Many things weren’t as bad as the outside world made them out to be.
Holden’s parents had actually met in a classic fairy tale-like romance at a teenage party where they fell in love at first sight.
His mother, Laura, had spent her life at home, never attending school; she was taught by a tutor instead.
Thomas had secretly snuck this strict, mixed-race girl away on a private plane and brought her back to the country for their wedding.
Later on, Thomas learned that Laura stayed home because she was extremely weak and needed constant medical care.
Laura couldn’t have children because her health was so fragile, and having a baby would make her condition worse. Still, she wanted to prove how deep her love for Thomas was, so she did everything she could to get pregnant.
After Holden was born, Laura’s health deteriorated even further.
Thomas had always felt disgusted toward Holden’s birth, thinking that the baby was the reason his wife was getting worse.
Then, as Thomas clashed with Nicola, he couldn’t handle the sudden appearance of two younger brothers. He had struggled with mental health issues since childhood, and this only made it worse.
Laura, who had been spoiled her whole life, couldn’t tolerate having a crazy husband. A few times she tried to escape back to her family, but eventually, she was locked away.
Thomas couldn’t bear the betrayal of his loved ones, and now his beloved wife wanted to leave him, so rather than losing everyone, he thought it would be better for them to die together.
After Holden was born, both Laura and Thomas, who had no experience raising children, saw him as a burden.
One was a pampered young lady with foreign aristocratic blood, and the other was a top heir from a wealthy family in the country. They basically left the whole raising-a-child thing to the servants and tutors.
Holden was either left with the Smith family to be watched over by a tutor or sent to live in a manor abroad, only occasionally being around his parents, who were too wrapped up in their love-hate relationship to pay him any attention.
Butler Ted had watched Holden grow up, witnessing every step of the young master’s development.
He saw how he transformed from someone born cold and cruel into someone who understood the world. As he aged and gained experience, he put on a gentle, elegant mask, smiling casually while climbing higher and higher, bringing the Smith family to new heights.
But some things deep down just couldn’t be changed.
Butler Ted had seen a lot in the Smith family, including the darker sides of the previous generations. He smiled a little. “Lady, I think what you should be focusing on is the here and now.”
Sarah paused, surprised. She had a vague idea of what he was getting at.
Butler Ted continued, “When it comes to things that happened a long time ago, Mr. Holden stopped caring ages ago.”
Holden wasn’t the kind to stay stuck in the past; his later experiences had been far more complicated. But when it came to relationships, he had a natural distrust, along with a possessive streak that wouldn’t let anything he considered his escape. Beneath his soft-spoken, polished exterior, his true self sometimes couldn’t help but break through.
*******
Sarah kept going to set to film; her scenes were almost wrapped up. Just a few more shots and touch-ups were left before post-production and promotions could begin.
When Ronald heard about all this, he and Holden were officially at odds. But Holden didn’t need to do much-just a few quiet instructions to the right people, and suddenly the Martin family could hardly keep a foothold in City N.
After a series of setbacks, the Martin family couldn’t withstand the pressure and decided to leave the City N market to start over somewhere else.
By now, Ronald was getting tired of Elisa anyway, and even if he left, he’d just move on like he always did. But he figured he should at least let her know-she’d been with him since college, and if she wanted to come along, he wouldn’t stop her.
He went to her apartment, used his fingerprint to unlock the door, and went inside.
The living room was empty, though clothes were scattered everywhere. As he listened to the noises coming from the bedroom, he felt his head explode.
“The Martin family is practically bankrupt, and now you’re planning to go to some other city with your boyfriend?”
“A dead horse is still bigger than a live one. Besides him, there’s no one easier to fool. Mr. Karl, if you divorce that witch of a wife, I’d obviously stay. By the way, is your company investing in a new drama? Think I’d be a good fit?”
“…”
******
Meanwhile, Sarah was on the phone with Crystal, who was excitedly gossiping about the latest in the industry. “Hey, did you hear? Elisa, who was always copying you? She’s in a really bad spot right now!”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “What?”
Crystal, practically bouncing with energy, continued, “She and Mr. Karl got caught fooling around by her boyfriend! Her boyfriend beat up both of them. And you know, Mr. Karl’s wife has serious connections. She found out he was messing around and got roughed up. She threatened to take down those two who dared lay a hand on her husband!”
Sarah paused. Sarah had thought that after Ronald said something so out of line, Holden would’ve given him a beating-at the very least made sure he got what was coming to him.
But now it seemed Holden didn’t even have to lift a finger-they’d managed to ruin themselves.
After hearing all the juicy details, Sarah hung up the phone, feeling fully satisfied, and looked up to find Holden by the bed.
She asked, “When did you come out?”
Holden’s voice was cool. “About five minutes ago.”
Sarah quickly hid her phone under her pillow.
A hint of a smile appeared in Holden’s eyes. “Hearing how miserable your ex is-got any thoughts about that?”
Sarah answered cautiously, “If I say the wrong thing, will it get me killed?”
“You’re welcome to find out.”
Sarah thought for a moment. “Honestly, I don’t feel anything about it. Their business has nothing to do with me. What matters is us having a good life together.”
Holden grasped her chin, his tone turning a bit dangerous. “So, you’re admitting he’s your ex?”
Sarah racked her brain, thinking her answer was flawless, yet somehow, she still managed to slip up.
Holden pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.
When Sarah opened her eyes the next morning, her body was still a bit sore. But she remembered everything from the night before with a soft, lingering warmth, like she was floating in a warm bath.
It was all pretty amazing.
It’s just that having sex with him took a little too long and she was a little tired. It would be better if it could be shortened by half.
The best part? She’d gotten a chance to feel Holden’s abs. And yep, there really were eight. They were defined, solid, and smooth, with perfect lines.
Dressed up, Holden always looked refined and sophisticated, but under his clothes, he was all muscle, with broad shoulders, long legs, and a powerful build.
While he was asleep, she snuck in a few extra touches, feeling a bit triumphant. He hadn’t let her before, but now? Well, she’d finally managed it. She knew she had some skills!
Just as she tried to pull her hand back, though, she found she couldn’t.
Holden’s larger hand had covered hers, and his voice held a cool edge of amusement. “How does it feel compared to your ex-boyfriend’s?”
Sarah sighed. “He’s not my ex, and I never touched him.”
“Funny, you knew who I meant as soon as I brought him up.”
She was at a loss for words for a minute before it hit her. “Wait, are you actually jealous?”
Jealous? Him? Not in this lifetime.
Clearly, there was no need to ever bring that guy up again.
From now on, they’d just focus on cherishing each other and every day they had together.
—The End–