After That Night

Chapter 3 slap!

Violet lay breathlessly on the bed.

“Aaahn…”

Her body ached after a night of passion. Every nerve hummed with a strange mixture of exhaustion and warmth that refused to fade.

As she turned to the other side of the bed, she found the man still fast asleep.

Dizzily, Violet climbed out of bed, careful not to make a sound.

It was already morning. The sunlight slipping through the curtains illuminated his face, allowing her to see his features more clearly than she had the night before.

He had a high-bridged nose and a strong, chiseled jawline. His face was perfectly sculpted, as though it had been carved with purpose.

Something stirred inside her, a mixture of awe, confusion, and a dangerous attraction she couldn't explain.

She dressed wearily and was about to leave when she turned to look at him one last time.

“Goodbye.”

She tried to make out his face through her blurry vision, but it was no use.

Why hadn't she brought her glasses? she cursed softly under her breath.

She quickly opened her handbag, pulled out a bundle of money, and placed it on the bedside table before quietly leaving the room.

…

Violet Cooper had barely managed to sneak into the Cooper mansion when she finally reached her room.

She let out a weary sigh, relieved that she had made it back without being caught.

She didn't have the energy to explain herself to anyone, nor did she want to answer any questions about where she had spent the night.

Placing a hand against the wall, she searched for the light switch.

Click!

The lights came on, and Violet froze.

“Vienna.”

Her half-sister stood in the room, clapping her hands mockingly before shaking her head as though she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

“You sneaked out last night, sister. How could you?”

Violet frowned, already irritated by her presence.

“How does it concern you where I went, Vienna?”

“Sister…” Vienna began with a smirk. “Can't I care about my sister's well-being anymore?”

“Care?” Violet's voice rose. “Did you ever care about me when you were busy snuggling with my fiancé?”

“Oh, dear sister,” Vienna replied dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. “I did care. That's why I made sure you found out the truth yourself.”

She paused, then added with a sneer, “I was only being a good sister, trying to help you. But I see you don't appreciate it.”

Violet shook her head in disbelief.

“Aren't you shameless?”

A wicked smirk curved Vienna's lips.

“Call me whatever you like, sister. And one more thing, don't bother trying to stop me from having Andrew.”

Violet's heart skipped a beat.

She had already considered the possibility, but hearing Vienna say it aloud made the pain even sharper.

Could she really fight for a man who no longer loved her?

And Vienna had the audacity to threaten her, as though she had done nothing wrong.

“Don't you dare...”

Slap!

Before Violet could finish speaking, Vienna struck her across the cheek.

Violet staggered back, her cheek burning as tears pricked her eyes.

For a brief moment, Vienna's expression changed. Then, as though she had suddenly remembered something, she threw herself to the floor and burst into tears.

Almost immediately, the door flew open, and several people rushed into the room.

Vienna trembled as tears streamed down her face.

“She slapped me!” she cried, sobbing uncontrollably.

Violet stood frozen.

What?

Wasn't Vienna the one who had just slapped her?

Harold Cooper quickly rushed forward and helped Vienna to her feet, concern etched across his face.

Violet's cheeks burned with humiliation. The pain from the slap was bad enough, but watching Vienna turn the situation against her made it even worse.

Before Violet could explain herself, Harold turned on her.

“For what reason did you hit her, Violet?” he demanded angrily.

Violet opened her mouth to defend herself, but the words caught in her throat.

What game was Vienna playing this time?

She could only scoff bitterly. As always, she was the one who got blamed and punished while Vienna played the innocent daughter everyone believed.

Meanwhile, Jane Cooper, Harold's wife, and their son, Stewart, had gathered at the doorway, confusion and concern written across their faces.

Harold's anger grew as he raised his hand to slap Violet.

“Dad, please don't hit her!” Vienna suddenly cried, rushing forward as though she wanted to protect her sister. “It's all my fault. If I hadn't gone to her room, none of this would have happened.”

She clung to Harold, sobbing as though she couldn't bear to see Violet suffer.

Violet rolled her eyes.

“What a good act, sister,” she muttered under her breath.

Vienna's sobs faltered.

For a split second, her face went pale. Then she turned towards Violet, her expression shifting from false sorrow to icy anger.