Chapter 178
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If lan had said something like that, Yolanda would’ve definitely thought he was being flirty or up to something. But since it was Leo, it really was just about drinking water, nothing more.
Yolanda stared at him, totally confused for a second, then got genuinely pissed. “What’s wrong with you, seriously? Why should I care if you can drink water or not?” she shot back, and stomped hard on his foot.
Leo winced in pain and quickly stepped back.
Yolanda hurried off toward the light, wanting to put some distance between herself and Leo.
‘Seriously, what is his problem? If he wants to drink water, just go do it – why act all strange and get mad at me for no reason?‘ Yolanda couldn’t believe it. This was just plain ridiculous.
She swung herself into her car, and instead of heading back to Moonbay Estate, she drove straight over to Ian’s place.
It was pretty late–she had no idea if Ian was even home yet.
She drove into the complex, checking her rearview mirror with a nagging feeling that someone was tailing her.
She pulled up outside the villa and was about to open her door when the car behind her rolled to a stop too.
Yolanda frowned, hesitating to get out. She wanted to see who exactly was following her.
The two cars were more than hundred meters apart, and with the streetlights so dim at this hour, she couldn’t really make out the driver–though the silhouette did sort of resemble that crazy Leo.
“No way, Yolanda thought. ‘I’ve been to Leo’s place before, and this is definitely not it.‘
Yolanda stepped out and unlocked the door with a tap, and as soon as the lights came on, someone wrapped their arms around her from behind–someone she immediately recognized.
She caught Ian’s familiar scent and relaxed. “Did you have dinner yet?” she asked.
He had said he had things to do tonight, but only just now returned—so late.
Ian shut the door, crouched down and gently slipped off her shoes. “Not yet. I figured you’d be asleep,” he said.
He expertly fetched her slippers from the cabinet by the entryway and placed them in front of her.
Yolanda was so used to his pampering that she slipped the slippers on out of habit, but couldn’t help feeling a little anxious. “So what do we do now? Should I just order something light for a midnight snack?”
Ian had just finished changing his own shoes when his eyes fell on the cut at the corner of her lips. His face immediately darkened.
Yolanda’s heart skipped a beat, and she guiltily reached up to touch her mouth. The scab was hard to miss,
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Chapter 178
even she had to admit that much.
F:
“That bastard Charles, seriously,” Yolanda muttered to herself with a huff, letting out a sarcastic laugh.
She grumbled and strode deeper into the house.
Jan followed right on her heels like a loyal puppy, sticking close behind her every step.
icher
Yolanda instantly regretted coming here. She should’ve just crashed at a hotel tonight. Ian wasn’t just clingy like a puppy–he was smart, way too sharp to miss the nerves she was trying to hide.
He didn’t call her out on it, though–just settled on the couch, shut his eyes, and that pale, sickly look barely budged from his face.
“Yolanda, I’m hungry,” Ian said, sounding a little pitiful but hopeful.
“What do you want to eat? I can order something,” Yolanda replied, already unlocking her phone.
She scrolled to the food delivery app but paused, worrying takeout wouldn’t be healthy. So she set her phone aside. “You know what, I’ll make you something instead. How does noodles sound?”
Ian’s eyelashes fluttered, his lips curled up, and he let out a faint, almost stubborn huff.
That was him pretending not to care, but he obviously wanted to eat.
Yolanda headed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and sure enough, there were some fresh veggies inside.
Ian just sat there with his eyes closed, not making a scene or trying to get her attention.
It took her around twenty minutes to put together a comforting bowl of noodles. When she brought it out, the soup was clear, topped with a golden fried egg and a few tomato slices, all swimming in a rich broth she’d picked up her last time here.
“Come over and taste it,” Yolanda called out, setting the bowl on the table.
Ian slid into his seat, and the second the aroma hit him, he realized just how hungry he actually was.
He grabbed his fork, took a big bite, and warmth spread through his chest. Ian couldn’t help a small smile. “Okay, you’re forgiven,” he said, sounding thoroughly satisfied.
Yolanda knew exactly what he was getting at, but she still asked, “Do you want some fruit?”
Ian took his time finishing the noodles, then shot her a possessive look. “You’re not allowed to make this for anyone else, you hear me?”
Yolanda nodded, about to say something else when her phone buzzed. It was Mary calling.
Starlight had been getting hounded by online trolls and aggressive fans for days. That night, Mary went back to the office for some files and got ambushed by a group of extreme fans who mistook her for Yolanda. They’d harassed her for more than ten minutes until the police finally showed up and got her to the hospital.
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Chapter 178
Mary hadn’t really wanted to call Yolanda—she didn’t want her worrying too much. But with surgery. scheduled in an hour and nobody else to stay with her–her husband was out of town on business, and the kids were off with friends–she had no choice but to make the call.
Yolanda immediately got up and, with a caring touch, gently mussed Ian’s hair. “Go ahead and finish your food, then get some rest. You’re looking pretty pale. Something’s happened at Starlight and I need to go check on things.”
Ian was always supportive when it came to her work, never the type to make it harder for her. He gave her a slow, understanding nod.
Yolanda couldn’t help feeling guilty, though–especially since lan had just gotten out of the hospital today.
“Ian, I got these new earrings for you. And this necklace–it’s a matching set for us,” Yolanda said, pulling out the gifts she’d ordered a few days back.
She’d had them delivered here instead of Moonbay Estate–no way she was risking the staff gossiping to
Charles.
Ian flicked his gaze over the earrings for a couple seconds, but then his focus landed squarely on the couple’s necklace.
Yolanda fastened the men’s necklace on him, then slipped the women’s one around her own neck and tucked it away under her shirt.
Ian glanced at the necklace, then hauled her straight into his arms.
“Wow, you’re acting just like one of those guilty scumbag husbands who cheats and tries to fix it with gifts,” Ian teased with a wicked grin.
Yolanda pretended to take off the necklace, but Ian just held her tighter and leaned his chin on her shoulder. “What, are you mad at me?” he said in a coaxing tone.
She wasn’t mad, not at all. If anything, she truly felt bad for not treating Ian as well as he deserved.
Ian dropped his lashes, exuding that frail, sickly vibe he always had lately–his waist and abdomen were still pretty messed up.
Yolanda thought for a second she might’ve imagined it, but there really was a smoky scent clinging to him- not cigarettes, but something burnt and raw, like charred wood or ashes.
“Where the hell did you go tonight?” she pressed, her eyes narrowing in worry.
“Just met up with a friend. Stay with me for half an hour before you go, okay?” Ian said, sounding so soft and needy it was almost a whine.
Yolanda still had half an hour to spare, so the moment she nodded, Ian tugged her upstairs to the balcony.
Inside, all the lights were off, and the balcony was lit by nothing but a dim lamp.
These villas had a great layout–plenty of space between each one. Even if they did something out here, none
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Chapter 178
of the neighbors would notice, unless someone was a total creep with binoculars.
Yolanda was pushed up to the elegant Roman railing, her back to lan.
He rested his chin on her shoulder, cupped her face in one hand, and kissed her fiercely.
Her back was to the rest of the world–every look she made was for him alone.
Ian rubbed her back gently, his voice low. “So… what happens next?”
20
Sweat dotted Yolanda’s forehead, her breath was hot and her throat burned, but she just buried herself in his chest without saying a word.
After this kind of moment, she just melted in his arms, not even wanting to lift a finger.
Ian was gently tapping her back with his fingertips. “I just love it when you’re like this,” he said, sounding utterly pleased.
It wasn’t the first time he’d made that comment.
Once Yolanda caught her breath, she finally spoke up, “How about next time we actually go all the way?”
Ian stiffened all over, lowering his lashes as something flashed quickly across his eyes.
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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.
