Mesmerized By A Kiss

Compared to the Northern borders, rain in the south was almost as rare as oil. However, on the occasion where it did rain, the intensity and amount of rainwater smashing against her windowsill was staggering.

The door creaked and opened. Sporting a pair of white sneakers that had been dirtied by the rainfall, Wendy Guan went straight to the floral-patterned sofa. Her body loosened once it hit the cushions.

After a whole day's work, she was exhausted. It was as if her entire body had shut down when she found herself being enveloped by her wet clothing.

The rain fell so hard that she was ultimately drenched.

Just as she was about to doze off, the phone knocked her right awake. She shivered and took out the phone with great difficulty. Seeing that the call was from her mother, she answered,

"Mom, what's up?"

The fatigued expression on Wendy Guan's face slowly disappeared as a gentle smile weaved its way into her lips. She and her mother always shared a special bond. No matter what problems she faced, she knew that her mother would always have her back.

"Is this Cheryl's daughter? Your mother was sent to the hospital because of a heart attack, but she's already been rescued as we speak. We need to contact one of her family members to pay off the medical expenses."

Her face turned pale in an instant. Wendy Guan scrambled to sit up.

"What did you say? My mother had a heart attack?" she demanded, jumping up from her sofa.

Hearing Wendy Guan's voice, the man seemed to be relieved. "Your mother still needs a follow-up operation, but the cost..."

he trailed off awkwardly.

"Please operate on her first. I'll be there in an hour, and I'll pay it off myself."

The rain was so hard that she thought it could shatter her roof. Thunder rumbled across the skies and lightning flashed, brightening the gloomy night. Wendy Guan raised her hand over her chest, trying to get herself to breathe normally.

Her mother was her entire life. She couldn't lose her!

After hanging up the phone, Wendy Guan pulled up her bag over her shoulder and hailed a taxi. Although she was drenched once again, she didn't seem to care.

The taxi screeched to a stop in front of her. Without missing a beat, she jumped onto the back seat.

"To Yang City Villa." Her voice was hoarse. In fact, she doubted if it was even her voice in the first place.

It felt as if her entire world was falling apart right in front of her. Her mind was in complete chaos, and her heart felt heavy. If her mother was truly gone, she wouldn't know what to do next!

Her mother had always been in poor health. She shouldn't have left her like this.

Although the night was dark and dreary, the Yang City Villa was still imposing. Its bright lights made it look like the shining sun within the night, and its large structure was grand. It reeked nothing but ruthlessness and arrogance. Wendy Guan felt a shiver down her spine as she gazed up at the aristocratic building. She took a deep breath and stepped in, making up her mind.

Besides, she didn't have much time to think. Being familiar with this place, she quickly headed to the hall.

"I was wondering why it's raining so hard. It turns out we have a guest."

From the sarcastic voice, she knew for a fact that it belonged to Leah Yang, her stepmother.

If this was any other day, Wendy Guan would turn around and leave, knowing that she wasn't welcome in this house.

However, knowing that her mother was still lying in that hospital, she couldn't just leave. She needed the money.

Suppressing the urge to tear the woman's face apart, Wendy Guan smiled. "I want to borrow some money from you," she said bluntly. "Don't worry! I'll pay you back."

Leah Yang had been drinking coffee since her arrival. Upon hearing what she had to say, she froze and stared at Wendy Guan as if she had grown two heads.

Suddenly, Leah Yang burst into laughter. Wendy clenched her teeth. "What are you laughing at?" she snapped.

"Are you kidding me? You want me to borrow you money? Tell me then, why should I agree?" the old woman sneered.

"Why?" The corners of Wendy Guan's mouth twitched. 'Maybe it's because the things you have now wouldn't be possible yours if not for my father's money!'

However, she restrained herself once more.

"Given that I'm your half daughter, I could call you Mom, right?" She paused and lowered her head. "I was hoping you can lend me some money for my father's sake, please."

Although Wendy Guan felt disgusted with herself, she might as well use the sympathy card. Arrogance and coldness wouldn't be able to convince her stepmother.

Her frail and weak voice echoed across the large hall of the Guan Family.

"Raise your head," Leah Yang said slowly.

When she did, her stepmother analyzed her carefully like she was staring at an artwork she was about to buy from the rack. Wendy stiffened.

Suddenly, Leah smiled. Although it wasn't as harsh as it had been a moment ago, there was something about that smile that sent shivers down Wendy's back. Something wasn't right.

"You're really beautiful for someone I hate," Leah smirked.

Wendy clenched her fists. It was obvious that the woman was humiliating her on purpose. Not wanting to beat around the bush, Wendy snapped, "I'll ask you one last time. Will you borrow me money or not?"

"Of course I will."

When Wendy stared at her in disbelief, Leah laughed. "Don't you believe me?"

"What's the catch then?" Knowing what kind of woman her stepmother was, she knew that she wouldn't just lend her money that easily.

Leah snorted, clapping her hands. "You really are a smart girl. Look, as long as you help me with this, then I'll give you all the money you want."

Wendy took a deep breath and waited for her request. Although she knew that it might not be a good thing, there was no going back.

Leah stood up and whispered in her ear,

"As long as you help me capture the attention of the owner of Jasmine Resort Hotel, I'll help you and your mother get through this mess. If you succeed, you'll have all the money you like."

Her perfume was already making her sick, and the hot breath that fanned her cheeks was enough to make her want to slap the woman, but she stopped herself. Wendy furrowed her eyebrows. "You mean Leo?"

Leah nodded in satisfaction.

"How?"

"Don't play dumb with me. You're smart enough to know how. Although I have plenty of time, your mother might not, so I suggest you make your decision now."

Leah's stilettos tapped against the tiles as she gracefully twisted her body and landed on the comfortable sofa.

"Fine. But I was hoping you could give me some down payment." Wendy knew what it meant, but at this point, she had no other choice.

With her mother's life on the line, she had no other choice. "Great!" Leah laughed even more voraciously. Crossing her legs and waving her hand, a man in black came over. "Mrs. Leah, what can I do for you?"

"Go and get me fifty thousand."

Seeing the hard cash in his hand, Wendy sighed in relief. Her mother was saved.

"Remember to come to my place tomorrow."

Wendy nodded.

As soon as she got out of the villa, she immediately rushed to the hospital. After paying all the medical fees she owed, she had everything arranged. It was already midnight when she finished.

Wendy sat beside her mother's sickbed as she stared at her peaceful face. Tears ran down the young woman's cheek, but she hurriedly wiped them away. Over the years, her mother had always been the role model for resilience. Her mother made sure that her daughter lived a happy life, even if her life wasn't.

No matter what the price, Wendy was ready to pay it.

Upon hearing sobbing sounds, Cheryl He slowly opened her eyes to see that her daughter was crying.

"You're awake." Wendy straightened her back. "I'm sorry for waking you up."

Cheryl He struggled to sit up, so Wendy supported her. Staring at the way her mother was gasping for breath, she was even more determined to pay Leah a visit tomorrow.

Her mother's frail fingertips stroked her cheek, wiping the tears away. "Did someone hurt you?" she asked, concerned.

"No." Wendy forced a smile into her lips. "Who would dare bully me? I just–I just miss you, that's all."

She laughed bitterly.

Cheryl He poked her on the nose. "You silly girl," she murmured fondly.

Staring into her mother's loving gaze, Wendy smiled and held her hand. "You have to promise me that you'll fight through this, okay? Stay with me."

Wendy bit her lip.

Cheryl He chuckled. Her daughter had always been considerate. "Of course I'll stay with you."

Hearing her mother's words, she smiled.

Everything would be fine. Right?

"Alas, I'm nothing but a burden to you," Cheryl sighed. "It must cost lots of money for me to go through this treatment."

Wendy was peeling apples for her mother when she heard her words. Distracted, she lost her balance and obtained a cut on her fingertips from the knife. She yelped.

Then she placed the knife back on the table and covered her hand immediately.

The blood dripped down her palm as she winced. Pain raked her over.

Cheryl hurried to hold her daughter's wound tightly. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Although the wound wasn't that deep, blood continuously flowed from the cut. Wendy gritted her teeth in obvious pain.

Not wasting any more time, she grabbed the handkerchief from the bedside table and bounded it up tightly. Seeing as the cut was now bandaged up, she forced a smile into her lips. "I'm fine now. It's just a scratch." She giggled. "My skin has always been thick."

Cheryl's eyes were filled with sadness, but she hid her emotions well enough. "No matter how thick your skin is, you still shouldn't be that careless. You have always been like this. How could I not worry over you?"

Wendy buried her head in her mother's arms like a spoiled child. "I don't want you to worry about me," she murmured. "I want to be with you for the rest of my life, okay?"

Holding her daughter tightly in her arms, Cheryl laughed and shook her head. "Silly girl, how can you accompany me all your life? You have yet to get married."

Burying herself in her mother's soft arms and smelling her familiar scent, Wendy was reluctant to leave her bedside. A cold and lonely tear fell onto the bed sheet. However, she still needed to pay the other medical bills.

The next day, Wendy appeared in the hall of the villa just in time.

The Guan Mansion was huge. The rattan furniture that decorated the hall made everything seem aged and rustic. However, the crystal chandelier provided a sharp contrast to the interiors as its dim lights flickered above them.

Felton Guan had been sipping his tea when he saw his daughter walking into the household. Setting his tea aside, he held her hand in glee. "Wendy, what brings you here? Are you here for me?"

Wendy rarely showed up here. How could Felton Guan not be ecstatic upon seeing his own daughter?

Although the old man was joyful, his daughter was anything but. Her body stiffened once his large hands clasped her shoulders. His warmth made her heart skip a beat, but it still didn't shake her indifferent resolve. Like other children, she had always yearned for her father's love, but after thinking of his cowardice, she pushed his hand away.

"I'm here for Leah," she said coldly.

Suddenly, Felton Guan's bright gaze dimmed down. He looked like a child who had just been scolded as he murmured, "Is your heart made of rock? Is this how you treat your own father?"

Wendy snorted. "Father? You dare call yourself a father? Have you done anything for me? Have you been responsible for my mother? Do you know how much pain we suffered because of you?"

Her entire face grew red at the implication.

Ever since she was a child, everyone had extensively discussed her background. In their eyes, she was nothing but an illegitimate daughter. She was nothing but a stain in the family name.

Back then, she was resistant to the insults. Sometimes, she would even fight back. Now, she had grown numb as if her heart had died the moment realization finally hit her.

Felton Guan gazed at his daughter in masked pain. Rubbing his hands together, he bowed his head. "I'm sorry for what you and your mother had to go through," he murmured softly.

"A little bit late now, is it? You don't even deserve to be my father," Wendy sneered, despising him from the bottom of her heart. The man couldn't even protect his own wife and child. No matter how talented he was, he was worthless. 'I will only do this to protect my Mom,' she told herself.

Felton Guan felt as if his heart was being stabbed repeatedly. He trembled under her stare. "Wendy, I–"

Just as he was about to speak, Waller, the butler, walked over and nodded respectfully to Felton. He then turned to her. "Miss Wendy, Mrs. Leah is waiting for you upstairs."

Without even giving her father another look, she followed Waller up the steps. Felton gazed at her retreating figure helplessly as his shoulders sagged in unmeasurable sadness.

"So you kept your word after all."

As soon as Wendy closed the door behind her, she saw Leah lying on the sofa. The expensive coat she was sporting hung loosely over her shoulders. Thick smoke clouded over her head.

She loved to smoke. In fact, every time Wendy saw her, it was impossible not to spot a cigarette in between her fingertips.

How could she not come? She had to save her mother's life. "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Leah puffed out some smoke and stood up. When she glanced at Wendy, she could see her hardened gaze and the murderous glint in her eyes.

A wry smile carved Leah's lips. "You don't have to look at me like that. If you don't want to do it, then you could leave. I won't force you." She shrugged. "But you have to pay me back in three days."

Her scornful smile was as sharp as an arrow, and Wendy could feel it stabbing straight through her heart.

"Did I say anything about not wanting to do it?" Although she despised Leah, she had to endure all of this. All of this was for her mother.

Leah took out a small bag from the cupboard beside her and handed it to Wendy. "Here. It's necessary for your success."

"What's this?"

"You'll know when the time comes. All you have to do is put the content in this bag in Mr. Leo's wine glass," she said, looking at her meaningfully. Wendy's face flushed, understanding what it meant.

It wasn't that difficult to piece things together.

Her face was red from the embarrassment.

Before she could say anything more, Leah called Waller in. "I've already arranged everything, and I've informed the Jiang Family. Waller will take you to the place and inform you the details of the arrangement."

With a sense of shame, Wendy didn't waste any time to leave her sights.

Along the way, Wendy felt as if she was living in her own nightmare. She felt as if her own strength was being drained at each step she took.

She knew what she needed to do, and there was no turning back at this point.

She hated it,

hated what Leah would make her do, but she had no other choice.

She clenched her fists.

Following the butler, Wendy found herself walking into a luxurious and magnificent hall. It didn't take a genius to know that this was the Jasmine Resort Hotel. They took an elevator and arrived at one of the rooms.

"We're here. You can go in by yourself," the butler said coldly. Without giving her a chance to say anything, he turned and left.

Now, she was all alone.

Wendy's heart started to beat erratically. She didn't know what kind of situation she was about to face.

Adrenaline rushed through her veins as she prepared herself for what was to come.

Wendy stared at the floor-length mirror. Gone were the casual clothes she had been wearing during the day. Instead, it was replaced with the hotel's red uniform. The well-designed fabric wrapped around her good figure, and her black hair was pulled back into a pun, displaying her delicate features.

She couldn't even recognize her own face anymore.

In fact, she almost forgot how she had gotten here in the first place.

"Miss Wendy, Mr. Leo is here. It's your cue." A lovely girl rushed towards her.

Wendy couldn't even make out her face. Maybe it was because of her nervousness that she couldn't find it in herself to process what was happening.

She quickly placed the medicine Leah had given her and tapped it into the whiskey. Taking a deep breath, she plastered a smile on her face and walked to his room.

She knocked on the door.

"Come in."

A deep and magnetic voice echoed from the other side of the door.

Trying to control her heartbeat, she pushed the door open.

Wendy could make out a slender man curled up on the spacious bed. His back was facing her. If she didn't know any better, she would think that the man had fallen asleep.

He must be Leo Jiang.

At the thought, her heart skipped a beat.

"This is the whiskey you asked for, Sir." Following the instructions given to her, Wendy poured the whiskey in a glass carefully, but the man still didn't move. "Just put it there. You may leave," he said.

His chilly voice made her heart race.

After pouring in the wine, Wendy tried to control her trembling hand while keeping a good eye on the man on the bed.

Once everything was set, she sighed in relief.

"Mr. Leo, I've already poured you the whiskey. If there's nothing else, I'll leave." Wendy bowed her head respectfully, but Leo Jiang didn't even bother to turn around. Instead, he waved her away.

The company had a lot of things to deal with. What made things worse was that he was suffering from a headache.

He had been busy the entire day, so he was exhausted. All he wanted to do was lounge on his bed and not think about anything else in the world.

Clang! A harsh sound echoed throughout the room.

Finally, he turned over and frowned. "What happened?"

Wendy motioned to the broken vase. Her eyes were wide in panic. "I'm sorry, Mr. Leo. I really didn't mean to do it."

She had been so nervous that she knocked it over.

"Are you new here?" Leo Jiang knew exactly how many employees were working in his hotel, and he could also recognize them by face. He had never seen this woman before.

Wendy stood up and smiled shyly. "You're really observant, Mr. Leo. Yes, I'm new here. I really am sorry for the vase. It was truly just an accident."

Although Leo Jiang was annoyed, it still didn't mar his handsome face.

When he stared at Wendy, he hesitated before returning back to his stoic resolve, which made her wonder if what she had just seen had all been an illusion.

"Clean the room first before you head out." Normally, if it was any other woman who knocked it over, he would order them to leave and have them fix it up tomorrow. He had no idea why he asked her to stay.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Knowing that her trick worked, Wendy sighed with relief. Her heart raced in her chest, but she pretended to be calm. She quickly plastered a smile over her face. "Okay."

Wendy grabbed a cloth attached to her belt and wiped the shiny table on the room. As she did so, she subtly stared at him. It was said that he was the young master of the Jiang Family. Not only was he incredibly influential in the business sector, but he also had a promising future ahead of him.

Plus, it didn't hurt that he was handsome and had a very muscled figure.

Wendy couldn't help but feel something indescribable rushing through her system. She stiffened.

When she was just a teen, it would be a lie to say that she didn't have her own foolish fantasies of meeting her Prince Charming. Upon staring at him, she couldn't help but relieve those little dreams she once had.

But she quickly shook her head and reminded herself why she was here in the first place. Now, she could only succeed. Failure wasn't an option.

"How old are you?" Leo took a sip from his whiskey and stared at her casually.

He was bored.

Wendy moved closer to him. From far away, she could only make out the rough outline of Leo's face, but now she could observe him even more clearly. He had a straight nose, thick eyebrows, and dark eyes. He could rival any male model on any magazine.

"I'm twenty, Sir," she quickly answered. Seeing that Leo finally tasted the whiskey, her cheeks flushed at the thought of its contents. Afraid that he might see through her, she struggled to hold herself together.

It was rare to see such pure and shy girls in this society. Leo smiled secretly as he took another sip. This woman was interesting.

Suddenly, a feeling took over him.

He felt something hot scouring through his veins. No matter how much he struggled and resisted against the feeling, he could feel it taking over him.

It was as if the drink was sucking out all his control.

The impulse to break free had grown even stronger.

Digging his nails into his fists, Leo tried his best to suppress the feeling, but all his efforts were in vain. When he raised his head to see that the woman still didn't leave his room, he finally understood what was going on.

She must've put something in his drink.

Wendy feared for her life when she saw how Leo was looking at her. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes glinted with unimaginable fury. She instinctively retreated to the corner.

She looked like a kitten, all soft and innocent.

"Why did you do it? Who sent you here?" Enduring the pain that racked over his entire system, Leo managed to hold on and questioned her. Although there was cruelty in his eyes, his actions showed otherwise.

It seemed that the medicine was taking affect.

Now, he couldn't even think, but he knew for a fact that someone must've arranged it. Otherwise, the girl wouldn't have been able to enter the Jasmine Hotel.

As the owner, he knew exactly how rigorous his security detail was.

Wendy gazed at the floor shamefully. If people didn't know her any better, they would think she was a shameless girl who was trying to sell herself. "What are you talking about? Are you okay?"

she asked worriedly.

"You don't know? Do you really think I'll believe you? Shouldn't you be afraid of me? Shouldn't you hide?"

The more he resisted, the stronger the heat became. It devoured his sanity, and he could feel his mind screaming in madness.

He dug his nails into his palm and snarled at her.

This woman! She was going to be the death of him! "I-"

Wendy tried to explain, but Leo suddenly pounced on her. Before she could react, her body was already trapped under him.

He carried her onto the carpet. Although she already knew what was going to happen, she couldn't help but feel terrified under his animalistic glare. She slammed her fists against his hard chest, trying to push the man away.

"What are you doing? Let go of me! Let go of me!"

At this time, Leo had completely lost his mind. He had no idea what he was doing anymore.

The disparity between their strengths made Wendy feel even more helpless. His drunk scent entered her nostrils.

She could feel herself being suffocated by the horrific smell.

Shame and disgust overwhelmed her. It was only then did Wendy feel actual fear. She tried her best to shove the man away, but it was to no avail.

There was no escaping her fate.

She could hear Leah's words echoing in her ears, followed by her harsh laugher.

"As long as you bed the young master of the Jiang Family, I would pay your mother's medical expenses."

'This is for my Mom,' Wendy told herself again and again. She must let her mother live on.

For a moment, Wendy forgot all about her struggles.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Leo didn't let go of her that easily. He was like a beast searching for his breakthrough. He pulled her against him and entered her.

She shrieked, feeling her entire body being ripped apart right in front of him.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed relentlessly. She hated this, but she had no other choice but to endure.