Chapter 3
Gwen felt a burning pain on her cheek, and when Monica ra
(to slap her again, Gwen instinctively caught her wrist mid–air
“How dare you?” Monca was infuriated. “Ton’t forget that old hag is still in the liespital Wildest me and Vincent, you can forges abour saving i
Seeing Gown back down, Monica decided not to push things further. With a cold sneer, she sank into the couch. The television blared in the background, tuned to the entertainment news,
screen, Erban’s handsome, aloof face filled the frame as he addressed a crowd of reporters “If I fall in love with some, I’ll definitely protect lict,” he sail
I’m currently single. If I ever have a girlfriend. Het everyone know,”
know,” he added,
The dull ache in Gwen’s chest returned, and what Ethan had said made it more unbearable. She couldn’t tell if the pain was from her burning cheek or somewhere sleeper.
She had been with him for three years, and he didn’t mention her at all, as if she’d never existeil.
But it was not too surprising. He was only attracted to her body, anyway.
Monica’s shrill voice started again. While peeling an orange from the coffee table, sie spoke with a feigned gentleness. “Vincent and I have found – you a good match. You’re about to graduate college; it’s time to settle down.”
The man’s a bit older than you, but older men know how to take care of their wives, she kept going on. “Just give him a son, and you’ll have a cushy life ahead of you.
With that, Monica Mood up, grabbing her bag. T’m off now. Remember to go to the hospital to pay the hag’s medical bills this month.”
Gwen snapped back to reality. “Didn’t Uncle Vincent say he’d pay for that?”
With what You’ve already cost us too much,” Monica said. “And what about Bernice Next month’s her graduation ball–many wealthy young men will be attending, just pay the bill?”
Monica slammed the door on her way out, leaving Gwen to sink to the floor, sliding down the doorframse in exhaustion.
She didn’t even have time to feel sorry for herself when her phone buzzed with a new notification. It was a job posting from Career Compass.
The AutoFusion Expo is seeking two car models aged 18-25, with a height of at least V6. Applicams should bring a 2–inch bare–faced ID photo to The interview. Payment will be settled daily |
Gwen wiped her face and clicked to apply, submitting her resume through the chat.
There was no time to dwell on Ethan She needed money, and she needed it fast.
Four days later, as Elian stepped off the plane, Chris immediately asked, “Mr. Raymond, would you like to rest at Hillside Villag
Take me to Mansion No. 14 Edban replied.
years ago, and where she spent most of her time waiting for him, except
Chris understood his intent. That was where Ethan had taken Gwen three y when she was brought in Hilbide Villas to accompany him.
Eshan was in a good mood, having just closed a major deal. The figured the days of cold treatment would make his stance clear to Gwen.
Based on her usual behavior, Lahan assumed she’ll already dressed in something he liked, prepared his bath, and made a few of his tavoille snacks, ready to apologuer sweetly the moment lie arrives
After all, it had been a month, and Gwen should be out of money. When that happened, she always found creative ways to ask him for more.
Given her years of obedience and good behavior, Elan was willing to give her another chance Gwen was never upset for long–money always
solved that
When the c
Edian stepped suit and entered the house, but Gwen didn’t run over to greet him as he’d expected.
He frowned, changed into his slippers, and walked inside. The kitchen was empty, and there was nothing on the dining table. He went
e went straight
(Chapter #1
The bedroom was untouched–clean and orderly. Her skincare products, clothes, and even the hairbands she usually wore were still there. The curtains on the balcony swayed in the wind, but the room lacked Gwen’s presence entirely.
Where is she?” Ethan finally demanded, his patience worn thin.
The maid, who’d been looking aher Gwen, seemed troubled “Ms. Leblanc hasn’t been back for a week. She hasn’t answered my calls, I thought (was with you”
Ethan tossed lus phone to the mid. “Call her
He assumed Gwen was trying to force his hand. Gwen, you really don’t understand your place,‘ he thought.
the
Gwen haid just received her paycheck. If she pooled it with the proceeds from selling the bracelet Ethan had gifted her to a second–hand shop, she could cover her grandmother’s medical expenses for the month.
When Clans messaged her, Gwen was in relatively good spirits,
› Chris. Ms. Leblanc, where are you? [Mr. Raymond is back and furious that you’re not here.
Gwen didn’t care about Ethan’s anger. He could always find someone else, She blocked Chris, deleted the message, and moved on.
Moments later, her uncle Vincent called “Gwen, we’re having a family dinner at the hotel tonight. Dress nicely and come over,” he said.
Though Gwen was exhausted, she knew she couldn’t refuse. Her grandmother, Beatrice, was under Vincent and Monica’s care, and Gwen had no cliance but to comply. She went home, changed into a dress, and headed to the hotel.
The moment she sat down, Gwen realized this wasn’t an ordinary family dinner.
Monica, all smiles, introduced Gwen to the older man seated nearby, who appeared to be nearing sixty: “Mr. Anderson, this is my niece, Gwen, Isn’t she even more stunning than in the photos?”
“Just look at her–she’ll give you a son in no time,” she went on. “Marry her, and within six months, she’ll exceed all your expectations”
The instant Joshua Anderson saw Gwen, he wasn’t thinking about sons anymore. The prospect of marrying such a breathtaking beauty thrilled him
io no end
“Are you sure she’s still a virgin?” he asked.
Monica smiled. “Rest assured. You’re welcome to verify it upstairs.” She handed him a room key card as she spoke.
Josias leering gaze swept over Gwen, making her skin crawl. She turned her head to avoid his stare. only to spot a couple seated at the neighboring table—Ethan and Sharon
“Mr. Raymond, thank you for treating me to dinner today. I’ve never been to such an upscale place before, Sharon said, her voice sweet and tinged with excitement
Ethan’s smile was warm and refined as he gestured for the waiter to hund Sharon the meq. “Order whatever you like
Gwen’s face darkened. She clenched her teeth and turned away, thinking how unfortunate it was to run into him here.
“Mom, thur’s Ethant Gwen’s cousin Hernice whispered excitedly to Monica, Monica, equally surprised, luxdn’t expected to see Ethan either.
Monica gave Bonuce a meaningful look. “Switch seats wi
Gwen and let Mr. Aislerson have a proper chat with her”
Bernice agreed without hesitation. Ignoring Gwen completely, she moved to sit beside Monica, her eyes fixed on Ethan.
When Josina slid into the seat next to Gwen, the stench of stake mixed with an overpowering colgate engulfed her. “So, your name’s Gwen, right? Theard you’re still in college. What’s your major!”
“Film duecting,” Gwen replied quietly, lowering her gaze
“Well, that’s a shaine! With a face like yours, you should be an actress!” Joshua exclaimed, his sweat slicked, hairy hand grabbing her wrist “Look at
so fair, so delicate”
Geen tried to pull away, but his grip was firm, Joshua leaned closer, his foul breath hitting her like a wall. “I wonder if the rest of you is just as fair
suddenly, the sharp sound of breaking glass echased through the restaurant.
All eyes turned toward the source. Joshua released Gwen’s wrist without a wond, and as relief washed over her, she found herself locking eyes with
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Chapter 3
Ethan’s impassive gaze.
Sharon’s flustered voice broke the silence. “Mr. Raymond, Ini
up the shards; this isn’t a task for you? At his words, a water
Ethan cut her off smoothly. “A woman’s hands are precious. Don’t bother picking up t quickly appeared with a broom to clean up the mess.
a woman to the status of a princess if she caught his favor. But as for women he no longer wanted, he
Ethan was the type of man who could elevate a we wouldn’t spare them a glance.