Lucian whispered in defense, "You were the one who kissed me first."He just couldn't restrain himself.He had originally intended to accompany Calista home. But, considering her circumstances with the Everharts, he didn't want them giving her a hard time if they saw her drunk. So, he sent her to a hotel.It was after Lucian set her down on the bed did the woman's delicate features caught his attention. He was captivated by the rosy flush on her cheeks and her tear-misted eyes. By the time he came to his senses, Calista had already wrapped her arms around his neck. The woman was squinting slightly. There seemed to be starlight in her crystalline eyes.She raised her head as her plump lips closed in on him. Lucian could smell the wine in her breath as well as the peach-scented shampoo in her hair. Could he have avoided it?He could if he wanted to. It wouldn't take much force. The arms around his neck were so weak that they could slip off with just slight movement. Yet, they fe
Calista didn't do too well in the cold. That's why she barely ventured out in winter. She preferred to drive when traveling domestically. It was rare for her to be out in the elements braving the cold.Lucian pulled her into his arms and guided her into the passenger seat."Get in."The car was still running and seemed warm. Calista wanted to ignore it all and jump out of the car without a second thought. But, her rationality was still intact despite the chill."My colleagues are still here."They weren't back in Capeton where they could go their separate ways after work.They were all residing in the same hotel and were going to have dinner together. It wouldn't be a good look for her to leave them stranded unless she decided to quit her job at the museum."There was a car accident back there. The roads had already been cleared when I arrived. Your ride should be here soon."Just as he finished speaking, a sedan pulled up before them. The driver rolled down the window and spok
Lucian's answer had Calista assuming that he had gotten the house for a business trip."So, why did you get it then? Wouldn't renting a space or staying at a hotel be more convenient?"Not only was it more convenient, there was no need for them to clean up after themselves either."It's more comfortable to live in a house you own. You don't have to worry about whether or not the sheets had been changed or if the previous guest had used the kettle for something."Calista was at a loss for words. She couldn't understand what was going on in the minds of business tycoons.She straightened her seat slightly and turned to study the buildings on either side of the street. They were completely different from the ones back in Capeton. It was currently only 6:30 in the evening but it was already dark out.The property Lucian had bought out was located in the bustling area downtown. There was a night market downstairs with military police standing guard. Despite it being a little noisy
Calista was puzzled at first. She had been in a somewhat drowsy state. But now, she was wide awake after Lucian had schemed to sweep her into his groove. It was now settling in like a smack to the face.But, Lucian had indeed got her right where he wanted her. She had been too tired to move from the start. Now, she was lying in a soft bed enveloped by warmth while enjoying his massage. It gave her even less motivation to move. Her wavering willpower had all but fallen apart.When Lucian noticed that there was a sign of compromise, he continued to compel her in low whispers."There's a clothing store downstairs. You'll still have to go downstairs even if you want to go back to the hotel. We can go take a look. We'll decide what to do next if you don't find anything suitable."Calista was silent. If she spent the night here, she would have to be up an hour early the next morning to head back to the hotel to meet with her colleagues.She had the option of waking up early or staying
Calista made a trip to the supermarket before heading upstairs. Lucian had intended to follow her. But, she refused by claiming she wanted to surprise him.The man's gaze once again fell on the shopping bags, particularly the thin fabric inside. He had constantly been sneaking glances at it the entire way back. His face would turn red every time he did so.She was suddenly going to a supermarket after buying lingerie and refused to let him go with her. Lucian could already guess what it was she was going to do.It wasn't their first time. He was no longer an innocent virgin either. However, this was the first time their "play time" was this suggestive.Lucian nervously tightened his grip on the handle of the shopping bag. He only barely repressed the blood-pumping image he had in his head.While he was still lost in his thoughts, Calista came out of the supermarket with the items she bought in hand. She patted him on the shoulder when she noticed him standing under the streetlamp
The situation was progressing very wildly. Calista had been caught off guard by his question. "Touch … Touch what?"Her body was far more honest than what she was expressing through speech. Her hand had lifted on reflex as she asked the question.Without waiting for her to make a move, Lucian leaned in and pressed his lips against the woman's forehead before gradually moving downward. The warm sensation against her skin felt like a dragonfly gently flying across the water. The heater had been turned up a little high. The room didn't feel cold even without a blanket.Lucian kissed her on her lips. The woman was soft and warm. Every breath she exhaled brushed against his face, leaving behind warm condensation that immediately cooled. The sensation made him tighten his hold on her arms. Calista belonged to him. He had been in love with her for 11 years. And now, she finally belonged to no one else but him.She would be known as Mrs. Northwood, the Madam, or the president's wife.
The next day, Calista's biological clock woke her up from her deep sleep. Her arms felt so weak that she almost couldn't lift them. The moment she opened her eyes, she was greeted by Lucian's flawlessly handsome face still relaxed with slumber. The memories of what happened the night before instantly pierced through her hazy thoughts. She quickly recalled how this scumbag had cruelly tormented her.Calista's expression darkened. She kicked the still sleeping Lucian who was clinging onto her with one swift motion.The man had been kicked awake. He opened his eyes to find Calista hurrying into the bathroom. He touched his aching hips, courtesy of her kick, and couldn't help but smile. He habitually fished for his wristwatch placed by the bedside table and realized it was time to get up. So, he got out of bed after peeling off the covers.While Calista was baring her teeth at him for the suffering he made her endure, Lucian was in high spirits and refreshed from having eaten his
Calista paused and scanned her surroundings. She couldn't find Lucian in the crowd. "We're still at the gallery we were just at."They were meticulous when studying the pieces and had only got through three exhibits in half an hour. They were barely 60 feet away from where they had just been when he left. Their large numbers and distinctive features should've stood out against the sea of foreign faces.Lucian's breaths grew heavier but his voice softened."Can you send me your location? I had to go take a call. So, I went a little too far out. I can't find my way back."His voice was naturally deep and magnetic. The soft tones made him sound even more doting. Calista teased him while sending him their location."I didn't know you were so directionally challenged, Mr. Northwood.""I'm not very good with foreign architecture. I often couldn't find my way to class when I was studying abroad.""Do you remember which gallery we were in just now?"Calista's tone was lighthearted.
With Cade covering Cameron's mouth, there was no chance for her pointed words to offend anyone in the room. His palm was cool to the touch. It was a sensation she disliked. So, she couldn't help but tilt her head.When Cade noticed her movements, he gently stroked her cheek as if he were calming a child who was throwing a tantrum.Victor spent years in a position of authority, giving him an air of unspoken authority. His gaze hardened, and his lips pressed into a firm line as he watched Cade. "Cade, don't jeopardize the long-standing relationship between our families over a woman.""If that's how you see it." Cade glanced at the door. "Aren't you doing the same for a woman?"Victor snorted contemptuously. "How can a cheap girl who was merely adopted be worth anything compared to Mirabelle?""How is my daughter, a Yorksworth, worth any less than yours?" Blaire stood at the doorway as she took in the occupants of the home with her sharp gaze. She had been feeling restless ever sin
Mirabelle frowned. "Excuse me?"As soon as she finished speaking, Cameron walked up to her, grabbed her by her hair, and forcefully bent her over.Cameron held up the guest list Monica had sent her and shoved it in Mirabelle's face. "Call them. Tell them to be there by 3:00 p.m., or else…"She tightened her grip threateningly. "You can kiss this head of hair goodbye."Mirabelle pressed down on her scalp where it had been pulled, her voice distorted with pain when she spoke."Let go, Cameron! Are you out of your mind?""Didn't I tell you not to involve anyone else in our feud?""Can't take it anymore?"Mirabelle endured the pain of turning her head to flash a disdainful sneer at Cameron."This is just the appetizer. If you go against me, you'll eventually crawl out of Capeton with your tail between your legs. I'll call your business partner right now and pin the catastrophic failure of this event on you…"Seeing Mirabelle's condescending expression brought Cameron back to the
The kiss lifted the dark cloud that hung over Cade's mood over the past few days.The next day, as Fabian brought in documents for him to sign, Cade asked, "When is Cameron's show?"Fabian was taken aback for a split second but quickly replied. Fortunately, he was well-prepared and kept track of Cameron's events for the year in advance."Has the invitation been delivered?"Fabian swallowed, almost wanting to laugh to mock Cade. Given Cade's strained relationship with his wife, Cameron would sooner invite a dog than have him around. However, all Fabian could do was revel in Cade's misery in his mind while keeping a businesslike facade."It was probably already delivered. The front desk brought in a stack of mail yesterday. I haven't sorted it out yet."He had already sorted out the mail this morning. Everything had gone straight to the trash."Clear my schedule for the day. Make reservations at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.""Yes, sir."On the day of the show, Monica
That was obviously an excuse to get Cade out of the picture. Knowing what Mirabelle had done to Cameron in the past, leaving the two of them alone was out of the question. Besides, it wasn't convenient for him to move the car, so he refused without a second thought."Get the attendant—"However, Cameron cut him off before he could finish."Ms. Ackerman is a guest. You should fulfill her requests if she has any."Cade cast her a cold glance. "Shut up." Why should he dance to Mirabelle's tune?Cameron stared at him. "Run along."He gritted his teeth as rage crossed his face. After a brief pause, he sneered and turned to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Mirabelle's calm expression slipped. "Did you make me come here just to show off how much you two love each other?""You call that love? I think we have different definitions of what 'love' is then. He's nothing more than…" Cameron's fingers lightly traced the cup's rim as she smirked and said, "A lap dog.""You fu
Cameron crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bouquet in Cade's hands a nonchalant glance."What are you trying to pull, Mr. Carter?""Fabian said it was Women's Day today.""So what?"There was silence all around. The sound of soothing music could be heard through the door. Cade was silent for a while. "We're not getting a divorce, Cameron."It was the same old topic that Cameron had grown too weary of. She turned around and felt for the cigarette box on the table. There was already a layer of cigarette butts in the ashtray next to it. Judging by the color of the lipstick marks, more than half of them were hers.Cade frowned. He clearly disapproved of her smoking but kept himself from stopping her.Smoke curled from between her lips. The flickering embers of the cigarette reflected in her eyes, softening her indifferent gaze. Through the thin haze, Cameron's lips curled into a wide, unrestrained smile. Every time she smiled in this way, it always filled Cade with a
Cade began unbuckling his belt as he spoke. When it came to this sort of thing, men often had a strong sense of competition, especially in the presence of a woman they were interested in."Such a dark atmosphere isn't right for our situation."Cameron didn't like him to begin. In such a dark atmosphere, there was no telling what kind of grotesque creature she might imagine him to be. It would be strange if she felt attraction for him.She leveled a steady stare at him. Cade's shirt was half undone, showing his tense muscles underneath. Under the influence of alcohol, his skin took on a faint reddish hue. There was a heart-pounding tension in the air as if something was about to ignite. Occasionally, his slightly heavy breaths could be heard."You haven't been working out recently, have you?" Cameron asked.Cade was confused.Cameron pressed her hand against his chest, right below his ribs, and gave it a little push. After a moment, she commented, "Your muscles are a little soft
Cade tossed his phone onto the table in frustration when he saw who entered. He pressed his hand against his brow."Leave. You should see Diane for a work uniform.""Are you feeling unwell, Mr. Carter?" Rosalia approached the desk with a glass of milk in hand. "I learned how to give massages. Why don't I…" "Get out."Cade abruptly got to his feet and avoided Rosalia's outstretched hand, causing the milk to spill all over him. He glanced down at his now-stained shirt with a dark expression and pressed his lips tightly together. After a long pause, he asked through clenched teeth, "Did my wife ask you to send this up?" Every syllable was pronounced with the gnashing of teeth.Rosalia froze under his piercing gaze."It really was Mrs. Carter who asked me to bring it to you, sir," she stammered."Leave. From now on, you will not enter my study unless you have permission."Rosalia had come to work as a housekeeper to land herself a wealthy husband. She had even bribed the manager
On the next day, Cameron was discussing the fashion show with Monica when she suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind. "Cammie…" It was Blaire.Although Monica didn't fully know about Cameron's past, she didn't like Blaire at all. What kind of mother wouldn't protect their own child, after all?However, it wasn't appropriate for her to intervene as much even though she was Cameron's close friend. After all, it was Cameron's family matter.Monica stood up with her notebook in hand and said, "Well, I just remembered that there's still a few more invitations to send, so I'll go and take care of that. Let's discuss more about the fashion show later."After saying that, she glanced at Blaire and left without even greeting her.Cameron got up and nodded at Blaire. "Is something the matter?"She thought that her distant attitude last night had made it clear enough that she didn't want any more involvement with the Yorksworth family. She didn't expect that Blaire would come and loo
Cameron pushed the door open. She looked tired as she laid down her bag. As she changed her shoes, she caught sight of the food on the dining table out of the corner of her eye."Diane, didn't I tell you I wasn't coming back for dinner? Why did you make so much food?"Diane glanced upstairs. "It's for Mr. Carter. He hasn't eaten yet."The moment Cade was mentioned, Cameron dropped the topic. She rubbed her sore shoulder as she headed upstairs. "I see.""Madam…" Diane called out hesitantly, looking troubled. "Mr. Carter asked you to call him down for dinner when you got home.""Me? Call him down for dinner?" Cameron stopped in her tracks and turned around in confusion. "Why?""Mr. Carter seems to be upset. Did you two have another fight?""So If he's in a bad mood, I'm supposed to go upstairs and invite him down to eat? Should I also say 'Your meal is ready, my liege!' while I'm at it?" Cameron scoffed. Her sarcastic smirk quickly faded. "He can eat if he wants. If he doesn't,