7
Each of his questions seemed to peel away my thoughts layer by layer.
Why did I choose him? Was it just for his abilities, wanting to use him to get revenge on Ethan?
Or was it that after countless encounters, being captured and released by him, I had developed a dependence?
Or was it simply that I was physically attracted to him?
“I’m not lusting after your body!” I blurted out.
I turned to explain, but suddenly crashed into Xavier’s embrace.
Seeing his smiling eyebrows, I realized I had fallen into his trap.
I felt a rush of embarrassment for my loose lips.
Xavier was already laughing out loud. He grabbed my hands, raising them above my head and pressing me against the wall.
“You said that yourself. I didn’t force you.”
I was so angry I felt dizzy, instinctively kicking and hitting him.
But he just laughed even more happily, rubbing his head and hugging me:
“That’s more like it. Look how weak Ethan has made you. If you’re not happy, fight back. This is the real Aria.”
If you’re not happy, fight back. This is the real Aria…
These words made my eyes well up with tears. I buried my face in Xavier’s neck, suddenly feeling a sense of security.
He walked me back to my room, patted my head and said softly:
“Sleep now. Leave everything to me.”
I gave a soft “mm” but didn’t know what else to say. Watching him turn to leave, I suddenly felt a sense of unreality.
I blurted out: “Just like that?”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt something was off. It was as if I was expecting him to do something.
I quickly buried myself under the covers, burrowing for a long time until I felt he must have left before I dared to slowly peek out.
Who knew, just as I breathed in some fresh air, a shadow fell over me and my lips were sealed by his.
Suddenly, an overwhelming kiss rained down.
12.54 PM
<
Xavier’s voice was hoarse but firm: “Aria, I won’t let you lose.”
“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time too.”
Amidst our intertwined breaths, Xavier whispered many sweet nothings in my ear. I couldn’t remember any of them.
But I deeply felt his passionate advances, incredibly fierce.
Later, with my help as an inside informant, Xavier swallowed up ali of Ethan’s territory.
The empire that took over a decade of bloody battles to build was so easily dismantled.
Ethan knew better than anyone that I had a hand in this.
Some people sensed the tide turning and even directly switched sides, selling out Ethan’s whereabouts to Xavier.
And in the basement of the villa where Xavier had the final showdown with Ethan, he found Lily, who had already been used up.
I could only sigh that evil deeds would be repaid.
I saw Ethan for the last time when he was locked in the dungeon, disheveled and wretched.
He stammered for a long time, unable to say a complete sentence to me, just looking at my face expectantly, shaking his head painfully:
“Aria, I finally, finally see you again.”
“Everything before was my fault. I really regret it. Please forgive me, forgive me, okay?”
Looking at the once high and mighty, ruthless crime boss Ethan, I didn’t know how to react.
Did he think acting so sincere could erase all the hurt he caused me?
This was the first time since Lily appeared that Ethan cried in front of me.
I used to be deeply moved by the tears he shed for me, thinking heaven had sent me the most intimate lover.
But who could have imagined it was all an illusion.
Ethan’s eyes were bloodshot, his pupils dilated:
“Aria, after you left, I really wanted to kill myself.”
“I saw the room full of weapons and guns, and finally realized what a terrible thing I had done.”
“It was all Lily’s instigation. I never meant to betray you. I only love you, Aria.”
“I’ve also avenged you on Lily. She got the punishment she deserved. I’ve been atoning to you all along.”
But hearing his words now, I only found them absurd. He never thought he was wrong.
He was still that cold–blooded Ethan.
I looked at him coldly, my heart unmoved: “Atone? You think killing Lily can make up for what you did to me?”
“The person you should punish most is yourself, because the one who hurt me deepest was only you.”
Not getting my forgiveness, Ethan’s eyes were full of despair, his mind collapsing: “I really know I was wrong. I want to use the rest of my life to make it up to you. I just ask that you come back to me.”
I laughed bitterly.
“Ethan, I came to see you one last time today, not to reconcile with you, nor to hear your confession.”
than, I came to see you one last time today, not to reconcile with you, nor to hear your confession.”
just wanted closure. It’s completely over between us.”
also have someone more worthy of my trust now.”
Intil the last word fell, I turned around completely and left, never looking back at him again.
While Ethan kept roaring behind me:
Trust! Who are you going to trust? Is it Xavier?”
‘No way, Aria! I don’t agree. It can be anyone but him!”
“Anyone but Xavier, Aria! Why him of all people!”
I didn’t respond, letting his voice gradually fade behind me.
Walking out of the dungeon, the early morning light was dawning outside. Xavier leaned against the car, dispersing smoke around him.
He raised an eyebrow, opening his arms with a smirk. I ran over in big strides and hugged him tightly.
Xavier kept his promise, transferring all of Ethan’s cash and real estate to my name.
He even transferred himself to my household registration.
In Xavier’s words:
“I’m the live–in son–in–law of the Qi family. Aria, you have to support me.”
I slapped his face.
Eating me up at night, and still wanting me to support him during the day?
Get lost, you damn man!
