The woman who inspected me said I was a once-in-a-century find, a true enchantress in bed, designed for unparalleled pleasure. And so, I was delivered to the most powerful arms dealer in the region, right onto his bed. “No… it’s too much, I can’t take it…” Feeling that terrifying heat, my face went deathly pale with fear. But the man just chuckled, relentless, pushing deeper until there was nowhere else to go. My vision blurred, and my mind went blank. “Don’t worry, your surprise will be unimaginable.” The man bent down, biting hard on my earlobe, his voice a sinister whisper, “Tell me, who’s better, me or Rhys?” … Right after graduation, tricked by a promise of a high-paying job, I was sold into a lawless territory in Southeast Asia. It was pure hell. Every girl there was broken beyond recognition. The moment I arrived at the compound, a group of thugs swarmed me, tearing at my clothes, threatening to live stream their vile ‘entertainment’. Their lewd laughter plunged me into utter despair. Just as I was about to bite off my tongue to end it all, a gunshot rang out. A man’s deep voice declared, “She’s mine.” No one dared to challenge him. Later, I learned his name was Julian. He was the king of this hellhole. On the surface, he was a respected business magnate, but secretly, he controlled half of the region’s darkest dealings. Trembling, I clung to the hem of his pants. For the next seven years, I transformed from an innocent girl into the most venomous rose in his empire. By day, I handled his dirty business, deflecting dangerous threats. By night, I entwined with him, surrendering myself, enjoying a tenderness he showed to no one else. Everyone said Julian adored me, that marrying me was only a matter of time. Until that day. He’d just found his release when he pushed me away, rising from the bed. His voice was as dispassionate as if he were discussing the weather: “Three days from now, at the Gray family banquet, you’ll sleep with Rhys Carter.” “Only if Seraphina sees it with her own eyes will she give up and come back to me.” It was like a bucket of ice water had been poured over my head; my blood turned to ice in my veins. “Seraphina is a germaphobe; she won’t touch anything someone else has touched.” “Here’s a packet of powder. Find a way to get Rhys Carter to drink it. I’ll arrange the room, and then I’ll bring Seraphina to catch you.” Seraphina Gray, the eldest daughter of one of the region’s four powerful families. And his unattainable ideal, the woman he truly loved but couldn’t have. Her heart and soul were only for Julian’s sworn enemy, Rhys Carter. Over the years, Julian had argued with her countless times because of this. The fiercest fight they’d ever had was when Julian took a knife for her. His wound hadn’t even been bandaged, but Seraphina couldn’t wait to rush off to see Rhys Carter. Julian went absolutely ballistic. He, still wounded, went to the compound, looking to vent his rage on some disobedient captives, when he stumbled upon me, about to be defiled. Perhaps to spite Seraphina, he staged a dramatic rescue. From then on, I became his constant companion, his shadow. He wanted to prove to Seraphina that the genuine affection she trampled on was something others desperately craved. The good things she disdained, someone else would cherish. So, after that, with jewels and designer clothes, I lacked nothing Seraphina had. Anything she didn’t have, I had double. At one cocktail party, a spoiled rich kid, drunk, flirted with me. Julian put a bullet through his jaw. He made an enemy of that family, and when ten armored cars surrounded us, he still smiled, reassuring me, “Scared? Next time anyone dares to touch you, I’ll kill their entire family.” From then on, everyone in the underworld knew that the girl by Mr. Julian’s side was untouchable. Hearing it so often, even I started to believe in the illusion that maybe, just maybe, he truly loved me. Until now, seeing the icy indifference in his eyes, I knew the truth. The last spark of hope in my heart shattered. I took the packet of powder he offered, nodding calmly. “Okay.” Julian paused while putting on his shirt, seemingly surprised by my compliance. “You can refuse if you don’t want to. After all, you’re a girl, your reputation matters.” As he spoke, he reached out to pull me into an embrace, but I stepped back, avoiding him. I clutched the powder, my knuckles white. “I’m willing.” His hand hung in the air. He gazed at me for a long moment before shrugging with a faint smile, “Suit yourself.” Then, just like countless times after our intimate moments, he helped me put on my underwear. His hot breath brushed my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “I know you’re easily embarrassed. Just take off your jacket for show, you don’t actually have to go through with it.” He gently stroked my hair, his tone both tender and cruel. “If you pull this off, I can grant you one wish. Anything.” I looked up at his handsome face, a faint smile playing on my lips. “Okay, thank you, Mr. Julian.” As the sun rose, the lingering warmth of the previous night’s intimacy slowly faded to cold. As I turned to leave, he suddenly called out, “Cassie.” It was the same soft whisper he used during our most passionate nights. He stood against the light, his eyes deep. “If you ever fall for someone, tell me. I’ll prepare your dowry… We can part ways amicably.” Seven years ago, at eighteen, Julian rescued me, barely clothed, from the clutches of those monsters. From the first moment I saw him, I knew we weren’t meant for a future together. These seven years I’d had with him felt like stolen moments, a bonus I never deserved. I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and forced a smile. “Okay.” Perhaps out of guilt, Julian splurged at an auction, buying me a pair of exquisite jade bracelets. As he was putting them on my wrist, Seraphina burst in, crying. She shoved me aside. I fell to the ground, the bracelets shattering, leaving a ghastly gash on my arm. “Rhys Carter said he hates me!” Her face streaked with tears, she cried, “He actually had his bodyguards throw me out!” Normally, if anyone dared to touch a hair on my head, Julian would make them wish they were dead. But at this moment, he merely glanced at my bleeding hand, then gently cupped Seraphina’s face, wiping away her tears. “After all these years, you still haven’t given up?” he scoffed. “Rhys Carter left the country just to avoid you, and you chased him abroad without an ounce of shame.” Seraphina angrily hit his chest. Julian’s expression darkened, then softened as he coaxed, “Chasing a man requires strategy. Throwing yourself at him like that will only make him look down on you.” Seraphina pouted, hurt. “Then what should I do?” Julian’s lips curved into a smirk as he looked at me. “Rhys Carter loves your rosewater pastries the most. Go prepare some, and say Miss Seraphina specially learned to make them for him.” Although Julian and Rhys were bitter rivals, their families had long-standing ties, so they maintained a facade of civility. Rhys Carter would always visit Julian’s estate whenever he returned to the region. The meals served to him were always prepared by my own hands. He had praised my cooking more than once. I thought, perhaps this was also why Julian believed I could get Rhys Carter into bed. As I got up to prepare, I heard Seraphina’s harsh sneer, “Is this the trash you picked up from that dirty place?” “Weren’t you treating her like a treasure, holding her in the palm of your hand? Now you actually dare to order her around?” Julian chuckled softly, “Are you jealous? Marry me, and everything she has will be yours.” “Forget ordering her around; she can be your maid if you wish.” My heart felt as if it had been pierced by a sharp blade, the pain so intense it almost suffocated me. In the kitchen, the maids who used to flatter me now bowed their heads, pretending not to see me. Everyone understood: I was out of favor. I arrived at Carter Corp. I walked straight to Rhys Carter’s office without any obstruction. Unlike Julian’s domineering, oppressive presence; Rhys Carter was coolly aristocratic, his shirt meticulously buttoned to the collar, his suit impeccably tailored. There was no trace of the ruthless killer he was rumored to be. He was looking at documents when I entered, appearing even more distant and cold than three years ago. His trembling subordinates quietly retreated. I hesitated, then spoke, “Mr. Carter…” “Get out.” His voice was devoid of hesitation, but then he saw me and abruptly stopped. “Julian sent you?” “It was Miss Seraphina. She heard you love rosewater pastries, and specially…” Before I could finish, he suddenly pulled open a drawer and took out a red velvet box. He rose and walked directly towards me. I thought he was leaving. Just as I was about to ask him to stay, he handed me the box. “Is this for Miss Seraphina?” I asked, bewildered. “It’s for you.” Rhys Carter took out a necklace from the box, reached around, and fastened it around my neck himself. I stood there, stunned. He used to send me gifts, but I always thought it was out of respect for Julian. As I left, I cautiously asked, “Mr. Carter, Miss Seraphina’s birthday banquet in three days…” “Do you want to see me there?” he interrupted, asking instead. I instinctively nodded. A smile touched his lips. “Good. If you want to see me, I’ll definitely be there.” My heart fluttered, and I almost fled in a panic. Just outside the Carter Corp doors, I bumped into Julian, who was rushing over. His expression was tense. He grabbed my arm, pulling me closer. “Why did delivering a simple package take so long? Did Rhys Carter give you trouble?” His gaze fell on the necklace around my neck, and his face instantly darkened. “Mr. Carter sent it…” I whispered in explanation. Julian ripped it off immediately. I cried out in pain. Then, he ordered his men, “Buy ten identical ones and send them to Mr. Carter. My woman never wears gifts from other men.” Julian was angry. But I didn’t understand why he was angry. Wasn’t Rhys Carter showing interest in me exactly what he wanted? Back at Julian’s estate, Julian roughly pulled me, pushing open the door to a guest room. Meeting my questioning gaze, he irritably loosened his collar. “Seraphina will be staying here for a few days. She liked your room, so you can make do here for now.” I nodded, silently beginning to pack my belongings. In my ears, he was cursing Rhys Carter’s despicable character, accusing him of stealing his woman. Suddenly, he stopped talking. I looked up and met his deep, penetrating gaze. I knew that look all too well; he would always stare at me like a hungry wolf when desire stirred within him. “Mr. Julian, you should go back,” I quickly said. “Miss Seraphina is waiting for you in her room.” He didn’t listen. He simply took off his shirt. “Did Rhys Carter agree to go to the birthday banquet?” “Yes.” Julian’s movements paused. After a long moment, he said, “Remember, it’s just an act. Don’t let him actually touch you.” On the night of the banquet, getting close to Rhys Carter was easier than I’d imagined. The notoriously cold and aloof underworld figure seemed to have no defenses against me. “Try this.” I handed him the juice I had drugged. Rhys Carter was about to drink when he suddenly looked up at me. “Have you thought this through?” My heart leaped, but I pretended not to understand what he meant. Watching him drink it all, I helped him up and led him to the suite upstairs. My hands trembled uncontrollably as I took off his clothes. “Cassandra.” He suddenly opened his eyes, which seemed to burn with a fierce fire. His body was scorching hot, the heat radiating through our touching skin, threatening to melt me. I frantically tried to escape, but he pulled me into his arms. “Mr. C-Carter…” Rhys Carter’s intense gaze locked onto me, like he was assessing his prey. Suddenly, he cupped my chin and kissed me hard. It was wilder, more brutal than any kiss Julian had ever given me, with a suffocating invasiveness. I instinctively struggled, but then my mind flashed back to that day in the compound, to my utter despair. It was Julian who appeared in time, giving me a second chance at life. Fine, I thought. Consider this repaying his kindness. I closed my eyes, letting the man have his way with me. Rhys Carter’s kisses moved lower, leaving crimson marks on my collarbone and chest. My body slowly awakened. I gradually lost control, hearing only the pounding of my heart and the soft sounds of our mouths. It wasn’t until a sharp sting brought me back to reality that I realized things were spiraling completely out of control. One passionate encounter. Rhys Carter still wouldn’t let me go; he had drunk every last drop of the drugged wine. The effects of the drug would likely last for a long time. Sure enough, the next second, the man kissed me deeply again. I tried to break free. But suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the door. The door was violently kicked open from the outside. My body stiffened, and I instinctively held the man tighter. Rhys Carter also reacted, immediately pulling the blanket over me. But… it was already too late. Seraphina’s scream pierced the air: “You… you actually!” Julian stood in the doorway, his face terrifyingly dark. He stared fixedly at my exposed shoulder, his hands clenched into fists. But in the end, he said nothing, turning to chase after Seraphina. Only the gawking guests remained, pointing and whispering: “Is that Mr. Julian’s kept woman? She dared to sleep with Mr. Rhys.” “I heard Miss Seraphina was going to confess her feelings to Mr. Rhys today, and this ruined everything.” “She’s just a cheap whore from the criminal compound, easily seducing any man.” The cruel whispers rose and fell. Rhys Carter swept a gaze over the crowd, and they immediately fell silent. After the door closed, Rhys Carter’s aura instantly turned cold. He slowly and deliberately buttoned his shirt, as if the earlier passion had never existed. I knelt quietly on the rumpled sheets, awaiting the judgment of this terror of the underworld. Unexpectedly, my heart was eerily calm. It felt like I had finally unburdened myself of a heavy load. Whether Rhys Carter wanted my life or to make me wish I were dead, I would accept it. “Cassandra,” he suddenly said, “let’s get married.” I looked up in shock, only to see his eyes darkened. “The Carter family rule is that a man, apart from his wife, cannot touch other women.” I had no right to refuse this marriage. After the scandal broke, Carter Corp’s stock plummeted. Rhys Carter couldn’t let it go unaddressed. I didn’t know what methods he used to pressure Julian’s family. Even with their fear of Julian’s ferocious and ruthless nature, they could only hide the truth from him and give me the title of “an adopted daughter of the Julian family.” They put me in a wedding dress that very night, hastily arranging a wedding no one blessed. But everyone had worried too much. After that night, Seraphina was devastated, threatening to become a nun. Julian stayed by her side, not caring in the least about my fate. On the customary post-wedding visit, three days after the wedding, Rhys Carter suddenly said, “Julian has proposed to the Grays for Seraphina.” My fingers dug into my palm. It took me a long moment to squeeze out the words, “Mr. Julian finally got what he wanted… that’s good.” Rhys Carter stared at me intently for a long time. He suddenly reached out, and I reflexively flinched. “We’re in the car…” His fingertips hovered in the air, catching a single tear.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298586”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic
Leave a Reply