Michael’s cold eyes stared into hers before he suddenly bit her lip. He pinned her wrists above her head with one hand and ripped at her clothes with the other.
“Ouch!” Sophia cried out, struggling to push him away, but he wouldn’t stop.
Tears streamed down her face as she stared at the man she had once loved. At that moment, something inside her shattered.
Meanwhile, Bianca and Diana followed an attendant into the women’s spa. The luxurious setting was just a small glimpse of the club’s grandeur.
“This is my first time in a place like this. It’s really eye-opening,” Diana said as they stepped inside. “Compared to the wealthy guests here, we seem so ordinary.”
Bianca walked behind her, silent and deep in thought.
Diana glanced at her and whispered, “Bianc?”
Bianca didn’t respond. She kept her head down, lost in her thoughts.
“Bianc!” Diana called out louder.
“What?” Bianca blinked and finally snapped back to reality. She looked at Diana and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“You seem distant. What’s on your mind?” Diana asked, her voice gentle with concern.
Bianca shook her head slightly. “It’s nothing, really…”
But Diana noticed how Bianca’s eyes drifted away, and she had a feeling it had to do with Dave.
“What’s going on with Mr. Evans?” she asked, resting her chin on her hand, her brows furrowed in curiosity. “He ended things with you, yet he keeps showing up. And when I told him to call his fiancee, he didn’t even flinch. I can’t figure out what he’s trying to do.”
“Whatever he thinks doesn’t matter to me anymore,” Bianca said firmly. “I don’t care what he does. He and I are done.”
“Really?” Diana paused, watching her closely. A slight frown formed on her face. “Bianc, do you still love him?”
A flicker of panic crossed Bianca’s face, but she quickly replied, “I could never love someone who lied to me. Never.”
Diana studied her in silence. She clenched her fists and let out a quiet sigh. No words came to mind as she thought about the mess of emotions between them.
Later that evening, Bianca felt restless. She stepped outside for some air. The cool breeze brushed against her face as she wandered through the greenery. The path led her to a quiet corridor, its peacefulness at odds with the storm inside her.
The corridor glowed under the soft, dim yellow light, giving it a quiet, lonely beauty.
Wrapped in a shawl, Bianca sat at the edge and stared up at the full moon.
It reminded her of Dave-distant and mysterious, always keeping part of himself hidden.
Suddenly, a door creaked open.
Bianca turned instinctively and her eyes widened in surprise.
Dave stood by the wooden door behind her, wearing only a bath towel.
Startled, Bianca jumped to her feet, a chill rushing through her body.
“Sorry, I-I didn’t know you were here,” she stammered, quickly turning to leave.
But before she could go, a strong hand caught her arm and pulled her back.
They collided and their bodies pressed together.
Bianca’s shawl slipped from her shoulders, exposing her smooth, pale skin.
Dave’s eyes darkened. He picked up the fallen shawl and gently draped it back over her shoulders.
“Why do you run the moment you see me? Am I that terrifying?” he murmured near her ear as he adjusted the fabric.
“No,” Bianca whispered, barely audible. “I’m just afraid you’ll misunderstand me.”
Dave finished adjusting the shawl but didn’t let go of her arm. His deep eyes locked onto hers in the quiet night.
His voice was low. “Misunderstood? About what?”
Bianca looked away and whispered, “I’m afraid you’ll think I came here on purpose to see you.”
Dave gave a soft smile and leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.
“I don’t think that,” he murmured. “But did you come here to see me on purpose?”
“Absolutely not,” Bianca shot back firmly.
Dave chuckled a deep sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Then why are your pretty ears turning red, hmm?”
Flustered, Bianca touched her ears, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.
She stared at him directly as her eyes burned with anger. “Mr. Evans, don’t you think you’ve crossed the line? I’m not your secret lover anymore!”
A hint of softness flickered in Dave’s expression. “Is that how you see yourself, Bianca? If I wanted to keep a woman, it wouldn’t be so complicated. A generous sum would buy her obedience. If she disobeyed or bored me, she’d be gone. No drama. No heartbreak. Just easy come, easy go.”
Bianca bit her lip, unable to deny the logic in his words.
But a spark of defiance lit up her eyes. “Who knows what twisted games you rich playboys enjoy? Engaged yet flirting shamelessly? Maybe it’s just some billionaire’s strange hobby.”
Dave raised an eyebrow, amused. “So, Diana’s little request earlier-was that your idea?”
“What?” Bianca blinked, caught off guard. The sudden shift in topic left her confused.
“She made me call Skylar and say those awful things. That was your plan, wasn’t it?” Dave said, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
He reached out, gently lifting her chin. His dark eyes held hers.
“You say you don’t love me, yet you get jealous over my fiancee?” His voice was low yet teasing her. “Bianca, your actions tell a different story.”
Bianca stared at him, her clear eyes widening with a mix of confusion and realization.
After a brief silence, a soft, cynical laugh escaped her lips. “You really think too highly of yourself.”
Dave’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in them.
“We have nothing to do with each other,” Bianca said, her voice cold and firm. “Even if you flirt with other women, even if you sleep with them, it wouldn’t bother me at all.”
She lifted her chin and stared at him sternly.
But in her mind, she saw the image of Dave and Skylar on that cruise hugging each other intimately. Suddenly, a sharp pain rose in her chest.
Her words were her armor, a defense against the feelings she firmly hid in front of him.
Dave’s throat moved as he swallowed hard, his breaths hot against her face. He struggled to stay in control.
“Is that really what you think?”