Semua Bab Opening My Eyes to Reality: Bab 781 - Bab 790

Jessica's face instantly went pale as her fingers clutched tightly at the hem of her dress. She hadn't expected Benjamin to actually come looking for her. And judging by the look on his face, he was here for payback.After a few seconds of silence, she stood up abruptly and reached for his arm. Her tone softened. "I admit I did drug you, Benjamin, but I only did it for us."Benjamin flung her hand away with such force that she stumbled back a few steps. "You drugged me… for us? You disgust me, Jessica."Natalie watched from the side, trying her hardest not to laugh. It really was quite a struggle to hold it in. Clearing her throat lightly, she couldn't resist chiming in, "Ms. Trent, Ben's never been picky, but you practically presented yourself to him on a silver platter, and he still didn't want you. Shouldn't you be reflecting on why that is?"And you even resorted to drugging him? Given Ben's character, even if he slept with you, did you really expect him to take responsibilit

Rowan shook his head. "No need. You can turn in for the night."Britney nodded. "Alright. Just call me if you or Mrs. Mattel need anything."Rowan and Natalie headed upstairs. She grabbed a change of clothes and was about to head to the bathroom when Rowan suddenly caught her hand."Babe, can we… tonight?"After being married for so long, Natalie naturally knew what was on his mind. Her cheeks flushed as she said, "Is that the only thing on your mind? Rowan, you're not young anymore. Shouldn't you restrain yourself a little?"Though she was telling him off with her words, her hand stayed where it was.Rowan's Adam's apple bobbed. His thumb gently brushed over the diamond ring on her finger, its luster warm and mellow, as if steeped in the light of time.His voice dropped low, tinged with deliberate grievance as he slid an arm around her waist, drawing her into him. "You're my wife. Why should I restrain myself?"The warm bathroom light was already on, casting a soft orange glow

When Natalie woke up, the space beside her was already empty, with only a faint lingering warmth remaining. She didn't need to think to know that Rowan had gone to cook chicken noodle soup for her.Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, got dressed, and headed downstairs.She had just stepped out of the bedroom when she heard familiar chatter downstairs, with Wanda's bright, crisp voice mixing with Rowley's calmer tone.She walked down the stairs to the first floor and saw both children already seated at the dining table, ready for breakfast. Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she said, "You two sure are full of energy."Just as she spoke, Rowan walked in with a plate of freshly fried, sunny-side-up eggs. Seeing the two kids, he raised an eyebrow and smiled."Go wash your hands. The chicken noodle soup will be ready soon."The villa instantly came alive with movement and noise.After washing her hands, Wanda excitedly chattered to Natalie about all the things that had happened over the past

Benjamin's voice cut through Cheryl's train of thought as his knuckles tapped on the passenger door. "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go somewhere else."Cheryl hesitated for a moment, then opened the door and got in.No sooner had she closed the door than Benjamin handed her his phone. The screen remained on the viral video, and the comments section was a chaotic mess. Some clickbait accounts had even started digging into the identity of the "mystery girlfriend" that he had been mumbling about.Benjamin turned his head. The chill in his eyes was enough to give anyone frostbite. "In all my life, I—Benjamin Zimmerman—have never been abandoned on the side of the road like that, and I even ended up in entertainment headlines to boot. "Tell me—how exactly do you plan to make it up to me?"Cheryl's fingertips were ice-cold as she held the phone. Benjamin, born with a silver spoon, valued his reputation more than anything. Even though he'd been at the center of plenty of gossip reg

Cheryl turned her head to dodge Benjamin, but the latter held her firmly in place.A low laugh suddenly escaped her, though the humor didn't reach her eyes."I'm self-aware, and I know exactly where I stand in your heart. If you really want to make my life miserable, Mr. Zimmerman, I could always return to the countryside. After working hard for so many years, I've at least got enough to live comfortably for the rest of my life."Benjamin froze for a split second. The violent rage in his eyes subsided slightly, replaced by a flicker of mixed emotions.He released his grip on her neck but kept a tight hold on her wrist. His gaze was cold and cutting as he looked at her.His Adam's apple bobbed as his voice dropped lower. "If I don't let you go, you can forget about leaving Grendale. Stay by my side, Cheryl."Cheryl yanked her hand back sharply and stepped back a few paces to put distance between them. Clear red marks were already forming on her wrist."Stay by your side? And do w