Ch. 11..20
Chapter 11
Nathaniel couldn’t help but be amused by the woman in his arms as her sweet fragrance wafted into his nose.
He grabbed her chin and said, “Let me help you wash wherever it’s filthy tonight.”
His sentence conjured up inappropriate images in her mind.
Christina flushed crimson.
I was just saying… He didn’t have to be so cooperative!
The two shamelessly displayed their affection for each other, completely ignoring everyone present.
Julia was so furious she almost fainted.
Xandra quickly supported her and said, “Nathaniel, come quick and take a look at your mother.”
You better get off Nathaniel, you b*tch!
Christina glanced at the two.
“Since Mrs. Hadley still has the strength to curse at people, she must be all right.
I don’t think I’m needed.”
Then she purposely leaned in closer to Nathaniel.
Julia shot a look at the housekeeper behind her.
“Nathaniel, I know you don’t believe me, but I have evidence of this damn girl’s infidelity!”
That day, she had had someone hide the shirt Christina had worn just for this moment.
She wanted to expose Christina personally.
I want to see how she explains herself with concrete evidence!
Christina propped her chin up, looking bored, as if she was waiting for a performance to start.
What kind of trick are they going to pull now?
The housekeeper brought out a white shirt and laid it flat on the coffee table.
There was a faint red bloodstain on it.
Everyone knew Christina was a virgin when she married into the Hadley family.
“Christina returned that day with messy hair and wearing this white shirt.
There is also a bloodstain right here!” Julia’s eyes had turned red from her being agitated.
She glared at Christina.
“I’m not slandering you.
Everyone in the residence saw what happened that day.
Are you going to deny it?”
It was not just her accusing Christina.
Everyone had seen her that day.
Christina glanced at the shirt and blushed.
If one didn’t know the truth, one would have thought that her lies were about to be exposed and that she was embarrassed.
Feigning surprised, Xandra exclaimed, “How could you betray Nathaniel like this, Christina? Nathaniel is going to be very sad!”
Christina rolled her eyes inwardly.
Huh? Nathaniel didn’t even say he was sad about it.
What do you even know? Are you trying to make him lose his temper?
Christina then glared at Nathaniel.
Is he not going to explain?
Julia pointed at the door.
“Christina, get out of here now and never step foot in the Hadley residence again.”
With that, she gave the bodyguards behind her a look, signaling them to take action.
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened.
“This shirt is mine!”
Everyone, except for Christina, was stunned.
This shirt belongs to the man Christina had an affair with.
How could it be Nathaniel’s?
If that’s the case, does that mean Christina wasn’t involved with another man? She was only spending time with her husband?
Julia couldn’t believe it.
“Even if you don’t want to admit you have been cheated on, the truth is right in front of you.
Can you not deceive yourself?”
Nathaniel must have been deluded to utter such a lie.
Xandra immediately chimed in, “If the man was really you, why were you at the hotel, then?”
Christina stared at the two clowns and sneered, “What do you guys know? This is one of my and my husband’s interests!”
Xandra felt a pang in her heart.
Does that mean Nathaniel has been with Christina since he was cured of his allergy?
Chapter 12
Julia stood rooted to the spot, utterly shocked.
Nathaniel instructed, “Sebastian, go upstairs and bring down one of my shirts for my mother so that she can take a good look at it!”
Sebastian quickly went upstairs to get the shirt upon hearing his words.
Julia and Xandra would have no choice but to believe once they saw it for themselves.
Sebastian quickly returned with a shirt and laid both shirts on the coffee table.
Although there were some wrinkles on the shirt that Christina had worn, it was evident that it was Nathaniel’s shirt when they saw that the right collars of both shirts were embroidered with the letter N in gold.
Nathaniel’s shirts were custom-made by Irushean tailors.
Each shirt had the letter N embroidered on the right collar.
Julia’s face paled.
She had no choice but to believe it with the truth lying before her eyes.
Her blood pressure rose again, and she almost fainted.
Sebastian hurriedly approached her and supported her.
“Mrs. Hadley, shall I send you back?”
Julia snorted coldly before letting Sebastian support her and leaving.
Xandra had no relation with the Hadley family to begin with.
She was only acquainted with Julia, so she didn’t have any reason to stay after the latter left.
Soon, the sound of a car engine could be heard from the front yard.
“The audience has left.
There’s no need to continue the show.” Christina jumped out of Nathaniel’s embrace like a squirrel.
Nathaniel furrowed his brows.
Was I just a tool for her to use to anger them?
“Get over here, Christina,” he said in a low voice laced with annoyance.
Christina ignored him.
They locked eyes for a moment before she quickly ran upstairs.
Upon entering the master bedroom, she changed into a nightgown.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and someone enveloped her in his embrace from behind.
“What are you doing? I’m changing!”
Christina was in the process of wearing her nightgown, so Nathaniel could see her bare waist and legs.
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his heartbeat and breathing accelerated.
“It’s not as if I haven’t seen it before.” Nathaniel chuckled.
He was dressed in a high-end suit.
The black vest accentuated his waist, and his upright posture exuded a domineering aura.
Christina pushed him away in anger.
“Don’t you ever mention what happened that night!”
It was an accident to her, and she was determined not to let it affect her life.
However, she didn’t expect Nathaniel to be her biggest obstacle.
Nathaniel held her chin and narrowed his eyes.
“If I can’t mention it, then I’ll let you relive it.
No, I will create new memories with you!”
Christina’s eyes widened.
She was lightly picked up and thrown on the bed.
Nathaniel pinned her hands above her head and leaned in to admire her gorgeous facial features.
She had a special scent.
It was seductive and addicting.
“Are you insane? Let go of me!” If that night was an accident, then his forceful demeanor this night was deliberate.
Christina refused to let him have his way, but she was like a little rabbit who couldn’t fight against the big bad wolf.
“If I let you go, will you behave?” Nathaniel arched his brow.
Christina was rendered speechless.
Of course not!
For some reason, Nathaniel felt an inexplicable urge to dote on her as he looked into her watery eyes and at her rosy cheeks.
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.
Chapter 13
Christina pushed him when she finally felt suffocated by the kiss.
“Enough, Nathaniel. Do you think this is fun? You can’t just treat me like your wife when you feel like it and then ignore me for three years when you don’t!”
A woman’s youth was precious, and she could not waste her time like this.
She had important things to do and did not want to be tied down by him.
“Whatever happened in the past was an accident. Let’s get to know each other again and stop talking about the divorce,” Nathaniel said in an authoritative tone. His expression suddenly became serious.
Christina placed her hands on her waist and let out a snort, her displeasure evident in her body language and expression.
Nathaniel only found her adorable.
He walked over and grabbed her hand gently. He had to appease her anger since he was the one who caused it.
His tone softened as he said, “Many women dream of being my wife, but you’re the lucky one. You should cherish that.”
Many women dreamed of sleeping with Nathaniel, but he made an exception for her alone, so shouldn’t she treasure it?
His coaxing tone still sounded commanding.
Christina didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when she looked at his prideful expression.
“I’m willing to let them take my position. I don’t think there’s anything good coming from this except starving to death!”
Starving to death?
Nathaniel’s expression darkened. Is she complaining about being my wife?
Christina noticed his puzzled expression as though he was saying she had wronged him.
“Isn’t it true? I’ve been married to you for so long and haven’t received any money. Working outside for three thousand a month is better than being your wife!”
Nathaniel’s expression grew even colder. Working outside is better than being my wife? This is definitely the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard in my life.
He called Sebastian in with a phone call.
As soon as Sebastian opened the door, he sensed that the atmosphere was rather tense.
“Why doesn’t Christina have any pocket money? Didn’t you arrange this properly?”
Nathaniel had never cared about his wife for the past three years, so Sebastian had been the one responsible for everything. He had no clue about this.
“Mr. Hadley, didn’t you arrange for this? You said not to care about her except for household expenses,” Sebastian replied.
Christina snorted upon hearing that.
Look! I didn’t wrong him!
She had been living a frugal life for the past few years. She didn’t even own decent gowns, as she was just an unnecessary ornament at home.
Now that she had the chance to leave, how could she not take advantage of it?
Nathaniel’s face flushed in anger. “All right. Get out of here.”
Sebastian didn’t dare to stay any longer and quickly left.
The atmosphere only seemed to ease slightly when the two of them were left in the room.
Nathaniel handed Christina a black card. “Buy whatever you want in the future. Buy the most expensive things. You don’t need to live so frugally as my wife.”
Christina’s eyes lit up. It was her first time seeing this legendary black card. All the words on the card were golden, and the card was seemingly glowing.
I heard you need at least one billion to be able to apply for this card!
Chapter 14
Christina glanced at the black card in her hand. Since I don’t want to have anything to do with Nathaniel, how can I take his card?
She gritted her teeth and passed the card back to him. “I don’t want your money. You can take it back.”
She felt slightly reluctant when she passed him back the card.
Nathaniel looked at her. She wants to accept the card, but at the same time, she doesn’t want to. She’s really a little miser.
He took a few strides with his long legs, closing the distance between them. He did not take the card but instead wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly in his embrace.
His muscular chest was pressed against her. A strong, masculine scent instantly enveloped her. She could feel the warmth of the man’s breath along the edge of her ear.
Her heart began racing uncontrollably.
Nathaniel had already asked Sebastian to gather Christina’s information, which included her social activities and personal relationships.
At this moment, she was like a delicious meal trapped in the hands of a beast. She panicked when she felt Nathaniel’s stare. “W-What are you doing?”
An inexplicable glint flashed across Nathaniel’s eyes. The corner of his mouth curled up slightly into a sly smile. “Have you thought it through? If you leave me, how are you going to explain to the Steeles?”
Immediately, Christina became alert. Her heart was beating so irregularly that her cheeks turned red. “You!”
How does he know about my relationship with the Steeles? Hasn’t he been uninterested in me for the past three years?
Nathaniel lightly grazed his fingers over her face. She had a fair and smooth complexion.
He tucked her stray hair behind her ear before resting them on her neck.
“I’m just worried about you. If you return, they may make things difficult for you or your mother…”
Christina understood his intentions even though he didn’t state them explicitly.
Without Nathaniel as a shield against the Steeles, she would only be hurt deeply by them.
However, Christina wondered how Nathaniel knew so much about her family affairs.
The next second, realization dawned on her, and she was livid. “You investigated me!”
B*stard! So what if he’s rich? That doesn’t mean he can just pry into my personal affairs.
Nathaniel revealed a half-smile, giving him a mysterious look.
To Christina, his expression was nothing but mockery. She glared at him. “With so many women out there, why did you choose me as your wife? Can’t you choose someone else?”
There are countless women who are willing to throw themselves at him. Why can’t he just let me go?
Nathaniel looked determined as he replied, “No, I can’t.”
She had said so much, yet he only needed three words to completely shut her up.
There was no room for discussion.
Christina felt defeated and remained silent.
Nathaniel was satisfied upon seeing the woman in his arms falling silent. It meant that she had realized that the divorce would only bring her more harm than good. He took in her pouty expression and couldn’t get mad at her. He patted her head and comforted her awkwardly, “Be good now. I’ll help you find evidence and seek justice.”
With his power and wealth, he could investigate a matter much faster than Christina could.
Christina swatted his hand away. “No, thank you!”
Chapter 15
Christina had been hurt before, so she didn’t trust anyone now. Naturally, this included Nathaniel.
She gripped the black card in her hand. I suppose this card is still useful if I need to put on a front when the situation calls for it.
With the black card in her hand, she left the room.
Nathaniel wanted to call out to her and stop her from leaving, but the gorgeous figure had already gotten far away.
After leaving Scenic Garden Manor, she took a taxi and went straight to her workplace—Seven Nights Bar.
In order to give her mother a better life and not to get bullied constantly by the Steeles, Christina had been working hard to earn money all these years.
Seven Nights Bar was a place where the people from the upper-class society get their entertainment. The furnishings were known to be the most lavish in the city, and the pay was naturally quite high. The commission rate was three times more than an ordinary bar.
In the dressing room, Christina changed into a black uniform and tied her hair into a high ponytail, her youthful and delicate appearance reflecting in the mirror.
Under the light, her porcelain-white skin looked as pure as the snow, and her watery eyes were calm.
After getting changed, she left the dressing room and went to work.
It was the third anniversary of the bar. The atmosphere was livelier than usual, and the place was already crowded before it was nine o’clock.
To celebrate the anniversary, the bar manager hired the most famous DJ in the country. Not only that, but there were also other performances for the finale of that night.
It was said that the manager had also invited the most well-known dance crew to perform, and there would also be a solo dance performed by the famous dancer, Peacock.
There was obviously an increased number of customers that night.
Christina was so busy that she didn’t even have time to take a quick break. Just as she went to the dressing room to drink some water, the door was pushed open.
With a panicked look on her face, Yasmine entered the room. Her expression changed when she saw Christina as if the latter was her last hope. “Christina, you must help me tonight no matter what!”
Christina was dumbfounded, her bright eyes filled with confusion. “What’s wrong, Yasmine?”
Yasmine was extremely worried, and she couldn’t waste any more time. “This is urgent! Put on a mask and help me replace Peacock on stage!”
Replace Peacock, the famous dancer?
Christina immediately shook her head. “No, I can’t! I just know some basics! How can I be compared to her? I’ll be exposed as soon as I start dancing!”
If Nathaniel finds out I performed a dance on stage, I’ll definitely not live to see another day.
Yasmine instantly waved her hands and explained, “You’re just replacing her temporarily and performing a short dance. The audience won’t be able to see you clearly since it’s dark and the lights keep flickering.”
Peacock had eaten something bad and had a stomach ache. She fainted and was sent to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Christina looked troubled. “I really can’t…”
Yasmine patted her chest and guaranteed that everything would be all right. “She called and informed us just now she would be back as soon as she finished her IV drip. You just have to replace her for a short while until she returns. Everything will be fine. No one can recognize you when you have a mask on, anyway.”
As Yasmine had always taken good care of her, Christina began to waver.
Yasmine held Christina’s hand and persuaded, “If there isn’t any performance, the guests will surely make a scene. Our boss will fire me if he finds out.”
Yasmine was a single mother. It wasn’t easy for a woman to raise her family alone. Seeing that they were both unfortunate people, Christina finally agreed after hesitating for a while. “All right, I’ll help you!”
Chapter 16
Christina changed her clothes and wore a mask, only revealing her clear and bright eyes.
Following the host’s introduction on the stage, a loud and enthusiastic wave of cheers echoed in the bar. Everyone fixed their gazes in the same direction.
On the raised stage platform, Christina’s figure was rising slowly. She stood in the center of the stage, looking radiant and mesmerizing.
The light shone behind her gorgeous figure, showcasing her smooth and plump curves. Even if she was just standing there quietly, her silhouette alone could cause the surrounding world to fade.
Those sparkling and enchanting eyes were unforgettable, and her slender body was petite and beautiful.
When the music sounded, Christina moved her body according to muscle memory and performed a dance she had learned back then.
A piece of fast-tempo music was playing in the background, but Christina performed a graceful classical dance instead.
The audience was used to watching all sorts of sexy dances, so they found the sudden change of style interesting.
Christina’s delicate figure was flexible. The people watching her couldn’t take their eyes off her.
After a while, the music stopped, and the host went on the stage. “Next up, we have Peacock’s solo dance stage. The starting bid is five thousand. Whoever bids the highest can enjoy Peacock’s dance all to themselves. This is your only chance!”
Christina looked across the audience below the stage. Suddenly, her eyes widened slightly as she fixed her gaze on a VIP table. She felt her heart clench. Isn’t that Brayden, the person I’ve been having a
crush on for many years? Why is he here?
Brayden Griffin was dressed in a white suit and had auburn hair. He was elegant and looked out of place in the bar.
Beside him sat a fashionably dressed woman who had long hair. She was none other than Christina’s best friend, Freya Larson.
While they were conversing, Freya deliberately leaned closer to Brayden, causing them to seem intimate.
Just when Christina was still caught in a daze, her gaze met Freya’s.
In that instant, Freya recognized Christina.
Freya sneered in her heart and she pretended to be shocked. “Brayden, look. Doesn’t the dancer look a lot like Christina?”
Upon hearing a familiar name, Brayden raised his head and looked in the direction of the stage, his eyes meeting her clear, alluring ones.
He was certain that she was Christina. “What is Christina doing here?” she muttered in confusion.
Taking in the way Brayden was looking at Christina, Freya could feel a surge of jealousy coursing through her. She clenched her fists and looked upset.
Freya had a crush on Brayden, yet Brayden liked Christina instead.
The reason Freya had invited Brayden to hang out at this bar was that she knew Christina worked as a server there. Freya just wanted to expose Christina for working at a nightclub to sabotage her image in Brayden’s mind.
After failing to set her up last time, I can’t believe she’s doing something so cheap this time! She’s simply digging her own grave!
With a frown on her face, Freya pretended to feel sorry for her best friend as she said, “Why would Christina become a dancer at a bar? She’s a good girl. Does she have no sense of self-respect?”
Brayden merely stared at the slim figure while gritting his teeth.
Seeing that he was silent, Freya added, “Brayden, don’t look down on Christina. I’m sure she’s just doing this because her family is going through a hard time.”
Brayden was aware that Christina was the daughter of the Steele family. However, he wasn’t clear about her relationship with her family.
Freya had caused a bigger misunderstanding instead of defending Christina.
Brayden didn’t listen to any of Freya’s words. He picked up the sign on the table and raised it to bid with the others.
Chapter 17
Christina clenched her fists, and she was a little unsettled under the mask.
Seeing that Brayden was competing with others and raising the bid, she assumed Brayden had certainly mistaken her for Peacock.
She wanted to ask him to stop, but she wasn’t in a position to do so, as she was still on stage.
The bidding had gone from five thousand to over ten thousand. However, the audience had no intention of stopping, and they even started bidding over a million.
Brayden was from a wealthy family, and he was known as the handsome, rich man on campus. However, hundreds of thousands were too high of a price, and he simply couldn’t afford it. He felt anxious that the junior he liked would have to dance for another man.
Seeing that Brayden was worried for Christina, Freya felt as if her heart had been stabbed by a dagger. “Brayden, Christina volunteered to be a dancer. Even if you’re worried about her, she won’t care at all.”
Brayden merely balled his fists, his facial muscles tense.
As no one was raising the price, the host was about to end the auction when a cold and deep voice came from the crowd. “Five million!”
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice almost at the same time. Who is the generous man who will pay five million just for a dance?
Under the dark lighting, the man stood there with his hands behind his back. He had chiseled facial features. His brows were dashing, and his tapered eyes were as deep as an abyss. He pursed his thin lips slightly as an elegant aura emanated from his body.
At that moment, it was unlikely that anyone would bid a higher price than him.
Nathaniel flashed a faint smile as he became the big winner. He strode toward Christina.
Seeing that Nathaniel was about to bring Christina away, Brayden was so agitated that he got up on the stage before Nathaniel without hesitation. He held Christina’s hand. “Come with me!”
Christina felt a pain in her wrist. She couldn’t help but furrow her brows. “Brayden, let me explain—”
Before she could finish her sentence, her other hand was being held by Nathaniel, who had caught up with them. “Let her go!”
The two men looked as if they couldn’t tolerate each other and went into a stalemate. Nathaniel had the upper hand due to his height. They stared at each other intensely, and neither of them was willing to let go of Christina.
“Let go of me!” Christina had both her arms pulled apart on each side. She had never expected things to develop in such a strange direction.
The scene on stage where two men were fighting over a woman sparked a debate among the audience.
Freya watched the two handsome men fighting over Christina, and her jealousy intensified. She was gifted to the Hadley family by her own family like an object. She doesn’t deserve to have two men fighting over her.
Freya walked onto the stage and stared right into Christina’s eyes with fury.
Christina’s pupils dilated slightly. Is Freya here to stop the fight?
Before Christina could speak, Freya walked toward her and reached for her mask, pulling the mask off her face.
The crowd gasped in shock and almost everyone saw the woman behind the mask.
Her face was delicate, and her shimmering eyes were bright and enchanting. The crowd had never seen such an alluring beauty before.
Taking in the flustered look on Christina’s face, Freya curled her lips into a mocking smirk. “Christina, shouldn’t you be at the Hadley residence right now?”
Christina was stunned, as she didn’t understand why Freya would ask her such a question in this situation.
Freya deliberately pulled Brayden’s hand, which was holding Christina’s, away. “Christina, you’re working here as a dancer? Won’t your husband chase you out from the family if he finds out?”
Freya had spoken as if she was concerned about Christina, but in fact, she had disclosed everything that she shouldn’t have talked about.
Christina’s face darkened. She realized Freya was purposely speaking about her private matters in front of Brayden.
Freya approached Christina again. “You’re a married woman, yet you don’t care about your identity as a wife and work as a dancer. Not only that, but you lied to Brayden. What is your motive?”
Chapter 18
Freya’s voice was loud, so everyone on the stage heard her.
Brayden was especially dumbfounded. He stared at Christina’s innocent face in disbelief, feeling as if his heart was about to explode.
Incredulity filled Christina’s eyes as well. She couldn’t believe that the best friend she had for many years would disclose her secret in public without a care for her reputation. Best friend forever, my ass. How disgusting!
“Christina, is Freya telling the truth?” Brayden wanted to verify the truth with his own ears.
Christina answered him with silence.
There’s nothing to verify, after all. Looks like the rumors circulating on campus are true. Christina is exactly the kind of girl that others claimed she is—a hypocrite who uses her innocent appearance to deceive boys.
Brayden was thoroughly disappointed that the girl he firmly believed in was actually so unprincipled.
Christina felt as if she had been stabbed in her heart, but she couldn’t utter even a single explanation, as that was precisely the truth.
Nathaniel, who was standing next to them, could roughly guess the meaning of the look on Brayden’s face. He held Christina’s hand and pulled her lightly, shielding her behind him as if she was a tiny creature that needed to be protected.
Nathaniel fixed his sharp gaze on Brayden and Freya coldly. “It’s true. I’m Christina’s husband.”
As soon as he said that, Brayden’s and Freya’s eyes widened in shock.
After a few seconds, Freya sneered, “That’s impossible. Christina married an ugly old man from the Hadley family for money. How can you be her husband?”
Although the lighting was dark, it didn’t affect Nathaniel’s good looks at all. He was extremely handsome, and he was even a few times more good-looking than Brayden.
Nathaniel’s handsomeness was at its peak, and he exuded an unapproachable aura. His icy gaze kept everyone at arm’s length.
It was impossible that such a good-looking man was Christina’s husband.
At that time, the music in the bar stopped.
The bar manager walked out frantically after hearing the commotion. “Mr. Hadley, you’re here! What happened?”
Everyone was taken aback by his attitude.
Christina was extremely puzzled, too. As far as I can recall, Felix has always acted like a boss. Why is he behaving like a subordinate in front of Nathaniel?
Nathaniel stared at Felix Wilson coldly. “How dare you ask my wife to perform a dance on stage?”
What? Felix’s expression changed drastically. His knees went weak, almost causing him to kneel. “Please calm down, Mr. Hadley! If I had known Christina was your wife, I wouldn’t have asked her to do so!”
Felix couldn’t care less about how other people perceive him. His face was filled with fear, and there he wasn’t displaying the slightest bit of the demeanor of a manager.
“Did you just address him as Mr. Hadley?” Christina asked in confusion.
Upon learning Christina’s identity, Felix immediately treated her with more respect. “That’s right, Mrs. Hadley. Don’t you know this bar is under Mr. Hadley’s name?”
Many people didn’t know and had assumed that Felix was Seven Nights Bar’s owner. In fact, he was merely the manager, and Nathaniel was actually the owner.
Freya’s face contorted when she heard that. “You’re a hypocrite, Christina! How could you lie to me? We’ve been friends for so many years, yet you’ve been pretending to be pitiful in front of me when you clearly have a handsome and rich husband!”
Christina felt her anger skyrocket at that moment. She had also just learned that her husband was actually such a formidable person.
Her eyes darkened when she saw the panic on Freya’s face. She walked toward her and asked, “Were you the one who purposely set me up that night?”
It had been a long while since that incident, and Christina had never once suspected Freya.
Chapter 19
Freya gritted her teeth furiously when she realized Christina’s husband was a handsome man with a high ranking, and the jealousy in her heart grew into hatred.
In any case, their pretentious and fake friendship had ended. She had nothing to be concerned about.
“So what?” Freya then turned to face Nathaniel. “Your wife was most likely involved with countless men while you were away. I would divorce her right away if I were you!”
His harsh words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Christina’s body.
She was so angry that her fingertips felt cold. After all these years, she hadn’t realized Freya had always harbored ill intentions toward her.
If she hadn’t met Nathaniel that night, the matter of her innocence would never have been properly explained with such wild accusations.
She would have become the kind of shameless woman Freya had described in Nathaniel’s eyes.
Christina narrowed her eyes coldly. “Freya! I must’ve been blind to have treated you like a sister. I shared all my secrets with you, but you used my weakness to hurt me!”
Freya’s face contorted with rage. I thought that if I revealed the fact that Christina had lost her virginity, that cold and handsome man would tear her apart.
Surprisingly, the man continued to stand in front of Christina with no intention of blaming her.
Freya had been playing the role of a good friend in front of Christina for four years at university because she discovered that Brayden treated Christina differently.
Brayden would undoubtedly attend any party where Christina was present. Freya had deliberately bonded with her in order to get closer to him and sabotage their relationship from within.
Freya didn’t expect Christina to be so gullible that she’d tell her everything.
When she met Christina’s resentful gaze, Freya felt that she had the upper hand. “How can you blame it on me when you’re the one who’s stupid?”
Christina gritted her teeth silently, her stomach churning with rage.
Freya glanced at Brayden with eyes filled with admiration, and he returned her gaze with something flickering in his eyes.
She persisted and continued to interrogate Christina, “You are obviously married and have a husband. So why do you still keep hanging around Brayden? You know that I have been secretly in love with him for four years! You led Brayden on without telling him the truth. I’m just bringing your hypocrisy to light. What’s wrong with that?”
That’s right. I’m not at fault. Christina’s just a b*tch. Such a person doesn’t deserve happiness, let alone Brayden’s favor!
Christina felt ridiculous when confronted with Freya’s rage and distortion of facts.
It would have been impossible for Freya to have such thoughts if she had just tried to understand her for a bit.
Freya clearly knew how helpless I was when I was forced to marry into the Hadley family. That’s just great. Let’s intensify your hatred for me since you hate me so much!
With a sneer, Christina said, “I’m the type of person who likes to have a clear distinction between love and hate, and I have to be clear about everything.”
Freya frowned, unsure of what she meant.
Christina looked at Nathaniel with a distant expression on her face before she took out a white pill from her bag. “You have such a venomous heart. Taking this pill will help you cleanse your heart of its venom.”
Nathaniel raised his brows slightly, and after hearing their conversation, he naturally understood what Christina was on about.
Christina stared at Freya coldly. “Take this pill, and the enmity between us will be written off.”
Freya’s face turned pale in an instant as if she were facing a formidable foe. Christina, who was usually delicate and frail, had surprised her by being so strong at this moment.
Is she really the Christina I know?
“I-I won’t eat it!” Freya immediately refused.
Christina snorted, looking demonic and dangerous. “You’re not brave enough to eat it? Why didn’t you consider what would happen to me when you asked me to eat it? You’re lucky I’m only giving you some laxatives!”
I am just as determined as Freya was heartless back then.
Christina strode forward and closed in on her menacingly. “Are you going to eat it yourself? Or do you want someone to feed you?”
Freya was well aware of the consequences of eating it. She was terrified, and her heart was pounding.
Her face was pale, and she looked at Brayden beseechingly. “Brayden…”
Brayden had heard their conversation loud and clear just now. He couldn’t think of any reason to help her because she was the one who had tried to hurt Christina first.
As for her confession, he pretended not to hear it.
He shifted his gaze away from Freya and toward Christina. Her pure face remained flawless, but their relationship had changed.
Brayden’s eyes were filled with disappointment, and he let out a sigh. “The grudge is between you and her. You should settle it yourself.”
He turned around and walked off the stage, striding toward the door after he said that.
Christina felt regretful when she saw Brayden leave, but she would not try to persuade him to stay.
After all, they had always been people from two different worlds.
Christina raised her head and stared coldly at Freya. “I don’t have the patience to wait for you.”
The implication is that I will be fed if I don’t eat it.
The bar belonged to Christina’s husband, and Freya knew she had no way out.
She took the pill from Christina’s hand and popped it into her mouth.
Christina snorted coldly after watching her swallow the pill. “Don’t greet me when we meet again.”
With that, she dragged Nathaniel off the stage.
Freya stood on the stage, held her breath, and glared at Christina’s back as she walked away.
Christina let go of Nathaniel’s hand indifferently after she stepped down the stage.
He glanced at his empty palm, and there were still traces of Christina’s warmth on his fingertips.
“Don’t follow me. Hurry up and leave,” Christina said flatly, stressed out by the fact that she had to find a new job.
Nathaniel felt as if he was being discarded after he had served his purpose. How daring of her!
He stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Christina’s waist, and shackled her. “Did I say you could go?”
“You want to restrict me again? It’s against the law, you know!” Christina was a university student who had a strong awareness of the law.
Nathaniel fixed his gaze on Christina and smiled coldly. His dark eyes could seduce the souls of others. “I just spent five million to bid on your solo dance, Mrs. Hadley.” He turned his head slightly, pressed his thin lips against Christina’s ear, and said softly, “I own the rest of your time and your body!”
Christina felt as if something in her had exploded, and her entire body froze.
Nathaniel beckoned the manager over with his finger, who immediately understood and handed over the key. “The room is ready, Mr. Hadley.”
He left tactfully after he said that, not daring to ruin Nathaniel’s mood.
Christina became alert at the sight of the gleaming silver key. “What are you doing?”
Nathaniel stared at her innocent little face with affectionate eyes. “Why would I have the nerve to say such things when actions speak louder than words?”
His lazy and provocative voice echoed in Christina’s ears.
Christina, of course, understood what he was implying. Her delicate brows furrowed, and she retorted, “You shameless scoundrel!”
Nathaniel still had an unruly and cold smile on the corner of his lips, and he promptly carried Christina on his shoulder. “Then I’ll do as you wish, Mrs. Hadley. I’ll be a shameless scoundrel until the end.”
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 Damn It
Red rose petals were scattered on the ground, forming a big red heart, and the air exuded an ambiguous smell.
Nathaniel pushed open the door and carried Christina into the room. She was too light, like a doll on his shoulders
“Let go of me! I’m not Peacock. Are you deaf?” Christina was about to cry. Does he not understand a word that came out of my mouth?
The door slammed shur with a bang.
Nathaniel abruptly threw Christina onto the bed and pinned her down. When lus muscular body leaned in, the surrounding temperature dropped several degrees.
Christma felt as if she had wandered into a woll’s den as she stared into his deep eyes.
“It doesn’t matter who you are. I only know you’re my woman! Nathaniel’s domineering tonel rendered her speechless, and she was unable to refute him
The divorce agreement had been torn up as if it had never happened. Christina was still his, and she couldn’t deny that
Christina’s face was flushed red, and her ears were like glowing red lanterns on both sides. “Go away.”
“Hmm? Seems like my darling needs to be taught a lesson!
Hoe dare the tell me to go away?
Nathaniel snorted coldly as he held her chin in huis hand, lowered his head, and kissed her.
His domineering breath rushed into Christina’s mouth, slowly stealing all her oxygen. Her peute body. trembled as she felt his fingertips slide over her armi
Although they had previously been intimate, she still couldn’t completely accept contact with Nathaniel
Her thin lips were wounded, and the smell of blood permeated the breath of the two of them Christina’s eyes welled up with tears as she felt the pain.
Nathaniel was taken aback for a moment. He stopped what he was doing and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes
Christina’s small face was clearly filled with grievances, but she was defiant and refused to give in.
Not bad. My tooman needs to be a little arrogant to be perfect!
Nathantel’s lips curled into a smile, but Christina felt threatened and terrified. He gave her a cold stare. “Christina, you are truly unique. Im growing increasingly fond of you.”
“What a shame. I despise you” She pushed him away and found it easier to breathe after that.
She didn’t want Nathaniel to disrupt her plans I thought if I kept my distance from him, he might forget about me in a few days. Who would have thought that he would cling to me and look as if he would not stop until
he subdued me… What a headache.
Christina stood up, walked to the door, and prepared to leave, but a large palm wrapped around her before she could open it.
She was trapped behind the cold door, and she could feel a large body approaching. Nathaniel’s devilish face magnified before her eyes.
He pressed his thin lips against Christina’s earlobe, and his magnetic voice pierced her cars. “I’ll soon make you like me so much that you won’t want anyone but me!
He couldn’t stop thinking about Christina after that night.
It’s impossible for her to leave now!
Christina realized what he meant, and her cheeks and eyes turned bright red like fireballs.
There was a difference in strength between men and women, and Christina knew that she couldn’t rely on brute force to get out of this situation. In fact, it would only arouse Nathaniel’s possessiveness.
How about… I pretend to obey him?
Christina raised her eyes again. Her anger disappeared without a trace, and she tried to look like a good girl.
She gasped softly in a child-like tone as she placed her little hands on Nathaniel’s chest and moved them up to the back of his neck. “You smell. Why don’t you take a shower first?”
Nathaniel was surrounded by a lot of smoke in the bar just now, and he, who had always been a clean freak, noticed it as well. “You’ll wait for me obediently?”
“Of course.” Christina smiled brightly. She even entered the room, sat on the bed, and urged him. “You better hurry up!
Nathaniel saw her well-behaved appearance and assumed she would not dare to run away, so he nodded lightly before entering the bathroom.
The bathroom door was made of frosted glass, and Christina was secretly relieved when she saw the tall figure undress.
She quickly took out her phone to call Yasmine. Yasmine had gone to the hospital to pick up Peacock after she went on the stage. She checked the time and figured Yasmine would be back soon.
As soon as the phone call was answered, Christina gave Yasmine the room number and asked her to bring Peacock over right away.
Christina stood at the door and waited anxiously while fixing her gaze on the bathroom door.
I’ll turn off the lights later. Nathaniel will never guess I’ve been switched. Even if he found out, I would have fled long ago.
Yasmine brought Peacock over after a while. Christina gently opened the door and let her in.
She put the mask on Peacock’s face and whispered. “The guest is in the bathroom. Put on some music and dance later. Remember not to take off the mask!”
Peacock made an “okay” gesture and walked in.
An excellent escape plan was thus flawlessly executed.
Christina tiptoed out of the room. The air is fresh when Nathaniel’s not present,
She left the bar after receiving her pay via Yasmine’s phone.
Meanwhile, inside the room, after he showered, Nathaniel wore only a towel around his waist. Water droplets slid down his muscular eight-pack abs.
The room was pitch black, and the air was thick with tension. He could only make out the slender figure of a woman sitting obediently by the bed in the dim light.
My little wife must be too shy. That’s why she turned off the lights, Nathaniel walked over to the bed.
The room had a strong aroma that overpowered Christina’s faint fragrance, but he didn’t mind
Peacock sat by the bed, and when she saw him walk out, she pressed a button on the small speaker she had prepared.
The music began to play, and she showed off her dancing skills to the fullest. When she saw the man’s strong body reeking of testosterone, her entire body turned to jelly.
Peacock could feel him approaching her, and she clutched the corner of her clothes tightly. Her heart raced as she felt the man’s fingertips on her shoulders.
God, my heart is about to explode!
Nathaniel felt a burning sensation from his fingertips in the blink of an eye. Why is my allergy acting up again?
A bad premonition welled up in his heart, and he immediately turned on the lights. The dazzling light illuminated the entire room, and he saw that the woman dancing in front of him was not Christina at all.
Peacock noticed his abnormality as well, so she removed her mask and walked over. “What’s wrong. Sir? Are you feeling unwell?”
Before she got close, Nathaniel warned her with a low growl, “Scram!”
Peacock was frightened by his growl.
She had felt that the man had a very strong aura when she was waiting in the dark just now. At that moment, she felt as if he was about to tear her to pieces now that she could see his devilishly handsome face and the hostility in his thick brows.
Nathaniel’s handsome face turned increasingly grim by the second. The thought of being tricked by Christina made him so furious that he grabbed the crystal glasses on the table and smashed them all
into a comer.
Damn it! Christina actually dared to run away and get rid of me with a random woman!