Bella frowned, the pleasant mood brought by the cake vanishing instantly. What did he mean by that? Did he think she was so desperate to marry him? She stabbed the fork into the cake angrily, "How come I never noticed how venomous your words could be before? Every sentence stabs at my heart! Proposing wasn’t hard? Then maybe divorce should be harder for you!" His face, always so cool and detached, yet his words ignited her anger like nothing else.
Calvin's expression remained unchanged, as if oblivious to her anger, calmly stating, "What do you want? I'll try my best to fulfill it."Bella swirled the fork in the cake, uncovering the chocolate beneath the cream and tasting the slight bitterness. It reminded her of her current mood, subtly bitter. She wondered if his heart was as dark as the cake. Glancing at his handsome profile, she retorted, "I want you.""Aren't you tired of my dullness?""I care about looks!" With his poison tongue, better he keeps silent.Calvin smiled for once, "Not tired of looking at me for three years?"Her gaze drifted down to his wrist, adorned with a watch, a scene straight out of a magazine advertisement. She had to admit he was right; a man like him wouldn’t need to put much effort into proposing. At thirty-three, tall, handsome, and successful, no woman could resist him. How could she let him go? She replied, "Do you think I'm like you? Getting bored and seeking replacements?"Calvin fell silent again as the car stopped at a red light. The evening darkened, lights from the street and cars blending, casting reflections on the glass. Bella stole glances at him, his face still devoid of emotion. Whether he was just patient or truly indifferent, her sarcasm and hysteria never seemed to disturb his calm, at least not visibly.As the countdown on the traffic light ticked away, she remembered how she had been distracted during his call and murmured, "Could you say something else to me?"Calvin looked puzzled, "Like what?""Something nice to hear." She was tired of his weather-report tone, devoid of emotion and utterly boring."What do you want to hear?" Calvin seemed at a loss, believing the nicest thing he'd said was about giving someone a raise. His compliments about female actresses were more professional than personal, and now Bella suddenly wanted him to say something nice, leaving him clueless.Bella felt disheartened, realizing she had to ask for what she wanted to hear. And yet, he was considerately letting her choose. Her anger flared again, "Start with 'I love you.'"Calvin looked bemused, "Bella…"She met his gaze defiantly, "Didn't you say you'd try to fulfill my wishes? I've never asked much of you over the years, just this one desire. Please grant it.""Some things don't need to be said. Does saying 'I love you' mean love?""Fine, then show me." As soon as she said it, realizing how her mind had raced ahead, she quickly waved off, "That's not what I meant, don't misunderstand."Calvin shook his head in resignation, what was she thinking? The green light finally appeared, and the cars began moving. Bella stared at her reflection in the window, lost in thought, before insisting again, "Say you love me.""Just want to hear it?" Calvin glanced at her sideways."I don't care if you mean it or not, even if it's an act, make it convincing!" She refused to be pacified by a weather-report tone any longer. Calvin finally frowned, saying after a pause, "I'm driving." But just as he finished, they hit another red light. Bella smirked triumphantly, enough time for him to put on a little show. His reluctant expression was satisfying. She deserved this moment."Bella, I…"Bella beamed, "Yes? Go on."After a lengthy ten seconds, he sighed softly, took her hand, and looked into her eyes, fulfilling her request in a low voice, "I love you."Bella was stunned; his performance was too convincing. With added hand-holding, she joked, "An actor, indeed. I almost believed you.""I thought you'd say 'I love you too.'""You said some things don't need to be said, right?"He nodded, "Then let's do it."Bella paused, surely he didn't mean...? But then, her mood inexplicably lifted, and she leaned in closer, "Once more?" His acting warranted multiple listens. Calvin returned to his impassive state, "The light's green."The traffic was heavy, turning a half-hour journey into nearly an hour. When they finally arrived at the residence, it was completely dark. It had been half a month since their last visit, and both Bella and Calvin had been bombarded with calls from their mothers. Calvin fared better; a mother-in-law wouldn’t inquire about his sexual activities. Bella had it worse, constantly grilled by both her mother and mother-in-law, causing her to tense up at the sound of her phone.Fortunately, Calvin’s mother didn’t bring up anything else, merely urging them to wash up for dinner. But her silence made Bella even more anxious, ruining her appetite. After dinner, Calvin’s mother found an excuse to keep Bella in the kitchen for a talk, signaling the main event was about to start.Calvin’s mother, seeing Calvin and his father watching TV outside, whispered, "Bella, tell me the truth. Why does Calvin want a divorce? Is there someone else? Speak up, I’m on your side, and I won’t let any fox ruin your marriage!"Bella was at a loss; she genuinely didn’t know. To her, Calvin always seemed virtuous, almost ready to swear on his purity. So now, she could only shake her head, "I don't think so?" Without evidence, she couldn’t make accusations.Calvin’s mother’s face darkened. No? Then was it really sexual incompatibility? "So... he said... it's... his problem?" She pondered, unable to believe her son, a fine specimen, could be impotent. And Bella? It seemed unlikely since women don’t typically have such issues. After much thought, she concluded it must be Calvin's fault. "Bella, you know men are sensitive about these things, especially regarding sex. Advise him, we must treat any issue, right?"Uh... Bella was torn. Should she clarify for Calvin? She decided it was better to set the record straight, lest Calvin’s mother press her to encourage his treatment and aid in his recovery. "Mom, Calvin’s fine, really fine.""Truly? Don’t cover for him."Bella chuckled awkwardly, "Really..." At least, the last time they were intimate, there were no issues. Now, she couldn't be sure."So..." Calvin’s mother hesitated, "Is it you...?" Frigid?Bella felt as if she'd swallowed a fly, cursing Calvin internally. She should've let his mother think he was the issue! Now, how to handle this?Calvin’s mother, misinterpreting Bella's facial expressions, comforted her, "I understand. Women aren't as keen on sex as men, and a lack of interest usually points to the man’s lack of skill. You know Calvin; he buries himself in work and knows nothing about pleasing a woman, probably clueless about sex too.""Mom..." Bella’s mind raced. Continue this topic? Perhaps Calvin's father should instruct Calvin. Calvin’s mother, equally embarrassed, handed her a bag, "Take this home and watch it together; you'll understand everything."Ah? Watch together? An educational film? Bella's curiosity peaked, wanting to see the contents, but Calvin’s mother hurriedly stopped her, her cheeks a subtle red, "Watch it at home, together."Driving back, Bella felt drowsy. The mysterious item from Calvin’s mother turned out to be a sex education DVD for newlyweds, something issued during marriage health checks. For someone as experienced as her, it held no interest compared to Fiona’s films. Calvin expected her to lash out after talking with his mother, but she remained calm, prompting him to ask, "What did mom say to you?"Lazily glancing at him, Bella sighed deeply, "Now I get it; mothers always side with their sons. On the incompatibility issue, she first thought you were impotent and suggested I encourage treatment, probably expecting me to assist in your recovery. When I told her you're fine, she gave me an educational DVD, insisting we watch and learn. Either way, I’m implicated."Calvin nodded, "Just keep it; don't mind it."Bella didn’t respond, her mind wandering. Was sexual incompatibility truly the reason for his desire to divorce? Otherwise, why seek separation? Aside from the reduced frequency, what was wrong? His constant overtime left little time or energy for intimacy. Ignoring frequency, the quality seemed fine to her. And him? She glanced at him, warmth spreading through her heart. His face, illuminated intermittently by the streetlights, was irresistibly attractive, making her yearn to kiss him passionately. Taking a deep breath, she pulled her thoughts back. Was her desire so intense due to their prolonged abstinence? It felt sinful.Yet, under current circumstances, even if she was willing, how could they act on it? Who thinks of intimacy while discussing divorce? She couldn’t help but look at him again, with only one thought—how she wished to pounce on him, tear open his shirt, and shower him with kisses...Calvin, feeling her intense gaze, glanced at her, "What is it?"Bella dared not voice her thoughts, diverting her eyes and muttering, "Tired... want to sleep..." Wanting to sleep with you! The unspoken words choked her, leaving her sighing deeply, her mind filled with their passionate encounters. Frustrated by the current situation, she wondered, how did things get to this point?"Just want to sleep?""What else?"Calvin suddenly smiled, "Or is it that you want to sleep with me?"Bella, her desires extinguished by his question, wondered how he knew. Calvin loosened his tie, saying leisurely, "Your look has set me on fire." He wasn’t oblivious; such a lustful gaze was obvious to anyone.Bella felt her mind explode. What did he mean? Had her gaze affected him? She felt voracious, like a wolf, a tiger.Tonight was full of irregularities, and Bella couldn't resist venting to Fiona on Q, their conversation straying far from the original topic until they weren't even sure what they were talking about anymore. Suddenly, a ringtone sounded, and turning her head, she was surprised to see Calvin's phone flashing. In the past, she wouldn't have given it a second glance, but now, curiosity got the better of her, wondering who would call at this time.Calvin had just entered the bathroom, and seizing the moment, she grabbed his phone—Julia? Undoubtedly a woman's name, Bella felt an immediate surge of displeasure. A call this late? To say goodnight?After Julia's call stopped after three attempts, Bella bit her lip, debating whether to snoop through Calvin's phone. Glancing towards the bathroom and considering Calvin hardly ever shared details about his work or social circles, she figured the phone might reveal something. With the phone in her grasp, all secrets could be unveiled! Luckily, she
Bella's drowsiness was instantly dispelled by seventy percent, half due to his enticing suggestion and the other half out of fright. Now reflecting, she realized he had been coaxing answers out of her during such a moment. Was he so calculated even then? A surge of discomfort washed over her, interpreting the recent lovemaking as a ploy. Was he so desperate? Hmph! She abruptly turned, pulling the blanket over her head to sulk alone. What's there to investigate? The evidence must have been destroyed by now, all an act!Calvin was puzzled by her sudden anger. Why was she upset when he was the one being checked on? Watching the mound formed under the blanket, he felt a bit helpless. What a childlike behavior, harboring grievances silently. If she doesn't speak up, how is he supposed to understand her concerns? After a moment of silence, he finally asked, "What's wrong?"Suffocating under the blanket and growing more aggrieved by her thoughts, why should she tolerate this? He concocts a r
Calvin’s hand released her waist to support her gradually weakening body, his gaze in the mirror dropping to her shoulders and neck, then lowering his head to nuzzle against her silky skin with a voice so husky it was almost indiscernible, “Right here, I want you to watch how I love you.”Their eyes no longer met, but the reflection in the mirror was still enough to make one’s cheeks flush with heat, revealing a yearning for a fiery caress. Bella bit her lip, struggling with internal conflict. She wanted to close her eyes and avoid the scene before her but found herself captivated and unable to look away. The large mirror not only allowed him to see her clearly, but she could also see him in full detail.As she watched, she became somewhat entranced. Her heart raced with his movements, and the hand resting on her left breast felt both daring and scorching, nearly setting her heart aflame. She gasped for air, her eyes reddening, her hand trembling slightly over his, “Can we go back to
Bella was disgusted by Jessica's relentless pestering, knowing full well it was just an excuse. Was Bella truly clueless or pretending to be naïve? How could she possibly give Jessica Calvin's WeChat ID? With all the troublemakers lurking around, did she really need another Jessica? It was chaos waiting to happen. However, Calvin's tastes couldn't be that peculiar, right? A bizarre woman like Jessica shouldn't be his type.Jessica was assertive, demanding Bella to give her the WeChat ID immediately. Bella was speechless for a moment and then forced a smile, "You... you saw him, too. With his looks, he must be surrounded by countless troublemakers. How could he possibly be single? Right? Don't get involved in this mess." "You can't say that. Good-looking people naturally attract attention. Who would be interested in something no one else wants? Stop stalling and hurry up," Jessica urged.Bella racked her brains, trying to figure out how to avoid giving out Calvin's WeChat ID. Suddenly
Without hesitation, Calvin calmly acknowledged that it was Julia. Bella felt her blood boiling, realizing it was indeed her! In an instant, she imagined various ambiguous scenarios: him working late discussing projects with Julia, having dinner together in a suggestive atmosphere, or even contemplating divorce because of Julia...These unfounded speculations overwhelmed her, causing her hand holding the phone to tremble. However, she remembered Jessica was listening in, so she took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions before asking, "How did you two meet?""It's just some work-related interaction," came the familiar response.Again, the same excuse! Bella gritted her teeth inwardly, wishing she could reach through the phone and demand an explanation from him. He always used work to evade her! Just as she was getting annoyed, Jessica excitedly patted her shoulder and whispered, "He knows Julia too? Julia's been making waves lately. Is there a chance he could take us to meet her? Q
"Of course not!" Bella quickly shook her head, but it was because he stood out too much that she wanted to keep it hidden. "I just didn't want to reveal too much to Jessica on WhatsApp. Fiona already knows about our relationship. You've seen what kind of person Jessica is—meddlesome and nosy. I just wanted to brush her off, but I never expected this. Do you think I enjoy this?" She felt really wronged! She couldn't have imagined that Jessica would take the lead and even throw flirtatious glances at Calvin knowing he was married.The lights in the stairwell were motion-activated, and now they suddenly dimmed, casting everything in shadows. Bella glanced up at Calvin, whose eyes sparkled in the dim light, and his lips moved, "Since you know she's troublesome, why did you give her my WhatsApp number?"Bringing up this topic again made Bella want to shed tears of frustration. She regretfully recounted the morning's events to him, ending with a sigh of frustration, "I thought you wouldn't
Calvin only mentioned having a dinner appointment in the evening, but Bella spontaneously imagined that he had moved his lunch appointment with Julia to the evening. So she spent the whole afternoon staring at Julia's photo, finding her beautiful no matter how she looked at it. She imagined Calvin standing next to her, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, incredibly pleasing to the eye! What does it matter if her husband stands with another woman who is handsome and beautiful? Are they going to have dinner together, or are they going to end up in bed together?Her imagination shifted from the restaurant to the hotel. She quickly slapped her face, stopping herself. She would drive herself crazy if she continued to imagine like this. Calvin had already postponed the lunch appointment, and it seemed unreasonable to ask him to postpone another one in the evening. After some thought, she called Calvin's mother."Mom, I'll come home for dinner tonight."Calvin's mother seemed very happy an
Listening to Calvin slowly say the three words "I love you," Bella felt a bit puzzled by him. Although they had known each other since childhood, in reality, she only knew of his existence. Initially, Bella's mother and Calvin's mother had intentionally arranged for them to meet, and she had gone to the appointment with a perfunctory attitude. When she saw Calvin sitting by the window in the café, her first thought was, does this domineering CEO type need blind dates?The coffee in front of him was steaming, his suit casually draped over the armrest of the chair, laziness mixed with a hint of sharpness. He was on the phone, his voice not deliberately lowered, but mostly uttering monosyllabic words. Sensing her arrival, he hung up the phone and stood up to greet her. She was surprised again; he was very tall. Unable to recall much about him from her memory, she couldn't match the image of the tall and steady man before her.His impression of her probably stopped at her name. He extende