Chapter 6 Locked In A Kiss

Yvonne struggled to steady her ragged breathing, her heart thundering in her chest as she fixed Shane with a steely glare. "If you don't want me calling Jayde right now, let go of me. Another hospital visit might be in her future if she learned that you were here, kissing me in the darkness."

Shane's penetrating gaze hardened, his expression unreadable. "Is that supposed to be a threat?"

"I'm simply stating facts," Yvonne replied.

In one fluid motion, Shane pressed her against the cool metal of the car. "If you're comfortable with her hearing your moans beneath me, by all means, make that call... And speaking of this, it's been quite some time since we did it in the car. How about we do it now? Where do you prefer-front or back seat?"

Fear coursed through Yvonne's body, her fingers trembling at the possibility of his words becoming reality. "Jayde's fragile heart couldn't bear such news. Wouldn't her suffering tear you apart?"

The menace drained from Shane's posture as he released her. "Very well, you're safe for now, but you're coming home with me tonight."

Yvonne retreated several steps, creating some distance between them. "My stance on divorce remains unchanged, as I've told you before."

Shane's intense stare bore into her. "Impressive courage. Let's see how long your determination persists."

Relief flooded through Yvonne as she watched the Rolls-Royce disappear into the night before turning back toward the stairs.

***

The next morning, Yvonne began sending out job applications.

Forty-eight hours of persistent effort yielded nothing but silence and rejection notices.

Yvonne's academic brilliance had always set her apart-she had earned her degree from Fuilver University at nineteen, achieving what few could.

Medicine had been her calling, and if not for Maggie's illness requiring treatment in Elesrora, she would have secured a position at a prestigious hospital in Fuilver.

Things had changed drastically now. Modern hospitals conducted thorough background investigations, and Yvonne's criminal record now barred her from any respected medical institution.

Though she had steeled herself for this reality, the crushing weight of rejection still made her feel frustrated.

The sun had begun its descent when Yvonne returned home to find Landon and Sadie in the living room, their faces etched with concern.

Sadie, in particular, radiated barely contained fury.

"Uncle Landon, Sadie, what's troubling you?" Yvonne asked.

"It's nothing." Landon's voice softened with concern. "Have you eaten, Yvonne? I saved you some food-let me heat it up for you."

"I've already eaten." Yvonne persisted, worry creeping into her voice. "Please, Uncle Landon, tell me what's wrong."

"You've got some nerve to ask that!" Sadie exploded, her arms crossed. "Your marriage into the Brooks family should have benefited us all, Yvonne. However, instead of prosperity, you've brought us ruin. Your Uncle Landon and I poured our hearts into that store, and now, we're being forced to close it down because of you!"

"You are being forced to close down the store?" Understanding dawned in Yvonne's eyes. "Shane's behind this, isn't he?"

Landon let out a weary breath. "They didn't state it explicitly, but the evidence is clear. After all, few possess the resources to purchase an entire street of businesses at once."

Yvonne replied apologetically, "I am so sorry. This mess stems from my inability to handle my personal affairs properly."

Rage colored Sadie's features. "Shane doesn't want the divorce! That's why he is mad like this. Why resist being Mrs. Brooks? Is such a life truly so unbearable for you?"

"That's enough," Landon interjected firmly. "Yvonne's judgment has always been sound. She wouldn't ask for a divorce unless something serious had happened."

"Something serious?" Sadie scoffed. "So Shane has another woman-what of it? Men of his status rarely remain faithful. Even ten mistresses wouldn't be surprising!"

Her tone then softened a little. "Listen to me, Yvonne. Just go back and continue to be Mrs. Brooks. You'll secure a life of luxury, and we'll all benefit from that."

Ice crept into Yvonne's expression. "I cannot agree to do that, Sadie. Loyalty forms the cornerstone of a marriage. Without it, one would be left with nothing but an empty façade."

"Such lofty principles!" Sadie's eyes rolled dramatically. "I'm trying to help you, and you want to lecture me? This divorce leaves you with nothing while fueling Shane's anger. Look how we're already suffering the consequences!"

"I'll resolve this and ensure he doesn't interfere with your lives anymore," Yvonne declared, rising with determination. "I need to return to my room now."

Sadie said, "Yvonne, we're not finished discussing this-"

"She's said enough." Landon's firm grip stopped Sadie. "Yvonne has promised to handle the situation, and she will."

"I'm only trying to help her here!" Sadie exclaimed.

"She doesn't require your guidance," Landon replied.

Yvonne closed her bedroom door, muffling the heated exchange between Landon and Sadie.

The weight of reality settled heavily upon her shoulders as she acknowledged that Shane would continue to do something like this until he achieved his goal. Though she had anticipated his interference in her life, the thought of others suffering for her choices twisted like a knife in her chest.

With renewed purpose, Yvonne gathered her belongings into a suitcase and stepped into the hallway.

"Yvonne, where are you headed?" Landon hurried over, concern etched on his face.

"I can no longer stay here, Uncle Landon," Yvonne replied in a gentle voice. "My departure will remove any reason for Shane to continue causing trouble for you."

A deep sigh escaped Landon. "None of this falls on your shoulders, Yvonne. I only wish I possessed the means to shield you from all this."

"The responsibility lies with me for entangling you in my troubles," Yvonne said.

"Promise me you'll take good care of yourself out there, Yvonne," Landon said.

"You have my word," Yvonne replied.

***

Though Yvonne had spent days exploring apartment options, she had hesitated to rent one while her job search continued.

Now, circumstances forced her hand. She contacted a real estate agent and secured the single apartment she had previously considered.

The apartment was fully furnished, ready for her to move in immediately.

After arranging her modest belongings, Yvonne retrieved her phone, removed Shane's number from her blacklist, and sent a message.

Her resolve strengthened as she thought of the precious life growing within her. Returning to Shane's side wasn't an option if she wanted to protect her unborn child.

Finding employment had become her paramount concern-her baby's future depended on it.

Just then, her phone's sudden ring shattered the silence. Shane's name flashed on the screen.

Yvonne rejected the call, only to see her phone ring again moments later.

After a breath of hesitation, she answered the call. "The text contained everything I needed to say to you," she said.

"Mrs. Brooks?" an unfamiliar male voice responded. "I'm calling from the Glory Club. Mr. Brooks is heavily intoxicated here. Could you please come collect him?"

"His security detail can handle this. At the very least, his driver should be near him," Yvonne replied.

"The driver wouldn't dare do anything when Mr. Brooks is in this state. Mrs. Brooks, the club is about to close. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated," the man said.

"Alright." Yvonne ended the call, grabbed her coat, and hurried into the night.

A taxi carried her to the Glory Club, where she made her way directly to the top floor.

The Glory Club stood as Elesrora's premier establishment, and Shane's private suite remained exclusively his domain. Yvonne's footsteps slowed as she approached the familiar space.

The door stood slightly ajar, and through the narrow gap, she could see what was happening inside the room.

Inside, two people were locked in a kiss. Although Yvonne couldn't see their faces clearly, she recognized them immediately. They were Shane and Jayde.