Chapter 147
Yolanda was really tired and fell asleep quickly.
Half–awake, she vaguely sensed someone adjusting her blanket, but she didn’t pay much attention to it.
เวล
When she finally woke up and came downstairs, Charles was sitting there waiting. Lately, he’d been swamped with issues thanks to the Andrade family stirring up trouble, but he made sure to spend an extra half hour at home to look after her. “Make sure you eat a good breakfast. You’ve lost some weight these past few days,” he reminded her kindly.
“Babe, I’m going to stay with Megan for a couple days. Her husband hasn’t been answering any calls, and I’m really worried something bad might’ve happened,” Yolanda said.
Charles couldn’t say no to a reason like that.
He just smiled, gave her a gentle pat on the head, and headed out the door.
As soon as Charles left, Yolanda kept to herself, ate a little, and gave Megan a call.
Megan asked her not to come to the hospital after all.
“Yolanda, I was all mixed up before. I’ll get myself together soon, I promise. About Greg, I owe you an apology -I’m really sorry. I thought it through last night, and I’ll be working on getting better at the hospital over the next few days,” Megan said.
Seeing Megan so firm about it, Yolanda didn’t insist. Instead, she quietly sent fifty grand to Megan’s account.
Megan accepted the money without hesitation–she really needed it right now.
Yolanda drove over to Ian’s place and caught him just as he was heading out.
“Yolanda, remember when Raelyn got replaced? Now the new female lead’s got a dozen key scenes where she needs me to pick up her close–ups. I’ve got to head out to the suburbs for it,” Ian said.
“Let me take you,” Yolanda replied.
She pulled a hat low over her eyes, slipped on a mask, and climbed into the crew van.
Whenever she met up with Ian, she’d always switch to this van halfway there–no exceptions.
When they pulled up outside the temporary studio set in the suburbs, she parked and said casually, “We’re here, go on out.”
But instead of leaving, Ian leaned in close, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. Then his eyes drew down, lingering over the marks that still hadn’t faded away.
Yolanda instantly felt a rush of self–consciousness, a little uneasy under his gaze.
He didn’t rush–drawing out the moment, his movements slow, almost teasing.
9:24 Thu, Oct 2
Chapter 147
Then he looked up at her, smirking. “Those marks are getting faint. Come with me to the back; I’ll make sure they’re nice and fresh.”
Yolanda couldn’t help but laugh. The van was roomy, with adjustable seats, so she slid right into the back, settling into the wide, comfortable seat.
Ian leaned in, slowly lowering the seat until it was almost flat. Then he puzzled his nose against her neck, his breath warm against her skin.
Yolanda frowned, giving his shoulder a playful slap. “Are you a dog or something?”
He just grinned, his lips trailing down to another faint mark, leaving a deeper one in its place.
Yolanda felt her body go soft under his touch, but then she noticed his hand starting to wander.
She took a deep breath and nudged him away. “Don’t you need to go pick up those shots?”
Ian paused, disappointment written all over his face.
He got out, but couldn’t resist glancing over his shoulder every few steps, looking absolutely reluctant to leave -Yolanda watched and couldn’t help but laugh at how lovesick he looked.
Settled in the back seat, Yolanda grabbed her laptop and started messaging Jason Maine about all the
contracts piling up. These days, there were just too many details to handle alone–she had to consult this top- tier lawyer on everything.
Jason was famous in the legal circles, and he never wasted words–his replies were always crisp and straight to
business.
Yolanda skimmed his latest bullet points, then shot back a message.
“Appreciate your hard work, Mr. Maine.”
Jason never answered unless it was strictly about work. He was the kind who did everything by the book, cold and precise whenever he dealt with people–almost like her brother Samuel Grant, except Samuel had a slick businessman’s edge. Jason, on the other hand, was like a flower blooming on a high branch, classy and untouched by all the dirty games in the business world. Rumor had it, every bit of status he had now was built from the ground up, all on his own.
Yolanda was so focused on reviewing the first draft of the contract that she didn’t realize how tired her eyes were getting, lost in her work until the car door finally clicked open.
Ian had wrapped up all his scenes, scrubbed off his makeup, and looked fresh from the shower–his hair still damp and tousled.
As soon as the door closed behind him, he crouched down right next to Yolanda.
She didn’t lift her gaze from her laptop, but Ian didn’t care. He just knelt beside her, planting gentle kisses on each fingertip she’d left resting on the armrest–adoring and playful.
He was so clingy and sweet in that moment, no one could possibly resist it. Her heart just completely melted.
9:24 Thu, Oct 2
Chapter 147
0:-
Yolanda snapped her laptop shut and grinned at Jan. “So, got any fun plans for this afternoon?”
Ian teased, “Shouldn’t you be buried in work after taking over Starlight? Aren’t you crazy busy?”
“I’m here for you today,” Yolanda replied with a smile.
lan let out a soft laugh. “Then I don’t want to go anywhere. I just want to be with you. Is that so wrong?”
Yolanda raised an eyebrow, but before she knew it, Ian had caught her ankle in his hand.
“Now you’ll never be able to leave me,” he teased with a mischievous grin.
Yolanda was rocking a sleek, business–chic look today–her silver stiletto heels shining as she walked. No wonder she didn’t go out with Ian earlier–looking this sharp, she’d draw too much attention as his “assistant.” With that killer aura and those emerald stud earrings, she was the definition of a workplace queen. Nobody in their right mind would think she was just there to run errands for him.
She was dazzling–so striking and elegant it was almost intimidating. Her hair was tied back in a simple low ponytail, the emerald earrings making her look absolutely refined and high–class.
The more Ian looked, the harder it was to look away. He was hooked, falling fast and deep for her.
Ian lightly ran his fingertips over her silver stilettos, lingering on the shine with a teasing touch.
Then he knelt down on one knee, gently lifting her foot in his hand as if she were royalty.
“Time to make a move,” he murmured, his grin full of mischief.
Yolanda blinked, caught off guard—and just in time heard him whisper, “You’re turning every head with that look today.”
Too classy and refined, so flawless it’s almost unreal–like she was a living doll brought to life.
She looked so flawless, it was almost intimidating–too dazzling to stare at for more than a second.
Yolanda arched a brow, feeling that wicked, playful streak deep inside her suddenly awaken.
She rested her chin on her hand, her eyes glinting with newfound interest.
‘Sweet and obedient? Yeah right. If anyone else were here, they’d never buy it,‘ Yolanda thought to herself.
Ian was the only one who could draw out the parts of her she’d buried the deepest–he truly was one of a kind.
Ian glanced up at her a few times, swallowed, and muttered softly, “If you say so.”
Yolanda leaned back, keeping her tone casual. “I’m just tired.”
For some reason, she felt a bit uneasy.
9:24 Thu, Oct 2
Chapter 148
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Part 1: The Discovery of BetrayalYolanda Grant’s marriage was built on patience, sacrifice, and quiet endurance — but that illusion shattered in one night. It was late when she arrived at a dark, empty alley after receiving a mysterious message with an address. At first, she thought it was a misunderstanding. After all, her husband Charles Sinclair — a man of wealth, power, and refined taste — would never lower himself to something so vulgar. But when she saw him holding a young woman in his arms, kissing and touching her like a man possessed, every ounce of denial drained from her. Charles, the proud and disciplined businessman, was cheating — and in a filthy alleyway, no less.Part 2: The Scene of HumiliationFrom the safety of her car, Yolanda watched as the scene unfolded. The woman clinging to Charles was frail, trembling, and emotional, like a flower blooming in the mud. The surroundings — the stained floor, damp walls, and suffocating darkness — mocked everything Charles had always claimed to be. This wasn’t just infidelity; it was degradation. Yolanda’s mind swirled with disbelief. Her husband, who obsessed over class and perfection, had become a man of impulse and dirt. She didn’t confront him or make a scene; she didn’t even cry. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, numb, realizing that her marriage was already over in spirit.Part 3: Two Years of DevotionAs she sat there, flashes of the past flooded her mind. Two years of marriage — two years of her trying to please him in every way. She had known from the start that Charles didn’t love her. On their wedding day, he had made it painfully clear that his heart already belonged to another woman. Still, Yolanda married him out of hope, out of love, out of the foolish belief that devotion could melt even the coldest heart. She gave up her career, her ambitions, and her independence, just to prove she was worthy of him. She cared for him like a nurse for her patient — cooking his meals, planning his wardrobe, and tending to every detail of his life. And in return, she got nothing but distance and silence.Part 4: The Breaking PointNow, watching him entwined with another woman, everything she had built inside her — the patience, the sacrifice, the illusion — collapsed. The man she had once called her husband had become unrecognizable. He had torn off his noble mask and revealed himself as nothing more than a beast driven by desire. Yolanda felt like she’d been slapped, her dignity shattered into pieces. But instead of screaming or crying, she felt an eerie calm. Her pain was too deep to express. All she could think was: This marriage must end.Part 5: Charles’s UneaseWhile Yolanda drove home, Charles suddenly sensed that something was wrong. The headlights of a passing car illuminated his face, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t know whose car it was, but unease stirred in his chest. The girl in his arms whimpered for his attention, but his mind was already elsewhere. Straightening his clothes, he pulled away coldly. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said flatly. “The company’s got big projects. I can’t afford divorce rumors right now.” His words revealed not love, but calculation — every move guided by image and control. The girl, blinded by her feelings, agreed softly, claiming she would wait. But to Charles, it was just another temporary indulgence.Part 6: The Return HomeWhen Yolanda returned home, the villa felt colder than ever. She had just come out of the shower when Charles entered the bedroom, carrying his jacket. He looked as immaculate as always — tall, handsome, commanding — but tonight, his arrogance seemed cruel. On his pristine white shirt, Yolanda noticed a faint smear of pink lip gloss. She had never worn lip gloss; she hated its stickiness. That small, shiny mark told her everything she needed to know. As she dried her hair, she kept her expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.Part 7: The Cold ConversationCharles glanced at her and asked casually, “When did you get back?”“This afternoon,” she replied.He loosened his tie, unbuttoning his shirt as if nothing had happened. “I was out playing golf tonight,” he added. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly. Through the reflection in the window, Yolanda saw the dirt on his back — proof that golf wasn’t the only game he’d been playing. With quiet fury, she shot back, “Then I guess you scored plenty of holes. Congrats.”Her sarcasm caught him off guard. For the first time, he frowned, slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this tone from her — the woman who once worshiped him now sounded indifferent, almost mocking.Part 8: His Cruel ArroganceInstead of apologizing, Charles smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you mad? I told you when we got married that I didn’t love you. If you’re that unhappy, find someone else to cheat with.” His words cut through her like a blade. It wasn’t just betrayal anymore — it was humiliation. He treated her heartbreak as an inconvenience, as if her pain were irrelevant. Inside, Yolanda’s chest felt like it was being strangled with wire, every breath searing. Yet she stayed silent. Her quietness, once a sign of love, now turned into armor.Part 9: The Memory of InnocenceIn that moment, Yolanda’s mind drifted back to when she first met Charles. She was young, freshly adopted into the Grant family, and he was already the picture of perfection — disciplined, confident, untouchable. Back then, she looked at him with admiration and love. To her, he was everything she aspired to be. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this same man would someday make her feel worthless. All those years of love, of marriage, of giving — they now felt like a cruel joke.Part 10: A New Beginning Hidden in the Word “Fine”Charles chuckled when she finally said, “Fine.” To him, it was just another empty threat, another outburst that would fade with time. He kissed her cheek, confident that her love would keep her shackled to him forever. What he didn’t realize was that this time, “Fine” wasn’t surrender — it was goodbye. Behind her calm eyes, Yolanda had already made her decision. The love that once bound her had turned to ash, and from that ash, something new was forming — strength.Chapter 1 ends with Yolanda’s quiet determination to take back her life. She won’t cry or beg anymore. This time, she’ll walk away — not as a broken wife, but as a woman reborn through betrayal.
