Chapter 8

Belinda wrapped her arms around Tom's neck, her face flushed, her breaths uneven.

“Tom, no, I can’t... not anymore.”

Tom buried his head in her chest, his voice hoarse.

“What was that bastard thinking, touching you today? I’m going to mark every inch of you with my scent. Don’t even think about resting until I say we’re done tonight.”

Belinda tilted her head back, gasping for air as she replied, “What if Miss Watson sees...”

Before she could finish, Tom stopped, his expression cold as he interrupted her.

“She’s deaf. She won’t find out. Don’t you dare bring this up in front of her.”

Belinda sulked, tracing small circles on his chest with her finger.

“I know. It’s just... thinking about her becoming your wife soon while everything between us stays hidden... it makes me sad.”

Hearing her soft complaint, Tom’s heart softened. He pinched her cheek lightly.

“Why are you acting like this? I brought you here, didn’t I?”

“Don’t worry. Even after I get married, I won’t leave you. Whatever Simone has, I’ll make sure you have it too.”

Belinda’s face lit up with a smile.

“Then I want you to stay with me until the wedding.”

Tom hesitated for a moment but, seeing the pleading look in her eyes, eventually agreed.

“Fine.”

Belinda’s eyes sparkled, and she leaned in close to whisper in his ear.

“And right now, I want you.”

Tom’s gaze darkened instantly. Grabbing her waist, he pulled her closer, and the two became entwined once more.

Outside the window, a flash of lightning illuminated the pale face of Simone, standing at the door.

She clutched her mouth tightly, trying not to make a sound, but her tears blurred her vision.

Even though she had already seen the provocative video Belinda had sent, the pain from witnessing it firsthand was far greater.

Each breathless moan and intimate word was like a dagger, stabbing her heart over and over until it bled.

The noises from inside grew louder, and Simone couldn’t bear it any longer. She turned and fled, stumbling down the hallway.

Back in her bedroom, she curled up on the bed, hugging herself tightly, but no warmth came.

The harsh sounds and whispers lingered in her ears, no matter how hard she covered them.

Barefoot, she stumbled downstairs and ran out into the pouring rain without looking back.

The rain fell in torrents, soaking her completely, but she felt nothing. All she could think about was escaping that villa, which seemed to loom behind her like a gaping mouth ready to swallow her whole.

She wandered aimlessly through the empty streets, the rain blinding her eyes.

In her daze, it felt as though the rain had stopped.

Looking up, she thought she saw a younger version of Tom holding an umbrella, his eyes filled with an unshakable tenderness.

“Simone, leave him. Leave the version of me that no longer loves you. Don’t forgive him.”

Her red-rimmed eyes stared at the man she had once loved so deeply.

“Alright, I’ll leave him. I’ll never forgive him.”

It wasn’t until dawn broke that Simone made her way back home, her steps heavy and unsteady.

As soon as she removed her wet clothes and lay down on the bed, Tom quietly opened the bedroom door.

Like always, he gently tucked the blanket around her and held her softly in his arms before pressing a kiss on her forehead.

“Simone, I love you so much. Just three more days, and you’ll be my wife. We’ll grow old together.”

He spoke as though nothing had happened, oblivious to the single tear that slid down Simone’s face.

She had come across a saying once: “A man’s sudden display of affection is often just guilt after cheating.”

She hadn’t understood it then, but now it made perfect sense.

All she wanted now was for time to pass faster—so the day she could leave would come sooner.