"If that's the case, Mr. Vasquez, please refrain from involving my family. I do not want any association with you, and I never wish to see you again."
After a pause, his low, menacing voice reverberated, "Is marrying me again such a disgrace to you?"
"Exactly."
He chuckled and spoke slowly in a frosty tone that caused me to shudder. "Cecilia Abecia, are you trying to play hard-to-get now? Isn't this what you desire? You pursued me before because you truly loved me."
I smirked. "That was seven years ago, Mr. Vasquez."
"Yes, seven years have passed. You've blossomed into a beautiful and alluring woman," he whispered, a faint smirk slowly spreading across his handsome face.
I wanted to slap him in frustration but restrained myself. I had to always keep in mind that I had a plan.
"Alluring woman, you say?" I asked, lowering my voice and wrapping my arms around his neck. His expression immediately changed, and he swallowed. We stared at each other for a moment.
"Yes, you are a captivating allure," he said softly.
Slowly, he brought his face closer to mine and lightly brushed his lips against mine. I tensed up for a second, but I gathered my courage; I needed to do this.
As he tenderly moved his lips, I gradually relaxed and reciprocated his kisses. He held my waist firmly as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
The kiss was gentle and intimate. In that instant, I forgot that the man I was kissing was the one who had divorced me. It felt like I had been transported back in time.
He gently pushed me, pressing me down onto the sofa, all the while continuing to kiss me.
The moment was shattered when Nolan spoke, "You're a good kisser. How many men have you bedded with?"
I was annoyed by his comment but didn't let him see my irritation. "It doesn't matter, babe. What's important is that you are the one I'll be serving tonight."
I saw the darkness in his eyes. I looked at him with innocent eyes.
Just like that, you find me disgusting.
A long silence passed.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
I saw anger in his face. He got off me and stood up, adjusting his clothes.
"Seven years have passed, Nolan, and a lot has happened. How has it become a problem that I've slept with many men?" I asked directly, but he remained like a statue.
After he dismissed me, so much had happened that I could never forget.
"I wouldn't have thought you were innocent either," I added.
His jaw tensed as he glanced at me with his brow raised.
"I never thought you were that type of woman. You used to be so innocent and naive. Now that you're marrying me again, make sure not to repeat it," he said, his voice laced with threat.
I sat up. "Are you still going to proceed with the wedding even though I'm like this?"
He continued to stare at me.
A long silence followed, with no one speaking between us, until Nolan suddenly laughed softly.
"You have grown from an annoying cute girl into a mature woman," he whispered, facing me with a smirking mouth.
He leaned over and touched my left cheek. "But you still need to find another way to deceive me. You won't fool me with what you're saying now, my beloved. But it's still cute that you tried."
He leaned closer and kissed my forehead. For the first time in seven years, I felt my cheeks flush crimson red.
"You can now rest. Merlin will show you to the master bedroom," he said, leaving me in the living room, stunned, with my heart pounding heavily.
What did he say? I felt like I wanted to disappear because of what he said. Why doesn't he believe that I've slept with many men?
I gritted my teeth.
It means that it will be difficult for me to successfully execute my plan. I have a plan; I will force Nolan to divorce me again, just like he did before. I am now living peacefully, and I don't want Nolan to ruin that again.
Soon, his assistant arrived and took me to the master bedroom.
As I walked into the master bedroom, I noticed how different it looked after seven years.
The room was dimly lit, with a large, comfortable bed in the center. The walls were painted a soft shade of blue, and the carpet was plush and soft under my feet.
I frowned; there were framed pictures hanging on the wall. I was confused as to why there were pictures here, pictures of Nolan and me from seven years ago.
I was puzzled by what this meant.
I felt like the memories from the past flooded back, making me feel uneasy and overwhelmed; the rush of emotions was unsettling.
I averted my gaze.
I am determined to proceed with my plan no matter what. Even if his memories come back, I cannot forgive him for what he did to me before.
The next day, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as I read an article. Our hospital's condition has improved, and the Chrolex Corporation even invested a substantial amount in it.
I sighed in relief and called my mom. "Mom? Is everything okay now?"
[Cecilia, I'm glad you called. We're totally fine now. How about you? How are you? What did you do?]
"Mom, hold on... I'm alright." I replied with a smile to my mom's rapid questions.
"I'm glad everything is okay now," I said.
Now that my family is fine, I need to focus on myself. I need to convince Nolan to divorce me so everything can return to normal.
[Dear, what did you do?]
I fell silent. I didn't want to tell my mom about my situation with Nolan.
"You don't have to worry about me, Mom. I can take care of myself. Now that everything is in order, my request to you, Mom-"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Madam Cecilia, your breakfast is ready."
I glanced at the door. "You know what I'm referring to, Mom."
My mom fell silent on the other end of the line.
"Mom, I need to hang up now," I said.
"Cecilia, dear..."
"Mom... You know what I mean..." I said in a low voice.
My mom sighed. [I understand that, Cecilia. I'll support your decision. Always remember that we're here for you. And always stay safe.]
I ended the call and left the master bedroom. A maid greeted me, bowing as she led me to the dining hall.
When I arrived, breakfast was ready. I sat down and ate quietly.
Since last night, I hadn't seen any sign of Nolan and I didn't care where he went. For now, I need to think of another way to execute my plan.
After eating, I got myself ready. There were various items prepared here, such as clothes, shoes, makeup, and more.
The closet Nolan prepared for me was filled with neatly arranged outfits for different occasions, ranging from elegant dresses to casual attire.
The shelves were stocked with a variety of shoes to match each outfit, and there were drawers filled with an assortment of makeup and accessories.
Everything was organized and ready for me to use, and it felt nostalgic. This is how he used to do things back then. I was very excited and grateful at that time. But now, I couldn't appreciate them all.
As I was about to leave the mansion, a guard stopped me. "We were instructed to keep you inside the mansion until Sir Nolan arrives."
So now, here I am, alone in my room. I expected this would happen, so I wasn't surprised.
Locked inside the big mansion? That's typical behavior from this man. I wouldn't be surprised if he stopped me from working and took my phone away.
I couldn't help but recall what happened yesterday.
"Your girlfriend is my fiancée," Nolan said while keeping his hands in his pockets.
I glared at Nolan, and his grin widened. I just pulled Travis's hand and left the building.
Travis and I were silent during the drive home. Luckily, he understood that I didn't want to talk at the moment. But he couldn't hold back, so he broke the silence.
"So... now, I understand why you're not interested in dating," he began.
"You're engaged," he added.
"I'm not engaged," I corrected while looking out the window. He glanced at me briefly, and I knew he was puzzled.
"That's confusing," he said with a laugh.
Yes, it's confusing. Seven years have passed, and now he suddenly appears, wanting to marry me again. What's puzzling is that he still hasn't remembered his lost memories, yet here he is, insisting.
"That man, he's Nolan Vasquez, right?" he asked.
I just sighed.
"You know, now everything has become clear to me. Now that I've seen Nolan Vasquez in person, I understand why Kieran's face seemed familiar."
I clenched my fist at what Travis had said.
"Shut up, Travis. Don't say impossible things," I said firmly.
He didn't say anything more.
As much as I don't want to admit it, what Travis said is true. I swallowed hard, trying to push his words out of my mind.
It wasn't long before we arrived at my house. I got out and thanked him.
"Tell Kieran that I'll visit him next time," he said with a smile, and I just nodded quietly.
"Don't tell anyone about Kieran. You know what I mean," I said.
Travis looked at me and smiled. "Don't worry. I gotta go."
After Travis left, I went inside the house. Nay Coring, my child's nanny, greeted me.
"Your child is already sleeping in his room," she said. I nodded and went up to my child's room.
To Be Continued....