"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
Fabian said, "Mr. Ackerman was taken away by the Office of Inspector General this morning. Madam Cameron and the Bark family are reportedly the ones responsible."The Carter Group hadn't broken any laws, nor had they been financially entangled with the Ackermans for over a decade. Still, the long-standing ties between the two families ran deep. If Victor Ackerman had skeletons in his closet, Cade would have a hard time avoiding the fallout.Cade propped his hand against his cheek. "What about my wife?""Madam Cameron…" Fabian had to steel himself to answer Cade. "Madam Cameron left the country. She applied for a long-term visa."Even with reporters hounding him, that sentence rang loud and clear in Cade's ears.A long silence stretched before he let out a quiet, bitter laugh.He had never realized how much Cameron had orchestrated behind his back. The Ackermans or the media could trip him up for now, but her betrayal cut deeper. Every move had been calculated.And the most absur
Cade crossed the room as Cameron, already seated, leaned her cheek against her hand, skimming the menu. "Want a drink?" she asked casually.His heart skipped a beat.Cameron's appearance radiated deliberate perfection. From her flawlessly styled hair and expertly applied makeup to her impeccable outfit and carefully chosen accessories, every detail was considered. Even her expensive "Allure" perfume hinted at a desire to captivate.A private dining room meant for couples with only spouses in each other's company…Given the setup, sharing a drink seemed like an implicit invitation.Cade pressed his lips into a line, trying to ignore the rising curve of a smile. "Sure," he replied, his tone deceptively even. "We'll start with two bottles of Magnolia's Pulpit," Cameron said.Cade choked on his water, coughing as he asked, "Seriously?"Who would start a date with such a strong distilled spirit? With two bottles, no less.Cameron propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow. "Is that
Cameron stared at her screen, where Gale had just sent a single word. "Ready." Her lips curled up involuntarily.Cade noticed the smile. He didn't know who she was messaging, but it irritated him for some reason. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and asked, "What if the Ackermans refuse to settle?"Cameron didn't bother to answer. She knew Violet and Victor would soon be in hot water, so she hadn't considered the aftermath. However, to Cade, her silence only confirmed his assumptions—she was reckless, unprepared, and acting purely on emotion. He clenched his jaw and finally stopped holding his breath. Then, suddenly, he pulled the car over with a sharp twist of the wheel. "Did you think it through before turning yourself in? What if the psych evaluation comes back clean, and the Ackermans insist on pressing charges? What then? You hurt Mirabelle badly. You think you'll have it easy in prison with the way they dote on her?" In contrast to Cade's exasperation, Cameron remaine
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