"Oh, Paul, take me.""Calista Everhart, look at me. Who am I?" The lights were switched on. Calista's eyes widened the moment she recognized the man's face. "Lucian Northwood? What are you doing here!"Lucian held her chin with a cold expression. "If you dare to send yourself to my bed, you should know I'm not easy to deal with." "It's not what you think. I was wrong …" She tried to free herself, but it was too late. Agonizing pain consumed her the entire night. After the deed, Lucian tossed a credit card at her. But she slapped him across the face. He licked the corner of his lips and sneered. "Isn't this what you came for?"His words destroyed her, but there was no turning back now. "Lucian Northwood, I don't want money. I want you to marry me!"Three years later. Calista was watching the entertainment news at Everglade Manor. The report covered a dancer named Lily Scott, who accidentally fell off the stage. The scene was a mess. A man in a suit walked through the crowd with
"Calista Everhart, what do you mean by this? A divorce agreement?"Calista woke up as soon as she heard Lucian's voice. "Literally, a divorce."He smiled coldly. "Before you go to work, come to my office and take this trash away. I want you to be at Everglade Manor at 8 pm. Bring your luggage too." She sneered. "Lucian Northwood, are you—"Before she questioned his sanity, she suddenly understood why he was contacting her."You don't have to worry about Lily being called a homewrecker. The only people who know about our marriage are our parents and close friends. "To the outsiders, you're still the good guy willing to fully support your girlfriend's career and suffer the loneliness. Now that your sacrifice has borne fruit, everyone is happy for you." Pictures of Lucian sending Lily to the hospital had been taken and released last night. And now, Calista was bringing up a divorce. Lily would take the blame as the homewrecker if words got out.When Calista finished, she realized that
The words "living separately" squeezed Calista's heart. It was a sad and painful feeling. She could count how many times Lucian came back to Everglade Manor after they got married. It was no different from living separately."There are only three months left. I don't see the point in living together." He stared at her for a few moments. Then, he smirked. "I decide if it's pointless or not. Ask David for a two-hour break today. Bring your luggage back to the manor." "I—" A knock on the door interrupted her. David was outside. He reminded Lucian, "Mr. Northwood, the meeting will start soon."Lucian buttoned up his sleeves. "Get out."Calista remained unfazed. "Lucian Northwood, I am not going back.""You keep saying the same thing over and over." This wasn't the first time they had fought. So, he was unbothered. It wasn't the first time she had moved out, either. But it usually took her a few days before she returned. She knew he wasn't buying it and thought it was a waste of t
Calista was using Lucian's credit card. She thought it would be a waste to use her money to stay at a hotel.She called Yara to ask for her address. Then, she drove there. Jonathan followed her the entire way, but she ignored him.An ornament scratched her hand as she took her luggage out of the car. It was bleeding, but fortunately, it wasn't serious.Yara lived on the 17th floor. She was expecting Calista, so she left the door slightly open. She was momentarily stunned when Calista brought her luggage into the house. Calista hadn't mentioned it over the phone. Yara thought Calista looked like she had run away from home.She skipped putting on her face mask as she helped Calista with the luggage. "You should've told me about your luggage. I could've waited for you downstairs …"Then, she said, "You have a scratch. What happened?" Yara was worried and wanted to get a medical kit. But Calista stopped her. "It's fine. It'll heal in no time.""You spent so much money taking care of y
The journey to Stansend Manor was quiet. Jonathan didn't dare to change the speed in such a tense atmosphere.It wasn't until he stopped at the parking lot that he heaved a long sigh. He got out of the car to open the door for them.Unlike Lucian, Calista didn't particularly enjoy such service. She was about to open the door, but he suddenly asked, "I like someone brainless with a hot body?"Calista almost choked on her saliva. She forgot that she said that. She only wanted to speak ill of him. Who even knew what type of woman he was into?She looked back and noticed his gaze. It fell just below her collarbone. Calista wasn't sure if it was intentional. Something was brewing in his gaze, one that she took as disdain. "Don't men like big boobs in general?" That would explain his lack of arousal throughout their marriage. But Lily wasn't that curvy either.Lucian frowned. "I don't."Calista could only smile. Her beauty had a fierceness to it. And with that smile, she coul
Calista didn't notice anything wrong with what Lucian said. Besides, she was still angry about his indifference. So, she responded with a sullen hum. Lucian took a sip of the soup. He placed the spoon back with a little force, and it clanged against the bowl. He then lifted the blankets and lay down. Calista still had her back to him as she turned off her bedside lamp. After that, she closed her eyes, ready to sleep.For the past year, they would sometimes sleep in the same bed. But there was always space between them. The bed was big enough to fit two people. However, that night was different. Calista was fast asleep when Lucian suddenly pressed his body against her. His firm chest pressed against her back, and she was wrapped in his embrace. She could feel his muscles through the thin layers of his clothing.His hot and rough breath brushed against her ear, raising the temperature in the room. It was scorching. Before Calista could react, she felt something pressing again
Lucian didn't make it obvious. But Selena understood what he meant. The effect of the soup was evident. After all, Selena had asked for the recipe from a famous doctor. A smile appeared on her face. "Are you a teenager? Don't you know how to be more gentle? Go on and buy it."She added, "Wait. Take Calista with you too. She should go to the hospital. It'd be bad if she gets an infection." Lucian was at a loss for words. However, he couldn't say no to Selena's hopeful gaze. Ultimately, he could only call Calista and ask her to come down after getting dressed.Calista thought that something had happened since Lucian's tone seemed off. So, she quickly ran down after getting changed.She didn't expect to see Selena and Lucian standing there.Lucian's deep voice was rather indifferent. "You're not feeling well. Come with me to buy some medicine." Calista couldn't help but wonder when she ever said she was sick.She glanced at Selena. And finally, she understood what was happening. Luci
The wound on Lily's leg was wrapped in gauze. It was difficult to tell whether it was infected. However, the area was indeed swollen and bulging. "Has the doctor looked at it yet?"Lucian was too indifferent. He didn't seem concerned or bothered when he looked at her swollen leg. Lily couldn't tell what he was thinking, so she didn't dare butter him up. "I've let the doctor change the dressing. It's probably because I accidentally splashed some water on it while showering … That's why it got infected." Lucian took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips. He ignored the no-smoking sign on the wall. With a click, the lighter sparked to life. It cast a warm glow on his defined features.He took a drag before looking back at Lily's leg. "Lily, you should stick to this path since you chose it. Don't ruin yourself by giving up. You gave up everything to pursue this dream." Lily didn't expect him to say that. She thought he would at least feel distressed or comfort her when he saw
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,
Cameron replied, "Did I ever say that I was a good person?"She tilted her head slightly as she smiled. Her damp hair gathered to one side.From Cade's perspective, the first thing he noticed was her slender neck and collarbone, with large areas of her fair skin exposed, speckled with a few water droplets from her wet hair.He felt a searing, intense emotion rising in his chest. This was Cameron's room, so it was filled with her scent. Cade subconsciously clenched his fists.The effects of the alcohol finally hit him, overwhelming his senses and making his head feel heavy and muddled.Cameron pulled open the door and gestured in a "see-you-out" motion. "I'm not one to force myself to please others, so we can discuss about our relationship when you decide to get rid of Mirabelle."Cade responded, "Can't it be something else?""Like what?" Cameron's gaze lingered on him as if she was inspecting an item for sale. "Is there anything about you that could spark my interest?"Her wor