Chapter 156
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After leaving Sinclair Group, Yolanda didn’t actually go to Starlight. Instead, she headed straight for the orphanage.
After Joey passed away, William cremated him and picked a spot up on the hill near the orphanage for his
grave.
With Renee like this, it was only a matter of time before she got sent to a rehab center. Maybe that was the only way to give Joey some peace.
Delighted surprise filled William’s eyes as he saw her walk in.
Yolanda noticed that his hair was now completely white. There used to be some black strands left.
Her heart ached as she placed the gifts she had brought on the table.
“Hey William, I’m going to visit Joey later. Would you mind handing these out to the kids?” she said.
William gazed at her for a few seconds before finally asking, a hint of concern in his voice, “Why did you suddenly decide to visit Joey? Yolanda, is something going on?”
“No, seriously, I just had the day off and wanted to come by,” she said.
William waved dismissively and nodded. “Alright then, go ahead.”
Yolanda drove to the graveyard, made her way up the hill, and stopped in front of Joey’s grave.
She still remembered the feeling of Joey dying in her arms, the chill of that moment rooted in the deepest part of her heart.
Tracing her fingers gently over the tombstone, she set the small snacks she’d brought down beside it.
“I’ll come back to see you again when she’s sent to that rehab center,” Yolanda whispered.
She wanted to say more, but words just felt too hollow–it was better to simply show up and do something for him.
By the time she got back to the city, it was already 7 p.m. Instead of returning to Moonbay, she headed straight to Ian’s.
After visiting Joey, she couldn’t bear to see anyone from the Sinclair family.
She crashed onto the couch and was out cold in no time.
She had no idea how long she’d been out when she suddenly sensed someone’s gaze on her.
When she opened her eyes, Ian was sitting beside her on the couch.
She rubbed her eyes and glanced at her phone. Surprisingly, it was already past 10 p.m.
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Chapter 136
Ian asked softly, “Feeling down? You were talking nonsense in your sleep.
Her mind felt hazy, so she just shut her eyes again. “Tan,” she murmured.
lan stiffened all over, then all of a sudden, he leaned down toward her.
Yolanda hadn’t expected him to get so worked up.
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The room was dark. He’d come back and sensed her presence, but he hadn’t turned on the lights, afraid he’d wake her.
Ian paused. “You’re so delicate.”
“Yeah,” she mumbled.
She was still half–asleep, but after a few rounds of that, she was finally wide awake.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Charles calling.
She didn’t pick up.
She could feel Ian moving next to her.
Yolanda frowned, “No way.”
“No?” Ian echoed.
Her phone wouldn’t stop ringing, making her more and more anxious.
Maybe people really do get jumpy when they’re feeling guilty; she suddenly thought she heard the doorbell
too.
At first, she figured it was just her imagination. But as she listened closer, it really was ringing–the doorbell was actually going off.
“Ian, someone’s at the door,” she said.
“Just ignore him,” Ian replied.
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He gripped her waist tight, not holding back for a second.
Yolanda really didn’t stop him.
When it was finally over, an hour and a half had passed.
She never imagined doing something so risky would be this exciting.
It was nothing like she’d ever experienced before.
Ian let out a confident little hum. “I’ve spent ages perfecting this, you know.”
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Chapter 156
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He was never just wrapped up in himself; his eyes stayed locked on her, carefully watching for any sign in her expression.
If she even showed a hint of discomfort, he’d have backed off instantly.
He could totally tell the difference between a quick one–time thing and something that happened on the regular.
Yolanda stared up at the ceiling in a daze, her fingers slid forward and gently locked with his, their hands entwined.
That one gesture spoke volumes, sparking more fantasies than words ever could.
Ian went still, almost mesmerized, then brushed her fingertips with his thumb. “Yolanda, you know, you’ve really got a knack for toying with men.”
When it comes to stringing men along like puppies, honestly, nobody pulls it off quite like you.
Yolanda sat up, her clothes wrinkled but not a trace of him left on her–no marks, nothing visible that would give them away.
She glanced at Ian and said, “I should get going.”
“You sure you don’t want to clean up a bit first?” Ian asked.
His eyes traveled downward and lingered for a moment, a mischievous smirk appearing on his lips.
She just gave a small shake of her head. “No, I’m good.”
She left like it was nothing, no hesitation at all.
Ian let out a laugh, standing in the entryway and biting back his words. “Just use me and toss me aside, huh? No mercy.”
Yolanda cracked the door open and spoke in a soft tone. “I’m not as cold as you think. Don’t sulk, alright? Starting next month, I’ll be dropping by all the time. My husband’s white moonlight is coming back, after all.”
Ian’s eyes lit up, and a wave of relief washed over him.
Yolanda turned, her eyes lingering pointedly on a certain part of Ian that was still far too perky for a goodbye. “Go get some sleep upstairs. Seriously, don’t bother walking me out–you’d never make it past the door like that.”
Ian nodded, unable to help but hook his finger around hers with a sly grin. “Goodnight, then.”
“Goodnight,” she replied softly.
Yolanda closed the door and casually made her way out of the neighborhood.
She had to admit, that little rendezvous really did wonders for her mood. At least now, she was feeling much lighter.
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Chapter 156
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As Yolanda turned the corner and was about to get in her car, a hand suddenly clamped over her mouth and dragged her right beneath a tree nearby before she even had a chance to react.
Her leg was halfway up to kick the attacker, but when she saw it was Leo, she was just instantly at a loss for words.
“What the hell are you-” Yolanda tried to shout, but his hand cut her off, muffling her words.
Her eyes widened in shock. Last time he tried something like this, he was totally drunk, but tonight, there wasn’t even a whiff of alcohol on him.
Once she realized who it was, she slapped Leo hard across the face, then scrubbed at her mouth furiously, even spit twice for good measure, looking absolutely disgusted.
“You’re insane–go get yourself checked!” Yolanda shot back at him.
Leo instantly flew off the handle seeing her reaction. ‘Seriously? I didn’t even give you crap for making out with some other guy!‘
“So now you’re grossed out by me?” Leo snapped.
Yolanda just stared for a moment, then couldn’t help laughing. “That’s not even the issue here, is it?”
‘Has he totally lost his mind?‘ she thought.
“I’m not the one judging you, and now you want to act grossed out by me? God knows how many guys that mouth of yours has kissed–if anyone should be disgusted, it’s me!” Leo spat.
Leo was so worked up his eyes went red. “You smell like crap! It’s just nasty!”
Yolanda took a long breath, absolutely no clue why he was flipping out like this.
She didn’t even bother to look back as she started walking off, sounding utterly fed up. “Perfect. Since we both find each other disgusting, why are you even trying to kiss me, huh?”
“I…” Leo blurted, his face flushing as he struggled for a comeback.
At last, he just snorted out a sarcastic laugh. “Must’ve mistaken you for someone else.”
‘Oh, that explains it,’ Yolanda realized.
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.
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.
