Obviously, Vlora didn’t know the word “intimidated,” so she didn’t hesitate to continue pressing Jonas’ reason. She watched Jonas’ expression and noticed a certain satisfaction, so she decided to release all the pent-up emotions in her chest.
“Andreas will destroy you.”
Jonas’ fist clenched tightly. His eyes stared sharply at Vlora and he spoke in a hoarse voice. “Watch your words, Vlora.”
Vlora did the opposite. She persisted because of the urging of her heart that couldn’t be ignored. Seeing Jonas’ face slowly turn red brought her a unique joy she had never felt before.
“Then I’ll be glad to witness it.”
Only then did Vlora give a real smile. A smile that was meant to represent the joy she felt, for at that moment, an image formed directly in her mind-Jonas truly experiencing his downfall.
Jonas would be expelled. He would be thrown out of Progun and there would be no one to help him. He would become a castaway with no dignity. He would live a life full of self-esteem-an illegitimate child who turned out to have no abilities, an illegitimate child who didn’t know gratitude, and an illegitimate child who had no sense of shame.
Vlora couldn’t contain her impatience for the expected moment. It was only a little longer. She would be at Andreas’ side and together they would witness Jonas’ downfall.
“How dare you, you miserable woman.”
All pleasant thoughts vanished from Vlora’s mind. She blinked, and her focus, momentarily clouded by daydreams, returned. She saw that Jonas was now staring at her with a penetrating gaze.
“Jonas.”
The heat surged. The commotion intensified. The heartbeat quickened. Vlora’s smile and words had ignited Jonas’ rage.
Jonas held his breath against the onslaught of heat that coursed through his entire body. The embers had been ignited, changing the aura around him and creating an unsettling foreboding for Vlora.
How could a woman like Vlora keep cornering Jonas? She didn’t hesitate to belittle him and bring him down with her words.
Jonas couldn’t accept that. It was enough that he felt pressured by Andreas’ actions. He wouldn’t allow Andreas’ wife to do the same to him.
“Do you think that just because you’re Andreas’ wife you can say whatever you want?” Jonas asked as he stood up. A bead of sweat trickled down his jaw line and his breathing became heavy. “Who do you think Andreas is? Who are you? You should know that the only thing Andreas relies on is the pride of being born to a legitimate woman. Other than that?” His laughter rang out with a mocking expression. “Nothing.”
Vlora noticed that Jonas was beginning to look different. Jonas’ emotions were becoming more pronounced, and they seemed to be clouding his judgment. She decided it would be wise not to provoke Jonas any further.
“As you wish, Jonas,” Vlora said as she stood up. She glanced briefly at the door before taking a step. “You can say whatever you want, but I hope you leave soon. I apologize.”
Jonas wasn’t going to let Vlora leave just like that. When he saw signs that Vlora was about to leave, he acted immediately. He grabbed Vlora’s hand and held it.
Her steps stopped. Vlora widened her eyes. “Jonas!”
“Do you think you can just walk away after you talked me down?” Jonas asked, grinning. He made a face that made Vlora nervous. “Of course not, Vlora.”
Vlora took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. She tried to pull her hand away from Jonas’ grip, but it was in vain. Jonas didn’t let go; instilling fear that made her beg.
“Let me go, Jonas.”
On the contrary, Jonas approached Vlora. “No.”
“Jonas.”
“I’m not going to let you go after all you’ve said, Vlo. Just because you’re married to Andreas, you feel superior. You should understand and grasp the situation; no matter what happens, Andreas will always be beneath me. Your husband is just a useless man who can’t do anything.”
“Let me go, Jonas.”
Jonas stood still. The laughter stopped. Now he looked at Vlora, who tried to free her hand from his grasp.
“Do you need proof, Vlo? If Andreas really is a weak and powerless man? If he can do nothing?”
Vlora’s protest stopped instantly. Something was different in Jonas’ tone and way of speaking, especially in his look.
A sudden chill crept in. Vlora’s once bright complexion began to pale.
“Jo-Jonas. What are you…”
“You said I always take what isn’t rightfully mine, didn’t you?”
Vlora shook her head. “Don’t.”
“It seems you’re right.”
“Jo-Jonas.”
Slowly, Jonas let go of Vlora’s hand, which he had gripped tightly. Vlora tried to back away, but she couldn’t. Her steps were dragged and Jonas grabbed her waist.
“Now seems to be the right time for me to take you away from Andreas.”
Vlora struggled. “Let me go!”
“Later. Just calm down. I will definitely let you go, but later,” Jonas refused, whispering in Vlora’s ear. “I’ll let you go after I get you away from Andreas.”
“You’re crazy, Jonas! Let me go!”
Jonas laughed. He pulled Vlora closer so that he could feel her resistance vividly. “I told you, I will let you go. Later, of course. After I take you away from Andreas, I will let you go for sure. Do you understand what I mean?”
The question presented a grim possibility that made Vlora shudder. Her fear intensified and panic set in.
“Help!”
Jonas burst into laughter. He surveyed the area and said, “Scream all you want, but no one will hear you.”
Vlora realized the truth. Like many important rooms, Andreas’ office was soundproofed. She could scream until she lost her voice, but it would be completely useless.
“I warn you, Jonas. Let me go. Never think of doing anything to harm me.”
“Shut up! Don’t waste your energy on useless things, Vlo. Besides, I intend to let you go. How about we start by taking off your clothes?”
Vlora froze. She shook her head stiffly. “P-please, Jonas.”
“I will kindly prove your words. I enjoy taking what belongs to others. I love to seize the possessions of others, especially when it’s Andreas’.”
“P-please.”
“Have you ever imagined? How would Andreas feel if he saw his beloved wife lying on the floor without clothes and I left her like that?”
Vlora no longer listened to Jonas’ words. She rebelled further with a sudden wave of nausea.
“Please, Jonas. Let me go.”
Jonas’ laughter echoed. “Fine, I’ll let go of your hand.”
But instead, Jonas took the opportunity to embrace Vlora. He hugged her tightly, and the resistance turned into a stimulation that made her moan.
“To be honest, I’m curious. How did a playboy like Andreas end up marrying you? So, tell me. How do you satisfy Andreas?”
“You’re crazy, Jonas. Let me go!”
Jonas ignored her. “After your hand, what else should I let go of? Ah! How about the buttons on your dress?”
“No, Jonas.”
*