Everyone was watching like it was some kind of entertainment.
A few even had their phones out, secretly snapping pictures and recording. I felt like I was a clown on center stage at a circus.
And then, I laughed.
“Fine, I’ll behave. Just like you asked.”
My fingers reached for the clasp of my bra.
“Should I take off the rest? I can be even more obedient.”
It was a classic move–retreat in order to advance.
“You!”
Lucas froze, stunned.
a
He was not stupid. He finally realized that dragging me down in public meant dragging him- self down too.
No matter what feelings we had–or did not–husband and wife were still one unit in the eyes of others.
“That’s enough!
“Take this as a warning. Don’t make a scene again.
“Go home, reflect, and stop embarrassing yourself here.”
I did not argue. I just turned and walked away.
I wanted to get to the car, but a sharp pain twisted through my abdomen, soaking me in a cold sweat.
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Chapter 3
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It was the same issue I had since I was a kid–my cramps always flared up whenever I got too emotional.
I locked myself in a bathroom stall and sat on the toilet, silently riding out the wave of pain- both physical and emotional.
I did not know how long I stayed there, but the ache eventually eased up. Just as I was about to leave, the bathroom door slammed open.
Then came the sound of breathy gasps–hers–and low groans–his.
“Mr. Callahan, please be gentle. I can’t handle it… ”
3
“Hmph, isn’t this what you wanted? I helped you get revenge, so now you’re going to help me blow off steam.
“No matter how much it hurts, just take it. Get ready.”
And then came the sickening chorus of noises that only made my stomach churn again.
“Ah! Mr. Callahan, you’re amazing!
“Who feels better? Me or your wife?”
“Obviously you. Don’t even bring up that pillow princess…”
It took them half an hour to finish.
I sat there, listening to their little performance like a live broadcast–expressionless.
Tears had poured down like a storm but eventually dried up in silence.
Whatever feelings I had for Lucas were gone completely.
He always believed I married him because I was after his power and his influence.
What he did not know was that I already had a crush on him back in college. I was two years younger, just a junior when I first started liking him.
When it came time for the arranged marriage, I actually had better options.
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Chapter 3
There was a proposal from an old, powerful family in New York.
A match that would have done more for my brother’s inheritance and our family’s status.
Yet, I went against my father’s wishes and chose Lucas because I believed feelings could be nurtured.
However, this marriage turned out to be dead.
It was hopeless, lifeless, and utterly still.
After Lucas left with Marilyn, the stench of cigarettes still lingered in the bathroom.
I splashed water on my face, opened the door, and saw a man standing there, casually smok- ing.
“Here, put this on.”
Adam handed me a clean, fresh coat.
“Thank you.”
I draped the coat over my shoulders, but before I could say more, Adam pulled me into his
arms.
“Don’t be sad. If he loses you, it just proves he’s not only a jerk but also an idiot.
“Work with me.
“I told you I’d make you happy.”
To the outside world, Adam is the adopted son of the Callahan family and Lucas‘ brother.
So, he should be grateful, devoted, and faithful to the family that raised him.
But the truth? That was just a mask.
Twenty years ago, Adam’s father was a business partner with Lucas‘ father. Not only that, he was the second–largest shareholder in the company.
Then, one day, an “accident” took both Adam’s parents away.
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Chapter 3
He was just a kid when the Callahan family took him in.
288 iVouchers
People praised them, saying how noble they were to raise the orphan of their former ally. Yet, Adam never bought the story.
It was not an accident but a calculated murder.
And the murderer? Lucas’s father.
Because buried in his father’s diary were clues. Hints that behind the friendly facade, there was a ruthless power struggle between the two families.
And just when things reached a boiling point, Adam’s parents conveniently died. And the Castellanos family lost their grip on the company.
What a neat little tragedy, huh? Too neat.
So Adam played the part of the obedient adopted son and followed Lucas around like a loyal assistant, but all along, he had been quietly plotting revenge.
“Call me if you ever need anything,” he said softly.
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