By day, he despised her. By night, he craved her. She fell for his dual personas, only to be called a "worthless toy." Now, as she's about to marry another, the cold CEO is on his knees, begging, "Don't marry him. Choose me."
Chapter 1
This was the 16th time Maya had been with this man. 84 more to go.
In the dark, cavernous presidential suite, Maya lay flat on the soft bed, a black cloth tied over her eyes. Her heart pounded like a drum.
Footsteps drew near.
At the same time, Maya caught the crisp, clean scent of mint—a smell that was uniquely his.
He was here.
Maya's hands anxiously gripped the sheets beneath her. Her voice came out soft and shaky. "Do you… do you want to take a shower first?"
The man didn't answer.
Then, she heard the sound of clothes being removed. With each piece of fabric that fell, the last shred of Maya's dignity was torn away.
Suddenly, the soft mattress dipped beside her. The man was on the bed, lying next to her.
Maya took a deep breath, searched for his thin lips in the darkness, and kissed him.
Her technique was clumsy and artless, earning a short, derisive laugh from him.
A chill shot through Maya's heart.
The next second, the man seized her chin and kissed her deeply.
In the darkness, every sensation was magnified.
Maya's body couldn't help but tremble.
Her long, slender fingers clutched the sheets so tightly that her toes curled in helpless tension.
"Don't..."
The kitten-like sound only seemed to stoke the fire in him, making his craving more intense.
He pinned Maya's wrists above her head, his voice low and raspy. "Whether you want it or not… I'm the one who decides."
…
When their breathless lovemaking was over, a distinct scent lingered in the air.
Maya lay sprawled on the bed, exhausted and panting. Blindfolded, she couldn't see the man's face, but she could smell his signature, faint scent of mint.
It was always strongest when he was possessing her.
After a brief rest, the man got up and went to the bathroom to shower.
A little while later, the sound of his heavy footsteps returned. Maya sat up halfway. "Are you leaving?"
The man stopped.
Maya bit her lip, her hands twisting the sheets. It took her a long moment to work up the nerve to speak. "I… I wanted to ask you something. Is there any way you could give me an extra seventy-five hundred this month?"
The doctor called yesterday. Her grandmother had another complication, and she needed a full workup. It was going to be around seventy-five hundred dollars.
She had no other choice but to try and ask.
After a moment of silence, the man left without a word, closing the door behind him.
The room fell silent. Maya lay on the bed, stunned for a moment, a wave of disappointment washing over her. It looked like she'd have to find another way to get the money for her grandmother.
She got up and pulled the black cloth from her eyes. The room's dim, yellow light wasn't too harsh. After letting her eyes adjust, she went to take a shower.
In the mirror, her body was a roadmap of faint, dense love bites, a tapestry of purples and blues stretching from her collarbone to her navel. The sight was so intimate, so flagrant, it made her flush with shame.
Looking at herself like this… so broken, so dirty, so depraved.
The corners of Maya's eyes grew red as a pang of sorrow surged from her heart.
A year ago, her grandmother had suddenly suffered a stroke. The doctors said they needed at least a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for her treatment.
After her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her relationship with her family had grown distant. When she tried to borrow money from her father, he repeatedly brushed her off.
The hospital had warned her several times that if she didn't pay, they would have to discharge her grandmother.
In a moment of desperation, she had walked into an exclusive private club and put a price on herself.
The man from just now was her patron.
The contract was spelled out in black and white: one hundred sessions for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus an extra three thousand a month for living expenses.
But there was one very strange clause: they were never to see each other's faces during their encounters.
So every time they met, Maya was blindfolded.
The man rarely spoke to her. From the very first time until now, she could count the number of times he'd spoken on one hand.
They had no connection beyond sex.
She didn't know if he was handsome or ugly, nor did she have any idea about his identity or profession.
Sometimes she was curious, but for the money, she had to endure it.
Once the contract was finished, she would move to a new city and never marry.
After her shower, Maya got dressed and took a small notebook from her purse. She jotted down a new entry.
[Night of the 25th, 10 PM, 16th time.]
As she finished writing, a notification popped up on her phone.
It was a transfer notification from him. Seven thousand, five hundred dollars.
His profile picture was just a black square, with no username. Most of their chat history consisted of locations he sent and the monthly payment records.
Maya felt a mix of complicated emotions. In the end, she accepted the money and sent him a "thank you" message.
As expected, there was no reply.
She didn't dwell on it. She immediately transferred the money to her grandmother's hospital account.
Then, she changed into a long-sleeved shirt to hide the purple and blue marks on her body and headed to the Nelson family home.
It was the day of the Nelson family lunch.
She'd heard that her stepsister Aria's fiancé was coming for dinner. The Nelsons were making a huge deal of it, which was why they'd specifically summoned her back.
The Nelson estate was located in a classic ritzy neighborhood, nestled in the hills overlooking the city's central park.
The lavish, European-style decor, designed by a celebrity interior designer flown in from London at Aria's request, reeked of opulence.
When Maya entered, the maids were busy setting the dining room table.
She noticed the man at the head of the table. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding. The clean line of his profile was perfect, his chiseled features looking as if they were carved from stone.
Just his profile was enough to captivate anyone's attention.
This must be Aria's fiancé.
"Maya, you're here." Margaret Lane greeted her with a wide smile, taking her hand. She gestured toward the man. "This is your brother-in-law, the CEO of Ray Group, Theodore Ray."
Hearing "Ray Group," Maya couldn't help but look up at the man.
She worked at the Ray Group, but she was just a junior clerk with a nine-to-five schedule. She had never seen Theodore Ray in person.
But she often heard his name from her colleagues.
The sole heir to the Ray fortune, a titan of industry with untouchable power, a man who held the global economy in his hands and was worth trillions. He was the ultimate prize for countless women.
She never imagined Aria's fiancé would be him.
Maya snapped back to reality and looked at him again.
Their eyes met. As she faced his icy gaze, she greeted him, "Brother-in-law."
Chapter 2
Theodore Ray gave a slight nod, his expression cold.
But his gaze drifted unconsciously to Maya Nelson, a flash of frost in his eyes.
Maya was the one he was supposed to be engaged to. But then the Nelsons had come to him, saying Maya was dead set on breaking it off. He never liked to force things, so he'd agreed.
Who knew the Nelsons would then immediately push Aria forward to take her place. As it turned out, that suited him just fine.
For him, any daughter from the Nelson family would do.
Owen Nelson waved a hand. "Alright, we're all family here. No need to be so formal. Let's eat."
Maya's seat was directly across from Aria and Theodore, and she couldn't avoid seeing them every time she looked up.
Aria doted on Theodore, enthusiastically placing food on his plate.
"Theodore, try this. Mom and I made everything ourselves today."
"Okay."
Their interactions were intimate, and they looked very much in love.
Their engagement had been arranged back when Theodore's grandfather was still alive.
Maya had heard that his grandfather and her own had been close, so the two families had arranged a childhood engagement.
But after Theodore's grandfather fell ill and passed away, the engagement was forgotten for a long time. Just a little while ago, her family had even tried to break it off with Theodore. Maya had no idea why Aria was suddenly engaged to him now...
She didn't know the reason, and she didn't dwell on it. She just lowered her head and quietly ate her food.
"Aria, pour Theodore some wine. I'd like to have a drink with him," Owen said with a smile. It was obvious he was in a great mood today.
Of course he was. Having landed such a successful and wealthy son-in-law, he was probably pinching himself.
"Okay, I'll go get it."
Aria went to the liquor cabinet and retrieved a bottle of Owen's prized red wine for Theodore, opening it herself at the table.
As she was pouring, she accidentally spilled some. The red wine stained the tablecloth, and a few drops landed on Theodore's sleeve.
"Oh, Theodore, did I get any on you?" Aria apologized nervously, the picture of innocence. "I'm just so clumsy. I can't do anything right."
Aria lowered her head, her expression pitifully endearing.
"It's fine. As long as you didn't hurt yourself."
Theodore patted his sleeve, brushing off the wine, then casually pulled out a napkin and wiped Aria's hand.
His movements were gentle and meticulous, a complete contrast to his cold exterior.
"Our Aria has really found the right one. Look how much Theodore dotes on you," Margaret Lane remarked with a smile. "Seeing you two so happy together really puts my mind at ease."
At Margaret's teasing, Aria lowered her head shyly.
"Mom, what are you saying?"
Margaret laughed, covering her mouth. "Oh my, look at Aria getting all shy. Alright, alright, Mom won't say any more."
The mother-daughter duo's talent for acting is as strong as ever.
That's how they tricked Dad back then, and they're still using the same old tricks.
The whole meal was torture for Maya, each bite a struggle to get down.
After forcing down a few more bites, she put down her chopsticks. "I'm full. You guys take your time."
Owen shot her a cold glance. "Our guest hasn't even left the table. What's your hurry?"
Margaret patted Owen's shoulder and gently chided, "Owen, don't be so harsh with her. No wonder Maya doesn't like talking to you."
Owen's brow furrowed, his expression sour.
"Maybe Maya is feeling a little down seeing how happy Aria and Theodore are," Margaret said, as if a thought had just struck her. "I have a friend whose nephew just got back from abroad. He's brilliant, well-educated... Maya, I'll introduce you two sometime. I'm sure you'll love him!"
Margaret's gaze fell on Maya.
"I'm not looking to date right now," Maya refused flatly.
"You're not getting any younger. You'll have to get married eventually, so now is the perfect time to start."
"Yeah, it's harder for women to get married when they're older. You have to find someone good while you're still young," Aria chimed in, looking sweetly at Theodore. "Isn't that right, Theodore?"
As she spoke, Maya's eyes met Theodore's again. The air grew heavy.
His eyes were dark and chillingly indifferent. Every time Maya looked into them, she felt an instinctive urge to look away.
Theodore's lips curved into a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course," he said coolly.
"See? Even your brother-in-law thinks so, so it must be right!" Margaret said with a laugh. "I'll help you schedule a time to meet. It'll be easier to take care of your grandmother once you're married. How will you have time while you're working, right?"
Maya bit her lip.
Her grandmother was her weak spot. What Margaret said wasn't wrong.
She lowered her eyes, her voice soft. "Okay, I'll go."
Margaret smiled, satisfied. "That's more like it!"
Maya felt a tightness in her chest. She looked up and met Theodore's gaze. He was watching her, his dark eyes holding a hint of mockery.
He's probably laughing at me, too.
The rest of the meal was tasteless. Maya left the table as soon as she could.
The dining room felt suffocating, so she walked out to the garden for some fresh air.
The garden had once been full of roses planted by her mother. When Margaret moved in, she'd had them all ripped out, leaving only her own favorite peonies.
Seeing them made Maya's heart ache even more.
She turned to leave but walked right into a solid chest. A faint scent of mint filled the air—the same scent that clung to the man who held her every night in the darkness.
So familiar!
Maya looked up in shock and saw a stunningly handsome face.
Theodore was looking down at her, his jawline taut and perfectly defined. From any angle, he was as dazzling as a god.
"S-sorry!" Maya snapped back to reality, quickly taking a step back to put some distance between them.
Theodore's eyes narrowed. "That scared of me?"
"Of course not," Maya said with an awkward laugh. "You're my brother-in-law. We're family now."
But they were alone in the garden. If anyone saw them and word got back to Aria, there would be drama.
Besides, with a man of Theodore's status, saying the wrong thing could have dire consequences.
She didn't want to spend any more time with him.
"Well, I'll let you enjoy the garden. I'm gonna head back inside."
Maya gave him a nod, kept her head down, and turned to leave.
The staff had just watered the peonies, and the tiled path was wet. After two steps, Maya's foot slipped. She let out a small cry, and just as she was about to fall, a strong pair of hands grabbed her firmly by the waist.
A jolt, like an electric shock, shot through her.
The man's hands were warm, searing her through the fabric of her dress.
Maya's heart pounded, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
"Watch where you're going," Theodore's cold voice came from above her.
Maya scrambled to her senses and pushed herself out of his arms. "Thanks. This floor is a little slippery. Sorry about that."
The scent of mint from his clothes was stronger now, enveloping her.
She couldn't help but think of the endless, tangled nights with that other man. A blush crept up her face, and her heart began to race.
Up on the second-floor balcony.
Margaret and Aria had a perfect view of the scene in the garden.
After dinner, Theodore had taken a call and gone outside. They couldn't believe Maya had been so desperate, running to the garden to "accidentally" run into him.
And then pretending to fall? What a bitch!
"Mom, look at that bitch Maya, plastered all over Theodore and refusing to let go! I can't believe it. She acts so innocent, but she's so ambitious she'd even seduce her own brother-in-law!"
Aria gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white, her eyes practically dripping venom.
The engagement to Theodore was originally meant for Maya; Aria had just snatched it from her. She was terrified that if Maya ever found out the truth, she would scheme behind her back to lure Theodore away.
Margaret snorted. "I didn't realize she was so calculating, either. Don't worry, Aria. Mom won't let her ruin this for you."
A vicious look crossed Margaret's face.
This was how she'd gotten rid of Nora Morris back then to marry Owen, and she could use the same methods to get rid of Nora's daughter now.
She would eliminate anyone who dared to stand in her way.
No one was going to stop her climb to the top.
Margaret pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
"Mrs. Brooks? How have you been? Are you feeling well?"
"Listen, you mentioned the other day that you have a nephew who was just released from prison, and you were looking to arrange a marriage for him?"
"It's for my younger daughter, Maya. She's in a hurry to get married... Who knows why... maybe she feels like I'm not a good stepmother to her, so she's eager to cut ties with us..."
"Great. Just confirm with me when you know. Thanks so much for your trouble, Mrs. Brooks."
Chapter 3
As evening fell, the Nelsons tried to persuade Theodore Ray to stay for dinner, but Maya Nelson was getting antsy and made her excuses to leave.
Ever since her father, Owen Nelson, had married Margaret Lane, she'd felt like an outsider in her own home, so she had moved out as soon as she found a job.
The Nelson family villa was up on a mountain, and though she had tried to call an Uber in advance, no one accepted the ride.
After waiting a little longer, she decided to just walk down.
The night air was cool and quiet. The mountain road was dimly lit by sparse streetlights, and the stretch was deserted. A shiver of fear crept up Maya's spine as she walked.
“Honk—”
Suddenly, a car horn blared from behind her.
Maya instinctively moved to the side of the road as a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beside her.
The window rolled down, revealing a sharp, chiseled profile. His features were exquisite and defined, with one side of his face cast in light and the other lost to the shadows, making his expression unreadable.
“Theodore? What are you doing here?”
Maya was a little stunned. Wasn't he staying for dinner?
“Get in,” Theodore commanded.
Maya instinctively refused. “It's okay, I'm just a little ways from the bus stop.”
“The bus stop is over a mile from here. That's a thirty-minute walk. Are you trying to wear your legs out?”
Maya bit her lip.
After a moment's hesitation, she got in the car.
The air inside was filled with the fresh scent of mint, which always made Maya think of those wild, unrestrained nights.
Maya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the inappropriate thoughts from her mind.
Theodore glanced at her. “Seatbelt.”
“Right.”
As soon as Maya buckled her seatbelt, the car shot forward like an arrow.
Theodore drove one-handed, his other arm resting on the open window, exuding a mix of mature composure and casual recklessness.
The car was silent.
Maya sat rigidly, not daring to move an inch.
For some reason, being alone with Theodore always made her feel inexplicably on edge.
“Where to?” Theodore suddenly asked.
“Spring River Gardens Estate.”
The place she lived was practically in the suburbs, pretty far from her job, but the rent was cheap and it was close to her grandmother's hospital.
After she spoke, silence fell again.
Maya nervously clasped her hands together, her mind racing for a topic of conversation to break the awkwardness with Theodore.
Suddenly, a ringing phone shattered the quiet in the car.
Maya glanced at the screen. It was Margaret.
She answered, and Margaret's voice came through the speaker. “Maya, I've already set it up for you. Tomorrow night at six, you're having dinner at Moon Mountain Abode. Remember to dress up nicely, you hear?”
It took Maya a second to process. “What dinner?”
“Your blind date!” Margaret repeated. “Mrs. Brooks's nephew, his name is Jackson Pearson. Be sure to have a nice chat with him. If he takes a liking to you, you should count yourself lucky!”
The car was so quiet that every one of Margaret's words reached Theodore's ears with perfect clarity.
Maya clutched her phone, her knuckles turning white.
After a long pause, she finally responded, “Okay, I know. I'll be on time.”
Hanging up, Maya felt a heavy stone settle in her chest, making it hard to breathe.
Theodore glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You're going on a blind date tomorrow?”
Maya's face was pale, completely drained of color. She bit her lip. “Yes.”
A corner of Theodore's mouth twitched, but he said nothing more, though a flicker of contempt seemed to flash in his eyes.
Soon, the car pulled up to the entrance of the Spring River Gardens Estate.
Once the car stopped, Maya unbuckled her seatbelt, got out, and thanked him. “Thanks, Theodore. I'll head in now.”
Theodore didn't respond. He simply executed a sharp U-turn, and the car quickly vanished from Maya's sight.
The night grew deeper.
A-City was a city that never slept, a glittering spectacle of neon and endless lights, a portrait of prosperity.
He stopped at a red light, his hand resting on the open window, his expression cold and indifferent.
A thought suddenly struck him. He pulled out his phone and made a call to his executive assistant, Eli Carlson.
When the call connected, Theodore instructed coolly, “Book my dinner with Mr. Moore for tomorrow night at Moon Mountain Abode.”
“Right away, sir. I'll arrange it immediately,” Eli replied.
Theodore's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his voice low. “Also, have you made any headway on that business with the Nelson family from twenty years ago?”
Hearing this, Eli's tone immediately turned serious. “We've found a lead on that batch of medicine the Nelson family produced twenty years ago. It seems they shipped it overseas. I've already sent people to investigate.”
“Stay on top of it. I want answers as soon as possible.”
Eli nodded. “Understood.”
...
The apartment Maya rented was a one-bedroom that cost $1,300 a month—not too expensive for a city like A-City, where every square inch was prime real estate.
The room was small, but she had decorated it to be warm and cozy. It was spotless, with everything neatly organized and pleasing to the eye.
Even though it was a rental, this place felt more like home than the Nelson villa ever did.
Maya rested on the sofa for a bit and was about to make some noodles when a notification popped up on her phone.
It was from the contact with the black profile picture.
She opened it to find a single, short sentence: [10 PM tonight.]
Those three simple, direct words made Maya freeze.
Didn't we agree on only three or four times a week? He was just here last night, and he wants me again?
Does he think I'm made of steel?
My legs are still shaking!
Picking up her phone, Maya typed out several sentences in the chat box, but after a moment's hesitation, she deleted them all.
She couldn't refuse her benefactor's demands.
Besides, she was worried she wouldn't get paid next month.
In the end, she just replied with an “Okay.”
After a quick shower, Maya went to the same hotel as last night. She swiped her keycard and, upon entering the room, sensibly blindfolded herself with a black cloth.
Her surroundings were plunged into darkness.
But she could hear her own heartbeat, loud and clear.
A signal of her nervousness.
Soon, the hotel room door opened. The faint scent of mint drew closer, and she knew he was here.
Maya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped nervously together. She couldn't stop herself from asking, “I was just here last night, why today…”
Before she could finish, the man raised a hand and covered her mouth.
His palm was cool, carrying that faint scent of mint. The lines on his hand weren't rough; it was a hand that clearly belonged to someone who'd been pampered.
Maya was wondering what he was about to do when, in the next second, she was shoved onto the bed. Then, as if to punish her, the man bit down hard on her lip, biting and grinding against it relentlessly.
His large hand roamed over her body, digging painfully into her waist.
“Ah—!”
Maya let out a sharp cry of pain, the taste of blood instantly flooding her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.
Usually, he was very gentle with her, always considerate of her feelings.
But tonight, he was toying with her like a plaything, completely disregarding her.
It was as if… he was angry.
When they had first started their arrangement, she didn't understand his temper, so she often displeased him in bed. When he got mad, he would act like this.
But that just made Maya more confused. I haven't done anything to provoke him!
Suddenly, the man's grip tightened, his movements becoming a deliberate torment, as if punishing her for her wandering thoughts.
Maya couldn't help but beg for mercy. “Please, don't… I really can't take it… If-if I did something wrong, just tell me. I can fix it.”
But the man paid no attention to her words, only continuing his methodical torture.
His heavy, ragged breaths fell beside her ear as she bit her lip and endured it.
It happened more times than she could count. By the end, Maya was practically sobbing, her voice choked as she begged him to let her go.
When it was over, Maya was so exhausted she had already passed out.
His desires sated, the man rose and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette.
Smoke filled the room, obscuring his face in a hazy cloud.
After finishing the cigarette, the man had a tube of ointment sent to the room. He applied it for Maya before finally leaving.
Chapter 4
The next morning.
When Maya woke up, her body ached all over, but she was already numb to it.
In the shower, she saw that the corners of her eyes were red and swollen—evidence she'd been crying.
Her body was covered in a mix of old and new marks.
Maya looked away.
As she was getting dressed, she noticed a lighter on the nightstand that hadn't been there before. It was a sleek, light blue model from a high-end brand she didn't recognize, with a line of English text on it.
It must have been left by the man from last night.
She tucked the lighter away, planning to return it to him the next time they met.
Back home, Maya collapsed into bed and fell asleep instantly.
Last night had been brutal, and all she wanted today was to rest.
She was deep in a hazy sleep when the sharp ring of her phone jolted her awake.
She fumbled for the phone beside her and hit accept. Margaret Lane's displeased voice immediately cut through the line. “I've called you a dozen times. Why didn't you answer?”
Maya rubbed her eyes. “I was sleeping.”
“What are you doing sleeping at this hour?” Margaret's voice rose, laced with fury. “I told you we had a meeting at Moon Mountain Abode at six tonight! Do you have any idea what time it is? The guy's been waiting there for you for half an hour!”
Maya sat up, exhausted.
It was already 6:30. Outside, the city lights were just starting to glitter, casting a bright, tangled web of neon.
Her reflection in the glass was a hazy, distant silhouette.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation. “I know. I'm leaving now.”
“Hurry up. Don't keep him waiting,” Margaret snapped before hanging up.
Maya dragged herself out of bed and picked a high-necked, long-sleeved spring dress from her closet—something that would cover the dense collection of marks on her skin.
For the spots she couldn't hide, she layered on concealer until nothing was visible.
She was just going through the motions today and didn't bother with makeup. Even so, her skin was fair and smooth. Her eyes had a gentle curve, but her expression was distant and cool—an understated elegance, like moonlight.
She hadn't tried to dress up, but there was no hiding her stunning beauty.
Moon Mountain Abode was an upscale restaurant specializing in modern Asian cuisine.
The decor was a contemporary take on classic design—antique, serene, and elegant.
Maya crossed a covered walkway over a flowing stream and arrived at private room 506. She knocked before entering, where a man was waiting for her.
“I'm so sorry, I'm late,” Maya apologized with a polite smile.
The man, who had been drinking impatiently, looked up. The moment he saw Maya, his eyes lit up. All his annoyance vanished, replaced by sheer awe.
“Not at all, Ms. Nelson. I only just arrived myself.” The man rose like a gentleman and pulled out the chair in front of him for Maya.
“Thank you.” Maya gave him a small smile.
After she sat, the man naturally took the seat opposite her. “Ms. Nelson, I'm Jackson Pearson. Margaret Lane must have told you about me, right?”
Jackson had the kind of face that screamed 'trouble'—a buzz cut, monolids, and a coldness in his eyes that even a smile couldn't hide.
Maya felt a strange sense of unease.
She nodded, deciding to be direct. “Mr. Pearson, I don't want to mislead you. My family arranged this blind date, but I'm not looking to get married right now. Dinner is on me tonight, as an apology.”
The smile on Jackson's face slowly faded.
Still, he maintained a gentle facade. “If you weren't interested in a blind date, Ms. Nelson, why did you agree to come?”
“I didn't really have a choice…”
Before she could finish, Jackson cut her off. “It's fine. Let's just treat this as a chance to get to know each other. We can be friends.”
His words seemed harmless enough, so Maya could only nod.
The food had already been served before she arrived, and a bottle of red wine sat on the table.
Jackson opened it and poured a glass for Maya.
“How well do you hold your liquor, Ms. Nelson?”
Maya shook her head. “I don't drink.”
“Red wine has a low alcohol content. A little is good for you,” Jackson said, raising his glass. “Come on, Ms. Nelson, humor me.”
“I really can't,” Maya insisted, picking up her teacup. “How about I toast you with tea instead?”
Jackson stared at her, then suddenly smiled. “I get it. You must not want to be friends with me, which is why you're making excuses. It's okay. I understand.”
“That's not what I meant…” Seeing him act this way, Maya felt a little guilty and decided to just give in. “Alright, then. I'll have one drink with you.”
“Now that's more like it, Ms. Nelson!”
Jackson raised his glass and clinked it against Maya's.
Maya wasn't much of a drinker and never touched alcohol when she was out. After just one glass, she felt a pleasant warmth spread across her face.
Jackson set down his glass, his eyes narrowed as he watched her intently. It was as if he were waiting for something.
Maya looked up and met his gaze. Something felt wrong. An alarm went off in her head.
“Ms. Nelson, have something to eat.” Jackson broke eye contact and served her a piece of sweet and sour pork.
“Okay, thank you.”
As Maya reached for her chopsticks, her head started to spin. A scorching heat spread through her body, and a strange, crawling sensation started deep inside her, like a thousand ants under her skin. She felt an intense craving for… something.
She rubbed her eyes. Her vision was doubling.
She saw Jackson walking toward her.
“Ms. Nelson, what's wrong? Did you have too much to drink?” A sleazy grin spread across Jackson's face as he reached for her.
Maya shoved his hand away, trying to keep her distance. “I'm fine.”
She stumbled to her feet, grabbing the wall behind her for support as waves of dizziness washed over her.
Jackson's lips curled. He walked over and grabbed her arm tightly. “Ms. Nelson, you're drunk. Let me help you go rest.”
“No! Let go of me!” Maya struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free.
Jackson had already wrapped an arm around her waist, and a fire ignited inside him.
Damn, that felt incredible. So soft and slender, he could almost wrap one hand all the way around.
“Ms. Nelson, I booked a room upstairs. I'll take you there to rest. In your condition, you probably can't go home tonight.”
Maya's body grew hotter and hotter. It finally dawned on her. “What… what did you do to me?”
Jackson let out a wicked laugh. “Ms. Nelson, you need to be more careful when you go out with men. How could you just drink something a stranger gives you?”
That's when she knew. He had drugged the wine.
“You bastard!” She shoved Jackson with all her might and stumbled toward the door.
But Jackson just grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.
“Where are you running? Even if you get away, you'll probably just end up in some other guy's hands. Better me than some random stranger. At least I'm good at what I do.”
Maya gritted her teeth, trying to raise her hand to slap him, but her arm was limp, completely powerless.
Jackson just laughed, his arm locked around her waist as he steered her out of the room.
He'd booked a room in the hotel upstairs before he even arrived, just waiting to take her up.
Maya's steps were unsteady; he was practically carrying her.
She wanted to fight, but she had no strength left.
Jackson dragged her to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. The doors began to slide shut.
Just as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out and stopped them, forcing them to slide back open.
Eli Carlson's face appeared in the doorway. He offered Jackson a polite smile. “Sorry to hold you up. Our president needs this elevator too.”The upcoming chapters are even more exciting! Click the download button below to read the entire book!👇👇👇 {"title":"Pinned by My CEO","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/5fd9a42bbb021907dc8b87f9d48dfc08.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","chapter_title":"Chapter 1","chapter_text":"This was the 16th time Maya had been with this man. 84 more to go.\nIn the dark, cavernous presidential suite, Maya lay flat on the soft bed, a black cloth tied over her eyes. Her heart pounded like a drum.\nFootsteps drew near.\nAt the same time, Maya caught the crisp, clean scent of mint—a smell that was uniquely his.\nHe was here.\nMaya's hands anxiously gripped the sheets beneath her. Her voice came out soft and shaky. \"Do you… do you want to take a shower first?\"\nThe man didn't answer.\nThen, she heard the sound of clothes being removed. With each piece of fabric that fell, the last shred of Maya's dignity was torn away.\nSuddenly, the soft mattress dipped beside her. The man was on the bed, lying next to her.\nMaya took a deep breath, searched for his thin lips in the darkness, and kissed him.\nHer technique was clumsy and artless, earning a short, derisive laugh from him.\nA chill shot through Maya's heart.\nThe next second, the man seized her chin and kissed her deeply.\nIn the darkness, every sensation was magnified.\nMaya's body couldn't help but tremble.\nHer long, slender fingers clutched the sheets so tightly that her toes curled in helpless tension.\n\"Don't...\"\nThe kitten-like sound only seemed to stoke the fire in him, making his craving more intense.\nHe pinned Maya's wrists above her head, his voice low and raspy. \"Whether you want it or not… I'm the one who decides.\"\n…\nWhen their breathless lovemaking was over, a distinct scent lingered in the air.\nMaya lay sprawled on the bed, exhausted and panting. Blindfolded, she couldn't see the man's face, but she could smell his signature, faint scent of mint.\nIt was always strongest when he was possessing her.\nAfter a brief rest, the man got up and went to the bathroom to shower.\nA little while later, the sound of his heavy footsteps returned. Maya sat up halfway. \"Are you leaving?\"\nThe man stopped.\nMaya bit her lip, her hands twisting the sheets. It took her a long moment to work up the nerve to speak. \"I… I wanted to ask you something. Is there any way you could give me an extra seventy-five hundred this month?\"\nThe doctor called yesterday. Her grandmother had another complication, and she needed a full workup. It was going to be around seventy-five hundred dollars.\nShe had no other choice but to try and ask.\nAfter a moment of silence, the man left without a word, closing the door behind him.\nThe room fell silent. Maya lay on the bed, stunned for a moment, a wave of disappointment washing over her. It looked like she'd have to find another way to get the money for her grandmother.\nShe got up and pulled the black cloth from her eyes. The room's dim, yellow light wasn't too harsh. After letting her eyes adjust, she went to take a shower.\nIn the mirror, her body was a roadmap of faint, dense love bites, a tapestry of purples and blues stretching from her collarbone to her navel. The sight was so intimate, so flagrant, it made her flush with shame.\nLooking at herself like this… so broken, so dirty, so depraved.\nThe corners of Maya's eyes grew red as a pang of sorrow surged from her heart.\nA year ago, her grandmother had suddenly suffered a stroke. The doctors said they needed at least a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for her treatment.\nAfter her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her relationship with her family had grown distant. When she tried to borrow money from her father, he repeatedly brushed her off.\nThe hospital had warned her several times that if she didn't pay, they would have to discharge her grandmother.\nIn a moment of desperation, she had walked into an exclusive private club and put a price on herself.\nThe man from just now was her patron.\nThe contract was spelled out in black and white: one hundred sessions for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus an extra three thousand a month for living expenses.\nBut there was one very strange clause: they were never to see each other's faces during their encounters.\nSo every time they met, Maya was blindfolded.\nThe man rarely spoke to her. From the very first time until now, she could count the number of times he'd spoken on one hand.\nThey had no connection beyond sex.\nShe didn't know if he was handsome or ugly, nor did she have any idea about his identity or profession.\nSometimes she was curious, but for the money, she had to endure it.\nOnce the contract was finished, she would move to a new city and never marry.\nAfter her shower, Maya got dressed and took a small notebook from her purse. She jotted down a new entry.\n[Night of the 25th, 10 PM, 16th time.]\nAs she finished writing, a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was a transfer notification from him. Seven thousand, five hundred dollars.\nHis profile picture was just a black square, with no username. Most of their chat history consisted of locations he sent and the monthly payment records.\nMaya felt a mix of complicated emotions. In the end, she accepted the money and sent him a \"thank you\" message.\nAs expected, there was no reply.\nShe didn't dwell on it. She immediately transferred the money to her grandmother's hospital account.\nThen, she changed into a long-sleeved shirt to hide the purple and blue marks on her body and headed to the Nelson family home.\nIt was the day of the Nelson family lunch.\nShe'd heard that her stepsister Aria's fiancé was coming for dinner. The Nelsons were making a huge deal of it, which was why they'd specifically summoned her back.\nThe Nelson estate was located in a classic ritzy neighborhood, nestled in the hills overlooking the city's central park.\nThe lavish, European-style decor, designed by a celebrity interior designer flown in from London at Aria's request, reeked of opulence.\nWhen Maya entered, the maids were busy setting the dining room table.\nShe noticed the man at the head of the table. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding. The clean line of his profile was perfect, his chiseled features looking as if they were carved from stone.\nJust his profile was enough to captivate anyone's attention.\nThis must be Aria's fiancé.\n\"Maya, you're here.\" Margaret Lane greeted her with a wide smile, taking her hand. She gestured toward the man. \"This is your brother-in-law, the CEO of Ray Group, Theodore Ray.\"\nHearing \"Ray Group,\" Maya couldn't help but look up at the man.\nShe worked at the Ray Group, but she was just a junior clerk with a nine-to-five schedule. She had never seen Theodore Ray in person.\nBut she often heard his name from her colleagues.\nThe sole heir to the Ray fortune, a titan of industry with untouchable power, a man who held the global economy in his hands and was worth trillions. He was the ultimate prize for countless women.\nShe never imagined Aria's fiancé would be him.\nMaya snapped back to reality and looked at him again.\nTheir eyes met. As she faced his icy gaze, she greeted him, \"Brother-in-law.\"","chapter_content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","chapters":[{"chapter_key":"JHSccF4Ixl","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","word_count":1229,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"This was the 16th time Maya had been with this man. 84 more to go.\nIn the dark, cavernous presidential suite, Maya lay flat on the soft bed, a black cloth tied over her eyes. Her heart pounded like a drum.\nFootsteps drew near.\nAt the same time, Maya caught the crisp, clean scent of mint—a smell that was uniquely his.\nHe was here.\nMaya's hands anxiously gripped the sheets beneath her. Her voice came out soft and shaky. \"Do you… do you want to take a shower first?\"\nThe man didn't answer.\nThen, she heard the sound of clothes being removed. With each piece of fabric that fell, the last shred of Maya's dignity was torn away.\nSuddenly, the soft mattress dipped beside her. The man was on the bed, lying next to her.\nMaya took a deep breath, searched for his thin lips in the darkness, and kissed him.\nHer technique was clumsy and artless, earning a short, derisive laugh from him.\nA chill shot through Maya's heart.\nThe next second, the man seized her chin and kissed her deeply.\nIn the darkness, every sensation was magnified.\nMaya's body couldn't help but tremble.\nHer long, slender fingers clutched the sheets so tightly that her toes curled in helpless tension.\n\"Don't...\"\nThe kitten-like sound only seemed to stoke the fire in him, making his craving more intense.\nHe pinned Maya's wrists above her head, his voice low and raspy. \"Whether you want it or not… I'm the one who decides.\"\n…\nWhen their breathless lovemaking was over, a distinct scent lingered in the air.\nMaya lay sprawled on the bed, exhausted and panting. Blindfolded, she couldn't see the man's face, but she could smell his signature, faint scent of mint.\nIt was always strongest when he was possessing her.\nAfter a brief rest, the man got up and went to the bathroom to shower.\nA little while later, the sound of his heavy footsteps returned. Maya sat up halfway. \"Are you leaving?\"\nThe man stopped.\nMaya bit her lip, her hands twisting the sheets. It took her a long moment to work up the nerve to speak. \"I… I wanted to ask you something. Is there any way you could give me an extra seventy-five hundred this month?\"\nThe doctor called yesterday. Her grandmother had another complication, and she needed a full workup. It was going to be around seventy-five hundred dollars.\nShe had no other choice but to try and ask.\nAfter a moment of silence, the man left without a word, closing the door behind him.\nThe room fell silent. Maya lay on the bed, stunned for a moment, a wave of disappointment washing over her. It looked like she'd have to find another way to get the money for her grandmother.\nShe got up and pulled the black cloth from her eyes. The room's dim, yellow light wasn't too harsh. After letting her eyes adjust, she went to take a shower.\nIn the mirror, her body was a roadmap of faint, dense love bites, a tapestry of purples and blues stretching from her collarbone to her navel. The sight was so intimate, so flagrant, it made her flush with shame.\nLooking at herself like this… so broken, so dirty, so depraved.\nThe corners of Maya's eyes grew red as a pang of sorrow surged from her heart.\nA year ago, her grandmother had suddenly suffered a stroke. The doctors said they needed at least a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for her treatment.\nAfter her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her relationship with her family had grown distant. When she tried to borrow money from her father, he repeatedly brushed her off.\nThe hospital had warned her several times that if she didn't pay, they would have to discharge her grandmother.\nIn a moment of desperation, she had walked into an exclusive private club and put a price on herself.\nThe man from just now was her patron.\nThe contract was spelled out in black and white: one hundred sessions for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus an extra three thousand a month for living expenses.\nBut there was one very strange clause: they were never to see each other's faces during their encounters.\nSo every time they met, Maya was blindfolded.\nThe man rarely spoke to her. From the very first time until now, she could count the number of times he'd spoken on one hand.\nThey had no connection beyond sex.\nShe didn't know if he was handsome or ugly, nor did she have any idea about his identity or profession.\nSometimes she was curious, but for the money, she had to endure it.\nOnce the contract was finished, she would move to a new city and never marry.\nAfter her shower, Maya got dressed and took a small notebook from her purse. She jotted down a new entry.\n[Night of the 25th, 10 PM, 16th time.]\nAs she finished writing, a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was a transfer notification from him. Seven thousand, five hundred dollars.\nHis profile picture was just a black square, with no username. Most of their chat history consisted of locations he sent and the monthly payment records.\nMaya felt a mix of complicated emotions. In the end, she accepted the money and sent him a \"thank you\" message.\nAs expected, there was no reply.\nShe didn't dwell on it. She immediately transferred the money to her grandmother's hospital account.\nThen, she changed into a long-sleeved shirt to hide the purple and blue marks on her body and headed to the Nelson family home.\nIt was the day of the Nelson family lunch.\nShe'd heard that her stepsister Aria's fiancé was coming for dinner. The Nelsons were making a huge deal of it, which was why they'd specifically summoned her back.\nThe Nelson estate was located in a classic ritzy neighborhood, nestled in the hills overlooking the city's central park.\nThe lavish, European-style decor, designed by a celebrity interior designer flown in from London at Aria's request, reeked of opulence.\nWhen Maya entered, the maids were busy setting the dining room table.\nShe noticed the man at the head of the table. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding. The clean line of his profile was perfect, his chiseled features looking as if they were carved from stone.\nJust his profile was enough to captivate anyone's attention.\nThis must be Aria's fiancé.\n\"Maya, you're here.\" Margaret Lane greeted her with a wide smile, taking her hand. She gestured toward the man. \"This is your brother-in-law, the CEO of Ray Group, Theodore Ray.\"\nHearing \"Ray Group,\" Maya couldn't help but look up at the man.\nShe worked at the Ray Group, but she was just a junior clerk with a nine-to-five schedule. She had never seen Theodore Ray in person.\nBut she often heard his name from her colleagues.\nThe sole heir to the Ray fortune, a titan of industry with untouchable power, a man who held the global economy in his hands and was worth trillions. He was the ultimate prize for countless women.\nShe never imagined Aria's fiancé would be him.\nMaya snapped back to reality and looked at him again.\nTheir eyes met. As she faced his icy gaze, she greeted him, \"Brother-in-law.\""},{"chapter_key":"i0Cfe0L0h8","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/2/en_bff2d4e1-ed62-42e6-9d36-f1355f6c2d0f.txt","word_count":1579,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Theodore Ray gave a slight nod, his expression cold.\nBut his gaze drifted unconsciously to Maya Nelson, a flash of frost in his eyes.\nMaya was the one he was supposed to be engaged to. But then the Nelsons had come to him, saying Maya was dead set on breaking it off. He never liked to force things, so he'd agreed.\nWho knew the Nelsons would then immediately push Aria forward to take her place. As it turned out, that suited him just fine.\nFor him, any daughter from the Nelson family would do.\nOwen Nelson waved a hand. \"Alright, we're all family here. No need to be so formal. Let's eat.\"\nMaya's seat was directly across from Aria and Theodore, and she couldn't avoid seeing them every time she looked up.\nAria doted on Theodore, enthusiastically placing food on his plate.\n\"Theodore, try this. Mom and I made everything ourselves today.\"\n\"Okay.\"\nTheir interactions were intimate, and they looked very much in love.\nTheir engagement had been arranged back when Theodore's grandfather was still alive.\nMaya had heard that his grandfather and her own had been close, so the two families had arranged a childhood engagement.\nBut after Theodore's grandfather fell ill and passed away, the engagement was forgotten for a long time. Just a little while ago, her family had even tried to break it off with Theodore. Maya had no idea why Aria was suddenly engaged to him now...\nShe didn't know the reason, and she didn't dwell on it. She just lowered her head and quietly ate her food.\n\"Aria, pour Theodore some wine. I'd like to have a drink with him,\" Owen said with a smile. It was obvious he was in a great mood today.\nOf course he was. Having landed such a successful and wealthy son-in-law, he was probably pinching himself.\n\"Okay, I'll go get it.\"\nAria went to the liquor cabinet and retrieved a bottle of Owen's prized red wine for Theodore, opening it herself at the table.\nAs she was pouring, she accidentally spilled some. The red wine stained the tablecloth, and a few drops landed on Theodore's sleeve.\n\"Oh, Theodore, did I get any on you?\" Aria apologized nervously, the picture of innocence. \"I'm just so clumsy. I can't do anything right.\"\nAria lowered her head, her expression pitifully endearing.\n\"It's fine. As long as you didn't hurt yourself.\"\nTheodore patted his sleeve, brushing off the wine, then casually pulled out a napkin and wiped Aria's hand.\nHis movements were gentle and meticulous, a complete contrast to his cold exterior.\n\"Our Aria has really found the right one. Look how much Theodore dotes on you,\" Margaret Lane remarked with a smile. \"Seeing you two so happy together really puts my mind at ease.\"\nAt Margaret's teasing, Aria lowered her head shyly.\n\"Mom, what are you saying?\"\nMargaret laughed, covering her mouth. \"Oh my, look at Aria getting all shy. Alright, alright, Mom won't say any more.\"\nThe mother-daughter duo's talent for acting is as strong as ever.\nThat's how they tricked Dad back then, and they're still using the same old tricks.\nThe whole meal was torture for Maya, each bite a struggle to get down.\nAfter forcing down a few more bites, she put down her chopsticks. \"I'm full. You guys take your time.\"\nOwen shot her a cold glance. \"Our guest hasn't even left the table. What's your hurry?\"\nMargaret patted Owen's shoulder and gently chided, \"Owen, don't be so harsh with her. No wonder Maya doesn't like talking to you.\"\nOwen's brow furrowed, his expression sour.\n\"Maybe Maya is feeling a little down seeing how happy Aria and Theodore are,\" Margaret said, as if a thought had just struck her. \"I have a friend whose nephew just got back from abroad. He's brilliant, well-educated... Maya, I'll introduce you two sometime. I'm sure you'll love him!\"\nMargaret's gaze fell on Maya.\n\"I'm not looking to date right now,\" Maya refused flatly.\n\"You're not getting any younger. You'll have to get married eventually, so now is the perfect time to start.\"\n\"Yeah, it's harder for women to get married when they're older. You have to find someone good while you're still young,\" Aria chimed in, looking sweetly at Theodore. \"Isn't that right, Theodore?\"\nAs she spoke, Maya's eyes met Theodore's again. The air grew heavy.\nHis eyes were dark and chillingly indifferent. Every time Maya looked into them, she felt an instinctive urge to look away.\nTheodore's lips curved into a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. \"Of course,\" he said coolly.\n\"See? Even your brother-in-law thinks so, so it must be right!\" Margaret said with a laugh. \"I'll help you schedule a time to meet. It'll be easier to take care of your grandmother once you're married. How will you have time while you're working, right?\"\nMaya bit her lip.\nHer grandmother was her weak spot. What Margaret said wasn't wrong.\nShe lowered her eyes, her voice soft. \"Okay, I'll go.\"\nMargaret smiled, satisfied. \"That's more like it!\"\nMaya felt a tightness in her chest. She looked up and met Theodore's gaze. He was watching her, his dark eyes holding a hint of mockery.\nHe's probably laughing at me, too.\nThe rest of the meal was tasteless. Maya left the table as soon as she could.\nThe dining room felt suffocating, so she walked out to the garden for some fresh air.\nThe garden had once been full of roses planted by her mother. When Margaret moved in, she'd had them all ripped out, leaving only her own favorite peonies.\nSeeing them made Maya's heart ache even more.\nShe turned to leave but walked right into a solid chest. A faint scent of mint filled the air—the same scent that clung to the man who held her every night in the darkness.\nSo familiar!\nMaya looked up in shock and saw a stunningly handsome face.\nTheodore was looking down at her, his jawline taut and perfectly defined. From any angle, he was as dazzling as a god.\n\"S-sorry!\" Maya snapped back to reality, quickly taking a step back to put some distance between them.\nTheodore's eyes narrowed. \"That scared of me?\"\n\"Of course not,\" Maya said with an awkward laugh. \"You're my brother-in-law. We're family now.\"\nBut they were alone in the garden. If anyone saw them and word got back to Aria, there would be drama.\nBesides, with a man of Theodore's status, saying the wrong thing could have dire consequences.\nShe didn't want to spend any more time with him.\n\"Well, I'll let you enjoy the garden. I'm gonna head back inside.\"\nMaya gave him a nod, kept her head down, and turned to leave.\nThe staff had just watered the peonies, and the tiled path was wet. After two steps, Maya's foot slipped. She let out a small cry, and just as she was about to fall, a strong pair of hands grabbed her firmly by the waist.\nA jolt, like an electric shock, shot through her.\nThe man's hands were warm, searing her through the fabric of her dress.\nMaya's heart pounded, her chest rising and falling rapidly.\n\"Watch where you're going,\" Theodore's cold voice came from above her.\nMaya scrambled to her senses and pushed herself out of his arms. \"Thanks. This floor is a little slippery. Sorry about that.\"\nThe scent of mint from his clothes was stronger now, enveloping her.\nShe couldn't help but think of the endless, tangled nights with that other man. A blush crept up her face, and her heart began to race.\nUp on the second-floor balcony.\nMargaret and Aria had a perfect view of the scene in the garden.\nAfter dinner, Theodore had taken a call and gone outside. They couldn't believe Maya had been so desperate, running to the garden to \"accidentally\" run into him.\nAnd then pretending to fall? What a bitch!\n\"Mom, look at that bitch Maya, plastered all over Theodore and refusing to let go! I can't believe it. She acts so innocent, but she's so ambitious she'd even seduce her own brother-in-law!\"\nAria gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white, her eyes practically dripping venom.\nThe engagement to Theodore was originally meant for Maya; Aria had just snatched it from her. She was terrified that if Maya ever found out the truth, she would scheme behind her back to lure Theodore away.\nMargaret snorted. \"I didn't realize she was so calculating, either. Don't worry, Aria. Mom won't let her ruin this for you.\"\nA vicious look crossed Margaret's face.\nThis was how she'd gotten rid of Nora Morris back then to marry Owen, and she could use the same methods to get rid of Nora's daughter now.\nShe would eliminate anyone who dared to stand in her way.\nNo one was going to stop her climb to the top.\nMargaret pulled out her phone and dialed a number.\n\"Mrs. Brooks? How have you been? Are you feeling well?\"\n\"Listen, you mentioned the other day that you have a nephew who was just released from prison, and you were looking to arrange a marriage for him?\"\n\"It's for my younger daughter, Maya. She's in a hurry to get married... Who knows why... maybe she feels like I'm not a good stepmother to her, so she's eager to cut ties with us...\"\n\"Great. Just confirm with me when you know. Thanks so much for your trouble, Mrs. Brooks.\""},{"chapter_key":"5M5mhw9h2R","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/3/en_e40f3c70-7520-497c-a69a-726505f4d1a7.txt","word_count":1495,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"As evening fell, the Nelsons tried to persuade Theodore Ray to stay for dinner, but Maya Nelson was getting antsy and made her excuses to leave.\nEver since her father, Owen Nelson, had married Margaret Lane, she'd felt like an outsider in her own home, so she had moved out as soon as she found a job.\nThe Nelson family villa was up on a mountain, and though she had tried to call an Uber in advance, no one accepted the ride.\nAfter waiting a little longer, she decided to just walk down.\nThe night air was cool and quiet. The mountain road was dimly lit by sparse streetlights, and the stretch was deserted. A shiver of fear crept up Maya's spine as she walked.\n“Honk—”\nSuddenly, a car horn blared from behind her.\nMaya instinctively moved to the side of the road as a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beside her.\nThe window rolled down, revealing a sharp, chiseled profile. His features were exquisite and defined, with one side of his face cast in light and the other lost to the shadows, making his expression unreadable.\n“Theodore? What are you doing here?”\nMaya was a little stunned. Wasn't he staying for dinner?\n“Get in,” Theodore commanded.\nMaya instinctively refused. “It's okay, I'm just a little ways from the bus stop.”\n“The bus stop is over a mile from here. That's a thirty-minute walk. Are you trying to wear your legs out?”\nMaya bit her lip.\nAfter a moment's hesitation, she got in the car.\nThe air inside was filled with the fresh scent of mint, which always made Maya think of those wild, unrestrained nights.\nMaya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the inappropriate thoughts from her mind.\nTheodore glanced at her. “Seatbelt.”\n“Right.”\nAs soon as Maya buckled her seatbelt, the car shot forward like an arrow.\nTheodore drove one-handed, his other arm resting on the open window, exuding a mix of mature composure and casual recklessness.\nThe car was silent.\nMaya sat rigidly, not daring to move an inch.\nFor some reason, being alone with Theodore always made her feel inexplicably on edge.\n“Where to?” Theodore suddenly asked.\n“Spring River Gardens Estate.”\nThe place she lived was practically in the suburbs, pretty far from her job, but the rent was cheap and it was close to her grandmother's hospital.\nAfter she spoke, silence fell again.\nMaya nervously clasped her hands together, her mind racing for a topic of conversation to break the awkwardness with Theodore.\nSuddenly, a ringing phone shattered the quiet in the car.\nMaya glanced at the screen. It was Margaret.\nShe answered, and Margaret's voice came through the speaker. “Maya, I've already set it up for you. Tomorrow night at six, you're having dinner at Moon Mountain Abode. Remember to dress up nicely, you hear?”\nIt took Maya a second to process. “What dinner?”\n“Your blind date!” Margaret repeated. “Mrs. Brooks's nephew, his name is Jackson Pearson. Be sure to have a nice chat with him. If he takes a liking to you, you should count yourself lucky!”\nThe car was so quiet that every one of Margaret's words reached Theodore's ears with perfect clarity.\nMaya clutched her phone, her knuckles turning white.\nAfter a long pause, she finally responded, “Okay, I know. I'll be on time.”\nHanging up, Maya felt a heavy stone settle in her chest, making it hard to breathe.\nTheodore glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You're going on a blind date tomorrow?”\nMaya's face was pale, completely drained of color. She bit her lip. “Yes.”\nA corner of Theodore's mouth twitched, but he said nothing more, though a flicker of contempt seemed to flash in his eyes.\nSoon, the car pulled up to the entrance of the Spring River Gardens Estate.\nOnce the car stopped, Maya unbuckled her seatbelt, got out, and thanked him. “Thanks, Theodore. I'll head in now.”\nTheodore didn't respond. He simply executed a sharp U-turn, and the car quickly vanished from Maya's sight.\nThe night grew deeper.\nA-City was a city that never slept, a glittering spectacle of neon and endless lights, a portrait of prosperity.\nHe stopped at a red light, his hand resting on the open window, his expression cold and indifferent.\nA thought suddenly struck him. He pulled out his phone and made a call to his executive assistant, Eli Carlson.\nWhen the call connected, Theodore instructed coolly, “Book my dinner with Mr. Moore for tomorrow night at Moon Mountain Abode.”\n“Right away, sir. I'll arrange it immediately,” Eli replied.\nTheodore's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his voice low. “Also, have you made any headway on that business with the Nelson family from twenty years ago?”\nHearing this, Eli's tone immediately turned serious. “We've found a lead on that batch of medicine the Nelson family produced twenty years ago. It seems they shipped it overseas. I've already sent people to investigate.”\n“Stay on top of it. I want answers as soon as possible.”\nEli nodded. “Understood.”\n...\nThe apartment Maya rented was a one-bedroom that cost $1,300 a month—not too expensive for a city like A-City, where every square inch was prime real estate.\nThe room was small, but she had decorated it to be warm and cozy. It was spotless, with everything neatly organized and pleasing to the eye.\nEven though it was a rental, this place felt more like home than the Nelson villa ever did.\nMaya rested on the sofa for a bit and was about to make some noodles when a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was from the contact with the black profile picture.\nShe opened it to find a single, short sentence: [10 PM tonight.]\nThose three simple, direct words made Maya freeze.\nDidn't we agree on only three or four times a week? He was just here last night, and he wants me again?\nDoes he think I'm made of steel?\nMy legs are still shaking!\nPicking up her phone, Maya typed out several sentences in the chat box, but after a moment's hesitation, she deleted them all.\nShe couldn't refuse her benefactor's demands.\nBesides, she was worried she wouldn't get paid next month.\nIn the end, she just replied with an “Okay.”\nAfter a quick shower, Maya went to the same hotel as last night. She swiped her keycard and, upon entering the room, sensibly blindfolded herself with a black cloth.\nHer surroundings were plunged into darkness.\nBut she could hear her own heartbeat, loud and clear.\nA signal of her nervousness.\nSoon, the hotel room door opened. The faint scent of mint drew closer, and she knew he was here.\nMaya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped nervously together. She couldn't stop herself from asking, “I was just here last night, why today…”\nBefore she could finish, the man raised a hand and covered her mouth.\nHis palm was cool, carrying that faint scent of mint. The lines on his hand weren't rough; it was a hand that clearly belonged to someone who'd been pampered.\nMaya was wondering what he was about to do when, in the next second, she was shoved onto the bed. Then, as if to punish her, the man bit down hard on her lip, biting and grinding against it relentlessly.\nHis large hand roamed over her body, digging painfully into her waist.\n“Ah—!”\nMaya let out a sharp cry of pain, the taste of blood instantly flooding her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.\nUsually, he was very gentle with her, always considerate of her feelings.\nBut tonight, he was toying with her like a plaything, completely disregarding her.\nIt was as if… he was angry.\nWhen they had first started their arrangement, she didn't understand his temper, so she often displeased him in bed. When he got mad, he would act like this.\nBut that just made Maya more confused. I haven't done anything to provoke him!\nSuddenly, the man's grip tightened, his movements becoming a deliberate torment, as if punishing her for her wandering thoughts.\nMaya couldn't help but beg for mercy. “Please, don't… I really can't take it… If-if I did something wrong, just tell me. I can fix it.”\nBut the man paid no attention to her words, only continuing his methodical torture.\nHis heavy, ragged breaths fell beside her ear as she bit her lip and endured it.\nIt happened more times than she could count. By the end, Maya was practically sobbing, her voice choked as she begged him to let her go.\nWhen it was over, Maya was so exhausted she had already passed out.\nHis desires sated, the man rose and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette.\nSmoke filled the room, obscuring his face in a hazy cloud.\nAfter finishing the cigarette, the man had a tube of ointment sent to the room. He applied it for Maya before finally leaving."},{"chapter_key":"tfZPmQREcf","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/4/en_1b6cb90b-a6a3-49a6-a9dc-2a2c5f2eff85.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next morning.\n\nWhen Maya woke up, her body ached all over, but she was already numb to it.\n\nIn the shower, she saw that the corners of her eyes were red and swollen—evidence she'd been crying.\n\nHer body was covered in a mix of old and new marks.\n\nMaya looked away.\n\nAs she was getting dressed, she noticed a lighter on the nightstand that hadn't been there before. It was a sleek, light blue model from a high-end brand she didn't recognize, with a line of English text on it.\n\nIt must have been left by the man from last night.\n\nShe tucked the lighter away, planning to return it to him the next time they met.\n\nBack home, Maya collapsed into bed and fell asleep instantly.\n\nLast night had been brutal, and all she wanted today was to rest.\n\nShe was deep in a hazy sleep when the sharp ring of her phone jolted her awake.\n\nShe fumbled for the phone beside her and hit accept. Margaret Lane's displeased voice immediately cut through the line. “I've called you a dozen times. Why didn't you answer?”\n\nMaya rubbed her eyes. “I was sleeping.”\n\n“What are you doing sleeping at this hour?” Margaret's voice rose, laced with fury. “I told you we had a meeting at Moon Mountain Abode at six tonight! Do you have any idea what time it is? The guy's been waiting there for you for half an hour!”\n\nMaya sat up, exhausted.\n\nIt was already 6:30. Outside, the city lights were just starting to glitter, casting a bright, tangled web of neon.\n\nHer reflection in the glass was a hazy, distant silhouette.\n\nShe took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation. “I know. I'm leaving now.”\n\n“Hurry up. Don't keep him waiting,” Margaret snapped before hanging up.\n\nMaya dragged herself out of bed and picked a high-necked, long-sleeved spring dress from her closet—something that would cover the dense collection of marks on her skin.\n\nFor the spots she couldn't hide, she layered on concealer until nothing was visible.\n\nShe was just going through the motions today and didn't bother with makeup. Even so, her skin was fair and smooth. Her eyes had a gentle curve, but her expression was distant and cool—an understated elegance, like moonlight.\n\nShe hadn't tried to dress up, but there was no hiding her stunning beauty.\n\nMoon Mountain Abode was an upscale restaurant specializing in modern Asian cuisine.\n\nThe decor was a contemporary take on classic design—antique, serene, and elegant.\n\nMaya crossed a covered walkway over a flowing stream and arrived at private room 506. She knocked before entering, where a man was waiting for her.\n\n“I'm so sorry, I'm late,” Maya apologized with a polite smile.\n\nThe man, who had been drinking impatiently, looked up. The moment he saw Maya, his eyes lit up. All his annoyance vanished, replaced by sheer awe.\n\n“Not at all, Ms. Nelson. I only just arrived myself.” The man rose like a gentleman and pulled out the chair in front of him for Maya.\n\n“Thank you.” Maya gave him a small smile.\n\nAfter she sat, the man naturally took the seat opposite her. “Ms. Nelson, I'm Jackson Pearson. Margaret Lane must have told you about me, right?”\n\nJackson had the kind of face that screamed 'trouble'—a buzz cut, monolids, and a coldness in his eyes that even a smile couldn't hide.\n\nMaya felt a strange sense of unease.\n\nShe nodded, deciding to be direct. “Mr. Pearson, I don't want to mislead you. My family arranged this blind date, but I'm not looking to get married right now. Dinner is on me tonight, as an apology.”\n\nThe smile on Jackson's face slowly faded.\n\nStill, he maintained a gentle facade. “If you weren't interested in a blind date, Ms. Nelson, why did you agree to come?”\n\n“I didn't really have a choice…”\n\nBefore she could finish, Jackson cut her off. “It's fine. Let's just treat this as a chance to get to know each other. We can be friends.”\n\nHis words seemed harmless enough, so Maya could only nod.\n\nThe food had already been served before she arrived, and a bottle of red wine sat on the table.\n\nJackson opened it and poured a glass for Maya.\n\n“How well do you hold your liquor, Ms. Nelson?”\n\nMaya shook her head. “I don't drink.”\n\n“Red wine has a low alcohol content. A little is good for you,” Jackson said, raising his glass. “Come on, Ms. Nelson, humor me.”\n\n“I really can't,” Maya insisted, picking up her teacup. “How about I toast you with tea instead?”\n\nJackson stared at her, then suddenly smiled. “I get it. You must not want to be friends with me, which is why you're making excuses. It's okay. I understand.”\n\n“That's not what I meant…” Seeing him act this way, Maya felt a little guilty and decided to just give in. “Alright, then. I'll have one drink with you.”\n\n“Now that's more like it, Ms. Nelson!”\n\nJackson raised his glass and clinked it against Maya's.\n\nMaya wasn't much of a drinker and never touched alcohol when she was out. After just one glass, she felt a pleasant warmth spread across her face.\n\nJackson set down his glass, his eyes narrowed as he watched her intently. It was as if he were waiting for something.\n\nMaya looked up and met his gaze. Something felt wrong. An alarm went off in her head.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, have something to eat.” Jackson broke eye contact and served her a piece of sweet and sour pork.\n\n“Okay, thank you.”\n\nAs Maya reached for her chopsticks, her head started to spin. A scorching heat spread through her body, and a strange, crawling sensation started deep inside her, like a thousand ants under her skin. She felt an intense craving for… something.\n\nShe rubbed her eyes. Her vision was doubling.\n\nShe saw Jackson walking toward her.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, what's wrong? Did you have too much to drink?” A sleazy grin spread across Jackson's face as he reached for her.\n\nMaya shoved his hand away, trying to keep her distance. “I'm fine.”\n\nShe stumbled to her feet, grabbing the wall behind her for support as waves of dizziness washed over her.\n\nJackson's lips curled. He walked over and grabbed her arm tightly. “Ms. Nelson, you're drunk. Let me help you go rest.”\n\n“No! Let go of me!” Maya struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free.\n\nJackson had already wrapped an arm around her waist, and a fire ignited inside him.\n\nDamn, that felt incredible. So soft and slender, he could almost wrap one hand all the way around.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, I booked a room upstairs. I'll take you there to rest. In your condition, you probably can't go home tonight.”\n\nMaya's body grew hotter and hotter. It finally dawned on her. “What… what did you do to me?”\n\nJackson let out a wicked laugh. “Ms. Nelson, you need to be more careful when you go out with men. How could you just drink something a stranger gives you?”\n\nThat's when she knew. He had drugged the wine.\n\n“You bastard!” She shoved Jackson with all her might and stumbled toward the door.\n\nBut Jackson just grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.\n\n“Where are you running? Even if you get away, you'll probably just end up in some other guy's hands. Better me than some random stranger. At least I'm good at what I do.”\n\nMaya gritted her teeth, trying to raise her hand to slap him, but her arm was limp, completely powerless.\n\nJackson just laughed, his arm locked around her waist as he steered her out of the room.\n\nHe'd booked a room in the hotel upstairs before he even arrived, just waiting to take her up.\n\nMaya's steps were unsteady; he was practically carrying her.\n\nShe wanted to fight, but she had no strength left.\n\nJackson dragged her to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. The doors began to slide shut.\n\nJust as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out and stopped them, forcing them to slide back open.\n\nEli Carlson's face appeared in the doorway. He offered Jackson a polite smile. “Sorry to hold you up. Our president needs this elevator too.”"}],"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"JHSccF4Ixl","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","word_count":1229,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"This was the 16th time Maya had been with this man. 84 more to go.\nIn the dark, cavernous presidential suite, Maya lay flat on the soft bed, a black cloth tied over her eyes. Her heart pounded like a drum.\nFootsteps drew near.\nAt the same time, Maya caught the crisp, clean scent of mint—a smell that was uniquely his.\nHe was here.\nMaya's hands anxiously gripped the sheets beneath her. Her voice came out soft and shaky. \"Do you… do you want to take a shower first?\"\nThe man didn't answer.\nThen, she heard the sound of clothes being removed. With each piece of fabric that fell, the last shred of Maya's dignity was torn away.\nSuddenly, the soft mattress dipped beside her. The man was on the bed, lying next to her.\nMaya took a deep breath, searched for his thin lips in the darkness, and kissed him.\nHer technique was clumsy and artless, earning a short, derisive laugh from him.\nA chill shot through Maya's heart.\nThe next second, the man seized her chin and kissed her deeply.\nIn the darkness, every sensation was magnified.\nMaya's body couldn't help but tremble.\nHer long, slender fingers clutched the sheets so tightly that her toes curled in helpless tension.\n\"Don't...\"\nThe kitten-like sound only seemed to stoke the fire in him, making his craving more intense.\nHe pinned Maya's wrists above her head, his voice low and raspy. \"Whether you want it or not… I'm the one who decides.\"\n…\nWhen their breathless lovemaking was over, a distinct scent lingered in the air.\nMaya lay sprawled on the bed, exhausted and panting. Blindfolded, she couldn't see the man's face, but she could smell his signature, faint scent of mint.\nIt was always strongest when he was possessing her.\nAfter a brief rest, the man got up and went to the bathroom to shower.\nA little while later, the sound of his heavy footsteps returned. Maya sat up halfway. \"Are you leaving?\"\nThe man stopped.\nMaya bit her lip, her hands twisting the sheets. It took her a long moment to work up the nerve to speak. \"I… I wanted to ask you something. Is there any way you could give me an extra seventy-five hundred this month?\"\nThe doctor called yesterday. Her grandmother had another complication, and she needed a full workup. It was going to be around seventy-five hundred dollars.\nShe had no other choice but to try and ask.\nAfter a moment of silence, the man left without a word, closing the door behind him.\nThe room fell silent. Maya lay on the bed, stunned for a moment, a wave of disappointment washing over her. It looked like she'd have to find another way to get the money for her grandmother.\nShe got up and pulled the black cloth from her eyes. The room's dim, yellow light wasn't too harsh. After letting her eyes adjust, she went to take a shower.\nIn the mirror, her body was a roadmap of faint, dense love bites, a tapestry of purples and blues stretching from her collarbone to her navel. The sight was so intimate, so flagrant, it made her flush with shame.\nLooking at herself like this… so broken, so dirty, so depraved.\nThe corners of Maya's eyes grew red as a pang of sorrow surged from her heart.\nA year ago, her grandmother had suddenly suffered a stroke. The doctors said they needed at least a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for her treatment.\nAfter her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her relationship with her family had grown distant. When she tried to borrow money from her father, he repeatedly brushed her off.\nThe hospital had warned her several times that if she didn't pay, they would have to discharge her grandmother.\nIn a moment of desperation, she had walked into an exclusive private club and put a price on herself.\nThe man from just now was her patron.\nThe contract was spelled out in black and white: one hundred sessions for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus an extra three thousand a month for living expenses.\nBut there was one very strange clause: they were never to see each other's faces during their encounters.\nSo every time they met, Maya was blindfolded.\nThe man rarely spoke to her. From the very first time until now, she could count the number of times he'd spoken on one hand.\nThey had no connection beyond sex.\nShe didn't know if he was handsome or ugly, nor did she have any idea about his identity or profession.\nSometimes she was curious, but for the money, she had to endure it.\nOnce the contract was finished, she would move to a new city and never marry.\nAfter her shower, Maya got dressed and took a small notebook from her purse. She jotted down a new entry.\n[Night of the 25th, 10 PM, 16th time.]\nAs she finished writing, a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was a transfer notification from him. Seven thousand, five hundred dollars.\nHis profile picture was just a black square, with no username. Most of their chat history consisted of locations he sent and the monthly payment records.\nMaya felt a mix of complicated emotions. In the end, she accepted the money and sent him a \"thank you\" message.\nAs expected, there was no reply.\nShe didn't dwell on it. She immediately transferred the money to her grandmother's hospital account.\nThen, she changed into a long-sleeved shirt to hide the purple and blue marks on her body and headed to the Nelson family home.\nIt was the day of the Nelson family lunch.\nShe'd heard that her stepsister Aria's fiancé was coming for dinner. The Nelsons were making a huge deal of it, which was why they'd specifically summoned her back.\nThe Nelson estate was located in a classic ritzy neighborhood, nestled in the hills overlooking the city's central park.\nThe lavish, European-style decor, designed by a celebrity interior designer flown in from London at Aria's request, reeked of opulence.\nWhen Maya entered, the maids were busy setting the dining room table.\nShe noticed the man at the head of the table. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding. The clean line of his profile was perfect, his chiseled features looking as if they were carved from stone.\nJust his profile was enough to captivate anyone's attention.\nThis must be Aria's fiancé.\n\"Maya, you're here.\" Margaret Lane greeted her with a wide smile, taking her hand. She gestured toward the man. \"This is your brother-in-law, the CEO of Ray Group, Theodore Ray.\"\nHearing \"Ray Group,\" Maya couldn't help but look up at the man.\nShe worked at the Ray Group, but she was just a junior clerk with a nine-to-five schedule. She had never seen Theodore Ray in person.\nBut she often heard his name from her colleagues.\nThe sole heir to the Ray fortune, a titan of industry with untouchable power, a man who held the global economy in his hands and was worth trillions. He was the ultimate prize for countless women.\nShe never imagined Aria's fiancé would be him.\nMaya snapped back to reality and looked at him again.\nTheir eyes met. As she faced his icy gaze, she greeted him, \"Brother-in-law.\""},{"chapter_key":"i0Cfe0L0h8","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/2/en_bff2d4e1-ed62-42e6-9d36-f1355f6c2d0f.txt","word_count":1579,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Theodore Ray gave a slight nod, his expression cold.\nBut his gaze drifted unconsciously to Maya Nelson, a flash of frost in his eyes.\nMaya was the one he was supposed to be engaged to. But then the Nelsons had come to him, saying Maya was dead set on breaking it off. He never liked to force things, so he'd agreed.\nWho knew the Nelsons would then immediately push Aria forward to take her place. As it turned out, that suited him just fine.\nFor him, any daughter from the Nelson family would do.\nOwen Nelson waved a hand. \"Alright, we're all family here. No need to be so formal. Let's eat.\"\nMaya's seat was directly across from Aria and Theodore, and she couldn't avoid seeing them every time she looked up.\nAria doted on Theodore, enthusiastically placing food on his plate.\n\"Theodore, try this. Mom and I made everything ourselves today.\"\n\"Okay.\"\nTheir interactions were intimate, and they looked very much in love.\nTheir engagement had been arranged back when Theodore's grandfather was still alive.\nMaya had heard that his grandfather and her own had been close, so the two families had arranged a childhood engagement.\nBut after Theodore's grandfather fell ill and passed away, the engagement was forgotten for a long time. Just a little while ago, her family had even tried to break it off with Theodore. Maya had no idea why Aria was suddenly engaged to him now...\nShe didn't know the reason, and she didn't dwell on it. She just lowered her head and quietly ate her food.\n\"Aria, pour Theodore some wine. I'd like to have a drink with him,\" Owen said with a smile. It was obvious he was in a great mood today.\nOf course he was. Having landed such a successful and wealthy son-in-law, he was probably pinching himself.\n\"Okay, I'll go get it.\"\nAria went to the liquor cabinet and retrieved a bottle of Owen's prized red wine for Theodore, opening it herself at the table.\nAs she was pouring, she accidentally spilled some. The red wine stained the tablecloth, and a few drops landed on Theodore's sleeve.\n\"Oh, Theodore, did I get any on you?\" Aria apologized nervously, the picture of innocence. \"I'm just so clumsy. I can't do anything right.\"\nAria lowered her head, her expression pitifully endearing.\n\"It's fine. As long as you didn't hurt yourself.\"\nTheodore patted his sleeve, brushing off the wine, then casually pulled out a napkin and wiped Aria's hand.\nHis movements were gentle and meticulous, a complete contrast to his cold exterior.\n\"Our Aria has really found the right one. Look how much Theodore dotes on you,\" Margaret Lane remarked with a smile. \"Seeing you two so happy together really puts my mind at ease.\"\nAt Margaret's teasing, Aria lowered her head shyly.\n\"Mom, what are you saying?\"\nMargaret laughed, covering her mouth. \"Oh my, look at Aria getting all shy. Alright, alright, Mom won't say any more.\"\nThe mother-daughter duo's talent for acting is as strong as ever.\nThat's how they tricked Dad back then, and they're still using the same old tricks.\nThe whole meal was torture for Maya, each bite a struggle to get down.\nAfter forcing down a few more bites, she put down her chopsticks. \"I'm full. You guys take your time.\"\nOwen shot her a cold glance. \"Our guest hasn't even left the table. What's your hurry?\"\nMargaret patted Owen's shoulder and gently chided, \"Owen, don't be so harsh with her. No wonder Maya doesn't like talking to you.\"\nOwen's brow furrowed, his expression sour.\n\"Maybe Maya is feeling a little down seeing how happy Aria and Theodore are,\" Margaret said, as if a thought had just struck her. \"I have a friend whose nephew just got back from abroad. He's brilliant, well-educated... Maya, I'll introduce you two sometime. I'm sure you'll love him!\"\nMargaret's gaze fell on Maya.\n\"I'm not looking to date right now,\" Maya refused flatly.\n\"You're not getting any younger. You'll have to get married eventually, so now is the perfect time to start.\"\n\"Yeah, it's harder for women to get married when they're older. You have to find someone good while you're still young,\" Aria chimed in, looking sweetly at Theodore. \"Isn't that right, Theodore?\"\nAs she spoke, Maya's eyes met Theodore's again. The air grew heavy.\nHis eyes were dark and chillingly indifferent. Every time Maya looked into them, she felt an instinctive urge to look away.\nTheodore's lips curved into a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. \"Of course,\" he said coolly.\n\"See? Even your brother-in-law thinks so, so it must be right!\" Margaret said with a laugh. \"I'll help you schedule a time to meet. It'll be easier to take care of your grandmother once you're married. How will you have time while you're working, right?\"\nMaya bit her lip.\nHer grandmother was her weak spot. What Margaret said wasn't wrong.\nShe lowered her eyes, her voice soft. \"Okay, I'll go.\"\nMargaret smiled, satisfied. \"That's more like it!\"\nMaya felt a tightness in her chest. She looked up and met Theodore's gaze. He was watching her, his dark eyes holding a hint of mockery.\nHe's probably laughing at me, too.\nThe rest of the meal was tasteless. Maya left the table as soon as she could.\nThe dining room felt suffocating, so she walked out to the garden for some fresh air.\nThe garden had once been full of roses planted by her mother. When Margaret moved in, she'd had them all ripped out, leaving only her own favorite peonies.\nSeeing them made Maya's heart ache even more.\nShe turned to leave but walked right into a solid chest. A faint scent of mint filled the air—the same scent that clung to the man who held her every night in the darkness.\nSo familiar!\nMaya looked up in shock and saw a stunningly handsome face.\nTheodore was looking down at her, his jawline taut and perfectly defined. From any angle, he was as dazzling as a god.\n\"S-sorry!\" Maya snapped back to reality, quickly taking a step back to put some distance between them.\nTheodore's eyes narrowed. \"That scared of me?\"\n\"Of course not,\" Maya said with an awkward laugh. \"You're my brother-in-law. We're family now.\"\nBut they were alone in the garden. If anyone saw them and word got back to Aria, there would be drama.\nBesides, with a man of Theodore's status, saying the wrong thing could have dire consequences.\nShe didn't want to spend any more time with him.\n\"Well, I'll let you enjoy the garden. I'm gonna head back inside.\"\nMaya gave him a nod, kept her head down, and turned to leave.\nThe staff had just watered the peonies, and the tiled path was wet. After two steps, Maya's foot slipped. She let out a small cry, and just as she was about to fall, a strong pair of hands grabbed her firmly by the waist.\nA jolt, like an electric shock, shot through her.\nThe man's hands were warm, searing her through the fabric of her dress.\nMaya's heart pounded, her chest rising and falling rapidly.\n\"Watch where you're going,\" Theodore's cold voice came from above her.\nMaya scrambled to her senses and pushed herself out of his arms. \"Thanks. This floor is a little slippery. Sorry about that.\"\nThe scent of mint from his clothes was stronger now, enveloping her.\nShe couldn't help but think of the endless, tangled nights with that other man. A blush crept up her face, and her heart began to race.\nUp on the second-floor balcony.\nMargaret and Aria had a perfect view of the scene in the garden.\nAfter dinner, Theodore had taken a call and gone outside. They couldn't believe Maya had been so desperate, running to the garden to \"accidentally\" run into him.\nAnd then pretending to fall? What a bitch!\n\"Mom, look at that bitch Maya, plastered all over Theodore and refusing to let go! I can't believe it. She acts so innocent, but she's so ambitious she'd even seduce her own brother-in-law!\"\nAria gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white, her eyes practically dripping venom.\nThe engagement to Theodore was originally meant for Maya; Aria had just snatched it from her. She was terrified that if Maya ever found out the truth, she would scheme behind her back to lure Theodore away.\nMargaret snorted. \"I didn't realize she was so calculating, either. Don't worry, Aria. Mom won't let her ruin this for you.\"\nA vicious look crossed Margaret's face.\nThis was how she'd gotten rid of Nora Morris back then to marry Owen, and she could use the same methods to get rid of Nora's daughter now.\nShe would eliminate anyone who dared to stand in her way.\nNo one was going to stop her climb to the top.\nMargaret pulled out her phone and dialed a number.\n\"Mrs. Brooks? How have you been? Are you feeling well?\"\n\"Listen, you mentioned the other day that you have a nephew who was just released from prison, and you were looking to arrange a marriage for him?\"\n\"It's for my younger daughter, Maya. She's in a hurry to get married... Who knows why... maybe she feels like I'm not a good stepmother to her, so she's eager to cut ties with us...\"\n\"Great. Just confirm with me when you know. Thanks so much for your trouble, Mrs. Brooks.\""},{"chapter_key":"5M5mhw9h2R","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/3/en_e40f3c70-7520-497c-a69a-726505f4d1a7.txt","word_count":1495,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"As evening fell, the Nelsons tried to persuade Theodore Ray to stay for dinner, but Maya Nelson was getting antsy and made her excuses to leave.\nEver since her father, Owen Nelson, had married Margaret Lane, she'd felt like an outsider in her own home, so she had moved out as soon as she found a job.\nThe Nelson family villa was up on a mountain, and though she had tried to call an Uber in advance, no one accepted the ride.\nAfter waiting a little longer, she decided to just walk down.\nThe night air was cool and quiet. The mountain road was dimly lit by sparse streetlights, and the stretch was deserted. A shiver of fear crept up Maya's spine as she walked.\n“Honk—”\nSuddenly, a car horn blared from behind her.\nMaya instinctively moved to the side of the road as a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beside her.\nThe window rolled down, revealing a sharp, chiseled profile. His features were exquisite and defined, with one side of his face cast in light and the other lost to the shadows, making his expression unreadable.\n“Theodore? What are you doing here?”\nMaya was a little stunned. Wasn't he staying for dinner?\n“Get in,” Theodore commanded.\nMaya instinctively refused. “It's okay, I'm just a little ways from the bus stop.”\n“The bus stop is over a mile from here. That's a thirty-minute walk. Are you trying to wear your legs out?”\nMaya bit her lip.\nAfter a moment's hesitation, she got in the car.\nThe air inside was filled with the fresh scent of mint, which always made Maya think of those wild, unrestrained nights.\nMaya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the inappropriate thoughts from her mind.\nTheodore glanced at her. “Seatbelt.”\n“Right.”\nAs soon as Maya buckled her seatbelt, the car shot forward like an arrow.\nTheodore drove one-handed, his other arm resting on the open window, exuding a mix of mature composure and casual recklessness.\nThe car was silent.\nMaya sat rigidly, not daring to move an inch.\nFor some reason, being alone with Theodore always made her feel inexplicably on edge.\n“Where to?” Theodore suddenly asked.\n“Spring River Gardens Estate.”\nThe place she lived was practically in the suburbs, pretty far from her job, but the rent was cheap and it was close to her grandmother's hospital.\nAfter she spoke, silence fell again.\nMaya nervously clasped her hands together, her mind racing for a topic of conversation to break the awkwardness with Theodore.\nSuddenly, a ringing phone shattered the quiet in the car.\nMaya glanced at the screen. It was Margaret.\nShe answered, and Margaret's voice came through the speaker. “Maya, I've already set it up for you. Tomorrow night at six, you're having dinner at Moon Mountain Abode. Remember to dress up nicely, you hear?”\nIt took Maya a second to process. “What dinner?”\n“Your blind date!” Margaret repeated. “Mrs. Brooks's nephew, his name is Jackson Pearson. Be sure to have a nice chat with him. If he takes a liking to you, you should count yourself lucky!”\nThe car was so quiet that every one of Margaret's words reached Theodore's ears with perfect clarity.\nMaya clutched her phone, her knuckles turning white.\nAfter a long pause, she finally responded, “Okay, I know. I'll be on time.”\nHanging up, Maya felt a heavy stone settle in her chest, making it hard to breathe.\nTheodore glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You're going on a blind date tomorrow?”\nMaya's face was pale, completely drained of color. She bit her lip. “Yes.”\nA corner of Theodore's mouth twitched, but he said nothing more, though a flicker of contempt seemed to flash in his eyes.\nSoon, the car pulled up to the entrance of the Spring River Gardens Estate.\nOnce the car stopped, Maya unbuckled her seatbelt, got out, and thanked him. “Thanks, Theodore. I'll head in now.”\nTheodore didn't respond. He simply executed a sharp U-turn, and the car quickly vanished from Maya's sight.\nThe night grew deeper.\nA-City was a city that never slept, a glittering spectacle of neon and endless lights, a portrait of prosperity.\nHe stopped at a red light, his hand resting on the open window, his expression cold and indifferent.\nA thought suddenly struck him. He pulled out his phone and made a call to his executive assistant, Eli Carlson.\nWhen the call connected, Theodore instructed coolly, “Book my dinner with Mr. Moore for tomorrow night at Moon Mountain Abode.”\n“Right away, sir. I'll arrange it immediately,” Eli replied.\nTheodore's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his voice low. “Also, have you made any headway on that business with the Nelson family from twenty years ago?”\nHearing this, Eli's tone immediately turned serious. “We've found a lead on that batch of medicine the Nelson family produced twenty years ago. It seems they shipped it overseas. I've already sent people to investigate.”\n“Stay on top of it. I want answers as soon as possible.”\nEli nodded. “Understood.”\n...\nThe apartment Maya rented was a one-bedroom that cost $1,300 a month—not too expensive for a city like A-City, where every square inch was prime real estate.\nThe room was small, but she had decorated it to be warm and cozy. It was spotless, with everything neatly organized and pleasing to the eye.\nEven though it was a rental, this place felt more like home than the Nelson villa ever did.\nMaya rested on the sofa for a bit and was about to make some noodles when a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was from the contact with the black profile picture.\nShe opened it to find a single, short sentence: [10 PM tonight.]\nThose three simple, direct words made Maya freeze.\nDidn't we agree on only three or four times a week? He was just here last night, and he wants me again?\nDoes he think I'm made of steel?\nMy legs are still shaking!\nPicking up her phone, Maya typed out several sentences in the chat box, but after a moment's hesitation, she deleted them all.\nShe couldn't refuse her benefactor's demands.\nBesides, she was worried she wouldn't get paid next month.\nIn the end, she just replied with an “Okay.”\nAfter a quick shower, Maya went to the same hotel as last night. She swiped her keycard and, upon entering the room, sensibly blindfolded herself with a black cloth.\nHer surroundings were plunged into darkness.\nBut she could hear her own heartbeat, loud and clear.\nA signal of her nervousness.\nSoon, the hotel room door opened. The faint scent of mint drew closer, and she knew he was here.\nMaya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped nervously together. She couldn't stop herself from asking, “I was just here last night, why today…”\nBefore she could finish, the man raised a hand and covered her mouth.\nHis palm was cool, carrying that faint scent of mint. The lines on his hand weren't rough; it was a hand that clearly belonged to someone who'd been pampered.\nMaya was wondering what he was about to do when, in the next second, she was shoved onto the bed. Then, as if to punish her, the man bit down hard on her lip, biting and grinding against it relentlessly.\nHis large hand roamed over her body, digging painfully into her waist.\n“Ah—!”\nMaya let out a sharp cry of pain, the taste of blood instantly flooding her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.\nUsually, he was very gentle with her, always considerate of her feelings.\nBut tonight, he was toying with her like a plaything, completely disregarding her.\nIt was as if… he was angry.\nWhen they had first started their arrangement, she didn't understand his temper, so she often displeased him in bed. When he got mad, he would act like this.\nBut that just made Maya more confused. I haven't done anything to provoke him!\nSuddenly, the man's grip tightened, his movements becoming a deliberate torment, as if punishing her for her wandering thoughts.\nMaya couldn't help but beg for mercy. “Please, don't… I really can't take it… If-if I did something wrong, just tell me. I can fix it.”\nBut the man paid no attention to her words, only continuing his methodical torture.\nHis heavy, ragged breaths fell beside her ear as she bit her lip and endured it.\nIt happened more times than she could count. By the end, Maya was practically sobbing, her voice choked as she begged him to let her go.\nWhen it was over, Maya was so exhausted she had already passed out.\nHis desires sated, the man rose and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette.\nSmoke filled the room, obscuring his face in a hazy cloud.\nAfter finishing the cigarette, the man had a tube of ointment sent to the room. He applied it for Maya before finally leaving."},{"chapter_key":"tfZPmQREcf","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/4/en_1b6cb90b-a6a3-49a6-a9dc-2a2c5f2eff85.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next morning.\n\nWhen Maya woke up, her body ached all over, but she was already numb to it.\n\nIn the shower, she saw that the corners of her eyes were red and swollen—evidence she'd been crying.\n\nHer body was covered in a mix of old and new marks.\n\nMaya looked away.\n\nAs she was getting dressed, she noticed a lighter on the nightstand that hadn't been there before. It was a sleek, light blue model from a high-end brand she didn't recognize, with a line of English text on it.\n\nIt must have been left by the man from last night.\n\nShe tucked the lighter away, planning to return it to him the next time they met.\n\nBack home, Maya collapsed into bed and fell asleep instantly.\n\nLast night had been brutal, and all she wanted today was to rest.\n\nShe was deep in a hazy sleep when the sharp ring of her phone jolted her awake.\n\nShe fumbled for the phone beside her and hit accept. Margaret Lane's displeased voice immediately cut through the line. “I've called you a dozen times. Why didn't you answer?”\n\nMaya rubbed her eyes. “I was sleeping.”\n\n“What are you doing sleeping at this hour?” Margaret's voice rose, laced with fury. “I told you we had a meeting at Moon Mountain Abode at six tonight! Do you have any idea what time it is? The guy's been waiting there for you for half an hour!”\n\nMaya sat up, exhausted.\n\nIt was already 6:30. Outside, the city lights were just starting to glitter, casting a bright, tangled web of neon.\n\nHer reflection in the glass was a hazy, distant silhouette.\n\nShe took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation. “I know. I'm leaving now.”\n\n“Hurry up. Don't keep him waiting,” Margaret snapped before hanging up.\n\nMaya dragged herself out of bed and picked a high-necked, long-sleeved spring dress from her closet—something that would cover the dense collection of marks on her skin.\n\nFor the spots she couldn't hide, she layered on concealer until nothing was visible.\n\nShe was just going through the motions today and didn't bother with makeup. Even so, her skin was fair and smooth. Her eyes had a gentle curve, but her expression was distant and cool—an understated elegance, like moonlight.\n\nShe hadn't tried to dress up, but there was no hiding her stunning beauty.\n\nMoon Mountain Abode was an upscale restaurant specializing in modern Asian cuisine.\n\nThe decor was a contemporary take on classic design—antique, serene, and elegant.\n\nMaya crossed a covered walkway over a flowing stream and arrived at private room 506. She knocked before entering, where a man was waiting for her.\n\n“I'm so sorry, I'm late,” Maya apologized with a polite smile.\n\nThe man, who had been drinking impatiently, looked up. The moment he saw Maya, his eyes lit up. All his annoyance vanished, replaced by sheer awe.\n\n“Not at all, Ms. Nelson. I only just arrived myself.” The man rose like a gentleman and pulled out the chair in front of him for Maya.\n\n“Thank you.” Maya gave him a small smile.\n\nAfter she sat, the man naturally took the seat opposite her. “Ms. Nelson, I'm Jackson Pearson. Margaret Lane must have told you about me, right?”\n\nJackson had the kind of face that screamed 'trouble'—a buzz cut, monolids, and a coldness in his eyes that even a smile couldn't hide.\n\nMaya felt a strange sense of unease.\n\nShe nodded, deciding to be direct. “Mr. Pearson, I don't want to mislead you. My family arranged this blind date, but I'm not looking to get married right now. Dinner is on me tonight, as an apology.”\n\nThe smile on Jackson's face slowly faded.\n\nStill, he maintained a gentle facade. “If you weren't interested in a blind date, Ms. Nelson, why did you agree to come?”\n\n“I didn't really have a choice…”\n\nBefore she could finish, Jackson cut her off. “It's fine. Let's just treat this as a chance to get to know each other. We can be friends.”\n\nHis words seemed harmless enough, so Maya could only nod.\n\nThe food had already been served before she arrived, and a bottle of red wine sat on the table.\n\nJackson opened it and poured a glass for Maya.\n\n“How well do you hold your liquor, Ms. Nelson?”\n\nMaya shook her head. “I don't drink.”\n\n“Red wine has a low alcohol content. A little is good for you,” Jackson said, raising his glass. “Come on, Ms. Nelson, humor me.”\n\n“I really can't,” Maya insisted, picking up her teacup. “How about I toast you with tea instead?”\n\nJackson stared at her, then suddenly smiled. “I get it. You must not want to be friends with me, which is why you're making excuses. It's okay. I understand.”\n\n“That's not what I meant…” Seeing him act this way, Maya felt a little guilty and decided to just give in. “Alright, then. I'll have one drink with you.”\n\n“Now that's more like it, Ms. Nelson!”\n\nJackson raised his glass and clinked it against Maya's.\n\nMaya wasn't much of a drinker and never touched alcohol when she was out. After just one glass, she felt a pleasant warmth spread across her face.\n\nJackson set down his glass, his eyes narrowed as he watched her intently. It was as if he were waiting for something.\n\nMaya looked up and met his gaze. Something felt wrong. An alarm went off in her head.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, have something to eat.” Jackson broke eye contact and served her a piece of sweet and sour pork.\n\n“Okay, thank you.”\n\nAs Maya reached for her chopsticks, her head started to spin. A scorching heat spread through her body, and a strange, crawling sensation started deep inside her, like a thousand ants under her skin. She felt an intense craving for… something.\n\nShe rubbed her eyes. Her vision was doubling.\n\nShe saw Jackson walking toward her.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, what's wrong? Did you have too much to drink?” A sleazy grin spread across Jackson's face as he reached for her.\n\nMaya shoved his hand away, trying to keep her distance. “I'm fine.”\n\nShe stumbled to her feet, grabbing the wall behind her for support as waves of dizziness washed over her.\n\nJackson's lips curled. He walked over and grabbed her arm tightly. “Ms. Nelson, you're drunk. Let me help you go rest.”\n\n“No! Let go of me!” Maya struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free.\n\nJackson had already wrapped an arm around her waist, and a fire ignited inside him.\n\nDamn, that felt incredible. So soft and slender, he could almost wrap one hand all the way around.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, I booked a room upstairs. I'll take you there to rest. In your condition, you probably can't go home tonight.”\n\nMaya's body grew hotter and hotter. It finally dawned on her. “What… what did you do to me?”\n\nJackson let out a wicked laugh. “Ms. Nelson, you need to be more careful when you go out with men. How could you just drink something a stranger gives you?”\n\nThat's when she knew. He had drugged the wine.\n\n“You bastard!” She shoved Jackson with all her might and stumbled toward the door.\n\nBut Jackson just grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.\n\n“Where are you running? Even if you get away, you'll probably just end up in some other guy's hands. Better me than some random stranger. At least I'm good at what I do.”\n\nMaya gritted her teeth, trying to raise her hand to slap him, but her arm was limp, completely powerless.\n\nJackson just laughed, his arm locked around her waist as he steered her out of the room.\n\nHe'd booked a room in the hotel upstairs before he even arrived, just waiting to take her up.\n\nMaya's steps were unsteady; he was practically carrying her.\n\nShe wanted to fight, but she had no strength left.\n\nJackson dragged her to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. The doors began to slide shut.\n\nJust as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out and stopped them, forcing them to slide back open.\n\nEli Carlson's face appeared in the doorway. He offered Jackson a polite smile. “Sorry to hold you up. Our president needs this elevator too.”"}],"recommend_text":"By day, he despised her. By night, he craved her. She fell for his dual personas, only to be called a \"worthless toy.\" Now, as she's about to marry another, the cold CEO is on his knees, begging, \"Don't marry him. Choose me.\"","button_text":"","bottom_text":""} "2600:1f28:365:80b0:a9fc:cf4c:966:931d" {"clickToRead":"🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free 👇","continueReading":"CONTINUE READING","more":"More","open":"Open","bottomText":"The upcoming chapters are even more exciting! Click the download button below to read the entire book!👇👇👇"} {"id":1000224,"name":"Pinned by My CEO","start_time":1762514719,"end_time":1794050719,"status":1,"version_config":[{"name":"base","traffic_interval":0},{"name":"exp1","traffic_interval":100,"landing_page_id":481,"novel":{"novel_id":5355,"novel_key":"wnQ6Scf2aF","title":"Pinned by My CEO","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/5fd9a42bbb021907dc8b87f9d48dfc08.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","intro":"Theodore was cold to Maya by day, passionate by night. His flirtation won her heart, but he cruelly called her a plaything. Later, as she prepared to marry another, he knelt before her with reddened eyes, pleading, \"Maya, don't marry him. I loved you first...\"","use_default_button_text":true,"lang":"en-US","style":200003,"chapter_count":100,"word_count":122314,"use_novel_desc":true,"chapter":{"chapter_key":"JHSccF4Ixl","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","word_count":1229,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false},"recommend_text":"By day, he despised her. By night, he craved her. She fell for his dual personas, only to be called a \"worthless toy.\" Now, as she's about to marry another, the cold CEO is on his knees, begging, \"Don't marry him. Choose me.\"","use_default_bottom_text":true,"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"JHSccF4Ixl","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","word_count":1229,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"This was the 16th time Maya had been with this man. 84 more to go.\nIn the dark, cavernous presidential suite, Maya lay flat on the soft bed, a black cloth tied over her eyes. Her heart pounded like a drum.\nFootsteps drew near.\nAt the same time, Maya caught the crisp, clean scent of mint—a smell that was uniquely his.\nHe was here.\nMaya's hands anxiously gripped the sheets beneath her. Her voice came out soft and shaky. \"Do you… do you want to take a shower first?\"\nThe man didn't answer.\nThen, she heard the sound of clothes being removed. With each piece of fabric that fell, the last shred of Maya's dignity was torn away.\nSuddenly, the soft mattress dipped beside her. The man was on the bed, lying next to her.\nMaya took a deep breath, searched for his thin lips in the darkness, and kissed him.\nHer technique was clumsy and artless, earning a short, derisive laugh from him.\nA chill shot through Maya's heart.\nThe next second, the man seized her chin and kissed her deeply.\nIn the darkness, every sensation was magnified.\nMaya's body couldn't help but tremble.\nHer long, slender fingers clutched the sheets so tightly that her toes curled in helpless tension.\n\"Don't...\"\nThe kitten-like sound only seemed to stoke the fire in him, making his craving more intense.\nHe pinned Maya's wrists above her head, his voice low and raspy. \"Whether you want it or not… I'm the one who decides.\"\n…\nWhen their breathless lovemaking was over, a distinct scent lingered in the air.\nMaya lay sprawled on the bed, exhausted and panting. Blindfolded, she couldn't see the man's face, but she could smell his signature, faint scent of mint.\nIt was always strongest when he was possessing her.\nAfter a brief rest, the man got up and went to the bathroom to shower.\nA little while later, the sound of his heavy footsteps returned. Maya sat up halfway. \"Are you leaving?\"\nThe man stopped.\nMaya bit her lip, her hands twisting the sheets. It took her a long moment to work up the nerve to speak. \"I… I wanted to ask you something. Is there any way you could give me an extra seventy-five hundred this month?\"\nThe doctor called yesterday. Her grandmother had another complication, and she needed a full workup. It was going to be around seventy-five hundred dollars.\nShe had no other choice but to try and ask.\nAfter a moment of silence, the man left without a word, closing the door behind him.\nThe room fell silent. Maya lay on the bed, stunned for a moment, a wave of disappointment washing over her. It looked like she'd have to find another way to get the money for her grandmother.\nShe got up and pulled the black cloth from her eyes. The room's dim, yellow light wasn't too harsh. After letting her eyes adjust, she went to take a shower.\nIn the mirror, her body was a roadmap of faint, dense love bites, a tapestry of purples and blues stretching from her collarbone to her navel. The sight was so intimate, so flagrant, it made her flush with shame.\nLooking at herself like this… so broken, so dirty, so depraved.\nThe corners of Maya's eyes grew red as a pang of sorrow surged from her heart.\nA year ago, her grandmother had suddenly suffered a stroke. The doctors said they needed at least a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for her treatment.\nAfter her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her relationship with her family had grown distant. When she tried to borrow money from her father, he repeatedly brushed her off.\nThe hospital had warned her several times that if she didn't pay, they would have to discharge her grandmother.\nIn a moment of desperation, she had walked into an exclusive private club and put a price on herself.\nThe man from just now was her patron.\nThe contract was spelled out in black and white: one hundred sessions for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus an extra three thousand a month for living expenses.\nBut there was one very strange clause: they were never to see each other's faces during their encounters.\nSo every time they met, Maya was blindfolded.\nThe man rarely spoke to her. From the very first time until now, she could count the number of times he'd spoken on one hand.\nThey had no connection beyond sex.\nShe didn't know if he was handsome or ugly, nor did she have any idea about his identity or profession.\nSometimes she was curious, but for the money, she had to endure it.\nOnce the contract was finished, she would move to a new city and never marry.\nAfter her shower, Maya got dressed and took a small notebook from her purse. She jotted down a new entry.\n[Night of the 25th, 10 PM, 16th time.]\nAs she finished writing, a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was a transfer notification from him. Seven thousand, five hundred dollars.\nHis profile picture was just a black square, with no username. Most of their chat history consisted of locations he sent and the monthly payment records.\nMaya felt a mix of complicated emotions. In the end, she accepted the money and sent him a \"thank you\" message.\nAs expected, there was no reply.\nShe didn't dwell on it. She immediately transferred the money to her grandmother's hospital account.\nThen, she changed into a long-sleeved shirt to hide the purple and blue marks on her body and headed to the Nelson family home.\nIt was the day of the Nelson family lunch.\nShe'd heard that her stepsister Aria's fiancé was coming for dinner. The Nelsons were making a huge deal of it, which was why they'd specifically summoned her back.\nThe Nelson estate was located in a classic ritzy neighborhood, nestled in the hills overlooking the city's central park.\nThe lavish, European-style decor, designed by a celebrity interior designer flown in from London at Aria's request, reeked of opulence.\nWhen Maya entered, the maids were busy setting the dining room table.\nShe noticed the man at the head of the table. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding. The clean line of his profile was perfect, his chiseled features looking as if they were carved from stone.\nJust his profile was enough to captivate anyone's attention.\nThis must be Aria's fiancé.\n\"Maya, you're here.\" Margaret Lane greeted her with a wide smile, taking her hand. She gestured toward the man. \"This is your brother-in-law, the CEO of Ray Group, Theodore Ray.\"\nHearing \"Ray Group,\" Maya couldn't help but look up at the man.\nShe worked at the Ray Group, but she was just a junior clerk with a nine-to-five schedule. She had never seen Theodore Ray in person.\nBut she often heard his name from her colleagues.\nThe sole heir to the Ray fortune, a titan of industry with untouchable power, a man who held the global economy in his hands and was worth trillions. He was the ultimate prize for countless women.\nShe never imagined Aria's fiancé would be him.\nMaya snapped back to reality and looked at him again.\nTheir eyes met. As she faced his icy gaze, she greeted him, \"Brother-in-law.\""},{"chapter_key":"i0Cfe0L0h8","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/2/en_bff2d4e1-ed62-42e6-9d36-f1355f6c2d0f.txt","word_count":1579,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Theodore Ray gave a slight nod, his expression cold.\nBut his gaze drifted unconsciously to Maya Nelson, a flash of frost in his eyes.\nMaya was the one he was supposed to be engaged to. But then the Nelsons had come to him, saying Maya was dead set on breaking it off. He never liked to force things, so he'd agreed.\nWho knew the Nelsons would then immediately push Aria forward to take her place. As it turned out, that suited him just fine.\nFor him, any daughter from the Nelson family would do.\nOwen Nelson waved a hand. \"Alright, we're all family here. No need to be so formal. Let's eat.\"\nMaya's seat was directly across from Aria and Theodore, and she couldn't avoid seeing them every time she looked up.\nAria doted on Theodore, enthusiastically placing food on his plate.\n\"Theodore, try this. Mom and I made everything ourselves today.\"\n\"Okay.\"\nTheir interactions were intimate, and they looked very much in love.\nTheir engagement had been arranged back when Theodore's grandfather was still alive.\nMaya had heard that his grandfather and her own had been close, so the two families had arranged a childhood engagement.\nBut after Theodore's grandfather fell ill and passed away, the engagement was forgotten for a long time. Just a little while ago, her family had even tried to break it off with Theodore. Maya had no idea why Aria was suddenly engaged to him now...\nShe didn't know the reason, and she didn't dwell on it. She just lowered her head and quietly ate her food.\n\"Aria, pour Theodore some wine. I'd like to have a drink with him,\" Owen said with a smile. It was obvious he was in a great mood today.\nOf course he was. Having landed such a successful and wealthy son-in-law, he was probably pinching himself.\n\"Okay, I'll go get it.\"\nAria went to the liquor cabinet and retrieved a bottle of Owen's prized red wine for Theodore, opening it herself at the table.\nAs she was pouring, she accidentally spilled some. The red wine stained the tablecloth, and a few drops landed on Theodore's sleeve.\n\"Oh, Theodore, did I get any on you?\" Aria apologized nervously, the picture of innocence. \"I'm just so clumsy. I can't do anything right.\"\nAria lowered her head, her expression pitifully endearing.\n\"It's fine. As long as you didn't hurt yourself.\"\nTheodore patted his sleeve, brushing off the wine, then casually pulled out a napkin and wiped Aria's hand.\nHis movements were gentle and meticulous, a complete contrast to his cold exterior.\n\"Our Aria has really found the right one. Look how much Theodore dotes on you,\" Margaret Lane remarked with a smile. \"Seeing you two so happy together really puts my mind at ease.\"\nAt Margaret's teasing, Aria lowered her head shyly.\n\"Mom, what are you saying?\"\nMargaret laughed, covering her mouth. \"Oh my, look at Aria getting all shy. Alright, alright, Mom won't say any more.\"\nThe mother-daughter duo's talent for acting is as strong as ever.\nThat's how they tricked Dad back then, and they're still using the same old tricks.\nThe whole meal was torture for Maya, each bite a struggle to get down.\nAfter forcing down a few more bites, she put down her chopsticks. \"I'm full. You guys take your time.\"\nOwen shot her a cold glance. \"Our guest hasn't even left the table. What's your hurry?\"\nMargaret patted Owen's shoulder and gently chided, \"Owen, don't be so harsh with her. No wonder Maya doesn't like talking to you.\"\nOwen's brow furrowed, his expression sour.\n\"Maybe Maya is feeling a little down seeing how happy Aria and Theodore are,\" Margaret said, as if a thought had just struck her. \"I have a friend whose nephew just got back from abroad. He's brilliant, well-educated... Maya, I'll introduce you two sometime. I'm sure you'll love him!\"\nMargaret's gaze fell on Maya.\n\"I'm not looking to date right now,\" Maya refused flatly.\n\"You're not getting any younger. You'll have to get married eventually, so now is the perfect time to start.\"\n\"Yeah, it's harder for women to get married when they're older. You have to find someone good while you're still young,\" Aria chimed in, looking sweetly at Theodore. \"Isn't that right, Theodore?\"\nAs she spoke, Maya's eyes met Theodore's again. The air grew heavy.\nHis eyes were dark and chillingly indifferent. Every time Maya looked into them, she felt an instinctive urge to look away.\nTheodore's lips curved into a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. \"Of course,\" he said coolly.\n\"See? Even your brother-in-law thinks so, so it must be right!\" Margaret said with a laugh. \"I'll help you schedule a time to meet. It'll be easier to take care of your grandmother once you're married. How will you have time while you're working, right?\"\nMaya bit her lip.\nHer grandmother was her weak spot. What Margaret said wasn't wrong.\nShe lowered her eyes, her voice soft. \"Okay, I'll go.\"\nMargaret smiled, satisfied. \"That's more like it!\"\nMaya felt a tightness in her chest. She looked up and met Theodore's gaze. He was watching her, his dark eyes holding a hint of mockery.\nHe's probably laughing at me, too.\nThe rest of the meal was tasteless. Maya left the table as soon as she could.\nThe dining room felt suffocating, so she walked out to the garden for some fresh air.\nThe garden had once been full of roses planted by her mother. When Margaret moved in, she'd had them all ripped out, leaving only her own favorite peonies.\nSeeing them made Maya's heart ache even more.\nShe turned to leave but walked right into a solid chest. A faint scent of mint filled the air—the same scent that clung to the man who held her every night in the darkness.\nSo familiar!\nMaya looked up in shock and saw a stunningly handsome face.\nTheodore was looking down at her, his jawline taut and perfectly defined. From any angle, he was as dazzling as a god.\n\"S-sorry!\" Maya snapped back to reality, quickly taking a step back to put some distance between them.\nTheodore's eyes narrowed. \"That scared of me?\"\n\"Of course not,\" Maya said with an awkward laugh. \"You're my brother-in-law. We're family now.\"\nBut they were alone in the garden. If anyone saw them and word got back to Aria, there would be drama.\nBesides, with a man of Theodore's status, saying the wrong thing could have dire consequences.\nShe didn't want to spend any more time with him.\n\"Well, I'll let you enjoy the garden. I'm gonna head back inside.\"\nMaya gave him a nod, kept her head down, and turned to leave.\nThe staff had just watered the peonies, and the tiled path was wet. After two steps, Maya's foot slipped. She let out a small cry, and just as she was about to fall, a strong pair of hands grabbed her firmly by the waist.\nA jolt, like an electric shock, shot through her.\nThe man's hands were warm, searing her through the fabric of her dress.\nMaya's heart pounded, her chest rising and falling rapidly.\n\"Watch where you're going,\" Theodore's cold voice came from above her.\nMaya scrambled to her senses and pushed herself out of his arms. \"Thanks. This floor is a little slippery. Sorry about that.\"\nThe scent of mint from his clothes was stronger now, enveloping her.\nShe couldn't help but think of the endless, tangled nights with that other man. A blush crept up her face, and her heart began to race.\nUp on the second-floor balcony.\nMargaret and Aria had a perfect view of the scene in the garden.\nAfter dinner, Theodore had taken a call and gone outside. They couldn't believe Maya had been so desperate, running to the garden to \"accidentally\" run into him.\nAnd then pretending to fall? What a bitch!\n\"Mom, look at that bitch Maya, plastered all over Theodore and refusing to let go! I can't believe it. She acts so innocent, but she's so ambitious she'd even seduce her own brother-in-law!\"\nAria gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white, her eyes practically dripping venom.\nThe engagement to Theodore was originally meant for Maya; Aria had just snatched it from her. She was terrified that if Maya ever found out the truth, she would scheme behind her back to lure Theodore away.\nMargaret snorted. \"I didn't realize she was so calculating, either. Don't worry, Aria. Mom won't let her ruin this for you.\"\nA vicious look crossed Margaret's face.\nThis was how she'd gotten rid of Nora Morris back then to marry Owen, and she could use the same methods to get rid of Nora's daughter now.\nShe would eliminate anyone who dared to stand in her way.\nNo one was going to stop her climb to the top.\nMargaret pulled out her phone and dialed a number.\n\"Mrs. Brooks? How have you been? Are you feeling well?\"\n\"Listen, you mentioned the other day that you have a nephew who was just released from prison, and you were looking to arrange a marriage for him?\"\n\"It's for my younger daughter, Maya. She's in a hurry to get married... Who knows why... maybe she feels like I'm not a good stepmother to her, so she's eager to cut ties with us...\"\n\"Great. Just confirm with me when you know. Thanks so much for your trouble, Mrs. Brooks.\""},{"chapter_key":"5M5mhw9h2R","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/3/en_e40f3c70-7520-497c-a69a-726505f4d1a7.txt","word_count":1495,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"As evening fell, the Nelsons tried to persuade Theodore Ray to stay for dinner, but Maya Nelson was getting antsy and made her excuses to leave.\nEver since her father, Owen Nelson, had married Margaret Lane, she'd felt like an outsider in her own home, so she had moved out as soon as she found a job.\nThe Nelson family villa was up on a mountain, and though she had tried to call an Uber in advance, no one accepted the ride.\nAfter waiting a little longer, she decided to just walk down.\nThe night air was cool and quiet. The mountain road was dimly lit by sparse streetlights, and the stretch was deserted. A shiver of fear crept up Maya's spine as she walked.\n“Honk—”\nSuddenly, a car horn blared from behind her.\nMaya instinctively moved to the side of the road as a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beside her.\nThe window rolled down, revealing a sharp, chiseled profile. His features were exquisite and defined, with one side of his face cast in light and the other lost to the shadows, making his expression unreadable.\n“Theodore? What are you doing here?”\nMaya was a little stunned. Wasn't he staying for dinner?\n“Get in,” Theodore commanded.\nMaya instinctively refused. “It's okay, I'm just a little ways from the bus stop.”\n“The bus stop is over a mile from here. That's a thirty-minute walk. Are you trying to wear your legs out?”\nMaya bit her lip.\nAfter a moment's hesitation, she got in the car.\nThe air inside was filled with the fresh scent of mint, which always made Maya think of those wild, unrestrained nights.\nMaya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the inappropriate thoughts from her mind.\nTheodore glanced at her. “Seatbelt.”\n“Right.”\nAs soon as Maya buckled her seatbelt, the car shot forward like an arrow.\nTheodore drove one-handed, his other arm resting on the open window, exuding a mix of mature composure and casual recklessness.\nThe car was silent.\nMaya sat rigidly, not daring to move an inch.\nFor some reason, being alone with Theodore always made her feel inexplicably on edge.\n“Where to?” Theodore suddenly asked.\n“Spring River Gardens Estate.”\nThe place she lived was practically in the suburbs, pretty far from her job, but the rent was cheap and it was close to her grandmother's hospital.\nAfter she spoke, silence fell again.\nMaya nervously clasped her hands together, her mind racing for a topic of conversation to break the awkwardness with Theodore.\nSuddenly, a ringing phone shattered the quiet in the car.\nMaya glanced at the screen. It was Margaret.\nShe answered, and Margaret's voice came through the speaker. “Maya, I've already set it up for you. Tomorrow night at six, you're having dinner at Moon Mountain Abode. Remember to dress up nicely, you hear?”\nIt took Maya a second to process. “What dinner?”\n“Your blind date!” Margaret repeated. “Mrs. Brooks's nephew, his name is Jackson Pearson. Be sure to have a nice chat with him. If he takes a liking to you, you should count yourself lucky!”\nThe car was so quiet that every one of Margaret's words reached Theodore's ears with perfect clarity.\nMaya clutched her phone, her knuckles turning white.\nAfter a long pause, she finally responded, “Okay, I know. I'll be on time.”\nHanging up, Maya felt a heavy stone settle in her chest, making it hard to breathe.\nTheodore glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You're going on a blind date tomorrow?”\nMaya's face was pale, completely drained of color. She bit her lip. “Yes.”\nA corner of Theodore's mouth twitched, but he said nothing more, though a flicker of contempt seemed to flash in his eyes.\nSoon, the car pulled up to the entrance of the Spring River Gardens Estate.\nOnce the car stopped, Maya unbuckled her seatbelt, got out, and thanked him. “Thanks, Theodore. I'll head in now.”\nTheodore didn't respond. He simply executed a sharp U-turn, and the car quickly vanished from Maya's sight.\nThe night grew deeper.\nA-City was a city that never slept, a glittering spectacle of neon and endless lights, a portrait of prosperity.\nHe stopped at a red light, his hand resting on the open window, his expression cold and indifferent.\nA thought suddenly struck him. He pulled out his phone and made a call to his executive assistant, Eli Carlson.\nWhen the call connected, Theodore instructed coolly, “Book my dinner with Mr. Moore for tomorrow night at Moon Mountain Abode.”\n“Right away, sir. I'll arrange it immediately,” Eli replied.\nTheodore's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his voice low. “Also, have you made any headway on that business with the Nelson family from twenty years ago?”\nHearing this, Eli's tone immediately turned serious. “We've found a lead on that batch of medicine the Nelson family produced twenty years ago. It seems they shipped it overseas. I've already sent people to investigate.”\n“Stay on top of it. I want answers as soon as possible.”\nEli nodded. “Understood.”\n...\nThe apartment Maya rented was a one-bedroom that cost $1,300 a month—not too expensive for a city like A-City, where every square inch was prime real estate.\nThe room was small, but she had decorated it to be warm and cozy. It was spotless, with everything neatly organized and pleasing to the eye.\nEven though it was a rental, this place felt more like home than the Nelson villa ever did.\nMaya rested on the sofa for a bit and was about to make some noodles when a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was from the contact with the black profile picture.\nShe opened it to find a single, short sentence: [10 PM tonight.]\nThose three simple, direct words made Maya freeze.\nDidn't we agree on only three or four times a week? He was just here last night, and he wants me again?\nDoes he think I'm made of steel?\nMy legs are still shaking!\nPicking up her phone, Maya typed out several sentences in the chat box, but after a moment's hesitation, she deleted them all.\nShe couldn't refuse her benefactor's demands.\nBesides, she was worried she wouldn't get paid next month.\nIn the end, she just replied with an “Okay.”\nAfter a quick shower, Maya went to the same hotel as last night. She swiped her keycard and, upon entering the room, sensibly blindfolded herself with a black cloth.\nHer surroundings were plunged into darkness.\nBut she could hear her own heartbeat, loud and clear.\nA signal of her nervousness.\nSoon, the hotel room door opened. The faint scent of mint drew closer, and she knew he was here.\nMaya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped nervously together. She couldn't stop herself from asking, “I was just here last night, why today…”\nBefore she could finish, the man raised a hand and covered her mouth.\nHis palm was cool, carrying that faint scent of mint. The lines on his hand weren't rough; it was a hand that clearly belonged to someone who'd been pampered.\nMaya was wondering what he was about to do when, in the next second, she was shoved onto the bed. Then, as if to punish her, the man bit down hard on her lip, biting and grinding against it relentlessly.\nHis large hand roamed over her body, digging painfully into her waist.\n“Ah—!”\nMaya let out a sharp cry of pain, the taste of blood instantly flooding her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.\nUsually, he was very gentle with her, always considerate of her feelings.\nBut tonight, he was toying with her like a plaything, completely disregarding her.\nIt was as if… he was angry.\nWhen they had first started their arrangement, she didn't understand his temper, so she often displeased him in bed. When he got mad, he would act like this.\nBut that just made Maya more confused. I haven't done anything to provoke him!\nSuddenly, the man's grip tightened, his movements becoming a deliberate torment, as if punishing her for her wandering thoughts.\nMaya couldn't help but beg for mercy. “Please, don't… I really can't take it… If-if I did something wrong, just tell me. I can fix it.”\nBut the man paid no attention to her words, only continuing his methodical torture.\nHis heavy, ragged breaths fell beside her ear as she bit her lip and endured it.\nIt happened more times than she could count. By the end, Maya was practically sobbing, her voice choked as she begged him to let her go.\nWhen it was over, Maya was so exhausted she had already passed out.\nHis desires sated, the man rose and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette.\nSmoke filled the room, obscuring his face in a hazy cloud.\nAfter finishing the cigarette, the man had a tube of ointment sent to the room. He applied it for Maya before finally leaving."},{"chapter_key":"tfZPmQREcf","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/4/en_1b6cb90b-a6a3-49a6-a9dc-2a2c5f2eff85.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next morning.\n\nWhen Maya woke up, her body ached all over, but she was already numb to it.\n\nIn the shower, she saw that the corners of her eyes were red and swollen—evidence she'd been crying.\n\nHer body was covered in a mix of old and new marks.\n\nMaya looked away.\n\nAs she was getting dressed, she noticed a lighter on the nightstand that hadn't been there before. It was a sleek, light blue model from a high-end brand she didn't recognize, with a line of English text on it.\n\nIt must have been left by the man from last night.\n\nShe tucked the lighter away, planning to return it to him the next time they met.\n\nBack home, Maya collapsed into bed and fell asleep instantly.\n\nLast night had been brutal, and all she wanted today was to rest.\n\nShe was deep in a hazy sleep when the sharp ring of her phone jolted her awake.\n\nShe fumbled for the phone beside her and hit accept. Margaret Lane's displeased voice immediately cut through the line. “I've called you a dozen times. Why didn't you answer?”\n\nMaya rubbed her eyes. “I was sleeping.”\n\n“What are you doing sleeping at this hour?” Margaret's voice rose, laced with fury. “I told you we had a meeting at Moon Mountain Abode at six tonight! Do you have any idea what time it is? The guy's been waiting there for you for half an hour!”\n\nMaya sat up, exhausted.\n\nIt was already 6:30. Outside, the city lights were just starting to glitter, casting a bright, tangled web of neon.\n\nHer reflection in the glass was a hazy, distant silhouette.\n\nShe took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation. “I know. I'm leaving now.”\n\n“Hurry up. Don't keep him waiting,” Margaret snapped before hanging up.\n\nMaya dragged herself out of bed and picked a high-necked, long-sleeved spring dress from her closet—something that would cover the dense collection of marks on her skin.\n\nFor the spots she couldn't hide, she layered on concealer until nothing was visible.\n\nShe was just going through the motions today and didn't bother with makeup. Even so, her skin was fair and smooth. Her eyes had a gentle curve, but her expression was distant and cool—an understated elegance, like moonlight.\n\nShe hadn't tried to dress up, but there was no hiding her stunning beauty.\n\nMoon Mountain Abode was an upscale restaurant specializing in modern Asian cuisine.\n\nThe decor was a contemporary take on classic design—antique, serene, and elegant.\n\nMaya crossed a covered walkway over a flowing stream and arrived at private room 506. She knocked before entering, where a man was waiting for her.\n\n“I'm so sorry, I'm late,” Maya apologized with a polite smile.\n\nThe man, who had been drinking impatiently, looked up. The moment he saw Maya, his eyes lit up. All his annoyance vanished, replaced by sheer awe.\n\n“Not at all, Ms. Nelson. I only just arrived myself.” The man rose like a gentleman and pulled out the chair in front of him for Maya.\n\n“Thank you.” Maya gave him a small smile.\n\nAfter she sat, the man naturally took the seat opposite her. “Ms. Nelson, I'm Jackson Pearson. Margaret Lane must have told you about me, right?”\n\nJackson had the kind of face that screamed 'trouble'—a buzz cut, monolids, and a coldness in his eyes that even a smile couldn't hide.\n\nMaya felt a strange sense of unease.\n\nShe nodded, deciding to be direct. “Mr. Pearson, I don't want to mislead you. My family arranged this blind date, but I'm not looking to get married right now. Dinner is on me tonight, as an apology.”\n\nThe smile on Jackson's face slowly faded.\n\nStill, he maintained a gentle facade. “If you weren't interested in a blind date, Ms. Nelson, why did you agree to come?”\n\n“I didn't really have a choice…”\n\nBefore she could finish, Jackson cut her off. “It's fine. Let's just treat this as a chance to get to know each other. We can be friends.”\n\nHis words seemed harmless enough, so Maya could only nod.\n\nThe food had already been served before she arrived, and a bottle of red wine sat on the table.\n\nJackson opened it and poured a glass for Maya.\n\n“How well do you hold your liquor, Ms. Nelson?”\n\nMaya shook her head. “I don't drink.”\n\n“Red wine has a low alcohol content. A little is good for you,” Jackson said, raising his glass. “Come on, Ms. Nelson, humor me.”\n\n“I really can't,” Maya insisted, picking up her teacup. “How about I toast you with tea instead?”\n\nJackson stared at her, then suddenly smiled. “I get it. You must not want to be friends with me, which is why you're making excuses. It's okay. I understand.”\n\n“That's not what I meant…” Seeing him act this way, Maya felt a little guilty and decided to just give in. “Alright, then. I'll have one drink with you.”\n\n“Now that's more like it, Ms. Nelson!”\n\nJackson raised his glass and clinked it against Maya's.\n\nMaya wasn't much of a drinker and never touched alcohol when she was out. After just one glass, she felt a pleasant warmth spread across her face.\n\nJackson set down his glass, his eyes narrowed as he watched her intently. It was as if he were waiting for something.\n\nMaya looked up and met his gaze. Something felt wrong. An alarm went off in her head.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, have something to eat.” Jackson broke eye contact and served her a piece of sweet and sour pork.\n\n“Okay, thank you.”\n\nAs Maya reached for her chopsticks, her head started to spin. A scorching heat spread through her body, and a strange, crawling sensation started deep inside her, like a thousand ants under her skin. She felt an intense craving for… something.\n\nShe rubbed her eyes. Her vision was doubling.\n\nShe saw Jackson walking toward her.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, what's wrong? Did you have too much to drink?” A sleazy grin spread across Jackson's face as he reached for her.\n\nMaya shoved his hand away, trying to keep her distance. “I'm fine.”\n\nShe stumbled to her feet, grabbing the wall behind her for support as waves of dizziness washed over her.\n\nJackson's lips curled. He walked over and grabbed her arm tightly. “Ms. Nelson, you're drunk. Let me help you go rest.”\n\n“No! Let go of me!” Maya struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free.\n\nJackson had already wrapped an arm around her waist, and a fire ignited inside him.\n\nDamn, that felt incredible. So soft and slender, he could almost wrap one hand all the way around.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, I booked a room upstairs. I'll take you there to rest. In your condition, you probably can't go home tonight.”\n\nMaya's body grew hotter and hotter. It finally dawned on her. “What… what did you do to me?”\n\nJackson let out a wicked laugh. “Ms. Nelson, you need to be more careful when you go out with men. How could you just drink something a stranger gives you?”\n\nThat's when she knew. He had drugged the wine.\n\n“You bastard!” She shoved Jackson with all her might and stumbled toward the door.\n\nBut Jackson just grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.\n\n“Where are you running? Even if you get away, you'll probably just end up in some other guy's hands. Better me than some random stranger. At least I'm good at what I do.”\n\nMaya gritted her teeth, trying to raise her hand to slap him, but her arm was limp, completely powerless.\n\nJackson just laughed, his arm locked around her waist as he steered her out of the room.\n\nHe'd booked a room in the hotel upstairs before he even arrived, just waiting to take her up.\n\nMaya's steps were unsteady; he was practically carrying her.\n\nShe wanted to fight, but she had no strength left.\n\nJackson dragged her to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. The doors began to slide shut.\n\nJust as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out and stopped them, forcing them to slide back open.\n\nEli Carlson's face appeared in the doorway. He offered Jackson a polite smile. “Sorry to hold you up. Our president needs this elevator too.”"}]}}]} {"name":"exp1","traffic_interval":100,"landing_page_id":481,"novel":{"novel_id":5355,"novel_key":"wnQ6Scf2aF","title":"Pinned by My CEO","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/5fd9a42bbb021907dc8b87f9d48dfc08.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","intro":"Theodore was cold to Maya by day, passionate by night. His flirtation won her heart, but he cruelly called her a plaything. Later, as she prepared to marry another, he knelt before her with reddened eyes, pleading, \"Maya, don't marry him. I loved you first...\"","use_default_button_text":true,"lang":"en-US","style":200003,"chapter_count":100,"word_count":122314,"use_novel_desc":true,"chapter":{"chapter_key":"JHSccF4Ixl","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","word_count":1229,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false},"recommend_text":"By day, he despised her. By night, he craved her. She fell for his dual personas, only to be called a \"worthless toy.\" Now, as she's about to marry another, the cold CEO is on his knees, begging, \"Don't marry him. Choose me.\"","use_default_bottom_text":true,"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"JHSccF4Ixl","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/1/en_ce69ee40-ffd6-4131-af34-d21caf6db548.txt","word_count":1229,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"This was the 16th time Maya had been with this man. 84 more to go.\nIn the dark, cavernous presidential suite, Maya lay flat on the soft bed, a black cloth tied over her eyes. Her heart pounded like a drum.\nFootsteps drew near.\nAt the same time, Maya caught the crisp, clean scent of mint—a smell that was uniquely his.\nHe was here.\nMaya's hands anxiously gripped the sheets beneath her. Her voice came out soft and shaky. \"Do you… do you want to take a shower first?\"\nThe man didn't answer.\nThen, she heard the sound of clothes being removed. With each piece of fabric that fell, the last shred of Maya's dignity was torn away.\nSuddenly, the soft mattress dipped beside her. The man was on the bed, lying next to her.\nMaya took a deep breath, searched for his thin lips in the darkness, and kissed him.\nHer technique was clumsy and artless, earning a short, derisive laugh from him.\nA chill shot through Maya's heart.\nThe next second, the man seized her chin and kissed her deeply.\nIn the darkness, every sensation was magnified.\nMaya's body couldn't help but tremble.\nHer long, slender fingers clutched the sheets so tightly that her toes curled in helpless tension.\n\"Don't...\"\nThe kitten-like sound only seemed to stoke the fire in him, making his craving more intense.\nHe pinned Maya's wrists above her head, his voice low and raspy. \"Whether you want it or not… I'm the one who decides.\"\n…\nWhen their breathless lovemaking was over, a distinct scent lingered in the air.\nMaya lay sprawled on the bed, exhausted and panting. Blindfolded, she couldn't see the man's face, but she could smell his signature, faint scent of mint.\nIt was always strongest when he was possessing her.\nAfter a brief rest, the man got up and went to the bathroom to shower.\nA little while later, the sound of his heavy footsteps returned. Maya sat up halfway. \"Are you leaving?\"\nThe man stopped.\nMaya bit her lip, her hands twisting the sheets. It took her a long moment to work up the nerve to speak. \"I… I wanted to ask you something. Is there any way you could give me an extra seventy-five hundred this month?\"\nThe doctor called yesterday. Her grandmother had another complication, and she needed a full workup. It was going to be around seventy-five hundred dollars.\nShe had no other choice but to try and ask.\nAfter a moment of silence, the man left without a word, closing the door behind him.\nThe room fell silent. Maya lay on the bed, stunned for a moment, a wave of disappointment washing over her. It looked like she'd have to find another way to get the money for her grandmother.\nShe got up and pulled the black cloth from her eyes. The room's dim, yellow light wasn't too harsh. After letting her eyes adjust, she went to take a shower.\nIn the mirror, her body was a roadmap of faint, dense love bites, a tapestry of purples and blues stretching from her collarbone to her navel. The sight was so intimate, so flagrant, it made her flush with shame.\nLooking at herself like this… so broken, so dirty, so depraved.\nThe corners of Maya's eyes grew red as a pang of sorrow surged from her heart.\nA year ago, her grandmother had suddenly suffered a stroke. The doctors said they needed at least a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for her treatment.\nAfter her mother passed away, her father remarried, and her relationship with her family had grown distant. When she tried to borrow money from her father, he repeatedly brushed her off.\nThe hospital had warned her several times that if she didn't pay, they would have to discharge her grandmother.\nIn a moment of desperation, she had walked into an exclusive private club and put a price on herself.\nThe man from just now was her patron.\nThe contract was spelled out in black and white: one hundred sessions for a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus an extra three thousand a month for living expenses.\nBut there was one very strange clause: they were never to see each other's faces during their encounters.\nSo every time they met, Maya was blindfolded.\nThe man rarely spoke to her. From the very first time until now, she could count the number of times he'd spoken on one hand.\nThey had no connection beyond sex.\nShe didn't know if he was handsome or ugly, nor did she have any idea about his identity or profession.\nSometimes she was curious, but for the money, she had to endure it.\nOnce the contract was finished, she would move to a new city and never marry.\nAfter her shower, Maya got dressed and took a small notebook from her purse. She jotted down a new entry.\n[Night of the 25th, 10 PM, 16th time.]\nAs she finished writing, a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was a transfer notification from him. Seven thousand, five hundred dollars.\nHis profile picture was just a black square, with no username. Most of their chat history consisted of locations he sent and the monthly payment records.\nMaya felt a mix of complicated emotions. In the end, she accepted the money and sent him a \"thank you\" message.\nAs expected, there was no reply.\nShe didn't dwell on it. She immediately transferred the money to her grandmother's hospital account.\nThen, she changed into a long-sleeved shirt to hide the purple and blue marks on her body and headed to the Nelson family home.\nIt was the day of the Nelson family lunch.\nShe'd heard that her stepsister Aria's fiancé was coming for dinner. The Nelsons were making a huge deal of it, which was why they'd specifically summoned her back.\nThe Nelson estate was located in a classic ritzy neighborhood, nestled in the hills overlooking the city's central park.\nThe lavish, European-style decor, designed by a celebrity interior designer flown in from London at Aria's request, reeked of opulence.\nWhen Maya entered, the maids were busy setting the dining room table.\nShe noticed the man at the head of the table. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding. The clean line of his profile was perfect, his chiseled features looking as if they were carved from stone.\nJust his profile was enough to captivate anyone's attention.\nThis must be Aria's fiancé.\n\"Maya, you're here.\" Margaret Lane greeted her with a wide smile, taking her hand. She gestured toward the man. \"This is your brother-in-law, the CEO of Ray Group, Theodore Ray.\"\nHearing \"Ray Group,\" Maya couldn't help but look up at the man.\nShe worked at the Ray Group, but she was just a junior clerk with a nine-to-five schedule. She had never seen Theodore Ray in person.\nBut she often heard his name from her colleagues.\nThe sole heir to the Ray fortune, a titan of industry with untouchable power, a man who held the global economy in his hands and was worth trillions. He was the ultimate prize for countless women.\nShe never imagined Aria's fiancé would be him.\nMaya snapped back to reality and looked at him again.\nTheir eyes met. As she faced his icy gaze, she greeted him, \"Brother-in-law.\""},{"chapter_key":"i0Cfe0L0h8","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/2/en_bff2d4e1-ed62-42e6-9d36-f1355f6c2d0f.txt","word_count":1579,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Theodore Ray gave a slight nod, his expression cold.\nBut his gaze drifted unconsciously to Maya Nelson, a flash of frost in his eyes.\nMaya was the one he was supposed to be engaged to. But then the Nelsons had come to him, saying Maya was dead set on breaking it off. He never liked to force things, so he'd agreed.\nWho knew the Nelsons would then immediately push Aria forward to take her place. As it turned out, that suited him just fine.\nFor him, any daughter from the Nelson family would do.\nOwen Nelson waved a hand. \"Alright, we're all family here. No need to be so formal. Let's eat.\"\nMaya's seat was directly across from Aria and Theodore, and she couldn't avoid seeing them every time she looked up.\nAria doted on Theodore, enthusiastically placing food on his plate.\n\"Theodore, try this. Mom and I made everything ourselves today.\"\n\"Okay.\"\nTheir interactions were intimate, and they looked very much in love.\nTheir engagement had been arranged back when Theodore's grandfather was still alive.\nMaya had heard that his grandfather and her own had been close, so the two families had arranged a childhood engagement.\nBut after Theodore's grandfather fell ill and passed away, the engagement was forgotten for a long time. Just a little while ago, her family had even tried to break it off with Theodore. Maya had no idea why Aria was suddenly engaged to him now...\nShe didn't know the reason, and she didn't dwell on it. She just lowered her head and quietly ate her food.\n\"Aria, pour Theodore some wine. I'd like to have a drink with him,\" Owen said with a smile. It was obvious he was in a great mood today.\nOf course he was. Having landed such a successful and wealthy son-in-law, he was probably pinching himself.\n\"Okay, I'll go get it.\"\nAria went to the liquor cabinet and retrieved a bottle of Owen's prized red wine for Theodore, opening it herself at the table.\nAs she was pouring, she accidentally spilled some. The red wine stained the tablecloth, and a few drops landed on Theodore's sleeve.\n\"Oh, Theodore, did I get any on you?\" Aria apologized nervously, the picture of innocence. \"I'm just so clumsy. I can't do anything right.\"\nAria lowered her head, her expression pitifully endearing.\n\"It's fine. As long as you didn't hurt yourself.\"\nTheodore patted his sleeve, brushing off the wine, then casually pulled out a napkin and wiped Aria's hand.\nHis movements were gentle and meticulous, a complete contrast to his cold exterior.\n\"Our Aria has really found the right one. Look how much Theodore dotes on you,\" Margaret Lane remarked with a smile. \"Seeing you two so happy together really puts my mind at ease.\"\nAt Margaret's teasing, Aria lowered her head shyly.\n\"Mom, what are you saying?\"\nMargaret laughed, covering her mouth. \"Oh my, look at Aria getting all shy. Alright, alright, Mom won't say any more.\"\nThe mother-daughter duo's talent for acting is as strong as ever.\nThat's how they tricked Dad back then, and they're still using the same old tricks.\nThe whole meal was torture for Maya, each bite a struggle to get down.\nAfter forcing down a few more bites, she put down her chopsticks. \"I'm full. You guys take your time.\"\nOwen shot her a cold glance. \"Our guest hasn't even left the table. What's your hurry?\"\nMargaret patted Owen's shoulder and gently chided, \"Owen, don't be so harsh with her. No wonder Maya doesn't like talking to you.\"\nOwen's brow furrowed, his expression sour.\n\"Maybe Maya is feeling a little down seeing how happy Aria and Theodore are,\" Margaret said, as if a thought had just struck her. \"I have a friend whose nephew just got back from abroad. He's brilliant, well-educated... Maya, I'll introduce you two sometime. I'm sure you'll love him!\"\nMargaret's gaze fell on Maya.\n\"I'm not looking to date right now,\" Maya refused flatly.\n\"You're not getting any younger. You'll have to get married eventually, so now is the perfect time to start.\"\n\"Yeah, it's harder for women to get married when they're older. You have to find someone good while you're still young,\" Aria chimed in, looking sweetly at Theodore. \"Isn't that right, Theodore?\"\nAs she spoke, Maya's eyes met Theodore's again. The air grew heavy.\nHis eyes were dark and chillingly indifferent. Every time Maya looked into them, she felt an instinctive urge to look away.\nTheodore's lips curved into a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. \"Of course,\" he said coolly.\n\"See? Even your brother-in-law thinks so, so it must be right!\" Margaret said with a laugh. \"I'll help you schedule a time to meet. It'll be easier to take care of your grandmother once you're married. How will you have time while you're working, right?\"\nMaya bit her lip.\nHer grandmother was her weak spot. What Margaret said wasn't wrong.\nShe lowered her eyes, her voice soft. \"Okay, I'll go.\"\nMargaret smiled, satisfied. \"That's more like it!\"\nMaya felt a tightness in her chest. She looked up and met Theodore's gaze. He was watching her, his dark eyes holding a hint of mockery.\nHe's probably laughing at me, too.\nThe rest of the meal was tasteless. Maya left the table as soon as she could.\nThe dining room felt suffocating, so she walked out to the garden for some fresh air.\nThe garden had once been full of roses planted by her mother. When Margaret moved in, she'd had them all ripped out, leaving only her own favorite peonies.\nSeeing them made Maya's heart ache even more.\nShe turned to leave but walked right into a solid chest. A faint scent of mint filled the air—the same scent that clung to the man who held her every night in the darkness.\nSo familiar!\nMaya looked up in shock and saw a stunningly handsome face.\nTheodore was looking down at her, his jawline taut and perfectly defined. From any angle, he was as dazzling as a god.\n\"S-sorry!\" Maya snapped back to reality, quickly taking a step back to put some distance between them.\nTheodore's eyes narrowed. \"That scared of me?\"\n\"Of course not,\" Maya said with an awkward laugh. \"You're my brother-in-law. We're family now.\"\nBut they were alone in the garden. If anyone saw them and word got back to Aria, there would be drama.\nBesides, with a man of Theodore's status, saying the wrong thing could have dire consequences.\nShe didn't want to spend any more time with him.\n\"Well, I'll let you enjoy the garden. I'm gonna head back inside.\"\nMaya gave him a nod, kept her head down, and turned to leave.\nThe staff had just watered the peonies, and the tiled path was wet. After two steps, Maya's foot slipped. She let out a small cry, and just as she was about to fall, a strong pair of hands grabbed her firmly by the waist.\nA jolt, like an electric shock, shot through her.\nThe man's hands were warm, searing her through the fabric of her dress.\nMaya's heart pounded, her chest rising and falling rapidly.\n\"Watch where you're going,\" Theodore's cold voice came from above her.\nMaya scrambled to her senses and pushed herself out of his arms. \"Thanks. This floor is a little slippery. Sorry about that.\"\nThe scent of mint from his clothes was stronger now, enveloping her.\nShe couldn't help but think of the endless, tangled nights with that other man. A blush crept up her face, and her heart began to race.\nUp on the second-floor balcony.\nMargaret and Aria had a perfect view of the scene in the garden.\nAfter dinner, Theodore had taken a call and gone outside. They couldn't believe Maya had been so desperate, running to the garden to \"accidentally\" run into him.\nAnd then pretending to fall? What a bitch!\n\"Mom, look at that bitch Maya, plastered all over Theodore and refusing to let go! I can't believe it. She acts so innocent, but she's so ambitious she'd even seduce her own brother-in-law!\"\nAria gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white, her eyes practically dripping venom.\nThe engagement to Theodore was originally meant for Maya; Aria had just snatched it from her. She was terrified that if Maya ever found out the truth, she would scheme behind her back to lure Theodore away.\nMargaret snorted. \"I didn't realize she was so calculating, either. Don't worry, Aria. Mom won't let her ruin this for you.\"\nA vicious look crossed Margaret's face.\nThis was how she'd gotten rid of Nora Morris back then to marry Owen, and she could use the same methods to get rid of Nora's daughter now.\nShe would eliminate anyone who dared to stand in her way.\nNo one was going to stop her climb to the top.\nMargaret pulled out her phone and dialed a number.\n\"Mrs. Brooks? How have you been? Are you feeling well?\"\n\"Listen, you mentioned the other day that you have a nephew who was just released from prison, and you were looking to arrange a marriage for him?\"\n\"It's for my younger daughter, Maya. She's in a hurry to get married... Who knows why... maybe she feels like I'm not a good stepmother to her, so she's eager to cut ties with us...\"\n\"Great. Just confirm with me when you know. Thanks so much for your trouble, Mrs. Brooks.\""},{"chapter_key":"5M5mhw9h2R","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/3/en_e40f3c70-7520-497c-a69a-726505f4d1a7.txt","word_count":1495,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"As evening fell, the Nelsons tried to persuade Theodore Ray to stay for dinner, but Maya Nelson was getting antsy and made her excuses to leave.\nEver since her father, Owen Nelson, had married Margaret Lane, she'd felt like an outsider in her own home, so she had moved out as soon as she found a job.\nThe Nelson family villa was up on a mountain, and though she had tried to call an Uber in advance, no one accepted the ride.\nAfter waiting a little longer, she decided to just walk down.\nThe night air was cool and quiet. The mountain road was dimly lit by sparse streetlights, and the stretch was deserted. A shiver of fear crept up Maya's spine as she walked.\n“Honk—”\nSuddenly, a car horn blared from behind her.\nMaya instinctively moved to the side of the road as a black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up beside her.\nThe window rolled down, revealing a sharp, chiseled profile. His features were exquisite and defined, with one side of his face cast in light and the other lost to the shadows, making his expression unreadable.\n“Theodore? What are you doing here?”\nMaya was a little stunned. Wasn't he staying for dinner?\n“Get in,” Theodore commanded.\nMaya instinctively refused. “It's okay, I'm just a little ways from the bus stop.”\n“The bus stop is over a mile from here. That's a thirty-minute walk. Are you trying to wear your legs out?”\nMaya bit her lip.\nAfter a moment's hesitation, she got in the car.\nThe air inside was filled with the fresh scent of mint, which always made Maya think of those wild, unrestrained nights.\nMaya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to banish the inappropriate thoughts from her mind.\nTheodore glanced at her. “Seatbelt.”\n“Right.”\nAs soon as Maya buckled her seatbelt, the car shot forward like an arrow.\nTheodore drove one-handed, his other arm resting on the open window, exuding a mix of mature composure and casual recklessness.\nThe car was silent.\nMaya sat rigidly, not daring to move an inch.\nFor some reason, being alone with Theodore always made her feel inexplicably on edge.\n“Where to?” Theodore suddenly asked.\n“Spring River Gardens Estate.”\nThe place she lived was practically in the suburbs, pretty far from her job, but the rent was cheap and it was close to her grandmother's hospital.\nAfter she spoke, silence fell again.\nMaya nervously clasped her hands together, her mind racing for a topic of conversation to break the awkwardness with Theodore.\nSuddenly, a ringing phone shattered the quiet in the car.\nMaya glanced at the screen. It was Margaret.\nShe answered, and Margaret's voice came through the speaker. “Maya, I've already set it up for you. Tomorrow night at six, you're having dinner at Moon Mountain Abode. Remember to dress up nicely, you hear?”\nIt took Maya a second to process. “What dinner?”\n“Your blind date!” Margaret repeated. “Mrs. Brooks's nephew, his name is Jackson Pearson. Be sure to have a nice chat with him. If he takes a liking to you, you should count yourself lucky!”\nThe car was so quiet that every one of Margaret's words reached Theodore's ears with perfect clarity.\nMaya clutched her phone, her knuckles turning white.\nAfter a long pause, she finally responded, “Okay, I know. I'll be on time.”\nHanging up, Maya felt a heavy stone settle in her chest, making it hard to breathe.\nTheodore glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You're going on a blind date tomorrow?”\nMaya's face was pale, completely drained of color. She bit her lip. “Yes.”\nA corner of Theodore's mouth twitched, but he said nothing more, though a flicker of contempt seemed to flash in his eyes.\nSoon, the car pulled up to the entrance of the Spring River Gardens Estate.\nOnce the car stopped, Maya unbuckled her seatbelt, got out, and thanked him. “Thanks, Theodore. I'll head in now.”\nTheodore didn't respond. He simply executed a sharp U-turn, and the car quickly vanished from Maya's sight.\nThe night grew deeper.\nA-City was a city that never slept, a glittering spectacle of neon and endless lights, a portrait of prosperity.\nHe stopped at a red light, his hand resting on the open window, his expression cold and indifferent.\nA thought suddenly struck him. He pulled out his phone and made a call to his executive assistant, Eli Carlson.\nWhen the call connected, Theodore instructed coolly, “Book my dinner with Mr. Moore for tomorrow night at Moon Mountain Abode.”\n“Right away, sir. I'll arrange it immediately,” Eli replied.\nTheodore's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, his voice low. “Also, have you made any headway on that business with the Nelson family from twenty years ago?”\nHearing this, Eli's tone immediately turned serious. “We've found a lead on that batch of medicine the Nelson family produced twenty years ago. It seems they shipped it overseas. I've already sent people to investigate.”\n“Stay on top of it. I want answers as soon as possible.”\nEli nodded. “Understood.”\n...\nThe apartment Maya rented was a one-bedroom that cost $1,300 a month—not too expensive for a city like A-City, where every square inch was prime real estate.\nThe room was small, but she had decorated it to be warm and cozy. It was spotless, with everything neatly organized and pleasing to the eye.\nEven though it was a rental, this place felt more like home than the Nelson villa ever did.\nMaya rested on the sofa for a bit and was about to make some noodles when a notification popped up on her phone.\nIt was from the contact with the black profile picture.\nShe opened it to find a single, short sentence: [10 PM tonight.]\nThose three simple, direct words made Maya freeze.\nDidn't we agree on only three or four times a week? He was just here last night, and he wants me again?\nDoes he think I'm made of steel?\nMy legs are still shaking!\nPicking up her phone, Maya typed out several sentences in the chat box, but after a moment's hesitation, she deleted them all.\nShe couldn't refuse her benefactor's demands.\nBesides, she was worried she wouldn't get paid next month.\nIn the end, she just replied with an “Okay.”\nAfter a quick shower, Maya went to the same hotel as last night. She swiped her keycard and, upon entering the room, sensibly blindfolded herself with a black cloth.\nHer surroundings were plunged into darkness.\nBut she could hear her own heartbeat, loud and clear.\nA signal of her nervousness.\nSoon, the hotel room door opened. The faint scent of mint drew closer, and she knew he was here.\nMaya sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped nervously together. She couldn't stop herself from asking, “I was just here last night, why today…”\nBefore she could finish, the man raised a hand and covered her mouth.\nHis palm was cool, carrying that faint scent of mint. The lines on his hand weren't rough; it was a hand that clearly belonged to someone who'd been pampered.\nMaya was wondering what he was about to do when, in the next second, she was shoved onto the bed. Then, as if to punish her, the man bit down hard on her lip, biting and grinding against it relentlessly.\nHis large hand roamed over her body, digging painfully into her waist.\n“Ah—!”\nMaya let out a sharp cry of pain, the taste of blood instantly flooding her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes.\nUsually, he was very gentle with her, always considerate of her feelings.\nBut tonight, he was toying with her like a plaything, completely disregarding her.\nIt was as if… he was angry.\nWhen they had first started their arrangement, she didn't understand his temper, so she often displeased him in bed. When he got mad, he would act like this.\nBut that just made Maya more confused. I haven't done anything to provoke him!\nSuddenly, the man's grip tightened, his movements becoming a deliberate torment, as if punishing her for her wandering thoughts.\nMaya couldn't help but beg for mercy. “Please, don't… I really can't take it… If-if I did something wrong, just tell me. I can fix it.”\nBut the man paid no attention to her words, only continuing his methodical torture.\nHis heavy, ragged breaths fell beside her ear as she bit her lip and endured it.\nIt happened more times than she could count. By the end, Maya was practically sobbing, her voice choked as she begged him to let her go.\nWhen it was over, Maya was so exhausted she had already passed out.\nHis desires sated, the man rose and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, lighting a cigarette.\nSmoke filled the room, obscuring his face in a hazy cloud.\nAfter finishing the cigarette, the man had a tube of ointment sent to the room. He applied it for Maya before finally leaving."},{"chapter_key":"tfZPmQREcf","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25906/4/en_1b6cb90b-a6a3-49a6-a9dc-2a2c5f2eff85.txt","word_count":1385,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"The next morning.\n\nWhen Maya woke up, her body ached all over, but she was already numb to it.\n\nIn the shower, she saw that the corners of her eyes were red and swollen—evidence she'd been crying.\n\nHer body was covered in a mix of old and new marks.\n\nMaya looked away.\n\nAs she was getting dressed, she noticed a lighter on the nightstand that hadn't been there before. It was a sleek, light blue model from a high-end brand she didn't recognize, with a line of English text on it.\n\nIt must have been left by the man from last night.\n\nShe tucked the lighter away, planning to return it to him the next time they met.\n\nBack home, Maya collapsed into bed and fell asleep instantly.\n\nLast night had been brutal, and all she wanted today was to rest.\n\nShe was deep in a hazy sleep when the sharp ring of her phone jolted her awake.\n\nShe fumbled for the phone beside her and hit accept. Margaret Lane's displeased voice immediately cut through the line. “I've called you a dozen times. Why didn't you answer?”\n\nMaya rubbed her eyes. “I was sleeping.”\n\n“What are you doing sleeping at this hour?” Margaret's voice rose, laced with fury. “I told you we had a meeting at Moon Mountain Abode at six tonight! Do you have any idea what time it is? The guy's been waiting there for you for half an hour!”\n\nMaya sat up, exhausted.\n\nIt was already 6:30. Outside, the city lights were just starting to glitter, casting a bright, tangled web of neon.\n\nHer reflection in the glass was a hazy, distant silhouette.\n\nShe took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation. “I know. I'm leaving now.”\n\n“Hurry up. Don't keep him waiting,” Margaret snapped before hanging up.\n\nMaya dragged herself out of bed and picked a high-necked, long-sleeved spring dress from her closet—something that would cover the dense collection of marks on her skin.\n\nFor the spots she couldn't hide, she layered on concealer until nothing was visible.\n\nShe was just going through the motions today and didn't bother with makeup. Even so, her skin was fair and smooth. Her eyes had a gentle curve, but her expression was distant and cool—an understated elegance, like moonlight.\n\nShe hadn't tried to dress up, but there was no hiding her stunning beauty.\n\nMoon Mountain Abode was an upscale restaurant specializing in modern Asian cuisine.\n\nThe decor was a contemporary take on classic design—antique, serene, and elegant.\n\nMaya crossed a covered walkway over a flowing stream and arrived at private room 506. She knocked before entering, where a man was waiting for her.\n\n“I'm so sorry, I'm late,” Maya apologized with a polite smile.\n\nThe man, who had been drinking impatiently, looked up. The moment he saw Maya, his eyes lit up. All his annoyance vanished, replaced by sheer awe.\n\n“Not at all, Ms. Nelson. I only just arrived myself.” The man rose like a gentleman and pulled out the chair in front of him for Maya.\n\n“Thank you.” Maya gave him a small smile.\n\nAfter she sat, the man naturally took the seat opposite her. “Ms. Nelson, I'm Jackson Pearson. Margaret Lane must have told you about me, right?”\n\nJackson had the kind of face that screamed 'trouble'—a buzz cut, monolids, and a coldness in his eyes that even a smile couldn't hide.\n\nMaya felt a strange sense of unease.\n\nShe nodded, deciding to be direct. “Mr. Pearson, I don't want to mislead you. My family arranged this blind date, but I'm not looking to get married right now. Dinner is on me tonight, as an apology.”\n\nThe smile on Jackson's face slowly faded.\n\nStill, he maintained a gentle facade. “If you weren't interested in a blind date, Ms. Nelson, why did you agree to come?”\n\n“I didn't really have a choice…”\n\nBefore she could finish, Jackson cut her off. “It's fine. Let's just treat this as a chance to get to know each other. We can be friends.”\n\nHis words seemed harmless enough, so Maya could only nod.\n\nThe food had already been served before she arrived, and a bottle of red wine sat on the table.\n\nJackson opened it and poured a glass for Maya.\n\n“How well do you hold your liquor, Ms. Nelson?”\n\nMaya shook her head. “I don't drink.”\n\n“Red wine has a low alcohol content. A little is good for you,” Jackson said, raising his glass. “Come on, Ms. Nelson, humor me.”\n\n“I really can't,” Maya insisted, picking up her teacup. “How about I toast you with tea instead?”\n\nJackson stared at her, then suddenly smiled. “I get it. You must not want to be friends with me, which is why you're making excuses. It's okay. I understand.”\n\n“That's not what I meant…” Seeing him act this way, Maya felt a little guilty and decided to just give in. “Alright, then. I'll have one drink with you.”\n\n“Now that's more like it, Ms. Nelson!”\n\nJackson raised his glass and clinked it against Maya's.\n\nMaya wasn't much of a drinker and never touched alcohol when she was out. After just one glass, she felt a pleasant warmth spread across her face.\n\nJackson set down his glass, his eyes narrowed as he watched her intently. It was as if he were waiting for something.\n\nMaya looked up and met his gaze. Something felt wrong. An alarm went off in her head.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, have something to eat.” Jackson broke eye contact and served her a piece of sweet and sour pork.\n\n“Okay, thank you.”\n\nAs Maya reached for her chopsticks, her head started to spin. A scorching heat spread through her body, and a strange, crawling sensation started deep inside her, like a thousand ants under her skin. She felt an intense craving for… something.\n\nShe rubbed her eyes. Her vision was doubling.\n\nShe saw Jackson walking toward her.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, what's wrong? Did you have too much to drink?” A sleazy grin spread across Jackson's face as he reached for her.\n\nMaya shoved his hand away, trying to keep her distance. “I'm fine.”\n\nShe stumbled to her feet, grabbing the wall behind her for support as waves of dizziness washed over her.\n\nJackson's lips curled. He walked over and grabbed her arm tightly. “Ms. Nelson, you're drunk. Let me help you go rest.”\n\n“No! Let go of me!” Maya struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free.\n\nJackson had already wrapped an arm around her waist, and a fire ignited inside him.\n\nDamn, that felt incredible. So soft and slender, he could almost wrap one hand all the way around.\n\n“Ms. Nelson, I booked a room upstairs. I'll take you there to rest. In your condition, you probably can't go home tonight.”\n\nMaya's body grew hotter and hotter. It finally dawned on her. “What… what did you do to me?”\n\nJackson let out a wicked laugh. “Ms. Nelson, you need to be more careful when you go out with men. How could you just drink something a stranger gives you?”\n\nThat's when she knew. He had drugged the wine.\n\n“You bastard!” She shoved Jackson with all her might and stumbled toward the door.\n\nBut Jackson just grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.\n\n“Where are you running? Even if you get away, you'll probably just end up in some other guy's hands. Better me than some random stranger. At least I'm good at what I do.”\n\nMaya gritted her teeth, trying to raise her hand to slap him, but her arm was limp, completely powerless.\n\nJackson just laughed, his arm locked around her waist as he steered her out of the room.\n\nHe'd booked a room in the hotel upstairs before he even arrived, just waiting to take her up.\n\nMaya's steps were unsteady; he was practically carrying her.\n\nShe wanted to fight, but she had no strength left.\n\nJackson dragged her to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. The doors began to slide shut.\n\nJust as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out and stopped them, forcing them to slide back open.\n\nEli Carlson's face appeared in the doorway. He offered Jackson a polite smile. “Sorry to hold you up. Our president needs this elevator too.”"}]}} 200003
By day, he despised her. By night, he craved her. She fell for his dual personas, only to be called a "worthless toy." Now, as she's about to marry another, the cold CEO is on his knees, begging, "Don't marry him. Choose me."