Chapter 1 A Good Lesson
After being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, Emily Kyte decided to let herself loose.
As the daughter of a wealthy family, a graduate of a top university, and with plenty of admirers, Emily had always been the envy of her peers.
However, her family business' sudden bankruptcy stripped her of all her privileges overnight.
She thought things couldn't get worse, but an hour ago, her once-devoted fiancé publicly broke off their engagement. "I'm tired of her," he said, turning her into the laughingstock of the whole city.
Her phone buzzed non-stop on the table, with trending topics on Twitter discussing her broken engagement.
"Wealthy Tragedy! Engagement Broken, Kyte Family's Heiress Allegedly Dumped"
"Hottest Wealthy Couple Breaks Up! Turns Out Money is the Real Love Guarantee"
Just as she was about to turn off her phone for some peace, her cousin Lisa called.
"Emily, you got dumped?!"
Lisa's voice was full of excitement and gossip.
Emily felt a wave of irritation. Her face flushed slightly. She flicked her long hair over her shoulder and downed the drink in front of her. She really didn't want to deal with her cousin, but Lisa was her uncle's daughter and held significant weight in the family. With her father recently bankrupt, Emily needed her family's help, so she couldn't just hang up on her.
"Yes, Lisa," Emily replied as calmly as possible, her tone carrying a forced indifference. "Marriage is a shackle for women. It's better this way, and I can enjoy my single life."
Lisa was clearly dissatisfied with this answer, her tone carrying a hint of disdain and probing. "Emily, this doesn't sound like you. Your family's just gone bankrupt, you've been dumped, and now the whole city is laughing at you. You used to be so proud, and now you're really taking this in stride?"
Emily forced down her annoyance, trying to keep her voice steady and firm. "Lisa, you know me. I never let these things get me down. My family's downfall and the broken engagement allowed me to see through a lot of stuff. It's a lesson taught by life. I'll face it head-on."
Having said this much, Lisa knew further questioning would be impolite.
She didn't press further, switching to a slightly consoling tone. "Emily, no matter what, I want you to know that the whole family cares about you. Just ask us for help whenever you're in need."
"Okay, thank you."
Just as Emily thought the call was finally ending, Lisa added teasingly, "I'm glad that you've thought it through. I have a surprise for you tonight. Enjoy it!"
Before Emily could refuse, the door to her private room was suddenly pushed open, and a man wearing a black shirt stormed in.
The man's eyes were hidden by a black mask, and the black satin shirt gleamed gold under the lights, outlining his muscular and perfect physique. The buttons were meticulously fastened to the collar, adding a touch of restrained allure that made it impossible to look away.
Emily locked eyes with his piercing blue gaze, feeling herself getting lost in them.
Could this be the surprise Lisa mentioned?
Emily found it ridiculous. She was dumped, but she wasn't that desperate for a man.
She chuckled wryly, ready to tell the man to leave, but he only glanced at her before turning and reaching for the door to leave.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, but her emotions got the better of her.
She remembered today, at the birthday party she meticulously planned for her fiancé, he announced the breakup with the same indifference, turning her years of loyalty and love into a joke by telling everyone that he was tired of her.
She had rejected countless suitors for him, dreaming only of a future with him.
Why?!
Why could he betray whenever he wanted?
Why could he play around as he pleased??
Why did she have to be a dignified, scrutinized, and casually judged lady?
She was done with these restraints!!!
"Stop."
The man paused.
Emily stood up, taunting, "Sir, you don't seem too pleased with your guest."
She raised her hand, slowly trailing her cool fingers across his chest, feeling his muscles and abs through the fabric, her voice dripping with playful seduction. "Is it here you're not happy with? Or here? Maybe..."
Her eyes were hazy with intoxication, cheeks flushed, and her voice carried a hint of drunken allure that stirred something within the man.
He couldn't help but swallow, a surge of desire rising within him.
Damn, the drug actually acted up now.
As her fingers roamed his body, Emily felt his body getting hotter, her heartbeat quickening.
An unprecedented thrill surged within her, making her actions bolder.
Just then, chaotic footsteps sounded outside.
The man tensed up, his brow furrowing. Before she could finish speaking, he pushed her down onto the sofa.
In the next second, his scorching lips sealed hers.
"Mmm..."
Emily struggled, trying to push him away, but he pinned her wrists, completely controlling her.
He panted heavily as he invaded her domineeringly.
She had only meant to tease him, not expecting such a passionate response. Emily felt a moment of panic.
But the alcohol and her growing desire quickly made her compliant, and her mind also became hazy.
She had a moment of clarity when the door opened and someone quickly apologized and left, but then her consciousness blurred again.
Reason told her to push him away, but her body instinctively asked for more.
Soon, the growing heat between them melted her last shred of sanity.
What good was being obedient and clear-headed all the time? She was still betrayed by the one she loved. So why not let go completely for once?
She no longer held back, responding eagerly to his domineering kiss, her hands roaming over his muscular abdomen.
Her sudden enthusiasm made James Downton even more desirous and unbearably uncomfortable. He frowned, suppressing the beastly lust within him.
An hour ago, he came here on a mission and drank a drugged drink.
He didn't want to have s*x with an innocent, drunken woman under the influence of the drug.
But then, he heard Emily murmur regretfully, "What a hottie... Pity that he's just a gigolo..."
A gigolo?
James instantly became sullen, his face darkening. But Emily was oblivious and continued critiquing his "service skills."
James' anger flared.
While he was considering her feelings and struggling against his desire, she saw him as a mere plaything?
Huh...
James' last shred of reason teetered on the edge of desire and reason, but his rage finally snapped it.
He abruptly grabbed Emily's wandering hands at his waist, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Lady, it seems I need to teach you a good lesson to quell my anger."
With that, he pressed down, sealing Emily's annoying comments and invading forcefully.