Meanwhile, downstairs, Cynthia was frantically searching everywhere.She had no idea how long she had been looking when a glimpse of black caught her eye near a patch of grass. It was the very same bank card that Lucien had so casually tossed away. Seizing it like a priceless treasure, Cynthia picked it up and clenched her teeth in fury."That lunatic! I shouldn't have bothered coming down to find this!" she muttered under her breath, vigorously wiping off the dust and grass sticking to the card.Then, she suddenly froze. A realization hit her—without the PIN, what use was this card to anyone who found it?In an instant, rage flared up inside her, rising from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. Her fingers trembled violently as she gripped the card.How dare he?! she screamed internally. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to snap the card in half.***Late at night.Inside the car, Cynthia sat in silence. She didn't ask Lucien any questions about their destination.
Anders threw an arm around Marius's shoulder, acting as if he were completely oblivious to Marius's anger. Instead, he turned to Cynthia and said, "Cynthia, just say the word. What do you want me to do? Break one of his legs? What do you think?"Though his words were directed at Cynthia, his gaze flickered toward Lucien. Lucien stood quietly to the side, his expression indifferent. He made no move to stop Anders, nor did he attempt to help Cynthia out of the situation. He simply watched, as if waiting for her to handle it herself.Cynthia narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at Marius the way a master looks at a pet. That look alone made Marius's skin crawl, as if a cold serpent had fixed its eyes on him. Then, she spoke at a leisurely pace. "No need to break his leg. It's all in the past. However—Marius, you'd better start using your brain from now on. Stop letting people manipulate you."On the surface, it seemed like she was pleading for Marius, but in reality, her words carried an
The next morning, Cynthia slowly woke up, her head throbbing with a dull ache that pulsed relentlessly."Headache?" A lazy voice sounded above her.Instinctively, Cynthia lifted her gaze, and in that unguarded moment, Lucien's face came into view. The sudden sight of him startled her, making her body involuntarily tense.She gave a slight nod in response before sinking back down. But then, a chilling realization hit her—she was curled up in Lucien's arms, completely bare under the covers.Her mind went blank for a second before a wave of shame and anger surged through her. There was no doubt in her mind—this had to be Lucien's doing! He must have taken advantage of her drunken state and stripped her naked!"I'll get you some water," Lucien said gently, seemingly unaware of her inner turmoil. He got up and walked over to the table, pouring a glass of water.Cynthia quickly pulled the blanket tighter around herself, wrapping it securely as she sat up. Taking the glass from Lucien, she t
Their eyes locked in midair, sparks colliding in the silent tension. In an instant, memories of the previous night's passion surged like an unstoppable tide, drowning out all restraint.Lucien could no longer hold back. He leaned in and captured Cynthia's lips in a fierce, searing kiss. At the same time, he swiftly yanked the blanket away, his movements urgent yet filled with tenderness. His body pressed against hers in an unrelenting embrace.Cynthia knew this was playing with fire, but every nerve in her body had already been ignited. Lucien's lips trailed away from hers, grazing the delicate curve of her ear. He nibbled at the tip, sending a sharp jolt of sensation through her, spreading in waves that left her trembling. Instinctively, she shut her eyes.In this heightened world of sensation, she found herself responding, kissing him back, surrendering to his passion. Encouraged, Lucien's kisses deepened, more possessive, as if he wanted to pull her into himself, to fuse their very
When Cynthia arrived home, Georgia was cooking. She looked much better than the day before, with more smiles on her face. Seeing her still struggling to move around, Cynthia advised, "Your foot hasn't fully healed yet. Stop cooking. Let's go out to eat instead.""I'm just keeping myself busy. My foot is really fine, just a slight sprain. It's much better today. That..." Georgia hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is he not coming today?"It was obvious she was referring to Lucien.Cynthia took the apron from her, tied it around herself, and pushed Georgia out of the kitchen. "That's his business."Either way, even if he did come, she wouldn't be able to stop him.Noticing Cynthia's indifferent reaction, Georgia recalled the conversation she had secretly overheard between them. She suddenly felt a bit suffocated but still forced a smile. "I see... So, what are we having for dinner? Should I go buy some groceries? Maybe some beer?"Cynthia
Mandy's gaze flickered toward Hogan, who had been sitting quietly all along. The corner of her lips curled up, causing the beauty mark below her lip to lift slightly as well. "Hogan, you're here too? Cynthia, you really are something—no matter where you go, there's always a man circling around you."Cynthia had no interest in talking to her and treated her as nothing more than air.But Mandy wasn't done. This time, she turned to Hogan, feigning concern. "Hogan, as a friend, I have to warn you. You really shouldn't be getting too close to her in private. You know how Lucien is."Her words were deliberately vague, making them all the more cutting.Pearl looked at Cynthia in shock, while Georgia was already fuming. She recognized Mandy immediately—that woman always acted superior, always looking down on others. She was full of scandals herself, yet she had the audacity to judge her sister. What right did she have?!Hogan took a leisurely s
That day, she and Lucien had humiliated him like a stray dog, filling him with hatred. Six years ago, she had chosen Lucien over him, abandoning his love. And now, six years later, she was still standing by that man… trampling over him once more.Edric's voice turned sharp. "Three people ganging up on one—don't you think that's a bit disgraceful? I suggest you apologize immediately.""Apologize?"Gina scoffed despite her injuries. "Maybe you should ask what your 'friend'said first.""She deserved to be beaten."Mandy opened her mouth to retaliate, but Edric stopped her again. "She has always been blunt, but I know she never meant any harm. But the three of you attacking her—that's unacceptable. If you apologize to my friend, we can put this behind us. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to call the police. Do you really want to stand trial for assault?"Hogan sized up Edric. The man was good-looking, spoke logically, an
Cynthia sneered at him, but Lucien pulled her close again, holding her hand as he asked, "Does it hurt?""Hm, actually, it does hurt a little."Cynthia's tone instantly softened, her voice so sweet it could melt bones. "Darling, I'm tired. Can we leave now?""From now on, let me handle the fighting."Lucien scooped her up in his arms and walked out."Wait! I'll tell Grandpa about this!"Mandy screamed hysterically, but the two paid her no mind.Gina followed them out.Edric clenched his fists tightly as he watched them leave, his knuckles cracking with barely contained rage. Mandy got up from the floor, swung her hand, and slapped Edric across the face. "Coward!"she spat.But this time, Edric didn't hold back. He retaliated with a full-force slap of his own, sending Mandy crashing to the ground once more. She was so shocked that she forgot to speak.Lucien held Cynthia tightly as he carried her outside Bistro. The
"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,
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. Cynthia carefully helped Lucien slip into a T-shirt, her fingers pausing for a moment when they brushed against the bruises on his back."You should really get checked out at the hospital," she said softly."You'll come with me?" Lucien pulled her into his arms like a child asking for candy."Mm-hmm." She agreed without hesitation, lifting her gaze to meet his deep, intense eyes. On impulse, she rose onto her toes and brushed a light kiss against the corner of his mouth. "Good morning."The sudden kiss lit up Lucien's entire face, so radiant it was almost blinding. Cynthia's ears burned red as she hurriedly pushed him away."We should get going."He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingertips. "Okay."Every small act of tenderness from her was a priceless gift to him. He had all the patience in the world to wait—until she opened her heart completely.When they stepp
"Mommy can't come home tonight, okay? Be good and listen to your auntie,"Cynthia said gently into the phone.From the other end came Harley's exaggerated wail, "That uncle tricked you again! I'm never talking to him again! Hmph!"Erica took the phone from Harley. "You're staying at the Brown estate tonight? They accepted you back this fast?"Cynthia looked out at the night sky, her voice tinged with fatigue. "Not exactly. Lucien got beaten half to death by his grandfather just to bring me back. If you had seen it…""What?!"Erica shrieked. "And you? Are you okay? I swear, what kind of century are we living in where people still solve things with violence? Should I call the police?"Cynthia instinctively rubbed the red marks on her arm. "I'm fine. He took all the hits for me.""That's a relief,"Erica muttered, then lowered her voice, "That scumbag didn't give you any trouble, did he? If he so much as touches you, just