If Nelson wanted, he could treat her like a treasure, but when he didn’t, he could humiliate her repeatedly as if she were nothing. The little kindness he showed her could be easily destroyed.
A shadow appeared behind her. In the corner of her eye, Callie saw the sequins on the clothing. She leaned against the sink, barely able to breathe. “You’re right, Nelson has no feelings.”
Just a simple interaction without any boundary-crossing behavior led to such punishment today. Callie felt her heart crumple repeatedly, with grievances and disappointment fermenting.
“I’m not Jaquan.” A cold voice made her shudder, her legs weak, too scared to turn around.
Nelson? How could it be him?
The man had one of her jackets draped over his elbow. His eyes were cold, icy. He gently placed the jacket over her shoulders as if nothing had happened.
Callie couldn’t stop trembling.
“A confidant, isn’t he? He really knows you, letting you express your true feelings.” Nelson’s cold lips brushed against her ear, feeling her uncontrollable shaking.
“Nelson…” Callie’s psyche was on the brink of collapse, her voice trembling.
“Do you want to be with him?” He continued to ask. She didn’t answer. He pinched her cheeks, forcing her to look into the mirror.
Callie’s eyes were wet, filled with fear. The veins on the back of the man’s hand bulged as he held her.
“Do you?” He increased the pressure.
Callie’s tears fell as she shook her head vigorously. “No… no…”
“Know your place, Callie.” He made her look in the mirror. “Everything you have now is because of me, not Jaquan. As my person, you need to understand the rules.”
His voice was light but oppressive, devoid of any sweetness from their tender moments, making him seem like a stranger to Callie.
“Mm…” Callie blinked, trembling.
Footsteps sounded outside, making her heart leap. “Callie?”
It was Jaquan’s voice.
Neither of them moved. Callie quickly spoke up, “Don’t come in! I don’t want to talk to you right now!”
The footsteps immediately stopped.
“I didn’t mean to humiliate you earlier; don’t take it to heart.” Jaquan seemed somewhat regretful.
Callie was still held by Nelson, like being entangled by a venomous snake. He whispered in her ear, “Do you want to be seen?”
She trembled even more violently. “I don’t care, but you shouldn’t show up either. I don’t want to see you.”
She just wanted Jaquan to leave quickly!
He seemed to sense something wrong in her voice and left a “Take care” before his footsteps faded away.
Callie breathed a sigh of relief, nearly collapsing to the ground.
Nelson finally let go of her and turned away without hesitation, leaving her to slide down to the floor, completely drained of strength.
That night, Callie didn’t return to Paucaster Villa Complex. She wandered like a zombie and rented a room nearby, staying awake all night.
She began to understand that falling for Nelson was no different from entering hell. To him, what did feelings matter?
They were utterly unimportant. Perhaps he never had any feelings for her at all; it was all just her wishful thinking.
…
The annual meeting was held at a hotel under Oconnor Group. On this day, the hotel was closed to guests. Preparations began in the morning and continued until evening when luxury and elegance were finally displayed, leaving everyone in awe.
December 31st was also New Year’s Eve. The streets were bustling with people. Those who passed by couldn’t help but marvel at Oconnor Group’s extravagance.