Chapter 181
Chapter 181
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Yolanda’s body was still weak from the medication. She rested her forehead on lan’s shoulder and said in a husky voice, “What brings you here?”
It was just past five in the morning. ‘Did he really wake up this carly? And even come all the way to this hospital?‘ Yolanda thought to herself.
Ian stiffened all over, his lashes lowering as he paused. “You still remember what happened with Megan’s husband last time?”
Yolanda pressed her lips together and closed her eyes.
Ian pulled her into his arms. “Good thing I got here.”
The fear that had gripped her quietly faded away, and with his familiar scent wrapping around her, Yolanda felt safe. A smile touched her lips. “Ian, I’m not afraid anymore. No matter what happened to me tonight, I wouldn’t blame myself for it. Thank you for coming.”
Ian leaned down, pressing his face into her neck. “But I would blame myself.”
Yolanda felt her heart thump–like a heavy blow softened just for her–but she settled quickly, turning her gaze outside.
The police showed up half an hour later. The young nurse pointed out Eric Long and helped pull the security footage from the hospital cameras.
Yolanda stepped out of the car herself, explained the situation to the police, then looked straight at Eric.
Eric’s face went ghostly pale. He still couldn’t wrap his head around why he’d screwed up. ‘The hospital was deserted at this hour. How did some strong young guy suddenly barge in?‘ Eric thought.
He spat out a mouthful of blood, eyes locked on Yolanda, regret all over his face. “Damn shame. Didn’t get to taste you. I won’t rest easy even in the afterlife. Pretty little thing, what’s your name? Just a glance at you, and you’ve already got me hooked.”
He made no effort to hide anything, even in front of the cops.
The cops all looked sour, and Ian nearly lunged forward in anger.
But Yolanda quickly grabbed his arm. Eric was just some twisted piece of trash–the angrier you got, the stronger he’d think he was.
Best to just ignore him.
She dragged lan back into the car and called out to the officers, “Officer, let me know when there’s an update, alright? I don’t know this guy. Someone must’ve put him up to it.”
Eric licked his lips, eyes fixed on Yolanda like he was trying to bore a hole straight through her.
13:58 Thu, Oct 9
Chapter 181
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Yolanda showed no sign of discomfort whatsoever–her face utterly calm as she shut the car door with a decisive click.
Ian stared quietly out the window, his gaze fixed on the world outside.
Yolanda reached out, gently covering his eyes with her hand. “Don’t waste your energy on him,” she soothed. “Let me find out who’s really pulling the strings, and we’ll settle it then.”
Ian’s hand closed over hers, his voice low and ragged. “Honestly, right now I’ve got murder on my mind.”
Yolanda felt a sharp ache in her chest but managed a soft smile. “Let’s just head home. I’m really okay–I’ve calmed down already.”
Ian headed up front to drive. “Let me get you home so you can rest.”
He took out his phone and, for the first time, messaged Simone to request leave, saying he was feeling under the weather.
A couple of days ago, Yolanda had actually called in sick for him, not Ian himself.
Simone assumed he still wasn’t back to 100%, and since he’d been working so hard lately, she generously gave him another two days off.
Ian took her home, filled the bathtub with warm water, and carefully helped her settle in.
As the heat seeped into her body, Yolanda finally felt alive again.
Ian sat at the edge of the bath, grabbed some body wash, worked up a soft lather with a bath sponge, then gently took her arm and washed her with quiet care.
Yolanda looked at him in surprise. ‘How does he even know this stuff?‘ she thought.
Ian lowered his gaze, face composed. “I watched a video.”
“You’ve never had a girlfriend before?” Yolanda asked.
Ian’s hand froze for a second, but he didn’t say a word.
Yolanda slid further into the water, beads of sweat gathering on the tip of her nose.
Ian sat quietly by the tub, watching as she closed her eyes, her cheeks flushed rosy from the steam and heat.
Her skin was porcelain pale–just the lightest touch could leave a mark. She was a bit spoiled, really, pampered by the Grant Family to be the perfect bride for a prestigious match. On that front, they really hadn’t spared any expense.
Ian felt his throat tighten and his mouth go dry; if he kept looking at her, he’d end up making a fool of himself.
He averted his gaze, swallowing hard. “You shouldn’t soak for more than fifteen minutes.”
13:58 Thu, Oct 9
Chapter 181
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Yolanda kept her eyes closed and let out a lazy little hum, making it clear she’d agreed.
Fifteen minutes later, lan scooped her out of the tub and tenderly dried her off with a towel.
Then, cradling her in his arms, he gently laid her on the bed.
Yolanda felt warm all over, and by the time she realized what was happening, she was already tucked snugly under the covers.
Ian pulled the curtains shut, worried the rising sun might bother her.
Yolanda yawned, feeling utterly exhausted. She’d been tired to begin with, and after the scare, now that she was finally relaxing, she felt even more drained. Her voice was heavy with fatigue.
“If the police call, can you answer for me?” she asked.
Ian stood by the bed, his presence quiet and still, as if he were about to blend into the shadows.
If Yolanda had opened her eyes at that moment, she’d realize just how much his gentle, obedient side and those playful moments didn’t match the intense, almost chilling aura he gave off right now.
It wasn’t until ten in the morning that Yolanda finally came to, still half asleep.
Her phone lay next to the bed, screen lit up with a bunch of missed calls–all from Charles.
She instantly felt irritated. After freshening up and flopping back onto the bed, she spotted Ian coming in, carrying a bowl of congee.
Yolanda gave a little chuckle. “I’m not sick, you know. Why go for the tasteless stuff?”
Ian set the bowl down. “Your husband’s bound to call you back soon. They’ve got professional chefs pampering you over there–bet my cooking doesn’t even come close.”
The whole room seemed thick with that sour, jealous vibe.
Yolanda picked up the bowl, leaned against the headboard, and took a taste. “But this is the best soup I’ve ever had.”
Ian sat down on the edge of the bed, watching her in profile. “Are your sweet words free or what?”
Yolanda took her time finishing the soup, feeling her strength return. “You call that sweet talk?”
“So you save your real flirt game for someone else, huh?” Ian teased.
“Ian, I don’t talk this way with Charles. It’s just you,” Yolanda replied.
Ian’s lips twitched into a brief smile, but he turned his head away. “Like I care.”
Yolanda set the bowl on the nightstand, got up, and started digging through the closet for something to wear. “I gotta head back. Charles was with Joelle last night, so he’s probably feeling all kinds of guilty right now. Maybe he can help me dig up whoever put Eric up to this.”
13:58 Thu, Oct 9
Chapter 181
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Ian quietly watched her get dressed, her gorgeous figure getting hidden under the clothes, not a single flaw in sight.
Unable to resist, Ian squeezed her waist and teased, “Yolanda, seriously, how did your mom manage to make someone as gorgeous as you?”
‘Man, was her mom a genius or what?‘ Ian couldn’t help thinking.
Yolanda paused, actually pondering for a few seconds. “Funny thing is, I have no idea who my mom even is.”
Ian instantly went quiet, his lashes dropping in a heartbeat.
He stayed sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling her into his embrace. “I’m sorry.”
Yolanda arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing at her lips. ‘Why apologize? Seriously, everyone in Beloris knows
I was adopted from the orphanage by the Grant Family,‘ she thought, totally unbothered.
“Alright, I really should get going,” Yolanda said.
“Yolanda, I hate seeing you leave. Honestly, I’d pamper you every single day if I could, but I’m afraid you’ll start to think I’m some kind of weirdo,” Ian said, half–joking, half–serious.
There was a flash of heat in his eyes, and the warmth of his palm, even through her clothes, seemed to set Yolanda’s whole body ablaze.
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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.
