Chapter 174
I blinked, confused by the sudden shift. “He’s your brother!”
“Doesn’t matter,” he murmured, capturing my lips in another kiss before I could protest further.
His touch grew more insistent, his hands exploring with deliberate purpose. Despite his usually composed exterior, Lirian had a mischievous streak that he seemed to reserve just for moments like this.
He had habits I’d come to know well–his tendency to nip at my skin, teasing me to watch my reactions, and the way he pushed me to my limits just to hear me beg for mercy. He had certain other naughty habits that never came obvious when he wore those fancy clothes.. They only became obvious when he would come in close contact with me…
For example, he likes to bite me, deliberately watching my reaction; and he likes to deliberately hurt me, forcing me to beg for mercy. Obviously, when he is dressed, he looks gentle and soft, and I don’t know where he learned these bad habits from.
For the rest of the night, the world outside faded away. It was just the two of us, lost in our little corner of the universe. We barely left the hotel room for days, content to stay wrapped in each ather’s presence, savoring the quiet intimacy that came with finally being alone together.
Back at the pack, I immersed myself in work, letting the rhythm of my career wash away lingering shadows of the past. The once timid and hesitant version of me was long gone, replaced by someone sharper, stronger, and more resilient.
One evening, after a celebratory dinner with colleagues, I stepped out of the hotel feeling light–headed from a few glasses of wine. The cool night breeze brushed against my skin, a sharp contrast to the warm chatter and laughter I had left inside.
As I adjusted my coat, a commotion across the street caught my attention. There, under the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp, stood Ryan. His tall frame loomed over Linda, his hands gripping her, shoulders as he shook her in frustration. His voice was low but sharp, cutting through the quiet
street.
Linda looked small and defeated, her head bowed, and her arms wrapped around herself. When she linched as Ryan raised his hand, a pang of recognition struck me.
For a moment, I was no longer standing on that street but was instead hurled into memories of my “past life. His furious hands. His cold words. The bruises he left, not just on my skin but on my spirit.
He used to hit me like this, under the guise of “teaching me lessons.”
Chapter 174
But I wasn’t that woman anymore. I had clawed my way out of that darkness, rebuilt myself into. someone unshakable. Yet, seeing Linda in that vulnerable state made me wince. Her pain was hers, hut it was also a shadow of my own.
Linda, shaking visibly, pulled away from Ryan and flagged down a cab. Without another word, she climbed in and disappeared into the night, leaving Ryan standing there, his expression a mix of anger and frustration.
Then his eyes found me.
At first, his gaze flickered with surprise. He froze as if he couldn’t believe I was standing there. My long, naturally curly hair framed my face, falling casually over my shoulders.
The tailored white shirt I wore had its collar slightly open, hinting at an effortless elegance. I was no longer the frail, meek woman he once knew; every inch of me exuded confidence and strength.
“Sophia…” he said softly, crossing the street toward me.
I stood still, letting him come closer. I wanted him to see the woman I had become, the one he could no longer intimidate or manipulate.
“It’s been a while,” Ryan said, his voice awkward, almost hesitant.
tilted my head slightly, allowing a faint smirk to tug at the corner of my lips. “Has it? Time flies when you’re not miserable.”
He stiffened at my words, but I didn’t care. Let him feel the sting. He deserved it.
“I see you haven’t changed,” I added, nodding toward the spot where Linda had stood moments ago. “Still using your fists when words fail you?”
Ryan’s expression darkened. “You don’t understand. She-” He paused, struggling to find the right words. “She’s pregnant with a child, but It’s not mine. Can you believe that?” His voice rose, filled with anger and bitterness.
I raised an eyebrow, feigning interest. “Oh? So she cheated on you? That’s… unfortunate.” My tone was mockingly sympathetic, but the glint In my eyes told him I wasn’t sorry in the slightest.
Ryan’s jaw clenched. “She betrayed me,” he muttered, his hands curling into fists. “I gave her everything, and this is how she repays me.”
“Sounds familiar,” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “But maybe it’s karma, Ryan. Ever “think about that?”
Chapter 174
His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, but before he could say anything, my two bodyguards. emerged from the shadows. They flanked me, their towering presence a clear warning to Ryan.
“Step back,” one of them said firmly, placing a hand on Ryan’s shoulder.
