Chapter 29
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Yolanda and Ian drove until noon, when the sky darkened without warning. Rain slammed down in thick sheets, forcing them to slow.
Yolanda gripped the wheel, tension coiling in her chest. They were so close–already in town, just minutes from the film crew’s hotel. But the storm had other plans.
Pulling over, Yolanda grabbed an umbrella and hurried into the lobby, only to freeze at the sight of Sophic. Of course. Sean’s production was shooting here too. Fate seemed determined to throw them together.
Sophie’s lethargy vanished as her eyes narrowed into venomous slits. “Do you have some kind of tracking device on me?” she spat.
Yolanda brushed past without acknowledgment. This hotel was the best in town, so it was fully booked by the two competing productions–Sean’s crew occupied the third floor while Zack’s team was stationed above them.
The elevator doors opened. Yolanda and Ian stepped inside, followed by a determined Sophie. The other guests wisely chose to wait for the next ride.
As the elevator ascended, Sophie rolled her eyes. “Don’t think knowing Charles’s wife gives you some special advantage,” she sneered. “Mark my words: on their anniversary in two days, Charles will be in my bed, not hers.”
Yolanda remained impassive, though she had to admire Sophie’s tenacity. Two years was an impressive run for one of Charles’s playthings. Though knowing him, he’d likely had other dalliances. At least Max had definitely mentioned a fling with a CEO or something.
The elevator dinged on the third floor. Sophie delivered one final glare, mistaking Yolanda’s silence for fear. With a triumphant sniff, she strutted out.
Yolanda and Jan made their way up to the fourth floor.
Ian stole a glance at her, but she seemed unfazed, her attention fixed on locating the right
room.
Inside, the room turned out to be surprisingly decent. Tonight was their final table read before the crew headed into the mountains, where the actors would be staying for the next
month.
Yolanda peered out the window at the stormy sky. She’d planned to leave after dropping lan off, but the downpour was too heavy to drive through.
11:36 Wed, Sep 10
Chapter 29
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Without a word, Ian unzipped his suitcase and started unpacking.
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In better weather, she could’ve reached Moonbay Estate by 6 PM. But with rain this relentless, there was no point trying. Yolanda sighed. “Guess I’m stuck until it lets up.”
Ian kept his eyes down. “Stay for a little longer, then.”
She took a seat beside him. He was her biggest star and her golden ticket, so naturally, he deserved her undivided attention.
She said, “You’re heading into the mountains tomorrow. Watch your diet, and try to be more approachable with the crew. That stone–faced routine won’t do you any favors.”
She then nudged the small pharmacy bag toward him. “I packed your meds: stomach pills, fever reducers, and everything. A whole month up there, I must be worried about you.”
The faintest smile tugged at Ian’s lips.
“And call me the second you feel sick, got it?” She frowned. “Ian, are you even paying attention?”
He smiled, “Mm.”
Rain hammered against the windows, the wind whipping the curtains into a frenzy through the half–open pane.
A knock came at the door. It was the call for the final table read. Yolanda answered, and the man on the other side froze, momentarily stunned by her striking beauty.
It was Wayne Dalton, the leading actor this drama was banking on to become a star. He looked quite good. His gaze lingered a beat too long, his cheeks flushing. ‘How hasn’t someone this gorgeous made it big yet?‘ he thought before flashing a smile.
He asked, “You’re an actress, right? I can’t believe I’ve never seen you before. You’re unforgettable.”
Yolanda took a step back and said nothing. Ian moved past her, his voice flat. “I’m leaving.”
She nodded, left alone in the room, listening to the relentless downpour outside.
The drama’s mysterious backer was a wealthy woman and the entire production was built around Wayne. As he and lan walked away, Wayne kept glancing back, his mind racing. ‘Stunning, really. Is she this guy’s agent? Since when do agents look like that?‘
“So, you’re lan, the second lead?” Wayne said, sidling closer. “Just call me Wayne. That’s your agent back there? You two… together? You know how this industry works. Hook me up with her, and I’ll get you a role in my next project.”
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His imagination ran wild. ‘Check her out. Those elegant curves and that poised grace? If she ever steps in front of a camera, every other actress might as well quit.‘
Ian looked at him but didn’t answer.
Wayne’s smile twisted. “Come on, man. She’s just an average woman. What’s the big deal?”
Wayne was clearly annoyed, his jaw clenched. He’d spent years grinding in the industry, going nowhere. Until now, some rich woman had taken an interest, pouring money into his drama.
He thought through gritted teeth, ‘Once my new drama airs, I’ll be untouchable. Everyone’s kissing his ass, except this nobody. How dare he!‘
Nearby, Sophie watched, lips curling. She knew Wayne casually–enough to recognize him, not enough to call him a friend.
“Got your eye on the agent?” she purred, stepping closer.
Wayne swallowed. “You got an idea?”
Sophie reached into her bag and pulled out a small packet, her smirk widening. “Sure. One drink. That’s all it takes.”
His fingers twitched. “You sure this is safe?”
She laughed, patting his chest. “Relax. She’s nobody, and neither is Ian. That pretty face is begging for trouble. You’ve got backing. Who’s gonna stop you?”
Wayne pocketed the pills, grinning. “Didn’t peg you for the type, Sophie.”
Sophie’s smile turned icy. That slap still burned. She had originally reserved this particular maneuver for Tessa, planning to throw her to some desperate director as retribution. But now, the opportunity was even sweeter.
*****
Yolanda paced the hotel room for thirty restless minutes before a knock interrupted her. Room service had arrived with dinner. She accepted the tray absently, setting it on the table without enthusiasm.
Through the rain–streaked window, the storm showed no signs of letting up. Charles would definitely notice if she came home this late. She prodded at the congealing food with
Through the rain–streaked window, the storm showed no signs of letting up. Charles would definitely notice if she came home this late. She prodded at the congealing food with her fork before pushing it away, settling for a glass of juice instead.
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.
