Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0343

“Nicholas, you think too highly of yourself.”

How could Nicholas possibly understand how I felt back then? I once loved him deeply. But his so–called ” not doing well” only resulted in forceful possession of me. He never truly suffered or worried for me even for a moment.

“I used to want the person I loved to love me wholeheartedly in return, but you never understood love.”

He was someone who did not understand love while pretending to be obsessed with it. Love was never about competing. It was about having confidence in what was mine even without fighting for it. Nicholas never gave me that confidence.

“What is love to you? Kneeling down to beg you, or publicly declaring my love?”

“Those were just casual jokes I once made. Nicholas, I don’t need you to understand love because I don’t love you anymore. If there’s a chance in the future, I hope someone can teach you what ‘love‘ really

means.”

The suit jacket matching my dress was casually draped over the sofa. Meanwhile, its owner did not return all night.

The next day, Douglas contacted me. He said that there was a problem in acquiring Jones Corporation’s shares. It seemed that someone else was competing for them.

I could easily guess who was behind this. If Nicholas thought he could control me this way, he was gravely mistaken.

*Sell off the existing Jones Corporation shares at a high price. I want five percent of Hawk Corporation’s shares.”

If I exhausted everything, I might be able to gain a foothold in Hawk Corporation. Then, I could trade those shares with him later, and he might agree.

Things were much easier for me with Douglas‘ help. I had time to relax and review some case files. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Jasmine.

She said, “Let’s meet at the final dinner.”

I did plan to attend. “Sure, but I don’t know what you want to talk about.”

“I did have something to say, but not anymore. I don’t want to tell you anything. I just want you to see that even if you’re still Mrs. Hawk, you can’t keep his heart. He’s already agreed to accompany me to the final dinner.”

I responded calmly, “Is that so? Congratulations.”

We’ve been together all night. He’s sleeping beside me now.”

Suddenly, there was a loud noise from the front door. It was followed by a woman’s cry for help. “Mrs. Hawk, Mrs. Hawk; are you there?”

I ran out to see Nicholas leaning against the doorframe. He looked like he might fall at any moment. Beth stood behind him as she reached out to shield him,

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0343

Jasmine’s voice continued on the phone, “Last night he used up two boxes of condoms. He’s really exhausted now. I wonder if he’s this vigorous when he’s with you.”

I did not know what provoked Jasmine to make this call, but her lies seemed to fall apart on their own. She must have thought I hung up out of anger.

“Why did you drink so much?”

I walked to his side and pushed the door open wider. The smell was overwhelming. I felt like I might get drunk just from it. I did not know how much he had drunk.

Nicholas looked at me with dull eyes. His voice was thick as if soaked in alcohol. “Not drunk.”

Drunk people often denied being drunk. I sighed and turned to Beth. “Please help me get him inside.”

Beth shook her head, “Mr. Hawk can walk. He’s just unsteady. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you. He said he won’t let anyone else enter here.”

As she spoke, she stepped back on tiptoe to show that she really had not overstepped her bounds. Before anyone could say more, Nicholas kicked the door shut, and his whole body pressed against mine.

He kissed me eagerly. What the kiss lacked in technique it made up for with intense emotion. The emotions in his eyes were clear.

“What if I say I like you? I’ve never drunk myself into a stupor for anyone before.”