ANMELDENCerene's POV“Peter… please, dont take me to the hospital,” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath as he carried me through the cool evening air on the restaurant terrace. My head rested heavily against his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heartbeat. I let my body go completely limp in his arms, fingers clutching weakly at his shirt. The night breeze brushed over us, but all I could focus on was the warmth of his body and the familiar scent of his cologne.He stopped near a quiet corner of the terrace, lowering me gently onto a wooden bench. His hands lingered on my shoulders for a moment longer than necessary, brows furrowed with genuine worry. “We’re going right now. You look too pale, Cerene. This isn’t something we should ignore.”I caught his hand before he could pull away, wrapping my fingers around his with trembling delicacy. My thumb stroked the inside of his wrist slowly, right over that sensitive spot I knew so well ...the one that always made his pulse jump.
Caroline's POV “I’ll order first, if that’s okay,” Cerene interrupted suddenly, her voice soft but insistent as the waiter approached our table. She gave him a weak smile, like even speaking was a huge effort. I leaned back in my chair, waving my hand gracefully. “Of course, sister. Go right ahead.” My tone stayed calm and polite, but inside I was already counting how many pity cards she was going to play tonight. Peter glanced at me, but I kept my expression neutral, sipping my water while Cerene placed her order in that delicate, breathy way of hers. When the food finally arrived...the steaks were sizzling, sides perfectly arranged... Cerene pouted her lip, letting out a small gasp. She reached into her bag, pulled out her inhaler, and took a dramatic puff, holding it like it was her lifeline. “Peter,” she said softly, pushing her plate toward him, “could you help cut my steak? My hands are still a little shaky from everything.” The request hit me like a spark to dry grass. A
Caroline's POV“Some people may be sick,” I said lightly, my tone dripping with mock sympathy as I looked at Cerene through the rearview mirror, “but they’ll always find the energy to squeeze themselves into other people’s business, won’t they? It’s almost impressive, really.”Cerene’s shoulders stiffened. She turned her head slightly, eyes glistening as she tried to summon tears on command. Her lip quivered in that practiced way she always used when she wanted Peter’s attention. “Peter… I didn’t mean to intrude. I just thought....”Peter let out a low chuckle, the sound surprising even me. He glanced at me in the mirror, amusement flickering in his eyes for a brief second before he cleared his throat. “We’ve arrived.”The upscale restaurant glowed under warm lights as Peter pulled up to the valet. He killed the engine and stepped out, walking around to open the back door for me first. I took his hand gracefully, letting him help me out of the car. My body brushed against his as I
Caroline's POV“Ready to show everyone how madly in love we still are, hubby?” I asked Peter with a playful lilt as we stepped out into the driveway. The evening breeze brushed against my skin, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the garden, but the real mess was already building between us.Then my eyes landed on the car.Cerene sat primly in the front passenger seat, dressed in a soft cream outfit that screamed “fragile beauty.” A delicate shawl was draped over her shoulders, and she kept her head slightly bowed, looking every bit the pitiful survivor. My blood simmered, but I refused to let it show.I rolled my eyes dramatically and turned to Peter, giving him a long, knowing stare. He had the decency to look slightly uncomfortable but said nothing. Without missing a beat, I opened the back door and slid gracefully into the rear seat, making sure my dress rode up just enough to show off my legs as I crossed them.Peter got behind the wheel, the car engine purring to life und
Caroline's POV“Make sure you pick a good restaurant,” I called after Peter as he left the room, my voice carrying that sweet edge I was starting to enjoy using on him. The door clicked shut and I let out a slow breath.I headed straight into the luxurious en-suite bathroom, stripping off my clothes and stepping under the hot spray of the shower. The water cascaded over my skin, easing some of the tension in my muscles. As I lathered soap across my body, memories flooded in without warning.I remembered softer days ...when Peter was sweet and attentive. We used to bathe together in this very tub, his hands gentle as they washed my back, laughter echoing off the tiles while he kissed my shoulders. Back when he made me feel wanted instead of like a possession. My hand slid lower, tracing over my stomach and between my thighs. I bit down hard on my lip, eyes fluttering shut as a quiet sigh escaped me. The touch was light, teasing, but it stirred heat low in my belly. For a moment I let
Caroline's POV“Keep yelling, it changes nothing!” I shouted out the open window as I sped away from the driveway, my parents’ voices fading behind me in a mess of threats and pleas. The shattered glass from the Mercedes crunched under my tires. I didn’t look in the rearview mirror even once.The drive to Peter’s mansion felt different this time. No tears, no hesitation. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, the Harrington bracelet cool against my skin. *If he wants this marriage so badly, fine. I’ll stay his wife. But I’ll make it my own kind of hell — elegant, calculated, and impossible for him to ignore.*By the time I pulled up to the grand entrance, the sun was starting to set. I walked inside without knocking, heels clicking confidently across the marble floor. Peter was in the living room, pacing back and forth like a caged lion, phone in hand. His hair was slightly messed up, tie loosened — clearly he had heard something already.“Caroline,” he said, voice rough with relief an







