Caleb Thorne, the cold CEO, pressed me against the mirror, his grip tight around my neck. He was lost in a haze of desire, his endearments, “babe,” growing more impassioned with each whisper. Before I met Caleb, I never imagined I had such a wild side. We’d been everywhere – his office desk in the CEO’s suite, in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows at art exhibitions, by the railings of a yacht… Whenever Caleb wanted me, I’d succumb to his every whim. But this time, after it was over, I felt like a discarded rag, carelessly tossed aside. Looking at my disheveled reflection in the mirror, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. Then, I dialed Mr. Blackwood. “That disabled heir from the Hayes family? I’ll marry him.” … “Really?” His voice on the other end of the line was barely able to contain his excitement. “That’s my girl! You always were my good daughter, you…” “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” I cut him off. “I have conditions.” Mr. Blackwood was visibly stunned, a forced smile finally creeping onto his face a moment later. “Of course, darling. Name them, your father will agree to anything.” “We’ll discuss it when I get back.” With that, I hung up. I couldn’t stand to hear that sickening voice a second longer. “Who were you talking to just now?” Caleb walked out, towel-drying his hair, his tone lazy. “My best friend.” My indifferent reply made a flicker of surprise flash in Caleb’s eyes. But he quickly dismissed it. Perhaps I was just having a minor tantrum, and he could easily smooth it over with a few sweet words. But right now, he didn’t have time. “I’m heading out for a bit. Be a good girl and wait for me. I’ll bring you back some gourmet macarons.” Caleb buttoned the last button on his shirt, ready to leave. I let out a cold laugh. “Are you off for ‘business,’ or a date?” “What?” Caleb was busy replying to a message on his phone, a small smile playing on his lips every now and then. He wasn’t even listening to me. “Nothing. Drive safe. Don’t get hit by a car.” I kicked aside the shredded dress and changed into a more appropriate outfit. He looked up, seeing me give him a playful look, and chuckled. “Don’t be silly. I’ll make it up to you when I get back.” As I watched his back disappear, my eyes hardened. Just five hours earlier, at a banquet. I stepped onto the balcony to get some air when I was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace. “Caleb, what are you…” Before I could finish, his hand was already inside my dress. His hot breath on my face made me tremble uncontrollably. “This… this isn’t a good place…” I pleaded, shame coloring my cheeks, but he only intensified his movements. “Sweetheart, if you don’t want anyone to find us, and you don’t want me to ruin your dress, then be a good girl and listen.” The next second, I gave up all resistance, lost in his passionate kiss. The way I whispered “Caleb” in my passion only added to my allure. After it ended. I hugged him, cautiously asking, “Caleb, I’ll be twenty-eight next month. Are you going to marry me?” His body stiffened, his eyes regaining their usual calm and distant look. “Just a little longer, it’ll be soon.” “I’ve already picked out the wedding ring.” He finished, then kissed my forehead. Watching his figure disappear around the corner, a hint of joy spread across my face. I stumbled as I put my scattered clothes back on, then walked briskly towards the private room. But at the door, I heard laughter spilling out from inside. “I never would’ve thought Aria Blackwood was such a slut!” “How else could she be Caleb’s practice dummy?” I gasped, clamping a hand over my mouth, frozen in place. The voices from inside continued. “Thorne, it’s been long enough. You must have perfected your technique by now, right?” “In high school, you liked that girl, and we all offered to help you pursue her, but you insisted on finding someone to ‘practice’ with first, to give her the perfect romance experience.” “Now your first love is coming back. Isn’t it time for Aria Blackwood to make her exit?” Outside the door, my fingertips dug into my palms, I was so tense I didn’t even feel the pain. I was waiting for Caleb’s answer. But the private room remained silent for a long time, until someone couldn’t help but ask: “Thorne, you haven’t actually fallen for Aria Blackwood, have you?” “You’re not getting soft?” Caleb swirled his drink, the emotion in his eyes dark and unreadable. “She’s nothing but a tool I can discard anytime. Does she even deserve me to feel soft?” I felt like a heavy hammer had just struck my heart. I covered my ears, turned, and fled, returning home to bury my face in my pillow and sob. When Caleb came back, he didn’t ask why I was crying. He just forcibly pulled me up, saying he had to punish me severely for leaving without a word. I drove, following Caleb to the airport. I watched him escort a girl in a white dress into a car, the tenderness in his eyes enough to burn anyone who saw it. Finally, he put his arm around her waist and walked into a hotel. Watching his retreating back, my thoughts drifted back to the past. When I first met Caleb, he was a student three years my junior. I was the problem student my professor was desperate to get rid of, while he was the star student my professor adored. My professor introduced us. My first impression of him was simply that he was handsome. But beyond that, I had no other thoughts. Our paths crossed more often because our professor took a hands-off approach. After I graduated, our contact lessened. Until one time, I was heavily drunk, and I felt like I’d been drugged. My head was spinning fiercely. In a panic, I ran into the nearest hotel and unexpectedly bumped into Caleb. That night, as I was about to pass out, that innocent-looking young man became my antidote. The next morning, I woke up and looked at him sleeping, my cheeks burning crimson. It wasn’t shyness; it was guilt. I wanted to pretend nothing had happened and sneak away. But Caleb opened his eyes. “Hey, Professor, you slept with me and now you want to run? That’s irresponsible, isn’t it?” After that, I avoided him. But he, as if he’d discovered a new fascination, pursued me relentlessly. Finally, on a rainy night, he cornered me, his eyes serious: “Aria Blackwood, let’s give us a try?” I hesitated for a long time, but eventually couldn’t resist his wronged yet expectant gaze, and I nodded. We started dating, the kind everyone gossiped about. In our first year, his friends teased, “You two are so in love, when are you getting married?” Caleb replied indifferently, “No rush.” The second year, someone asked again, and he still said, “No rush.” The third year, when asked again, he remained silent. I didn’t care; I could wait. I waited and waited, until I uncovered this truth. Caleb had never intended for us to have a future. The person he truly loved wasn’t me. From beginning to end, I was just a practice dummy. My thoughts dispersed, I’d been waiting outside the hotel for two hours. My hands trembled as I dialed Caleb’s number, wanting to confront him, wanting an answer, but the call never connected. After a long time. I received an unfamiliar text message. [Caleb is too tired, he’s already asleep. Stop calling him.] The sender seemed to fear I wouldn’t believe them, so they also sent a picture of Caleb sleeping. I suddenly laughed out loud, my laughter sounding particularly harsh in the confined car. As I laughed, tears silently streamed down my face. I thought I was loved, and I’d been secretly happy for a long time. But it was all fake. In this vast world, love had only gifted me with hollow joy. From now on, I wouldn’t love anymore. I drove back to the Blackwood family home. Mr. Blackwood rushed to greet me, a wide, uncontrollable smile on his face. “Aria, did you really agree to marry Julian Hayes?” I glanced at Selena Reed, my father’s mistress, sitting on the sofa. I hated that homewrecker who had destroyed my parents’ relationship. But Selena just smiled at me, greed flickering in her eyes. “I told you, I have conditions.” “If you don’t agree, I won’t marry him.” After I spoke, Mr. Blackwood and Selena exchanged a look. Then he eagerly asked, “What conditions? Tell me!” I spoke each word clearly: “I want to sever all ties with the Blackwood family.” Mr. Blackwood’s pupils constricted. “And, I want half a billion dollars as my settlement.” The living room fell into a dead silence. The color drained from Mr. Blackwood’s face. He looked at me in disbelief: “You… what did you say?” “Are you insane?! Aria Blackwood! I’m your biological father!” “Do you think by cutting ties, you’re no longer my daughter?!” I scoffed. “Father?” “Have you ever fulfilled a father’s responsibilities?!” Mr. Blackwood choked. I swept a cold gaze over him: “When you, for the sake of this mistress, forced my mother to cut her wrists and die right in front of me, did you ever think you were my father?” “When you’re forcing me to marry that disabled man from the Hayes family, did you ever think you were my father?!” “What, now that you know my marriage to the Hayes family will bring you immense profit, you suddenly decide to act like a father?” “Don’t you think it’s a little too late?!” “Or, aren’t you afraid I might offend the Hayes family, incur their wrath, and drag you down with me?” I finished, crossing my arms, looking at him with scorn. Mr. Blackwood trembled with rage: “Fine! Sever ties, then! Fine!” “But that half a billion? You can forget about it!” “Alright, then I won’t get married.” I spread my hands, utterly unconcerned. Mr. Blackwood’s expression froze. He finally gritted his teeth and said: “I’ll give it to you!” “But the Hayes family said you have to marry him in two weeks!” I gave a casual nod and started heading upstairs. Selena seized the opportunity and suddenly spoke: “Darling, since Aria is getting married, can my niece move in?” “You know my niece; she lost her parents when she was little, and I’m her only family left.” “She just came back from overseas today and didn’t want to bother me, so she’s staying in a hotel.” Mr. Blackwood stared at my retreating back, raising his voice a few notches: “Is that so?” “Since Aria Blackwood no longer acknowledges me as her father, then let her move out tomorrow, and let your niece move in.” “That way your niece can keep you company.” I paused, my heart aching almost to the point of suffocation. “Perfect. Only a scumbag like you could abandon your own daughter to raise someone else’s child.” I continued upstairs, but Selena hypocritically grabbed my arm, feigning concern: “Aria, how can you talk to your father like that?” “We’re family, isn’t there anything we can’t overcome? If you don’t have the Blackwood family behind you…” I sharply yanked my hand away, looking at her coldly. “What? Do you think just because I’m getting married, you can finally marry this scumbag?” “Let me tell you, don’t dream about it.” “You’ll never escape the title of mistress your entire life!” “You’ll die as nothing more than Mr. Blackwood’s kept woman, never his legitimate wife!” Selena’s face instantly went ashen, and she stumbled back a few steps. She instinctively retorted, “Impossible…” I swept a dismissive glance over her. “Oh really? I’ll be watching.” I turned and walked away, each step feeling like it took all my strength. Only after I slammed the door shut did all my energy drain, my legs giving out as I slid onto the cold floor, burying my face in my knees, letting silent tears soak my arms. The next day, around noon. A cacophony of noise erupted outside my room. “What the hell is going on?” Annoyed, I threw open the door. “What are you doing, all of you! Can’t you keep it down?!” “You must be Aria, right?” “I’m so sorry, Aria, I’ll tell them to be quieter.” Daisy Miller blinked her eyes, feigning innocence, and spoke softly. I froze, my entire body stiffening, unable to move. I hadn’t expected that Selena’s niece, mentioned last night, would turn out to be Caleb Thorne’s beloved first love. This coincidence was truly laughable. “Nice to meet you, Aria. I’m Daisy Miller.” Daisy extended her hand, a sweet smile on her face. I glanced at her hand, scoffed, and turned to slam the door shut. “Aria Blackwood! Have you lost all your manners?!” Mr. Blackwood twisted the doorknob, found the door locked, and angrily pounded on the panel. “Get out! You said you’re cutting ties with me, so what are you still doing clinging on here?!” My nails dug deeply into my palms. I turned, grabbed my jacket from the sofa, pulled out my bank card from a drawer, and haphazardly stuffed them into my suitcase. Daisy’s soft, sweet voice suddenly squeezed through the door crack: “Uncle, is Aria angry?” Mr. Blackwood’s voice immediately softened: “Don’t mind her. I spoiled her growing up; she has no manners, unlike you, who’s so sensible.” “I… moving in so suddenly, it’s only natural for Aria to be angry… It’s just… I’m afraid she’ll resent me forever.” Daisy’s voice carried a hint of grievance. “She wouldn’t dare!” Mr. Blackwood’s voice suddenly rose, then quickly lowered. “Don’t worry, she’s getting married and moving to Northmont City soon. This house will be rid of her.” The suitcase zipper clicked shut. I dragged my luggage towards the door. “Move. Don’t block my way.” My voice was as cold as ice. Daisy seemed startled, instinctively stepping back a few paces, giving me enough room to leave. “Ungrateful daughter!” “Where do you think you’re going?!” “Don’t forget what you promised!” Mr. Blackwood roared. “The moment the money’s in my account, I’ll book my flight to Northmont City,” I replied without looking back. As I passed Daisy, I gave her a fleeting glance, catching a flicker of suppressed triumph in her eyes. Just as I suspected, she and her aunt were two of a kind. Caleb Thorne must be blind to cherish someone like her. News of me being kicked out of the Blackwood home quickly spread. Meanwhile, I was sitting in the most luxurious presidential suite in South City, pouring myself glass after glass of red wine. When I was ten, Mr. Blackwood had an affair, and my mother discovered it. My mother, who loved him deeply, was hysterical, sobbing until she almost fainted. But Mr. Blackwood showed no remorse, openly bringing Selena Reed in and out of the Blackwood mansion. For three whole years, they flaunted their affection shamelessly in front of my mother, deliberately provoking her. Finally, my mother, unable to bear it any longer, took her own life in front of thirteen-year-old me. From that day on, I hated Mr. Blackwood, and I hated Selena Reed. I even almost tried to kill my own father. But I was caught. I was forced to move out of the Blackwood home, attending school alone, eating alone, growing up alone. It wasn’t until I met Caleb Thorne that my loneliness ended. Though it was only for a short year, it left an indelible mark on my heart. I never dared to hope for Caleb, but he had once given me hope. It was only for a brief year, but it was enough to stir a ripple in my heart. I had never harbored wild fantasies about Caleb Thorne, but he had given me hope. The doorbell rang abruptly. I sat on the sofa, my eyes vacant. Hearing the sound, I paused slightly, struggled to my feet, my steps unsteady, and went to open the door. Standing outside was Caleb Thorne. A trace of imperceptible anxiety flickered in his brows, his gaze lingering on my slightly disheveled clothes and swollen eyes for a moment. “Caleb Thorne, you’re here.” I spoke softly, my voice hoarse from crying. Caleb didn’t immediately enter, instead taking in my state, his eyes complex. “Argued with your father again?” His voice was deep. “Got kicked out? What, still didn’t think to come to me?” His words made my nose sting, and my eyes instantly welled up. In the past, whenever I argued with Mr. Blackwood, Caleb would always be the first to find me, take me away from that suffocating environment, and bring me to his place. He would always say, “Aria, why are you trying to tough it out alone again? Why didn’t you come to me?” Back then, I always thought Caleb must be madly in love with me. Although he never said “I love you,” he was always silently by my side, doing many things only someone who loved me would do. Now that I think about it— Love that couldn’t be spoken, was it truly love? He clearly harbored feelings for Daisy Miller, and he was never short of other women. What did that make me? My eyes red, my pent-up emotions exploded. I raised my hand and slapped Caleb Thorne, hard and fast. Caleb clearly hadn’t expected me to act out like that. The crisp sound echoed as my hand connected with his cheek. He frowned, a flash of hurt and anger quickly crossing his face, but he suppressed it the next second. He didn’t hit back, nor did he speak. Instead, he simply wrapped one arm around my waist, lifting me into his arms. I struggled in shock, yelling, “Let me go! Get away from me, you damn scumbag!” Caleb carried me, letting me kick and hit him, and walked straight to the hotel’s large bed. The next day. I opened my eyes with a groan of discomfort. Suddenly, Caleb’s voice, thick with sleep but brooking no argument, resonated in my ears: “Sweetheart, come home with me.” I curled my hands, my eyes lowered, my voice still a little hoarse: “No need.” “Your place… isn’t my home.” “Besides, I’m only staying at this hotel for two weeks.” *In two weeks, I’ll be gone.* I left those words unsaid. Caleb’s brows instantly furrowed, a surge of inexplicable anger rising within him, as if I’d not only refused his kindness but something more. He suppressed the irritation and said lazily: “Suit yourself.” “I was only offering to take you in temporarily because you’re homeless now, out of pity.” Pity me? His words cut like a knife, and my heart gave a sharp pang. An inexplicable cold war began between us. It wasn’t until three days later that Caleb reached out to me, trying to mend things. “Sweetheart…” He had just started speaking when his phone rang with a special notification sound. Caleb immediately pulled out his phone to check it. I caught a glimpse of the contact name: Daisy. [Caleb, it’s been a while. Let’s have dinner together.] After reading the message, he turned and left without a word. As if he remembered something, he left me with a phrase: “Sweetheart, I have some things to take care of. I’ll come find you later.” I watched his eager back disappear, and let out a self-deprecating laugh. Late at night. I drifted off to sleep, but my hands were clutched to my stomach. My stomach was wracked with intense, cramping pain. Cold sweat beaded on my forehead, and my consciousness began to fade. I felt as though I was seeing flashbacks of our time together. Caleb would buy me priceless necklaces and personally put them on me, promising to buy me diamonds for a lifetime. Caleb would light fireworks across the city for three days and nights to celebrate my birthday, smiling as he said he would give me all he had, without reservation. Caleb would make a wish during a rare meteor shower, saying he would stay with me until the end of time, never letting go… His vows still echoed in my ears, but those words were just empty promises he used to appease me. He had never intended for us to grow old together. When Caleb arrived, he saw my pale face. “What’s wrong with you? You look awful!” He rushed forward, helping me up, a hint of panic in his voice. I weakly said, “My stomach… it hurts so much.” “Did you skip meals again?” He frowned, his voice carrying a hint of reproach. I looked at him, the stomach pain making it almost impossible to speak. “Never mind, I’ll take you to the hospital.” With that, Caleb picked me up on his back and started walking out. Halfway there, his phone rang again. Caleb saw it was Daisy calling, and answered without thinking. Immediately, sobs came from the other end. “Caleb, my… my aunt fainted… Uncle isn’t home… I don’t know what to do, can you please come help me?” Daisy’s voice clearly reached my ears. Caleb hung up, his eyes flickering with apology: “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry… something came up with the company… I have to go deal with it right away.” “Can you take a taxi to the hospital? I’ll come find you as soon as I’m done, okay?” “I’ll call a cab for you, it’ll be here right away.” Rain mixed with cold sweat, dripping from my forehead. I watched his car disappear into the rainy night, forcing a bitter smile. The icy rain instantly soaked my clothes, chilling my heart. I waited a long time, but the cab Caleb said he’d called never arrived. I struggled to pull out my phone to call one myself, but my hands were shaking too much to operate it. The intense stomach pain made it almost impossible to breathe; I could only gasp for air. Before I completely lost consciousness, I vaguely mumbled: “It’s a good thing I decided not to love you anymore, Caleb Thorne…” When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a hospital. A nurse informed me that a kind passerby had found me collapsed on the street and brought me in. Just then, Daisy’s voice, thick with suppressed sobs, came from outside the door: “It’s all my fault, I panicked in a crisis and instinctively called for your help, and as a result… Aria… she fainted outside…” “Caleb, how could you come help me first?” “Aria will be so angry when she finds out…” “She already doesn’t approve of me living at the Blackwood family home, now this…” Caleb’s warm fingers gently wiped away her tears. “It’s not your fault.” “Don’t be scared. If she bullies you, I’ll protect you.” His voice was exceptionally gentle, a warmth I had never felt from him. “If I had another chance, I’d still help you.” He murmured, “Who told her she couldn’t even take care of herself? Consider this a punishment.” I clutched my heart on the hospital bed. Just a little longer, and I’d be able to let go completely. One day, I wouldn’t love Caleb Thorne anymore. “You’ve been running around so much, you must be tired.” “Go back and rest.” Caleb softly coaxed her. After a long while, Daisy left with a hint of awkwardness. Once the hospital room door closed again, Caleb finally noticed that I was awake on the bed, staring intently at him. There was no trace of guilt on his face, and he asked as usual, “You’re awake? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” My face was pale, and I shook my head slightly. In the past, learning the truth of him abandoning me would have sent me into a rage, throwing things and chasing him out. But now, I was exceptionally calm, neither crying nor making a scene. Caleb frowned slightly, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Are you angry?” He asked tentatively. I replied expressionlessly: “No.” As if the matter was truly over. I quietly recovered in the hospital, no longer trying to be close to him as before. Caleb, meanwhile, came to see me every day after work. On the day of my discharge, Mr. Blackwood suddenly called. “The money’s transferred to you, and I’ve booked your flight.” His voice was filled with suppressed anger. “Don’t forget what you promised!” A cold smile played on my lips: “Understood.” “Don’t be too upset.” I added lightly, “When I marry, the Hayes family’s betrothal gift is a staggering billion dollars. You’re not losing out.” Mr. Blackwood remained silent, simply hanging up the phone in a huff. When Caleb came to pick me up, he said to me, unprompted: “Aria, I know you’re still angry.” “I’ll take you somewhere fun; maybe that’ll cheer you up?” I frowned, just about to refuse, when he pulled me into the car. The club lights were dim and hazy. Entering suddenly, I felt a little disoriented. “Aria, you’re here!” “Caleb said there was an exciting show, so he invited me along.” Daisy suddenly appeared in front of me, affectionately linking her arm in mine. I paused, a mocking smile twisting my lips. *How ridiculous.* With Daisy here, how could he genuinely try to make *me* happy? But my heart, it seemed, didn’t ache as much as it used to. “Aria…” Daisy’s affected voice interrupted my thoughts. I frowned slightly, then forcefully shook off her hand. “Who’s your sister? Don’t try to claim kinship!” Daisy looked at Caleb with a wronged expression, biting her lip as she explained, “My aunt is your father’s wife, so naturally, you’re my older sister.” I let out a cold laugh: “Your aunt is Mr. Blackwood’s mistress, or rather, his homewrecker. But she certainly isn’t his wife!” “A mistress’s niece, where do you get off calling me your sister?” “It’s laughable!” Caleb saw Daisy’s pitiful expression and couldn’t help but snap: “Enough! Aria Blackwood!” “It’s just a title. Why be so petty?” I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, said nothing, and walked straight to a seat. The two of them sat down beside me. Suddenly, a scream erupted from the stage. Staff pushed out an iron cage, where two adult Tibetan Mastiffs paced restlessly inside. “The special show is about to begin!” the excited host yelled. “Little Chili versus Big Dragon! Who do you think will win?” I frowned deeply. Such bloody fighting and betting shows were common at this club, but I always detested them. Just as I was about to leave, Daisy grabbed me: “Don’t you like watching, Aria?” “I absolutely love it.” I was about to retort when something suddenly went wrong. The latch on the iron cage holding the two Tibetan Mastiffs suddenly came loose. The two mastiffs crashed through the cage door and immediately lunged at the nearest person. The host was the first victim. The scene descended into chaos. I watched Caleb directly bypass me, grab Daisy’s hand, and shield her entirely in his embrace as he headed for the emergency exit. Meanwhile, I stood closest to one of the mastiffs, able to clearly see the drool dripping from its fangs. My eyes filled with terror, and I unconsciously cried out, “Caleb… save me…” Caleb, hearing my plea, merely shot a cold glance over his shoulder, then unhesitatingly protected Daisy and quickly left. The next second, the two mastiffs pounced on me, who was frozen in place. “Ah—!” Excruciating pain tore through me instantly. In a daze, I felt as though I was about to be devoured by the two beasts. “Bang! Bang!” Two gunshots pierced the deadly silence, and the two mastiffs collapsed to the ground. When I woke again, the pungent smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils, and I was back in a hospital bed. The first person I saw was Daisy Miller. “Aria, you’re finally awake.” Daisy feigned concern. “You scared me to death.” I scoffed, propped myself up, my gaze like a knife: “Daisy Miller, Caleb’s not here. Can you really keep up this act? It’s sickening.” Daisy’s lips twitched, and she instantly dropped her pretense: “Aria Blackwood, what are you so proud of?” “Caleb Thorne doesn’t care about you, and you can’t go back to the Blackwood family home. Who are you trying to impress?” “It must hurt, watching him protect me first, right?” She leaned closer, her voice laced with glee: “Too bad those beasts didn’t finish you off.” My eyes suddenly turned cold and sharp as I stared directly at her: “You’re the one who ordered those two mastiffs to be released, aren’t you?” Daisy met my gaze without flinching, a smile playing on her lips: “I did. What are you going to do about it?” “I want you dead. What can you do to stop me?” I slowly raised my eyelids and let out a scoff: “Daisy Miller, you dare to mess with me without checking my background?” “I’m the kind of person who would kill my own father.” Before I finished speaking, I moved suddenly, grabbing Daisy’s head and slamming it against the wall behind her. “Ah—!” Daisy let out a bloodcurdling scream. When Caleb Thorne returned to the hospital room, he saw Daisy lying on the ground, barely conscious. Seeing the situation, he immediately slapped me across the face, his expression livid: “Aria Blackwood! Are you crazy?!” “Just because I saved her first, you tried to kill her?” My eyes were bloodshot, and I forced down the metallic taste in my mouth, hissing, “She tried to kill me with those mastiffs!” “Even so, you can’t kill her!” Caleb roared. His words were like a poisoned knife, piercing my heart. I suddenly let out a desolate laugh. “Since I’ve already done it, Mr. Thorne, how do you plan to deal with me?” “A leg.” Caleb’s voice was as cold as ice. “Then I won’t pursue this matter any further.” I abruptly looked up, my eyes filled with disbelief. For Daisy Miller, he wanted to break my leg? I struggled desperately. But Caleb had already motioned for his bodyguards to step forward and restrain me tightly. “Sweetheart, this is what you owe Daisy.” Caleb’s voice was devoid of warmth. He finished, then picked up Daisy, his eyes filled with anxiety. I stared at his disappearing back, my eyes filled with despair. The rubber baton in the bodyguard’s hand suddenly fell, striking my knee heavily. Excruciating pain instantly spread through my entire body. My vision went black, and I almost fainted. I curled up on the ground, large tears mixing with cold sweat as they rolled down my face. Caleb Thorne was truly ruthless. When I woke again, my leg was in a cast. But I still felt an immense amount of pain. “Have you learned your lesson this time?” Caleb stood by the bed, his voice devoid of any emotion. I kept my lips tightly sealed, ignoring him completely. Caleb frowned deeply, and his lips moved as if to speak. But a nurse suddenly pushed the door open and announced, “Mr. Thorne, Ms. Miller is awake.” He glanced at me. “Wait for me to come back.” With that, he left without looking back. Watching his hurried retreating figure, I softly said: “Caleb Thorne, I won’t wait anymore.” Two hours later. Pushed in a wheelchair by a bodyguard, I arrived at the airport. After sending Caleb Thorne a breakup text, I tossed my phone into a trash can the moment the screen went dark. Then, resolutely, I boarded the flight to Northmont City.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298789”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic
Leave a Reply