Chapter 5 Chase

Slamming the car trunk shut, Diane got into the car and drove off.

Upon arriving at the villa using the address Charles had provided, she was greeted by an elderly woman-probably in her fifties-who welcomed her warmly and led her to the second bedroom upstairs.

"Ms. Thompson, this is your room. If you need anything, just use the intercom," she said politely.

Diane thought the woman was being too formal. "Aunt, just call me Diane," she said with a respectful smile.

"Alright, Diane. I'm Wendy. The old man assigned me to serve you and the young master. Feel free to ask if you need anything," the woman replied kindly.

"Thanks, Aunt Wendy. See you around."

Diane closed the door behind her and stood in awe. The room was large and luxurious, furnished with coffee-brown furniture that gave it a mysteriously elegant look.

Just perfect!

Hours later, Diane emerged from the bedroom in baggy trousers and an oversized shirt. She wore sunglasses and had tied a scarf around her head, covering her hair.

Aunt Wendy, who noticed her heading out, was taken aback. Where was the lady going? "Dinner's almost ready," she called out.

Diane, who had almost forgotten to inform her, halted and turned around. "I'm going out with a friend. Won't take long. I'll be back for dinner."

"Alright. Be careful on your way," Wendy replied.

---

"I can't believe this!" Sonia exclaimed. "You've only been here for two hours and now you're already leaving? Tsk. Looks like I'm going to need a new bestie soon, or else I might die of loneliness."

Diane poked her forehead. "Quit being dramatic. You know I'm too special-irreplaceable Diane," she said proudly.

"She's so full of herself," Sonia muttered in annoyance.

"Alright, I gotta go. It's my wedding tomorrow, and you know, I need a good night's sleep."

Sonia rolled her eyes. "Just say you can't wait to get home and get kinky with First Young Master Wallington."

"Ugh... you're sooo filthy," Diane replied, feigning disgust.

"Thanks for the compliment. Mwah!" Sonia said, blowing a kiss at her.

"Eww! I'm leaving," Diane said playfully and stood up.

"So you're off the market, huh? Here, cheers to my only love," Sonia said, handing Diane a glass of drink.

"How dare you cheers without your daddy?" came a voice from nearby. They both turned and exclaimed.

"CHASE!!"

"You guys are totally heartless," he said, ruffling both their heads.

Sonia slapped his hand away. "Still so annoying! Why was I even excited to see you?"

"Still so rude! That's why you're still single," Chase retorted, then pecked Diane on the cheek.

Sonia hurled her handbag at him in anger. "Go to hell already!"

Chase caught the bag and set it aside. "Quit whining, will you?"

Sonia pouted and rolled her eyes at him.

"Good girl," he chuckled, then turned to Diane, who was sipping her drink.

"Why'd you want to celebrate and leave me out? Is that fair? Or have you gotten a new daddy and forgotten about your main brother?" he said, dragging out the word daddy playfully.

Diane shot him a sharp glare.

"If I hadn't come, would you have even invited me? Or am I just a last-minute plan, hmm?"

"I didn't think it was necessary to trouble you. After all, it's just a marriage," Diane replied nonchalantly, downing the rest of her drink before standing up.

Chase shook his head, finished his own drink, and gave them a knowing look. "If you need help... you know," he said cryptically before storming off like the wind.

"You should get going. See you tomorrow-or do you need me to accompany you tonight?" Sonia asked, raising an eyebrow.

Diane hissed. "You can never change."

"With all my talents, and you still want me to change? Are you jealous?" Sonia teased.

Diane laughed. They said their goodbyes and parted ways.

---

Charles had gone drinking with his nagging friends after work and came back a bit late.

When he entered his bedroom, he noticed women's clothing but couldn't find Diane anywhere.

By the time Diane returned, it was quite late. As she walked in, she saw Charles lounging on the couch with a cigarette between his fingers.

"You're back late," he said, his voice low and calm as he extinguish the cigarette.

Diane shrugged, walking past him toward the stairs. "Went out drinking with a friend."

Charles raised a brow. "Seriously?"

"Mm-hmm," she replied nonchalantly, clearly unbothered.

Just as she was about to pass him, Charles reached out and caught her wrist, pulling her down onto his lap in one swift motion. Diane gasped, her hands pressed against his chest for balance.

Before she could protest, Charles leaned in and kissed her-deeply, possessively. The world seemed to still around them, and for a brief moment, there was no room for sarcasm or pride.

When he finally pulled away, his breath was warm against her skin. "Go take a shower and come down for dinner," he said huskily, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek.

Diane blinked, stunned into silence for a second. Then, with a scoff and an eye roll to mask her flustered state, she slid off his lap and walked away.

"Bossy," she muttered under her breath as she disappeared upstairs.

Diane descended the stairs after her shower. Her skin was dewy, and the loose satin robe she wore clung to her curves in the most frustratingly innocent way. Her damp hair trailed down her back, and she looked effortlessly alluring-though she clearly wasn't trying to be.

Charles was already seated at the dinner table, sleeves rolled up, a glass of wine in his hand. His gaze snapped to her the moment she entered, lingering shamelessly.

Diane arched a brow. "You're staring."

"You walked in looking like that. What did you expect?" he replied smoothly.

"Control," she said with a smirk, pulling out the chair across from him.

Dinner was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Aunt Wendy had prepared a light but delicious meal. They exchanged small talk-nothing too deep. Just talk of food, travel, and sarcasm-laced comments about their rushed wedding.