On the very first day of their marriage, Alessandra Sloan found her husband cheating on her.

A lace panty fell from his coat pocket onto the floor.

She took a deep breath and stuffed it back.

Ashton Mercer came out of the bathroom and held Alessandra in his arms. "Finally, you're my wife."

As he spoke, he glided his hand along her fair, smooth calf and moved forward gradually...

But she wasn't in the mood for sex at all. Instead, she felt disgusted and wanted to puke.

She was momentarily in a trance.

She thought, "Maybe I got him wrong.

"Maybe one of Ashton's admirers planted it in his pocket.

"If I fell for it, I'd be playing right into their hands.

"A panty doesn't prove anything. I shouldn't jump to the conclusion and accuse Ashton of anything before getting to the bottom of it."

Still, she didn't want to get intimate with him before she knew the truth. "Ashton, I'm not ready yet."

She wrapped herself in a blanket firmly.

The desire in Ashton's eyes was gradually replaced by pleading. "Honey..."

But Alessandra didn't waver. "I'm beat from today's wedding."

Then Ashton squinted, his gaze falling upon her lips. He said meaningfully, "Honey, how about..."

She still insisted.

Ashton's mood was totally ruined. Though he was a bit annoyed, he respected her choice and said, "Alright then. Let's go to sleep."

Half an hour passed.

Ashton tilted his body. "Honey?"

Alessandra didn't respond. It seemed she was sleeping soundly.

Seeing this, he took his phone, glanced at the screen, and walked out of the bedroom on tiptoe.

She opened her eyes the second he closed the door.

Then she draped a coat over her shoulders and walked out slowly.

Standing under a tree, she gazed at the hotel's parking lot.

Ashton, not far away from her, was opening the door of a silver Mercedes. In the next second, she saw Haylee Doyle in the car.

Haylee was Ashton's first love. She had married someone else and left town in a fit of pique three years ago and was now in the cooling-off period.

Soon, the car began rocking violently.

Alessandra clenched her fists so hard that her fingernails dug into her palms, traces of blood oozing out.

In despair, she closed her eyes, sobbing uncontrollably.

She should expose them and file for a divorce.

But she couldn't.

After she had stepped back from the position as second-in-command at the company, all her dividends and shares were in a joint account with Ashton.

If she asked for a divorce, she'd end up with no money at all. What was worse, the Mercer family would crush her entirely.

If so, how was she supposed to take care of her mother and grandmother?

The great heartache was killing her, and she had no idea what to do.

Feeling cold, she pulled her coat tighter.

She turned around and walked back to the hotel, her eyes dull. Suddenly, her surroundings plunged into complete darkness. Was it a power outage?

She didn't have her phone with her, so she carefully reached out, felt the wall, and walked forward in small steps.

Just then, someone grabbed her wrist.

In the next second, her body was spun around.

Her back slammed against a door.

Under the sudden impact, those tears welling up in her eyes rolled down her cheeks.

The man kissed her lips.

"Let ... go!" She struggled.

But soon, an evil idea struck her.

She could get back at Ashton by betraying him.

At this, she stopped struggling.

The stranger yanked her clothes open and thrust into her without any foreplay.

She gasped in pain, not enjoying the slightest.

"I'll make it up to you if you want. My name is Braylen Mercer."

The name jolted her awake—Braylen was Ashton's uncle.

Braylen was the chosen one in Steelville, with socialites wanting to marry him lining from Steelville to Rockburn. He was very handsome and never short of female company, but rumor had it that he was nothing but bad-tempered.

Alessandra knew she couldn't afford to mess with him, and she didn't even dare to cry.

She pushed him away with great force, put her clothes back on, and ran outside, oblivious to a pair of eyes in the darkness glaring at her with envy and resentment.

Covering her face, she burst into tears.

Was any of this real?

On her wedding night, she discovered her husband's affair with his first love.

And she slept with her husband's uncle.

At dawn, Ashton finally came back to the bedroom.

He had thought Alessandra was still asleep. To his surprise, she had already changed into a long dress. As he stepped into the room, she sat at the vanity, putting on makeup quietly.

A trace of guilt flashed across his eyes.

In the next second, he smiled rakishly, walking over to the vanity.

He hugged her from behind.

She looked at him through the mirror. "When did you leave? I woke up but didn't see you in bed."

He said, lying through his teeth, "I went out for a run around five o'clock."

His gaze fell on the high collar of her dress.

Smiling, he changed the subject. "Sandra, why don't you loosen your collar a bit? It's so hot out there."

He tugged at her collar.

Alessandra immediately patted his hand away. Applying her blush, she said, "Ashton, I wanna discuss something with you."

He held her tightly, not willing to let go.

Though he spent a passionate night in bed with Haylee, Alessandra was the woman he loved the most.

He flirted around but never got serious.

After all, he was loaded, and it was practically impossible for him to steer clear of women.

Everyone else flirted.

If he didn't, he'd be seen as a phony and sidelined because he might expose their secrets.

He figured he could play around.

As long as he didn't cross the line, as long as those women didn't threaten Alessandra's status, then he'd still be a qualified husband.

He nodded and said gently, "Anything, honey. I'll say yes to all. After all, I'm your husband."

Alessandra resisted his touch.

She pulled away, picked up her shawl, and said, "I wanna work at Ashdra Group."

Ashdra Group was the company they co-owned.

It thrived thanks to their joint efforts and was a testament to their love.

Two years ago, the condition of Alessandra's mother had worsened, and she needed someone to take care of her.

Persuaded by Ashton, Alessandra stepped down to look after her mother for a while and stayed at home ever since.

Ashton betrayed her.

Only now did she realize how important it was for a woman to have a career and be financially independent.

And there was something else she needed to do.

She needed to be crystal clear about the company's cash flow and profits, which were marital assets. She owned half of them when they split.

Ashton froze a bit when he heard her demand. Then he asked gently, "Do you need more money? How about 10 thousand dollars every month from now on?"

Alessandra looked at him.

His voice turned even gentler. "15 thousand dollars then. How about that? Sandra, I hate to see you exhausted from work. Working at the company isn't as easy as you think. Besides, our priority now is preparing for pregnancy. You should focus on getting ready for that, don't you think? I'd love to see a kid running around here."

Alessandra didn't know whether it was his genuine thought or merely an excuse. She stated firmly, "Ashton, I insist."

Ashton seemed irked at being turned down.

Sick of coaxing her, he grew impatient. "Alessandra, what's wrong with being a full-time housewife? You're set for life, with everything handed to you. Do you know how many women crave a carefree life like this?"

Being raised in a conservative family, he had always believed that men were responsible for putting food on the table, whereas women ought to be homemakers.

He continued, "My mom and aunt are both full-time housewives, and they are fine with it."

Alessandra chuckled.

It was because they had leverage.

Though they were full-time housewives, they had money, funds, shares, properties, and cars. Their assets were at least eight figures.

Full-time housewives weren't full-time maids.

She had been so young and naive that she handed Ashdra Group entirely to Ashton.

How foolish she had been, believing that couples would all grow old together and could share everything with each other, including their assets.

She asked gently, "Ashton, why are you so against me working back in the company? Did you betray me?"

Ashton's expression changed slightly.

His eyes flickered as he responded, his tone turning a bit harsh, "What makes you say that? I'm swamped with work every day. I don't even have time to betray you.

"Everyone knows how much I love you. We've known each other for eight years and have been in love for six. Over the years, I've spent so much money on you and have tried my best to make you happy every day. And you suspect my loyalty? How could you? Do you have any idea how much your words hurt?"

Alessandra lowered her head to hide the mockery in her eyes.

She said briskly, "Ashton, why are you so nervous? I was just messing with you."

Ashton fell silent.

In embarrassment and anger, he turned around and pressed his temple.

He realized he had overreacted.

Then he said with an unreadable emotion in his eyes, "If you wanna go to work, then go. The Business Department is short-handed anyway. You may start working at any time you want."

The Business Department?

The sales representatives there were all bootlickers who had to drink with clients every day.

Alessandra still remembered the time when they started the company.

To bring business to the company, she and Ashton had to drink glasses of wine under the investors' urging.

Both of them were drunk, and they crouched by the roadside, each hugging a trash can and throwing out nonstop.

Back then, Ashton had held her hand tightly, promising, "Sandra, once the company takes off, I'll never let you go to any dinner parties. You'll be a vice president with an equal status with me as well as my wife."

Alessandra smiled bitterly.

Maybe he had long forgotten those words by now.

She nodded. "OK. I'll report to the Business Department."

A trace of reluctance flashed across Ashton's eyes.

But this was the only way to dissuade her.

At this, he didn't feel guilty anymore.

He loosened his collar. "I'll go take a shower. Then we'll go back to my family's home together to visit the elders."

Ten minutes passed.

They left the hotel room and happened to catch an elevator with opened doors.

Ashton quickened his pace and urged Alessandra, "Come on.

Alessandra walked with difficulty.

She had tender skin, which bruised easily. And she didn't dare to buy ointment and could only leave those tiny wounds to heal themselves.

She entered the elevator.

In the next second, she saw Braylen.

There were so many people at the wedding yesterday, and last night was a mess. So, it wasn't until now that she saw Braylen's face clearly.

Who knew? The rumors were actually true.

Ashton, the school hunk, was stunning enough.

But Braylen overshadowed him completely.

Standing next to Brayden, he was like a dim star beside the cold moon.

He took Alessandra's hand and interlaced their fingers domineeringly, not allowing her to pull back.

"Sandra, this is Braylen. You met him yesterday."

Alessandra nodded. She was so nervous that her palms were sweaty.

Lowering her head, she said in a small voice, "Hello, Braylen."

The second Braylen heard her voice, he lowered his head.

His gaze fell upon the top of her head.

Her voice reminded him of that feisty little minx from last night.

He squinted, his eyes deep-set.

He was a lot taller than Alessandra.

Glancing sideways, he spotted the faint marks peeking from under her collar.

Then he imperceptibly turned to look at Ashton calmly and spotted several freshly left marks on his neck.

He thought, "It seems they spent a passionate night together.

"No way Alessandra is that feisty little minx."

Braylen remained silent.

It made Alessandra sweat bullets.

She couldn't help but wonder, "Did he recognize me?"

Just then, Braylen suddenly said in a cold, chilling voice, "Hi."

At first glance, anyone could tell he wasn't to be trifled with.

The elevator doors opened.

Just as Ashton led Alessandra out while taking her hand, Lawson Carr, Braylen's assistant, came up to Braylen and said, "Mr. Braylen, we've found the woman from last night."

Alessandra heard his words and was nervous again.

Lawson said something to Braylen, who suddenly walked over to her.

She frowned, wondering, "Did he know?"

As Braylen stood in front of Ashton, Alessandra lowered her head in despair.

In the next second, Braylen said slowly, his voice deep, "Ashton, tell your grandfather that I'm not going back home."

Alessandra breathed a sigh of relief.

Ashton smiled, "Alright. This is so typical of you."

Instead of answering, Braylen glanced at Alessandra and noticed the worry on her face.

What was she worried about?

Then Alessandra got into the car. Driving, Ashton looked at her slightly pale face in the rearview mirror, chuckling. "You're quite scared of Braylen, aren't you?"

She nodded.

She had heard rumors about Braylen, including him being a murderer... Of course, she was scared of him.

Ashton grinned. "Chill. I'm here to protect you. Just stay away from him—he's not one of the good ones."

***

The elders at the family's home almost all looked down on Alessandra. She felt so stifled but could only swallow her frustration.

It was probably what she had to deal with for having a mismatched marriage.

They soon left the family's home and headed to the company.

Ashton sighed and said apologetically, "My mom was a bit too much. And I'm sorry for not taking your side.

"You know things between my parents have been tense, and my dad hasn't come home in years. If my mom saw we're so in love, maybe she'll give you a hard time when we come back again."

With red eyes, Alessandra said, "It's not my fault that your parents don't get along. She can take it out on your father or you, but not me. She has no right."

In the past, when she loved him, she was willing to endure everything, including being treated unfairly.

But now, after making up her mind not to love him anymore, she realized how much she had been putting up with.

Besides...

Whenever she was picked on, Ashton never spoke up for her.

Ashton frowned and glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Sandra, you were so considerate and gentle before we got married. And on the second day of our marriage, you become so aggressive?"

Utterly pissed off, Alessandra let out a derisive laugh. "Ashton, you're my husband, the only one who can mediate the relationship between my mother-in-law and me.

"But when she gave me a hard time, you remained silent. And you even want me to be the bigger person? Why should I? Have you ever thought about how I would feel?"

Ashton parked the car on the roadside. "What about me? Can't you put yourself in my shoes and see things from my perspective?

"Work has already stressed me enough. Why couldn't you deal with such trivial matters yourself?"

He was a bit annoyed, thinking, "Alessandra is so idle. She spends every day at home.

"Why can't she spend some time with my mom to try to please her?

"Women all need to be coaxed, including the elder ones."

The atmosphere in the car was tense.

Leaning into the seat heavily, Ashton pressed his temple.

Just then, his phone rang.

He answered at once, saying, "What's up, Haylee?"

Alessandra's eyelashes fluttered slightly.

Haylee said something, and Ashton comforted her gently, "I'll be right there, Haylee."

He hung up the phone.

Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself down and stroked Alessandra's hair.

Then he said softly, "It's all my fault. I'm sorry. Let me hail you a cab and get you to the company, OK?"

The sarcastic smile on her pretty face stung his eyes. "Ashton, on the second day of your marriage, you're gonna ditch your wife on the side of the road and go see your first love?"

Ashton clicked his tongue and said slightly coldly, "Sandra, Haylee and I grew up together. I think of her as my sister, and that's all.

"Besides, she wanted to avoid gossip and to put your mind at ease. Otherwise, she wouldn't have married some guy hastily and ended up suffering domestic violence.

"Even if we didn't grow up together, our parents are friends. And of course, "I can't say no to her when she needs my help."

Alessandra sneered, "Stop trying to gaslight me. I didn't force her to get married. What happened to her has nothing to do with me."

Then she pushed open the door and got out of the car.

Ashton rolled down the window.

He glanced at her helplessly, saying, "Cut it out, Sandra. I'll be back after I'm done."

With that, he drove the silver Bentley away.

Alessandra stood on the roadside alone.

Slightly dazed, she thought, "So, this is what marriage looks like.

"On the second day of my marriage, I can already tell my future life is gonna be a big mess.

"Why the fuck did I get married in the first place?"

She was in high heels to match her long dress.

In the eyes of others, she seemed slender, pretty, and graceful, and they could hardly look away.

But to her, the high heels were torture. Soon, there were blisters on her feet.

Her heart ached. Combined with the pain in her feet and her private parts, she felt terrible.

A black Cullinan slowly approached her from afar.

Lawson saw her walking along the road. "Is that Mrs. Mercer? Didn't she go back to the Mercer's home with Mr. Ashton? How come she's walking alone?"

Braylen said, his voice deep and slightly muffled, "Give her a ride."

A bit surprised, Lawson glanced at Braylen in the rearview mirror.

Since when was Braylen so kind-hearted?

The Cullinan slowly came to a stop.

Lawson rolled down the window. "Mrs. Mercer, you can't find a taxi around here. Mr. Braylen wants to offer you a ride."

Braylen again!

All Alessandra wanted was to stay away from him as much as possible.

So, she said quickly, "Thank you, Braylen. But my ride will soon arrive."

Lawson was slightly dumbfounded.

He thought, "This is the first time Mr. Braylen wants to do something nice.

"How sad—he gets rejected so bluntly."

Braylen's deep, magnetic voice, tinged with displeasure, rang out in the back seat.

"It seems you think I'm terrifying."

Alessandra was stunned.

Though his tone was flat, she sensed great danger.

She could only thank him again and then pulled open the door to sit next to him.

He had an imposing presence.

Right after she got into the car, she was enveloped by the cool, refreshing scent of cedar, which was exactly the same as the scent from last night.

"Where's Ashton?" Braylen asked.

Alessandra didn't respond at once.

Upon realizing he was asking her, she immediately answered obediently, "He left because he had something to attend to."

Braylen scoffed, his emotions unreadable.

Lawson asked just in time, "Mrs. Mercer, where are you going to?"

She said right away, "You can drop me somewhere near Ashdra Group."

Lawson responded, "Sure thing. If I remember correctly, it's not far from Redmont Street, Maple Avenue..."

He seemed distracted as he spoke.

All of a sudden, the car sped toward the concrete divider in the middle of the road, and Lawson yanked the steering wheel at once.

The rear tires were nearly in the air.

The strong momentum sent Alessandra flying forward.

Right before her forehead slammed into the door, a scorching hand gripped her by the forearm and yanked her back.

She didn't even realize what was happening.

Due to inertia, she collided with Braylen.

She pressed her hands against his chest in time to prevent herself from sliding onto his lap, which would make things even more awkward.

But it didn't exactly get any better.

The car stabilized.

She immediately sat back. When she lowered her head, she saw that a button on her collar had come undone.

Alessandra panicked.

She immediately covered her collar with both hands.

Mixed emotions, including embarrassment, shame, and fear, overwhelmed her at once.

She was so nervous that she didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

Suddenly, a suit jacket carrying the icy, refreshing scent of cedar, was tossed over.

It landed on her head accurately.

Alessandra hastily wrapped it tightly around herself.

Then she said, her voice muffled, "Thank you."

***

Outside Ashdra Group.

Lawson parked the car on the side of the road, still terrified.

Due to that earlier incident, he had been sweating bullets all this time.

Alessandra opened the door hastily, equally frightened. "Thank you, Braylen. Thank you, Mr. Carr."

With that, she strode toward the building, almost fleeing away.

She didn't look back at all.

Lawson turned the car around.

Braylen averted his gaze from her retreating figure and asked, his voice low, "Have you found the woman from last night?"

"I'm still trying," Lawson quickly replied.

Braylen nodded.

He then closed his eyes to rest.

The voice of the feisty little minx somehow echoed in his ears again.

Her voice had been so gentle and soft, carrying a trace of allure that she wasn't aware of.

She had turned him on so easily.

He had almost lost his entire self-control.

All of a sudden, he opened his eyes.

His gaze turned more sharper than ever—he actually matched that woman's voice with Alessandra's face.

He thought, "Shit!

"Is it because I've been out of the game for too long?"

***

At Ashdra Group.

Alessandra went to the office of the Business Department's manager for details of her work arrangements.

Robert Sandoval, the department manager, had been working at Ashdra Group for years and knew her. "Mrs. Mercer, take a seat."

She said, "No need. I'm here to work, so let's cut to the chase. Tell me what you need me to do."

A bit hesitant, Robert said truthfully after pondering for a while, "Mrs. Mercer, things at the Business Department have long changed. Here, only I know you're Mr. Mercer's wife. I suggest you keep things this way."

She nodded readily. "Sure thing."

Robert was obviously relieved. "Mrs. Mercer, working here might not be as easy as you think. I hope you can work hard with everyone else and build something great. I've just talked to Ellie Nunez, your direct supervisor here. You may start with her."

Alessandra nodded. "Alright. I'll go over to her now."

Robert saw her out the door.

Right after he closed the door, Ashton called him.

"Well?" Ashton asked.

Robert responded, "Mrs. Mercer just left my office, Mr. Mercer. I arranged for her to work under the cruelest woman in the department.

"Unaware of Mrs. Mercer's identity, she'll be just as ruthless with Mrs. Mercer as with anyone else. I'm sure Mrs. Mercer will resign in a few days."

Ashton said in a deep voice, "Well done. I'll make sure you get the reward you deserve as long as she quits."

Robert immediately said with a fawning smile, "It's my great honor to be of help, Mr. Mercer."

Ashton hung up the phone.

Robert smiled with contempt.

He thought, "Mr. Mercer and Mrs. Mercer were so deeply in love back then. So what?

"Things have changed, and they no longer want the same thing."

He shook his head.

Alessandra soon found Ellie's office according to the nameplate on the door.

She knocked on the door.

Hearing "Come in", she pushed the door open and walked inside.

Ellie's gaze lingered on Alessandra's striking face without makeup for a while. She asked, her voice stern, "Alessandra?"

Alessandra nodded. "Ms. Nunez, it's an honor to meet you."

Ellie said quickly and coldly, her voice impersonal, "You're quite pretty, which is definitely a plus for sales representatives. But it won't make me like you more.

"Here at the Business Department, one's performance beats everything. Here's a document detailing Vision Group. I want our collaboration records with them from the past five years on my desk by 5:30 PM today."

Alessandra took the document and agreed readily, "Alright."

Then she started to work.

Now that her love was already a lost cause, at least she should cling to her career.

The young woman sitting next to Alessandra's workstation was Anabelle Brady, a fresh college graduate who had just become a regular employee this year. Right after Alessandra saw down, she gave Alessandra a horseshoe ornament as a gift.

"Here's a little something for you. Hope you get rich soon!" Anabelle smiled.

"Thanks," Alessandra smiled, too.

Anabelle asked, "You're so pretty. How old are you?"

Alessandra replied, "I'm twenty-four."

Anabelle said, "I'm twenty-two. Can I call you Sandra? You can call me Anna."

"Sure, Anna."

"Sandra, you're new here, so feel free to ask me anything if you have any questions. I'm not saying that I know everything here, but I've been working here for a while and know a lot of people. I can ask them for you."

"OK. Thanks," Alessandra said.

Anabelle was pretty good at slacking off without attracting anyone's attention.

She even wanted to persuade Alessandra to slack off together with her, but Alessandra politely declined.

There were ten minutes before getting off work.

Alessandra finally stood up, her desk piled high with documents. She rubbed her sore shoulders and neck and went to Ellie's office with the file she organized.

Most of her colleagues had already left when she walked out of Ellie's office, and Anabelle eagerly invited her to take the subway together.

They walked out of the lobby together.

In the next second, Alessandra saw Ashton drive over, and Haylee, who was waiting on the roadside, got into his car.

Alessandra subconsciously lowered her head, not wanting Ashton to see her.

It wasn't the time to have a fallout with him yet. She had to know more about the company to prevent him from moving assets behind her back before she proposed a divorce.

Anabelle sighed after the Mercedes vanished into the distance, "I'm so envious of her. Sandra, do you know? That woman with the big boobs—she's more than just Mr. Mercer's secretary."

"Secretary?"

Alessandra frowned. She had no idea Haylee was working at Ashdra Group.

Anabelle nodded and said in a low voice, gossiping, "I bumped into them kissing in his office. I mean, they were kissing each other so passionately. If I hadn't walked in to deliver the monthly report, they might have..."

Bold and straightforward, she told Alessandra about her speculation directly.

She didn't seem bashful at all.

Alessandra's heart ached, and she couldn't help but feel sad.

Ashton and she had been in love for six years—it was the best years of her youth. How was she supposed to let go just like that?

One needed time to quit smoking, let alone love.

It was just...

It had never occurred to her that her love story, once the highlight of her youth, would end so ridiculously.

She ended up a complete joke.

***

Alessandra came back to the Mulberry Mansion.

She had expected Ashton to be out with Haylee again and was surprised to see him at home.

He sighed and complained, "Honey, it's 6:50 p.m. now. Where's dinner? It's only the second day of our marriage, and this is how you treat me? Is this how our life's gonna be?"

While changing shoes, Alessandra replied, "I'm not your maid. If you want, we can hire one."

He walked over to her, hugged from behind, and said, his tone softening, "Honey, sorry. I just want the food you make."

She broke free from his embrace and went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. "Ashton, not every woman's dream is being stuck in the kitchen every day. I spent hours on a meal for you simply because I loved you."

Ashton was stunned at first and suddenly chuckled. "What's that supposed to mean, honey? You don't love me anymore?"

She asked him, "Do you still love me?"

He couldn't help but shake his head. "What's gotten into you, Sandra? You've been acting weird ever since yesterday. Of course, I love you. You're my one and only.

"I'm sorry for leaving you behind this morning. Haylee is going through the cooling-off period, and her bastard ex-husband keeps pestering her.

"You know we grew up together. How could I sit around while doing nothing when she's suffering? You love me precisely because I'm a stand-up guy, right?"

Alessandra scoffed and asked straightforwardly, "Ashton, did you sleep with Haylee?"

Ashton was slightly stunned.

Meeting Alessandra's eyes filled with disappointment, he denied it at once, "Of course not. Nothing has ever happened between Haylee and me. We grew up together. End of the story."

Alessandra questioned, though her voice wasn't loud, "If you're telling the truth, why didn't you tell me she works at Ashdra Group?"

Ashton fell silent.

He then walked to the sofa and sat right next to her.

Wrapping his arm around her slender waist, he said, "Because I was worried you'd overthink it."

Eager to brush her off, he said in a deliberately joking tone, "Honey, don't stay mad at me, OK? Hey, let me give you a kiss."

Looking into his eyes, Alessandra could actually see the trace of guilt deep down his eyes.

She pushed him away and said calmly, "If you really didn't want me to overthink it, you should've told me everything in the first place. I wouldn't feel a sense of security without your honesty."

Ashton frowned. "Sandra, Haylee is going through a lot now. Back then, if we hadn't..."

Alessandra sprang to her feet.

She interrupted him, stopping him from bringing up the past, "Stop it.

"I have no interest in knowing whatever happened between you and her—it's got nothing to do with me."

Then she came back to the bedroom.

Soon, the sound of the door being closed rang out, so loud that the wedding photo hanging above the bed swayed.

She closed her eyes and wiped the tears away from the corners of her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, she took out her phone, found a number, and made a call. "Hello. Is this Mr. Barnes? I'm hoping you can help me find proof of my husband cheating."

After finishing the call with Deon Barnes, the private detective, she suddenly received a call from Ellie.

Ellie sounded anxious, but her logic remained systematic. "It's your first day onboard, so I'm not supposed to assign heavy tasks to you.

"But Mr. Sandoval has just given me two urgent deadlines, and I'm negotiating with Vision Group's higher-ups with the others.

"So, I want you and Anabelle to deal with the two clients. The contract terms are already settled. All you gotta do is go over and butter them up to get them to sign."

Alessandra agreed immediately, "OK, Ms. Nunez."

After hanging up, she called Anabelle.

Amid Anabelle's passionate criticism of the despicable capitalists, they met at the entrance of a club.

Though Anabelle was furious, she was a professional after all.

She immediately put away her anger the second she stepped into the private room.

With a decent smile on her face, she walked into after Alessandra.

In the private room sat several bosses, accompanied by female escorts who dressed in revealing outfits.

Alessandra squinted.

Meanwhile, upon seeing the two, the men all perked up.

Alessandra was captivating, and Anabelle had innocent beauty. Both overshadowed the women in their arms.

They immediately beamed, thinking, "Kudos, Robert.

"These two women are the prettiest you've ever gotten for us!"

Alessandra put the two copies of the drafted contract on the table. "Mr. Cortez, Mr. Mills, this is the finalized agreement.

"If it's OK with you, I'm hoping we can go home with your signatures today."

Johnny Cortez tossed the papers aside.

He kept leering at Alessandra, the lust in his eyes unsettling.

"No rush. I'll sign it as long as I feel like it. Why don't we drink for a bit while getting to know each other?

"We have plenty of opportunities to collaborate in the future. Any of my projects will set you for life."

Alessandra put on a fake smile. "Mr. Cortez, I can't drink. But it's such an honor to be here with you, so I'll toast you with juice. I hope that's fine with you."

The smile on Johnny's face faded immediately. He tapped the table and said sternly, "Fine? I'm not fine at all. I feel insulted."

Anabelle and Alessandra exchanged glances, saying nothing.

***

Ashton lay on the couch, resting his head on Haylee's lap.

Feeding him grapes, Haylee said, "Chill. I've talked to Mr. Sandoval already. Mr. Cortez and the others won't do any real harm to Alessandra.

"After she knows what kind of jerks she has to deal with, I'm sure she'll quit. Who knows? Perhaps she'll never want to set foot in the company again."

Ashton ate a grape and bit the tip of her finger. "Alright."

Feeling a bit itchy, Haylee smiled coquettishly, "You bit me? You're so bad.

"Ash, you're so nice to Alessandra. If I had a man who took care of me and treated me so well, I wouldn't go to work at all. I'd stay home and wait on him hand and foot.

"Alessandra doesn't appreciate it at all. You know what? You're to blame. You spoiled her too much."

Ashton's thick lashes fluttered a bit. "I spoiled her?"

Haylee nodded and said slowly, "Of course. You're so nice to her—I have no doubt that you'd die for her if needed.

"Ash, you've been loving her so humbly. Gradually, she'll get used to it and take it for granted."

Ashton's eyes dimmed a little.

He thought, "Is that true?

"I don't know.

"Alessandra is the first woman I ever fell for. I've done everything I can to make her happy.

"It turns out I've been loving her so humbly all this time.

"That's why she gets carried away.

"She's probably the only bride who wouldn't sleep with her groom on their wedding night."

His mind wandered back to last night.

He couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed and resentful.

In a fit of pique, he pulled Haylee in his arms.

With her, he experienced the pleasure of being a man.

Such physical pleasure was something Platonic love could never offer him.

What was wrong with having an affair with Haylee?

He was just seeking fun.

It was just something he did to entertain himself. It was no different from drinking, smoking, playing pool, or playing golf.

He didn't betray Alessandra as long as he didn't fall for another woman.

Alessandra had always been the only woman he ever loved.

And she always would be.

***

In the club.

Anabelle picked up a glass. "Mr. Cortez, Alessandra really can't hold her liquor. May I toast to you on her behalf to express how sorry we are?"

She gulped down the wine in one go, coughing violently. As color flooded her face, she turned the empty glass upside down and said, "Mr. Cortez, see? I emptied the glass. Now, shall we get down to business? We stick to the concept from the final draft and aim at environmental protection. With big data as..."

Johnny smiled and interrupted her, "I didn't hear you clearly. Come closer."

Anabelle moved to him a bit closer and continued, "With big data as the foundation, we..."

Just then, Johnny grabbed her wrist.

With a pull, he yanked her into his arms. "You smell so good. What perfume do you use? I'm so curious."

He lowered his head and was about to kiss Anabelle's neck.

Anabelle's expression changed drastically. She had never been harassed before and panicked at once. "Let go of me, you jerk!"

Yet, Johnny was totally oblivious to her struggle. He reached out to tear her collar open.

Alessandra immediately stood up and grabbed a bottle from the table. "Let go of her, Johnny."

The other men grinned lewdly while ogling her. "She's the feisty one. Shall we go get her together?"

Alessandra glanced at them coldly.

Then she raised her hand and smashed the bottle over Johnny's head.

Blood streamed down his face at once.

A few drops of crimson blood even splattered across Alessandra's fair cheeks.

She grabbed Anabelle with one hand while clutching the bottleneck with the other, the jagged glass glinting under the dim lights. "Back off!"

She brandished the broken bottleneck.

Terrified, those men present couldn't help but take a few steps back.

Alessandra immediately ran while dragging Anabelle.

Covering his forehead, Johnny snapped, "Go after them! Fuck those two bitches! I swear I'm gonna make them pay today!"

Alessandra dragged Anabelle out of the private room.

However, they were stopped by Johnny's bodyguards in the next second.

Anabelle pushed Alessandra away. "We can't both be trapped here. I'll stall them. Go get help!"

Alessandra knew now wasn't the time to play the hero.

If she came to get help, maybe they'd be saved.

But if she stayed here, both of them would be doomed.

She glanced at Anabelle, her gaze deep and firm.

Anabelle had only known Alessandra for a day.

But for some reason, she was just so certain that Alessandra would save her.

Alessandra was about to run.

However, Johnny, who had caught up with her, yanked her hair.

The great pain made her scalp numb, and tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably.

Johnny cursed viciously while pressing her against the railing.

He leered at her plump breasts, the lust in his eyes made her feel she had been stripped naked.

She bent her knee and raised her leg, aiming at his groin.

Immediately, Johnny's face twisted due to the immense pain.

He slapped her hard across the face.

Then he signaled the bodyguards with his eyes.

Catching his drift, the four beefy bodyguards immediately charged at Alessandra and pinned her against the railing.

Her arms were pinned on both sides of her body, leaving her completely vulnerable.

Johnny loosened his tie. "You fucking bitch! Blame yourself for being so ungrateful. I'm gonna fuck you right here!"

The corridor was packed with people.

However, seeing how ferocious Johnny was, no one dared to step in at all, worried they might get implicated.

Seeing this, Johnny grew even bolder. He reached out, wanting to take off Alessandra's pants.

As his hand touched her waist, she trembled out of disgust.

She bit her lip so hard that beads of blood oozed out. Then she turned around and glanced downstairs—they were on the second floor, and if she jumped, she wouldn't die.

She closed her eyes and leaned back with all her might.

The bodyguards had been pinning her down hard at first, but they loosened their grip after Johnny started to tug at her clothes.

Little did they know she'd dare to jump.

She fell backward while holding her head, not even opening her eyes.

However, unlike what she had expected, she didn't feel any pain. Instead, she fell into an embrace while the familiar scent of cedar filled her nostrils again.

She looked up in great disbelief.

What came into her view was actually Braylen's face!

Braylen glanced at her, his expression icy. His gaze lingered on her swollen cheek for a second before he said, "Get down."

Alessandra snapped back to reality.

She immediately landed on the floor and whispered pleadingly, "Braylen... No, Mr. Mercer... My friend is upstairs. Could you help me?"

Braylen lowered his arms.

Lawson, who was standing aside, obviously noticed something wrong with one of Braylen's arms.

He figured it was hurt when Braylen caught Alessandra.

When she fell, Lawson didn't even react in time.

It was already too late when he recognized Alessandra.

He was genuinely surprised that Braylen would help.

Theo Hayward, the club owner who was standing next to them, was so terrified that he felt a chill down his spine. "Mr. Mercer, are you OK?"

Braylen said, his low voice carrying a tinge of hoarseness and dominance, making one feel danger instinctively, "Mr. Hayward, are you running a club or a brothel?"

His question was nothing but blunt.

Theo's face turned utterly pale as he instantly had his people go and rescue Anabelle.

Alessandra trembled slightly.

Together with it, her lashes fluttered in the air, reminding one of butterfly wings, which added a touch of delicacy to her beauty.

She breathed a sigh of relief and then looked at Braylen's strikingly handsome face, thanking him earnestly, "Thank you for your help."

Braylen glanced sideways at her coldly and then tossed his suit jacket toward her. "What a nuisance."

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Lowering her head, she saw her broken collar and then carefully draped his jacket over her shoulders.

She said in a small, almost sobbing voice, "I'm sorry."

Braylen frowned tightly. His jaw tightened as he strode away.

Soon, Anabelle came back to Alessandra safely. Anabelle was genuinely frightened and cried so miserably that her makeup was totally ruined. "Sandra..."

Alessandra patted her shoulder as consolation.

Then she wiped her tears away. "I guess the collaboration is down the drain."

Alessandra couldn't help but feel a bit speechless—that was why Anabelle was crying?

The next day.

Johnny and the other men were taken away by authorities due to several crimes they had committed, such as tax evasion, fraud, falsifying accounts, and so on.

Thanks to this, Anabelle and Alessandra weren't punished for failing to get them to sign the contract.

Anabelle whispered to Alessandra, "After I got home last night, I cursed those bastards all night. And my curses actually worked!"

Alessandra smiled.

Then Anabelle asked, "What happened after you fell last night?"

Of course, Anabelle wouldn't tell her the truth—she didn't want to expose her real identity.

So, she came up with a lie, saying, "I happened to bump into the club owner. He didn't want any trouble, so he led his men to get you out."

Anabelle was obviously relieved.

As she was about to say something, someone walked over and said Ellie wanted to see both of them.

Anabelle stuck out her tongue. "She's probably gonna hold us accountable."

Alessandra shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with her.

They came into Ellie's office one after another.

Ellie handed them two documents, one about Apexstar Group, and the other about Epitome Group.

Glancing at them, Ellie said with a frown, "What happened last night is in the past. Since you cost us an important business partner, you ought to make up for it.

"These two cases will be our next priority. Take your pick."

Alessandra scanned the files.

She knew Braylen was in charge of Apexstar Group, whereas the CEO of Epitome Group was Morgan Durham.

After pondering for a while, she said firmly, "I'll take the Epitome Group case.

Leaning back in her chair slightly, Ellie interlaced her fingers. "Mr. Durham is a well-known playa. He surely is an easier target compared to Mr. Braylen.

"But since Mr. Braylen is Mr. Ashton's uncle, I think he'll probably be easier to talk to."

Alessandra smiled, "If Mr. Ashton knows this is how we secure the deal, I doubt if he'll be happy about it."

Back then, she and Ashton started the business together.

They had to borrow money from others as their startup fund.

Ashton had been ridiculed because of his father's lowly status, which made him want to prove himself even more.

Ellie was lost in thought.

Then she said, approving Alessandra's choice, "Go and make plans then. This is your chance of getting a foothold in the Business Department."

***

Alessandra brought the business proposal home to work on it.

At 11:00 p.m., Ashton came home, drunk. "Honey? Sandra? Sandra!"

Stumbling, he pushed open the door to the study. "What are you doing in here? I've had a bit too much to drink and feel sick. Cook something for me."

Alessandra closed her laptop and stood up.

As she walked past Ashton, who reeked of alcohol, he grabbed her arm suddenly.

Then he pressed her against his lap.

Resting his chin on her shoulder, he said a bit pitifully, "Honey, what's up with you these days?

"You've been so cold to me. Did I do something wrong to upset you? Are you mad at me? Tell me, OK? I'll change."

He asked for her forgiveness as sincerely as always.

But this time, he crossed a line. She'd never be OK with being betrayed.

Honestly, she was at a loss—his infidelity was like a nuclear bomb, destroying their relationship for good. And now, she didn't even know how to face him.

To say she wasn't sad would be a lie.

After all, she had known him for eight years and loved him for six.

The years from eighteen to twenty-four were the golden years in a girl's life, and she had spent all of them loving him. How was she supposed to let go?

As if not sensing her silence, Ashton continued, "Work has been busy lately. Once I'm done with it, let's go on our honeymoon.

"And let's go visit Natalie at the sanatorium and have dinner with your grandma tomorrow, OK?

"Honey, don't be like this. Be good to me, will you? You're killing me. Feel it..."

He grabbed Alessandra's hand and pressed it against his chest.

She could sense his strong heartbeat.

Frowning, she struggled hard. "Ashton, you're drunk. Let go!"

He held her in his arms forcibly and pressed her down on the couch, wanting to kiss her lips.

She turned her face away quickly.

His burning kiss landed on her cheek.

But he didn't mind. He said, his voice tinged with lust, "Honey, let's pick up where we left off on our wedding night."

When saying this, he slid his hand under the hem of her nightgown.

Ashton touched Alessandra's flawless skin beneath the robe at once.

He yanked the robe off.

Alessandra screamed, "You jerk, Ashton. Piss off!"

But Alcohol had consumed Ashton's sanity.

At this moment, Haylee's words came back to him—"You spoiled her too much".

That was why Alessandra got carried away.

With a bit of force, he tore the silk robe apart, fragments fluttering in the air.

What came into his view was Alessandra's fair body.

He was instantly turned on, his eyes bloodshot.

He must get what he wanted tonight.

Meanwhile, Alessandra kept crawling forward.

Yet, he grabbed her by the ankle, dragged her back to him, and snarled, "Alessandra, you're probably the only wife in the world who turns her husband down. Who wouldn't want to have sex with their husbands?"

He then seized her legs and pinned them over her shoulders.

Embarrassed and angry, Alessandra couldn't help but shed tears. "Don't touch me, Ashton!"

But Ashton could no longer think straight.

He might have been able to endure it if he hadn't experienced sex before.

But since his first night with Haylee, his self-control had weakened.

Facing such a curvaceous body, which belonged to the woman he loved for eight years, he just couldn't help it.

He was about to take off his pants.

Alessandra was ready to have a final fallout with him. "Ashton, I know about you and..."

Just then, he stopped.

He glanced at her and let go with a sullen face. "You're on your period."

Alessandra's voice trailed off.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Then she got up from the floor, grabbed a shawl, draped it over her shoulders, and hurried out of the study.

Ashton pressed his temple and slumped into the chair.

By now, the alcohol in his system had mostly worn off.

He thought, "Sandra's been acting weird.

"I've had this feeling since our wedding night.

"Did she know something?

"No way!

"I've been so careful."

Emptiness overwhelmed him as his gaze fell upon the scattered fabric on the floor. He picked up her silk robe, pressed it to his face, and inhaled deeply. Her scent, which was so familiar to him, finally put his mind at ease.

Meanwhile, Alessandra sat on the toilet.

She felt relieved—it was such a close call.

Gasping, she burst into tears in silence.

By the time she pulled herself together and walked out, Ashton was nowhere to be seen.

There was a painkiller and a glass of water on the nightstand.

Apparently, they were for her period.

She gritted her teeth, realizing she wished Ashton could be more ruthless.

Such thoughtfulness would only make it hard for her to let go.

How could he do this? Ruining their relationship of six years while still being so nice to her?

She was in a trance.

Just then, Katelyn Mercer, Ashton's mother called.

Katelyn said in a commanding tone, "Braylen's arm got hurt. If you or Ashton are free tomorrow, go and visit him at Santal Manor tomorrow."

Alessandra's heart skipped a beat.

She said, "Alright."

Deep down, she knew Braylen's arm was hurt when he caught her in the club, and she ought to pay him a visit.

It was Saturday the next day.

Alessandra called Ashton, wanting to know if he'd join her.

Though she felt she should visit Braylen alone, Braylen was Ashton's uncle anyway, and it wouldn't seem appropriate.

So, she called Ashton anyway.

If he wanted to join her, then they'd go together.

But if he turned her down, she'd just go visit Braylen alone with a justifiable reason.

But Ashton didn't even answer.

She sighed in relief.

Now, even if Katelyn asked her anything, she'd know how to explain.

Since she was on her period, she didn't wear a dress.

Instead, she chose black pants, a white hoodie, and white sneakers.

Coupled with the simple makeup on her face, she would strike strangers as a high schooler.

At 9:00 a.m., she drove out.

She arrived at Santal Manor at around 10:00 a.m.

Dwight Castro, the housekeeper, recognized her and said with utmost respect, "This way, Mrs. Mercer. Mr. Braylen is inside."

Alessandra smiled at him politely and then walked inside with the supplements she had bought.

She walked forward along the path in the middle, and the second she saw the grand living room doors, she heard a few fierce barks from the side.

Her legs gave way as she turned around in horror.

What came into her view were four giant Golden Retrievers, barking at her while baring their teeth.

Their eyes gleamed with ferocity.

She almost slumped to the ground.

She quickened her pace right away.

But they didn't intend to let her go—instead, they jumped at her while barking.

Terrified, she screamed.

Tossing the heavy supplements away, she ran as fast as she could. "Help!"

She had been mostly scared to death of dogs her whole life.

She dashed to the living room frantically.

In the next second, her forehead slammed into a warm, firm chest. Before she could utter a word, the four Golden Retrievers pounced at her and nipped at her pants.

Throwing caution to the wind, she clung to the tall figure, her feet high above the ground.

Braylen ordered, his expression stern and cold, "Down!"

The four Golden Retrievers behaved at once.

They sprawled on the ground, wagging their tails at him nonstop.

The previous ferocious predators were gone, instantly replaced by cute puppies.

After dealing with them, he turned to Alessandra.

He coldly gazed at the woman clinging to him.

They were face-to-face.

He was a man with normal physical desire.

He leaned backward imperceptibly. "Get off!"

Alessandra's cheeks heated.

Her sanity screamed, telling her how rude she was and urging her to get off him.

However, her gaze fell upon those four giant dogs around them again.

She couldn't bring herself to get off at all.

She stuttered in a small voice, "Can you ... tell them ... to leave?"

As she spoke, she slid down a bit more.

Then she quickly climbed back up.

Braylen fell silent for a second.

Gritting his teeth, he snapped, "Out!"

Sensing the displeasure in his tone, the dogs left slowly and slumped by the doors with their tails between their legs.

Only then did Alessandra get off Braylen.

She blushed scarlet with embarrassment.

Not even daring to look up, she said, "I heard our arm was injured. I'm here to see how you're doing and to thank you."

Braylen glanced at her.

She lowered her head even more. "If it weren't for you, I didn't know what would have happened that night."

His cold voice rang out above her head. "Johnny is a well-known lewdster."

She knew what he meant. He was saying, "You came to him voluntarily. You really didn't know what would happen?"

Pursing her lips, she said, neither humbly nor overbearingly, "It was my fault for not doing a 'background check' in advance. Sorry for troubling you."

Braylen glanced at her once more.

She was resilient, which surprised him.

He nodded. "I'm not hurt. Go back."

She clenched her fingers. "I bought some supplements for you..."

Gazing at her, he was amused. "Where are they?"

She was stunned.

She remembered tossing them away while being chased by the dogs.

With an awkward smile, she said, "Wait a second."

Then she walked out cautiously.

Clinging to the wall, she made her way forward while saying to the dogs, "You chased me before, so don't do it again. Your owner is watching you. Be good... Please..."

As one of them stood up to stretch, she was terrified, and her voice twisted. "Please! Don't move! I'm begging you!"

Braylen felt speechless.

She was the timidest person he had ever seen.

Just then, his phone on the coffee table buzzed.

He strode over, answered the phone, and said in a deep voice, "Speak."

Lawson was overjoyed, saying eagerly, "Mr. Mercer, I've found the woman from that night. Would you like to see her?"