"We're a married couple; it's not unusual to share a room. Haven't you always insisted on sharing a room with me, and—" Samuel hadn't finished his sentence when Maya cut him off.
"No need to continue. Besides, apart from that one night, you've always refused to share a room. Our relationship is still—""You go back to your place!" Samuel warned the servant. As the servant left, Samuel opened the bedroom door."If you want to discuss this, come inside!" Samuel ordered."No. If I come in, what's the point of this discussion?""Maya Lin, didn't you read our agreement properly? Do you want to expose it to everyone? Do you have the money to compensate for breaching the contract clause?""Now you mention it. You've already exposed it." A smirk appeared on the woman's lips."You're unbelievable!" Samuel immediately lifted the woman. His hands held her legs and shoulders. This sudden action surprised Maya."Hey, put me down! Do you think I'm something you can touch as you please?"Samuel threw Maya onto the bed. "Now, change your clothes!" He spoke loudly without any shame.Reflexively, Maya covered her body with her hands. "We're not officially married yet, are you so desperate that you're already lusting after me?""Maya Lin, you're the one with the dirty mind. I want you to change into pajamas." Samuel walked to the wardrobe and tossed a pair of pajamas to Maya."Is this Mathilda's? I don't want things from someone who's dead," Maya immediately threw the pajamas aside."That's yours. I took it from your old room's closet. Don't you recognize it?" Samuel retrieved the pajamas. "Should I lend you some of my clothes?"Maya got up from the bed and snatched the pajamas from Samuel's hand. "No need. I don't want to wear your clothes either."Maya headed to the bathroom, and Samuel couldn't help but smirk as Maya left. Suddenly, he thought of something. "I need to discuss this with her."***When Maya Lin opened the door, Samuel had already changed into pajamas of a matching color, as if they were wearing a couple's outfit."Do you really need to wear matching pajamas? This room is just for the two of us, who are you trying to show this to?" Maya looked at him in surprise."Stelio might come into the room. We should present ourselves as a harmonious couple wherever we are. Come back and sleep next to me!" Samuel patted the bed beside him."I'll sleep on the sofa," Maya refused."Is the sofa more comfortable than the bed?""Yes, at least I don't have to be close to you.""Come here! There's something I want to discuss with you."Maya walked over, but instead of approaching the bed, she went to the sofa. "Talk about it another time. I haven't slept properly yet." Maya settled herself, using only a small cushion."Hey, can you really sleep there?"No answer. Samuel got up and observed Maya Lin's face. He gently moved her to the bed and covered her with a blanket. His gaze was deep as he looked at her.***"Samuel Ren, what are you doing? Why are you hugging me?" Maya panicked."You're acting like a virgin girl. In the past, you always sought opportunities to hug me. Aren't you supposed to be grateful?""I actually feel unlucky. Remember, we're only married because of an agreement. Hey, don't forget to resolve the issue about that scandal in the morning.""I'll do it, but you need to start showing attention to Stelio.""Stelio? Oh, Your son? What can I do? He's already rejected me, right? The best approach seems to be to avoid him.""Maya Lin, I brought you here to act as a proper wife and mother. What kind of mother avoids her own child just because she doesn't want to see you?""Mr. Samuel Ren, listen to me! First and foremost, he's not my son, so it's not my obligation. Why don't you resurrect Matilda's ashes instead?""Fine, if you don't want to. I won't clear up that scandal, and you won't get any job. There's no gain or loss for me either."Maya Lin clenched her fists. "I've signed it, and you're still willing to lie to me? It's your obligation.""Treating Stelio well is also your obligation. Remember the contract clause." Maya sighed."What should I do for that child? Should I kneel in front of the door and persuade him to come out? Then, should I restrain his anger if he wants to hit me because he doesn't want to see me? Is that what I should do?""Just do as you said!" Samuel said casually."Samuel, you're unbelievable! Did you bring me here just to be a scapegoat for your son? Forget it; there's no point arguing with you." Maya immediately got up, grabbing clothes from the wardrobe. "If it were Mathilda, would you let the child do as he pleases?""Why do you keep mentioning Mathilda? Are you trying to remind me of my deceased ex-wife?" Samuel spoke with a cold tone."I just want to know. Will your treatment of Mathilda be the same as what you're doing to me?""Maya Lin, why do you have to ask something that's already obvious? You're not—""I already guessed it. Anyway, nothing will change; you'll continue to treat me, whom you hate, worse than the woman you loved." Maya hurriedly entered the bathroom without hearing what Samuel was trying to say.***"Little Master, please, wake up quickly. You need to get ready for breakfast with Young Master and Young Madam," the nanny said, shaking the slightly chubby little boy."Nanny, Mama doesn't want to see me. If I eat together, Mama probably won't like it.""How can the Little Master think like that? Are you having nightmares again about your mom hurting you? Don't worry; your father and nanny will protect you.""No, I'm not having nightmares, but if I show up, Mama will look at me coldly. I don't want that. Don't force me; I'll eat in my room," the young master said, his face showing sadness."But are you sure you want to avoid Young Madam? Should I ask the young master to kick her out of this house? After all, evil people shouldn't be here," the nanny said hesitantly."Mama is not evil! I just don't want to see her. Nanny, don't force me." The Little Master had tears in his eyes now. His screams became louder, and he started throwing pillows and blankets at his nanny."Alright, I'll bring the food to the Little Master.""I don't want to eat now; you can leave and not say anything bad about Mama again."The nanny then left the room. As she walked out, a colleague approached her. "Is the Little Master having a tantrum again? You spoil that naughty and childish Little Master too much; you should be firm with him sometimes.""It's okay, the Little Master is within reasonable limits.""You're always like this," the servant said, feeling sorry for her friend. Not many wanted to take care of that naughty and childish Little Master."I need to go to the kitchen to bring breakfast to the Little Master.""Hey, don't you need to report this to Young Master?""I'll tell him." The nanny quickly left her colleague. She collected the food from the kitchen. Suddenly, a woman approached her. "What are you doing?"The nanny turned around and looked at a beautiful woman. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw a face so similar to the young master she served."Young Madam, I want to bring food to Little Master Stelio.""Why are you bringing food? Isn't there food on the table? Is the child refusing to eat in the dining room just because he's sulking and doesn't want to see me?" Maya said with a cold tone."Madam, why don't you try getting closer to him? What if you start by delivering the food?" The nanny suggested hesitantly. She closed her eyes, preparing for a scolding."The nanny's words are not wrong." Samuel suddenly arrived and took the tray from the nanny. "Coincidentally, the chef has prepared Stelio's favorite menu. You just need to deliver it and try to talk to him.""Samuel, it seems like you really want me to become your son's punching bag.""You can leave, and all of you, too. I want to talk to my wife alone."The workers quickly vacated the room, leaving only Maya and Samuel. "Maya, have you agreed to behave kindly? You're an actress; can't you act the role of a good mother?""I can do it in front of the camera, but what's the point of being kind right now? Samuel, I don't even get decent compensation for having to face your status-seeking son.""So, you really don't want to? Did you forget the punishment I mentioned in the room earlier?"Maya clenched her fists and then reached for the tray. "Fine, I'll do it. If your son still rejects my presence, then you can't force me anymore."Maya was about to open the door, but Samuel called her. "What else do you want?" Maya asked irritably."Do you know Stelio's room?""I saw you go up to the second floor yesterday; I can still guess where his room is."***Maya knocked on the door gently. Loud screams made her stop knocking. "Didn't I tell you not to force me out? Go away and leave me.""Son, do you really not want to see me?" Maya replied to the screams.Inside the room, young Master Stelio recognized a voice that didn't belong to his nanny."Even though you hate my presence now, you still have to eat. I'll put the food in front of the door."The woman's voice was so gentle. Stelio quickly realized something. "Mama? Mama, You hate me, don't you? Why are you here?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion and longing."It turns out this little boy is quite sensitive," Maya remarked. She was somewhat surprised that the young boy named Stelio would ask her this.Maya opened her mouth, but unfortunately, her lips seemed locked in expressing something she had buried deep inside. "Why can't I say that I hate him so much?" she whispered to herself.There was something weighing on her heart. She didn't know why she didn't want this child to be sad just because of harsh words that might hurt him."Didn't you hate me so much that you didn't want to see me at all? You didn't even open the door and let me stand there for so long."The door suddenly opened, and a young boy immediately hugged Maya Lin's legs. "Mom, I don't hate you. In fact, I really love you. Please don't hate me!"Stelio looked at Maya with teary eyes. "I miss you so much, and I always want to be with you. Usually, I can only see your picture that Dad keeps, and now I can finally find you.""Son, don't you think it's possible that you might h
"This is just a photo, and you look this broken. The little boy in the picture won't care about you either, whereas Stelio cares so much about him. But you choose to break his heart by being cold and yelling at him," Samuel sneered."Is this a form of revenge? Samuel, the kid in this picture is also your son, why do you only care about one son? Furthermore, you promised me to accept my son and embrace him, but what are you doing now? You're breaking all your commitments because of that.""In that case, I'll do the same. I'll be kind to your son only for formality's sake, so we're even."Samuel sighed. "Is it so hard for you to accept Stelio? He's so cute, isn't he, and so much like you."""He has a face more reminiscent of Mathilda, and you both share the same blood with that boy, not me.No matter how sweet he is, he's still the son of the person who ruined my life. If your partner cheated on you and had a child with their affair, would you accept them?"Samuel clenched his fists, his
Maya utilized an opportunity to break free from Samuel's grasp and embraced the man who had just called her. "I'm delighted to see you again. You look even more handsome." Samuel and Stelio glared sharply at the unfamiliar man. Samuel couldn't contain himself and forcibly separated the two. "Wife, there are plenty of people here. Why would you hug a stranger? Do you dare to cheat in front of me?" "Brother-in-law, don't misunderstand. Maya and I are like siblings." "Siblings? Many affairs happen in relationships that claim to be like siblings," Samuel retorted sarcastically. "Samuel, do you think all men are like you, with impure thoughts?" Maya countered with a sly tone. "Uncle, are you Mama's brother?" Stelio approached. The man looked at the young child who was staring at him. "Maya, is this little boy who tops the search results? He really does resemble you. I didn't know you had a son." "No, he's not—" "Now you know that Maya has a husband and child. Even though you pursued
"Samuel, please don't cause trouble. Can't I even have some privacy? Allen just wanted to tell me, why are you embarrassing him?" Maya commented on Samuel's actions. "Allen, come and tell me what you want to say." "It's okay, Maya, this isn't really a secret. I want to help you get into the drama team I'll be starring in. I know it's not an S or S+ drama, but it's decent enough for—" "Maya doesn't need your help," Samuel cut off Allen. "I can get Maya projects in dramas and even films with renowned directors. My connections are far superior to yours." "Mr. Samuel Ren, you haven't changed at all," Maya stared at Samuel. "Is it because you're wealthy that you can be arrogant and look down on others?" "I'm just stating that I can do more to help you get good drama roles than he can." "Maya, what your brother-in-law said has some truth to it. I know your brother-in-law is more reliable," Allen said wearily. "Allen, don't feel down. I appreciate your offer. I know the dramas you can o
"You've already gotten what you wanted to tie me down. Now, I demand justice. If you don't do it, I will keep pushing until you get tired," Maya pressed the man's promise.Samuel displayed a bored expression. "I already said I would announce it at the company party, but I want one promise from you," Samuel said, staring directly at Maya."Are you asking me to do something else again? Samuel Ren, how many demands do you want me to fulfill, even beyond our contract?""Maya Lin, this is the most important thing, and if you don't agree, I'll never be able to fulfill your wishes."Maya felt annoyed. She had encountered annoying directors and arrogant co-stars before, but facing a self-centered boss like this man was even more troublesome. She wondered if she had been blind in the past to be infatuated with him, sacrificing so much."If only I hadn't been trapped in the past with this man, scandals and all these misfortunes wouldn't have happened. This man has only brought me bad luck," May
"Maya Lin, whether you believe it or not, I didn't do it," Samuel stated firmly. They were both in the master bedroom to discuss their personal issues. "If it wasn't you, then who would spread this from a few years ago? I remember, in the past, you were the one accusing me of cheating," Maya insisted with her accusation. Samuel read the posts on his phone and saw the photos taken a few years ago. Then he looked back at Maya. "Did you really cheat on me back then?" Maya, who was already angry, became even more furious, the sparks fueling the fire. "Samuel, would I have struggled and started my career from scratch if I were like that? You wouldn't believe my reasons either, would you?" "You didn't even want to acknowledge our child back then, thinking like that, right? You accused me of cheating and looked disgusted at our child who passed away then." Samuel didn't say a word. Maya couldn't take it anymore. "So, was it really you who spread it?" Maya's suspicions grew more asserti
"Maya Lin! You!" Samuel groaned softly at Maya Lin's rough actions. She had kicked his precious belongings. "Feel it. It's a fitting punishment for you so you don't degrade someone just to satisfy your material desires," Maya quickly fled the room. Samuel had no strength to chase after her. He just sat there, recovering himself. "Beware, I'll make you addicted and unable to walk for a week," Samuel vowed to retaliate. *** "I'm not a teenager anymore, but why is my heart pounding like this just because he wants to kiss and touch me?" Maya sighed, trying to control her racing heartbeat. As an actress in romantic dramas, she was used to kissing scenes and hugs, but why did it feel different now? "There's no way I still like him? I've long discarded those feelings." This life wasn't a drama she starred in; there was no guarantee she'd have a happy ending like the main character returning to her husband. "I'm sure our relationship will only hurt me. He just treats me as a substitute
Samuel locked his gaze on Maya, his eyes sharp as he spoke, "I intended to entrust you with the responsibilities of this house, including the servants, but..." He paused, closely observing every move Maya made, "It seems you have sinister plans for me. I think it's best if you don't have access to control the servants.""What sinister plans do I have? I just asked the servants to fetch some clothes from the wardrobe," Maya replied calmly."Is that all it is? Why did the servant kneel, then? Maya, you're hiding something, aren't you?" Samuel continued scrutinizing her with suspicion; he didn't believe Maya's explanation."Why are you always so suspicious of me? Do you think I'm only capable of wrongdoing? I don't even care whether you believe me or not. It would help if you didn't give me responsibilities in this house," Maya responded indifferently. She didn't want to argue with this man.Maya shifted her gaze back to the servant. "I hope you'll keep quiet about our argument that you