《Contract Go Wrong: The CEO鈥檚 Tempting Bride》


 Chapter 1 Stranger鈥檚 Bride

    Gina¡¯s heart pounded wildly against her chest, as she waited for the maid to finish styling her hair. Sitting across the mirror, the beautiful makeover did not help to conceal the sadness reflecting on her face.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She pressed her lips together as she fought the urge to bit them, trying to suppress the sobs that were attempting to escape. She doesn¡¯t want her father to think that he was making a bad decision, even if she knew that he was feeling guilty, she doesn¡¯t want to add more to his pain.


    Her father had tried so hard, bring her up alone and doing everything he could to make her happy, she would jump at any opportunity to repay him dearly even if it was going into a loveless marriage with a man she had never met before.


    She shut her eyes tightly as her vision was about to turn blur with tears again, which she fears might start falling any moment.


    ¡°There you go ma¡¯am, everything is all done.¡± The young maid finished styling her hair and gave her a bright smile through the mirror. ¡°Never seen a more perfect bride,¡± She added cheerfully.


    Gina opened her eyes at the maid¡¯sment and gave her reflection another nce. ¡°Thank you Amy.¡± She smiled half-heartedly and the maid helped her up from the chair, careful not to step on her long wedding dress.


    ¡°Believe me ma¡¯am, I¡¯m very sure that young master is going to love this dress on you, he specifically sent it over and his assistant said that he picked it himself. Awn I never thought he could be so romantic, you are really lucky ma¡¯am.¡±


    The maid continued chattering as they got out of the room toward the stairs. Gina¡¯s face held a small smile as she listened to the excited maid. Apart from her father, everyone in the mansion had thought that she was going to marry her ex-boyfriend, who had returned from overseas after so many years.


    All the servants who had adored her so much were very enthusiastic that she was finally going to be with her love after so many years of waiting. A sad chuckle escaped her lips, which was dimmed by the servants happy chatters and all of them approached her as she got down the stairs.


    The servants offered words of congrattions and even though they found it funny that the young master didn¡¯t want to hold an extravagant wedding, all in all, their lovely young miss was finally going to be happy.


    ¡°Gina, you ready?¡± Her fathers voice sounded from the huge door and Gina¡¯s head snapped up after taking a bouquet from one of the maids who had said that it was her gift to her.


    ¡°Yes, Dad.¡± She nodded with a half smile as he reached her side and the servants who had gathered around her bid her goodbye and went back to their duties.


    ¡°Uhmm.¡± Mr. Carlson fought for words but finally nodded with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Gina.¡± He dropped his head.


    Gina shook her head and held his arm. ¡°It¡¯s alright Dad, you don¡¯t have to feel bad¡­ I would do more than this if I had to.¡± She stopped in her words and also dropped her head, not wanting to see the guilt in his eyes.


    Mr. Carlson patted her head and smiled sadly. He wasn¡¯t only worried for the fact that he was giving out his daughter to a stranger, as the only way to save his business. But he was also worried about how his daughter¡¯s life was going to be as the guy¡¯s ruthlessness was well know across the business world and if he hadn¡¯t fallen into his trap a few days ago, he wouldn¡¯t havee to this hard decision.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, and they walked out of the huge door toward the car where a driver was already waiting with the door opened.


    Her father released her and Gina looked between him and the ck limousine, a stark contrast to her white wedding dress. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you Dad.¡± She gave him a hug.


    ¡°Me too dear¡­ me too.¡± Mr. Carlson patted her back and pulled away. ¡°I¡¯ll visit you.¡±


    Gina nodded and got inside the car. The driver closed the door and walked toward the middle aged man before handing him an envelope. ¡°This is from the young Master, everything is ready and you can have yourpany back. He also said that the newpany¡¯s ownership will be put under your name.¡±


    With that said, the driver got inside the ck limousine and drove out of the mansion.


    Mr. Carlson gripped on the envelope as his gaze followed the car which has disappeared. After the gates closed, he looked down and opened it. And just as the driver who he knew was one of the guy¡¯s bodyguards had said, all the documents seized by the authorities were inside.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Gina,¡± he muttered, with dropped shoulders, still standing at the same spot. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry Emma.¡± He called out to his dead wife.

 Chapter 2 Stranger鈥檚 Bride (2)

    It was a long ride as the car approached the far end of the city. Gina had initially thought that the driver was going to take her directly to the magistrate but after driving past the city¡¯s center almost half an hour ago, she had let the thought slide.


    Her palms were mmy as she gripped tightly to the bouquet, her thoughts wandering to whatever awaited her.


    Apart from his name, Gina was as ignorant as her best friend, who kept pestering her about what her groom looked like. Being the only friend she has had since high school, Gina had confided in Dina who had thought that this idea was not a bad one, as it might help her forget her asshole ex-boyfriend.


    ¡°Rich men are the trend nowadays, who knew if you might fall for him at first sight?¡­ Hehe, just go for it my dear friend, but don¡¯t forget to send me a lot of red packets¡±


    She shook her head at her best friend¡¯s words, knowing that the girl who wouldn¡¯t mind blurting out whateveres to her mind, only have her best interests at heart.


    Her attention turned to the window, and she noticed that the car was now in a silent neighborhood, and no house could be sighted.


    Tall trees lined up at each side of the road, and various colorful flowers which had fallen from them, carpeted the ground, dancing now and then with the autumn wind.


    There was a long row of flower trees and Gina couldn¡¯t help the air of anxiety that escaped her lips. Was this like some kind of horror movie where a young girl gets sold and had to live together with some beast in the heart of a forest?


    Her grip tightened once more on the bouquet, and her widened eyes darted rapidly across each window. ¡®Calm down Gina, your father would never engage in a shady deal as that¡¯


    Her heartbeats turned to normal, as a reassuring voice rang in her head. She couldn¡¯t help but reprimand her thoughts which kept running wildly at the smallest things. Even though she had tried so many times to suppress that habit, she would sometimes find herself jumping at the slightest of things.


    The driver who was at the front kept stealing nces at her through the rearview mirror. And when he noticed her eyes widened and darted around then shut tightly, his brows drew together. He drew the partition and quickly gained his stance, his expression stoic as ever as the car drove out of the forest and up the mountains.


    When the partition was drawn, Gina couldn¡¯t see where they were going from the front. She shut her eyes once more, and a few momentster, Opened them and realized they were out of the forest, which brightened her facial expressions a little.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The huge vi was located at the peak of the mountain, and the big city could be sighted from afar.


    The enormous metal gate was wide opened and the long car made its way inside beforeing to a stop.


    A middle-aged man stood in front of the big door, and when the limousine came to a stop, he rushed toward it and opened the back door.


    Gina came out of the car, her eyes wandering around the vast ce and what first caught her attention was the huge water fountain which had the sculpture of a mermaid. Her eyes narrowed on it, and the middle-aged man broke her out of her fantasy.


    ¡°This way please madam, thewyers are already here and awaiting your arrival, we wouldn¡¯t want to keep them waiting, would we?¡± He said with a chuckle and Gina smiled back softly.


    She followed him toward the huge door, but couldn¡¯t wait but nce back at the water fountain again.


    ¡°Oh, sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Donald, I am the butler of this home. I took care of the young master and his little sister since they were little. You can call me butler Donald, as everyone does.¡±


    Gina was lost again, and she couldn¡¯t register the words of the middle-aged man, and the only thing that caught her ears was that he was the butler.


    Her gaze did not stop wandering until they got inside the door for she has never seen this kind of sight, even in movies. Even though she was an heiress herself and had lived in a mansion, it couldn¡¯t be the least bitpared to this magnanimous site. And she wondered why such treasure was hidden away from the city.


    After passing so many hallways, they reached a spacious living room, and among the many couches, three old men were sitting separately each on a couch. They were dressed in ck suits and from the looks of it, Gina had made out that they were thewyers.


    But where was her groom?


    Anxiety rose in her stomach and she gulped. Hoping he wasn¡¯t one of them.


    The old men, on sighting the beautiful young bride, sprang up from the chairs and gave her friendly smiles, deepening the fine lines of wrinkles on their faces.


    The butler moved forward and so did Gina, her heart beating rapidly.


    The men greeted her and she sat across them, after finding her voice and managing a reply.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get to work,¡± said one of the men as they also sat down, while the butler stood quietly behind the nervous bride.

 A Contract?

    The old man took out papers from the briefcase which was already opened on the ss table. Each of them had a paper in hand as they busily arranged some while conversing among themselves now and then.


    Gina couldn¡¯t understand anything they were speaking about. She felt the butler¡¯s presence behind her and calmed down a little.


    Silence engulfed the room, and the only sound was the flipping of papers. The three men nodded to themselves and one of them took out a pen and handed it to her.


    ¡°You can read through the contract now miss, the young master had requested that before you could sign the marriage certificate.¡±


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Gina¡¯s brows knitted together and her head flipped back to the butler who was staring back at her calmly.


    Apart from Butler Donald, only thewyers knew about the contract which the young master had brought up at thest minute.


    Gina¡¯s eyes lit up and she grabbed the contract from the old man¡¯s hand,pletely forgetting her anxiety.


    A contract?. She knew what it means. And if she wasn¡¯t mistaken, this marriage was not going to be a real one.


    But why a contract marriage?. She couldn¡¯t mind, and without bordering to read through the contents, she took the pen and signed it.


    If it wasn¡¯t a real marriage, then her father¡¯s mind would finally be at ease when he finds out. And she wouldn¡¯t be caged to a strange man forever.


    Butler Donald, who had noticed the change in the girl¡¯s demeanor sighed.


    After putting down the contract, Gina signed the marriage certificate and handed everything back.


    The butler walked forward, secured everything in a suitcase, and left for the stairs.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Thewyers did not linger, and after finishing their jobs, they bid the bride goodbye and walked out the door.


    Gina¡¯s eyes surveyed the vast room, her expression was now calm, unlike the anxiety she has been feeling for the past few days after the news was broke to her.


    The huge chandelier above the ceiling shone the room brightly. Everything looks new, including the furniture, and she wondered if anyone had lived here before.


    Hearing sounds of footsteps, her gaze darted to the stairs and she spotted the butlering toward her.


    ¡°Young master will be back any moment¡± The butler stopped in front of her, nced down at his wristwatch, and said, ¡°Please allow me to show you to your room young miss.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ Okay,¡± Gina stood up and followed him upstairs. They passed by many paintings on the way, and Gina couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the site of the paintings.


    Although the designs were simple, constituting mostly flowers, and nature, she could tell that they were so expensive. ¡®What else could not be expensive in this ce?¡¯


    She chided inside, and let her gaze fall on the butler¡¯s back who had been silent all along. She wondered if any other servants were living in the mansion apart from him and the driver who looked more like a bodyguard.


    Just as she was about to strike up a conversation, he suddenly paused.


    The butler pointed to the right wing and said, ¡°This is the way to your room, and that way is to the young master¡¯s room. But I doubt if he would be using it from now.¡± He gave her a knowing look and Gina blushed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± The butler bowed and left.


    Gina nced at the left wing where the man had pointed at and looked back at the right wing where her supposed room was.


    She walked toward her room, and after walking up a few more stairs, she finally stopped at a door.


    Pushing it open, she entered inside and gasped. The room should be three times bigger than the one she had back in the mansion. And it seems like everything had already been prepared for her because when her gazended on the mirror, all the cosmetics and everything she would need was arranged on the table.


    She stared down at her beautiful wedding gown and chuckled, feeling herself as a joke. Thinking back to the contract earlier, she wondered if the wedding gown was to delude her father.


    She walked toward therge floor-to-ceiling window and watched the beautiful lights of the city, as the night had already fallen.


    Dropping the bouquet on the bedside table, she walked toward the door which she made out to be the bathroom, and stripped out of the wedding gown.


    After taking her bath. She came out in her bathrobe and walked toward the closet.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Gina was shocked to find out that the closet was only filled with men¡¯s clothing.


    She rummaged through the closet, and apart from the pile of suits which were all dark in color, she couldn¡¯t locate even a shirt.


    Gina rushed out of the closet after searching for a long time, and she nced at the cosmetics again. ¡°This is weird.¡± Her frown deepened.


    What if the butler was mistaken and had pointed her to the wrong room? Everything was supposed to be arranged for her right?


    She sauntered toward the door, still in her bathrobe. Just then, the door opened, and she stumbled onto a very tall figure. Her forehead hit his chest, and she let out a yelp.

 His Outstanding Looks

    ¡°Ouch¡± Gina winced with a hand pressed on her forehead. Her vision was blurred for a second, her head muddled from the sudden action.


    After breaking out of her shock, the figure had already strode past her, and when she nced back, he was now facing the mirror and undoing his necktie.


    ¡®Oh, my God¡¯ She stood transfixed and suddenly felt awkward. The anxiety she thought she had forgotten, returning tenfold. Not because of the fears that she had that she might be married to an old man or worse than that, but because he was way too handsome, surpassing her expectations.


    Gina could not help but gawk at him for a second, as he swiftly undo his necktie. His attention was on the mirror and even though she could only see his side profile, his face had no warmth, and the suppressing auraing from him made her cowered back subconsciously.


    Just when she thought he would continue ignoring her, a deep voice resonated in the room.


    ¡°Why are you still standing there?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Gina gave him a confused look.


    Adrian turned to her, his gaze sizing her up again. ¡°I can see that you¡¯re already prepared. However, I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±


    ¡°W¡­ What are you talking about?¡± Gina could not discern the meaning behind his words, and she took another step back under his scrutinizing gaze. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t find anything to wear¡­¡±


    Adrian¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°This is not your room,¡± he said, then walked away.


    Gina had also guessed that. ¡°But why are there female cosmetics on the mirror.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but blurt out.


    ¡°Not your business.¡± Adrian paused in his footsteps, his back facing her, before entering the bathroom.


    Gina stood transfixed and sighed. Hoping she hadn¡¯t gotten into anything bigger than she thought.


    She gathered the wedding gown which she had folded earlier on the couch, picked up the bouquet, and hurried out of the room, as she could hear the water running in the bathroom.


    On her way to the other side of the stairs, her thoughts wandered back to the guy.


    Judging from his looks and everything, she was sure that women would scramble toward him at one call, and it seems like he has a woman living with him. Then why would he marry her, did he know her, have they met before. However, after remembering her father¡¯s words, she won¡¯t dare question him.


    She had seen the fears in her father¡¯s eyes when he had first broken the news to her that she had to marry the guy who was the only one that could save his business.


    If even her father was afraid of him, she couldn¡¯t imagine the kind of person he was. But why her?


    The question kept echoing in her mind. She soon reached the door and pushed it open.


    Unlike the other room, this room was not as big. The curtains were light-colored, the bed sheets pink, the huge vanity mirror also had female cosmetics.


    Gina sauntered inside, letting her gaze wander the room. She found the walk-in closet and saw various dresses inside. Even pajamas were there, in different shades and styles.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She picked one and wore it, then her stomach grumbled.


    She hadn¡¯t eaten since morning, and the long ride to this vi,bined with the apprehension she had been feeling made her energy depleted.


    She held a hand on her stomach, just then the telephone which was sitting on the left bedside table rang.


    Gina¡¯s eyes lit up and she rushed forward to answer the call, wondering if it was her father or best friend.


    ¡°Hello__¡±


    ¡°Come down for Dinner¡±


    The voice cut her off, and before she could reply, the call ended.


    Gina dropped the phone with a sigh and stood up. Afraid that she might catch a cold, she dried her air and put on a sweater then left the room.


    Walking down the stairs, she admired the paintings again and when her hands grazed one of them, she stilled.


    ¡®What is this?¡¯


    She walked forward and surveyed it closely. Inside the painting was a waterfall, whose blue water, glimmering brightly, fell beautifully in the middle of the lush green forest.


    The trees at its side, whose fruits werepletely ripe, were lined up at each side of the water running on the ground.


    Gina was mesmerized with the painting which felt real, totally forgetting her hunger, until her stomach grumbled again.


    She continued walking down the stairs, then spotted the butler rushing toward her with an anxious look.


    ¡°Y¡­ Young Miss, thank goodness¡± The butler sighed in relief and held a hand to his chest. ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t going toe down. Young Master had been waiting, and__and the food will get cold. Hurry, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Gina frowned and followed behind the butler, finding his behavior weird.


    She had to increase her space to catch up with him. And when they finally reached the dining room, she realized why the man was anxious.

 His Formidable Aura

    Gina gulped at the dark look the guy was giving her, and even though she didn¡¯t know what she had done wrong, her head dropped in guilt and she lowered herself on the chair which the butler had drawn out for her.


    The butler served her the food, his eyes darting between his young master and the pitifuldy. And he sympathized with both of them for falling into this kind of situation. He could never understand what the patriarch was thinking. Thinking back to the boy¡¯s grandparents, he sighed.


    Gina ate her food in silence, not daring to look up at the guy. Something was disturbing about the way he looked at her, it was as if his gaze could bore through her.


    Her fingers tightened on the spoon to prevent them from shaking as a bad premonition built up in her chest.


    Adrian had also started eating the food which had almost turned cold.


    His gaze would fall now and then on the girl who had barely touched her food. He frowned when he heard her sniff.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    His voice was cold without any trace of warmth.


    Gina¡¯s head snapped up and she quickly shook her head with widened eyes. ¡°N¡­ Nothing.¡±


    Lost in her thoughts, she had almost given herself away. Even if she wanted to cry, she wouldn¡¯t want to do it in his presence. Who knew what he might do?


    She stood up carefully, not daring to make a sound. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m full¡­ Thank you for the food¡±.


    ¡°Who said you can leave.¡± His voice stopped her and Gina gripped on her cloth, swallowed deeply, and sat back down.


    The Butler, noticing the grim atmosphere in the room, quickly made an excuse and left. ¡®So much for a first wedding night¡¯ He shook his head, and hoped the poor girl could bear with it. Seems like he had underestimated the moods of his young Master. However, it was partly not the boy¡¯s fault.


    Gina bit her lips after she had finished all the food on the te. His attention was now on his phone as he had long finished eating.


    She looked down and fiddled with her hands, hoping he could give her permission to leave. A few minutes passed by and the ringing sound of a phone sounded in the dining area.


    Adrian nced at the caller¡¯s name and answered the call.


    ¡°I¡¯m not back.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go there.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be lonely.¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to wait.¡±


    Gina could hear a girl¡¯s whining voice from the other end. And when she sneaked a peek at him as he was engrossed in the phone call, his expression was calm and his tone had a warmth to it.


    Adrian caught her staring and she quickly looked away. He frowned, still on the phone, and stood up with his back facing her.


    ¡°Alright, take care.¡± He hung up, shoved the phone in his pocket, and left for the stairs.


    Gina stood up behind him and followed. Her footsteps were slowed, as she admired the paintings again.


    She was once again hypnotized and didn¡¯t know when he stopped until she bumped into his back.


    A gasp escaped her lips and she staggered back. Afraid that she might fall, Gina quickly grabbed onto something to steady herself.


    It was after finding her footing, did she realize what she was holding on to and her eyes widened.


    Adrian¡¯s expression turned darker and he yanked her hands off. ¡°Regina Carlson, so eager to get everything started aren¡¯t we?


    His voice had a mocking tone to it and Gina who had managed to grip the railing after being shoved away looked up at him in confusion.


    ¡± W¡­ What do you mean?¡± She inquired apprehensively.


    Adrian tilted his head, sizing her up again. An amused glint shed through his eyes, and he stepped forward.


    ¡°W¡­ What are you doing?¡± Gina panicked, her back hitting the wall.


    ¡°Well, ying hard to get right?¡± Adrian chuckled and rested his palms on the wall, caging her in between.


    Gina frantically shook her head and shut her eyes tightly. ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know w¡­ what you¡¯re talking about. Isn¡¯t this supposed to be contract marriage? Why are you doing this?¡± Her voice shook and all the facade she had been trying so hard to put up, instantly faded.


    Gina could only bite her lips to suppress her sobs as her tears had already started falling.


    Fear was not enough to describe what she was feeling. She had been trying so hard to convince herself that she could do this. All the pretense she had been putting up could not help the apprehension that kept increasing in her heart.


    This guy was dangerous, she could feel it. And she wondered again why it had to be her. After experiencing a tremendous heartache in the past, when Greg had left her, she had thought that her heart was immune to any kind of pain and she could put up with this. ¡°Let me go¡­ Please¡±.

 Unfortunate

    Adrian stilled, his eyes fixed on her. Tears were streaming down her face, her eyes shut tightly. Hearing her words, he was dazed for a second, before his eyes turned cold. ¡°You didn¡¯t read the contract,¡± He stated.


    Gina snapped her eyes opened, meeting his dark gaze. She lowered her head guiltily and slowly shook her head.


    ¡°Why did you sign it then?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Gina trailed off. How could she tell him that she had guessed what was in the contract and without thinking twice, signed it in her moment of ecstasy.


    Adrian studied her for a second, scoffed, and stepped back. ¡°Read the contract, and don¡¯t even think of leaving this ce.¡±


    And with that said, he left.


    Gina watched his back, her back still pressed on the wall. She held her chest to calm her erratic heartbeat.


    She remained standing for a while, sniffed back her tears, and continued walking up the stairs.


    In her state of panic, she had thought he would listen to her plea. What was in the contract? Had she made a huge mistake by not reading it first?


    The cold aura around him still made her hairs stand, and she could feel her whole body still trembling inside from the way his gaze had bored into her. What had he wanted to do? She quickly shook her head to shake off that thought.


    When Gina reached her room, she slumped down on the bed. Her hands wandered for the pillow, buried her head in it, and cried herself to sleep.


    She dreamt about the forest of huge flower trees, and mermaids ying at the bottom of the vast waterfall in the middle of the forest.


    The next morning when she woke up, her mind wandered to the weird dreams and she sighed.


    Gina sat up on the bed, thinking aboutst night, and what awaits her today.


    After taking her bath. She went inside the closet and picked from one of the dresses which were all her size.


    She picked a dress to hide her figures as best as she could. Seeing that it wasn¡¯t enough, she opened another side of the closet and picked up a sweater. All the dresses were branded and she recognized the brand so well because even as an heiress, she could only dream of getting clothes from there.


    Before her thoughts could wander again, Gina walked toward the mirror, and contemted whether to wear makeup or not, however, if she wanted to hide therge eye bags under her eyes, which she had gotten from crying so muchst night, she had to at least apply a concealer.


    Who knew what he would think of her this time. She had let him see her weak side, she doesn¡¯t want that to happen again.


    After doing the best she could to hide the eye bags, Gina dab a little bit of powder on her face and decided that would do.


    Her skin was wless, not only because of the maids who had showered her looks with praises, but also the envious nces some rtives had always thrown her during family gatherings. When she remembered her rtives, a sad chuckle escaped her lips. If her father hadn¡¯t shoulder the family¡¯s business, then maybe she wouldn¡¯t have been in this situation. Maybe one of her greedy uncles would have been the one facing this dilemma, and one of her obnoxious cousins in her shoes. Not that she wished that for them, or any other person. But if her father had turned down her grandfather, and decided not to manage the family¡¯s business, following the objections raised by her uncles, then she wouldn¡¯t have been in this situation and would have continued chasing her dreams. But all that was in the past, and she had to face the reality. She was now married to a stranger, who not only care about her but made her cry on their first wedding night. She couldn¡¯t wait to read the contract to know what awaits her. And hopefully, it wouldn¡¯t be something that she couldn¡¯t condone.


    Heaving a deep breath, she threw the mirror another nce to make sure her makeup was not too showy, before heading out of the room.


    Of course, she had learned her lessonst night and didn¡¯t linger to admire those paintings. Gina headed straight to the dining area, her heart had started thumping again, knowing that in the next second, she would have to face him.


    However, her fears were for nothing, for when she reached the dining room, because only the Butler was there, standing behind a chair which he had already drawn out for her.


    Gina let out a breath she hadn¡¯t known she was holding. Her heartbeat also calmed and she walked forward.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Good morning¡­¡± She greeted softly before the butler could find his voice to greet her.


    Butler Donald was surprised to see the girl all dressed up from head to toe, and if he hadn¡¯t recognized her face, he would swear that she wasn¡¯t the bride that was brought here yesterday. Even though it was autumn, it was still too early for her to start bundling herself in arge sweater. Was she suffering from some kind of illness?

 Weird Terms

    Gina sat down and started eating, her gaze darting now and then at the head chair where he had satst night.


    She couldn¡¯t help but panic at the thought of what had transpiredst night. Her hands trembled and she breathed deeply.


    Shaking her head to dispel the thoughts, she continued eating until the te was empty. Only then, did she realize that the Butler had been quiet all along.


    Gina turned around, frowning. And she wondered when he left. She stood up, nced at the empty tes and sses, then picked them up.


    It wasn¡¯t hard for her to locate the kitchen which was not far from the dining area.


    Just like in the living room, everything looks new. And some appliances were not even unpacked yet. Her eyes wandered around the morous kitchen before she stopped at the sink.


    Dropping the tes, Gina started washing them, her thoughts wandering to the Butler. She needed to read the contract.


    Hopefully, Adrian would not return until she see its content. Until then, she doesn¡¯t want to let her thoughts run just likest time. Thinking back to his wordsst night, she subconsciously shuddered.


    When she was done, Gina cleaned her hands and turned around. ¡°Oh my God¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    She held a hand to her chest, after almost bumping into the Butler who had just walked in.


    ¡°Sorry to scare you Young Miss¡± Butler Donald chuckled at the girl¡¯s bbergasted expression.


    Two folders were in his hands, and he handed her one which he had asked to be photocopied this morning. ¡°I suggest you keep it safe, The Young Master demands you have a copy,¡± he said with a smile.


    Gina whose heartbeat had not calmed, panicked at the sight of the contract, and she could swear that her heart almost leaped out of her chest.


    She quickly regained her stance and took the folder with trembling hands.


    ¡°If you have any issue with the contract, speak to the Young Master,¡± The Butler said, and Gina could notice a hint of pity in his eyes.


    ¡°And also¡ª¡± The Butler was about to continue speaking then his phone started ringing. He took it out, nced down at the caller¡¯s name, and his pupils dted.


    All that did not escape Gina¡¯s eyes. And a frown marred her face.


    ¡°Excuse me please¡ª¡± The Butler muttered rapidly, answered the call, and dashed out of the kitchen.


    Gina marveled at the man¡¯s nimbleness despite his size and age. Her attention turned to the contract and she gulped.


    ¡®Calm down Gina.¡¯ Her heart had started thumping again and she took a deep breath.


    After leaving the kitchen, the weird Butler was already out of sight. Without wasting another second, She left for the stairs, gripping tightly to the folder.


    Gina could not help but increase her space, her eyes continuously darting to the folder. It was as if from then henceforth, her fate depended on whatever was written inside the contract.


    The journey back to her room felt like an eternity and the stairs getting longer.


    After reaching the door, did she let out a sigh of relief.


    Entering her room, Gina headed for the bed and slumped down. She hesitated for a while before opening the folder.


    She took out the contract and started reading it.


    Her eyes widened and her breath hitched on reading the first term. ¡®What!?¡¯ Gina gasped and sprang up.


    She peered at it carefully, hoping she had seen wrong. However, to her dismay, the words were still there.


    She tried to collect her thoughts and pushed herself to read the remaining terms, each one weirder than the previous one.


    What was with She wasn¡¯t allowed to leave without his permission which she could clearly remember him sayingst night. And She wasn¡¯t allowed to interfere with his private life, must alwaysply with his orders withoutint, must not invade his privacy, must act naturally especially in the presence of his rtives, must not try to bear his children, and many more weird terms.


    Failure to abide by the rules, everything she had tried to protect would bepletely wiped off.


    Gina¡¯s tears had started falling by the time she finished reading the contract, as her fears hade true. It wasn¡¯t mentioned in any way, the duration of the contract.


    Would she be married to him forever? What was with those terms that clearly reflects his dislike towards her?


    Gina racked her brains, hoping to recall if she had ever offended anyone before who might happen to be him.


    But after thinking for a long time, she couldn¡¯t recall any memory of inciting anyone¡¯s anger in the past and receiving this kind of punishment.


    All her life, she had tried so hard to avoid getting into trouble, and even when kids bullied her at school or her cousins made fun of her, she had never indulged in their malicious words, and had always stayed away from them, numbing her heart to every insult they throw at her.


    ¡®Who are you!?¡¯ She sobbed, her tears staining the papers in her hands.


    Was he some kind of psycho who hates women and she managed to be his scapegoat?.


    She chuckled sadly, as that was the usible reason. But after thinking back to the female stuff in his room, Gina had run out of assumptions.


    Maybe she was just unlucky. Or had done something horrible in her past life, not worth forgiving.


    Good things happens to those who wait


    She had always held on to that notion, but now, her faith just like her heart has shattered into nothingness.


    It wasn¡¯t like she had expected anything good out of this marriage, but initially, she had thought maybe the man admired her and seized the opportunity of helping her father, to marry her.


    She reached for the telephone on the bedside table after a while and tried to see if she could get through her best friend, regretting that she hadn¡¯t picked up anything, including her phone, thinking that they were going to register the marriage first, at the magistrate.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ After trying severally, she stared at the phone in confusion.


    ¡®But it worked perfectlyst night¡¯ she thought inside, clearly recalling that Adrian had contacted her through it, asking her toe down for dinner.

 She Seems To Like Him

    Gina bit her lips and finally gave up trying, making a mental note to ask the Butler.


    She put back the contract inside its folder, then dropped it on the bedside table.


    Afterying on the bed, Gina stared nkly at the ceiling, many thoughts running through her head.


    If she had gone through the contract before signing it, would that be a different story? But what difference does it makes? It would still be the same, as she would have to marry him anyway to save her father¡¯s business.


    Her lips crept up into a sad smile and she sniffed back her tears.


    For so long, marriage was the only thing she had yearned for a very long time to find sce in.


    Her unspoken fears, nightmares, and heartbreaks were finally going to be wiped away, after finding someone to findfort in.


    Rejecting so many men in the past, Gina held her standards so high and only vowed to marry someone who loves her and she would love in return.


    Among them was Greg whom she had harbored such feelings for. She shut her eyes and heaved another deep breath, not wanting to have recollections of such memories.


    Her eyes remained shut, thoughts still running through her head, and a long time passed by before she found herself drifting into dreand.


    ***


    Downstairs, the Night had fallen and Butler Donald paced the living room.


    He had a phone in his hand which he kept ncing down at. His face held a worried expression and even beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.


    Then, suddenly, the phone rang again, and he almost dropped it to the floor, at the sight of the caller¡¯s name.


    ¡°Y¡­ Yes Master,¡± he greeted the person at the other end.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s here already,¡± he added respectfully.


    ¡°No, the¡ªthe Young Master has not returned¡± The Butler replied once more, then cringed as the person thundered from the other end.


    ¡°I¡ªI am very sure it is work, he might be held back at the office,¡± he replied quickly, then nced down at his wristwatch.


    It was still 9 PM and he hopes his master would stop pestering him of the Young Master¡¯s whereabouts.  However, he couldn¡¯t me the old man, knowing that the newlywed couples should logically be together by now.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°N¡­ No, there¡¯s nothing wrong with them, they¡¯re both happy and the Young Miss seems to like him a lot,¡± He lied through his teeth and sighed.


    ¡°Good!¡± Eximed the person at the other end. He let out a throatyugh, his voiceced with excitement, then said, ¡°Great Job Donald, you may now return.¡±


    Butler Donald¡¯s eyes widened and he stammered, ¡°You mean I can go back.¡± He had to confirm that he hadn¡¯t heard wrong.


    ¡°Yes, Butler¡­ Didn¡¯t you say you missed your wife? And besides, since the children are doing fine, it wouldn¡¯t be fair to be a third wheel, no?,¡± said the old man from the other end, as heughed again. ¡°Your flight ticket is booked, you shoulde back tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Y¡­ Yes, Master.¡± Butler Donald quickly nodded and listened to the beeping sound from the other end. He couldn¡¯t wait to go back to his family, and had also missed the calming breeze of nature surrounding the ind.


    When he thought back to the girl, he couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty. Maybe he should have tell the old man the truth. However, the boy was as ruthless as his grandfather, and he wouldn¡¯t want to get on either¡¯s bad side.


    So he only had to do everything to save his own skin. Hopefully, the girl would abide by any rule set for her, then she wouldn¡¯t have to see the violent side of the Young Master.


    After shoving the phone back into his pocket, he nced at his wristwatch again, turned around, and headed to his room which was just downstairs.


    He didn¡¯t want to waste time, and started parking. Knowing that every refurbishment and furniture for this ancient mansion has all been taken care of and no more supervision was needed from his side, the Butler¡¯s mind was at ease.


    And he also couldn¡¯t wait to see the family¡¯s little princess.


    ***


    When Gina woke up, the sky had turned dark.


    Pressing a hand to her forehead, she groaned and sat up on the bed, not believing that she had slept for so long.


    Was she depressed? She frowned at the thought, as she had read it somewhere that people with depression symptoms tend to sleep beyond normal.


    No, she wouldn¡¯t let her condition escte to that.


    A dull pain pulled her out of her thoughts and she slightly rubbed her forehead, attributing the pain to probably crying too much.


    She stood up carefully on wobbly legs and dragged them toward the bathroom.


    After turning on the faucet, Gina washed her tear-streaked face, hoping the puffy eye bags would disappear soon.


    She decided to take a bath as it was already nighttime then changed into pajamas, yet bundling herself in a sweater again.


    The hunger in her stomach, built up with each second and she had to painstakingly apply a concealer again. She didn¡¯t want to face him, and wouldn¡¯t afford to starve herself either.


    Feeling aplished with her work, Gina gave the folder on the bedside table another nce, sighed, and left the room.


    She sauntered down the stairs, clutching tightly to the railing, afraid her legs might give out at any moment, as her vision had started blurring from the intense hunger.


    Trying to fasten her pace, it was futile, and she regretted sleeping for so long, still finding it weird.


    On reaching the dining area, Gina found the ce empty. No food on the table, no Butler in sight, and thankfully, no Adrian.


    But that wasn¡¯t her problem at the moment.


    Without waiting to ponder, Gina continued in her steps towards the kitchen, opened the fridge, picked out some ingredients, and got to work.


    She had a hard time operating the huge stove, which waspletely different from the one she had known. And the fact that she hadn¡¯t learned how to use it, due to her dislike for cooking made her regret it now.

 He鈥檚 A Bully

    Gina painstakingly managed to turn on the stuff, the hunger in her stomach not helping. She luckily found arge cup of ice cream in the fridge and thanked her stars.


    While the noodles boiled, Gina sat on the counter with the huge cup in her hands. Opening it, she didn¡¯t waste time to start devouring the ice cream.


    ¡°Mmmm¡± A slight moan escaped her lips as the sweet liquid hit her taste buds, a hint of strawberry incorporated with vani. Thebination was weird and delightful at the same time.


    Her eyes closed, moaning now and then, and licking her lips while savoring the taste.


    Each scoop of the thick ice cream was bigger than thest one and in a short moment, the cup had almost turned empty, the yogurt barely reached a quarter of the cup.


    Gina had started regaining her energy and she could now see clearly. When the cup turned empty, she licked her lips, then nced between the boiling noodles and the empty cup.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    Gina flinched from the voice and when she turned around, the monster was leaning against the door in his pajamas, his expression as the bottom of a pit.


    His gaze wandered between her and the empty cup and she cowered back as his expression turned darker.


    ¡°A¡­ Adrian,¡± She stammered while trying to hide the cup behind her. ¡°I¡­ I was hungry, and the food__¡±


    She stopped midsentence as the guy reached her side, grabbed her arm, and snatched the cup.


    Gina yelped with widened eyes, his hand still grabbing hers. The scent of freshly bathed soap wafted through her nose, and she wondered when he returned.


    ¡°Who gave you the permission to take it!?¡± Adrian said in a low tone, looking between her hand the huge empty cup. ¡°Where is the butler.¡± He continued.


    Gina shut her eyes to tolerate the pain coursing through her arm as his grip tightened.


    ¡°Answer me!¡±


    He shook her violently and Gina quickly shook her head. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know where he is,¡± her answer came out as a whisper and she wondered why he was making a big deal out of a cup of ice cream. Just then, his grip became tighter.


    ¡°Y¡­ You¡¯re hurting me¡± Gina could not bear the pain anymore and she muttered while trying to suppress her sobs.


    Adrian did not let his gaze linger on her face and finally released her. ¡°Sit¡± he pointed at the stool, turned off the stove, and walked toward the fridge.


    Gina rubbed her arm and sat down quietly. She nced back at her noodles which had now stopped cooking then turned her attention to the guy who was now returning with two cups of ice cream,rger than the one she had eaten from.


    Gina¡¯s eyes widened and she sprang up.


    ¡°Sit!¡± Adrianmanded, throwing her another dark look, then dropped them on the counter. He opened each cup swiftly and pushed them forward.


    Gina shifted on the stool and took the spoon hesitantly. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m full_¡±


    ¡°I give you five minutes. Finish it all,¡± Adrianmanded and nced at the kitchen¡¯s clock.


    ¡°But_¡±


    ¡°Four minutes.¡±


    Gina¡¯s eyes widened once more, his expression telling her that any more words from her wouldnd her in bigger trouble.


    She swallowed deeply and started eating the thick cream. His presence and the fears in her heart, making the taste she had relished moments ago,pletely nd.


    His eyes were fixed on her as she ate rapidly. His expression was calm, and he would nce now and then at the wall clock.


    Seconds ticked by and Gina ate as fast as she could while crying inside her heart. She regretted taking the ice cream. But what was so special about it.


    Finding herself in this situation suddenly reminded her of the bullies at school. Why would he inflict this punishment on her for just eating without permission? Isn¡¯t it a little bit childish?


    ¡°One minute¡±


    Is voice pulled her out of her thoughts and Gina¡¯s eyes widened. She had not even eaten half of the second cup, and her stomach was so full she was afraid it could burst.


    However, she had no choice and had to increase her space, ending up smudging the cream all over her face.


    By the time she was done, Gina could not even lift a finger, and her body felt so heavy that she could barely keep her eyes open, despite waking from sleep just a while ago.


    Adrian who had long withdrawn his attention from her and was now operating his phone nced up, not sensing her movements anymore.


    Her head was on the counter, her eyes closed, probably sleeping.


    He nced at the two empty cups, stood up, and left the kitchen.


    Gina who was not really asleep but couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open watched his back with half-closed eyes. Her hand wandered to her stomach, and she started caressing It to ease the pain that had started rising.


    A few minutester, the butler came in.


    ¡°Young Miss!¡± Butler Donald eximed and hurried toward the girl.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Just now, he hade inside to prepare the food, which he had almost forgotten, as he had been packing after receiving his master¡¯s call.


    ¡°Young miss?¡± he called out again, on getting no reply from the girl.


    Gina could only gesture with her hand which she had finally managed to lift, feeling thankful.


    The Butler sighed in relief seeing that she didn¡¯t pass out. His eyes wandered to the empty cups of ice cream and his head flipped back to her.


    ¡°Young Miss¨Cdid you eat all this¡± he pointed at the cups in astonishment. He just hopes the Young Master wouldn¡¯t see her.


    Gina could not answer, and the Butler didn¡¯t ask further.


    He quickly discarded the empty cups, finding her behavior weird. Hopefully, the Young master would not find out that she had eaten the special ice cream.


    He returned and used a tissue to wipe her face, helped her up, and out of the kitchen.


    ¡°Young Miss, I will be going back tomorrow¡­ the Young Master¡¯s grandparents had demanded me to return,¡± said the Butler, as they ambled up the stairs.


    Gina was shocked but still could not say anything. Does that mean she was going to be living alone with the monster henceforth?


    Gina could only ept her horrible fate and wobbled along with the Butler.


    Upon reaching her room, the butler helped her on the bed, bid her goodnight, after telling her that he will take off the next morning.


    Gina turned and tossed on the bed, her hand was still on her stomach. She couldn¡¯t catch a wink of sleep and cursed the monster in her head throughout the night.

 She鈥檚 A Beauty

    The Next Day¡­


    The morning light shimmered against the various delicacies arranged beautifully on a huge table.


    Four chairs were across each other beside the table, and two head chairs facing each other.


    On the chairs sat three men, all in theirte twenties to early thirties.


    Adrian who was sitting on the head chair ate quietly despite the chatters of the two people beside him. It was as if he was in another world,pletely oblivious to every word they utter.


    ¡°Hehe, so he really did that?¡± one of the guys, very fair, handsome, with dark blonde hair, asked in disbelief. His lips held a mischievous smile and his blue eyes glinted.


    ¡°Well, you know he couldn¡¯t refute his grandparents¡± The other guy who had the same ck hair as Adrian nodded calmly. Unlike the first guy, his ent was not of a foreign race.


    He gave Adrian a look, then continued. ¡°I was also shocked, after finding out about this. I thought he loves her so much and would never marry any other woman.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, poor Ruby¡­ who would ever expect that they aren¡¯t gonna end up together¡­ but you know what Dude? I¡¯m not reallyfortable with her, and you know my instincts are always right.¡± answered the other guy with blonde hair, while stroking his chin.


    Adrian dropped his spoon and gave them a dark look, as they had been discussing him since. ¡°You aren¡¯t allowed to speak of her that way,¡± he said to the blonde guy.


    ¡°Argh! Come on dude, I really mean it__¡±


    ¡°Luke.¡± The other guy with dark hair gave him a look then turned to Adrian. ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to follow every one of their orders. This matter shapes your future and also¡­ your happiness depends on it.¡±


    Adrian dropped his spoon and chuckled. If his grandmother hadn¡¯t threatened him with her life, then he wouldn¡¯t have agreed to marry a strange girl who was picked out randomly by his grandfather.


    ¡°Enough¡­, Ryan,¡± he said calmly and continued eating.


    Adrian¡¯s friends exchanged nces and sighed concurrently. Knowing that it would be futile even if they continued probing him till the day ends.


    ¡°I never thought the mansion would look so good after the refurbishment.¡± Luke changed the topic, his eyes wandering around the vast but magnificent scenery. ¡°Butler Donald did a great job,¡± he added with a satisfied node.


    Ryan also nodded, his gaze wandering the ce. ¡°Your grandparents are so full of surprises. First, the marriage, and now this mansion. Why can¡¯t you live together in the city?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, do you think it has something to do with the girl?¡± Luke frowned after dropping his spoon. He turned to Adrian and said, ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s nothing suspicious about her?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± shaking his head, Adrian gave them a helpless look. After obtaining her information, there was nothing out of the ordinary and he couldn¡¯t help but frown at the thought.


    ¡°At first, I thought they would live on the ind forever, but now, it seems like they¡¯re finally nning to return. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have possibly had this ce refurbished just for you and the girl,¡± Luke pondered, then turned to Ryan with a yful grin. ¡°And maybe from now on¡­ you wouldn¡¯t need to travel so far to see your little patient.¡±


    Ryan shot him a look and nced down at his wristwatch. At the mention of a patient, he suddenly remembered that he waste for work. Just as he was about to stand up, Adrian¡¯s words stopped him.


    ¡°How¡¯s she?¡± Adrian inquired patiently, thinking back to his sick sister.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ better than not better¡± Ryan replied with a sigh, then stood up.


    ¡°Geez, is that how a doctor should speak about his patient?¡± Luke jeered and also dropped his spoon, as the te was empty. ¡°Dude, I think you should find a better doctor for your little sister, I don¡¯t trust him at all¡± he turned to Adrian and said.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Ryan¡¯s lips twitched at the side and he gave the guy a scornful look. Just as he was about to retort, their attentions snapped to the huge door far ahead which was suddenly opened.


    A girl came out of the door, her eyes wandering around. She was wearing a beige sweater, atop a white dress,pletely concealing her figures. However, her beauty was not deterred any bit, as the sun which had started surfacing shimmered brightly against her full hair, a shade between brown and blonde, which rested perfectly on her left shoulder.


    Even in simple home slippers, her height was slightly above the average, and her skin was as fair and wless as a jade.


    The two astonished guys exchanged nces, and Luke was the first to break out of his shock. He turned to Adrian and eximed. ¡°Dude, don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s her¡­ Your grandparents sure have good eyesight and she obviously is an heiress. At first, I had thought she was some kind of average girl¡­¡±


    Luke continued bbering while Ryan nodded in agreement. Even her demeanor and the way she walks were elegant. And her small oval face had an innocence to it which did not miss their attention even from afar, adding more to her charm.


    Adrian gave them a nonchnt look and returned his attention to the girl, frowning. His expression was slowly darkening which did not miss his friends¡¯ scrutiny as the atmosphere dropped at the table.


    When Gina¡¯s gazended on the men sitting from afar amidst the green flowers, she paused in her footsteps with a frown. After hesitating for some seconds, she continued walking, mustering every courage she could.


    Seeing Adrian was thest thing she had wanted to. But she had no choice if she wanted to talk out the contract and also ask about the phone, seeing that the Butler had already left.


    She could have had the chance to ask about itst night if he hadn¡¯t tortured her with the ice cream.


    Thinking back to the ice cream, Gina shuddered and subconsciously wrapped both arms around herself. She remembered the stomach ache which did not subside until the wee hours of the morning. And by the time she finally managed to wake up, the sun had starteding out.


    Walking past the huge water fountain with the mermaid¡¯s sculpture, Gina couldn¡¯t help but nce at it. However, she didn¡¯t pause in her footsteps until she reached the table.

 Breaking The Rules

    Meanwhile, back at the table. The two guys frowned as the girl approached them hesitantly.


    Her footsteps were unhurried, and her eyes darting down now and then as she tried to avoid eye contact with them. She had even wrapped both arms around herself as if trying to keep guard from something dangerous.


    On sighting her close, her expression was like that of prey, pushed inside a predator¡¯s cage with no room to escape.


    ¡°Hey, Dude, what did you do to her?¡± Luke whispered to Adrian, his gaze never straying from the girl.


    Adrian ignored him, his expression was now dark.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he said, as the girl stopped beside him.


    Gina gulped and lowered her head once more. She dropped her hands and fidgeted with the hem of her blouse.


    She felt ufortable from the scrutinizing gazes of the two guy¡¯s at the table, one standing and one sitting, both as tall and handsome as Adrian.


    ¡°I¡­ I want to speak to you¡± she replied to Adrian¡¯s question, trying to sound normal, however, her hoarse voice from cryingst night gave her away.


    Her body flinched as the monster stood up with an unpleased expression, grabbed her arm, and started pulling her away.


    ¡°Come on Dude, don¡¯t you wanna introduce us!?¡± The guy with blonde hair called out exasperatedly, however, Adrian had already dragged the girl away.


    ¡°Luke¡± Ryan who was still standing shook his head at the guy with a warning look.


    He nced down at his wristwatch then started walking away.


    Luke also stood up and hurried behind him. ¡°This is so confusing,¡± he started as they both walked toward their cars. ¡°I mean¡­ at first, I had thought she might be among the girls fawning over him, who had managed to get inside his grandparents¡¯ good books, but now¡­ it seems like she¡¯s scared of him.¡±


    ¡°Or traumatized¡± Ryan corrected. He nced back at the huge door where their friend has just disappeared in with the girl and shook his head once more, hoping the girl would soon realize what she was in for.


    ***


    Gina had to fasten her space to keep up with the guy¡¯srge strides as he pulled her inside the building.


    He didn¡¯t stop when they entered the door and continued dragging her upstairs.


    ¡°Adrian¡­?¡± her eyes widened and she tried to wriggle from his tight grip, which was futile. ¡°Please let go¡­ you¡¯re hurting me¡±


    She started feeling pain from the arm, the same spot he had exerted pressure onst night. However, he didn¡¯t stop nor nce back at her until they stopped at the end of the stairs.


    Adrian trapped her between the wall, in the hallway that separated their rooms.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to read the contract!?¡± he said coldly.


    Gina panicked and looked up at him in shock, her chest thumping erratically. This scene seems so familiar, and a bad premonition started building up in her heart.


    ¡°I read it¡­ ¡±she quickly answered, the air around her suffocating and his presence not helping.


    ¡°Then what does it say about the rules!?¡± Adrian snapped, his voice holding the gravity of his anger.


    By then Gina¡¯s body had started trembling and her eyes darted everywhere from him, remembering the rules that say she mustn¡¯t invade his privacy. ¡°B¡­ But I need to speak to you about the__¡±


    She was caught mid-sentence as the guy squeezed her chin.


    ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t understandmon words, why not get it into your head the right way,¡± he scoffed as he drew her face closer.


    Gina¡¯s eyes watered and she started struggling as their faces drew closer. Her suffocation increased and her breathing erratic.


    She tried to push him away but he was holding her in ce with no room for escape. ¡°Please don¡¯t¡­¡± She trailed off as her tears started falling before she could control them, the tremors in her body not helping either.


    Adrian frowned at the girl that seems like she was in a panic attack. He released her with a scoff, shoved her aside, and walked away.


    Gina who hadnded on the floor held both hands to her chest. She shut her eyes tightly and continuously breathed deeply to calm her heartbeat.


    Why couldn¡¯t she control it?. She buried her head in her legs and sobbed. If she doesn¡¯t get to talk to him about the phone, does it mean she wouldn¡¯t get to hear from anyone from the outside? And this contract, does it mean she would be caged here forever?


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    No, she doesn¡¯t want to continue like this. It has been three days since she was brought here, with no contact with the outside world.


    Her father had promised to visit her. Does he not know of her whereabouts?. She couldn¡¯t imagine the situation he was in at the moment. And her best friend¡­


    Gina stood up after a while and wiped her tears. She nced in the direction of his room and swallowed deeply.


    Pressing her aching arm with the other hand, Gina made her way back to her room and sank on the bed.


    A long time passed by, and with nothing to do, she was either pacing the room or sitting in front of the mirror.


    Gina luckily found a pen and notebook in one of the mirror¡¯s drawers. The pages were nk and she sighed then started sketching some designs on them.


    Seeing that her skills had not declined even a bit, a sad smile bloomed on her face and she shook her head with a chuckle.


    Even after dropping out of fashion school three years ago, Gina would always find her mind wandering to the pleasure thates with doing what she likes most.


    But even so, she never grabbed a pen, due to the horrible memories thate with it. Until now, after a verye with.


    She chuckled again and sighed. Maybe she was just fated to be unlucky in everything. Her dreams, family, and friends.


    She wondered what was in her that people either like to take advantage of or bullied her.


    And only one friend had stuck with her through thick and thin. She was happy that Dina had not left her like everyone else.

 Find A Way

    A week had passed since Gina was brought to the mansion.


    She had killed time by either sketching on the notebook or watching TV in the living room.


    Adrian had left since that day, and Gina had overheard him speaking on the phone that he was going on a business trip, while she was in the kitchen trying to find something to eat.


    She had seen new cups of that same ice cream but hadn¡¯t dared to even nce at it twice.


    Gina would sometimes cringe at the thought that she was the only one in the mansion, atop the tall mountain surrounded by arge forest. But she preferred that thought to living with the monster who had married and made her life hell.


    Tired from watching TV all day, Gina had decided to tour the mansion today.


    When she stepped out of the huge door, the crispy autumn wind breezed past, prompting her to wrap both arms around herself.


    It was deep in the autumn and when she nced up at the sky, night had almost fallen.


    Gina had lost track of time, and she could clearly remember that her grandfather¡¯s birthday was around this time each year, before winter.


    Too bad she couldn¡¯t get any notification reminding her of the actual date, without her phone.


    She strolled past the huge water fountain making sure to keep a distance from the sshing water which was now as cold as ice.


    On reaching the table where Adrian had dined with his friends a few days ago, she sat on one of the chairs and rubbed her palms together.


    Her expression was gloomy and she let out a heavy sigh. She had to find a way to leave this mansion or else if she didn¡¯t show up at her grandfather¡¯s birthday party, she was sure that the old man would get suspicious and wouldn¡¯t stop pestering her father until he spill out the whole truth.


    And if that happens, she wouldn¡¯t want to imagine what would arise. Her father was only trying to protect the family¡¯s business, and she doubt her grandfather would understand.


    Deep in her thoughts, Gina decided she must find a way, without alerting Adrian. He had gone for a week now and might not return any time soon.


    With that in mind, she stood up and continued touring the ce, stopping first at the huge bushes of flowers in different shapes, which were almost dying.


    There was not much to see as the mansion was mostly filled with flowers. On the left side of the mansion at the farthest corner, stood arge ss garden.


    The transparent ss looks old and even the soil pots inside we¡¯re dried with no trace of vegetables or even flowers.


    Gina stopped in front of the ss with a frown, her hand grazing its dust-covered surface. From the corner of her eyes, two handprints were imprinted on the ss.


    Her attention waspletely diverted to the handprints which belong to a child.


    ¡®Were there people living here before?¡¯. Her brows furrowed.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    The handprints were green, a total contrast to the white paints used on the mansion.


    Concluding that people might have lived there before, Gina pushed the thoughts at the back of her mind and walked away, as the sky had started turning dark.


    On getting back inside the building, Gina began to formte a n to leave the mansion without alerting Adrian.


    After taking her bath, she went inside the kitchen, cooked herself some noodles, the only thing she had been eating since the Butler left.


    After eating to her satisfaction, Gina went to every door in the mansion but found them all locked except for Adrian¡¯s room.


    She hoped she could find anything that would help in her escape n.


    Exhausted from wandering the ce all night, Gina had to follow herst option and entered Adrian¡¯s room.


    The familiar scent engulfed her senses immediately she stepped foot in the room.


    Gina clenched her fist, her hands trembling. And the other hand wandered to the wall, for the light switch.


    After turning on the light, the first thing that caught her attention was the vanity mirror which still had the female cosmetics.


    Walking forward, she searched all the drawers and even the bedside tables but could only find some documents and notes.


    And when she was rummaging thest drawer of the bedside table, she came across a small frame and instantly paused.


    Gina took out the frame in wonder. Inside it was a pretty young woman who had blonde hair just like hers.


    She was wearing exquisite makeup with a soft smile stered on her face. The purple dress that barely reached her knees perfectly hugged her outstanding figures. And her matching purple heels entuated her long slender legs.


    Beside her was Adrian who wore a ck business suit. His hand was on the girl¡¯s lower back and his usual stoic expression was not there, reced by a small smile that reached his eyes.


    Gina could not help but gape for a few seconds. It seems like they were in a g and the picture was taken on a red carpet.


    She had also attended such events in the past, so she could recognize them well.


    Putting the picture back into the drawer, Gina continued with her search as she couldn¡¯t be bordered with his love life.


    However, her search was fruitless and even the telephone on his bedside table couldn¡¯t reach through any contact, just like the one in her room.


    She had made sure to carefully put everything back into its position so he wouldn¡¯t get suspicious when he returns.


    On her way back to her room, she continued racking her brain for any possible escape ns. But suddenly paused in her footsteps. ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    Gina¡¯s widened eyes darted rapidly across the ceiling hoping that surveince cameras were not set up anywhere.


    Her heart began thumping and she had to go back to all the ces she had searched, and even Adrian¡¯s room to make sure her assumptions were not right.


    She finally sighed in relief and flicked away her sweats on sighting no camera. By then, she was fatigued all over and had to drag her legs back into her room, left with only onest n in mind which she had to execute very early the next morning.

 Trapped In A Catastrophe

    The next day.


    The wind breezed by, sweeping off and dancing with the dried fallen leaves across the forest.


    The temperature was at its lowest degree, the cold breeze mming across her face, and obstructing her view as it moved with her long hair, swatting it now and then on her face.


    Gina had both hands wrapped around herself, the heavy mist that had engulfed the whole forest not helping with her vision of the road ahead.


    Despite bundling herself in a veryrge sweater and having even worn socks and mittens, as well as therge scarf securely wrapped around her neck, her body quivered frequently.


    ncing back at the mountain which was not far behind, the sky had started getting clearer and bright orange rays peeked from the horizon.


    Her heart sank but Gina did not stop and continued trudging ahead, doing as best as she could to increase her pace.


    It was still dark when she had set out of the mansion, hoping she would reach the city before the sun was at its glory.


    How foolish of her to not have remembered the long hours¡¯ journey the car had made to get her here, this dungeon that she would jump at any opportunity to escape.


    Despite Adrian¡¯s warning, she doesn¡¯t want to miss her grandfather¡¯s birthday party, and if only she could make it out of this forest soon, she might find a taxi or even some truck going inside the city.


    At thest minute, Gina had contemted whether to forego her n but it doesn¡¯t make a difference as she would still return here after the party was over.


    She wouldn¡¯t want to risk the business her father had given his all to protect, even giving out his only daughter to a stranger.


    Hopefully, Adrian would not return while she was gone.


    Gina was now deep into the forest. The mist had started to clear, and she could fully make out the huge flower trees ahead.


    Every wind that drifted past made her shiver and she regretted not tying her head in a bun, in her rush to flee as soon as possible.


    Even if she wanted to tie it now, it was toote, afraid of unwrapping her hands which were now gripping tightly to her sides.


    Looking around rapidly, the erratic heartbeat since she had left the mansion only kept increasing.


    All alone in a huge forest of flower trees, Gina was also surprised that she had decided to proceed with thisst retort.


    She couldn¡¯t remember when she was so daring like this. Maybe the time she had bravely stopped a boy from falling off a tall building?.


    But that was in a different scenario and they had been in the heart of the city.


    Now bing alert of her surroundings, Gina was half-running not minding the numbing pain she felt in her leg.


    But the rows of trees continued far ahead and there was no sign of any car yet.


    Panting heavily, her feet were bing sore and she paused with both hands on her knees.


    Gina took a long drag of the hair, lips dried and eyes watered from the intense cold.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Just when she was about to continue, a rustling sound snapped her head to the leaves piled up below a tree, a little distance from where she stood.


    The sounds continued, almost approaching as it got louder and Gina¡¯s eyes widened.


    She took a step back, her once wobbly legs were now shaking.


    Gripping tightly to the straps of the bag across her left shoulder, the sound approached and without wasting a second, Gina dashed off.


    It wasn¡¯t a snake, right? No, it shouldn¡¯t be a snake. Even if she was going to die in this blistering cold forest, she doesn¡¯t want to experience a painful death.


    Being poisoned by a snake was thest thing Gina had wanted. And she couldn¡¯t risk dying now, the fate of her family¡¯s business rested on her shoulder.


    If she dies here in this forest and Adrian went home and found it empty, the thought of what might happen made her already shivering body shuddered. As he might deem her for trying to escape forever.


    As the rustling sounds kept approaching, her tears began falling.


    Gina ran as fast as she could, ncing back again and again. Then she tripped and fell.


    ¡®No¡­ please¡¯ she cried in her mind, her voice muffled by a palm ced on her lips.


    Not able to support herself up, she shuffled back in the sitting position until her back hit the back of a tree.


    The rustling sound which had not stopped kepting closer, and Gina shut her eyes tightly, now crying louder. Then came the slithering movement, up her socks and slowly to her thigh.


    Gina kept still, not daring to make a sound as the crawling movement continued. And she could hear the sound of her heartbeat which was now in chaos.


    The reptile continued crawling and even the urge to swat it away with her hand was futile as her whole body was limped.


    Was she destined to die like this?. In the heart of a misty cold forest, The monster might not even find her bones.


    Would he stop threatening her father after she died? Would he jump to another prey to torture?


    Adrian was thest person she had wanted to think of before dying. But maybe it was because he had traumatized her for the past few days, which might also be due to the scars left by Greg which had notpletely healed.


    The two guys were like isomers in her heart. Only that she had loved one with all her heart, while the other one was a total stranger to her.


    ¡®I hate you¡­, Greg! ¡­ I hate you¡­, Adrian!¡¯. If only she could dere it right into their faces. And if only she could get to do more than that before breathing herst.


    Many bullies existed in her life, but they were the cruelest of all. Gina had heard of women who got scarred for life, by men. Now she was being led to her doom by two.


    If Greg had not abandoned her in the burning building that night? If he hade back henceforth and apologized for what he did before that moment,


    Then they might still be together, and she wouldn¡¯t have to be pushed to marry Adrian and ending in this catastrophe.

 Don鈥檛 Let Him Know

    In her state of despair, Gina had totally forgotten about the reptile and did not realize that it had long stopped crawling.


    She could still feel it on her thigh and after sometimes when the thing did not move, she opened her eyes and was met with two tiny eyes staring back at her.


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhh!!!¡± Gina let out a shriek, her voice reverberating in the whole forest.


    The reptile was still on herp, staring backpletely unfazed by her screams.


    At the sight of the lizard, Gina¡¯s fears did not subside a little, even though she was happy that it wasn¡¯t a snake and wouldn¡¯t poison her to death as she had first thought.


    She jerked up, swatted it off, and continued running, leaving her small bag which was thrown away during her fall behind.


    Gina continued ncing back while racing out of the forest.


    Even the excruciating pain on her ankle and one leg which was almost limped didn¡¯t stop her from increasing her space.


    It was as if a monster was behind her, closing in on her, and would lunge at her any second.


    She was still running then suddenly out of nowhere, a car appeared in her sight.


    It was running at great spread clearing away the leaves at its path with the heavy breeze that apanied it.


    Gina froze, and she felt her heartbeat stop for a second. W¡­ Was it Adrian?


    She stood still, not able to recover from her shock. The car made a zig-zag motion on the road, beforeing to a stop, just a few feet from her.


    And before Gina could register anything, her legs gave out and her vision started blurring.


    A tall figure appeared in front of her, and she could barely make it out. But one thing was for sure, the figure belonged to a man.


    Her mind was muddled as he scooped her in his arms.


    His voice which was repeatedly calling out to her was fading into the distance as she was gradually engulfed by the darkness.


    ***


    ¡°Beep¡­ Beep¡­ Beep¡±


    Gina worked up to the sound of a machine. Smells of disinfectant wafted through her nose and when she fluttered her eyes opened, was met with an unfamiliar surrounding.


    The walls were white as well as the curtains. It only took her a few seconds to realize that she was in a hospital.


    Her gaze wandered therge ward, from the IV stand on her left side, thankfully, it wasn¡¯t attached to her, then the beeping machine, and the water dispenser which stood at a far corner.


    Two huge coaches were facing each other, and when her eyes were about to continue wandering, a chuckle sounded in the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally up¡±?


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Gina hesitated for a few seconds at the sound of the voice, a foreboding feeling rising in her heart.


    And everything that transpired before she lost consciousness came flooding her mind. She had almost got hit by a car before everything turned into darkness.


    There was only one car that could take that route which leads to the mansion. ¡®Oh, no¡­¡¯


    ¡°Well you could at least turn to see your savior¡±


    The voice came again, and Gina frowned. That was not Adrian¡¯s voice, as even in her sleep she could recognize the devil¡¯s deep voice.


    On turning her head to the side, Gina was met with deep blue eyes which were dancing with excitement.


    The guy had blonde hair and a wide grin was stered on his face. He was wearing a military uniform, a disparity of his vibrant aura.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Gina stared at him in confusion, then her eyes rounded.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Hehehe, what were you doing all alone in the forest?¡± Luke chuckled again. Her apprehensive look elicited him to probe further. ¡°Were you trying to escape?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Gina shook her head instinctively, almost jumping down. The guy¡¯s excitement grew further and she sank on the bed.


    She could remember seeing him with Adrian the other day and even though it was a fleeting nce as Adrian had immediately grabbed her away, Gina had deduced that they were close. No, she couldn¡¯t trust him. And besides, she wasn¡¯t trying to escape.


    ¡°I¡­ I was taking a walk¡± she knew that her words sounded stupid but that was the only thing she coulde up with at the moment.


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    The guy pressed his lips together, obviously trying to suppress augh.


    ¡°Taking a walk¡­¡± Luke nodded, his gaze never leaving her, then he said ¡°Your knees were bruised, and clothes all dirtied¡­ Hehe, I never knew taking a walk could be so fun¡±


    Gina bit her lips, not daring to meet the guy¡¯s scrutinizing gaze. Peeking down at the hospital gown on her, and the bandage she felt on her knees, Gina does not know what to say anymore.


    Inadvertently, her attention caught the wall clock and she gasped.


    It was almost nighttime, and remembering the matter at hand, Gina¡¯s pupils dted. Her grandfather¡¯s birthday party. She needed her phone.


    Turning sideways, the guy¡¯s attention had not left her, and he still had on the same mischievous smile.


    ¡°Ehm¡­ w¡­ which hospital are we?¡± She inquired, her voice barely audible.


    ¡°The City¡¯s hospital¡± Luke replied, now taking out his phone.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Gina nodded. Her expression ebbed with relief.


    ¡°Adrian wasn¡¯t home, what were you doing at the ce?¡± She asked again.


    Luke smiled and nodded. ¡°I was out to catch some fun?¡± he gave her a knowing look. He had actually gone there to find a good shooting spot. Who would have thought that he would end up bumping into a fleeing bride? ¡®Hehe¡¯


    Gina looked away with pursed lips. Unlike Adrian, this guy seems friendly and had a light atmosphere around him. Except that she was starting to get annoyed by his teasing.


    ¡°W¡­ Well, thank you for helping me,¡± She muttered while trying to sit up on the bed.


    Luke shrugged and continued pressing his phone. ¡°You¡¯re my friend¡¯s wife. Of course, I¡¯d help you in any situation. You don¡¯t need to thank me.¡±


    Gina cringed at his words. Rather than being called a wife, she was more like his captive.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte.¡± Luke nced at his wristwatch and said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to call your husband toe keep youpany, Ahh, I¡¯m so exhausted from all the fun¡±


    ¡®C¡­ Call Adrian?¡± Gina¡¯s eyes widened.

 Chapter 15 Don鈥檛 Let Him Know(2)

    Gina shifted on the bed, her heartbeat increasing each second, as the guy got back to pressing his phone.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    If he calls Adrian then all her stunts would be in vain. No, she wouldn¡¯t allow that to open. If the monster finds out, he might rip her apart or even do more. Remembering the two times he had trapped her on a wall, Gina shuddered.


    Seconds ticked by and the guy was tapping on his phone. Instinctively, Gina grabbed it.


    ¡°Y¡­ You don¡¯t need to inform Adrian¡­ It¡¯s no big deal, besides, you can see I¡¯m not hurt¡­ It¡¯s just a minor injury¡± She muttered, doing as best as she could to hide her anxiety.


    Luke gave her a quizzical look, his gaze darting to her trembling hands which were gripping tightly to his phone. ¡°Well, at least we should let him know that you¡¯re safe_¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Gina waved both palms, her eyes widened again. The guy¡¯s gaze was now fully on her, and his eyes shed with amusement. ¡®Argh¡¯


    Lowering her voice, she added, ¡°Adrian would be so worried when he finds out. He¡¯s on a business trip and is probably busy at the moment¡­ I¨CI don¡¯t want him to ck off, just because of this minor issue.¡±


    Yes, she just needed to convince him, there was no time to lose. ncing at the wall clock again, her anxiousness increased.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ you¡¯re such a good wife, hehehe¡± Luke nodded and she gave him a soft smile. Even though the expression on his face gave out the real meaning behind his words, Gina did not mind and continued.


    ¡°You know¡­ Adrian and I are so in love¡­ he would race back here immediately he hears about it. And even as his friend, I know you wouldn¡¯t want that to happen and you might even deem me as a bad wife, no?¡± She said with pursed lips, still gripping the phone.


    Luke almost burst intoughter which he managed to suppress at thest second. ¡®Hehe.¡¯ He was beginning to like this little bride.


    Having had enough of teasing the girl, he stood up and extended his hand. ¡°Alright, since you put it like that, then I¡¯m left with no room to object¡­ may I have my phone back, please?¡±


    ¡°S¡­ Sure¡± Gina nodded and handed him the phone. ¡®phew¡¯ she thought it was going to take her all night to convince him.


    He shoved the phone back into his pocket, while she cleared her throat, ready for her next n.


    ¡°I think you should go back now¡­ It¡¯s was nice of you to stay here all day¡­ I¡¯m very grateful¡±


    ¡°Okay, will pick you home tomorrow then,¡± Luke said, ncing at his wristwatch again.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ see you tomorrow.¡± Gina sighed in relief as he turned back and headed for the door.


    She couldn¡¯t wait to get out of this ce as soon as he leaves.


    Still basking in her glory, just before the guy reached the door, it opened then walked in another guy with a bag in hand.


    ¡°Ahhh¡± Gina yelped and almost fell from the bed.


    The guys who had stopped and were now discussing nced at her with confused looks.


    Gina quickly regained her stance, not daring to make eye contact.


    The other guy walked forward. He was wearing a whiteb coat and if Gina was not mistaken, he was among the guys sitting with Adrian the other day.


    His expression was calm, and without saying a word, he pressed a palm to her forehead.


    ¡°I can see that you¡¯re getting better.¡± Ryan nodded, a barely visible smile on his face. When the girl was brought here, her temperature was high and was shivering violently, even though she was unconscious.


    ¡°Are you feeling pain anywhere?¡± he asked, now examining her left ankle.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡± Gina shook her head impulsively and the other guy who had not left chuckled.


    ¡°Great,¡± Ryan said. He dropped the bag on the bedside table and continued. ¡°Make sure you take these ording to the prescriptions. Eat healthy foods and also, don¡¯t go out in the cold.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Gina smiled. Unlike the blonde guy, this guy seems easy. And he didn¡¯t even interrogate her.


    ncing between the two guys, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel at their looks. Why would the devil be gifted in all aspects?


    Tall, handsome, rich, and also has good-looking friends. Then again, a gorgeous lover. ¡®Argh! It¡¯s not fair¡¯


    ¡°Since you¡¯re alright, you should be discharged,¡± The doctor said, and Gina¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°Oh, so soon?¡± Luke came back to the bed and asked in surprise. ¡°That¡¯s great¡­ then I¡¯ll have to take her back.¡± He doesn¡¯t need to return tomorrow.


    ¡°No no no!¡± Gina blurted out, almost begging. The two guys frowned and she almost cried. ¡°W¡­ What I mean is that you don¡¯t have to bother¡­ I can go back myself. Yes, I¡¯ll find a taxi.¡±


    ¡°A taxi?¡± Luke shook his head and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid no taxi would like to go there¡­e on, I¡¯m your husband¡¯s friend, how can I let you take a taxi?¡±


    ¡°B¡­ But you don¡¯t have to¡­ I¡¯ll try and convince the taxi driver, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll take me there after¡­¡± Gina trailed off as the guys were now looking at her as if she¡¯d grown two heads.


    ¡®Argh! She should have known that the devil¡¯s friends were not better. She had truly underestimated them.


    Under their scrutinizing gazes, Gina had no room for argument.


    She fidgeted with her hands and swallowed deeply. Lowering her head, she nodded hesitatingly and muttered, ¡°Okay¡±


    The guys¡¯ expressions rxed and the doctor bid her good night before leaving the ward.


    Left with only the blonde guy, Gina sighed in defeat


    ¡°Now, that it¡¯s settled, I think we should get going,¡± Luke said, not missing the gloomy atmosphere around the girl. He shook his head, wondering what his friend had done to the poor girl.


    It was obvious that she wasn¡¯t happy and his confusion heightened.


    Since it wasn¡¯t in his ce to nose around the couple¡¯s matters, he kept his thoughts to himself then pulled out his phone.

 He Was Tricked

    After sending a text, he sat again on the chair and the ward sank into silence.


    All the while, Gina was sulking at her unfortunate fate. It seems like everything was against her. Of all people, why does she have to bump into Adrian¡¯s friend immediately she left the mansion.


    But after all this progress, does she want to go back there without getting to attend her grandfather¡¯s birthday party?


    The door opened and a nurse walked inside with arge bag in her hands.


    Luke stood up and took it from her. ¡°Thank you.¡± He winked at the nurse who blushed and rushed out of the room.


    Gina rolled her eyes at the scenario and silently took the bag from him. Did he borrow the uniform or what? As his demeanor was a total contrast to what she had guessed was his upation.


    After taking the bag, she went inside the washroom to change into the clothes with a heavy heart.


    Inside the washroom, Gina changed into the clothes unhurriedly, it was a nice white dress and at first nce, Gina knew that it wasn¡¯t an ordinary dress even though the fabric was in.


    She easily recognized the brand and couldn¡¯t help but pause for some seconds to take another look at the tag.


    It was a brand owned by one of her coursemates while in fashion school. And the brand became so popr, just in a short time.


    Gina pursed her lips, wondering why bad people got all the good things in life.


    After wearing the white fluffy sweater that came with it, she also put on the heels and gave the mirror another nce before leaving the washroom.


    Walking out, the guy was already at the door and when he looked up from his phone Gina couldn¡¯t help but cower a little from his gaze.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Luke quickly regained his stance, not believing that he had just gawked at his friend¡¯s wife. But who could help it? She was a beauty.


    Shoving those thoughts off his mind, he held the door for her, and after she walked out, took the medicines bag and followed behind.


    When they walked out, took the elevator, and got down the parking lot, Gina was quiet all along, despite the guy¡¯s chatters who was trying so hard to lighten the atmosphere.


    Inside the car, Luke finally gave up as he drove them out of the parking lot.


    When the car left the hospital, Gina looked out the window and admired the colorful lights of the bustling city.


    From the tall skyscrapers and the huge billboards which were disying either fashion Ads or movies¡¯ premieres, Gina missed the life of the city.


    She sighed then turned back to the guy who had turned on soft music inside the car and was singing along.


    Knowing that he only meant good she gave him an apologetic look then bit her lips.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m thirsty¡± she nced at the water holder and coughed lightly.


    ¡°Oh¡­ okay¡± Luke nodded with a smile. ¡°Let me get__¡± He stopped mid-sentence, looking at the empty water holder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He parked the car in front of a nearby convenience store, then got out.


    Gina sighed in relief, and after making sure he was out of sight, she unbuckled her seat belts, opened the door, hurried out of the car, and quickly stopped a taxi.


    When Luke came out of the convenience store with a water bottle in hand and found the car empty, his eyes widened and he let out a curse.


    ¡°Like seriously!?¡±


    ***


    Inside the taxi, Gina urged the driver to go faster as she fearfully check out the rearview mirror. And only after his car could not be seen from a distance, does her anxiety subside.


    ¡°Phew, so close¡­¡±


    She gave the man an address then checked out her appearance from the side mirror.


    Minutes passed by and the taxi arrived in front of a huge bakery.


    Gina got out and realized she doesn¡¯t have money in her, she turned to the man and said, ¡°C¡­ Can you please wait for a few seconds, I¡¯ll go inside and__¡±


    ¡°Gina!?¡±


    A surprised voice rang from a distance, making her stop mid-sentence.


    A girl just about her age was running toward her from the bakery and had an apron around her.


    Gina¡¯s eyes lit up as the girl wrapped her in a tight hug.


    ¡°Dinah¡­¡± She whispered while fighting back her tears, as she hugged her friend back. It felt like centuries since theyst met and she almost broke into sobs.


    Dina released her from the hug and examined her body, her eyes shing with amusement. ¡°I missed you so much,¡± she said excitedly.


    ¡°Me too.¡± Ginaughed then remembered the taxi driver who was patiently waiting. ¡°Uhm¡­ Dinah, do you have money in you?¡± she asked the excited girl.


    ¡°Yes, of course, I do¡± Dina nodded, then retrieved some cash from her apron¡¯s pocket. But she suddenly paused with a frown and said, ¡°Wait, Gina¡­ don¡¯t you have money? And where¡¯s your husband?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Gina lowered her head and fidgeted with her cloth then said, ¡°I left my bag in his car, we actually came together, but he had something to do and couldn¡¯t drop me off¡±


    She couldn¡¯t believe how many lies she¡¯d told today. But under her friend¡¯s scrutiny, she doesn¡¯t have a choice.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Dinah nodded in understanding, then gave the money to the taxi driver.


    She grabbed Gina¡¯s hands and they went inside the bakery.


    Gina sighed, remembering that she had only told her friend that a rich stranger, one of her father¡¯s business partners, took a liking for her, and they were going to have a sh marriage.


    The bakery was filled with customers even though it was nighttime and Dinah dragged her friend to the kitchen.


    ¡°So, how was he?¡± Dinah asked as they sat on two stools facing each other.


    Gina smiled at her and lowered her head.

 I Need Your Help

    ¡°Wait, Gina¡­ I know that look¡± Dinahughed and continued. ¡°Do you like him? how does he look like? is he handsome?e on answer me!¡±


    She immediately activated her gossipy mood, herrge eyes dancing with excitement, grabbing the attention of the other staffs who were inside the kitchen.


    ¡°Stop it¡± Gina shoved her hand away with a chuckle as the enthusiastic girl had gripped her shoulders and was practically jumping up and down.


    She evaded her questions then said, ¡°Dinah¡­ can you do something for me please?¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Of course, what is it?¡± Dinah nodded eagerly, her eyes still shing with excitement.


    Gina bit her lips, contemting for a while, then said, ¡°I¡­ I want you to go to the mansion and help me pack some things¡±


    If she went back to the mansion, then everyone would surely freak out especially the maids who would have thought that she was on her honeymoon. Thankfully, her friend¡¯s mind did not wander to that.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Dinah instantly agreed, but then paused with a confused look. ¡°Wait, you didn¡¯t pick anything? ¡° she asked.


    ¡°Y¡­ Yeah,¡± Gina scratched the back of her neck andughed nervously. ¡°I was actually in a rush, and didn¡¯t have time to pack.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Dinah giggled while giving her a knowing look then stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go to my apartment and wait.¡±


    She unwrapped her apron and grab Gina¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll have to take an early leave from the manager, wait for me at the entrance.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Gina smiled at her gratefully and headed out of the bakery.


    Her gaze darted anxiously around the streets, hoping she wouldn¡¯t spot the military guy¡¯s car among the many cars passing by.


    Shortly after, Dinah came out of the bakery and they hailed a taxi.


    Inside the car, Dinah who still couldn¡¯t contain her excitement held Gina¡¯s hands and said,


    ¡°Gina, after I return you must fill me in on every information, okay?¡­ I can¡¯t wait to know more about your mysterious husband. Ahh, how lucky of you. And he even saved your family¡¯s business.¡±


    Gina bit her lips and looked down at their intertwined hands. ¡°I know right¡­ I didn¡¯t expect I could be so lucky. Don¡¯t worry, you guys will soon meet.¡±


    ¡°Hehehe¡± Dinah chuckled with a nod. ¡°Of course, you deserve a good man. Thankfully, you didn¡¯t end up with that scumbag.¡±


    Gina knew that she was speaking about Greg, and she sighed inside.


    Dinah was still babbling non-stop and didn¡¯t pause until the taxi arrived at a tall apartment building.


    They went inside the building which contained many apartments.


    Although Dinah¡¯s family was not that poor, she was from another city and had to move here because of her job.


    While walking up the stairs, they were still holding hands and Gina smiled sadly. Thinking back to the many times Dinah would stand up for her when she was bullied by other students at school.


    Knowing her friend¡¯s temperament, she wouldn¡¯t risk informing her anything about the kind of person Adrian was.


    When they reached her apartment, Dinah took out a key from her pants pocket then unlocked it.


    It was a single room apartment and Gina admired the decorations and portraits which mostly contained pictures of her.


    This ce was practically her second home, and she could remember all those happy times she woulde here if bored in the mansion.


    She sat down on the bed, while Dinah changed her clothes. ¡°Cook something before Ie back. Oh, and I mean noodles, nothing else, okay?¡±


    Dinah warned before going out.


    Gina shook her head with a chuckle and after the girl left, her gaze wandered the room again with a small smile.


    She caressed a portrait which had a picture of them both, in high school uniform and smiling brightly at the camera.


    Dinah was a genius and had snagged a schrship to that school. But too bad, she still couldn¡¯tnd a nice job after college.


    Standing up, she removed her coat and started cooking with the small microwave sitting at a corner in the room.


    She cooked a lot as she was also hungry, and when Dinah returned, the food was ready.


    ¡°Urgh! I¡¯m famished¡± Dinah dropped the huge bag in her hands, sat down beside her on the carpet, and started digging into her food.


    ¡°You can¡¯t believe how the servants bombarded me with so many questions. I had to flee immediately I got the chance¡± she muttered incoherently while eating.


    Gina who had left her food and had opened the bag chuckled. ¡°Did you meet Dad?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Dinah shook her head and answered, ¡°Uncle wasn¡¯t home, the servants said that he hasn¡¯t returned¡±


    Gina paused and sighed then, she continued unpacking her things.


    Her phone, diary, jewelries, some essories, and even her credit card were inside. And also some of her clothes.


    ¡°I know you loved those so much that¡¯s why I brought them along,¡± Dinah said while pointing at the clothes. She could remember that Gina had designed them herself.


    Gina nodded, her gaze not leaving the exquisite clothes. ¡°Thanks a lot, Dinah¡± she hugged her arm and Dinah chuckled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to also leave your phone behind. It¡¯s no wonder I couldn¡¯t reach you¡­ you¡¯re so weird Gina, I could see that you were as eager as your groom.¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Gina pushed her away as she put the things back. Her expression turned gloomy when her friend turned her attention to the food.


    She gazed at her diary with a sad smile. Even though her painful memories were written in it, she couldn¡¯t find the courage to part with it, because it also contains her most blissful memories.


    After zipping the bag, she switched on her phone and tapped inside it anxiously.


    She found many texts from her friend just as the girl had said, and even her father. He might be worried sick that he couldn¡¯t reach her.


    Her eyes watered and she quickly regained herposure, then tapped on the calendar, hoping she hadn¡¯t missed her grandfather¡¯s birthday.

 I Need To Go

    ¡°What!?¡± Gina jumped up, staring wide-eyed at her phone. Just now, she saw the notification which says the birthday was tonight.


    Picking up the bag which Dinah had brought her, she put her credit card inside and quickly wore her shoes.


    Dinah was perplexed and couldn¡¯t close her mouth. ¡°Gina, what is it? What is wrong with you?¡± she also stood up with a frown.


    Gina had no time to waste, knowing that the party might have started hours ago, after ncing at the time. She was grateful that she had reached here on time, not expecting that the birthday was today.


    ¡°I need to go, Dinah. It¡¯s grandpa¡¯s birthday today, ¡±she said, now heading to the door.


    Dinah stopped her and sighed exasperatedly. ¡°Gina, what is wrong with you? Didn¡¯t you know your grandfather¡¯s birthday is today? Did you just see it now?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Gina nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to leave these with you, I¡¯ll be back for themter¡± she pointed to the bag that contains her things.


    ¡°Come on Gina, what about your husband? You promised to tell me everything¡± Dinah whined.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll do that when Ie back¡± Gina replied, she didn¡¯t have time to lose.


    Dinah nodded then said, ¡°You should at least finish your food¡±


    ¡°No, Dinah¡± Gina shook her head. She also needed to buy her grandfather a gift. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, bye¡±


    With that said, she hurried out of the apartment.


    ¡°What is wrong with her?¡± Dinah scratched her head with a confused look.


    ***


    Gina scurried out of the apartment building and quickly stopped a taxi.


    ncing down at the time in her phone, it would take her almost an hour to get there.


    She¡¯d have to also buy a gift which would take her some additional minutes.


    She stared at the side mirror to check out her appearance and quickly rearranged her slightly ruffled hair.


    After stopping by a store and buying the gift, Gina headed directly to the ancestral mansion, still hoping she wasn¡¯tte.


    Throughout the journey, she kept thinking of the devil. What if his military friend informs him? He wouldn¡¯t, right?


    She had acted on impulse by fleeing his car. But if she had not done that, then she might be in bigger trouble. She just hopes her grandfather would not be suspicious that she hadn¡¯te together with her father, and waste.


    On reaching the mansion which was at the rear of the city near the big river, Gina quickly paid the taxi driver and hurried inside.


    The securities who were patrolling at the gate quickly recognized her.


    ¡°Young Miss,¡± One of them greeted and walked forward. ¡°It¡¯s so great seeing you after a long time, I thought my pockets would no more catch a whiff of the spring and forever remains dry¡­ but as you¡¯re here now, hehe.¡±


    That was Mark, the youngest among the securities. He opened the huge door for her happily. The other security guys¡¯ expressions were not better.


    Apart from her beauty, one thing they like most was her generous heart. And unlike the other heirs of the mansion who don¡¯t even spare them a nce, she was so considerate and would even tip them at times.


    Gina¡¯s grip tightened on her purse at the five security men¡¯s greedy expressions. She just got her money back not long ago, and who knew if the devil would never give her any. Although the money in her ount was not much, thanks to the gift that she had bought, Gina had nned to utilize the money all her life, if possible.


    ¡°Young Miss, mind if I help you carry your bag?¡± said another security guy as he walked forward.


    ¡°No¡± Gina took a step back, gripping tightly to the bag while shaking her head. ¡°I mean, no.. you don¡¯t have to, thank you,¡± She said, as the security guys¡¯ brows settled into a frown and some of them had even put on a gloomy expression.


    Mark pursed his lips and sighed. ¡°Seems like our Young Miss doesn¡¯t like us anymore, Hmmm, our joyful days are over,¡± he said, and the other guys nodded.


    ¡°Young Miss, don¡¯t worry¡­ even if you turn greedy in the future, we¡¯ll still put you in our prayers.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s right¡­ we¡¯ll forever remain loyal Young Miss, your happiness is ours.¡±


    ¡®Urgh¡¯ Gina felt like breaking into tears. Couldn¡¯t they see the situation she was in? Her life depended on that money? If only she could get a job as good as theirs.


    ¡°There you go Young Miss, I know you wouldn¡¯t have the heart to abandon us. Hehehe¡±


    Seeing her guilty expression, the security guys had hopes again.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Gina red at them and all of them chuckled.


    Hesitantly, she unzipped her bag and brought out the card. ¡°You see¡­ I don¡¯t have cash in me,¡± She said, her expression brightening. ¡°But don¡¯t be sad, next time, I¡¯ll make sure to_¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem,¡± said one of the guys, and she saw Mark bringing out something from the back of his pocket.


    Gina¡¯s eyes widened at the card reader machine. ¡®Argh! Were they prepared all along?¡¯


    The security guy snatched the card with a grin, shing her his pearly white teeth. And the other guys did the same.


    In a few seconds, her card was swiped through five different machines by the guys who didn¡¯t even ask how much they should take, and Gina watched with a heavy heart, crying inside.


    ¡°Thank you so much Young Miss,¡± said thest guy who handed the card back to her.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re here, we¡¯re confident that our lives will keep flourishing.¡±


    ¡°You are a goddess who had descended to shower her bounties on these poor mortals.¡±


    ¡°We are very sure that in yourst life, you served your empire well, and all your subjects lived blissful lives.¡±


    Gina did not hear any of the security guys¡¯ words as she dazedly stared at the debit alerts from her phone, with one hand on her chest. Just then she realized that the greedy guys had robbed her of all her money.


    The figures that remain would not even buy her candy!.


    Sniffing back her imaginary tears, Gina red at them with pursed lips, before heading toward the huge door.

 Look Who鈥檚 Here

    ¡®Hmph,¡¯ It was as if everyone has their way of bullying her.


    Gina puffed her cheeks as she stomped to therge door. Still grieving at the sudden robbery, she hadn¡¯t noticed the eerie atmosphere around the mansion until she reached for the doorknob.


    ¡®Huh? What¡¯s happening?¡¯ her forehead settled into a frown. There was no sign of celebration and even the lights around the corridor were dimmed.


    Gina scratched her head, knowing well that she had read the date well. But to confirm her doubts, she took out her phone.


    She was still tapping on the phone, then the huge door flung open and she flinched.


    ¡°Well¡­ look who¡¯s here¡±


    A young woman just about her age was standing in front of her with folded hands. She was wearing a tight-fitting short ck dress and heels that emphasized her tall figure.


    Gina ignored her and shoved the phone back into her bag. She wouldn¡¯t have time to squabble with the girl whose expression was spelling trouble.


    She had to find out why there was no party.


    However, the girl was not done yet, and she grabbed Gina¡¯s arm, her expression now cold. ¡°Gina, you dared to ignore me!?¡± She snapped.


    Gina almost lost her footing when the girl grabbed her. ¡°Listen, Kate, I¡¯m not here for any trouble,¡± She said after yanking her hand off the girl¡¯s tight grip.


    Kate was stunned for a few seconds, and she chortled. ¡°You¡¯ve always been trouble Gina¡­ despite the love he¡¯s shown you, It¡¯s been so many days and you didn¡¯t even care toe see him.¡±


    ¡°You know what¡± she continued. ¡°I won¡¯t even me you for talking back. What else is expected from a servant¡¯s daughter? No matter what, the blood of that ingrate still runs through your veins and no one else is to be med for yourck of manners.¡±


    Gina clenched her fists and breathed deeply. She was used to that, but couldn¡¯t control the anger that coarse through her whenever they used her mother to taunt her. ¡°Kate, don¡¯t you know that speaking ill of people makes your mouth stink. Thank goodness, you stopped speaking, I was afraid I would suffocate to death¡­ Holding one¡¯s breath for so long is not healthy you know,¡± She said calmly, masking her anger with a soft smile.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Kate¡¯s eyes instantly turned red.


    ¡°Now, if you would excuse me, I have more meaningful things to do.¡± Gina walked past her toward the house.


    ¡°Just you wait Gina, I¡¯ll make sure you eat those words!¡± Kate screamed and strode away.


    Gina ignored the girl¡¯s threats, without ncing back. When she reached therge living room, it was empty.


    She thought back to Kate¡¯s words and panic spread through her body. Did something happen to her grandfather?


    Her heartbeats quickened and she headed for the stairs.


    Half running through the stairs, Gina could remember that thest time she had seen the old man was a month ago, just a few days before she got entangled with the devil.


    But he appeared alright, at that time, what had happened?


    After reaching the door to her grandfather¡¯s room, Gina could hear slight sobbing from inside and a cold shiver ran all the way down her spine.


    With trembling fingers, she gripped the doorknob and pushed the door open.


    On entering the room, Gina was met with piercing gazes. Her four uncles, their wives, and her cousins.


    Even her father was there. He was surprised to see her but quickly regained his stance.


    They were all standing at the side of the bed, where her grandfathery with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Grandpa!¡± Gina eximed and ran toward the bed. ¡°Grandpa¡± she called out, now softly, holding his hands.


    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, I never knew her acting skills would be so perfect,¡± said one of her Aunties, her eldest uncle¡¯s wife.


    The woman sized her up and down and scoffed.


    ¡°Your grandfather has shown you so much love, but when he got sick, you didn¡¯t even care to show up until now,¡± Said another one of her Aunties. She was her second uncle¡¯s wife.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Gina looked between them helplessly. Their sharp gazes shooting daggers at her. Everyone in the room was throwing usatory nces at her, except her father, who was standing quietly with his head down.


    As the youngest of all, the man couldn¡¯t talk back to his brothers or wives. And could only watch as theyshed out at his daughter.


    He gave her aforting look and Gina lowered her head.


    ¡°What!?¡± Now it was her third Uncle¡¯s wife that spoke. ¡°Are you going to keep sitting like a statue,? aren¡¯t you going to apologize.?¡±


    ¡°Your arrogance is increasing with each day, Gina, you¡¯re just like__¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± A hoarse voice cracked from the bed and everyone¡¯s gaze darted to the old man.


    ¡°Grandpa?¡± Gina gasped and turned her attention to him. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m so sorry, I didn¡¯t know__¡± she stammered but was instantly cut off by her eldest uncle who had been quiet all along and seething with anger.


    He pointed a hand at her and said, ¡°It was all your fault. You and your father.¡± He also pointed to her father, his youngest brother. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for him, thepany¡¯s shares wouldn¡¯t have plummeted, and father wouldn¡¯t be in this condition.¡±


    ¡°And you!¡± he turned back to her again, and barked, ¡°You¡¯re just as insolent, You went out there enjoying life when you knew father was sick!¡±


    Gina flinched and bit her lips. All her cousins and aunties had on gloating expressions. It was rare for her first uncle to talk, and she wondered if her father had made an excuse for her that she went abroad.


    Fighting back her tears, she lowered her head, still holding onto her grandfather¡¯s hand.


    However, the middle-aged man was not done yet, and he growled, ¡°See now, she¡¯s even ignoring me too. Regina, you__¡±


    ¡°I said enough!¡± The old man has now opened his eyes, his voice was a little bit higher. ¡°Leave me alone,¡± he said weakly.

 Will He Ever Allow That

    ¡°But grandpa¡­¡± said one of her cousins.


    ¡°All¡­ of¡­ you, ¡± the old man repeated, and everyone gave her venomous looks before walking out of the room.


    Gina sighed and loosened her grip on the old man. She stood up and was about to leave too.


    ¡°Not you¡­ Regina,¡± He stopped her, his eyes were now closed again.


    Gina sat back down and inched in closer. She held his hand again then said, ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t know that you were sick¡­ my phone was__¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± He sighed, and after some seconds, continued, ¡°where did you go¡±


    Gina¡¯s eyes widened slightly and she lowered her head. Knowing that the old man had not believed whatever excuse her father had made for her.


    Withdrawing her hands which had started trembling, she quickly cooked up a lie. ¡°Grandpa¡­, I was actually with a friend¡­ she got sick and has no one to care for her, so¡­¡± she trailed off, not able to continue. It was her first time lying to her grandfather and her heart was filled with guilt.


    The old man opened his eyes and gave her a look and Gina shifted under his gaze, her heart had started thumping.


    Gina knew that she was a terrible liar especially under the intense gaze of her grandfather. But she couldn¡¯t risk telling him that she had sold her life to the devil.


    ¡°So Grandpa.¡± she quickly changed the topic. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry anymore, besides, father managed to save the business,¡± she said with a smile.


    The old man chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m a coward, right?¡± he gave her a yful grin.


    Gina shook her head rapidly and held his hand again. ¡°How can you say that Grandpa¡­ you were just worried and couldn¡¯t control that¡­ Dad shouldn¡¯t have informed you until the matter was resolved,¡± she muttered gloomily.


    ¡°It was not your father that told me,¡± the old man murmured and Gina could see his expression turning dark.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She nodded in realization and mped her mouth shut.


    It must be one of her uncles who would jump at any opportunity to shatter her father¡¯s image and wipe him out from the old man¡¯s good books.


    ¡°Regina¡­¡± her grandfather called out. ¡°look at me,¡± hemanded softly and Gina met his tender gaze.


    ¡°You should go back to school¡­ even though I don¡¯t like that boy, I respect your decision¡­ But don¡¯t continue living like this, go out there and make a name for yourself¡­ you never knew what the future holds,¡± he advised.


    Among his family, she was the only one that hasn¡¯t seized any career. The old man was afraid, seeing the family¡¯s business like this, the worst thing might happen in the future. And what if no one could save it then.


    He doesn¡¯t want any of his lineage to suffer from need if that happens.


    Gina broke into tears and pressed her lips together. If only she had listened to him earlier. She had thought that the old man was overthinking when he had told her outright that he doesn¡¯t like Greg.


    She had defended the jerk and had even dropped out of the school because of his fake promises.


    But it was toote, even if she wanted to, it¡¯s almost close to impossible.


    ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll go back to school, okay?¡± The old man coaxed. ¡°It was a miracle that the family business was saved this time, but no one knows what would happen in the future.¡±


    Gina smiled sadly and nodded. ¡°Okay¡­ Grandpa,¡± she answered softly.


    ¡°Good¡­¡± the old man muttered, then loosened his grip on her hands and closed his eyes.


    Gina saw that as a sign to leave and she kissed his cheeks. ¡°Good night¡­ Grandpa,¡± she sniffed, then stood up and walked out of the room.


    When she closed the door behind her, Gina shut her eyes tightly and heaved a deep breath.


    Her grandfather was right. She has to continue pursuing her career. But how?. Would the devil ever allow that?


    She chuckled sadly and shoved the thoughts aside.


    A sound made her open her eyes and a maid was standing before her.


    The middle-aged maid was holding a tea tray in her hands and a smile creased her face. ¡°Young Miss, you¡¯re here?¡±


    Gina smiled back with a nod. ¡°Yeah, Aunt E¡­ please stop calling me that, you can call me by my name you know¡± she pouted and the maid chuckled.


    ¡°Alright Gina, I¡¯ll take note of that¡­ maybe it has something to do with my age¡­ you¡¯re bing more beautiful by each day, I could barely recognize you,¡± The maid replied and sighed. ¡°You¡¯re bing more like your mother.¡±


    Gina¡¯s throat contracted with emotions and she nodded. ¡°Thanks, Aunt E.¡± Those are the only words she could utter.


    Even her father had once told her that her looks were bing more like her mother¡¯s. Although all those memories she had of her mother were vague, she could feel that her mother was prettier, even from her photos.


    ¡°I miss her too.¡± The maid patted her shoulder and sadly muttered, I¡¯ll never have a better friend.¡±


    Gina nodded in agreement. She had also felt the connection between best friends and knew that the feeling of losing one would be very overwhelming.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this to your grandfather before it turns cool¡­ pleasee back soon, okay?¡± said the maid, before hurrying inside the room.


    Gina let her gaze wander on the door and she let out a sad chuckle before turning for the stairs.


    After getting down the stairs, her eyesnded on the huge couches in therge living room.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Each of her uncles with their wives and children was upying each couch. And her father was sitting separately on a farther couch with his head down.


    Even Kate had returned and was sitting beside her mother, who was her second uncle¡¯s wife.


    Except for her father, every one of them was ring at her with expressions that could make a person tremble in fear.

 Chapter 21 She Was Used To It

    However, Gina was not fazed, already immune to their hatred.


    She nced again at her father, then lowered her head and resumed walking toward the huge door.


    ¡°Look at her,¡± scoffed her eldest auntie. ¡°All acting innocent!.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Her third auntie seconded. ¡°Who knows what tricks she uses to elicit the old man¡¯s sympathy.¡±


    ¡°What else could she use while the act of cunningness runs through her veins? Isn¡¯t that the same thing her mother had used to get the old man¡¯s approval?¡± said her second auntie who had been seething in anger, after hearing from her daughter that the girl had talked back to her.


    By then, Gina had stopped in her footsteps, her eyes shing with anger. She clenched her fists and let out a breath.


    ¡°Dad¡± she turned to her father, masking every kind of emotion she was feeling at the moment, with a slight smile. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go home,¡± she said to her father who had his fists clenched.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t talk back, the man could not control his emotions when the contemptuous women kept mentioning his dead wife.


    And the fact that they would bully his daughter at any given opportunity, a burst of regret surges in his heart, as he had failed both his daughter and wife.


    But as the only child from his mother, he couldn¡¯t stand against his brothers who had deemed his mother as a homewrecker, causing their mother¡¯s demise.


    He stood up after suppressing his anger and walked toward his daughter. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Gina,¡± he said, held her shoulders, and they left silently.


    After they were out of the door, Gina wrapped her arms around her father. She hugged him tightly and started sobbing.


    ¡°D¡­ Dad¡± she called out in between sobs and felt him patting her back. Her cries were muffled as she buried her head in his chest. ¡°I missed you so much, Dad.¡±


    The man continued patting her back and sighed. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, dear.¡± His tone was filled with regret.


    After some time her cries subsided and Gina shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t be, Dad¡­ I finally feel like I¡¯m doing something meaningful,¡± she whispered.


    Now that she thought about it. If Adrian had not intervened, then that means that the family¡¯s business would have long crumbled to ashes, and her grandfather¡¯s condition might be worse.


    Her uncles would have had the opportunity to overthrow her father, and she and her father might both be in dire states.


    So even if she was going to be ripped off her freedom, live the rest of her life with the devil, in fear and despair, then it was all worth it.


    Her father released her from the hug and held her by the shoulders. ¡°Thank you, Gina,¡± he said, a sad smile gleaming his eyes. He was the most useless father on earth, and he was lucky to have such a brave daughter.


    Gina wiped her tears and smiled back. She just needed to be careful and not step on the devil¡¯s tail, then everything would be alright.


    At the thought of the devil, horror shed through her eyes which did not escape her father.


    ¡°Gina?¡± He frowned at her and said, ¡°Are you alright?¡± and now he was pressing a hand to her forehead.


    Seeing his daughter¡¯s paled expression, his heart wavered and his eyes gleamed with worry.


    ¡°N¡­ Nothing Dad, I¡¯m fine¡± Gina quickly shook her head. Knowing that she would only add more to his regret if he knew what she was thinking about.


    He might have also thought that Adrian likes her and had wanted her to be his wife, right?


    She stered on a sweet smile and said, ¡°I just remembered that Adrian had been waiting for me at the hotel¡­ I need to go¡±


    ¡°Hotel?¡± her father gave her a confused look.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Gina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded. ¡°We just returned from our honeymoon¡­ and, since no one else knows that we¡¯re married, I told him to stay back and wait.¡±


    ¡®Sniff¡¯ Gina cried inside. But the joy in her father¡¯s eyes was a certainty that her lie was not in vain.


    ¡°So¡­ you see,¡± she continued. ¡°I have to go back now, lest he bes bored¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Her father let out a heartyugh, one she hadn¡¯t seen in a long time. ¡°Okay,¡± he patted her shoulder then said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to take you back.¡±


    ¡°That exins why I couldn¡¯t reach you on the phone or find you in his house¡­ hehe, so you were on your honeymoon¡± he gave her a yful grin.


    Gina blushed and looked everywhere but him. Even though it was aplete lie, she couldn¡¯t help the ripple of joy that rose in her heart, seeing that the lively atmosphere around her father has returned.


    They started strolling toward the parking lot while conversing casually, with her father mostly poking witty remarks at her. And she regretted cooking up the honeymoon¡¯s lie. She could have said something else.


    Gina suddenly thought back to those happy times growing up. Her father would sometimes cuddle and sing for her, or poke fun at her, and a lot of times taught her all the things she needed to know about life and the dangers outside one¡¯s shelter. Gina could see that he was trying to y both a mother¡¯s and father¡¯s role despite his pile of works.


    Just as she was about to be overridden by emotions, thinking back to those blissful times, the gates opened and they both stopped in their footsteps.


    A ck car sped inside, shing its headlights in their direction.


    Gina squinted with a frown and shielded her eyes with the back of her hand. The car was driving at an unnatural speed, leaving the security guys at the gate bbergasted.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    It was not heading to the parking lot, and Gina and her father had to step back.


    When the car came to a stop just a little distance from them and she realized who it was, her breath caught up in her throat.

 Chapter 22 You鈥檙e Hurt!!!

    A guy stepped out of the car. He was wearing a long-sleeved button down shirt atop ck suit trousers.


    He stood there in a daze as if trying to recognize the people standing before him. And after a few seconds, his eyes lit up.


    Gina subconsciously cowered and held her father¡¯s arm. Seeing that the guy was now approaching them she said, ¡°D¡­ Dad, let¡¯s go.¡±


    However, Fred had stopped walking and was already standing in front of them before her father could respond.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± Fred greeted the middle-aged man, his eyes dancing with enthusiasm. He turned to Gina and said, ¡°I guess it¡¯s my lucky day, didn¡¯t expect you¡¯de here today. So, how was the trip?¡±


    Gina looked down and mumbled something under her breath. Anger was evident in her eyes.


    Her father stared at her in confusion, at her sudden change in mood. ¡°Gina, are you alright?¡± he asked, his voiceced with concern.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    As far as he knew, Fred was the only one among her cousins who was on good terms with his daughter.


    Gina looked between her father and the guy. She shook her head and replied, ¡°It¡¯s Nothing Dad¡­ I¡¯m fine¡±


    Just when her father was about to ask further, obviously not satisfied with her answer, his phone started ringing and he walked to the side to answer it.


    Gina was left standing alone with Fred. Her grip tightened on the strap of her bag as he said,


    ¡°Uncle said that you traveled abroad, so how was the trip?¡± Fred repeated his question. Despite being ignored by the girl, he wasn¡¯t a bit annoyed.


    Gina¡¯s eyes wandered for her father, and when she spotted him returning her expression brightened.


    ¡°Gina¡± her father stopped in front of them and gave her an apologetic look. ¡°I need to go back to thepany, there¡¯s something that needs my urgent attention,¡± he said while putting back the phone in his pocket.


    ¡°Is it something serious,¡± Gina gasped. Her mind couldn¡¯t help but think back to the devil¡¯s promise. If he found out that she wasn¡¯t home, would his first action be to destroy thepany?.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not so serious. But my attention is needed urgently,¡± her father replied and bid her good night. He rushed toward the parking lot and drove out of the gates which were already ajar.


    Gina watched the car leave and her heart sank. He could at least drop her at the street side then she would take a taxi to her best friend¡¯s ce, which was her initial n.


    ¡°Gina¡± Fred who had been quietly standing in front of her finally sighed, and his expression turned gloomy. ¡°Are you still mad aboutst time?¡±


    Gina turned her attention to him and scoffed. ¡°What do you expect!?¡± She walked past him toward the gate inrge strides, hoping the idiot would not follow her.


    ¡°Gina, wait!¡± the guy caught up with her and held her hand. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I wasn¡¯t in my right mind then,¡± he lowered his head and said. He hadn¡¯t expected her to still be mad. He regretted making a move on her on hisst birthday. But he was drunk and was not in control of his emotions.


    Gina flinched from his touch. She pulled her hand off his grip and pursed her lips. ¡°You could at least control yourself. You embarrassed me in front of everyone.¡±


    From his guilty expression, Gina realized she was overreacting. However, it had totally caught her by surprise when the stupid guy had gotten himself drunk and given her that lecherous gaze. And the next thing she knew, he was leaning over her.


    She¡¯d pped and pushed him away, but that hadn¡¯t helped with the tremors she had felt in her body as she ran out of the bar.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡± Fred¡¯s shoulders slumped and he apologized.


    Gina bit her lips and nodded. ¡°Just don¡¯t try that again,¡± she warned with a re and looked behind him.


    ¡°Where is your sses? Have you been driving without it?¡± She shook her head. She could see the reason why he was driving at high speed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind shedding a bucket of tears at your funeral, you know¡­ But if you want that to happen, you¡¯d have to at least spare my life first,¡± she muttered simply and started walking toward his car.


    Fred scratched the back of his neck and chuckled. ¡°I was just practicing. It¡¯s so boring, wearing sses all the time.¡±


    Gina gave him a helpless look as he held the door for her. Fred could be childish at times, although he was way older than her. She just hoped he wouldn¡¯t try anything crazy on the motive of trying to see clearly again.


    He sat down on the driver¡¯s side and wore his sses. ¡°How do I look?¡± he nced sideways at her and asked.


    Gina smiled and gave him a thumbs up. She started fiddling with her bag to retrieve her phone while he drove them out of the mansion.


    Fred nced sideways as she was engrossed in her phone. His gaze lingered on her side profile for some seconds before he turned his attention back to the road.


    As they got inside the city. The street lights shone brightly. A lot of cars were on the road, and people were still going back and forth at the sidewalk; Even though it was past midnight.


    Gina yawned and looked up from her phone. ¡°Drop me at Dinah¡¯s ce, please,¡± she said to the unusually silent guy.


    ¡°Why?¡± Fred¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Won¡¯t you go home?¡± he asked, He had parked the car on the roadside, and his attention was now fully on her.


    Gina could sense his confusion. ¡®Urgh!¡¯ she groaned inside, already fed up with lying all day. And before he could continue asking, she mumbled, ¡°Just take me there.¡±


    Fred¡¯s frown deepened. But he didn¡¯t probe further, hearing the annoyance in her tone. He shrugged and was about to continue driving when inadvertently his gaze darted to her knee and his eyes widened.


    ¡°Gina, you¡¯re hurt!¡±

 Chapter 23 You鈥檙e So Lucky

    ¡°What!¨C where!?¡± Gina dropped her bag and syed both hands on her chest. She followed the panic-stricken guy¡¯s gaze and gasped.


    He was staring wide-eyed at her knee which was bandaged heavily. The hem of her cloth was pulled up, probably due to the fit she had just thrown with her bag.


    And now, her bare knee was exposed.


    ¡°It¨C It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± She quickly tugged the cloth back and said, ¡°I scratched my leg somewhere. Hehe, If you haven¡¯t mentioned it, I wouldn¡¯t have remembered.¡±


    She was speaking the truth but seeing his expression Gina felt a headacheing. ¡®Urgh!¡¯


    ¡°No, Gina. You¡¯re hurt!¡± Fred pointed a shaking finger at her knee. ¡°See, there are traces of blood on it. L¡­ let¡¯s go¨C I¡¯ll take you to the hospital. Yes, it won¡¯t hurt again after we get to the hospital¡±


    His incessant babbling filled the whole car and Gina pressed both palms on her ears. ¡°Stop it, Fred! I said I¡¯m fine!¡± she screamed.


    Fred was silenced from her outburst. However, the glint of worry in his eyes didn¡¯t diminish a little. His eyes darted again to her knee which was now covered by her cloth¡¯s fabric and he breathed out a sigh.


    ¡°How did you get hurt,¡± he asked, now serious.


    Gina pouted and lowered her head, mumbling something under her breath. She had managed to evade her best friend, father, and grandfather. She doesn¡¯t want another mother hen hovering over her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go, it¡¯s gettingte¡± She murmured with a yawn.


    Who said she wasn¡¯t uneasy, lying all day to those that cared most about her. However, her situation was hopeless, and speaking the truth wouldnd her in bigger trouble.


    After taking her things from Dinah¡¯s ce, she needed to go back tonight, hopefully, a taxi would take her there. She couldn¡¯t risk dancing further with her fate, and relying on assumptions that the devil might not return soon.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Fred conceded. He started the car and Gina smiled gratefully while trying to suppress another yawn.


    After a while, she sensed the car stopped and her eyes fluttered open.


    They were now in a silent neighborhood but hadn¡¯t reached Dinah¡¯s ce. She frowned and turned to him. ¡°What are you¨C¡±


    But before she could finish her words, Fred had left the car.


    He closed the door, and through the window, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. We need to get your wound dressed again. If you live it like this, I¡¯m afraid it would lead to a deeper injury.¡±


    Seeing the stains of blood on the bandage, Fred was most convinced that her wound had opened up. He couldn¡¯t waste time arguing with the girl, and with that said, he hurried inside a nearby drugstore.


    Gina could not close her mouth at the sudden turn of events. She should have seen iting. ¡®Argh!¡¯ she ruffled her hair and stomped her feet.


    Minutes were ticking by and she doesn¡¯t want to spend the night in the city.


    She once again opened her bag to bring out her phone. Just then, her gazended on the birthday present she had bought her grandfather, packed neatly inside her bag.


    She sighed and decided to keep it safe. Without any money now, it would be a miracle if she could afford another one in the future.


    She brought out her phone and watched the time. It was way past midnight. ¡®Urgh!¡¯ she tapped her foot on the floor, hoping the guy would not take long.


    Another yawn overtook her, and she covered her mouth.


    When Fred returned, Gina was dozing off already. He went to her side and opened the door.


    Gina woke up at the sound of the door opening. She nced at his hand which was holding a stic bag and sighed.


    Without saying a word, she revealed her knee and he squatted in front of her.


    Carefully, he peeled off the bandage and started treating her opened wound.


    ¡°You should be careful next time,¡± he scolded. But Gina¡¯s mind was not with her, she wanted to go back to the Mansion tonight.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Her eyelids were heavy, she could barely keep them open. And the slight pain she felt from the disinfectant now and then was the only thing that kept her awake.


    After Fred was done, he discarded the things in a nearby trash can and came back to the car.


    ¡°Gina?¡± he called out but didn¡¯t get any reply. He called out again, now frowning. However, when he peeked at her, found her sleeping soundly.


    He chuckled, then lifted his hand and tucked a stray strand behind her ear, before he continued driving.


    His gaze would dart to her now and then and he sighed for the umpteenth time.


    When they arrived at the tall apartment building, he woke her up and got out of the car.


    Gina rubbed her eyes, and also left the car. She bid him goodnight and dragged her legs inside the building.


    With each step, her legs were bing heavy. Thinking back to the stunts she had pulled all day, with only a little bit of the food she had eaten, Gina was so exhausted and at the same time famished.


    When she reached her friend¡¯s apartment, she knocked for a long time before the door was finally opened.


    ¡°Gina, you¡¯re back¡­¡± Dinah rubbed her eyes. she looked behind her and a frown settled on her face. ¡°Where¡¯s your husband?¡± she inquired.


    She had thought they woulde back together.


    Gina shook her head, her eyes opening and closing. she nudged Dinah aside and staggered inside the room.


    She slumped on the bed, and her hands wandered for the pillow. ¡°Adrian¡¯s gonna peel my skin off and feed it to his minions,¡± she mumbled incoherently and fell into a deep slumber.


    Dinah wondered what she was saying. She stared at her in confusion, stretched on the bed, and grabbed a pillow.


    ¡°Gina, you¡¯re so lucky to find a very rich guy. I would dance all day in the rain, if it was me, my boring life would finally be perfect,¡± she also mumbled in her sleep.


    Gina murmured something back, but both girls were now deep in sleep.

 Chapter 24 Busted

    When Gina woke up the next morning. It was already bright outside, and the morning sun streamed through the transparent curtains.


    Sounds of cars honking and the bustling activities outside could be heard from the tall apartment building.


    She jerked up on the bed and quickly rubbed the sleep off her eyes.


    Her eyes wandered around the empty apartment and she had deduced that her friend had gone to work. However, she found a small note on the bedside table.


    [Wait for me, don¡¯t go anywhere, okay?¡­ You must tell me everything about your mysterious husband. Breakfast¡¯s on the stove, warm it up, and eat to your heart fill. Xoxo]


    Gina gulped as she read the paper. What was she supposed to tell the girl when shees back? And would she even wait for her to return?


    Of course not, Dinah would pester to death. And she couldn¡¯t believe that she¡¯d allowed sleep to overtake her.


    She put the paper away, then quickly got down from the bed and entered the bathroom.


    After she was done taking her bath, she rummaged through the bag Dinah had brought her yesterday and picked out one of her clothes.


    She wore the silky white dress imprinted with flora patterns. She looked at herself in the full-length mirror and sighed.


    Even though the design was simple, it was her best creation, and Gina was drawn back to all those happy times in college, doing what she loved most.


    She broke out of the feeling of euphoria and quickly ate the breakfast without minding warming the food. Thankfully, she found a little cash in her belongings.


    She tucked it inside her purse, wore her shoes, and dragged the bag out of the apartment.


    While half-running down the stairs her heels nked against the floor. Gina kept praying that she would reach the mansion on time, and also hoping that Adrian hadn¡¯t returned.


    After leaving the apartment building, She hailed a taxi. However, the taxi driver immediately shook his head and drove off, when he heard the address she was going to.


    Gina stood dumbfounded and her thoughts wandered back to the military guy¡¯s words.


    ¡®No, lemme try again. Maybe he doesn¡¯t know the address¡¯ she reassured herself inside and stopped another taxi again.


    After getting the same reaction from five more taxi drivers, Gina felt like breaking into tears. She had even begged thest man, promising to pay any amount, but what he had said, took her by surprise.


    ¡®Taxies are not allowed in that area, it is strictly owned by the military and no one would want to trifle with the authority.¡¯


    The kind man had patiently exined to her, before also driving away.


    Thinking back to the man¡¯s words, Gina grimaced inside, wondering what kind of man she had married. Seems like he also had a connection with the military. It was no wonder those guys at the hospital had given her quizzical looks when she mentioned that she would take a taxi.


    ¡®Argh!¡¯ But she needed to get back there.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Exhausted from standing too long, Gina strolled to a nearby bench and slumped down with a huge sigh.


    Now, what to do? How could she go back? Who was she going to ask for help?


    ¡®Should I call Fred¡¯ The idea suddenly popped up in her mind, but she quickly dispersed it.


    Asking Fred to take her there was like spilling her secret to the whole family. She couldn¡¯t risk the word getting to her grandfather. And besides, she doubts Fred would be happy with her decision.


    Still deep in her thoughts, Gina did not realize that a car had stopped in front of her.


    In the busy street, the ck car stood out, and a lot of people walking on the roadside couldn¡¯t help but nce at it twice.


    The car¡¯s ss was tinted and only the people inside the car could see those from outside, but not the other way round.


    The car stood there, neither making a sound nor showing any sign of moving.


    Gina was looking down, totally dejected. At first, she had ignored the car after sensing its presence. But people passing by started whispering about a luxurious car and she also found it weird that the car had not moved. Besides, it was blocking her view of the street ahead.


    A foreboding feeling rose up in her chest, as her instincts had started shouting danger. Her mind could only wander to one person at the sight of the car.


    Gina could feel her heart beating with apprehension. Her gaze shifted to the small crowd who had stopped and staring between her and the car.


    What was wrong with them? She gulped. However, it was obvious that the car was waiting for her, as it had parked directly in front of her.


    ¡®B¨CBut Adrian is not in the country, it couldn¡¯t possibly be him.¡¯ She tried to reassure herself as she stood up with trembling legs. ¡®yes, it might be a distant rtive or even a friend who had recognized her from a distance,¡¯ she added inside.


    But no matter how she tried to convince herself, deep inside, Gina knew she was doomed.


    ¡®No, it isn¡¯t Adrian, It can¡¯t be Adrian,¡¯ she chanted, while walking hesitantly toward the car. Under the eager crowd gazes, Gina doesn¡¯t have a choice.


    ¡®But what if it¡¯s kidnappers¡¯ the thought instantly made her halt in her tracks as she was about to reach for the door.


    But she was not popr, even as an heiress, and no sane person would care to kidnap her, in the current condition of her family.


    ¡®What am I doing?¡¯ She got back to her senses. What if she was just overthinking and the car wasn¡¯t actually there for her in the first ce?


    It might probably be waiting for someone, and by chance, had parked in front of her.


    Gina patted her chest and nced at the crowd which had started dispersing. It can¡¯t possibly be Adrian or kidnappers.

 Chapter 25 She Was Done For

    ¡®Hehe¡¯ What was she thinking? Besides, what would Adrian do here at this time of the day?


    Even though the sun had starteding up, it was still morning. Her expression rxed, and even the tremors she had felt subside as she turned back to walk back to the bench.


    But she had not even taken two steps when a manly deep voice instantly stopped her.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going!?¡±


    Gina¡¯s heart gave a lurch at the sound of the voice. She could feel her heart racing so fast it made her feel faint and breathless.


    ¡®A¡­ Adrian!?¡¯


    She froze. It was as if her legs were gummed to the ground, and couldn¡¯t even turn back. She felt a chill that seemed to make its way to the very bottom of her spine.


    ¡°Are you going to keep standing there?¡±


    The voice sounded irritated.


    Gina shut her eyes, and clenched her fist tightly, to calm down her soaring nerves. No, it was a dream. There was no way it could be Adrian. But the voice.


    She heard the car¡¯s door finally open, and even then, she couldn¡¯t move.


    The footstep was gradually approaching and her heart thumped with each passing second.


    Then the footsteps stopped.


    Gina was on the verge of breaking down. Beads of sweat had started forming on her forehead. When she thought about what might happen next, the figure strode past her toward the bench and picked up her bag from where she had left it.


    She watched the huge man in a ck suit with furrowed brows. But it was Adrian¡¯s voice she had heard. Who was this man? And why had he picked up her bag?


    She was still pondering in a daze when the burly man in ck turned to face her. He was also wearing a tinted ss that covered half his face, and Gina could not properly discern his features.


    When he turned around, the man looked around the area in a rapid movement and stopped in front of her. Without saying anything, he gestured for her to get inside the car.


    Gina broke out of her stupor and took a step back. She was sure that she had heard Adrian¡¯s voice a while ago. But seeing this man with her bag, Gina felt she was in greater danger.


    The man was stepping forward and she took another step back. Just when she was about to flee and shout for help, Gina had not realized that she was very close to the car.


    A strong arm grabbed her waist and pulled her inside the car.


    ¡°Ahhhh¡± Gina yelped and struggled violently. But in the next second, she stilled, and a cold shiver ran down her spine as a familiar scent wafted through her nose.


    The door was instantly shut from the outside by the burly man, and Adrian was holding tightly to her waist, leaving her no room for escape.


    ¡°Regina¡­¡±


    His voice was like the ws of a demon, slowly tickling her skin. His hot breath was against her neck.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you had simple rules to follow. How about I lock you up, and make everything easier for both of us.¡±


    Gina gulped and knew that she was totally done for. Her nightmare had be real. It was really Adrian.


    Despite his calm voice, she could feel the suppressing atmosphere inside the car. But how did he find her?


    And did he say that he would lock her up?


    Her eyes widened in horror and reluctantly, she turned her head.


    His thin lips were pressed tightly together, obviously trying to suppress his anger which was given away by his ck obsidian eyes that were boring through her.


    Gina prevented herself from gawking at the dangerous man and lowered her head.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I¡­ I was¡­¡± she fumbled with her dress, but couldn¡¯t get to get the words out of her throat. ¡°You weren¡¯t home, and¡­ I wanted to pack my things¡­¡± she trailed off again.


    By then, the car had started moving. Adrian does not seem to be listening to her, as he spoke to the driver at the front.


    ¡°To thepany¡± he instructed, then turned his attention to the girl.


    ¡°Regina Carlson,¡± he said, after releasing her waist. ¡°So eager to taste my punishment, right?¡±


    A glint shed through his eyes and Gina could sense the amusement in his voice. Even though his face was not showing any emotion, the gravity in his voice revealed that whatever he wanted to do, she was never going toe out of it unscathed.


    She quickly cowered back until her back hit the door. He drew the partition separating them and the driver¡¯s side, and her eyes widened in shock.


    Gina¡¯s mind instantly snapped back to the contract and her attention turned to him. ¡°A¡­ Adrian¡±


    He was gradually closing in on her and she swallowed deeply.


    Was Adrian going to fulfill his promise? ¡®what to do? What to do?¡¯


    Gina racked her brain as she cowered fearfully. Now that she¡¯de so far, would she allow that to happen?


    Adrian has her family¡¯s business wrapped around his fingers and he could crush it as he pleases.


    ¡°Stop!!!¡± she screamed while putting both palms on his chest.


    Her eyes were tightly shut and even she was surprised at her outburst.


    On sensing no movement, she slowly opened her eyes and found the guy staring at her in astonishment.


    Gina sat upright and cleared her throat. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Adrian, I was very excited after knowing about the wedding, and was eagerly anticipating the day, I forgot to take anything along. And when you traveled, I was so bored and lonely, that was why I decided toe down to the city to pack my things,¡± she babbled non-stop, and finally managed to catch her breath.


    Maybe if she pacified the devil, he would forgive her, right? She had to gather every bit of her acting skills.


    Adrian broke out of his shock and his eyes narrowed on the girl. ¡°You were excited!?¡± he scrutinized her, his expression turning dark.

 Chapter 26 She Never Had A Choice

    ¡°No, no¡± Gina quickly shook her head and cowered once more. ¡°I¨C I wasn¡¯t excited. I never expected to be taken directly to the mansion and didn¡¯t take anything with me, e¨C even my phone,¡± she spoke truthfully.


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be happy that she said she was so excited about the wedding? But seeing that he hadn¡¯t treated her well from the beginning, Gina could only mask her confusion.


    ¡°And¡­ and also, I wasn¡¯t nning to escape, I¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have agreed to the marriage in the first ce if I¡¯d wanted to do that,¡± she defended herself with a pout.


    ¡°Who said you had a choice¡± Adrian chuckled.


    ¡®Right, I never had a choice¡¯ Gina groaned inside. As he was the one that had asked to marry her in the first ce.


    Now that they were so close, she could grab her chance to study him properly. He might be among the boys who had bullied her at school then decided that it wasn¡¯t enough, and was determined to make her life hell.


    That was the only logical reason Gina could think of.


    Adrian who had ignored the girl and now had his attention outside the window suddenly heard small movements beside him.


    He frowned and nced sideways, then found her face so close to his. Her little face was so close that he could see his reflection in herrge bluish-grey eyes. ¡®Weird, why does she have this color of eyes?¡¯


    Gina flinched and quickly moved back. Even though it¡¯s been so many years, the face of those bullies was deeply engraved in her heart. Adrian wasn¡¯t possibly one of them.


    Besides, except if they¡¯d had stic surgery, none of them could possess half of this devil¡¯s beauty.


    He was as beautiful as he was dangerous. Gina had to admit that. She felt a huge weight lifted off her chest, seeing that he hadn¡¯t extended the matter, and a sigh of relief escaped her lips.


    Maybe it wasn¡¯t totally dangerous, conversing with the devil after all.


    Adrian scoffed and turned his attention back to the window. He was surprised at how the scaredy-cat had suddenly changed in demeanor. Did she hit her head somewhere? He couldn¡¯t care less.


    He nced down at his wristwatch and frowned, not believing that he had to bete for the meeting, just because he had to pick up the girl.


    Turning sideways, his eyes darted to her hand which was gripping tightly to her cloth and trembling slightly. He scoffed again.


    Gina bit her lips as the car sank into silence. Hearing the guy scoffed again, she was worried. Has his anger not subsided.


    She cleared her throat and said, ¡°I¡¯ve told your friend not to bother, and I would get home myself¡­ I can¡¯t believe he informed you of this little thing.¡±


    Yes, it must be his military friend that had informed him. Adrian would not have possibly bumped into her. The coincidence was too high.


    ¡°Friend?¡± Adrian frowned.


    ¡°Y¡­ Yes, your military friend, he¡¯s your friend, right? I told him he shouldn¡¯t bother to inform you. Even at the hospital, the doctor said I was fine, but he was so worried so¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hospital?¡± Adrian interrupted.


    ¡°Yeah, it was just a tiny injury, no big deal. But look now, you¡¯ve traveled¡­¡± Gina trailed off, seeing his expression changed instantly.


    ¡°Ahhh¡± she shrieked as he grabbed her arm and hurled her. Her body bumped into his hard chest, and she panicked.


    ¡°Regina Carlson¡­ so daring aren¡¯t you,¡± Adrian chuckled and pulled her closer. ¡°You even managed to end up in the hospital. Now, tell me¡­ does that mean all the things you said earlier were lies and you¡¯d really nned to escape!?¡±Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    All blood drained from Gina¡¯s face and she shook her head frantically. ¡°No, no, no, I¨C I wasn¡¯t nning to escape. Cross my heart, I would never lie to you.¡±


    Gina wanted to cry. How did the situation take a huge shift? Had she actually poured fuel into the fire instead of water?


    From his expression, it was obvious that he had no idea that she¡¯d encountered those two guys. Then who would have told him that she wasn¡¯t home?


    Her attention turned to the guy and she endured the force he was exerting on her arm. ¡°If you didn¡¯t believe me, you can check my bag¡­ I only came to take some of my things,¡± she muttered gloomily.


    Adrian studied her expression and finally released her with a sigh. Why would he care if she wanted to escape? He could just tell his grandparents that she wasn¡¯t interested in him. Not like he liked her either.


    He will be ted to just kick the girl out of his life, but then, thinking back to the old couple¡¯s words, anger rose in his chest.


    Without giving her another nce, Adrian took out his phone and got himself engrossed in it as the car drove through the city toward thepany.


    Gina rubbed her arm and shrink farther away from the guy. She patted her chest in relief and nced out of the window.


    Shortly after, the car arrived at a magnificentpany in the heart of the city.


    Was that owned by Adrian?


    Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened.


    Gina blinked rapidly and stared at the huge skyscraper in astonishment. *Global World Conglomerate* was boldly emboldened at the top.


    Her heart gave a lurch and she couldn¡¯t close her mouth even as the car drove inside what seemed like a private parking lot.


    Even though she rarely watched the news, just like almost everyone in country H, Gina knew about thergestpany in the city.


    And otherpanies were just like flies in front of a giant whenpared to the smallerpanies under it.


    Her head flipped to the guy and she stared at him in shock.


    Was Adrian its mysterious CEO who never appeared in public? And even thepany¡¯s chairman, no one ever had a glimpse of him, and some even said that he lived on a faraway ind. But that was only believed as a myth.


    No, Adrian might just be here for some business, right?

 Chapter 27 Impossible

    Even though Adrian was very rich, he couldn¡¯t possibly be the CEO of thispany, as she had also heard that they had connections with the royal family.


    No matter what, thispany¡¯s CEO would only marry ady from high nobility. Andpared to that, she was only a country bumpkin.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    His cold voice broke her out of her trance and Gina realized that she had been gaping at him for too long.


    ¡°N¡­ Nothing¡± she shook her head in a rapid movement and looked away.


    Adrian ignored her once again then his side of the door was opened from the outside. He got out of the car, and Gina sighed in relief.


    She¡¯ll just have to wait inside the car for him. The intense atmosphere she had felt inside the car also vanished with his presence.


    She rested her head on the car¡¯s headrest after hearing the door close. A small smile bloomed on her face, still not quite believing that she had escaped the devil¡¯s ws.


    ¡°Young Miss¡±


    Gina did not know when the door on her side opened until the deep voice sounded beside her.


    Her eyes opened and she looked sideways at the burly man who had taken her bag earlier. He was holding the door for her.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Gina gave him a confused look. Was she supposed to follow the devil?


    Hesitation was evident on her face and she quietly walked out with a thumping heart.


    Gina gripped tightly to the straps of her bag and followed the bodyguard.


    Adrian was already striding far ahead and she hurried to catch up with him.


    She was once again taken by surprise when she saw simr men in all ck with tinted sses surrounding the ce.


    ¡®Why does he need so much security,¡¯ she pondered.


    All the men were patrolling the private parking lot and some of them were lined up in front of the elevator.


    Gina wondered why she hadn¡¯t spotted any of them in the mansion, except for the one who had picked her from her father¡¯s house.


    ¡®But if these men are all here for the devil, does that mean¡­¡¯ Gina scratched the back of her neck with a frown.


    Each of the guards was greeting him with respectful gestures, and paving way for him.


    ¡®Could it be that Adrian was the owner of thispany? A mere guest would not possiblye with so much security, right?¡¯


    She was still mulling over the fact when the elevator door opened.


    Adrian was ncing down at his wristwatch now and then, all the while, ignoring the girl.


    Gina does not also want to grab his attention so she quietly entered after him, and stood at a corner.


    When they entered the elevator, she also noticed a guy waiting inside. He was wearing a grey business suit and holding a ck file in hand.


    The man didn¡¯t seem like he had noticed her, as he immediately rushed to Adrian and started speaking to him.


    Gina could recall him as the guy who had delivered her wedding dress. She was not listening to their conversation and her mind was on something else. She was admiring the spacious elevator that was made of ss. And also some weird devices, which she had never seen before.


    ¡®Wow,¡¯ She couldn¡¯t believe she was inside the *Global World Conglomerate*


    Even thepany¡¯s branches that were spread across the city only had coborations withpanies of simr standards from abroad.


    They deal in all kinds of business such as; manufacturing, jewelry, entertainment, art, construction, education, and so many things she couldn¡¯t remember.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Its owner was primarily the most powerful businessman in the country and she¡¯d also heard that the fashion school she had attended was under thepany.


    ¡®Yeah, this high position must surely belong to someone so powerful, maybe even above the royal family,¡¯ she tried to convince herself. And she doubts that person would be Adrian, as even his age, was a huge gap from when thepany was established.


    The assistant was still exining the folder in his hands while Adrian listened patiently, and Gina was still admiring the elevator.


    Then, a loud ringtone disrupted the silence inside the elevator and Gina almost dropped her bag.


    Her eyes turned to Adrian who despite his calm expression, was throwing her daggers, then the assistant who was staring at her in astonishment.


    ¡°E¡­ Excuse me¡± she stuttered and started fiddling with her bag with trembling hands.


    After managing to take out the phone, her eyes widened at the name disyed on the screen. ¡®Oh, no¡¯


    Dinah must have gone back home and found the apartment empty.


    She sneaked a nervous nce at the guys who had stopped what they were doing, then she quickly pressed the reject button.


    Just when she was about to heave a sigh of relief, a loud voice reverberated inside the elevator and Gina jumped in shock.


    Her eyes widened once more as she realized that instead of the reject button, she had answered the call and had even put it on hands-free.


    Her heartbeat was now in chaos and she didn¡¯t know what to do next.


    ¡°Gina! How can you do this to me!!! I told you to wait, is this how you repay me for helping you out!!!?¨C You promised to tell me everything about your husband, and you ran off!!!?¨C Just wait till I get my grips on you, Gina!!! I won¡¯t let you breathe until you spill out every information!!!¨C And that your husband, who does he think he is!!!?¨C First, he deprived me of wearing my dream¡¯s bridesmaids dress by having a whirlwind marriage with you¨C and now, he¡¯s hiding away from me!!!?¡±


    Gina¡¯s heart was bleeding with tears as the girl¡¯s outburst filled the whole elevator. She was still fumbling with the phone, but couldn¡¯t get to cut it off as her hands continued trembling.


    When she looked at Adrian¡¯s expression, her heart sank.


    ¡°Gina!!! Are you even listening to me!!!?¡± the furious voice sounded again.

 Chapter 28 Who Is She

    ¡°I know you¡¯re listening, Gina, don¡¯t you dare hang up on me, and that husband of yours, I¡¯m really pissed big time!!!. Tell him that if he doesn¡¯t want to get on my cklist, he¡¯d better bring you back here and seek for his mama¡¯s blessing!!!¡±


    ¡°Ahhh¡± Gina cried out in shock, and finally managed to cut off the call. Her friend could be impulsive when angry, but she hadn¡¯t expected the crazy girl to insult Adrian out of nowhere. Now, she waspletely done for.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    The phone started ringing again and she quickly switched it off, her heart was pounding wildly against her rib.


    She stared wide-eyed at Adrian, hoping the ground would just swallow her up. ¡®Gulp¡¯


    Even the assistant who had just managed to break out of his shock cold feel the cold atmosphere inside the elevator and he shivered slightly.


    After ncing at his boss¡¯s expression, he also gulped then turned his gaze to the girl, who if not because of the sudden call, he would never know that someone was standing inside the elevator with them.


    He easily recognized her, and the assistant scratched his head and muttered in shame, ¡°Y¡­ Young Miss, forgive me, please. I didn¡¯t notice you earlier, I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    He bowed rapidly and sneaked a nervous nce at his boss.


    Gina could not hear the assistant¡¯s words as her eyes were fixed on Adrian, still in her shock.


    She couldn¡¯t look away, it was as if his burning gaze was holding her in ce.


    Of all times, why would her friend call her now? She had narrowly managed to escape the devil¡¯s grasp, why was she suddenly back to phase one.


    The fury in his eyes was an indication that he wasn¡¯t going to let her go this time.


    She gripped tightly to her phone, anxiously awaiting her fate with an erratic beating heart, then the elevator came to a stop.


    The assistant did not realize the tension between the couple. He was also silently pondering on his own dilemma.


    Seeing that thedy did not answer even after he apologized, he wondered if his boss was also mad at him for not greeting his wife.


    ¡°Y¡­ Young Miss¡ª¡±


    ¡°Frank¡±


    Adrian cut the assistant off as the elevator door opened. He nced down at his wristwatch, gave the girl another re, and walked out inrge strides.


    The assistant bowed again to the still panicked girl and scrambled out after his boss.


    Gina patted her chest after the elevator door closed again. She staggered back and supported herself on the wall as her legs shook violently.


    ¡®Argh! Dinah¡¯ she grimaced at the phone.


    The elevator continued going up and after some minutes, it finally came to a stop.


    Gina was thinking of what to do next. She stepped out of the elevator.


    Her eyes roamed around the vast ce filled with so many employees.


    All the employees were dressed in smart business suits, both men and women. The women were mostly wearing blouses and skirts, and they all walked busily around their cubicles.


    No one seemed to realize her presence as they all carried on with their activities.


    Gina felt out of ce, and she stood there awkwardly.


    She turned around to walk back inside the elevator when ady suddenly rushed in her direction.


    Thedy stopped in front of her and greeted her with a professional smile.


    ¡°Please follow me, Miss,¡± She said and started leading her forward.


    Gina smiled back and strolled after her. However, she couldn¡¯t help thinking back to the slight confusion she had seen in thedy¡¯s eyes.


    She was also confused but silently followed thedy.


    They walked past the many cubicles which were in a row.


    Some of the employees who had just noticed her instantly halted in what they were doing. They were giving her confused looks and some of them had even started whispering among themselves.


    Under the employees¡¯ gazes, Gina¡¯s nervousness increased. Why were they looking at her as if she was an alien?


    She could even notice the excitement on some of their faces. Even though she couldn¡¯t hear what they were whispering, they were obviously gossiping about her.


    She hated being the center of attention and lowered her head, still wondering what kind of business Adrian had with thispany.


    ¡°Am I seeing right?¡± one of the employees whispered to her colleagues as she rubbed her eyes.


    ¡°She just came out of the CEO¡¯s private elevator. Who is she?¡± another female employee pondered.


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯s among his rtives?¡±


    ¡°Or his new lover¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up! The CEO never brings a woman to thepany¡±


    ¡°Yeah, except for one person.¡±


    ¡°Wait, has Ruby finally gotten a substitute?¡±


    The employees continued whispering, not quiteprehending what they had just seen. As far as they knew, none of the CEO¡¯s rtives ever visited thepany. Except for thedy who imed to be his fiancee. And they wondered why the strangedy was suddenly in the CEO¡¯s area, and even being led to his office by the head Secretary.


    The head secretary who was leading the girl to the CEO¡¯s office also continued ncing back at her in confusion.


    When she had received a call from the assistant, she had never expected to see another woman appear out of the elevator.


    The few times Ruby had visited, the girl had left them a deep impression. Who could this newdy possibly be? Another lover?


    That was the only usible reason.


    But she doubts the CEO was that kind of person, who would exchange lovers in such a short time. Her mind could only wander to one person when she thinks of that possibility.


    They passed through a hallway and soon reached the CEO¡¯s office and the secretary tapped in some passwords before the door opened.


    Even though the door was made of ss, Gina could not see what was inside. When the secretary opened the door for her, she was finally relieved to break out of the gazes of those employees who kept whispering.


    She entered inside and marveled at the extravagant office. Her attention instantly caught the huge chair behind the desk, which had its back to therge floor-to-ceiling window.

 Chapter 29 It Looks Fabulous

    Even though the ck chair has a simple design just like any other office chair, in Gina¡¯s eyes she could only envision it as a throne, and her mind wandered to Adrian.


    She narrowed her eyes on the namete ced on the middle of the desk beside some pile of documents and aputer.


    ¡®This can¡¯t be¡¯ She gasped and stared wide-eyed at the name tag. ¡®It was really Adrian?¡¯ Adrian was the CEO of thispany!?¡¯


    ¡°Please, have a seat¡±


    The secretary¡¯s voice snapped her out of her shock. She was pointing to one of the two huge couches sitting at the corner of the room.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Gina sat on one of the couches and heard her continue.


    ¡°If you need anything, please let me know, I¡¯ll be right outside.¡± the secretary smiled.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Gina nodded with a smile and muttered, ¡°Thank you.¡± she was beginning to like the kind Secretary.


    ¡°Call me Lh, please,¡± the Secretary asked politely.


    ¡°Thank you, Lh,¡± Gina said and watched as she turned back and left.


    Gina was left alone in the huge office. She admired the spacious furniture and devices.


    From the water dispenser, theputer on the desk, therge golden sculpture of a lion at the corner beside the window, the enormous bookshelf filled with so many books, another shelf that contains various medals, everything inside the office screamed of money.


    Her eyes were fixed on the sculpture and she stood up then walked toward it.


    If Adrian was truly the CEO, then that means he was connected to the royal family. Or was it just rumors?


    Her brows settled into a frown.


    She turned back to the desk and examined the name tag carefully.


    ¡°Adrian Skr?¡± she read it out loud.


    Realizing that she hadn¡¯t seen it wrong, Gina walked back to the couch and sat down with a sigh.


    If only she could know his motive for marrying her. Should she ask him?


    She dispelled the thought. Without knowing if that could irk him, Gina could just keep it to herself and ept her fate.


    She looked down at her bruised knee, relieved that Adrian hadn¡¯t noticed it while he grabbed her inside the car.


    Even though she had removed the bandage while bathing, tiny bruise marks were still left. She covered her knee once more and continued admiring the ce.


    Tired from sitting so long, Gina stood up and paced the office. ¡®Urgh,¡¯ she groaned inside and wondered when he would return.


    She was also starting to get hungry. She rubbed her grumbling stomach and wondered if she should speak to the kind Secretary.


    Right at that moment, the door opened behind her and she turned around with a gasp.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you¡± she saw the secretary walking in and sighed in relief.


    Thedy was holding a tray of food and Gina¡¯s eyes lit up.


    She sat down in front of the table where the secretary had ced the tray, thanked her, and started eating the food.


    ¡°Mmmm¡± Gina closed her and savor the taste. Apart from the breakfast, she ate this morning, she had only been eating noodles for the past few days.


    Eating the food now, Gina felt like she was in heaven.


    Her appetite also increased and before she knew it, the te was empty.


    ¡°Should I bring you more,¡± asked the secretary who had been watching her silently with a smile and enjoying her expressions.


    Gina waved both hands. ¡°No, I¡¯m full¡­ thank you¡± she replied with a chuckle and drank the water.


    After finishing the food, her stomach was full and her mood also elevated.


    ¡°Wait¡± she stopped the Secretary who had already picked up the empty te and was about to leave.


    ¡°When would Adriane?¡± She asked, hoping he hadn¡¯t gone home as it had been so many hours.


    ¡°The CEO¡¯s still in the meeting,¡± replied the secretary. Just as she turned back to leave, she stopped suddenly and turned around, still wanting to satisfy her curiosity.


    ¡°Miss, you and the CEO¡­¡± she left the remaining words hanging, however, Gina understood what she meant.


    She could notice a little bit of hesitation and also excitement on the kind Secretary¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Uhm¡± she pressed her lips together and thought back to the contract. ¡°I¡ª I¡¯m a friend,¡± she answered with a smile.


    It wasn¡¯t like she also wanted to admit that she was the devil¡¯s wife.


    ¡°Oh¡± the Secretary nodded slowly.


    Even though her expression was clearly showing that she doubted her answer, Gina did not exin further.


    The secretary did not also probe further and her attention turned to the dress she was wearing. ¡°I love your dress, it¡¯s beautiful,¡± she eximed.


    ¡°Really?¡± Gina¡¯s eyes lit up. Apart from Dinah, this was the second time someone hasplimented her work and she couldn¡¯t help the happiness that welled up in her heart.


    Suddenly thinking of her friend, she gulped inside then turned her attention to the secretary and she cheerfully muttered, ¡°I designed it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a fashion designer!?¡± the Secretary looked at her in astonishment.


    Gina nodded proudly and guessed thedy might be a fashion fanatic, judging from the fawning look she was giving her dress.


    ¡°This is great¡± the secretary dropped the tray and pped both hands. ¡°Quick, tell me your brand¡¯s name¡­ I bet all of your designs are as great as this. Can¡¯t want to get one in my closet!¡± she squealed happily.


    ¡°Huh¡± Gina scratched her head and chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t own a brand yet,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Aww¡± Lh whined in disappointment. ¡°Can I snap it?¡± she took out her phone and said eagerly.


    ¡°Sure, no problem¡± Gina bobbed her head and thedy snapped the dress from various angles even asking her to pose in different ways.


    ¡°I wish you could open a brand someday, this dress looks fabulous¡± Lh cheered while admiring the photos on her phone.  She picked up the tray and left the office.


    Gina remained standing and after the Secretary left, she nced down at the dress with a happy smile.

 Chapter 30 He Doesn鈥檛 Care

    Even she has confidence in her work and knew the dress was beautiful, the feeling she gets on hearing the samepliment from others was indescribable.


    Maybe she should open her own brand. But she had to get a license first, and that won¡¯t happen until she finishes fashion school.


    Her eyes dimmed and she slumped down on the couch. Everything that happened was partly her fault. If only she had followed her father¡¯s advice and continued with the school at that time. But she was blinded by love and thought everything would be in her favor.


    After sulking for a while, she brought out her phone and switched it on, then dialed her friend¡¯s number.


    The phone rang for a long time before it was picked up.


    ¡°Gina, how could you do that to me? You dared hang up on me!?¡±


    Dinah¡¯s furious voice came from the other end.


    Gina distanced the phone from her ear until the girl was done with her outburst.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Dinah, I¡ª¡±


    However, Dinah was not done yet, and before she could finish her words, the furious voice came again.


    ¡°You¡¯d better have a good exnation for that, and don¡¯t even think of evading me next time, I¡¯m not done with you yet!¡±


    Her voice sounded busy and before Gina could process anything the call was brutally cut off.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Gina whined and stared at the phone perplexedly. Didn¡¯t she know that her life was now in danger because of the words she uttered?


    She wasn¡¯t sure if Adrian was going to let her go after hearing the girl¡¯s brutal words in the elevator.


    ¡®Argh!¡¯ Why does everything seem to be against her?


    She watched the time and wondered when he woulde.


    If only she could find a way to escape before hees back. But even if she escape where would she run to?


    ¡®Hmmm,¡¯ she sighed helplessly,y on the couch, and awaited her fate while staring nkly at the ceiling. And the look he had given her before leaving the elevator kept shing through her mind.


    ***


    A few hourster, Adrian sat across the desk, his attention was on the document in front of him.


    His eyes darted to the couch where a girl was sleeping soundly, then he looked down at his wristwatch and his brows furrowed.


    His phone started ringing and he nced at the caller¡¯s name with a sigh.


    He picked up the call and after listening to the person at the other end, stood up and walked toward the couch.


    He looked down at the girl who still had her eyes closed, and wasying straight, facing the ceiling with both palms resting on her stomach.


    His frown deepened and he leaned in closer then ced his finger below her nose. Only after he felt the hot breeze against his finger did his expression turn normal.


    ¡®Why does she sleep like a dead person? Hmph, so udylike¡¯


    He tapped on the couch¡¯s headrest and secondster, watched as she flickered her eyes open.


    ¡°Get up¡± hemanded and started walking to the door.


    Gina rubbed her eyes and watched his back in a daze. Her eyes widened and she quickly got down, picked up her bag, and rushed after him.


    ¡°A¡­ Adrian¡± she called out as they passed the secretaries area which was now empty.


    Adrian did not nce back and continued striding toward the elevator.


    Gina increased her space and finally caught up with him as the elevator door opened.


    ¡°About the phone call earlier¡± she continued while standing far away from him inside the elevator. ¡°Please don¡¯t take it to heart, Dinah did not really mean all she said, she was just mad that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Adrian cut her off and stopped in front of her. He grabbed her chin and said, ¡°This should be thest time I¡¯m saying this, I won¡¯t have you or your lowly kinds disrespecting my name¡­ and next time, it isn¡¯t going to be just a warning.¡±


    ¡®Her lowly kinds?¡¯ his words were like needles pricking through her heart.


    Gina clenched her fists and endured the force he was exerting on her chin.


    Her friend had only uttered those words out of outrage and hadn¡¯t meant any of them. Why would he call her lowly?


    ¡°Adrian¡­ she hadn¡¯t meant to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who said you could say my name?¡±


    He cut her off again. He exerted more pressure on her chin and Gina shut her eyes tightly.


    She was afraid that if he continued doing that, her jaws might break any moment. But she didn¡¯t sob nor make a sound.


    After seeing the amount of power that he held in the whole country, not only her but even her whole family and friends could be wiped off with a snap of his finger.


    ¡°Th¡­ then what should I call you?¡± her voice quivered. He scoffed and finally released her chin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡± Adrian replied, and turned his back to her. He wasn¡¯t that petty to punish her foul-mouthed friend who was just like an ant to him, however, he had to teach her a lesson.


    Gina opened her eyes and rubbed her chin. She nodded in agreement and lowered her head. ¡®Hmph I will just call you devil then, or monster, or even both¡¯ she sneered inside. As those were the only befitting terms to his disposition.


    ¡°When we get home, behave yourself,¡± hemanded in a cold voice.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Gina frowned but quickly nodded. But if she couldn¡¯t say his name how could she strike up a conversion with him?. Of course, she wasn¡¯t tired of her life to call him a devil right to his face.


    She still has to find a way to achieve her dreams.


    ¡°Quit bobbing your head like a lizard and answer me,¡± he ordered again.


    ¡°Y¡­ Yes, I¡¯ll behave myself¡± Gina muttered rapidly and cowered back.


    When the elevator came to a stop, Gina felt all her energy drained up from standing too long in the same proximity as the devil.

 Chapter 31 Is He Alright?

    The guards¡¯ number had increased and they all lined up and greeted the guy while one already held the car¡¯s door open.


    Inside the car, Gina nced out of the window and looked at the bodyguards who were now patrolling the parking lot.


    Some had even entered some cars that were now driving behind them.


    From the corner of her eyes, Adrian had brought out his phone and was focused on it.


    She didn¡¯t make a sound throughout the long hours ride to the mansion, and the guy did not also nce at her and was busy either making calls or also staring out the window.


    When the car passed through the huge forest of trees, Gina jerked away from the window and rested her head on the seat¡¯s headrest. She shut her eyes, and let out a soft sigh.


    If the military guy had not found her, could she still be lying in this cold forest? She might have starved or even worse, froze to death.


    ¡®Ahhhh¡¯ she was never going to try that madness again.


    She opened one eye and sneaked a peek at Adrian. He was still staring out of the other window. She let her gaze linger on his side profile.


    Why would a normal person live alone in this kind of ce? Even though the mansion was beautiful, it was several miles away from the city, how does he go to work every day? Wasn¡¯t he worried about gettingte?


    The more she tried to get a hang of this mysterious guy the more her headache increased.


    Meanwhile, Adrian was also lost in his thoughts. The more he got closer to the girl, the more his confusion heighten. Even the best agencies he¡¯d got could not dig anything out of the normal concerning her background.


    What kind of rtionship does she have with his grandparents? Why had they pestered him so much to marry her? What was so special about her? And how did they even know her?


    His face settled into a frown and his eyes narrowed. And the worst thing was that the old couple wouldn¡¯t tell him anything. He pinched the space between his brows then looked away from the window and said, ¡°Come here¡±


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Gina¡¯s brows furrowed. She was almost halfway to sleep when the voice rang through her ears. Was he speaking to her? Or, was she about to have another nightmare?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to repeat myself¡± his voice came again.


    Gina snapped her eyes open with a gasp. She met his dark gaze and let her gaze fall on her now trembling hands.


    Breathing in deeply, she shifted toward him until her nose could catch a whiff of his cologne.


    ¡°Look at me,¡± Adrianmanded.


    Gina¡¯s heart had started pounding again, and fear wed at her heart. ¡®What does he want to do?¡¯


    When she looked up, Adrian held her chin but this time he didn¡¯t exert pressure on it. Her palms had turned mmy and she swallowed hard.


    Not daring to say a word as their faces were now inches apart, she was about to shut her eyes¡ª


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±


    Adrianmanded again.


    Gina obliged and sat still like a doll as he deeply stared into her eyes. The only thing she could feel at the moment was her erratic beating heart. What has gotten into him? What does he want to do? Her eyes widened but she didn¡¯t dare to move.


    Adrian studied the girl¡¯s eyes, his left eye twitching. A gesture that rarely happens, and only when he was both confused and irritated.


    ¡°Is this your real eye color?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Y¡­ Yes,¡± Gina answered with a slight nod. She never expected the devil to also recognize her eye color. Was it that weird? Even though a lot of people hadplimented it and said it was an asset to her beauty, as a very rare case, she couldn¡¯t help but feel self-conscious whenever she was given that kind of exploring look. Just like what the guy was doing now.


    And she waited for him to call her a weirdo or something worse, just like all kids in school, thest thing she wanted to hear.


    However, Adrian did not say anything, his eyes were still fixed on hers and his left eyes twitched slightly, which was strange. How was he doing that? D¨C Does he have some kind of disorder? Just then, his gaze strayed to her lips and her eyes widened. Even her heart which was beating frantically had stopped.


    Adrian cursed inside as he couldn¡¯t take his eyes away. At the sight of those plump lips, the first thing that came to his mind was the cherries on the ind.


    What was wrong with him? He cursed again. The memories of his teenage years and how he¡¯d eagerly anticipated the butler¡¯s wife to bring him the cherries suddenly flooded his mind.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡®Well, it won¡¯t hurt to have another taste¡¯ he smirked. He leaned forward but frowned again as she started struggling.


    ¡°Keep still,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    ¡°No¡­ please don¡¯t,¡± Gina pleaded and her body was out of control as it struggled violently. His expression turned dark and even the smirk that looked more like a Cheshire cat¡¯s grin was gone.


    ¡®Oh, no¡¯ what has she done?  She gulped. She felt tears trickling down her cheeks and her anxiety increased. Why couldn¡¯t she control it?


    Now, she had managed to poke the devil again.


    Adrian broke out of his trance, and his brows furrowed. He remembered the two times she had acted this way, and chuckled darkly. Was she disgusted by him? ¡®Ridiculous¡¯


    ¡°Regina!¡± he snapped and pinched her chin. Her eyes were shut tightly and her whole body was trembling. It was as if she couldn¡¯t hear his words.


    He watched her for a few seconds, then his left eye twitched, and he finally released her.


    Gina scrambled to the other side of the car and wrapped both arms around herself, hugging her body tightly. She didn¡¯t dare nce at him and sniffed back her tears.

 Chapter 32 Who Could It Be?

    Was she married to a psycho? Why does he enjoy torturing her? One second he was angry and the next his look was like he wanted to devour her whole?


    The driver who was at the front and had witnessed everything scratched his head. He did not dare make a sound as the car drove out of the forest and up the mountain.


    When they arrived at the mansion, Gina¡¯s tremors had calmed down and her heartbeat had turned normal.


    Without waiting for the driver to reach her side after he had opened the door for Adrian, she got out of the car.


    She rubbed her palms together as the breeze hit her skin. The temperature in the city was way higher than in the mountain and she regretted not putting on her coat.


    Adrian had already disappeared through therge doors without throwing her a nce and she waited patiently for the driver to retrieve her luggage from the trunk.


    Her gaze wandered back to the closed gate and her brows furrowed. Where were the cars that had followed them from thepany? Had they taken another route? ¡®Weird¡¯


    Where do the bodyguards live?


    She took the luggage from the driver who turned back and entered the car then left as if he was in a hurry.


    Without wasting another second in the cold, she hurried toward the huge door.


    While dragging her back past the living room and toward the stairs, Gina could hear voicesing from upstairs and she halted in her footsteps. Was someone else in the house? If she hadn¡¯t heard wrong, that was a female¡¯s voice.


    ¡®Huh? Who could it be?¡¯ She had on a dazed look before she resumed walking, while dragging her luggage behind.


    The voice kept increasing and she could also hear Adrian¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Please let me stay, it¡¯s so lonely down there in the city, do you have to live here?¡±


    The girl¡¯s voice sounded gloomy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    That was Adrian¡¯s voice.


    Gina continued walking as the voices became louder. When she reached the center of the stairs, she stilled.


    Her eyes widened and she had on a dazed look of bewilderment as she kept opening and closing her mouth.


    Adrian had his back to her and he was holding a slender blonde in his arms. Wasn¡¯t she the girl in the photo?


    ¡°No.¡± the girl shook her head as the tears kept streaming down her face. ¡°You left me alone in the Vi and didn¡¯te to see me once¡­ when you went on the trip, you didn¡¯t answer my calls until this morning¡­ I was so lonely, you don¡¯t even care about me¡­ If you don¡¯t want to go down to the Vi, then let me stay here with you, please.¡±


    Adrian rubbed his temple and sighed. ¡°Okay,¡± he muttered with a nod.


    He was about to continue walking but paused and nced back. The girl followed his gaze and their eyes were met with a dumbfounded Gina.


    Gina looked away and gripped tight to her luggage, then lowered her head.


    ¡°Oh, is that her? Was she really trying to run away? Where did you find her?¡± asked the girl after wiping her tears.


    She snaked her arm around Adrian¡¯s and continued. ¡°I think you should lock the house next time. But don¡¯t worry, since I¡¯m here now, I¡¯ll make sure that doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Lock her up? Gina nced between them in a trance. Was she the one that had informed Adrian that she wasn¡¯t in the mansion? When did she arrive?


    ¡°Ruby¡­¡± Adrian held her hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I have to go to the kitchen, I think the food is almost done. Come down for dinner, okay?¡± Ruby said and kissed his cheek before leaving his arm.


    She walked past Gina without giving her a nce but made sure to bump her shoulder into her.


    Gina rubbed her shoulder while watching the girl¡¯s back. She turned back and continued walking to her room, as Adrian had already left.


    When Gina reached her room, she slumped down on the bed and ran both hands through her hair. Was the girl really his lover?


    When she saw the frame in his room, and even the cosmetics, she had thought it was a past lover who he wasn¡¯t over yet. But what was this? And it seems like the girl was going to live here from now.


    Maybe she was the kind of person that doesn¡¯t like to tie the not and the devil bought her instead. Right?


    Gina was done straining her brains with all the confusing thoughts. After unpacking her luggage, she took a bath and changed into warm clothes before sitting on the bed.


    Thankfully, Dinah had also packed her books and she could kill her boredom while reading or using her phone.


    And at least she wouldn¡¯t be alone anymore in this mansion, she just had to stay away from the couple, especially the devil.


    She picked up a book from the side drawer and admired the designs she had drawn.


    Her thoughts rang back to the Secretary¡¯s words and she puffed her cheek.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    She doesn¡¯t want to live idle forever, she had to find a way, and it didn¡¯t seem like the devil was not going to release her soon as she didn¡¯t even get to discuss the contract with him.


    She searched for a pen and started drawing more designs on the book, from the ones she saw on celebrities while adding her own touch to it, mostly from inspirations she got from nature.


    Still engrossed in the designs, she frowned and held a hand to her stomach which had just growled.


    ¡°Urgh!¡± she groaned and got down from the bed. She doesn¡¯t want to bump into Adrian or that Ruby girl. She¡¯d thought the food she had eaten at the office could sustain her till the next morning. But now¨C


    Her stomach growled again and she held her temple with a sigh. She strolled toward the door and hesitated for some seconds before stepping out. Not like she could starve herself even if she wanted to. No, she needed to stay alive.

 Chapter 33 She Did It On Purpose (1)

    Gina walked down the stairs, her eyes darting around rapidly. It was a relief that both of them were nowhere to be seen.


    When she walked past the dining area, her eyes caught the tes on the table, and she frowned. Why had they left the dirtied tes there?


    She shrugged and headed inside the kitchen, then searched the fridge for some eggs and bread. An omelet was the farthest thing on her mind, however, she doubted that before the noodles were done she might have fainted from hunger.


    She picked up a frying pan, then paused to look at the dirtied utensils in the sink. She shrugged and continued what she was doing.


    Still whipping the eggs, her attention suddenly caught the figure strolling toward the kitchen.


    Unlike the dress she wore earlier the girl was now wearing skimpy shorts and a t-shirt, and her blonde hair was also tied in a ponytail. Doesn¡¯t she feel cold?


    Gina could not care less and she turned back to whipping the eggs.


    Without acknowledging her presence, the girl opened the fridge, then came back to the counter and sat down.


    Gina nced at the huge cup of ice cream she had brought out of the fridge and gasped. She quickly looked away and took the egg batter toward the stove.


    ¡°Mmmm¡­ this tastes so good,¡± Ruby moaned as she ate leisurely. ¡°You know¡­ Adrian has always made sure that we never run out of it, when I mentioned that I like this vorbination, I never knew he would take it so seriously.¡± She paused, and let out a chuckle then continued.


    ¡°Even though it¡¯s been so many years, Adrian never forgets that, he had even hired a chef specifically for this¡­ isn¡¯t he the sweetest?¡±


    Gina nced back at the girl while frying her egg. She had on a dreamy expression with both hands cupping her cheeks. She averted her gaze and turned the egg in the frying pan.


    When everything was done and she was about to reach for the bread which she had kept on the counter, Ruby stood up and sauntered toward her, leaving her half-finished ice cream behind.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± She ced a hand on Gina¡¯s shoulder and asked.


    Even though the girl had stered on a smile Gina could sense hatred from her voice. And her expression was clearly spelling trouble.


    ¡°Regina,¡± she replied, and extended her hand to take the bread however, the girl snatched it.


    ¡°What¡­ you wanna eat this?¡± Ruby waved the braid in front of her with a raised brow and said, ¡°You see, Regina¡­ Adrian doesn¡¯t have a choice but to marry a filthy rag like you. But that doesn¡¯t give you the chance to do as you wish in this house, and whatever tricks you use he¡¯s never going to fall for you.¡±


    She walked away with the bread and put it inside the fridge.


    Gina stood still, digesting the girl¡¯s words. Wasn¡¯t she the one that doesn¡¯t have a choice? And why would she even wish for the devil to fall for her, who said she even liked him in the first ce.


    Ruby walked back from the fridge and folded her hands in front of her chest. ¡°Start counting your days here, because I¡¯m going to make sure you¡¯re out of here as soon as possible. I don¡¯t want you tainting his life with your wretchedness.¡±


    At first, she had thought that it was some lofty heiress when Adrian had told her about his misfortune. What were his grandparents thinking? Would they go to any extent to get her out of his life, was that why they made him marry this girl?


    Thinking that they¡¯ll gradually ept her, Ruby had put up with their heinous dislike toward her, not knowing that they¡¯ll even resort to this trick.


    Gina¡¯s eyes dimmed at the insulting words. She turned away from her with a sigh and turned off the stove.


    Her face fell at the sight of the almost burnt egg.


    Ignored by the girl, Ruby clenched her fists and strode forward. ¡°Are you stupid or don¡¯t you hear me speaking to you? You dare ignore me like a fool?¡±


    Gina was still mulling over her half-burnt egg. She looked up at the girl¡¯s furious expression then nced away and was about to take a te.


    Ruby¡¯s expression instantly darkened and she yanked her hand away from the te. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare give me that attitude while I speak to you¡­ do you think that I wanted to? I just want to make it clear to you, irritate me and I¡¯ll make your life hell in this house!¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Staring wide-eyed at the broken tes and her egg now thrown on the floor, Gina was now left holding an empty pan. She snapped her head to the girl and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave me alone and see if I¡¯ll even walk on your path!?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Ruby pointed a shaking finger at her. ¡°You dared scream at me?¡±


    Gina wiggled her hand off then gasped as the girl was now on the floor. And before she could register anything, Ruby let out a scream.


    ¡°You, what is wrong with you!¡± Ruby wailed with tears gushing down her eyes. She was pressing tightly to her arm. ¡°You could have told me that you¡¯re not in the mood to talk and I would walk away¡­ how could you do this to me!? Ahhhh!¡±


    She let out another scream.


    Gina¡¯s jaw dropped and she looked between the girl¡¯s arm which was now red and the hot pan in her hand. How did this happen? And when did the pan even touch her? She could only remember pushing her away in anger.


    Her heart sank and she hurried toward her.  ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m so sorry, I¨C I didn¡¯t know¡ª¡± she stopped mid-sentence at the sudden change in the atmosphere. A cold shiver ran down her spine as her head turned to the door.


    Adrian was striding toward the kitchen with fear in his eyes.

 Chapter 34 She Did It On Purpose (||)

    When he spotted Gina his eyes turned cold.


    ¡°What happened to her!?¡± he looked between the pan in her hand and the girl who was on the floor.


    Gina flinched and cowered back before he could reach her side. She dropped the pan with trembling hands and quickly shook her head. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Help me, please¡± Ruby¡¯s weak voice came from the floor. Her sobs had increased and she was extending her hands toward him.


    Adrian¡¯s attention turned to her and he scooped her in his arms then hurried toward the sink, turned on the tap, and pull her now inmed arm under it.


    Gina bit her lips and fidgeted with the hem of her blouse as she stood quietly at the side.


    After turning off the tap he threw her a dark look and she took a step back.


    ¡°I¡­ just wanted to introduce myself, and get to know her,¡± Ruby sniffed while leaning into his arm for support. ¡°Please don¡¯t me her, okay? It¡¯s my fault that I spilled her egg¡­ I wasn¡¯t careful while helping her fry it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, stop crying.¡± Adrian wiped her tears and started leading her out of the kitchen after ring again at Gina. Just now, he¡¯d heard her scream from upstairs, and also the words she said. ¡°Don¡¯t go near her,¡± he said, and Ruby nodded.


    ¡°Gina, I can call you Gina, right?¡± Ruby nced back and said, ¡°Can you please help me wash the tes¡­ that¡¯s what I actually came here for, not knowing I¡¯d see you¡­ I¡¯m so sorry for troubling you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± Adrian pulled her carefully and they left the kitchen.


    Gina watched their backs in astonishment, then clenched her first. She had even started to feel sorry for the girl when she saw the burn mark on her arm. So she had done that on purpose.


    Sighing heavily, she looked down at the egg and picked up a vacuum.


    After she was done cleaning the ce, she walked out to the dining area then returned with the dirtied ces, and washed them together with the utensils.


    By the time she was done, her head was dizzy and she pressed a hand to her still grumbling stomach.


    She reached out for the fridge then frowned. She pulled the door again but it wouldn¡¯t budge.


    ¡®Urgh!¡¯ Gina rubbed her forehead with a sigh. Does she really have to lock the fridge?. What had she done wrong to deserve this punishment? Now, she doesn¡¯t only have to put up with the devil, but also his mistress.


    That night, she slept on an empty stomach, and could only fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning after turning and tossing on the bed for a long time.


    ***


    The Next morning, Gina woke up at the sounding from the door.


    She sat up on the bed and rubbed her eyes with a yawn. And just before she could get down to get the door, it opened with a bang.


    ¡®Oh, my God¡¯ Gina stared with dted pupils as Adrian stepped inside the room.


    He was wearing a business suit with both hands in his pocket. And the expression on his face¡ª


    She gulped and cowered back as he strolled toward the bed.


    Adrian sat on the bedside and his eyes wandered the room for some seconds before turning his attention to the girl.


    ¡°What did I tell you yesterday, before we got here?¡± He asked while staring deep into her eyes. When he saw the huge eye bags under her eyes, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯ Gina tried to avert her eyes, but it was as if he was holding her in ce. The suppressing aura emanating from him, made her cowered once more until her back hit the bedpost. How could she possibly remember? Even though they didn¡¯t speak much, he spoke more than one word to her yesterday.


    ¡°I told you to behave yourself, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    His cold voice yanked her out of her thoughts.


    ¡°Y¡­ Yes,¡± Gina nodded as his words inside the elevator rang back to her senses. When he had said that, was he referring to his woman at home? But she wasn¡¯t at fault.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about what happened yesterday, it wasn¡¯t really my fault, I was only trying¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did I ask you for an exnation?¡± Adrian red at her. ¡°You had only one order to follow. If you repeat what happened again¡­¡± he left the remaining words hanging with a shake of his head.


    Gina gasped and quickly nodded. ¡°I¡­ I won¡¯t repeat that, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she said in a soft voice and lowered her head.


    Seeing that defending herself is futile and would only provoke his anger, Gina conceded and sighed inside.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t sleepst night,¡± he said suddenly and she jerked her head up with a gasp.


    ¡°What were you doing?¡± he continued.


    Gina bit her lip and fumbled with her hands. If she tells him that she had been starvingst night, and didn¡¯t get enough sleep because his mistress had locked the fridge, would he believe her?


    ¡°I¡­ I wasn¡¯t sleepy¡± she lowered her head once more and replied.


    Adrian narrowed his eyes, with knitted brows. ¡°From today henceforth you must sleep at 8 PM. I won¡¯t have you getting yourself sick¡­ I don¡¯t care if you did, but not under my roof.¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s so cruel¡¯ Gina sobbed inside. What had her sleeping habit got to do with him now? And 8 PM, what if she wasn¡¯t sleepy?


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± she replied with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll take note of that.¡±


    With no more reason to stay inside the room, Adrian nced down at his wristwatch then stood up. ¡°You¡¯ll take responsibility for what happened yesterday, and I won¡¯t warn you twice.¡±


    With that said, he headed to the door.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Gina watched his back and sighed for the umpteenth time. Her eyes darted toward the bedside table and a thought instantly came to her.

 Chapter 35 You鈥檙e My Wife

    She got down from the bed and hurried toward him before he could exit the room.


    ¡°I¨C I want to speak with you about the contract?¡± she said while looking away from his dark expression. On getting no reply after some seconds, she swallowed hard then continued.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t mentioned inside, how long it wouldst¡­ a¨Cand also the terms¡ª¡±


    ¡°What problem do you have with the terms?¡± Adrian leaned against the door and folded his hands. His eyes were fixed on her intently and she couldn¡¯t fathom his expression.


    ¡°It¡­ It says that we can¡¯t act like a couple except in the presence of your family¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t understand¨C¡±


    ¡°The literal meaning,¡± Adrian replied simply, now giving her a hard look.


    Gina¡¯s brows drew together, her forehead settling into a frown. ¡®Absurd¡¯ she thought inside. And where are his family?


    Without letting herself get lost in the confusing thoughts, she nodded in agreement, then continued.


    ¡°It also says that I¡¯m not allowed to bear you children¡­¡± she paused while fiddling with her pajamas shirt, then took a deep breath and said, ¡°since that¡¯s the case, and we¡¯re not a real couple¡­ c¡­ can you¡­ can you please not touch me?¡±


    Thinking back to the three times he had tried to make an advance on her, Gina shivered inside. Every time his hands graze her skin, it was as if the devil himself was running his ws all over her making her whole being overwhelmed with tremors, with the dark memories that came flooding back. He suddenly let out a chuckle and she took a step back.


    Adrian stood straight and put both hands in his pocket. ¡°What made you think I would like to touch you? And who said we¡¯re not a real couple?¡± He muttered with a glint in his eyes, then stepped forward.


    ¡°You¡¯re my wife and contract or not, you¡¯ll follow each of my rules. I didn¡¯t want to waste my time exining everything to you, so I asked for it to be written in words.¡±


    He stopped in front of her and lifted his hand to her hair. ¡°Yes, you won¡¯t bear my children, but that doesn¡¯t deprive me of my right and I¡¯ll do as I please with you.¡±


    Gina¡¯s heart drummed rapidly, and she took another step back. ¡°B¡­ But you have a g¡­ girlfriend¡ª¡± she blurted out and hoped he would stop stroking her hair while giving her that weird look.


    Adrian¡¯s eyes turned cold and he dropped his hand to his side. ¡°It is none of your business,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    ¡°B¡­ But it¡¯s only fair th¡­ that you don¡¯t touch me, since we¡¯re not going to h¡­ have children, I think its better if we don¡¯t ¡ª¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡± Adrian cut her off, his fists clenching and unclenching. He grabbed her chin and snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare forget to stick to your words, Regina. If you ruin everything, you¡¯re not going to like the oue. Not only your family but also you are going to wish you don¡¯t exist¡­ and I¡¯ll terminate this contract, whenever I like.¡±


    He broke away from her then strode out of the room, and mmed the door shut.¡±


    Gina flinched once more with both hands on her chest. Her eyes lingered on the closed door and she patted her chest and let out a breath she hadn¡¯t known she was holding.


    Thank God he agreed, and there¡¯s also hope that he would terminate the contract. She doesn¡¯t have to live in the anxiety of living with him forever, and could finally sense freedom.


    When she walked out of the bathroom after taking her bath, she walked to the telephone which was ringing from the bedside table, then sat on the bed and answered it. ¡°H¡­ Hello,¡± she said to the phone.


    After some seconds no answers came from the other end and she patiently waited while wondering if he had forgotten to tell her something.


    ¡°Come down and make me breakfast!¡± the voice finally came and she frowned on hearing a female¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Now!¡± the voice added before the call was hung up.


    Gina narrowed her eyes at the phone and rubbed her temples with a groan. What was she up to again? Couldn¡¯t she cook her own breakfast?


    After wearing her clothes, she stepped out and found the girl in the kitchen, tapping her foot on the floor with folded hands. Her left arm was wrapped in thick gauze.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°What took so you long?¡± Ruby raised an eyebrow and scoffed. ¡°Do it quick, I¡¯m hungry.¡± She tossed her a key and strode past her.


    Gina¡¯s gaze followed her back and she breathed out a helpless sigh. She took the keys to the fridge and opened it.


    She arranged everything on a tray after she was done cooking, then stepped out to the dining room, and settled the tray in front of the girl.


    ¡°Omelet?¡± Ruby eyed the food and threw her a re. ¡°Is that all you can do?¡±


    Gina ignored her and carefully made her a cup of tea before cutting the bread into slices, Then left for the kitchen with the remaining bread.


    She sat down on the counter and slowly ate her breakfast, taking her time to mull over all the confusing thoughts in her head.


    Adrian does not like her, he has another woman. He married her and set up rules for her by a contract. If he wanted to save her family¡¯s business, he wouldn¡¯t have gone to the extent of demanding something he obviously showed his dislike to; a marriage with her. And her father would never propose that idea. Then what was his motive?


    She was sure that they had never crossed paths anywhere in the past. There must be a reason for all this.


    Her curiosity increased with each passing minute, despite being warned by her father not to ask so many questions. It was like she was in an endless abyss with no clue about what was happening around her.

 Chapter 36 How?

    And also a state of oblivion, one that was so overwhelming, leaving her with no control of whatever happens to her, either bad or good. And fear struck her that even if something dangerous was looming over her, she wouldn¡¯t have the power to protect herself. She was just like an ordinary peasant sent out to war with no skills nor armor.


    Could she continue living this meaningless life? Living every day in fear of the devil, and heeding each of his pointless rules while serving his mistress?


    Gina was afraid she might soon die of apprehension. And there was her dream, would it continue lying in the mud forever?


    She dropped her spoon with a sigh and dropped her head, supporting it with both hands. She might be a coward with not a sliver of defiance to fight back, but that doesn¡¯t mean she wants to live this way.


    After she was done eating, Gina went out to the dining area and found the ce empty. She picked the dirtied tes and tidied up the kitchen before leaving for her room.


    She took out her phone and got herself busy. Some hours went by, and when she left the room to get something to eat, her eyes wandered around the empty area with a frown. No sound wasing from the living room and it seems like she was the only one inside the house.


    When she came out of the kitchen with cooked noodles on a tray, she walked past the dining area toward the living room, amusement shing in her eyes. She would at least get to watch some movies before they return.


    She picked up the remote and settled the tray on a ss table that was standing beside one of the couches. After sitting down, she clicked on so many channels while trying so hard to swallow the noodles. Seems like even her stomach was fed up with it.


    She was halfway through eating while watching a channel that was ying a romance movie. And she rolled her eyes as the male lead was confessing his love to the female lead. The scene was so touching that she fought the huge to spit out the noodles. If only such love exists in real life.


    Now that she thinks about it, all her fantasies and expectations about love were mostly based on either the movies she saw or the novels she had constantly read in her teenage years.


    She was still little when her mother died and never got to witness the kind of love between her parents. ¡®Urgh¡¯ how hopeless she was to have expected so much. But then, the few times she caught her father staring at her mother¡¯s photos inside his study room, just from the expression in his eyes, one could see that he loved her so much.


    His feelings for her were so strong that even when her grandfather told him to take another wife, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it, saying that he was afraid she wouldn¡¯t get enough love from him and his attention had to be diverted between his new wife and his daughter.


    She rubbed her forehead with a sigh then her hand grabbed the remote and she started flipping through the channels again.


    Her eyes suddenly caught something on one of the channels, which was showing business news. She put down the remote and focused her attention on the headlines.


    ¡®Global world conglomerate?¡¯ That was Adrian¡¯spany. And it seems like it was having a coboration with apany from abroad. Her eyes narrowed at the otherpany¡¯s name and she frowned, trying to recall where she¡¯d heard its name from in the past.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    What was wrong with her? She broke out of her stupor and shook her head. Why was she suddenly interested in whatever this coboration was going to be?


    But for some kind of reason, she couldn¡¯t pick up the remote and her mind was telling her to keep on watching. Adrian¡¯s photo had never been shown on the news, and it wasn¡¯t like they¡¯ll do it now, then what was with this foreboding feeling, gradually rising up her chest?


    Her gaze darted to the otherpany¡¯s name and right at that moment, the face of the newscaster was taken down and now reced by a guy¡¯s photo.


    Gina blinked and her whole body stilled. Even her hand which held the spoon that was about to reach her mouth froze mid-air.


    ¡®Greg?¡¯ what was he doing on the news? Was she dreaming?


    She sprang up to her feet with a gasp and ended up spilling the remaining noodles on the floor. ncing at thepany¡¯s name again, it finally hit her.


    It was no wonder she found it familiar. But how did Greg reach the CEO¡¯s position in such a short time and also snagged a coboration with the Global World Conglomerate?


    Her mind wandered to a month before their breakup when he informed her about thispany his family had acquired in abroad. At that time, it was run by his eldest brother,  he didn¡¯t even grab a manager¡¯s position and was left to cater for a smallpany left by his father.


    That was only a few months ago. With Greg¡¯s abilities, she doubted if it was pure luck that he was now thepany¡¯s CEO.


    At the sight of his face, and the soft smile he had on it, Gina¡¯s fists clenched and she gritted her teeth wondering the number of people he had deceived with that smile.


    The news was suddenly changed and she sighed in relief, then her attention turned to the mess she¡¯d made and her hand flew to her mouth with a gasp.


    The white leather couch was now stained with noodles soup and the noodles were scattered everywhere on the carpet.


    Her heartbeat increased as she rushed toward the kitchen then came back with a towel and a vacuum cleaner and started wiping the stains. But no matter how she tried the stains seemed to be spreading everywhere the towel touched and a huge sigh escaped her lips.

 Chapter 37 Know The Cap

    She took the vacuum and after clearing the noodles, she hurried back to the kitchen to take another towel.


    Oning out of the kitchen, her brows creased into a frown at the soundsing from the living room. It wasn¡¯t the sound from the TV as she had lowered the volume earlier. Then what sound was it?


    Her grips tightened on the towel and she bit her lips then continued walking.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±


    Ruby was pointing down at the stained couch with a furious expression. A guard was standing behind her with two huge bags in his hands.


    The bodyguard looked between the twodies and scratched his head. He dropped the shopping bags on a couch then cleared his throat. ¡°Do you need anything else, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°No, you can go back.¡± Ruby dismissed with a wave of her hand. ¡°Oh, wait,¡± she said suddenly and the guard who was about to walk away stopped and turned around to face her.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Give me the car key.¡± She extended her hand.


    The bodyguard frowned then shoved a hand in his pant¡¯s pocket and brought out a key. ¡°But Ma¡¯am¨C¡±


    ¡°Give it to me.¡± Ruby snatched the key from his hand and shoved it inside her bag.


    The guy scratched his neck once more and shifted his feet on the floor. He let out a small nervousugh before he said, ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­ I need to go back to the Vi, the Young Master had said that none of the guards are allowed here.¡±


    ¡°You can jog right?¡± Ruby folded both hands against her chest and the guy nodded in hesitation.


    She stopped in front of him with a sweet smile then patted him on the chest. ¡°Alright, chop-chop¡­ We won¡¯t want Adrian toe back and find you hovering here, right?¡±


    The guy nodded with a sigh and turned back for the door.


    Gina shook her head at the poor guard as her gaze followed his back until he exited the room. She could remember her own dilemma in the scary forest and couldn¡¯t help but shiver inside.


    It was almost sunset and she wondered if he was going to reach the city before nighttime.


    Turning her attention back to the girl who was now ring at her, she walked past her and headed to the couch, then bent on her knees and continued cleaning it.


    ¡°You dare ignore me!?¡± Ruby looked down at her with a raised brow. ¡°Are you stupid or what!?¡±


    Gina could sense the same scenario fromst night brewing up, and she sighed inside thinking back to Adrian¡¯s words. She dropped the towel then said, ¡°I was eating and identally spilled noodles on it¡­ don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll clean it now.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Ruby rolled her eyes. ¡°And is this how you clean it? Don¡¯t you know how to use soap with water? Do you even know how to do anything?¡±


    Gina¡¯s fists clenched and she breathed in and out. She looked at the grease stains on the couch and thought maybe the girl was right. But how would she know when she had never even washed her clothes before.


    Without saying anything, she stood up and was about to walk back to the kitchen but then Ruby stopped her again.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to clean it, do you.¡± She shook her head with a smirk. ¡°Tell me¡­ what kind of background are you from? Didn¡¯t your lowly parents teach you anything? Or¡­ was your mother busy chasing after rich men just how you¡¯re doing now¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Gina put a hand up, her eyes now shing with anger. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about me or my background. Stop speaking about my parents that way.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ruby sauntered toward her and chuckled. ¡°From your expression, you¡¯re really like that. Who in his right sense would marry a person who doesn¡¯t love them. Except if they have a motive¡­ and in your situation, I can see that you¡¯re very desperate for his money. Your greedy parents must have been the same. Otherwise, why would they allow you to do this? Or, are you a wayward filthy orphan, yeah, that should exin everything.¡±


    Gina dropped her hands to the side and clenched her fists hard to prevent them from flying across the girl¡¯s face.


    ¡°Are you done,¡± she muttered under her breath. ¡°since you hate me that much, why don¡¯t you walk on your path and pretend as if I¡¯m not here.¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk¡­ you¡¯re not worthy of my feelings, Gina. But since you married my man, I¡¯ll make sure this house bes hell for you before he kicks you out.¡±


    Gina chuckled and also folded her hands. ¡°You¡¯re this confident that Adrain will kick me out. Then why don¡¯t you sit back and watch everything unfold? Or¡­¡± she paused then let out a smallugh and continued. ¡°Are you afraid that you¡¯ll be the one who will end up being kicked out?¡± she taunted. If she was going to keep on pestering her and also insulting her parents all the time, Gina does not see any reason for holding back.


    Sizing her up, she could easily see that the girl wasn¡¯t from an affluent family. As someone who had mingled with a lot of socialites, growing up, she could easily discern a real princess from a pauper, even if dressed in the most extravagant of clothing.


    If she hadn¡¯t found herself in this kind of situation, then the girl wouldn¡¯t even get a nce from her on a normal day.


    ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous.¡± Ruby gave her a mocking look. ¡°Adrian and I have been together for so many years, what made you think¡ª¡±


    ¡°A mind could be changed in just a matter of seconds you know.¡± Gina cut her off with a small chuckle. ¡°And you should know the gap between a wife and a mistress.¡±


    She almost spat out when her mouth uttered the word wife. But her disgust was instantly reced by glee as the girl¡¯s expression changed.

 Chapter 38 Does He Love Her?

    ¡®Yes, Ruby, have a taste of your own medicine.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t like she doesn¡¯t have a harsh tongue. But fighting unnecessarily was something she detested and always tried her best to avoid trouble. unless the trouble kept banging incessantly at her door of course and was something she could handle.


    She suddenly felt pity for the girl and shook her head thinking back to the previous times Adrian had made an advance at her.


    Was he really loyal to her? Does he even love her? ¡®tsk tsk tsk.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t be bothered with whatever was going on between the couple.


    Ruby stood still as if she had lost her tongue. And after a few seconds, Gina chuckled again then took the towel and walked past her toward the kitchen.


    She picked up the liquid soap she uses for the utensils, then picked up another towel and fetched a bowl of water before heading back to the living room.


    The crazy girl was out of sight and she could hear rushing steps that were fading up the stairs. She sighed deeply and dropped everything before kneeling to continue with her cleaning.


    When she was done, her back was aching all over and she had to hold a hand to her waist while praising the maids back at the mansion inside her head.


    All her life, she never knew cleaning a couch could be this stressful. But she had washed the kitchen utensils several times and only experienced slight aches in her wrists.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    What¡¯s happening. Her hand was still on her waist and she could feel the pain increasing. Was it because of the cleaning or was something else wrong with her?


    Her eyes narrowed then a realization dawned on her. She returned everything to the kitchen, the couch was now bright and clear as before. Then she hurried upstairs and barged inside her room.


    After grabbing her phone from the bedside table, she checked the calendar and groaned. It was no wonder, so her period hade.


    She rubbed her forehead, with one hand still supporting her waist then lowered herself on the bed. Her lower stomach had also started aching and she grimaced.


    A few minutester, she rose carefully and dragged her legs toward the bathroom, thankfully there are packs of sanitary products in the ss cabs.


    After taking a warm bath the pain had subsided a little and she changed into her pajamas theny down on the bed, suddenly having no appetite.


    She endured the pain for a while before she could finally fall asleep.


    ***


    Butter that night, an excruciating pain pulled her out of her sleep. Gina tossed on the bed, with both hands pressed against her stomach.


    Her face was all sweaty and her chest was heaving up and down as she gasped for breath. Despite shivering from the cold even her clothes had started turning damp from all the sweats.


    The searing pain spread from her lower stomach all the way down her waist and she gritted her teeth to endure it.


    She writhed toward the bedside and her hands grabbed the bedside drawer. But she stopped and grimaced remembering that she wasn¡¯t in her room back at the mansion where she usually keeps her pills inside the bedside drawers to avoid incidents like this one.


    Her eyes were shut and shey in that position for a while, with her stomach down. however, the pain seemed to be increasing. It was as if tiny sharp objects were continuously poking her lower stomach, and a heavy object pressed down on her waist.


    Seconds ticked by but nothing changed. Was she going to survive this pain till the next morning? She had never experienced this kind of pain her whole life. Was it because her pills were always there to support her?


    Her eyes tinged and she took in a long drag of the air. The doctor¡¯s words suddenly rang through her ears as her body writhed in pain.


    Taking something warm would help the pain subside. But could she go down those long stairs in her current condition without copsing? She has to try.


    She dropped down from the bed with one hand on her stomach, while the other hand supported her body on the cold floor.


    After crawling her way to the door she paused to catch some breath then her hand reached up for the doorknob.


    With every movement, her stomach seemed to be shed by a sharp de. The cold floor was not helping either. However, her legs which were now numbed from the intense pain could not support her either.


    She had to pause after a few movements to steady her breathing. It was like an eternity before she could reach the stairs.


    Her back pressed against the railing and she shut her eyes once more with both hands wrapped around her stomach.


    She pressed her lips hard and started moving again while holding the railings for support. If moving on the floor was painful then each time she lowered herself to the next step, the pain was a hundred times more excruciating and she couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open anymore.


    A cold wind suddenly breezed past and she shivered lightly. Could she even make it down the long winding stairs? Would the morninge soon so she could at least get help? Who would even help her?


    She chuckled at her own predicament. Why does she have to find herself in life-threatening situations recently? Was it a premonition that she was not going to survive for long?


    Beams of hope had finally enveloped her heart when she found out that the devil would someday release her. And even though it wasn¡¯t in her control, she doesn¡¯t want to die now.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    A cold voice yanked her off her thoughts and her whole being stilled. She couldn¡¯t process anything for a few seconds then fluttered her eyes open.


    ¡®Adrian?¡¯ she gasped with widened eyes. When did hee? Has he been standing in front of her? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be in bed with his mistress?

 Chapter 39 Warmth

    He nced at his wristwatch and said, ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be in bed by now. Didn¡¯t I tell you not to¡ª¡±


    Adrian paused mid-sentence as she suddenly let out a hiss. His brows furrowed when she shut her eyes once more and pressed both hands on her stomach. Then she opened them again and her glossy eyes were now red.


    The next second, his palm reached down for her forehead and he let out a curse.


    Even though her head was not burning, from the beads of perspiration all over her face and the way her body shivered slightly when he touched her¡­ when and how did she fall sick?  hadn¡¯t he told her not to¨C


    He cursed again then strode past her.


    When Gina sensed his footsteps fading away her lips slowly curved into a bitter smile. What made her think in those few seconds that he would help her? But the way he had reached out his hand and she had felt his cold palms against her skin she had almost caught a whiff of freedom from this agonizing throbbing sensation in her lower abdomen.


    She didn¡¯t know when her tears came falling as her hand grip once more on the railing. She tried to move down but hiss again at the sudden sharp pain and had to halt in her movements.


    Gina was still struggling with the pain and did not hear the footsteps rushing back until she felt herself lifted in the air.


    Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest.


    Adrian stilled as the girl clung so tight to him. His brows drew together and he took in a long drag of the air. ¡°Keep still,¡± he muttered under his breath before he continued down the stairs inrge strides.


    Despite his warning, Gina could not keep herself still. Immediately his warm body enveloped hers. It was as if she was dipped into a steamed bath after being pulled out of a shower of ice. And she wanted to dive in deeper.


    Numbed from the pain in her lower abdomen, she kept snuggling deeper, hoping his warmth could also take away the pain.


    So there¡¯s a tiny ray of humanity in the devil¡¯s ice-cold heart. He didn¡¯t leave her to suffer on the cold floor. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t after all be impassive if she dies.


    Her heart swelled with happiness, knowing that wherever he was taking her, she would soon stop feeling this excruciating pain.


    Perspirations kept forming all over her and she pressed her lips together. After a few seconds, she heard the car¡¯s door open.


    Adrian cursed inside for the umpteenth time as the girl wouldn¡¯t keep still. His shirt was now damp with her sweats and her body was still constantly rubbing against his.


    ¡°Regina!¡± he growled, his eyes turning dark as the girl wouldn¡¯t let go and had gripped to his shirt the instant he was about to lower her into the passenger¡¯s seat.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°C¡­ Cold¡­ D¡­ Don¡¯t Let Go¡­ Warm.¡± Her tiny voice was barely a whisper and his eyes turned dark as she continued writhing against him.


    He tried to pull her off but it was all futile. Where did she get the strength? Was she tired of living? But then he was about to save her life.


    ¡°Regina you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t l¡­ let go¡­ pain¨C it hurts¨C I n¡­ need w¡­ warmth,¡± she murmured in a raspy voice making him halt in his words.


    Adrian clenched and unclenched his fists. She now had all her limbs around him, enveloping him in a tight embrace and her head was buried in his shoulder, while her rapid breathing fanned against his neck.


    He looked up at the dark sky and breathed in deeply then shut the door with a bang and strode toward the other side. After getting inside the driver¡¯s seat with the girl still clung to him, without wasting any second he started the engine and raced out of the mansion.


    He was now as eager as the girl to reach the hospital. He couldn¡¯t wait to scrape her off his body. This was the most ridiculous situation he had found himself in his thirty years of life.


    Not only does he have to drive out to the city alone in the middle of the night, but also with this foolish girl stuck to him like a ko. ¡®Just you wait, Regina. You¡¯ll wish you never bet out of whatever you¡¯re feeling now.¡¯


    The ride which was supposed to take hours only took several minutes.


    When Adrian arrived at the hospital, some staffs were already waiting at the underground parking lot.


    He stopped the car and let out a huge sigh of relief. The girl was still clinging to his body, and his shirt was dampened by her sweats.


    Her body had long seized trembling and even her soft cries of pains had subsided.


    His brows creased into a frown. Was she sleeping?


    ¡°Regina!¡± he called out but got no answer from the girl. He held her waist and was about to peel her off, then she made little sounds of protest.


    ¡°How dare you fall asleep!?¡±


    He forcefully pulled her off his body and got out of the car, now cradling her in his arms.


    Gina¡¯s eyes fluttered open from the jerking movement. Her vision was blurred for a few seconds. Then, Adrian¡¯s face came into view.


    Did she fall asleep? The sharp pain in her lower abdomen was still there, how did she sleep through it? Was it because of the warmth?


    The pain pulled her out of her thoughts and instinctively, she fastened her arms around him then buried her head in his chest.


    He made a grunting sound of disapproval. However, Gina could not care less. She just wanted to grab onto something. Anything that would take her pain away.


    He lowered her onto something and she let out a small sound of protest as his warmth was now reced by the cold air in the parking lot.


    She reached out her hands to hold him but felt herself being wheeled away.

 Chapter 40 Do You Blame Me?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ma¡¯am, your husband is right behind us,¡± said one of the staffs as they pushed her inside the hospital.


    Gina dropped her hands and curled herself with both arms wrapped around her stomach. She doesn¡¯t need Adrian, she just wanted his warmth.


    The journey through the elevator felt like forever before she was finally brought inside a VIP ward. They transferred her onto the hospital¡¯s bed and soon after, only one staff was left inside the ward.


    Her head turned to the side and Adrian was standing against the wall, his dark eyes were fixed on her with great intensity.


    Gina could not fathom his expression and broke eye contact with him as the nurse injected something sharp into her arm.


    Her vision began to blur then she felt something warm draped over her. The nurse¡¯s voice floated from a distance and she could also hear Adrian¡¯s voice as they conversed with one another.


    She couldn¡¯t register any of their words while the drug began to take effect and slowly, sleep overtook her.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ***


    The Next Morning¡­


    Adrian walked out of the bathroom, now dressed in a business suit. He sauntered toward the bed and looked at the IV drip which was dropping at a rapid speed.


    It was the third drip sincest night. Why was she still sleeping?


    His hand wandered from her forehead to her neck, to feel the girl¡¯s pulse. Then his expression turned calm and he held the nket which was now only covering her waist downward then pulled it over her.


    The assistant who was standing behind him and was holding a briefcase let out a small cough and he choked on his own saliva at what he was witnessing.


    In just a short time, his boss was already head over heels for the girl. Seeing how he had handled her tenderly and the slight worry he saw in his eyes, the assistant was relieved that his boss did not end up with a particr someone.


    If only he could get another glimpse at the angelic girl, however, his boss¡¯s back was now the only thing in his vision. He craned his neck from one side to another but finally sighed in disappointment.


    Right at that moment, the door opened and a guy in a whiteb coat walked inside.


    ¡°What is wrong with her?¡± Adrian muttered with a slight frown as the doctor stopped beside him. The nurse had told himst night that it was period cramps, why was she given so many shots of injectionst night apart from the drips and why was she still asleep.


    Ryan shoved both hands in his pants pockets and sighed. He studied the girl for a few seconds then shook his head. ¡°Look at her¡­ don¡¯t you notice anything?¡±


    Adrian¡¯s frown deepened and he gave his friend a questioning look. The guy nodded toward the girl and he followed his gaze.


    Her face was pale almost as a sheet. Her dried lips had lost all their color and were now greyish blue. But wasn¡¯t that because she was in painst night?


    His eyes narrowed then his thoughts wandered tost night when she had pinned herself to his body. He quickly shook the thoughts off then slid his hand under the nket and withdrew it after a few moments.


    ¡°She¡¯s skinny.¡± He turned back to his friend who nodded.


    Adrian¡¯s eyes dimmed and clenched his fists. What was wrong with her? Why was she so skinny? Didn¡¯t he say she wasn¡¯t allowed to fall sick? Why didn¡¯t she take care of her body?


    The assistant shivered at the sudden change in atmosphere. What were they discussing? Did the doctor tell him something bad? Why had his boss¡¯s mood suddenly taken a ny-degree turn?


    ¡°There¡¯s something I need to let you know¡­¡± Ryan turned away from the bed and faced the furious guy. ¡°In my office,¡± he added.


    Adrian nced again at the girl then looked down at his wristwatch. ¡°Frank, go back to thepany,¡± he said to his assistant.


    ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± The assistant nodded in a frantic movement then hurried out of the ward.


    And Adrian gave the girl ast nce then followed his friend out of the ward.


    ** Inside the doctor¡¯s office **


    The guys sat across from each other on a couch. And without wasting a second, Ryan started.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that she has experienced this pain in the past. But her body is currently in a  weak state. Any kind of slight pain, I¡¯m afraid she can¡¯t handle it.¡±


    ¡°What is the source of her illness then.¡± Adrian rxed back on the couch and asked calmly. If she has experienced this pain in the past but now her body could not handle it because she¡¯s weak, then his assumptions were right, she wasn¡¯t taking care of her body.


    Ryan let out a smallugh and shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re her husband. No one should know better than you the reason why she¡¯s sick.¡±


    Adrian red at him, and heughed again then said, ¡°You need to see for yourself.¡±


    He rose to his feet then walked to his desk and picked up two files.


    On walking back, he handed both files to him and sat back down on the couch.


    ¡°Those are her previous and current medical reports,¡± he said, his expression now serious.


    ¡°As you can see, Adrian¡­ your wife.¡± He emphasized the word ¡®your wife¡¯ then continued. ¡°She has been diagnosed with malnutrition. Her body¡¯s strength is deteriorating gradually because the vital nutrients it needs have be deficient due to ack of healthy food¡­ It is obvious that she has been eating junk foods for a long time.¡± he stressed every word while meeting the guy¡¯s dark gaze.


    ¡°Do you me me for that?¡± Adrian let out a dark chuckle. That girl. So she has been eating junk foods. ¡®How stupid.¡¯ Even though he didn¡¯t eat at home since the butler left, he had made sure that all kinds of food ingredients were supplied to the mansion. What was wrong with her head? Does she not know it¡¯s dangerous to eat junk food all the time? Was she trying to get sick intentionally?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!