Chapter 23
Chapter 23
…
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Yolanda went upstairs and hopped online to dig up info. Using some old contacts, she found a perfect role for Ian. Coincidentally, it was in a TV show directed by Charles’s aunt, Simone Sinclair.
Simone was a big–time director. The entertainment companies under the Sinclair Group were actually all her doing. Charles had zero interest in that side of the business.
And Simone was crazy talented. She cranked out one hit project a year, and she was famous all over the country by now.
Her TV show this year was in pre–production, and they were casting the male lead. If Ian nabbed that part, it could really boost his profile.
Yolanda stared at the name “Simone.” She’d never talked to this aunt–in–law. Simone’s almost always overseas shooting, hardly ever home.
‘I have to get Ian this role,‘ Yolanda thought. She stretched, and only then did she realize she’d been glued to the documents for over four hours.
When she stood up to move, she noticed a maid lingering by the door.
“Mrs. Sinclair, the Sinclair manor called. They want you over for dinner tonight—it’s Ms. Simone Sinclair’s birthday,” the maid said.
Yolanda quickly grabbed clothes to change. “Has Charles come back yet?”
The maid looked away. “He said you should head over first. Meet him at the Sinclair manor.”
Yolanda got it. Sophie had made a total fool of herself that afternoon. Chances were, Charles was busy coddling her right now.
A bitter laugh flashed in Yolanda’s eyes. She finished getting dressed and grabbed the emerald necklace Charles had given her for their first anniversary. It was worth over three million dollars, and she’d use it as a birthday gift.
The rich wives in their crowd were obsessed with emerald, That hint of green screamed luxury–whoever got a nice piece would flaunt it everywhere.
When Yolanda first got the necklace, she was so moved that she’d cried. She thought Charles had finally come around and cared about her.
Looking back now, it was laughable. Charles had money to burn–he’d just tossed her that extra trinket to keep her docile at home. She figured she deserved being stuck in this mess.
11:34 Wed, Sep 10
Chapter 23
Yolanda took a deep breath and stashed the emerald necklace away.
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The maid noticed and couldn’t help but say, “That necklace was from Mr. Sinclair for your last anniversary, wasn’t it? With your second one coming up…”
Yolanda headed down the stairs, her voice steady. “Doubt he even remembers what he gave.”
The maid went quiet. It was true that Charles couldn’t care less about his wife.
Yolanda didn’t bother calling Charles. She hopped in her car and drove straight to the Sinclair
manor.
Stepping into the hall, she spotted Wyatt right away, sitting right in the middle of the sofa. Simone was off to the side, chatting with someone.
Tonight was Simone’s birthday. Just days ago, she’d snagged a Best Director award. But instead of partying with people from the industry, she’d opted for a family dinner.
Everyone knew Simone was proud. Born into money and status, she brushed off all the sleaze in the film industry. Only the absolute best got to call her a friend.
Simone was thirty–fived. She didn’t dress like the typical wealthy young lady. Instead, she wore a crisp work outfit that made her look sharp and professional, with shoulder–length hair.
She glanced at Yolanda, a flicker of confusion crossing her eyes. Then she smiled, “This is Yolanda, right?”
Wyatt nodded, leaning on his cane, and said to Yolanda, “Flora’s waiting upstairs. Her back’s acting up again, and only your massages help.”
Yolanda pressed her lips together, then spoke politely to Simone. “Happy birthday, and here’s the gift.
“I was gonna keep it, but I just don’t pull it off right. It’ll look better on you. You two talk—I’ll go check on Flora upstairs.”
With that, Yolanda leaned forward and placed the emerald necklace’s gift box on the coffee table.
Simone watched the composed Yolanda, a little smile of approval flickering in her eyes.
She turned to Wyatt. “Dad, Yolanda’s a good kid. She’s been sweet to all of us these past two years. Heard she even made a face mask for Rence. Tell Charles to treat her right.”
Charles was the Sinclair heir–top of the heap. But no matter how he looked down on a woman’s affection, he shouldn’t trample on it.
11:34 Wed, Sep 10
Chapter 23
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Wyatt chuckled, “Kids work things out on their own. Why stress? Charles is killing it with the business. Naturally, he’d never waste time on women. He’ll settle down when he’s ready.”
Simone frowned. Grown up in this circle, she knew the old–timer’s deep–down bias toward men–it was like some ancient habit.
As a director in the entertainment industry, she knew closing that gender gap took a hundred times the work. But she wasn’t gonna argue with her dad over Yolanda.
*****
Yolanda headed upstairs. Through the curtains, she caught a whiff of herbal medicine.
Flora had been in poor health for years, and she’d seen countless traditional doctors over the years.
Hearing the footsteps at the door, she called out, “Yolanda? That you?”
A maid hurried over and pulled back the curtain.
Yolanda walked in and sat gently on the edge of the bed, keeping her posture respectful.
“Heard your back’s bothering you again, and came to massage it for you,” she smiled. “It’s Aunt Simone’s birthday today–you’ll be going down for dinner soon. So, let me work on your legs.”
No one in the Sinclair family really liked Yolanda. The night she first married into the family, she came to meet Flora, and her words back then were brutally harsh.
She had said, “Landing a spot in the Sinclairs is your lucky break. How Charles treats you is his call. The Grants taught you proper manners, I hope–so I won’t waste breath.
“Respect your elders, your husband, the kids. Slip up, and Charles can kick you out anytime.”
Back then, Yolanda’d nodded nervously. “Don’t worry. I’ll make things work with Charles. We’ll have a steady life.”
Thinking back now, it felt like a lifetime ago–heavy with sadness. If she hadn’t learned the truth, she’d still be trapped between the Grants and Sinclairs, no way out.
Yolanda took a slow breath and started softly massaging Flora’s legs.
“Has Charles talked to you about having kids yet?” Flora suddenly asked, lying back on the bed with her eyes closed.
The room smelled of sandalwood fragrance. Emerald beads circled her wrists, a ring on her finger–she looked both regal and unyielding.
11:34 Wed, Sep 10
.::.
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“He said we’ll wait in a few years,” Yolanda replied. The Sinclair family loomed over her like a shadow. Until she could get away, she had to play by their rules.
“Tsk. Let’s hope you’re not barren,” Flora said.
AD
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.
