The CEO's Reluctant Bride

Chapter5

Carl swirled the wine in his glass, watching the woman by the window through the crimson liquid. She had been engrossed in that book all afternoon. No matter when he glanced over, her gaze was locked onto the pages, unwavering.

When she gracefully walked towards the bar, Carl felt a flicker of unease. Had she noticed him watching?

Her long hair was elegantly pinned up, revealing a slender neck adorned with a simple, inexpensive necklace that didn't quite match the Burberry dress she wore. Carl had seen plenty of beautiful women before, but something about her aura was different—an irresistible pull that made him want to get closer.

Nerys approached the bar and ordered a Bloody Mary. Without a word, she splashed the entire drink across Carl's face. Then, as if nothing had happened, she calmly returned to her seat. She didn't feel satisfied though—just not gouging his eyes out was probably the best luck Carl would get from her today.

Scarlet liquid dripped down Carl's face, tracing the contours of his features. He wiped it away, stunned. When had Carl, of all people, ever been humiliated like this? And by a woman, no less.

Ignoring appearances, he strode forward and grabbed her arm. “Don't you think you owe me an apology?”

Nerys looked at him with disdain. “I don't believe I did anything wrong.” She stood firm on her principles, never backing down. Once she made up her mind, there was no room for compromise. Nor did she feel the need to give him an inch.

Carl pointed at his soaked shirt, but before he could even speak, she cut him off. “I did it on purpose, so no apology needed. And if you want people to treat you with respect, start by showing them some.”

Carl was left speechless. For some reason, in front of this woman, his desire to argue evaporated. Nerys glanced down at his hand still gripping her arm, and Carl instantly let go.

“So, are you going to tell me why you threw a drink in my face?” he asked.

“I just found your stare disgusting. Felt like I needed to wash it off,” she replied coldly.

“You—”

It was the first time a woman had walked away from Carl like that, leaving him standing there, helpless. Never had a woman been so indifferent to him. What he didn't know was that her retreating figure would haunt him for the rest of his life. This woman would become his undoing, leaving a mark on him that no amount of time could erase, a flood that neither torrents nor oceans could drown.

When I got back to the room, the overwhelming smell of alcohol hit me. Nerys was sprawled on the floor, half-asleep, muttering in her sleep.

"That bastard... How could he do that to my mom? Now I can't find her no matter where I go." Her voice carried its usual arrogance and coldness, but then it softened, becoming fragile. “Mom, where are you? I miss you so much.”

I rushed over and dragged her onto the bed. Sleeping on the floor would only make her sick. I had planned to return home tomorrow—my parents must be worried by now—but seeing her like this, it seemed better to let her rest for a few more days.

I dialed a number, speaking into the phone, “Still no news?” The response on the other end was disheartening. In this vast world of 224 countries, 809 islands, 7 continents, and 4 oceans, finding a woman—especially a mentally unstable one—was proving to be a daunting task. But since this woman was so important to Nerys, I wouldn't give up. I had to find her.