Hearing those words, Cynthia felt nothing but disgust. This man was truly a scoundrel!Her voice was filled with fury and resentment as she demanded, "Are you trying to force yourself on me again?"Lucien didn't respond immediately. Instead, his lips brushed against her neck, tracing a slow, feather-light path across her skin—gentle yet scorching, leaving an undeniable heat in their wake.His voice came as a murmur against her ear, teasing yet laced with something deeper. "That night, if I remember correctly, it was me who had my clothes ripped off. You were the one who forced yourself on me."His shameless words sent a shiver down Cynthia's spine, her rage igniting into a blaze. She shoved him away with all her strength, glaring at him as she bit out, "And what about the next morning?"Lucien didn't seem the least bit offended. Instead, amusement flickered across his face as he chuckled softly.In an instant, he grabbed both her wrists, pinning her firmly in place. Then, without warn
Once again, Cynthia was forcibly shoved into the car by Lucien. Since then, she had remained eerily silent, exuding an oppressive aura of stillness.Her body trembled uncontrollably, lingering in the chilling fear of nearly being strangled to death by Lucien just moments ago. The terror he instilled in her had reached an entirely new level.At that moment, Lucien's phone suddenly rang.He answered the call, listening to the voice on the other end, and his expression grew even darker. His gaze flickered toward Cynthia, who remained motionless beside him. Then, in a deep voice, he said, "Tell her to wait. I'm coming now."As soon as the words left his lips, the car swerved sharply. The vehicle, which had been heading toward Cynthia's home, abruptly changed direction and sped toward another destination.Noticing the shift, Cynthia's eyes widened with fury. Her voice erupted in rage: "Stop the car!"Lucien shot her a sidelong glance, a smirk curling on his lips as he mocked, "I was beginn
The highway stretched endlessly like a black silk ribbon, winding through the night.The chilly night wind cut against Cynthia's skin as she trudged along the desolate road, her lone figure engulfed by the vast emptiness. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably, only to be swept away by the relentless wind.Her heart was heavy with sorrow, her steps unsteady. She thought about calling Erica, but her hand froze mid-air, realizing she had nothing on her—not even a phone. She had stormed out of the car with nothing.Occasionally, the headlights of passing cars illuminated her frail figure, making her feel utterly exposed. Fear, helplessness, and despair crawled over her like a suffocating net.She hated Lucien for pushing her to this breaking point. But more than that, she loathed herself—how had she let her life become such a mess, so utterly humiliating?Exhaustion weighed on her, and for a fleeting moment, she thought—perhaps she should just give up. Give up on everything, even
Lucien had barely taken a few steps into the courtyard with Cynthia in his arms when she spotted Jacqueline standing in the center.Tonight, Jacqueline looked stunning—completely different from her usual sweet and innocent image.She wore a tight-fitting mini dress that accentuated her alluring curves, exuding an irresistible charm with every move. She was sultry, radiant.Cynthia instinctively lowered her gaze to her own disheveled appearance, a faint sense of inferiority creeping into her heart.Jacqueline's face was adorned with an enchanting smile—until her eyes landed on Cynthia in Lucien's arms. In an instant, that smile vanished, replaced by an icy, penetrating stare.Cynthia had expected Jacqueline to throw a fit at the sight of Lucien returning home with a disheveled woman in his arms. She braced herself for an explosive confrontation.But to her surprise, nothing of the sort happened.Just as Lucien set Cynthia down and she barely found her balance, Jacqueline gracefully app
Lucien's gaze remained fixed on Cynthia until she disappeared behind the closed door. Only then did he slowly retract his eyes, turning his attention to Jacqueline. Though his expression bore no hint of anger, there was an unmistakable pressure in his gaze that made the air feel stifling.Jacqueline's heart clenched violently, her breath quickening. For a brief moment, she felt as if she had been reduced to nothing in Lucien's eyes—like a piece of worthless trash. Her legs trembled involuntarily.She had always known Lucien was a man who stood above all others, someone who could not be manipulated or challenged. His possessiveness ran deep; he lived by his own rules, tolerating no defiance—especially not from the women beside him.Yet, before her very eyes, Cynthia defied him at every turn. Every word she spoke, every action she took, seemed like a deliberate provocation, daring to test the limits of his patience.And what drove Jacqueline mad with jealousy was that Lucien indulged Cy
Upstairs, in the dimly lit bedroom, Cynthia had just finished her shower. Dressed in a white nightgown brought by a maid, the slightly open neckline revealed a hint of delicate skin. She stood quietly by the window, gazing down at the courtyard below.Outside, Jacqueline was being helped away by a man who had rushed in, and she was in complete disarray, her body limp against the man as if all strength had been drained from her. It was clear that she was barely able to walk on her own, more dragged than supported as they left.Cynthia felt a fleeting sense of pity. That sight—utterly wretched—was enough to stir anyone's sympathy.She had experienced Lucien's ruthlessness firsthand. And now, witnessing how cruelly he discarded Jacqueline, a woman who had devoted herself to him, Cynthia felt a cold realization settle over her.To Lucien, women were nothing more than fleeting distractions. Once their novelty wore off, they were cast aside without hesitation.And what about her?Cynthia kn
Cynthia remained silent for a long while, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. Finally, she spoke softly, "If this will ease your anger, then tonight... I am willing to sleepwith you. I only ask that you let me go afterward. I swear, from now on, wherever you are, I will keep my distance. I will never appear in your sight again, never provoke your displeasure..."But before she could finish her sentence, a loud crash shattered the air. Lucien, in a sudden burst of rage, slammed his fist into the glass beside her.The window splintered like a spider's web, shards of glass flying in all directions, scattering across the floor like deadly projectiles.Cynthia was startled by the sudden violence, instinctively covering her head and trembling uncontrollably.She looked up, her eyes wide with fear, to see Lucien's hand clenched tightly, veins bulging on the back of it. Sharp glass had cut deep gashes into his skin, and blood was already staining his hand, a
Since Erica was away on a business trip, Cynthia hadn't dared to tell her that she had been abducted by Lucien for two days and three nights. She knew all too well that if Erica found out, she would rush back immediately, no questions asked.But even if she did, what could she possibly do? Lucien held overwhelming power, and Erica stood no chance against him.Thisday, Lucien seemed to have vanished into thin air, giving Cynthia a rare moment of relief. After work, she went straight home.However, she wasn't naïve enough to believe she was truly free. She knew there was no escaping him anymore, andshe simply resigned herself to reality.So when Lucien rang her doorbell again, she no longer felt the same panic as before—only a sense of resignation.Lucien stood at the door, his expression unreadable, his dark eyes locked onto hers. Cynthia met his gaze, equally expressionless.The tension between them made them seem more
Lucien grabbed her wrist, his grip so tight it nearly crushed the bone. "I told you—I don't need any damn test! Harley is my son!"Cynthia tilted her head up, her amber eyes almost translucent in the sunlight. "Just because I say so? Aren't you afraid I'm lying to you?""Of course I'm fucking sure!" He yanked her closer, his breath scorching her face. "Even if you told me Harley was someone else's kid, I'd still raise him as my own—because he came from your body!"His words landed like a punch to the chest. Cynthia's lashes trembled violently. She hadn't expected his obsession to run so deep."What? Calling me disgusting in your head again?" Lucien gave a hoarse laugh, his voice like sandpaper. "You said Harley would rather have a stranger as his dad than me. That almost made me kill someone. You'd rather claim he's a bastard than admit he's mine…" His fingertip brushed over her pale lips. "Am I really that repulsive to you?"It felt like an invisible hand clenched around her heart. C
Outside the door, Harley and Vicky were pressed up against it like two little mice sneaking oil, but no sound came through."Vicky," Harley whispered anxiously, lowering his soft little voice, "Is Mommy still mad at Daddy?"Vicky quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, Harley. I'm sure sir will make it up to ma'am." She'd sensed a shift in the air—Harley had started calling Lucien "Daddy." It looked like Mr. Lucien was well on his way to becoming the rightful head of the household.A sudden shiver ran down her spine. If sir caught them eavesdropping…"Sigh, I really worry about those two," Harley said with the maturity of an old man. "Vicky, make sure to get Daddy an extra blanket tonight.""Why's that?" Vicky whispered."Because Daddy's so clueless!" Harley threw his hands up, clearly exasperated with his father's lack of tact."What are you doing here?"A cold, sharp voice cracked through the hallway. Vicky nearly screamed in fright. She turned around and saw Simon glaring at them. Pan
"Daddy, you must've made Mommy mad," Harley crossed his arms and sighed like a little adult. "She's ignoring you." He added with a worried look, "Gerald never dares to upset Mommy. The last time he did, she didn't let him through our front door for a whole month. Do you think she'll kick you out too?"Lucien crouched down to meet his son's eyes, catching a key word with razor-sharp precision: "Gerald… Daddy?" His voice sank, and his knuckles unconsciously tightened. That title pierced his chest like a thorn."He's been around since Mommy was pregnant with me!" Harley blinked, then leaned in mysteriously, curling a finger for Lucien to come closer. When Lucien obliged, the little boy's warm breath brushed against his ear. "He really likes Mommy, but she says he always brings around ugly weirdos." Then, tugging seriously on Lucien's tie, he warned, "If you act like him, Mommy won't want you either—and then I won't have a daddy again."Lucien's pupils constricted. He gently cupped the ba
The sound of the door closing finally faded, and Cynthia opened her eyes in the darkness. Her lashes trembled, her gaze full of conflict and struggle piercing through the night.She knew Lucien's history with Jessica came before their reunion—but the sudden appearance of a child, that line about "peaceful coexistence," and his proposal for Jessica to get an abortion all pierced her heart like thorns. In the dark, she clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms.Twenty hours of being confined to the bed had left her legs numb. As she propped herself up against the headboard, she spotted a neatly folded dress nearby—its fabric carrying an unfamiliar warmth. The night outside was ink-dark, and then a child's voice suddenly pierced the silence:"Mommy! Mommy!"Staggering, Cynthia gripped the cold metal doorframe. Harley's voice, thick with sobs, crashed through the quiet. She fumbled the door open—and his small figure flung itself into her arms with such force they both tum
Lucien nearly crushed the steering wheel when he got Vicky's call. By the time he arrived, the scene in front of him made his blood run cold—Erica gripping a kitchen knife, dragging Cynthia behind her, Harley charging ahead with a broom, and Vicky chasing them in a panic. It looked like a total madhouse.Just as he got out of the car, he heard Harley's sharp little voice shout, "You big meanie!"A piercing screech of brakes tore through the air.A scooter came speeding from the side. Harley stood frozen in the bike lane, the broom falling from his hands with a clatter as he squeezed his eyes shut in fear."Harley!" several voices screamed in unison.Lucien moved on pure instinct. He lunged forward and scooped the child into his arms at the last possible second. They both crashed into the roadside bushes, dry branches tearing jagged scratches into his skin.Cynthia rushed over and grabbed Harley, her fingers trembling as she checked him all over. "Tell Mommy—does anything hurt?"Harley
Cynthia raised her hand to hail a taxi to Erica's place, but before she could, a strong hand clamped around her wrist. Lucien was suddenly there behind her, his eyes a storm barely contained."You hate me that much?" he said hoarsely. "You can't even stand to stay one more minute?""Stay?" She let out a cold laugh. "What, to talk about how many mistresses you have? How many illegitimate children? Maybe we should count now, just so your grandfather won't have to bring them home one by one. That way, I'll know how many people I'm supposed to share you with!"Lucien's temple twitched with rage. "I told you, no one but you is worthy of having my child! You're the one who wanted her to keep it!""Oh, so now it's all my fault?" Cynthia's eyes turned red with unshed tears. "Should I thank you for giving me the exclusive privilege of bearing your children?"Her voice trembled. "You think an abortion makes it go away? And when the next one comes along, you'll have her abort it too, all for me?
Back at the apartment, Cynthia walked straight to the bedroom without so much as glancing at Hogan."I'll find you some clean clothes,"she said."Um…"Hogan rubbed his nose, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "If you've got any... new underwear..."Cynthia paused. "Take a shower first. I'll bring it over when I find some."Throughout the exchange, neither of them acknowledged Lucien, even though his shirtfront was just as soaked.Sensing the tension radiating from Lucien, Hogan raised his voice deliberately. "Lucien, I'm going to shower now~ Where are the slippers?""Let Stephen bring the underwear,"Lucien said coldly. "The only ones I have are ones I've worn."Hogan blinked. "There's a supermarket downstairs. They probably sell them—"Before he could finish, someone grabbed the back of his collar. Lucien was already dragging him toward the door."Go dry off outside.""She's
Lucien's expression shifted subtly as he stepped toward her. "We do have a son. His name is Harley."His gaze never left Cynthia's face, but she wouldn't spare him even a glance."Impossible!"Janet shrieked, springing to her feet. "You've been divorced for six years! That bastard could be anyone's—""Janet."Cynthia's glare was sharper than any knife. "You'll regret saying that."She turned to Lucien, her tone calm as if speaking of someone else's life. "I found out I was pregnant after the divorce. I gave birth to him alone… raised him alone..."Her voice finally trembled. "I never planned to let you know."Lucien recalled the strange sense of closeness he'd felt when he first met Harley. His heart was struck like a gong. She had borne all of this—alone."I know."He pulled her into his arms, his voice hoarse. "Harley is my son."Mandy approached slowly. Cynthia immediately noticed the brui
Cynthia had just stepped out of the kitchen when she nearly collided with Marcus, who stood at the doorway with a frail-looking girl. The girl kept her head down, her steps hesitant."Come in,"Marcus said, stepping aside. But when he looked up and saw Cynthia, his expression shifted dramatically.The girl slowly lifted her head, and the moment their eyes met, both she and Cynthia froze in place.That face—it looked so much like hers. Even more than Jacqueline ever had. Put them side by side, and no one would doubt they were sisters."Dinner's ready..."Lucien's voice came from behind, but at this moment, it sounded sharp and jarring."Lucien..."Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as she stared longingly at the man behind Cynthia, yet she didn't dare take a step closer.Cynthia turned and saw Lucien's face clouded with dark fury. She said softly, "She's here for you."His pupils contracted. He reached out for her,