Toxic Love: Falling For My Cruel Lover

The campus of Traco University was vibrant with lush greenery.

A line of sycamore trees, thick with leaves, stood behind the library.

It was a place seldom visited by people.

"You said... you wouldn't come here..."

"What? Are you worried your classmates will discover that you're a hooker?"

"I'm not! I'm not..."

"Heh, then what's this we're doing?"

"Lawrence Yates! You scoundrel!"

"I'm a scoundrel, and you're the daughter of a murderer. Seems like we're a perfect match!"

Unable to hold back her sorrow any longer, the girl sobbed from the depths of her being, the pain encompassing both her body and spirit.

Eventually, the man, content with the experience, walked away.

In the sunlight, he stood tall, his profile striking, with sharp and pronounced features, and his skin showed a hint of a blush.

As he heard the dejected sound of the girl's footsteps behind him, his lips curled into a smirk, his eyes cold.

"You still haven't paid for this month." Brynn Gibson straightened up as much as she could, clinging to her remaining dignity.

The man gave a mocking sneer, walked over to her, and traced his finger across her swollen lips, each contact making her involuntarily tremble.

His eyes darkened, and he swallowed visibly.

The whole world knew of his disdain for her, yet it did nothing to dampen his pleasure in her reactions during these moments.

His hand wandered, and Brynn, filled with shame, shut her eyes as her body shook uncontrollably.

A bodyguard came near. "Sir, Miss Scott just called."

Lawrence Yates cast his gaze downward, and when he lifted it, all signs of desire had vanished.

He withdrew his hand and cleaned it with a handkerchief.

Brynn turned her head aside, her face a mix of shame and anger.

With a demeaning tone, Lawrence fetched a card from his wallet and handed it to her. "I'm very satisfied with you..."

The wind rustled through the leaves.

Brynn's thoughts emptied as she silently accepted the card, holding it tightly.

Lawrence walked away, accepting a phone from his bodyguard. His tone softened. "Hmm... just wrapped up a meeting..."

***

After her school day, Brynn headed to her job, and after finishing her work, she arrived at a hospital quite late.

Nearing a particular ward, she caught the sound of her mother, Jayne Duffy's, laughter.

Brynn looked down. There was only one person who could bring such joy to her mother.

She opened the door and found Kelley Rayne, her older half-sister from a different father.

Kelley greeted her with a smile. "Brynn, you made it."

"Mm," Brynn responded coolly. Jayne noticed and frowned. "Kelley's now a celebrity. It's not easy for her to find time to visit. Why the attitude?"

Kelley reassured their mother, "Mom, it's fine. Maybe Brynn's just not herself today."

"Who cares about her mood? Who is she trying to impress with that grimace?"

Jayne, who always showed a preference for her older daughter, often visited her ex-husband's family post-divorce.

Clutching a fruit knife, Brynn methodically peeled an apple. "I've taken care of the hospital bill."

Jayne didn't look at her, continuing her conversation with Kelley. "I play your song 'Wander' every day. Everyone in the media says you're a brilliant singer-songwriter! Like mother, like daughter!"

Twenty years earlier, Jayne herself was a figure in the music industry, but she left the scene after her extramarital affair became public.

She later divorced, remarried, and Brynn was born.

Brynn stopped peeling the apple for a moment.

"As long as you are happy, Mom." Kelley looked over at Brynn.

"By the way, I heard from the media that you're going to the Yates Group's big anniversary celebration."

"Yes!" Kelley responded with enthusiasm. "Being invited by the Yates Group is a big nod to my skills and fame!"

"That's fantastic! Make sure you look stunning. If you need cash, I can chip in!"

Jayne then addressed her younger daughter. "Brynn, give your sister a few thousand dollars."

Brynn stared at her mother, a mix of disbelief and disappointment in her eyes.

She looked down, her voice slow. "Mom, I'm just a student. It's my first year at university."

"Enough excuses. Get the money now!"

Kelley tried to soothe the situation, saying, "Mom, it's okay. I can go in something simple."

"That won't do! You're my daughter! You should have the best!"

"But..." Kelley turned to her sister, looking helpless and troubled.

Jayne's temper flared. "Brynn! Didn't you hear me? Get the money!"

Brynn burst out laughing suddenly. "Mom, you're in the hospital, Dad's in jail, and our home is gone... Are you aware of these things?"

Jayne scowled. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

"Ha, okay then, let me ask you, do you have any idea how I'm funding my studies? Do you know where I sleep? Do you know why you haven't been thrown out of this hospital yet?!"

Jayne dismissively waved her hand, not wanting to hear it. "Enough! All I want to know is whether you'll hand over the money or not?"

Tears welled up in Brynn's eyes as she looked at her mother, seeing not guilt but entitlement.

It suddenly dawned on Brynn.

"You've known all this time, haven't you?"

Jayne averted her eyes. "Known what?"

Brynn fixed her gaze on her mother. Ha, she definitely knew. She had always known the only reason she was in this upscale private ward was that her daughter had sacrificed her pride and dignity for it!

Brynn clenched her fist so tightly that the pain snapped her back to reality. She looked down to see blood streaming from her palm.

"Brynn, you're injured..."

Kelley moved towards her, but Brynn's cold stare halted her.

As Brynn left the ward, Jayne's angry voice followed her.

"Who does she think she is, making a scene? Would I be in this mess if it weren't for her? I could have been a legend in the music industry! It's all because of her and her father that my life and career fell apart! It's all her and her father's fault!"

The ward was filled with cries and wails.

--

After leaving the convenience store at 1 AM, a weary Brynn felt her phone vibrate. Its distinct ringtone sent a shiver down her spine.

She pulled out a phone from her bag, which was not her usual phone, and answered. The voice on the other end was thick with alcohol.

"Come to my place."

The line went dead before she could respond.

Brynn wanted to say she wasn't feeling up to it today. Could she take a pass?

But she knew such a request would only lead to further degradation.

Resigned, she hailed a taxi that cost her 120 dollars, erasing the earnings of two days' part-time work.

She arrived at an ordinary apartment complex, hardly the place one would expect the affluent CEO of the Yates Group to call home.

She retrieved the key from a potted plant beside the door and let herself in.

The apartment was tidy. A man lounged on the sofa, a lit cigarette dangling from his lips, its ember casting a faint glow.

"I'm going to take a shower," she said softly.

"No need." Lawrence gestured with his hand. "Come here."

This evening, his demeanor seemed slightly different, not as detached as usual.

Brynn hesitated, then moved toward him.

Lawrence had sex with her until the early hours.

He pressed her down on the sofa, his dark gaze intense, almost devouring her.

When the pain overwhelmed her, she pleaded for mercy. Suddenly, Lawrence drew close, biting her earlobe. In the midst of her agony, he murmured, "I'm getting married."

Lawrence was getting married?

Brynn's mind spun with confusion at this revelation.

Would his marriage mean he'd finally leave her alone? That thought should have been comforting.

Yet, this also meant he wouldn't be there to support her financially anymore. Forget about her tuition-just her mother's hospital bills were sky-high, and she knew she couldn't manage them on her own! She grudgingly accepted the grim reality she might face-becoming another man's sex partner...

Lawrence's expression suddenly turned fierce, pulling her from her thoughts. As she stared at his striking yet menacing face, she noticed the redness rimming his eyes and his lips pressed tight. His look remained icy, even when he was having sex with her.

After a moment, Brynn managed a forced smile and said stiffly, "That's great... Congratulations."

He stared at her face, as beautiful and perfectly composed as an impenetrable mask, showing no cracks.

His gaze grew colder as he gritted his teeth and scoffed. "Good, very good."

He didn't ease up, making Brynn's breathing uneven.

Lawrence was clearly punishing and demeaning her, but the more she resisted, the more he delighted in breaking her down.

"Congratulations? Ha..."

His gaze never left her.

"It hurts!"

He glanced up, admiring a circle of bloody bite marks on her lovely collarbone as though it were a masterpiece.

Seeing the gleam in his eyes, Brynn shot him a look of pure hatred. "You... pervert!"

He grabbed her chin, pulling his face close to hers, his breath hot on her skin. "Do you think this will make me release you?"

She pressed her lips together, silent, her eyes defiant.

He smirked and intensified his movements.

He continued his torment until the early hours. By the time he stopped, Brynn, feverish and exhausted, felt as though she had been dragged from a blazing furnace.

Lawrence stepped back, squinting at her. Silently, he turned and made his way to the bathroom.

As the sound of water filled the room, Brynn knew it was her cue to leave.

He never liked her staying the night, so no matter the hour, she would hurriedly dress and depart while he was in the shower.

But today, she felt too uncomfortable. Her legs felt like they were treading on clouds as she stood. By the time Lawrence emerged in a towel, she had only just managed to slip into her coat.

He looked at her with a frown.

Embarrassed, Brynn kept her back to him and tried to stand upright.

Lawrence remained silent, poured himself a glass of water, and sipped it slowly.

Then, he noticed her bandaged left hand, with blood staining the gauze.

Setting the glass down, he walked over, seized her wrist and asked in a cold, authoritative tone, "What happened?"

Brynn attempted to free her hand. "I was injured at work."

Lawrence was about to respond when his phone interrupted him.

He checked it, turned away, and took the call.

"Why are you calling this late... Yes, I was just heading to bed..." His tone was soft, almost tender. It appeared he would unconditionally dote on the person on the other end.

Brynn didn't care who that person was. She used the moment to head for the door, but just as she reached it, Lawrence ended the call and turned around to look at her.

He noticed her hurried attempt to leave, his eyebrow lifting slightly.

Brynn had just slipped on her shoes when she heard him call out casually from behind, "Stay tonight."

"Why? You..."

As he casually dropped his towel, Brynn turned around, her cheeks flushing as she gripped her bag's strap tightly.

A scoff came from behind. "Why pretend to be coy? It's not like you haven't seen it before."

She had not only seen but...

Shame enveloped Brynn, deepening the redness on her face.

He quickly got dressed and approached her, peering at her downcast face. "Miss Gibson, you are quite adept at serving. I've got the right job for you."

"What?"

Brynn raised her head in confusion, not fully grasping his meaning.

***

In a top-floor VIP ward of the hospital.

Although Brynn was a frequent visitor at this hospital, she didn't know there were such luxurious rooms on the top floor.

"Sorry for calling you so late. I was feeling a bit frightened..." The woman's voice was tender and slightly flirtatious, reserved for someone she was fond of.

Brynn stood silently in the corner, her long hair shielding her face and obscuring her expression.

"Since you don't like to sleep alone, I've brought someone to keep you company," Lawrence said, his eyes twinkling with a warm smile.

"Who is this young lady?" Carla Scott's inquisitive eyes scrutinized Brynn. She noted the girl's youthful appearance, reminiscent of a ripe, enticing peach. Since her arrival, she had been quiet, resembling a delicate porcelain doll, fragile and easily damaged.

Carla's expression was a mix of caution and curiosity, but she smiled and inquired, "Why did you bring a friend over so late?"

"She's a new intern assistant at my company," Lawrence answered nonchalantly, turning to Brynn. "Come and say hello."

Brynn paused briefly, then gathered her courage and approached.

"Miss Scott."

She slowly raised her head.

Carla initially didn't give much thought but was surprised when she recognized her. "Brynn? Is that you, Brynn Gibson?"

"It's me," Brynn responded, her voice steady as her right hand slowly tightened into a fist.

Lawrence's eyebrow quirked up, his smile widening. "You two know each other?"

"Absolutely! Lawrence, you might not be aware, but Brynn used to be quite the celebrity. She was the little princess of the Gibson family, always seen as the perfect daughter by all parents! Oh, because of her, I ended up being scolded so many times. My mother even wished she could swap daughters with the Gibson family!"

Carla chuckled as she reminisced, though her gaze remained intently on Brynn.

Brynn, now the daughter of a financial fraudster, had seen her once-charmed life crumble!

Lawrence looked down, his smile subtle but evident.

He was well aware of that, indeed he was.

Carla's tone softened as she turned back to Brynn. "Brynn, where are you staying these days? I heard they auctioned off your family's villa. I've been really concerned about you..."

Brynn remained quiet, biting her tongue to use the pain to distract herself from the memory.

Carla, noticing Brynn's silence, seemed to recognize her mistake. "Oh, I'm sorry, I got a bit carried away seeing an old friend."

She then gave Lawrence a concerned look. "Lawrence, did I say something inappropriate?"

Lawrence gave her a tender look, brushing her hair back gently. "No, you were just speaking the truth."

Carla's smile brightened at his gentle demeanor.

"But why did you bring Brynn here?"

"You don't like the hospital staff, so I made special arrangements."

Brynn forced herself not to listen to their conversation, emptying her mind to dull the pain.

Carla, visibly touched, exclaimed, "Lawrence, you're so thoughtful!" She clung to his arm, briefly pouting before looking over at Brynn. "Lawrence, I'm feeling a bit parched. Could I get some water?"

Lawrence turned sharply, his voice cold. "Didn't you hear her?"

Brynn relaxed her clenched fist and said, "I'll go get the water."

Behind her, Carla softly told Lawrence, "You don't need to be so harsh. After all, Brynn was once..."

"You said it yourself. That was all in the past."

Brynn gripped the glass tightly.

When she returned with the water, she caught Carla giving Lawrence a quick kiss on the cheek. Seen by Brynn, Carla blushed and hid under the covers.

"I-I'm ready to sleep now."

"Alright, I'll stay right here with you."

Lawrence smiled slightly, his eyes briefly meeting Brynn's.

Brynn set the glass down on the table, maintaining a neutral face as if she hadn't noticed anything.

He narrowed his eyes.

Suddenly, Brynn stiffened, staring at him in shock. Her face turned red, her body tensed up, and she clutched the edge of the table tightly.

Her look was a mix of embarrassment and anger.

Today, Brynn's dress stopped above her knees, revealing her slim, straight legs from her thighs down, adding a touch of elegance and allure.

Lawrence looked away, his smile subtle yet suggestive.

He seemed to know just how to unsettle her, making her shiver and her legs feel weak.

As she looked at him, a mix of shame and helplessness in her misty eyes, he leaned in and whispered just for her to hear, "You are really juicy."

He then casually took a tissue and wiped his fingers, his smile mocking.

Brynn bit her lip and turned her head awkwardly, pressing her hands against her dress hem.

Flirting with another woman in front of his fiancee, didn't he feel any remorse?

Carla peeked from under the covers, her eyes large and teary as she looked at Lawrence. Softly, she said, "Lawrence, I..."

Her gaze shifted to Brynn, and her voice faded away.

Brynn, anxious to leave, quickly found an excuse to leave.

As she walked away, Lawrence's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing into a darker gaze.

"Lawrence?" Carla called out once more, and he looked up, aware of her thoughts. He managed a small smile and stood to tuck her in, saying, "Get some rest. The priority is your health. And don't forget, our wedding is next month."

Carla watched him, choosing to remain quiet.

-

Brynn paused in the hallway, the cool breeze from the window easing the warmth on her flushed cheeks.

Behind her, slow footsteps approached. "You will stay here from now on and look after Carla."

It was his usual relaxed tone, satisfied and languid.

The memory of what had just happened lingered in her mind, causing her cheeks to heat up once more.

"We agreed you wouldn't interrupt my studies."

"I won't. Use your free time." Lawrence's look was cold, a sharp contrast to his earlier erotic self.

"I need to work, too."

Her voice was firm, indicating her reluctance to mix with people from her former life, especially given her current entanglement with Lawrence. It made facing Carla all the more difficult.

"Quit."

His tone was firm, and he chuckled coldly as he grasped her left hand, noticing the blood had darkened on the gauze.

"Didn't I give you enough money? Why do you have to end up like this?"

Worried that they might be seen together, Brynn quickly pulled her hand away. "It's not for the money..."

Lawrence's eyebrow arched, a sneer forming on his lips, his gaze intense and piercing. "Not for the money?"

Brynn realized what she had implied, her cheeks coloring as she looked away.

It was indeed ridiculous. It wasn't for the money, yet despite knowing he despised her and sought only to degrade her, she still found herself repeatedly in his bed.

"If I remember correctly, your mother is also in this hospital, right?"

Brynn's expression shifted slightly. "You promised you wouldn't involve my family!"

He tauntingly squeezed her chin. "Well, that depends on how you... behave."

Letting go of her chin, he stepped back with a look of disdain. "Go see a doctor about that wound!"

It was only after he walked away that Brynn found a nurse to change her bandage.

When she returned to the ward, Carla was still up, watching her with a subtle smile.

"Who would have thought the esteemed little princess of the Gibson family would end up as my caregiver?"

Brynn remained silent, simply handing her the water.

Carla peered at it and said, "It's cold now. How can I drink this?"

With that, she knocked the glass off the table, shattering it on the floor.

Brynn instinctively stepped back to avoid the broken pieces.

Carla gave a sweet smile, lifting her hand, and said, "Oh dear. Sorry, my hand slipped."

Brynn pressed her lips together, telling herself it was just part of the job as she quietly cleaned up the mess.

"Do you really think by working for Lawrence, you can turn your life around? Do you even deserve that?" Carla felt no need to mask her feelings around Brynn; they were too familiar with each other.

"Just so you know, Brynn, Lawrence is mine! I've done so much to be the woman he wants! I won't let anyone take him from me!"

After tidying up, Brynn stood, her eyes reflecting a trace of pity. "Then keep him close. I hope you both have a happy marriage."

Ignoring the taunts behind her, she turned and left.

-

The following day, just before her class wrapped up, Brynn got a text from Carla requesting her favorite dessert from the west side and coffee from the east side of the city. By the time Brynn made it to the hospital, night had already fallen.

She entered the hospital lobby carrying the takeout and bumped into Kelley.

"Brynn!"

Kelley smiled as she approached, her fashion-forward look topped off with large sunglasses that covered half her face.

"Are you here to see Mom? Let's head up together."

She warmly linked arms with Brynn, who, feeling uneasy with the closeness, replied, "You go on. I've got something else to handle."

They were sisters but lacked a genuine connection. In the days when Brynn's father held influence, the Gibson household was a hub for visitors, with Kelley often dropping by, winning over the Gibsons with her flattering words. Once the Gibson family's fortunes waned, Kelley stopped visiting altogether.

Kelley, skeptical, questioned, "What could you possibly be busy with?"

Her eyes sparkled when she saw the coffee Brynn carried. "You remember I love this brand? It's so hard to get; my assistant waits in line forever to get it every time."

She reached out for the coffee, murmuring, "Thanks..."

Before her fingers could grasp it, Brynn pulled it back. "It's not for you."

Brynn was all too familiar with Kelley's character; whatever Kelley desired, she claimed as her own.

Feeling embarrassed by the refusal, Kelley managed a strained smile. "Is it for Mom? You know Mom can't have coffee. Just give it to me."

Kelley grabbed Brynn's arm tightly enough to cause pain. Brynn shoved her back. "I told you, it's not for you!"

Kelley's face darkened, her smile turning cold. "Oh? So it's for yourself? You seem to really enjoy life. Aren't you aware of the high costs of Mom's medical care? With spending habits like yours, do you ever consider her?"