said coldly, his voice devoid any emotion."What? She is been betrothed to you when both of you were younger. You were happy back then and never questioned it. Now, what makes you change your emotion," Elder Harrington struggled to catch his breath; his voice was wrapped in tension, "She loves you and cares for you. How can you forget when you were bedridden, she took care of you? That girl stayed by you like an angel.""I have already informed them that I will compensate. Don't worry!" Edward replied, standing up from his seat in order to leave the room.Hearing him, Elder Harrington shouted, "You are a pathetic and heartless human, Edward."Edward paused, casting a glance at hi
★★★★"Oh my god! Is she really with Mr. Pete, who is twice her age?" Veronica gasped, her eyes were wide in shock. Though Mr Pete did not carry the notorious reputation many businessmen in his circle had, he was older than Rebecca. To anyone watching, it looked as if Rebecca had gotten herself a sugar daddy.Edward glanced over his shoulder catching sight of Rebecca smiling brightly at the crowd, Mr. Pete's arm draped possessively around her. A flash of anger shone in Edward's eyes, but he quickly covered it. Breathing out, he turned back to his drink at the bar.Just then two of his friends approached, "Starting early, Ed!" One friend teased Edward while another friend greeted Veronica and said, "You look gorgeous, Veronica!""Thank you, Henrick!" Veronica replied calmly to Henrick before saying to Edward, "I am heading over to my friends!"However, Edward did not say anything to her; instead, Henrick chimed, "You should, Veronica. And do not forget to remind Jacqueline that I still
★★★★★"Rebecca, you could have at least given him a chance to talk. I am sure he wanted to clear up the misunderstanding you two have," Rebecca's father began, settling down at the dinner table.The fork in Rebecca's hand paused mid-air, and she stared down at her plate, her expression clouded with gloom."What? You spoke with Ed!?" Her mother chimed in, and her surprise was evident, "What did he say?""Stop mentioning him in front of me!" Rebecca snapped, her frustration boiling over, "I have no relation with him, nor do I care about his existence," Rebecca flared at her parents, "And both of you get over with him. If you are still thinking he is some kind of gentleman and would care for our family, then you are wrong. None of you understand his twisted nature and any help for our business from him is a complete fantasy.""Can you explain why he suddenly cancelled the engagement 3 years ago without giving us any solid reason? I went to his office, but he informed the staff that I was
★★★★★Rebecca drove the car to Edward Harrington's office, her mind swirling with reluctance. Confronting him was the last thing she wanted, but her father’s business was on the line, she had no other choice.Stepping out of the car she lessened her hair from the tight bun, allowing it to fall freely, softening her professional look. It could not be an exaggeration if people said she resembled a striking model.She walked up to the receptionist, who was working on her desk computer."Excuse me, I would like to meet Mr Harrington. Could I get an appointment?" Rebecca asked.The woman looked up, her eyes briefly scanning Rebecca before asking, "What is your name?""Rebecca Matthew," Rebecca said, her tone steady. If this had been three years ago, she would not have had to fill out the formality like any other person. However, things had changed. Plus, this was the new girl at this Reception desk."Oh!" Came a surprise reply from the receptionist, shifting her eyes from Rebecca to the co
★★★★"Why do you think I would be the reason for Pete's downfall?" Edward questioned back, there was eerie calmness on his face.Rebecca stared closely into his eyes and felt that something had happened, something tied to Edward. But she could not point a finger at him- he stood to gain nothing by causing Pete's trouble."Your thoughtful silence says it all," Edward answered with a smile."Why do you want me to be your woman? Don't you hate me!" Rebecca questioned, her brows knitted in confusion.The expression in Edward's eyes shifted abruptly and he spat, "Yes, I dislike you. That is exactly why I want you to be my woman."His words struck Rebecca like a dagger, her breath catching as the weight of his meaning settled over her. But she steadied herself, her voice firm as she replied, "You want to torture me, don't you?""I could not agree more," Edward said; his tone was cold and hard. It made Rebecca feel like she had never held a place in his heart. "Don't give me those eyes. I ha
★★★★Rebecca drove toward the Red Bar and Casino, the location where Henrick Den had asked her father to meet him for a business deal. But with her father too ill to make the trip himself, Rebecca decided to go in his place, accompanied by his assistant who had already arrived.After parking, she made her way inside and was guided by a man to a private cabin. Rebecca knew Henrik Den well- he was one of Edward's close friends- but she had never liked him.As she stepped through the door, she found Henrick lounging on a couch, a woman by his side serving him a drink. His eyes widened in surprise seeing her, but a sly smile quickly crept across his face."Well, well. What a pleasant surprise, Miss Jones. I was expecting your father to come to meet me," Henrick said, gesturing the woman to leave with a flick of his hand."My father’s health has taken a bad turn. He is unable to leave his bed which is why I am here in his place," Rebecca replied, her voice firm and her expression unreadabl
★★★★Rebecca was visibly intoxicated after just three glasses of whisky. She slumped The Glass on the table, muttering, "I cannot take anymore. My stomach is turning!" Her eyes were droopy and her cheek flushed with heat, clearly indicating the intoxication."You will need to keep going if you want the deal," Henrick insisted, his tone unyielding, "I have already had more than you. Come on, you are almost there," his persistent made it clear he was intent on pushing her further, sensing her defences weakening."Cannot you see her condition? She cannot drink anymore!" The assistant snapped his voice firm with urgency."This nonsense has to stop. If you insist on this, I will take her place and finish the bottle myself. Let her go!" His eyes flashed with concern as he glanced at Rebecca, who looked ready to collapse at any moment. It was clear- she was either about to friend or worse, might need to be rushed to the hospital.“If you interfere again, I’ll throw you out of this room mysel