Ch. 81..90
Chapter 81
Chapter 81
After hearing Finnick’s reassurances, Vivian managed to calm her nerves. She then followed the butler
to the study on the second floor.
The elder Mr. Norton’s study was decorated with a lot of antiques. The moment she entered, she could
smell the scent of lighted sandalwood and felt as if she had stepped into another world.
He was sitting at his desk dressed in a long robe. From the very first second she entered, his gaze was
fixated upon her.
Vivian tried her best to keep her nerves together and walked towards the front of the desk. She greeted
politely, “Mr. Norton.”
“What did you just call me?” He questioned her sternly.
Stunned, Vivian was uncertain as to what was going on.
“Since you are now married to Finnick, you should address me as Grandpa, just like how Finnick,” the
elder Mr. Norton explained patiently when he realized that she was clueless. Moreover, he didn’t forget
to sneer, “You and your sister, Ashley, are two polarizing extremes. One just can’t wait to address me
as Great Grandpa while the other doesn’t do so when she should.”
Vivian turned pale when she realized the elder Mr. Norton knew that Ashley and she were sisters.
After giving it some thought, she realized it wasn’t unexpected. After all, she had been married to
Finnick for quite a while now so he would definitely have done a background check on her.
Anyway, since the elder Mr. Norton allowed her to address him as Grandpa, it meant that he
acknowledged her as his granddaughter-in-law. Realizing that, Vivian heaved a sigh of relief and
greeted softly, “Grandpa.”
Only then did he gave her a satisfied nod and motioned her by thrusting his chin forward. “Have a
seat.”
After settling down obediently, Vivian heard him question her sternly, “What do you think I call you in
here for?”
“I think it’s because of the pictures that were screened at the dinner just now.” Gathering her courage,
Vivian raised her head as she wanted to seize upon the opportunity to explain. “Grandpa, those
pictures are actually…”
Before she could begin to explain, the elder Mr. Norton raised his hand to cut her off.
“You don’t have to explain.” His tone was impatient. “Don’t you think I would have investigated the
matter thoroughly? After all, you have been married to Finnick for a long time.”
He chose his words carefully. By using the words ‘investigated thoroughly ‘, he had conveyed his inner
thoughts.
Not only had he checked what happened two years ago, but he also found out the truth and knew that
Vivian was set up.
That was when Vivian understood why he wasn’t surprised when he saw the pictures. In fact, he didn’t
even blame her for them.
So he was aware of the incident.
Feeling relieved, Vivian replied sincerely, “Thank you, Grandpa.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” The elder Mr. Norton snorted. “I hope you are not under the impression
that I didn’t mind just because you’re innocent?”
Vivian was stunned again.
She couldn’t deny Finnick’s words when he mentioned that his grandfather was an eccentric. Indeed,
the way he spoke was just like a roller coaster, full of twists and turns.
“For a family like ours, we would typically not allow someone with a scandal like yours to be one of us.
It doesn’t matter if it was your fault,” he explained indifferently.
The thought had crossed Vivian’s mind before as her face turned pale. “In that case Grandpa, why did
you accept me?”
“I didn’t, it was Finnick.” The elder Mr. Norton’s expression was suddenly filled with regret. “Since
Evelyn’s death ten years ago, I thought Finnick would not love another woman again, let alone get
married.”
Vivian was shocked.
Evelyn? Who is she? Is she someone Finnick had loved before?
Despite the questions whirling in her head, Vivian didn’t dare to ask him about it.
“However, I didn’t expect him to marry you.” He stared at Vivian with sharp eyes. “In the beginning, I
thought that you were just some puppet wife that he was using to defy me. But, after the last meeting
and tonight’s party, I realize that his feelings for you are real.”
Finnick has feelings for me?
His words caused Vivian’s heart to skip a beat.
However, she remained unconvinced.
Despite how well Finnick treated her, Vivian simply felt that he was too exceptional compared to her
and that they were worlds apart. She couldn’t fathom how someone like him would even have romantic
feelings for her.
Nevertheless, she didn’t disagree with the elder Mr. Norton outright but continued to listen quietly.
“That’s the reason why I am able to accept you.” He continued with a tone that reflected the resignation
he felt. “That’s because I will acknowledge whoever he loves.”
Chapter 82
Chapter 82
Looking at the elderly Mr. Norton in front of her, Vivian suddenly realized he was no longer the ruthless
and powerful head of the Norton family. Instead, he seemed to be an ordinary old man who just wanted
his grandson to be happy.
“But,” He added abruptly in a serious tone. “Don’t forget what your greatest responsibility is.”
By now, Vivian was lost and could hardly follow his train of thought. “What responsibility?”
“Help him continue his legacy, of course.” the old man glared at Vivian with his eyes widened as if he
was angry at her ignorance. “Look, Mark’s children are already so big but Finnick has yet to have any
despite his age.”
Vivian almost choked on her own saliva.
After beating around the bush, he just wants to remind me about having children with Finnick?
Although Finnick and Mark were brothers, their age gap was quite big. Mark was almost fifty while
Finnick hadn’t even reached thirty yet.
Nevertheless, it was common in reputable families to marry early and have many children by the time
they were thirty.
Vivian felt so awkward that she was lost for words. However, the elder Mr. Norton squinted his eyes
and murmured, “Girl, don’t think I’m not aware of the fact that you and Finnick have not consummated
your marriage.”
By now, Vivian felt utterly embarrassed.
How did he even find out about this?
“Girl, tell me the truth.” His eyes suddenly flashed as he asked hesitantly. “Finnick… does he have
trouble getting it up?”
Vivian had not recovered from the earlier shock. After hearing the elder Mr. Norton’s question, her face
blushed like a tomato.
Wh-what? What kind of a grandfather is this? Isn’t he being too intrusive?
When Vivian didn’t respond, he became more desperate and probed further, “I’m sure you are aware of
what happened ten years ago, which caused Finnick to lose control of his legs. Since then, I have
always been worried about the state of his ‘vitality’ in that aspect. All this while, I wanted to get a doctor
to help him but he has always refused me. That’s why I’m so concerned.”
When Vivian saw how worried he was, her heart couldn’t help but soften.
It appeared that Finnick had even hidden the truth about his legs from his grandfather. That’s why he
was so frustrated.
As Vivian couldn’t bear to see him worry, she gritted her teeth and thickened her skin, “I-I think Finnick
d-doesn’t have any problems with that.”
Mr. Norton was surprised. “How do you know?”
“That? Although we have yet to consummate our marriage, we do live together.” By now, Vivian just
wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. “There are times when… you know. I can…
erm… see his ‘reaction’?”
Vivian could feel her cheeks burning.
Anyway, she was telling the truth as she was absolutely sure there was nothing wrong with Finnick.
Putting aside the sightings of his morning wood, there were a few other occasions when she
‘personally’ felt his ‘vitality’. Once was when they had a close call and another time was when she
walked out of the bathroom.
Ahem, to be honest, it was more than doing just alright. In fact, it looks to be really ‘powerful’?
The elder Mr. Norton was puzzled for a brief moment before quickly getting what Vivian was hinting at.
His face lit up in joy. “Really? Haha, that’s wonderful news. Really wonderful!”
He was so excited that he jumped up from his chair and waved his walking stick in the air. “Since he is
doing fine, what else are you people waiting for?”
Vivian was dumbfounded. All she could manage to say was, “Erm, we don’t really know each other well
enough yet since we just met.”
“What f***ing nonsense is that?” he swore as he became worked up. “My wife and I were part of an
arranged marriage and yet we slept with each other the very first night of the wedding. Aren’t you
younger ones supposed to be more liberal? Why are you being more rigid than us?”
By now, Vivian was blushing like a tomato. In the meantime, the old man wielded his walking stick in
the air and ordered, “Ms. William, I am not someone that’s unreasonable. I know what you have been
through wasn’t your fault and I don’t blame you for it. However, I now need you to give your best. Time
waits for no man. So, both of you will consummate your marriage in the villa tonight!”
Chapter 83
Chapter 83
Vivian was dumbfounded.
Consummate our marriage tonight?
Before she could recover from her shock, Mr. Norton barked, “Mr. Zane!”
The study’s door opened and an elderly butler hurried in.
“Mr. Zane, bring Ms. William and Finnick to the bedroom at once.” Mr. Norton couldn’t contain his
laughter. “I have specially prepared that bedroom for you!”
What? There’s even a specially prepared bedroom?
Before she could even ask what sort of room it was, Vivian was led out of the study by Mr. Zane. Right
after they left, they could still hear the elder Mr. Norton’s hearty laughter from the corridor.
Mr. Zane brought her to a bedroom on the third floor. Upon entering, Mr. Zane softly reassured her,
“Both of you have the whole floor to yourselves. Hence, you can do whatever you please and not have
to worry that someone can hear you or even disturb you.”
When Vivian understood what Mr. Zane was trying to say, her face flushed red. Before she could even
reply, Mr. Zane had pushed her into the room.
By the time she managed to collect herself, the butler had closed the door.
Ka-chak!
She could hear it being locked from outside.
Given a fright, Vivian banged on the door, “Mr. Zane, why did you lock the door?”
No one answered from outside.
Vivian grew anxious and tried to pry it open. But, it was locked tightly from the outside and wouldn’t
budge.
‘You can stop banging on the door. They did it on purpose.” Just when Vivian began to worry, she
heard a cold voice emanate from behind her.
Caught by surprise, she turned around and saw Finnick sitting behind her.
Under the dim yellow light, Finnick was sitting in his wheelchair. He had taken off his jacket and only
had his white shirt on. The top two buttons were already loose, exposing his sexy collarbone.
“Finnick?” Vivian regained her senses and scanned the room. When her gaze fell upon the bed in the
center, her eyes widened in shock. “Is this the room we will be spending the night in? Isn’t the bed too
small?”
The bed in front of her looked just like a super single bed. It could barely fit two people and even then,
both people would have stick closely together.
“Mmm.” It was obvious to Finnick from the beginning. “They must be part of their plan.”
Vivian finally understood what the elder Mr. Norton meant when he said ‘specially prepared’. Just
thinking about it caused her to blush.
Vivian and Finnick did sleep together at home. But, given the bed was big enough, they seldom made
physical contact. However, the bed in front of them was so different.
“Just now,” Finnick asked out of a sudden as he turned towards Vivian, “what did Grandpa talk to you
about?”
When Vivian recalled the topic that the elder Mr. Norton and her discussed, her cheeks burned with
greater intensity.
“Erm, n-nothing much.” Vivian was too embarrassed to recount what they discussed. But, as she
wasn’t accustomed to lying, her words came out extremely stiff.
Raising his eyebrow curiously, Finnick stood up and approached Vivian. “Even if you don’t tell me, I can
easily guess what Grandpa spoke to you about.”
Vivian’s cheeks felt like a raging inferno now. “R-really?”
Finnick was standing right in front of Vivian now. When he saw how bashful she was, he simply found
her extremely adorable. At that very moment, he couldn’t help but tease her.
“Of course I do.” Finnick had lowered his voice on purpose to make it sound more alluring.
Furthermore, he even put his hands on the door beside Vivian’s cheek before leaning in to bring
himself closer. “I suppose he wants you to have children with me?”
Vivian lowered her gaze as she could no longer feel her cheeks. “That’s right. Erm, they’re our elders
after all. It’s normal for them to worry about you, isn’t it?”
Vivian’s voice gradually softened as Finnick was lowering his face towards her. They were now so
close to each other that their cheeks were about to touch.
When she felt his masculine breath envelope her whole body, she got all nervous that her heart began
to race.
Chapter 84
Chapter 84
Originally, Finnick had just wanted to joke around with Vivian. However, as he approached her, he
caught a whiff of her faint fragrance. Right at that moment, he could feel his heart started to pound.
For some reason, Vivian was especially attractive that day. Her tight skirt outlined her graceful figure in
full view. From his height, he could clearly see her soft curvature and snow-white skin.
Her small, pretty, up-close face was rosy red. It resembled an apple, cute and round, tender and juicy,
tempting everyone to approach and take a bite.
Finnick entertained that thought for a while. Her attractiveness was soon too much for him to bear, thus
he gave in to the temptation.
Bending down, he leaned close and gently nipped Vivian’s blushing cheek, startling her in the process.
She was taken aback and could only whisper a syllable, “Ah?”
The tiny yelp made his heart flutter like a feather, instantly igniting the passion within him.
Throwing caution to the wind, he suddenly raised his hands and grasped Vivian’s waist. Lifting her up
with a hug, their two bodies touched in a sweet embrace.
Feeling the warmth of his body flowing onto her, Vivian became flustered and managed only to
stammer, “F-Finnick? You…”
She did not realize that every word she said only made him felt more aroused.
He could barely hold onto his last thread of reason. The temptation was just too strong. Lowering his
head, he gently caressed her reddening earlobe with his lips as he whispered in a low voice, “Dear
Vivian, why don’t we carry out what grandpa wants? Let’s get on with it, shall we?”
The warm and sensual touch to her earlobe sent currents of electrifying sensation through her body. It
was so pleasantly numb that she could not help but shudder with pleasure.
Truth be told, she was mentally prepared for this. After all, they were already married. Finnick would
only have to ask, and as his wife, she would gladly offer herself to him without refusing.
Moreover, when elder Mr. Norton had said those things to her just now, she had thought in her heart
about consummating their marriage.
She was surprised that she was not resisting the idea.
As such, upon hearing Finnick’s request, she nodded shyly as she felt her ears burning up and her face
getting hotter.
Feeling the coy consent of the lady currently in his arms, the flame of passion within Finnick burned
brighter, and he instantly let go of his last thread of restraint which was holding him back.
Abruptly, he bowed his head and instantly locked his lips with Vivian’s. The soft and sweet scent filled
his senses. His tongue, tasting the intoxicating sweetness of the kiss, was instantly addicted as he
craved for her more and more.
Such a sensation…
Have I been drugged by this woman? Just a mere kiss is enough to make me lose all my self-control
and awakened the carnal instinct within me.
Finnick pinned Vivian to the door. He slid his hand down her smooth curvy back, before finally arriving
at the edge of her skirt.
The gown that she was dressed in was very cumbersome to undress. Finnick found himself groping in
search of the zipper. But as his lust burned hotter, he lost his patience and decided to rip the dress off
her.
Rip!
The gown was quickly torn apart and slid off Vivian’s milky white shoulders.
Under the dim light, with Vivian’s full figure in front of him in plain sight, Finnick felt his throat tightened
in excitement.
With his status and wealth, there was never a shortage of women willing to offer themselves to him. In
fact, there had been countless ladies who had tried to seduce him, to arouse him, and to get him into
their beds. Yet he managed to resist them all and remained calm and composed through it all.
However, that also led elder Mr. Norton and Mark to question whether the kidnapping case ten years
ago had affected him physically and mentally.
Nonetheless, with him facing Vivian currently, he felt that his body was no longer his own. His primitive,
carnal instinct was taking over, making the flame of lust burned wildly within him, tempting him to just
pounce and possess her outright.
Since Vivian had already given her consent, Finnick threw caution to the wind and unleash his inner
desire to the fullest this time. Immediately, his hot lips left Vivian’s and started traveling down, first
stopping on her neck before moving closer to his intended destination.
But at that moment…
“No!”
Vivian gave a sudden squeal and shoved Finnick away.
He did not expect her to resist him in such a way. Caught off-guard, he staggered a few steps
backward.
Looking at her in surprise, he saw her red face and watery eyes, exhibiting a look of unease.
That instant, he felt as if a bucket of icy water was dumped over him, extinguishing the flaming fire of
carnal passion burning inside him.
A look of guilt was plastered all over Vivian’s face as she realized that she might have gone overboard.
Cautiously approaching Finnick, she stammered apologetically, “I-I’m sorry… I-It’s just… I-I just
suddenly remembered something from two years ago…”
Chapter 85
Chapter 85
The incident that happened two years ago still haunted Vivian to this day. It was her worst nightmare.
Not because she had lost her most precious possession overnight. But rather, in that one night, her
reputation was ruined.
For a long time after that, she could not even bear to be in close proximity to a man, much less
communicating with one. Even shaking hands with a member of the opposite sex would trigger her
fear.
Now that she had recovered, she had thought that she could accept being with Finnick.
Unexpectedly, her body still instinctively rejected any form of intimacy with a man.
Seeing how disappointed Finnick had become, she was filled with a pang of unspoken guilt.
What if Finnick thinks that I’m playing hard to get on purpose? Or that I’m being pretentious? After all,
they were married. Besides, she had also given her consent. So, for her to reject him at the eleventh
hour in such an abrupt way when the going was getting good…
No man would be able to bear such a humiliating rejection.
With that thought in mind, she gritted her teeth and cautiously approached Finnick. Putting her arms
around his neck, she made the move to kiss him, wanting to reignite the lust within him.
Just as sudden as she was, Finnick picked her up gently and laid her on the bed.
Thinking that he was going to continue where he had left off, Vivian tensed her body in preparation.
This time, she wanted to make sure her body would obey and not instinctively push him away again.
She waited in anticipation of what was coming. However, Finnick did not make any sensual move. On
the contrary, he took the blanket next to him and covered her body.
Stunned, Vivian braced herself to ask, “Are you angry with me?”
As Finnick sat down on the side of the bed, he looked at her with a pair of calm, soothing eyes and
replied, “No.”
“Then why…”
“Why don’t I continue?” Cutting her off by finishing her question, he brushed her cheeks tenderly with
his fingers before whispering softly to her, “Because I hope you will enjoy it too, instead of merely
putting up with me.”
Truthfully, he was aroused by her body. As a matter of fact, he wanted her there and then.
If he had not cared for her in the first place, he would have persisted or even forced himself on her.
After all, as a man, holding oneself back after one’s carnal desire had been awakened was a difficult
feat to pull off.
However, he cherished Vivian too much to give in to his selfish desire.
And because he cared, he did not want their first time to turn into a dreadful memory for her.
If he had been selfish, how different would it be between him and the man who had hurt her two years
ago?
Vivian did not expect such tender admission from Finnick. At that moment, she felt her heart was
deeply touched by his sincerity. The feeling of love blossomed in her.
Men and women are different. For a woman, caring for a person meant giving herself to him. For a
man, caring for a person meant being patient for her.
Her eyes flickered as she curled up under the soft blanket, her uptight body finally relaxing. “Thank you,
Finnick.”
He chuckled, stood up, and walked to the chair next to the table before sitting down. “Today, you’ll be
the one sleeping on the bed.”
Feeling aghast, she asked with concern, “Then what about you? Don’t you have to sleep?”
“The bed is too small, and there’s only one set of blanket anyway. Forget it.”
Vivian frowned and reasoned, “Although the bed is small, it is wide enough to accommodate the two of
us. Come, squeeze in. You should sleep with me tonight.”
Finnick suddenly gave her a knowing look, “Vivian, are you challenging my self-control?”
She froze immediately.
She almost forgot that she had tempted Finnick to his limit today. Maybe even past that. Yet she had
not given herself to him. He must have been holding his carnal desire back earnestly, and for me to
even ask him to sleep with me…
She was too disregardful of his needs.
Not daring to speak anymore, Vivian obediently covered herself with the blanket tightly and laid still.
…
Meanwhile, in the study, elder Mr. Norton was busily pacing back and forth anxiously.
Just as Mr. Zane walked in, elder Mr. Norton hurried over and nervously asked, “How is it? How’s the
two of them?”
“They’ve retreated into their room. As for what happened next, I don’t know exactly,” answered Mr.
Zane honestly. After all, he did not dare to eavesdrop.
Nodding, elder Mr. Norton sighed, “How I wish those two would be more considerate of this geezer
here and just bear me a great-grandchild sooner.”
“Don’t worry too much about that, sir,” consoled Mr. Zane with a look of concern on his face.
“I nearly forgot,” exclaimed elder Mr. Norton as a thought suddenly hit him. His face turned cold right at
that moment as he requested, “Have you managed to find out more about that photo today?”
Chapter 86
Chapter 86
It was supposed to be a grand party that day, yet it was ruined by someone putting up such a photo.
Whether the purpose was to humiliate the Norton family or Vivian, the act itself was preposterous.
Mr. Zane nodded, “Yes. The culprit is the fiancée of your grandson, Ms. Miller.”
Hearing the name of the culprit did not surprise elder Mr. Norton. Rather, he scoffed upon hearing that
name, “As I’ve expected. I’ve suspected it since the beginning. That girl ain’t no saint. She’s a
troublemaker.”
Mr. Zane chipped in blankly, “Perhaps it has something to do with the relationship between Ms. William
and your grandson back in their university days.”
Nodding in admission, elder Mr. Norton sighed, “Both nephew and uncle ended up falling for the same
woman. Us Norton family are to be blamed too for instigating such a thing.”
“But Ms. William is the only lady that has attracted the attention of your second son. No matter what,
I’m sure you will continue to support their relationship.” Mr. Zane had been the confidant of elder Mr.
Norton for many years and could obviously understand the latter’s thoughts well.
“You’re right.” Rubbing his tired eyes, elder Mr. Norton continued, “As for that nuisance surnamed
Miller, go and inform Fabian about her nefarious deed.”
“Don’t you want to personally dal with her?”
“Meh, a mere wildling? She’s not worthy for me to personally make a move.” Sneering, elder Mr. Norton
pointed out, “If Fabian can’t even manage his own woman, then he is not worthy to be a part of the
Norton family.”
“Yes, I understand.” Acknowledging his orders, Mr. Zane left the study.
As elder Mr. Norton walked to his bedside, he looked out the window at the moon. His mind suddenly
remembered the scene on the dance floor, where Finnick was actually smiling happily while dancing
with Vivian. His wrinkled, frowning face softened.
How many years has it been… Since I last saw Finnick smiling like that?
I guess God answered my prayers to let Finnick meet a woman who can finally make him laugh again.
Right now, his only wish was for both of them to produce an offspring soon.
As elder Mr. Norton was worrying about them both, the amorous, fiery passion in the room upstairs had
cooled off.
Finnick was sitting on his chair. Propping his head against his hand, his eyes were closed as he rested.
Even though it was late into the night, Vivian kept tossing and turning on the bed, unable to sleep. After
a long silence, she meekly voiced out, “Finnick, I can’t seem to sleep. Shall we have a chat?”
Finnick did not open his eyes, but replied nonchalantly, “What shall we talk about?”
“About that…” Vivian paused for a thought, then continued, “How does your grandpa… Know that both
of us have not consummated our marriage?”
“Molly and Liam told him that,” explained Finnick matter-of-factly. “After all, both of them are grandpa’s
people. Even though they said that they were sent by grandpa to take care of me, they’re actually
grandpa’s informants.”
Only then did Vivian understood why Finnick would always send Molly and them all away. It turned out
that he knew of their purpose from the beginning.
Even though elder Mr. Norton simply wanted to keep an eye on him out of genuine concern, no one
would like to be put under such constant surveillance, more so for Finnick who was trying to fool
everyone that he was wheelchair-bound.
“Speaking of which…” Vivian hesitated for a moment before venturing, “Why don’t you be honest with
your grandpa and tell him that you’re not disabled? I can feel that he cares for you very much.”
Finnick opened his eyes and affirmed, “I know he cares for me a lot. After all, he is well advanced in
age and is looking forward to enjoying quiet family life. However, because of that, there are some
problems with his judgments.”
Cocking her head in confusion, she asked curiously, “What judgments?”
“Judgments towards each member of the family.” Finnick explained, “For example, he has always
wanted Mark and I to get along well. Hence, if he finds out the truth about my legs, he may unwittingly
disclose it to Mark.”
Vivian was taken aback for a moment before she finally understood.
The reason why Finnick faked his disability is to fool Mark.
The relationships in a reputable and prominent family like the Nortons were just too complicated.
Feeling a headache coming up, she groggily closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
While in that sleepy daze, she could vaguely see Finnick sitting at his desk, gazing at something in his
hand.
Under the dim light, she saw the thing in his hand was shining and shimmering, just like a crystal
pendant.
Is that the pendant from last time?
Amidst her state of semi-consciousness, she felt a little disturbed in her heart for no reason.
That pendant. Who does it belong to? Who is it that made him care so much for?
Whilst thinking in such a disoriented daze, she drifted off to sleep eventually.
Chapter 87
Chapter 87
Compared with the peaceful silence in Vivian’s room, the atmosphere on the other side of the Norton
family’s old mansion was much palpably tense.
Fabian walked into the room with a grim look. Ashley, who had already changed into her nightgown,
went up to him in a hurry and hugged his arm. “Fabian, where have you been? I’ve been waiting for
you for a long time after taking my shower.”
She was clad specially in her silk lacy gown. Under the dim light, she appeared to be even more
sensually seductive as she brushed her chest against his arm constantly.
Even with a beauty in his arms, Fabian stood there stoically unmoving as he stared at her gloomily,
“Ashley, do you have anything you want to explain to me?”
Blinking with feigned innocence, she was perturbed by his straightforwardness. “Explain what? What’s
up with you, Fabian?”
“Those photos today.” Seeing her pretending not to know what he was referring to, Fabian began to
lose his patience. “Who allowed you to release those compromising photos of Vivian?”
Ashley turned pale immediately.
Does he know that I’m the culprit?
“Fabian… You… Perhaps you have misunderstood something?” She started to panic as she
blabbered, “I don’t know how those indecent photos of my sister suddenly come about, but you must
believe…”
“Ashley Miler! How dare you! Still pretending at a time like this?” Cutting her off, Fabian could feel
nothing but annoyance at the person currently in front of him. As his anger burned, he shoved her away
and revealed, “Great Grandpa has already found out the truth! What do you think Great Grandpa would
think about me after causing such a fiasco?”
What?
Even elder Mr. Norton knows?
Ashley’s expression turned deathly pale.
She did not anticipate that in her fervor to frame Vivian, she had instead shot herself in the foot.
Gazing at Fabian in front of her, she knew then that he was her only bargaining chip. Her eyes quickly
reddened as she pitifully tugged at his sleeves. “Fabian, I’m sorry. I truly am. I’ve been blinded by my
own emotions, which led me to commit such an act. You won’t leave me because of this, will you?”
As she pleaded, she let loose a few tears.
Undeniably, Ashley was indeed beautiful. The sight of her sobbing in sorrow, albeit feigned, was
enough to invoke sympathy. In the end, she was still his girlfriend. Fabian felt his heart softened at the
sight and toned down his anger. “Ashley, tell me. Why did you feel the need to do what you just did?”
Continuing with her act, she bit her lips and whispered, “Because I’m so afraid…”
“Afraid of what?”
“I’m afraid that you still have feelings for my sister. I’m afraid that you’ll rekindle your relationship with
her, and then… You’ll abandon me…”
Fabian did not expect such a reply from her. Stunned for a while, he was at a loss. However, upon
looking at her tear-stained smiling face, his heart ached. He reached out his arms and caught her in a
tight embrace.
“What a fool,” whispered Fabian to her ears. “After Vivian’s repugnant scandal two years ago, do you
think I’ll still have anything to do with her?”
Upon hearing that, Ashley still felt conflicted, perhaps it was due to the many unsatisfactory things that
had happened that day, even hearing Fabian’s promise did not make her feel relieved, instead, it only
aggravated what was within her heart.
“Fabian.” Nestling in his arms, she could not help but asked, “If you had known that two years earlier…
My sister… She did not actually do those things. Would you have reconciled with her?
Deep inside her heart, this issue had always been the thorn in her flesh.
She had expected that as long as Fabian and Vivian were separated, the two of them would have
nothing to do with one another and would move on as strangers. Life, after all, was not some TV drama
where the protagonists would still long for one another.
However, that thought no longer gave her the confidence it used to.
She had not expected that Fabian would end up as Vivian’s workplace superior. In some sort of twisted
fate, Vivian ended up becoming Finnick’s wife, making her Fabian’s aunt.
Since discovering that Vivian was working under Fabian, she had been worried that Vivian would take
the initiative to clarify what had actually transpired back then. Yet for some unknown reason, Vivian
never made the move to explain. As puzzled as she was, Ashley was relieved as well.
However, this matter still nagged her so much that she was still worried.
Witnessing Fabian’s attitude towards Vivian recently, Ashley could not shake the feeling that she had
underestimated the relationship between those two. She was struck with panic, wondering if Fabian
would seek to reunite with Vivian once more if he had learned of the truth about that particular incident
years ago.
Chapter 88
Chapter 88
Meanwhile, Fabian was momentarily stunned. He had not expected Ashley to utter those words, much
less cared to question his feelings towards her. However, he quickly recovered and a cold look flashed
across his face. “I’ve seen all the photos. What else can I misunderstand? What other explanations are
there?”
Seeing his tense expression, she dared not say anything more.
Fabian observed the pitiful-looking woman in his arms, then suddenly remembered something. He
frowned and questioned, “By the way, why and how did you end up with those photos?”
After all, those photos were sent to him by an anonymous contact through email. He had not shown
them to anyone except for Finnick and Vivian. How did Ashley end up with those photos in the first
place?
The question caught Ashley by surprise. She had been immersed in her worries, and initially thought
that she had succeeded in changing the subject. Hearing his inquiry, her face paled once more.
Oh no! I almost forgot. I have yet to explain the origin of those blasted photos!
Noticing Ashley’s face had turned white suddenly, something in Fabian clicked. Realizing slowly the
suspected truth, he gently pulled her away from his arms. With his stern expression and his raised
eyebrows, Fabian interrogated with a frown, “Ashley, are you the one who sent me those photos?”
Ashley could not help but clench her fingers tightly. She knew that she was now in hot waters.
In fact, just a few days ago, when she first learned that Vivian was married to Finnick, her mind was so
full of unjustified anger that she made up the plan on the spot to sabotage her without any careful
planning nor afterthought.
Moreover, she was originally so confident in her plan. She even bribed a servant of the Norton family to
help out in her plot. After the grand party, she arranged for the servant to resign and leave, hence tying
up any loose ends and made sure that her whole plot was air-tight from being exposed.
Despite doing all that, she had undoubtedly underestimated the influence of the illustrious Norton
family. With their power and efficiency, the investigation had proceeded much faster than she
anticipated. That very night, she had been exposed.
As such, she had not come up with an excuse in time to explain the origin of those photos.
The moment she heard Fabian’s question, it made her flabbergasted. Her mind plunged into a state of
disarray and she wished she were anywhere but here right now.
Indeed, whether it was the incident from two years ago or the recent case, the photos in Fabian’s
possession were sent by her personally.
Because the scheme two years ago was all planned by her. Even the pinhole camera which snapped
those photos was placed by her in the hotel as well.
Of course, Fabian must never know about all these.
While trying to calm herself down in the fastest possible time, an idea suddenly hit her. Her spirit was lit
up with inspiration, along with her confidence.
Deliberately pretending to be frightened, she quivered, “Fabian, if I reveal to you how I have gotten hold
of these photos, will you blame me?”
Eyeing her suspiciously with narrowing eyes, he frowned, “Just tell me first, where do you get the
photos?”
Ashley purposely avoided his piercing stare and with a stuttering voice, she whispered, “A-Actually… I
found them in your phone while browsing through it secretly.”
With a sullen face, he stared at her warily, trying to spot any tell-tale signs of lying. After all, he had not
expected such an explanation from her and could not help but be stunned by it.
“You looked through my phone?”
“Yeah.” Gaining momentum, she plucked up her courage and continued, “Do you remember that we
were in a restaurant that day? I remembered that you were acting very abnormally. I suspected you
might have another lover out there. I was scared, you know. Hence, when the chance arose, I flipped
through your phone and saw your email app. Inside your inbox, there was an anonymous email. I
clicked on it and saw its content… I didn’t expect to see such a thing. Perhaps I was too overcome with
shock that I instinctively forwarded the email to my own cell phone.”
Meanwhile, Fabian’s face was furrowed, trying hard to recall the event.
He remembered in the few days after he had received the anonymous email, he had indeed had a
meal with Ashley. He had been preoccupied and worried the whole time because of Vivian’s
scandalous photos.
Could things be so straightforward after all?
Looking down at Ashley beside him, he saw that her eyes were red. She looked pitiful like a helpless
little rabbit. The sight of her in such a state triggered a sudden feeling of sympathy in him.
Deciding to trust her, he gave in, “Okay, I understand.” Further patting her on her shoulder reassuringly,
he joked, “Don’t give me that kind of look anymore as if I’m the one bullying you.”
Ashley bit her lips in anticipation and glanced at him cautiously, “Fabian, you don’t blame me
anymore?”
Blame you?
Of course I blame you.
Especially when I remember the look in Vivian’s eyes the moment the compromising photos are
released. In fact, he was so outraged back then that he wanted to break off the engagement with
Ashley there and then.
And yet, seeing Ashley’s eyes which bore much resemblance to Vivian’s, he could not bring himself to
do it.
Indeed, since his return, he had been too concerned with Vivian’s affairs and had outright neglected
Ashley. It was no wonder that the latter had felt no sense of security regarding their relationship.
In the end, he could sense that Ashley had done this due to her love for him.
Fabian’s eyes lit up suddenly.
If only…
Chapter 89
Chapter 89
If only Vivian would have loved me as madly as Ashley does, to the point where she’s willing to do
anything and everything for me… How great would that be…
Sighing to himself, Fabian quickly shook his head to snap off from his daydreaming. “I’ll let it pass this
time. In the future, don’t do anything reckless without discussing with me first, okay?”
Hearing that he had let her off the hook, an expression of relief and joy flashed over Ashley’s face.
Hugging him, she promised, “Of course! I won’t do it again! I promise! Fabian dear, you’re really good
to me.”
As she gazed at the man in front of her, a flicker flared in her eyes as she straightened up suddenly.
Looking at him alluringly, coupled with a seductive voice, she spoke bewitchingly, “Fabian, ever since
you’ve returned, it’s been a long while since we last had that…”
Fabian was rendered speechless.
With the bedroom only lit by the bedside lamps, the surrounding was dim and the atmosphere was
beginning to be filled with a certain anticipation. In the dimness, Ashley’s face involuntarily overlapped
with a familiar face in his memory.
Just then, Ashley took the initiative to close the gap between them. Her red lips pressed closer as her
body slowly rubbed enchantingly against him. He could feel her soft curves against his skin as she
moaned, “Fabian… I really want you…”
The moment Ashley approached, the strong scent of her body whiffed past his nose.
Such bodily fragrance, however, woke him up from a trance, as if a pail of cold water were splashed
onto him.
“No.” Sternly, he mouthed that single word and pushed Ashley away.
Staggering back after being pushed, she looked at him in disbelief. Her feelings were clearly hurt as
she called out, “Fabian…”
Surprised at what he had just done while simultaneously at a loss of how to face her, he could only
manage to utter, “I’m too tired today. What about another day?”
Ashley became upset. Not able to find any words to say, she resorted to biting her lips in frustration and
nodded in resignation.
Fabian quickly got himself ready for a shower. Yet before he entered the bathroom, he could not help
but turn towards the stupefied woman. Seeing Ashley in her disconcerted daze, he could not resist
adding more salt to the wound, “Ashley dear, the perfume you wear is too pungent. Don’t use it
anymore. I don’t like it.”
The moment he finished uttering those words, he entered the bathroom without waiting for her
response or a look back.
Ashley was left rooted to her spot, her pale face palpable in the dim light as if her body were devoid of
any soul.
She was rejected by Fabian. Again.
Ever since his return, she had taken the initiative countless times, trying to push herself onto him.
However, every attempt had fallen flat as each time Fabian would shot her down. Not only that, but he
had also not spent much time with her. Instead, most of the time, he was at his magazine company.
That magazine company with Vivian in it.
And now, he still dared to remark that my perfume was too pungent? Such obvious spite. Such a
condescending attitude!
When they had first gotten together, he clearly stated that he liked this perfume scent the most. Due to
that, she had always painstakingly put it on – be it daytime or nighttime after a bath.
Yet now he admitted that it would be best for me not to wear any perfume?
In this day and age, how many girls would not wear perfumes?
Except for that poor, unstylish Vivian perhaps!
Vivian William…
As the name popped into her mind, Ashley suddenly turned pale and shuddered.
Am I thinking too much again? That Fabian… Perhaps he was still unable to forget and let go of Vivian!
Her anger suddenly boiled once again and almost exploded. She thrashed the pillows and blanket on
the bed, making a mess.
Vivian!
You shameless b*tch!
You’re just a mere peon from a poor, menial family. What gives you the right to wrest my man away
from me!
You’re the one who forced me little by little, step by step into this predicament! So don’t blame me for
being merciless from now on!
Taking out her phone in anger after making sure Fabian was still in the bathroom, she dialed a number
only she knew.
“Hey.” As soon as the phone was connected, she spoke with a low, cold tone. “Find me that old man
from back then. Tell him that I need a favor from him. If he’s willing to help, I’ll find him several beautiful,
blooming girls to entertain him. Complimentary of course, courtesy of yours truly.”
Early next morning.
When Vivian woke up, Finnick had already freshened up and was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling
mirror, buttoning his shirt.
Most of the buttons were still unbuttoned, revealing his solid, stony chest with distinct muscle lines. It
was a truly chiseled masterpiece sight to behold, achieved through hard hustling and diligent discipline.
Vivian had not expected her eyes to be blessed at such early hours in the morning. She could not help
but gawk at such a fine specimen of a husband.
Noticing her blank stare reflected by the mirror, Finnick tried his best to hide his grin. With a hidden
smirk and a low, manly voice, he growled gently, “So… Are you satisfied with this body?”
Chapter 90
Chapter 90
Hearing his remark, Vivian was jolted out from her trance. Blinking in confusion, she remembered his
question regarding his body.
She blushed immediately and looked away quickly.
Seeing his lady in discomfort and closing her eyes, Finnick raised his brows and wondered about his
next move.
Leaving his shirt unbuttoned, he walked over to Vivian who was averting her gaze. He leaned down
and squeezed her chin, forcing her eyes to focus on him again.
“Vivian,” he whispered in a low, manly voice. “Just watch all you want. I promise I won’t charge you.”
She widened her eyes in disbelief.
Is it my imagination? Or is Finnick getting more and more shameless with each passing minute?
Such a thick-skinned man. She could never hope to match that level of shameless confidence in her
lifetime. With her face turning redder, she was forced to gaze at his exposed firm chest in front of her.
Fearing Finnick would see her nervousness, she hastily changed the subject. “Um… What do you
think? Will your grandpa know that we did not do ‘that’ last night?”
Raising his eyebrows, Finnick leaned back a little and shrugged, “Maybe. But so what?”
“So…” Being so close with him made Vivian more flustered. Words just came out of her mouth without
going through her brain, “Do you think we’ll be scolded for not…”
Finnick raised his eyebrows even higher, “Vivian, what are you trying to imply, hmm?”
Realization dawned on Vivian on what her words sounded like and she felt like committing suicide.
I’m such a fool for mentioning that! I’ve just trapped myself!
“I… I don’t mean that…” She stuttered as she tried to explain away, fearing that Finnick would
misunderstand.
Chuckling lightly, he ventured, “Then pray tell what you mean? Perhaps you can enlighten me?” As he
enunciated every word naughtily, his breath blew onto the tip of Vivian’s nose. “Don’t you know that
men have certain needs upon waking up in the mornings?”
Vivian’s face was now red as a tomato as she stammered even more. “I-I, I’m really not…”
Initially, Finnick meant it all as a joke, but he did not expect his little lady in front of him to take it
seriously. Seeing her flustered, flabbergasted face, a corner of his lips curved upward into a smirk.
“I’m just kidding,” whispered Finnick into her ears. She heard him, but before she could heave a sigh of
relief, the second part of his sentence made her break into a nervous sweat. “However, your valid
concern is duly noted. Since there’s a truth to your matter, we’d better do something about it.”
“Huh?” Vivian was at a loss for words. Before she could ask what Finnick was thinking of doing, he
suddenly leaned down and buried his head between her beautiful neck.
“Ah!” Vivian was taken aback and tried to struggle, but Finnick had foreseen that, hence he clasped
both her hands together and pressed her whole body into the bed. Unable to move, she faltered, “F-
Finnick… What are you… What are you doing?”
A moist and itchy sensation crept between her neck. She could feel his lips working their way around,
nibbling and sucking, while his warm breath was brushing her neck. Vivian was frightened and wanted
to yell out, but as the tingling, sensual sensation spread all over her body, she could not help but
shudder slightly in a weird state of confused pleasure.
After a long while, Finnick straightened up slowly, a corner of his mouth raised up in a satisfied smirk.
He could not take his eyes away from the red mark on Vivian’s beautiful neck.
Feeling none of the embarrassment the blushing lady in front of him was experiencing, he whispered,
“This will suffice, I guess.”
As part of her reaction, she quickly pushed Finnick away, jumped out from the bed, and rushed to the
mirror next to her.
Scrutinizing herself in the mirror, she was stunned by what she saw.
She could see that her face was flushed, and her eyes were sparkling. There was something unfamiliar
yet charming in her gaze.
Is this… Is this really me?
However all these were not the most important.
The one thing that caught her eyes was the obvious hickey on her neck.
“Finnick Norton!” She could not help but feel annoyed. “You… How do you expect me to go out and
meet other people looking like this!”
Calmly pacing up to her, Finnick wrapped his strong arms around her lovingly from behind and
chuckled, “I’m merely leaving my mark on you.”