Chapter 3
Marissa sat quietly in the bathtub, lost in thought, haunted by everything she had just overheard.
When she got out half an hour later, she used the notes app on her phone to note down something.
Her fingers moved slowly across the screen.
Pack up. Resign. Delete the video. Say goodbye to friends. Throw
away….
After handling everything, she would leave Los Angeles–the city that now only reminded her of betrayal.
Yet, one of those things would not be easy: deleting the video without Jonathan noticing.
She could not let him follow through with his twisted plan to humiliate her on Valentine’s Day.
“Valentine’s Day…” she muttered under her breath.
“What? You want me to give you your gift early?”
The doorknob turned with a click.
Jonathan stepped inside with his usual smug expression, eyes glinting with amusement.
Marissa froze, thumb still hovering over her screen. Before she could
react, everything she had just typed disappeared.
He approached her slowly, casually tossed his coat on the couch, and then stopped in front of her.
He reached out and gripped her shoulders, glanced at her phone screen, and smiled when he saw it blank.
Pinching her cheek, he said, “Don’t worry, baby. I’ve already prepared a surprise for you. You’re gonna love it.”
Marissa locked her phone and dropped her gaze. “When the time comes… I’ll have a gift for you too.”
Jonathan gave a short laugh and tapped the tip of her nose. “Oh yeah? What are you giving me?”
He grabbed her hand and sat down next to her. “By the way, we’ve been together for over two years. Isn’t it about time you took me to meet your folks?”
Marissa’s heart clenched. She felt her fingers tighten around the phone. without realizing it.
She forced a smile and looked him in the eye. “You really want to meet them?”
Jonathan noticed something off in her expression–it made him a little
uneasy.
Yet, he kept his cool, wrapping his arms around her and leaning in. “Even though I’ve been at odds with your uncle forever, I’m not trying to surrender or anything.
“But what can I do? I fell for his niece. For you, I’d do anything.”
PARED
If Marissa had not overheard everything just hours ago, she might have. been overjoyed to hear those words.
Now, Jonathan’s confession only made her heart ache.
He started unbuttoning his shirt, pulled her into his arms, and leaned
in for a kiss.
Marissa quickly stood up and dodged him. “I’m a little tired. I don’t feel like doing that right now.”
in paused mid–move. After a moment, he gently rubbed her d and nodded. “Sure, if you’re tired, get some rest.”
He headed off to the bathroom.
Marissa watched him disappear behind the door, her forehead damp
with nervous sweat.
The coat Jon
had to b
I tossed on the couch earlier was oddly bulky–it da: video recorder.
d down slowly, carefully pulled it out, and powered it on. the video was gone.
With a sigh, she put it back exactly where she found it and collapsed weakly onto the sofa.
So, he must have backed everything up on his phone or computer.
There was no way to erase the footage just yet, as she had to figure out his password.
The next morning, Jonathan was woken by the sound of rustling.
C
When he opened his eyes, he saw Marissa packing.
Around her were all the things he had given her, including crystal globes, teddy bears, makeup…
He frowned, walked over, and asked, puzzled, “Are you throwing all this out?”
Still packing, Marissa replied casually. “The style’s kind of outdated. I want to clear it out and get new ones.
Jonathan did not think much of it and smiled, “Okay, but it’s getting late, so let me drive you to the office. I’ll have the housekeeper help pack the rest.”
Marissa shook her head. “No need. I quit yesterday.”
Jonathan looked confused and squinted slightly. “Didn’t you always love modeling? Why quit all of a sudden?”
Marissa paused mid–pack and replied, “I’ve just been feeling a little off lately. Thought I’d take a break for a few days.”
Jonathan watched her quietly for a moment, then gently reached out and brushed his fingers against her earlobe.
“Modeling is exhausting because you have to be walking around all day… And more importantly…”
He slipped one arm around her waist, his other hand starting to slide under her clothes. “Baby, with a body like yours, I think I should be the only one who gets to admire it.”
Marissa calmly stepped away and said, “You still have stuff to handle at work. Better get going.”
Chapter 4
After Jonathan left, Marissa spent the whole morning clearing out and tossing some things she no longer needed.
Staring at the now half–empty bedroom, the weight in her chest seemed to lighten just a little.
She walked over to the coffee table and poured herself a glass of water. Just then, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at it and noticed that an unknown number had sent her a message.
“Meet me at Greenvine Café at 2 this afternoon. I’m Jonathan’s fiancée.”
Her grip loosened, and she dropped the glass to the floor.
Marissa stepped into the café, where only one woman sat, calmly tasting coffee.
Without hesitation, she walked over and sat across from her.
The woman’s outfit was elegant and clearly expensive. Even the way she moved spoke of poise and confidence.
She gently poured a cup for Marissa, gesturing with grace.
“My name is Christina Tagina. I’m Jonathan’s fiancée,” she said plainly, a flicker of irritation in her eyes.
- 11.
