-Corrine-What I went through today left me physically and mentally exhausted. I didn’t know when Andrew would be back after he left me in the bathroom and I was too tired to wait for him to come home.I fell asleep after finishing the dinner delivered by a maid, and when I woke up the next morning, I found Andrew already beside me. He was sitting cross-legged, staring at me with his deep, yet gentle, eyes. “Good morning, baby.” His voice was soft and husky.My eyes blinked slowly. “Morning.” I cleared my throat to get rid of the hoarseness in my voice. “Where have you been last night?”“I had some business to take care of.” He reached out and ruffled my hair. “Get up. I’ll take you somewhere.”“Hm? Where?”“I’ll tell you on the way.” Then he motioned his head towards the wardrobe. “I’ve bought some clothes for you.”After that, he bent down to kiss my forehead. “Come on.” He extended his hand, and I took it, and then he helped me up.I was stretching while yawning and rubbing my eyes

-Corrine-I wanted it. I really, really wanted it. And I knew Andrew wanted it, too.But I didn’t want to do it like the last time we did. I wanted it to be slow, sweet, full of lust yet somewhat filled with affection.“I want it,” I whispered on his lips when he touched mine with his, but he was not yet to kiss me.“But?”He knew the tone I was making and I was happy because I felt that he understood me better than before.“But this time,” my hand crept on his broad shoulder and slowly down to his chest, “I’ll take the lead.”His eyes sparked with excitement and his reaction made me confused. “You… look so happy.” Doubt built up in my stomach. Did I say it right? I didn’t sound like a slut, did I?“Of course I am.” He propped his hands beside my head, holding his weight so he didn’t crush me. His dark blue eyes gazed at me like I was the only beauty in this world. “This dominant side of yours—“ he brushed my nose with his, “—I can’t wait to see it.”He slowly retreated and positioned

-Corrine-I tried hard to hide my surprise because I didn’t want to make Leana happy with my reaction.Even so, it seemed I wasn’t very good at it.“You should get some rest instead of saying nonsense things like that,” I said, forcing a fake smile at her.Her grin grew wider. Even in her miserable state, she was still trying to hurt me and enjoying every second of it. “So you didn’t know? I thought he already told you. Considering you guys are mates and everything.”My chest felt tight. I wanted to yell at her and then run to Andrew and ask him the truth. But I didn’t want to be provoked. I didn’t want to create havoc and give her the pleasure.Bria’s arrival saved my emotions.“Oh, are you awake?” Bria asked when she saw Leana.“Yeah. I just asked Corrine for some water.” Then Leana looked at me again. “Thank you, Corrine.”“No problem.” I smiled back at her, even though inside I wanted to strangle her. “I have to go,” I said to Bria.Bria nodded and thanked me.My feet stepped fast

-Corrine-Did I hear it wrong?Mrs. Ashbridge caught the expression drawn on my face. Then she sighed. “I knew it. Andrew didn’t tell you anything?”Slowly, I shook my head.“He’s just like his father. Likes to keep his problems to himself.” Mrs. Ashbridge folded her arms across her chest and moved her head toward her shoulders. “Come on. Let’s talk somewhere more comfortable.”*The clink of spoons against cups filled the silence of the night. A dim chandelier was lit above the dining table, where I sat. Mrs. Ashbridge was making tea while I stared blankly at the swimming pool through the large glass doors in front of me.This house was not only large but also beautiful. There was a feminine touch I couldn’t find in Andrew’s mansion. It also gave me a kind of warm tranquility.“Here you go.”Mrs. Ashbridge thrust a cup of tea in front of me, then she took a seat on the other side of the table. We both looked at the pool and the moon hanging high in the sky, perfectly round in the sil

-Corrine-Immediately after I posed that question, I regretted it.I shouldn’t have cared about Leana and her spiteful mouth. I should have kept that one thing a secret, or better yet, treated it as a lie and then forgotten about it.My hands were clenched in my lap. Fear gripped me.Time stretched long between my question and Andrew’s answer.“Know that I love you,” he said. His gaze was sorrowful. “I know we’ve just met. There’s not much you know about me, but I love you, Corrine.”“So—“ I swallowed hard. “—is it true?”The world seemed to turn upside down as Andrew said, “Yes.”I couldn’t contain my shock. My body trembled, and my chest tightened. “No—“Before I could move or do anything I might regret later, Andrew held me in place. He grasped both of my hands, placing them on my lap. His eyes locked onto mine.“Corrine, please, listen to me.”“I can’t—““I don’t want to blame you, but you asked for honesty from me... and I’m giving it to you. Now please listen to my explanation,