Jack glanced at me, James, and the four men preparing to execute him in turn.
He looks so confused.He looked back at me for a long moment, then swallowed. His expression looked so bitter, as if he was embarrassed to ask me for help.Was he really going to do it?I knew how big Jack's arrogance was. He always thought of me as a poor woman and kept insulting me when I was with Flona, so I knew he must feel reluctant to do James' command.But he also had no other choice. Unless, he'd rather be beaten up by the four debt collectors who had set up at their place."Are you serious about all this, Uncle?" Jack gave a frustrated look."Of course. Do or do not," James said.I smiled, actually still feeling surprised by everything James did. I never told him about the sad end of my relationship, but he seemed to know everything. He did me a great favor in front of Flona and her circle of friends.Did James actually know about what happened? He always defended me over Jack and his family."Come on Jack, how long are we going to wait?! Give us our money back!" The four burly men started to stand up impatiently.Jack wiped his bloody lips and looked at me. "Shit!" he muttered in frustration. Jack again swallowed hard, then began to take a position to kneel down to me.Was he really going to do it?I realized that the people who were now surrounding us seemed to be gazing enthusiastically at the show that was going on. Even the loud music that was previously playing had died down.Everyone seemed to be waiting for Jack to kneel down."Let's do it, Jack," James ordered.Jack hissed and visibly forced his body to bend. He let out a loud sigh before moving further down to kneel at my feet.There were whispers from the watching club-goers. They all watched with amazed faces, some looked mocking, others felt sad. Jack's girlfriend and their friends were especially embarrassed."Tell us everything that you have done badly to Lizzie," James continued.Jack took another breath. "I-I'm sorry, Lizzie. Please help me," he said stammeringly, his voice shaking. "I... I'm sorry for all my bad deeds in the past, I've... I've hurt you."Jack was silent for a moment as the club's audience returned to whispering. Now, their faces took on a cynical look as they stared at Jack.I just stared at the man with a flat face, despite the feelings of happiness that were now creeping into my heart. Jack deserved this, I thought. He deserved a lot of bullying after what he did to me."I realize that I've done a lot of cruel things to you, like... mm... like when I hit you when I was angry and... I didn't acknowledge your existence during my time as... my girlfriend," Jack continued, already fully prostrate at my feet. "And-and I apologize for cheating on you by sleeping with your best friend."Jack's last sentence managed to make people gasp out loud. They shut their mouths in shock and looked at Jack with disgust."OMG, how disgusting!""He deserves to be beaten up. Ah, damn it!""If I were his ex-girlfriend, then I would never forgive him.""What a jerk! Having an affair with his own girlfriend's best friend? I want to kick that guy's ass."I could hear the people insulting Jack. My lips twitched to hold back the smile that wanted to break out, while James grinned widely, satisfied to see everyone's reaction.I looked at Flona who had blushed red with shame all over, her gaze falling to her own feet, unable to look at Jack who was still kneeling at my feet.Everyone will see how bad Jack's attitude is. They all looked surprised and didn't expect that the Jack they knew was not as good as they thought.I looked at my husband for a moment, and he smiled broadly. "Now, all the decisions are yours, Sweety. Do whatever you want, I won't interfere," he explained.James then added, "You can refuse to help him, or the other way around. But, you have to be completely honest with your feelings."I nodded. I looked at Jack who couldn't say anything else due to embarrassment. I honestly felt sorry for him, but the hurt and pain left in my heart was much greater.I felt stupid for not leaving Jack earlier and staying in our toxic relationship.I still remember how hurt I was in the past. My life got even worse after Jack betrayed my love. At that time, I was depressed and went to a psychologist several times to treat my mental illnes. Suicidal thoughts crossed my mind many times, but I chose to persevere.I didn't want to relive those sad memories again.My chest felt tight just remembering that incident. Now, everything has changed. James came as my savior and changed my life.I will not live under the pressure of Jack, his family, or Flona anymore. I want them to see that the Lizzie who is now the Lizzie who can destroy their lives.And it all starts from tonight.So, I won't help Jack right away."Do you really want my help?" I asked in a serious tone. Oh, I just wanted to play around for a while so that the wound in my heart could be healed a little. After all, it was fun to see people's reactions, especially Flona who seemed to want to run away.'Flona, take a look at that boyfriend you're so proud of. Now, he's kneeling at the feet of a woman you consider poor and despicable'."I... I beg you Lizzie. I beg you to help me! I'm sorry for how I treated you all this time!" pleaded Jack desperately, he realized that his chances were few. "I beg you just this once, help me, Lizzie. I've apologized and admitted everything, so please give your consent."I didn't answer anything and Jack finally looked up. My smile automatically expanded at the sight of his pitiful face."Lizzie, please!" he said."No Lizzie, don't forgive a bastard like him!" someone suddenly shouted. I don't know who she is, but she looks very angry. Apparently, she's also experiencing the same thing as me."I'm glad you admitted everything in front of everyone, but sorry, I don't want to help you for now," I said elegantly.I took my husband's arm and waltzed away after answering elegantly. Jack was screaming my name in frustration, I could feel the desperation and anger in his voice.After admitting his mistake, he must have thought that I would help him.I didn't. I was no longer Lizzie that he could use at will.My lips pulled into a faint smile. After all this time, it feels like I'm only now feeling this satisfied. However, this is just the beginning. I won't forgive Jack that easily."LIZZIE! LIZZIE, STOP RIGHT THERE! YOU'RE A LIAR! YOU'RE A CHEATER! I APOLOGIZED BUT YOU JUST WALKED AWAY?! HEIII!!!"Jack shouted madly again. I completely ignored him and tightened my grip on James."UNCLE! UNCLE HELP ME! PLEASE!"James sighed and also ignored Jack's shouting. He whispered in my ear and told me to keep going. The clubbers were getting noisier as Jack continued to scream like a man possessed.When we arrived at James' car, I looked over one last time. Right there, Flona was already on her knees and se
I froze in front of the room's large mirror and thought about James' story earlier.If he had noticed me and felt attracted since I was with Jack, it meant that he had liked me for almost two years. Secretly too.Looking back, I did often catch James looking at me when I was still working at one of his companies. His gaze seemed to be burning with something, but back then, I thought it was just my hallucination.I thought, how could James, who is a billionaire in this city, be interested in a poor woman like me?Moreover, I thought that Jack's whole family hated me, including James who was his uncle.But now, my life was completely opposite.I stare at the luxurious nightgown I'm wearing, and it's even more expensive than all my old, shabby clothes. James had bought me all kinds of dresses with stunning designs.Tonight, I deliberately wear a sheer nightgown with lace on the chest. The cut is sexy and the fabric is see-through. Just by imagining James' reaction, my cheeks instantly fe
How can someone look so good while sleeping?I smiled to myself at that question. After being awakened by the sound of twigs scratching against the window, I was immediately confronted with an eye-pleasing sight.James was still asleep, facing me. His arms hugged my waist tightly. The blanket covering our nakedness had already slipped down to my thighs, but I was reluctant to move from my position.My chest heaved again as I recalled the events of last night. It felt so intimate and sweet. Every time James touched my body, it felt as if there was an inner bond connected between the two of us."James?" I called in a low voice. I just wanted to know if he was awake or not, but James didn't react at all.Slowly, I reached out my hand and felt his delicate face. My fingers moved down to his firm jaw, then stopped at his full lower lip.The charm that James possessed was undeniable.My lips unconsciously curved into a faint smile. I placed my hand on his warm chest, I could feel his racing
James and I rushed to the front door.In the living room, we could already hear Maria's thunderous screams. She was calling my name with James, telling us to get out.What was wrong with that woman again?As soon as the door opened, Maria rushed in with wide strides. Her face was flushed and her breathing was rising and falling rapidly, as if she had just been running for hours."YOU! YOU SHIT WOMAN!" she pointed at my face. I winced and she yelled back angrily, "HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO MY SON!"I was getting more and more confused, but then the events of last night replayed in my head. The incident at the bar when I refused to help Jack. It was obvious that Maria had come because of that."What's going on, Maria? Please watch what you say to my wife and don't yell in my house," James said, putting his arm around my waist.Maria snorted and looked like she wanted to grab my hair. "This is all your fault too, James! Jack got beat up because you refused his request! Jack also told me th
The summer festival is being celebrated at the town hall today.I stared at the poster brought by James enthusiastically. The governor had directly invited us to participate, so we would leave early before many people arrived."Are you ready?" James appeared with casual clothes wrapped around his body. He deliberately rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows, clearly revealing his sexy muscular arms. James' eyes moved to take in my appearance, then that seductive smirk appeared on his lips."Sweety, if you keep dressing up like this, I'll be worried about going out," he said.I frowned in confusion. "Why?""Because there will be a lot of people watching you. What if one of them manages to get you interested?"My eyes widened and I could barely contain my laughter. Impulsively, I lightly hit James' arm who chuckled. "How could I possibly be interested in another guy?" I moved to grab his arm and muttered lowly, "You're the only one.""Really?""Hmmmm," I replied, actually feeli
"Do you want to buy something else? That bracelet looks beautiful on your hand." James touched my beaded bracelet lightly, the corners of his lips pulling up into a sweet smile. "We can buy all the accessories here."I spontaneously laughed. "Uh no need. I just want this bracelet.""Really?""Really."James was silent and his fingers played with mine. The bracelet seller continued to stare at us in amazement, whether he was mesmerized by James' good looks or his overly sweet demeanor.The local band could be heard starting to sing behind us, performing a classical song that had people flocking to it. James pulled me under a fairly quiet tree and hugged me from behind."You're different from other women, darling," he whispered.I looked up at him, confused by the statement. "What do you mean?""The women I know are usually crazy about shopping and stuff. But you're not. You only buy what you need and don't waste money," he explained."Probably out of habit," I said, touching his hand t
This morning, we planned to go to my father's house.My father-Lincoln Steward-lives in the suburbs surrounded by pine forests. I used to spend time there before moving to the city center to continue my university education.James drove his car through the quiet streets. As far as the eye could see, there were only towering trees standing by the roadside like a fence. The sun was shining brightly, brushing the tops of the shady trees that carried a distinctive scent. I looked at James who was focused on driving, he had deliberately worn a neat work suit to meet my father. He said he wanted to look polite in front of his father-in-law.I can't describe the happy feeling that is developing in my heart right now. James really respects my father, even though he is one of the richest men in the city. His attitude is so inversely proportional to Jack who always insults my family, even though he is a nobody.My lips pulled into a soft smile, a smile that came from the bottom of my heart. I
What should I buy as a gift?I lingered in front of the window as I thought of something James might like. James was always surrounded by luxurious and classy things, so I was at a loss as to what to buy him.Of course, James didn't demand me to give him a gift, but as his wife, I also wanted to celebrate his birthday.In three days, his birthday celebration would be held.A breeze swept across my face, then I leaned my head against the windowpane. The scent of petrikor filled my nostrils after the drizzle. I sighed and tried to think of another gift that money couldn't buy."Sweety?"The call made my head turn to James. He had just stepped out of the shower with a towel hanging low on his hips.My eyes involuntarily fixated on his abdominal muscles that contracted as James moved. James had exotic tan colored skin, and it only added to his attractiveness."Enjoying the view, darling?" asked James and I gasped, only just realizing what I was doing.James ran a towel through his wet hai