"Why would you think that?" Victoria frowned in confusion. Maverick opened his eyes this time and looked deeply into her eyes. However, he didn't immediately answer, leading her to repeat the question, "Alden wouldn't have cheated on Emberly if he didn't love her, right?" "He doesn't realize his feelings," he murmured, which Victoria could still hear, but it only confused her more. 'What does that mean? In the end, Victoria chooses not to continue the conversation. She fell back into silence, enjoying the warm water that soaked into her body, making her relax even more. For a while, she didn't want to think about Alden, Emberly, Agriche, or anything else. Even so, curiosity still haunted her, raising another question. "Everyone must have felt in love, including you, right?" Victoria tried to dig into Maverick's relationship with a woman named Lexie, even though she knew it was none of her business. She just wanted to confirm the answer and see how she reacted afterwards. V
The alarm on the phone woke Victoria from a deep sleep. She reached for her phone and turned off the persistent alarm. After the sound stopped, she sighed and blinked her eyes, which still felt very heavy as her body felt crushed by something. "What is this?" she muttered hoarsely as she pulled back the blanket covering her body. A burly hand seemed to be hugging her belly, which made Victoria try to focus her gaze and check whether she was still dreaming or not. It was only then that she noticed a breath near her neck. Coupled with a soft snore that sounded right beside her. Victoria, feeling anxious, immediately checked their clothes, which were still as complete as the last time they were used last night. She tried to remember what happened last night before they fell asleep and ended up like this. "We should sleep in the same room to reduce any suspicious reports to your Grandma," Victoria suggested that night after they returned from dinner. "I just thought of it a
"Tori...!" "Tori!" "What?!" Victoria, who had just surfaced after throwing herself into the sea, heard her name being called over and over again, making her a little irritated. She swam back to her husband, standing on the yacht, already preparing to go to the sea. "I thought you couldn't swim and accidentally splashed in earlier," he said with a chuckle. Victoria splashed water on his feet. "My dislike of swimming doesn't mean I can't swim, Mr. Hurlington." "I'm sincerely worried about you, Mrs. Hurlington." After that, Maverick plunged into the sea after Victoria. Victoria swam followed her husband, who seemed to be very excited. They floated on the waves as they stayed in the middle of the sea, having gone some distance from the yacht. "This island doesn't seem to have been touched by humans. The sea water is still apparent," says Victoria. "I just heard that a new species of marine fauna was discovered around this sea." Victoria couldn't help but be surpr
Agriche's Mansion "Good morning, Father, Mother." Petter and Rosalee, who saw Victoria and Maverick's presence, were surprised. Both of them assumed that the new couple was still on their honeymoon. Or at least they were at home resting before returning to their respective activities the next day. They must have wondered about the purpose of their daughter and son-in-law's visit. "Are you guys home yet?" asked Rosalee after greeting them with a hug. "We arrived yesterday morning. I'm here to pick up my things and see Father," Victoria replied. "Mr. Hurlington, can't you prevent your wife from resting first after such a long journey?" Petter's judgmental gaze turned to Maverick. "You probably know better how stubborn your daughter is, don't you, Father-in-Law?" said Maverick with a shrug as he glanced at his wife. Victoria quickly intervened, saying, "Father, 15 hours of rest is enough to make me not tired anymore." "But should you rush to meet me to take over th
'Why does this have to happen again? Victoria stared pensively at the ceiling of her room after waking up moments ago. She again felt a warm embrace under the covers that made her reluctant to get up. And the regular breathing caused a tickling sensation in her neck. Plus, the distinctive masculine scent from beside her was enough to make Victoria's heart race. Victoria turned her head to the side and saw her husband's handsome face, who was still fast asleep. She stares at him for a long time until her hand unconsciously touches the man's jaw, making him open his eyes. Maverick immediately saw Victoria and caught her touching his face without permission. "I-I'm sorry," Victoria said softly as she quickly withdrew her hand. However, Maverick was quicker to hold her back, which made Victoria's gaze return to him. She then gave an excuse, "I was trying to wake you up earlier. That's why I touched you. I didn't mean to." "Verick?" Victoria called back to him as he remained si
"Good morning," Victoria greeted as she pulled out one of the dining table chairs and sat next to her husband. The two, who had been at the table earlier, seemed to be having a serious conversation, turning their attention and returning her greeting. Victoria had just sat down and asked a question when she noticed another empty chair. "Where's Mother?" she asked. Victoria knew Emberly's reason for not wanting to see her. However, unlike her daughter, Rosalee should have sided with Petter if she still wanted to bear the Agriche name. But Victoria doubted if her father would divorce his wife one day, even though Rosalee would potentially always defend and look out for her daughter. "She's sick, so she needs rest." Petter replied and immediately changed the subject, "About the Victorya Hotel." When Petter brought up the topic, Victoria and Maverick naturally stopped their activities in unison. Especially Victoria, who was already prepared not to give in to his wishes. "
"Your relationship seems to be closer than yesterday," Maverick commented, opening the conversation with her when they were already in the car. "I admit he has changed a bit since I dragged Agriche's name, but there's a side of him that hasn't changed either." Looking out the windshield, Victorian turned to Maverick, who was driving beside her. She continued her words as she snorted, "Basically, he hasn't changed at all. He treats me better, so at least he doesn't have the title of bad father." Maverick looked away briefly before finally refocusing. For a while, until some crossroads, there was no talking. "What did you promise him if you failed?" he asked later. "I will obey all his wishes without exception. It's no different being his puppet as I have been living," Victoria replied indifferently. It was as if she didn't care and didn't mind at all. In fact, before getting married and getting hit with the truth by her ex-fiancé, Victoria had been living like that all alon
Brak! "Damn it!" Emberly threw down the newspaper she had just read. All news outlets, without exception, broadcast Maverick and Victoria's intimacy and news of their closeness. This situation constantly forced her to see how her stepsister was faring—mocking her that her life was even better and happier than hers. Everyone sided with Victoria, pitied her, was happy for her, and envied her life. Emberly couldn't help but hate Victoria more and more and blame her for everything that happened to her. "I've done nothing wrong, but everyone treats me like this! It's not fair, Victoria!" she growled, clenching her fists. Knock, knock, knock! A knock on the door was heard amidst the sound of the television. With lazy steps, Emberly walked over and opened the door. Then, how surprised she was to find someone visiting. "Honey..." She hugged Emberly as soon as the door opened. "Mom? Why are you here? Are you not working today?" asked Emberly after breaking their hug.