Chapter Two
There was a pause on the other end–long enough to tell Dionne Brixton was caught off guard.”
Thinking she’d crossed a line, she offered a polite apology. “That was presumptuous of me. If you’re not interested, Mr. Hemsley, forget I said anything.“}
His voice came through after a few seconds, low and hoarse. “What made you suddenly change your mind, Dionne? You turned me down just two weeks ago.“}
She drew in a deep breath, her eyes drifting toward the bedroom on the second floor.
“I couldn’t tell the difference between a man and an asshole back then. Well, now I can.“}
The sound of a lighter flicking was clearly audible from the phone, followed by a soft chuckle from Brixton.}
“All right. I’ll pick you up in a week. Once you get the divorce certificate, we’ll get married.“}
Dionne hummed in agreement, then added calmly, “I heard you own fifty percent of the Jablonski Holdings. I want that fifty percent stake.“>
She had just opened her mouth to say she could offer something in return when the man agreed without hesitation.} “Deal. In fact, you can have not just fifty percent of that. I’ll give you full control over half of everything else I own.“> She hadn’t expected him to be so generous. Before she could even recover from the surprise, he had already hung up. Around midnight, just as she had fallen asleep, Larkin came home.>>
The overpowering scent of perfume hit her before he did, making her stomach churn with nausea.}
Frowning, she tried to push him away, but he only tightened his grip and softened his tone.“]
“Come on, don’t be mad anymore. I lost control earlier, that’s all.”
He paused then reasoned, “You know how it is. I’ve loved Farrah for years. We almost got married, remember? There’s just always something inexplicable between a man and his first love.”
“Yeah, I slept with her,” he admitted. Then, he coaxed her, “But you’re still my wife.”
Still, she wouldn’t look at him. When he spoke again, his voice was tightened with a hint of impatience.}
“Come on, Dionne. You love me. You’ll understand. Won’t you?“}
Dionne felt her heart freeze, inch by inch.
Her husband had slept with her own sister. And now he expected her to understand. Understand his affair?} She swallowed her disgust and pushed him away, her face devoid of emotion.
“I don’t mind.“}
After all, she didn’t love him anymore. Nothing he did could hurt her now.
Those two words stunned Larkin.}
He knew how absurd his excuse was and had already prepared several justifications.
But all of them were rendered useless by that one line-“I don’t mind.”
Facing Dionne’s indifferent gaze, Larkin quickly gave himself an answer
‘She’s head over heels for me. No matter what I do, she will always forgive me.D
Relief softened his features. He smiled at her, and then he said, “I knew you were the most understanding one.“}
As if remembering an errand, he added, “Oh, and tomorrow’s Farrah’s birthday. Make sure to come. Can’t have people talking.“}
At that, Dionne gave a cold laugh, only on the inside.
She had been an orphan, Her birthdate unknown, so the family had assigned her the same birthday as Farrah.}
But in all these years, not once had she truly celebrated it.”
She was ready to refuse, but seeing her open her lips, Larkin added, “It’s your dad’s request.”
The next day, at the birthday party, the entire villa was lit up like daylight. The guests in attendance were all elite figures in the business world.
With Jablonski Holdings how at its prime in Manchester, everyone raised their wine glass and greeted Larkin.”
Having been his secretary for three years, Dionne had no choice but to stand by his side.
A wealthy oil magnate passed by toasting his glass with Larkin. “Congratulations, Mr. Jablonski. I heard about the good news–you’re marrying the Willoughbys‘ daughter. But they have two daughters, so which one’s the lucky bride?”
Suddenly, Dionne’s heart leapt into her throat. ‘In all our years of marriage, he’s never once acknowledged me in public. Would he now?‘ Everyone turned to look at Larkin, waiting.
Before Larkin could speak, Farrah stepped forward, linking her arm through his and smiling sweetly.
“Larkin and I grew up together. Some things don’t need to be spelled out, right?”
Larkin smiled and agreed, “Of course. Whatever Farrah says is right.”
He didn’t deny it.2
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, with a few voices laced with mockery.}} “Dang, the real daughter and the adopted one really are worlds apart Look at pi
7:06 PM
d
He didn’t deny it.N
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, with a few voices laced with mockery.M
“Dang, the real daughter and the adopted one really are worlds apart. Look at Dionne–she worked for free as his secretary for three years,
and she still doesn’t get to be his wife.“N
“What do you expect? She’s just an adopted girl. If the Willoughbys hadn’t taken her in, who knows where she’d be–probably begging on the street!“N
Every word cut into Dionne like ice, chilling her to the bone.}}
But maybe she’d heard it all too many times–she didn’t even feel sad anymore.”
The guests surrounded Farrah, showering her with birthday gifts and attention, making her the star of the night.
Meanwhile, Dionne slipped away to the rooftop to get some air.
‘Just hang in there a little longer, she told herself. ‘Once everything is settled, I can leave for good.”
She was so lost in thought she didn’t hear the clunk of heels approaching from behind her.
“Dionne,” Farrah called sweetly, holding a gift box. “You haven’t gotten anything tonight, have you? Here. Let me give you something special
Dionne opened her mouth to refuse, but Farrah had already lifted the lid.
What lay inside made Dionne’s face go pale instantly.
It was a pair of lacy lingerie and a used box of condoms Farrah and Larkin had used from the night before.
