Billionaire's Contract Lover

Chapter 7 They Said You're Being Kept

Matthew's subsequent moves would shred all her trains of thought into fragments.

Each time she nearly managed to glimpse into his mind, he would shatter her insights forcefully, leaving them in disarray.

His actions, laden with deep scheming, chilled her to the bone.

As if meting out a punishment, he deliberately coerced her into uttering numerous vulgarities. To make him spare her, Rebecca found herself whispering pleas tenderly in his ear, saying those embarrassing phrases.

After that day, Rebecca developed an instinctive fear of Matthew. Whenever he was home, she tried to minimize her presence.

Within this house, Rebecca was completely deprived of her own preferences and aversions.

She evolved into a pattern of adaptability, silently observing Matthew’s likes and dislikes — from his favorite food, the kind of coffee he enjoyed, and the hues he chose for his attire. And their relationship grew even more intricate.

Rebecca wasn't foolish. After that night, she understood that Matthew wanted to destroy her dignity and pride thoroughly, making it clear she was just a mistress he had purchased.

Her role in this house was to sleep with him, not to draw her design drafts.

Matthew’s nature was fundamentally aloof, carrying with it a shade of haughty condescension often found among the high-born elite.

Rebecca suppressed the stubbornness within her personality.

This time, she submitted only one design draft; inspiration was too transient. She didn't retrieve those two drafts Matthew had thrown into the trash.

Those discarded designs served as a reminder: for the next three months, she was to have no dreams in front of him.

During the day, their paths might cross within the home, but they remained silent, extending to each other with a distant, frosty courtesy.

Only at night could Rebecca perceive the warmth and desires of Matthew.

In certain aspects, men were naturally skilled. He could make each of their intimate encounters breathtaking and unforgettable.

Even a simple kiss he could play with intricate variety, stirring ripples and ripples of sensation.

At night, Matthew was as passionate as fire, like a different person. He was exceptionally patient. He'd seduce her, train her, and transform her, a girl as naive and innocent as a budding flower, into a deliciously captivating blossom.

That day, as Rebecca was nearly at the dormitory building, she was stopped by someone. "Hey, Rebecca, the literature department is hosting a social mixer event tonight. Would you like to join?"

Rebecca recognized the man in front of her. Zachary White, a freshman from the literature department, was a year below her.

This guy seemed quite interested in her. He had sent her numerous gifts, and she had rejected him countless times. Nevertheless, he frequently made his presence felt around her, it was all harmless and didn't bother her much.

"I'm not available," Rebecca declined the offer decisively .

"It's just for two hours, and it's right here on campus," Zachary assured.

As Zachary attempted to persuade her further, a figure stepped in front, shielding Rebecca.

She paused, feeling surprised. Why was he here?

Standing before her was Ryan Walton, who served as Matthew's chauffeur, bodyguard, and his top lieutenant.

Ryan's fixated his cold and aggressive stare on Zachary, a literature student with a scholarly demeanor, who was dumbfounded by Ryan's sudden menacing appearance.

Just as Rebecca was about to tell Zachary to leave quickly, Ryan raised his hand to stop her, and uttered, "Miss Richards, let me handle this."

"Who are you to interfere with Rebecca's matters? Back off, or I won't be easy on you," Zachary retorted.

Rebecca ignored Zachary and turned to leave.

If she was away, it’s likely that Zachary would no longer play the hero in front of Ryan, nor would there be any conflict.

Rebecca went straight to her dorm and lay down on the bed. As her dorm mates returned from lunch one after another, she could hear them whispering, clearly discussing her, but she had no interest in justifying herself.

Rebecca wasn't one for social activities at school, and she maintained a lukewarm relationship with her classmates.

Before, she had worn the same brands any regular college student would, but now, with luxury car rides and designer outfits, rumors and gossip quickly swirled around the campus.

In just a few days, the gossip had escalated, spreading speculations of her being kept, having a sugar daddy, and other insinuations.

In the afternoon, before the general education class, Alyssa Hampton managed to find Rebecca in the lecture hall and pulled her toward the entrance. "What's going on?" asked Rebecca.

Once outside, Alyssa looked around and whispered, "Rebecca, have you heard the rumors about you around the campus? They're saying you're being kept!"

Alyssa knew about Rebecca's family troubles and had heard from Carlos that she was living in a large villa now.

However, Alyssa believed those rumors were unfounded. Now that the matter had reached the dean, it was very likely that someone envious of Rebecca was stirring up trouble intentionally.

"Hey, don't worry. This might just be a misunderstanding. Just clarify things properly, and we'll support you." Alyssa took Rebecca's hand, her fingertips ice-cold in contrast to the balmy May weather.

Rebecca’s inner shock didn’t waver her composed voice. "Don't worry about me. I'll handle it."

Alyssa made a special trip to find her and inform her of this incident, suggesting that the situation might be more serious than she described.

Rebecca was uncertain about what evidence the person who reported her actually possessed.

"Go back to your class. I won’t keep you any longer." Alyssa said before hurrying off to her own lessons.

Making her way back to the lecture room, Rebecca could hear the whispering around.

Just as Alyssa had mentioned, right after the class ended, Rebecca received a call from the dean, Lauren Moore, "Rebecca, come to my office now."

*****

In the office, the dean sat before her desk, with an expression of sheer anguish. "You've let me down. You're one of our best students in the department. How could you have done something like this?"

"Ms. Moore, everything should be based on evidence. Many rumors are merely unfounded," Rebecca ventured to probe, trying to find out what Lauren had on her.

Lauren's expression turned grave. "Do you think I would get you here without solid evidence?"

This noon, someone captured photos of Rebecca entangled with someone from outside the campus.

Lauren placed a stack of photos in front of Rebecca. "How do you explain this?"

Glancing at the photos, Rebecca saw they were of Ryan and her.

She breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't about her relationship with Matthew, she could defend herself.

"Ms. Moore, the person picking me up is arranged by my relative. There's nothing inappropriate in these photos. And about these clothes, why would you assume I can't afford them? What prejudice you hold against me!"

"Rebecca, watch your tone." Lauren slapped the desk with a smack, producing a dull thud.

Rebecca remained calm and rational. "I was wrongfully accused, so it's only natural for me to want to explain."

Rebecca was a good student, but not the type that would submit to mistreatment without resisting.

Her long eyelashes flickered as she inhaled a breath. Just as Lauren was about to speak again, a knock sounded at the office door.

The door opened, and Ryan walked in, followed by Matthew.

Rebecca, frozen at the sight of Matthew, wondered why he had come.