3 She Was Wilder Than Expected

When Anna woke up again, her whole body ached.

With her memory in fragments, she could not immediately piece together what had happened the night before.

She sat up. The silk quilt slid down, revealing bruises and marks scattered across her skin.

Even an idiot would know what had happened. The missing memories rushed back like a tide.

After getting drunk, she had grabbed a random handsome man and slept with him?

Anna face went pale. Just looking at the state of the bed told her how intense last night had been.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom.

Anna felt like she was losing her mind. A one night stand felt good in the moment, then came the aftermath from hell.

Last night, her head had been filled with thoughts of revenge. She forgot that she had never done anything like this before.

She had no idea how to face the awkwardness of seeing that man when morning came.

Lowering her head, Anna searched through the mess for her clothes.

She kicked aside a pair of men trousers and picked up her dress and underwear.

Her panties were missing.

Hearing the water inside slow and then stop, Anna stopped caring about anything else. She grabbed her high heels and bolted.

The bathroom door opened. A man stepped out, water still clinging to him.

The bed was thrown open. The small woman who had been sleeping there was gone.

Only a dark red stain on the sheets stood out, painfully obvious.

The man cold lips curved slightly. Did she think she could escape?

A knock sounded at the door, followed by Lucas voice. Uncle, are you awake?

The door opened. A man stood there with only a towel wrapped around his waist.

Lucas stared in shock. Not only were there suspicious kiss marks on the man neck, there was also a clear bite mark on his shoulder.

It added a touch of intimacy to a man who usually seemed distant and noble.

You last night…

The man expression was calm. I heard you got yourself a girlfriend. When are you bringing her home for the family to see?

What girlfriend? Just someone to kill time with…

Before he could finish, Lucas saw that Lorenzo Caldwell broad back was covered in scratches left by a woman.

The room itself was wild. The bed was still a mess, belts and clothes scattered across the floor.

In the trash can and by the bed were several used condoms.

Lucas was stunned.

His uncle, who had always kept himself spotless, found a woman on his first night in Miami. And she was pretty wild.

Hm…

Lorenzo casually picked up his trousers. A woman panties slipped out of the pocket.

Before Lucas could see clearly, the man stuffed it back and glanced at him.

Adults having company at night surprises you that much?

Lucas hurried to smooth things over. No, not at all. Sorry about last night. Something came up and I had to turn off my phone.

It is fine. I have a meeting today. We will eat together later.

Alright.

Do you want to bring your girlfriend along?

A trace of discomfort flashed across Lucas face. I told you she is not my girlfriend. When I go back to New York, I am going to form an alliance with the Whitmore family. Women like that on the side are just for fun.

Lucas gaze fell on the ring on Lorenzo hand. For a moment, he felt it looked a lot like the one Anna had prepared last night.

He had been too flustered then to see clearly. Simple rings all looked similar. He was probably overthinking it.

So, good news coming?

Lorenzo thumb brushed lightly over the cool band, a meaningful smile at the corner of his lips.

Yes.

…

Anna returned home in a daze. What happened last night felt unreal, like a dream.

She turned on the shower and scrubbed herself again and again.

Even when her skin turned red, the marks would not fade. Her mind was filled with the sound of the man low breaths by her ear.

Be good. If it hurts, bite me.

That tenderness made it seem as if she were something precious.

In a single night, all her plans collapsed.

After seeing Lucas true face, there was no way she could stomach marrying him.

Even if she was driven by ambition, she could not pretend nothing had happened after hearing the contempt in his voice.

What was more, she once believed he was different from those spoiled playboys, that he was self restrained.

Seeing him holding a female model as they went upstairs, Anna understood clearly. It was not about feelings. It was just desire. In their circle, ways to play with women were everywhere.

If they had never been in love and it had been a purely strategic marriage from the start, she would not have cared what he did outside.

But after giving three years of her feelings, she could no longer face Lucas the same way.

Thinking about how he had kissed her before, that mouth not knowing how many women it had touched, made her feel sick, like she had swallowed a fly.

If she did not fight for it, he would most likely get engaged to that half sister Lily.

If she was going to form a marriage alliance, she needed someone of higher status than Lucas.

In New York, the Caldwell family stood at the top. Other families had eligible men, but they still fell short compared to the Caldwells.

That was the main reason she agreed to him in the first place.

Without that background, she would never have let herself fall so foolishly in love.

Anna frowned in frustration. She had lost both love and a good marriage prospect.

Three years of planning ruined by a single wrong step.

She pulled the curtains shut and lay down in a daze. Sleepiness washed over her, but no matter how she closed her eyes, she could not fall asleep.

Those years of feelings were real. No one could digest it all in a single day and walk away untouched.

Last night impulse and revenge brought momentary pleasure. After that, there was only emptiness and despair.

The sound of the front door opening came from the entryway. Soon, someone entered her room.

The curtains were drawn tight. Lucas could only see the small figure curled beneath the covers.

He was not arrogant like he was in front of his friends. His feelings for Anna were real.

They just were not real enough for him to marry the owner of a small company.

Even though her business had improved over the past two years, it still could not come close to the Caldwell family.

Playing around was one thing. Lucas would never gamble with his future.

Anna, I am sorry.

His pitiful voice sounded out.

In the past, hearing him speak like that would usually make Anna give in.

Now she lay hidden in the darkness, quietly watching his performance.

Her voice came out hoarse. Why are you apologizing?

Hearing her rough voice, Lucas did not expect such a strong woman to cry. He must have hurt her deeply last night.

It is not that I do not like you, or that I am unwilling. I am only twenty two. I have never even thought about marriage. I was just scared at the time.

And now? After one night, what have you decided?

Anna, your company is just getting started, and I do not even have a stable job yet. Talking about marriage is too early. Give me a few years, alright? Before thirty, I will definitely marry you.

Anna let out a cold laugh. Thirty? Then would I not be an old woman?

Lucas heart skipped. How could that be? You are beautiful and elegant. Even at thirty, you would still be a cold beauty. How could that be old? This is my fault. I made you sad last night. I deserve to be punished.

He grabbed Anna hand and tried to slap his own face with it. Feeling disgusted, she pulled her hand back immediately.

Her voice rang coldly in the dim room.

You did not come home last night. Where were you?