جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 1650

Mark was instantly startled and had mixed emotions running in his mind. In the end, Shelly had still lied to him and told Arianne everything. Mark took a deep breath. “Don’t be ridiculous. There’s absolutely nothing going on between me and Saoirse. How could I possibly do such a thing? So what if we have the same scent on our bodies? My aunt’s the one who changed all of my body soaps and shampoos; you should know that I have never been bothered with that. Fine, I swear to you that if I really have something going on with Soairse, I’ll be struck by lightning. Is that enough? My aunt’s the one who arranged the matchmaking, and we’ve only met once, so the meeting in the office this morning would be the second time we’ve met each other. What have you been thinking this whole time?”Arianne glared at him. “Why would you be meeting her father if you weren’t willing to? Does Shelly have something on you to be able to threaten you again this time? Then, if she threatens you into remarrying ne

Arianne could not, for the life of her, leave Shelly be without a comeuppance for forcing Mark into seeing another woman.She mulled over her options for a while before saying, “You’re invited to enjoy me, but on one condition: you have to stay for the night. Do that, and you’ll have me. If you can’t, though? Oh, well. Your loss. Think wisely… Don’t say I never gave you a chance.”Mark narrowed his eyes as he considered her, a cryptic half-smile hanging on his lips. “You’re rather vindictive, aren’t you? But… I’m happy to oblige. Tonight it is, then. Can’t see why I should be afraid when you’re not,” he teased. “Besides, my aunt is squarely in the wrong here, and there’s not even a shred of doubt of it.”Shelly lied to him. She had promised him to never let Arianne know about his “meeting” with Saoirse, only to betray it. If Mark did nothing in retaliation, he would be setting himself up to an even worse future going forward.They waited for almost two hours before Mary finally ret

Mary’s rant ended up showing the last piece of the puzzle in Arianne’s head.“She’s trying to carve a unique place for herself in Mark’s life!” she proclaimed. “She wants to prove that only she can provide unique contributions to him, that she alone occupies a status and a niche that no one else in Mark’s circle can fill. That’s why she keeps trying to dictate his life. All of the things she experienced in her life forced her into despair that she ended up channeling her self-worth and reason to live into the child she was denied, thus creating and fomenting an obsession in her mind. Even if we let her do whatever she wants, it won’t sate her. In fact, it’ll only encourage her to up the ante, because what we’re dealing with isn’t just any kind of motherly impulse—it’s a hunger she had suffered for decades, and it’s impossible to fill.“What is it that she really wants? It’s to make the whole world acknowledge that Mark is her son, and as her son, he must obey her every wish as his mo

Mark left her home to work the first thing in the morning. Arianne, who was so exhausted by his carnal rampage last night, was unable to get up. In the end, she skipped work and slept all the way till afternoon.When she finally woke, Mary served her a mysterious broth-like drink. “Come, dig into this special soup. Lunch’s up after this!”Arianne sniffed it and caught a soft aroma not unlike that found in herbal alternative medicine. “What’s with this soup? It’s giving me this weird vibe…”Mary snickered. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just a soup added with several herbs and spices that is traditionally meant to replenish your energy. No offense, but your body is pretty poo-poo, Ari! Though I think we should do the same thing for Mr. Tremont when he returns, too. It’s just good for the body,” she explained, before adding, “By the way, have you got plans later this evening? If you’re free, I’ll have to pass you the job of watching Smore in my place. I’ve got some business to do later, but I’ll

Saoirse examined her freshly-made manicure nonchalantly. When she spoke, her tone was markedly devoid of the respect she used to reserve for Shelly. “Yea, I’ve talked to her. So? Listen, Mrs. Leigh, don’t ever call me about this ever again. Mr. Tremont never wanted to divorce Mrs. Tremont, did he? Which is why even now, they live as though the divorce never happened. They’re always meeting each other whenever they can. So, why did you ask me to stir up something to get Mrs. Tremont kicked out of the company? Were you trying to get me into trouble? No one crosses Mr. Tremont. What’s a quicker way to incur his wrath than to hurt his lady?“With all due respect, Mrs. Leigh, you’re completely on the wrong side of things here. You yourself knew better than to piss Mr. Tremont off, so you tried to sacrifice me instead. You only see me as a pawn, don’t you? And even if I manage to marry Mr. Tremont in the future, should I be expecting you to concoct some new schemes to kick me away if I don’