"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.
Agriche's Mansion "You still remember to go home?" With a cold tone, without even looking at her face, Petter managed to intimidate Emberly. That night, Petter, sitting alone in the living room, relaxing after work, welcomed Emberly, who had just returned home after a few days away. She had decided to stay in the apartment since Victoria and Maverick's wedding to avoid her because she was reluctant to see her. Emberly couldn't help but be surprised to find Petter the first person she'd seen upon her return. She stood stiffly without being able to answer her father, who was still angry with her. "You still dare to come in front of me after all the shameful things you did?!" he snapped as he stood up and walked over to Emberly, making her back away even more frightened. "I-I'm sorry, Dad," she stammered. "Don't call me Father! I don't think I have a daughter like you anymore!" Once again, Petter yelled at her, causing Rosalee to come over this time. "My dear ..." As
Flashback After Rosalee went home, Emberly brooded in the apartment alone. She couldn't stop thinking about what she should do now. Alden, meanwhile, was busy with his work, not giving her the slightest notice. He was more concerned with his work than her. Unlike when he was still with Victoria, Alden prioritized her, even above his work. Too tired to think, Emberly decided to try contacting Alden once again. However, she still got the same answer. Soon, amidst the room's silence, knocking on the door was heard for the second time that day. "Mom, did you leave something here?" Emberly, who thought her mother was back again, immediately asked a question. However, seeing another person in front of her, she couldn't help but be surprised. In the next second, she hugged the man. "Alden!" "I didn't think you'd come tonight," she said, unable to hide her happiness. "My work today can be done faster." Alden released their embrace and went inside first toward the kitchen. Em
7 pm Victorya Hotel "Hello?" Victoria, who had just finished packing up and was about to leave, received a call from Maverick. "Did you finish your work?" he asked from the other end. "Why ask? Victoria replied with another question. "I'm on my way to pick you up. Grandma called me this morning and invited us to dinner at her house." Victoria gasped in surprise when she heard that. "What? Then why didn't you tell me from the beginning?!" Maverick chuckled, hearing Victoria's annoyed tone. "I apologize. I was too busy to finish work today quickly. So, I forgot to tell you." Victoria sighed as she shook her head. "Alright, I'll call the driver to bring my car home. I've finished packing my stuff and am just about to head home. I'm at the hotel." After saying that, the call was disconnected. Victoria went out to the elevator to go down to the lobby. She did not forget to call her secretary to coordinate the work that had been completed. When she was about to get out of the
Meanwhile, Lisa and Maverick's conversation also moved to the living room after Victoria left with Karina. Scout came in with a dessert menu for the two of them. "Bring some to Karina's room for both of them," Lisa ordered Scout. "Yes, Ma'am." Once again, it was just Maverick and Lisa sitting with their respective glasses of champagne. Lisa didn't look as excited as when Victoria was with her. Nor did she bother to show her enthusiasm in front of her grandson, who was busy with his phone and presumably at work. "I see your moves this time are quite aggressive, Verick. Especially in your competition against one of the competitors, Benedict. Is it because of your personal feelings regarding Victoria?" Lisa started the conversation, filling the silence between them without distraction. "One of them, yes," Maverick answered quickly and without hesitation, also without looking at Lisa. But that time, his answer distracted Lisa. She looked at her grandson with a twinkle tha
"So, may I dance with you, My lady?" Victoria smiled amusedly but couldn't resist accepting her husband's hand. Maverick pulled her hand until they joined the other couples on the dance floor. He swung around her waist and danced in time with the soft music. "You're gorgeous tonight," Maverick complimented, which inevitably caused a reaction on Victoria's cheeks. Luckily, her cheeks were covered with enough blush color to look natural. "Thank you for telling me, husband," she replied confidently. Victoria was again trying to control her heart rate, which had been going crazy since the dance started, with their bodies pressed together. She also had to keep reminding herself that his every gesture, compliment, and treatment of her was just an act. The feelings that shouldn't be there grew with each passing day due to this charade. No wonder Maverick's treatment seemed so natural, even when it was just the two. Until now, when they were attending Agriche's company birthday