When Venom Blossoms

The night's whispers of love had finally fallen silent when Trevin Hoffman, wearing a ragged bathrobe, stumbled out of the bedroom.He was unsteady on his feet, his cheeks flushed with a satisfied glow, his eyes lingering on the memory of what had just passed. The love bites marking his skin stood out starkly.Ignoring me completely, he poured himself a glass of water at the dining table and spoke with a hint of annoyance."Yara, there's a limit to how much of a scene you can make. I'm not feeling great, and I don't have the patience for your attitude right now."It was just one night. Wren, a girl, didn't make a fuss about it. Can't you relax a little?""Relax?" I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "She’s really something—jumping into bed with a guy who’s about to get married!"In a fit of rage, Trevin hurled his glass to the floor. "Shut up!"Wren's not doing well. Don't talk trash in front of her, or you can kiss this marriage goodbye!"No sooner had he spoken than the medica

In just a few years, with the resources of my family, the Hoffmans grew from a small outfit to a globally recognized brand.I gave my all to him, sometimes feeling it was never enough.I never saw it coming. Wren just had to show up, and I was beaten, utterly and completely."You want to call it off? Fine! Since Wren's back, I can finally chase after my own slice of happiness! Yara Lawrence, you've only got yourself to blame for this mess!"…He tried to intimidate me with his gaze, yet I could not help but laugh.Did he really think I would still be at his beck and call after everything that has happened?He was about to storm off when the phone cut through the silence, sharp and demanding."Yes, I'm Wren's partner. What's going on now?"Whatever the voice on the other end said, it knocked the color right out of Trevin's face, sending him stumbling backwards."Get the treatment started, the best there is, I'm calling the shots here!"Once he hung up, his eyes darted to mine

The remote clattered to the floor as Trevin gaped at the wedding broadcast, shock plastered across his face.That could not be happening.How on earth was Edward, the lowlife who had been dumped, the groom?In a panic, Trevin snatched up his phone, but try as he might, Yara's line was unreachable.He sped to the wedding, only to be barred at the gates."Move it! I'm the groom, why can't I get in?" Trevin bellowed at the security guards."Sir, the Lawrence family's wedding isn't a circus for just anyone to come and stir up trouble!""Me, stir up trouble? I'm supposed to be the groom today! Let me get in there to set things straight!"He turned to scream inside, "Yara, get out here! Fire these arrogant guards!"The guards' smug dismissal sent Trevin over the edge, and he made a spectacle of himself at the entrance, dignity be damned.Just then, Trevin's parents, Alfred Hoffman and Becky York, arrived in a rush and pulled him aside.In a secluded corner, anger seared across Tre

Alfred glared at him with revulsion."What's the point of inheritance for an adopted kid? My son is about to come back from abroad in a few months, and he'll be my rightful heir when the time comes. Now apologize to Ms. Lawrence, and don't drag your brother into this mess!" Trevin looked at his parents, and after a long moment, he steeled himself and approached me. "Yara, I realize my mistake. Please, just forgive me for this once."The sleazy words hung in the air, making my skin crawl. Trevin, with a calculated casualness, had popped open two buttons of his shirt, his eyes crawling over me like unwelcome insects."Ugh, disgusting!"Before Edward could even react, my frosty retort stopped Trevin dead in his tracks.No one expected me to recoil with such loathing at the man who once showered me with affection."Keep your little love tokens with Wren to yourself. I'm married, and I'm not in the market for a side piece."I brushed off Trevin's panicked look, my words sharp and s

"All her savings went to hospital bills, and I'm slaving away at three jobs a day to keep her afloat. However, since she's been paralyzed, she's not just picky, she's turned violent towards me!"Yara, please help me! I realize my mistakes now, I swear I'll never be recklessly kind again!"Recklessly kind?The nerve of him to even say that.I gave him a once-over, my gaze dripping with sarcasm."That wasn't recklessness, that was you tripping over yourself to play the hero for your precious Wren. I don't have time for your sob story. If you've got any sense, you'll disappear from my sight, or you'll have me to answer to!"However, Trevin just stared back at me, defiance in his eyes."No, my dear wife, you still love me! If not, you wouldn't have handed me over to Wren so easily. You wanted me to be happy, and now, you're the only one who can make that happen!"His words made my stomach turn, so I laid it out plain and simple."You're delusional! I've been counting the days sinc