Chapter 199
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Chapter 199
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Yolanda’s cheeks flushed with anger as she grabbed a bottle of water from the side, opened it, and took a sip.
“Leo, are you really that immature?” she snapped.
No way it was actual poison. He was just messing around-typical Leo, always pulling pranks like this ever since they were kids.
Leo felt a tightness in his chest as he watched her continue to drink, as if he’d actually given her something dangerous.
A few droplets of water clung to her lips, sparkling like tiny crystals.
Standing just outside the window, Leo could catch the faint scent she wore-soft and sweet, tugging at him as if an invisible hand was drawing him closer.
With the way she looked now, she was every bit as dazzling as a blooming peony.
He wanted to taste her, wanted so badly to kiss her-to reach out and feel her warmth.
He longed to touch her, to pull her close.
But just as he was about to move, her phone rang again.
Yolanda immediately hit answer, didn’t spare Leo a glance, and said, “Yeah, I’m in the lounge. I’ll be right
back.”
Without another word, she turned and walked off.
Leo lingered outside the window, only moving once the trace of her sweet scent finally faded from the air. Then he lowered his gaze to his fingertips.
He remembered how, while pinching that little flower and slipping it into her mouth, his fingers had accidentally brushed against her lips.
He absently rolled his fingertips together, lost in thought, when a voice suddenly cut through. “What are you doing here?”
Leo jumped, whipping around to find Xavier standing there. He scowled. “Damn, are you some kind of ghost? How come you walk without making a sound?”
Whenever someone is feeling guilty, they always end up making a big deal out of everything-acting loud just to cover it up.
Xavier’s scalp tingled with frustration. He snapped, “Leo, I’ve been holding back for ages. You were just glaring at your hand like you were possessed or something. Maybe I should bring in a couple of shamans to exorcise whatever’s gotten into you?”
Leo kept his head down and walked away, his fist still clenched tight, not saying a word-‘Why am I even
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getting worked up over this?’ he thought.
“Leo, seriously, you’ve been acting off lately,” Xavier blurted, sounding half annoyed, half worried.
They’d always been tight-practically grew up joined at the hip-so Xavier could tell in a heartbeat when Leo wasn’t himself.
Back in the day, even if his car got towed, he’d just call to curse a little and get over it. He’d never hole up at home and ghost everyone like this.
If the Lawson family weren’t this stressed out about him, they wouldn’t have basically begged Xavier to get Leo out of the house today.
By the time Leo got back to his private room, he was about to say something when he spotted Ian across the
way.
Ian had a mask and a hat on, but his style was always unique-cold and cool, always keeping everyone at a distance.
Leo thought, ‘He’s here for Yolanda!’
He instantly bristled, glaring at Ian with barely concealed jealousy and irritation.
Xavier followed Leo’s gaze and saw a young guy with an impressive physique. He definitely didn’t look like one of their crowd.
“Who’s that?” Xavier asked.
Leo wanted to snap back, ‘That’s Yolanda’s little boyfriend—always hanging around, drinking her water like he owns the place.’
He was still pissed about that stunt Ian pulled on the balcony the other day, putting on a show just to rub it in Leo’s face.
‘Damn it! What a sneaky bastard!’ Leo fumed to himself.
Leo could feel his scalp prickling with fury; he was about to charge over there, but Xavier grabbed his wrist. “Seriously, Leo? Ready to cause trouble again?”
The whole drama with Tony had only just died down, and for the first time, Xavier realized just how savage Leo could be when pushed.
“So what did he do to piss you off? Give me the details-maybe I can help you sort it out,” Xavier said.
Leo snapped back to reality. ‘Hold on-what did lan ever do to deserve all this?’ he realized.
Nothing.
He honestly had no idea what was wrong with him, just knew every time he thought about Ian and Yolanda together, nothing felt right.
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Xavier lowered his voice, sounding half warning, half exasperated. “The girls are still waiting for you in the lounge. Quit acting out, man-if you keep this up, Mom and Dad might just set you up with someone for real, just to make sure you stop running wild every day.”
Leo wilted, feeling totally defeated. He shot one last, reluctant glance at Ian’s side of the room before finally turning away and heading back to his private suite.
Ian could feel Leo burning holes into him with that stare, but he didn’t bother to look up. Like, obviously, he already knew who was glaring.
Just another spoiled brat who can’t handle losing. Someone gets triggered the moment their crown slips, Ian thought, barely bothered.
‘Honestly, why get worked up? Sure, I may be the “other guy” now, but Charles-what a joke. The so-called “main dude” is such a blockhead, he’s gonna get dumped soon enough.’
To be real, Ian was the one in charge now-if anyone deserved main character energy, it was him.
‘Yolanda’s only ever going to have me. Leo? Let him keep losing his mind in whatever dark little corner he crawls to, Ian smirked to himself.
He let out a soft, mocking laugh.
But even though Ian tried to act chill, he wasn’t comfortable at all-he really hated when too many people had their eyes on Yolanda.
Lately, she’d been downright irresistible—everything she did just grabbed everyone’s attention.
‘Damn, this is getting on my nerves,’ Ian thought, his eyes growing darker for no obvious reason.
As soon as he stepped into the private suite, the boiling mix of frustration and jealousy in his chest finally started to settle. Ian sank into his seat in silence, letting that storm inside slowly fade away.
Megan already knew what was going on in Ian’s head, especially after witnessing him steal a kiss from Yolanda. For some reason, she couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward now.
The food at this place was amazing, and Megan hadn’t had a chance to visit before. Not wanting things to stay so tense, she tried to lighten up the atmosphere by suggesting they have a drink.
She ordered a couple bottles of pricey wine and gave Yolanda’s shoulder a little nudge.
“Yolanda, you don’t mind, right?” Megan asked, a little anxious.
Yolanda smirked. “I’ve got a black card.”
Megan let out a playful hiss. “Charles might be a total scumbag, but at least he’s not stingy. Time to go all out and treat myself,” she grinned.
She ordered a few bottles of wine that cost over 30 thousand dollars each. Once the drinks arrived, she filled everyone’s glasses to the brim.
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“Drink up! Yolanda, Ian! Here’s to my freedom-let’s celebrate my divorce!” Megan raised her glass high.
Her eyes grew red as she spoke, and she quickly brushed away her tears. “I’m finally out of that draining marriage, and from now on, we’re all going to make it big in this scene! Ian, you’re destined to be a superstar. Yolanda, you’re going to run the show. And me? I’ll always be your sidekick, handling whatever you need! Our unbreakable trio-nothing can tear us apart!”
Yolanda reached out for a toast, giving Ian a look. Only then did he finally follow her lead and join in.
The three of them knocked back their drinks, finishing every last drop.
Megan was clearly feeling it. She knocked back three more drinks, then collapsed over the table, totally letting loose. “I’ve learned the hard way-never trust a guy’s so-called kindness. One day they’re sweet, next day it’s gone. From now on, I’m only chasing money and hotness, nothing else matters! If I ever catch feelings again, just strike me down, seriously-let lightning take me out! I really did myself dirty, getting stuck with Greg when I was barely grown. Didn’t even get the chance for some wild fun…”
With her head buried in her arms, Megan kept mumbling her woes, every word turning into messy sobs. Eventually, she cried herself out and just passed out on the spot.
Yolanda’s head was spinning too-the wine had hit her hard.
She propped her head up with one hand and turned to Ian. “There’s a hotel upstairs. Can you get a room for Megan? She just got her divorce papers today, and she’s pretty emotional.”
Ian nodded, used Megan’s ID to check her in, then he and a staff member escorted Megan up to her room.
But as he stepped back into the hallway, he spotted Charles waiting there.
Charles had his arm snugged around Yolanda’s waist, looking impossibly suave in his suit. He let out a teasing chuckle, “Trying to be like the cool kids and sneak out for drinks now, huh?”
Yolanda wasn’t totally smashed, just a little fuzzy-headed. She blinked up at him, her words soft, almost dazed: “Who spilled and told you I was here?”
Charles gave a sly little grin. “Leo gave me a call,” he said.
‘Leo went out of his way for me? Yeah, right.’ Yolanda thought, her mind slightly hazy and suspicious.
Yolanda didn’t say a word, just let herself ease into Charles’s arms, head still spinning and staying still.
She carried a subtle scent with her-not perfume, but the clean, comforting fragrance of her shampoo. It was understated, yet completely captivating.
Charles couldn’t hold back anymore. He suddenly pinned her against the wall, lowered his head, and kissed her hard. “If Leo hadn’t called me, just where were you planning to spend the night, huh?”
Earlier tonight, Yolanda had told Charles she was just taking Megan out for dinner-drinks hadn’t even come
So when he found her tipsy now, it caught him completely off guard; he hadn’t expected them to start
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drinking at all.
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As he kissed her, the lingering taste of wine on her lips was unmistakable, blended with her own natural sweetness-almost dizzying.
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9:07 Wed, Oct 22
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
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.
