Chapter 9 Bear My Surname
940 Words
Cynthia had danced several songs in a row and felt exhausted. She excused herself from the eager crowd and found a quiet place to sit and rest.
Wayne had been called away by an urgent phone call right after their dance.
No sooner had Cynthia sat down than a few young men approached her, offering drinks and snacks. Each of them was eager to chat with her.
Cynthia had never experienced such star treatment before. She felt a mix of awkwardness and a bit of joy.
But before she could say much, a familiar male voice interrupted.
"Having fun tonight?" The casual yet affectionate tone caught everyone's attention.
The surrounding men immediately felt a sense of danger and turned to see Andrew, the CEO of Stewart Group.
Stewart Group was a major player in New York, with interests in many fields, most notably pharmaceuticals. They possessed cutting-edge technology and were renowned internationally.
Andrew, despite his young age, had already taken over Stewart Group and was doing an excellent job. His achievements were well-known in high society. Besides his capabilities, he was also incredibly handsome, with looks rivaling those of movie stars.
His appearance instantly overshadowed all the other men present.
Someone who had heard about the Stewart Group's recent conference drama stepped forward to tease Andrew.
"So, you made it. Didn't your wife come along? I heard Mrs. Stewart is quite the beauty. She and the lovely Cynthia would surely get along well." The person made sure to flatter Cynthia while making the sarcastic comment.
Those unaware of the situation started whispering. They hadn't heard of Andrew being married. When did that happen? Who was his wife?
Andrew glanced at the speaker, a slight smile playing on his lips. "I'm sure Cynthia and my wife would get along very well. Right, wifey?" He looked intently at Cynthia.
His words caused a stir. Cynthia's expression changed immediately. She had asked Andrew for a divorce, but here he was, publicly acknowledging her as his wife!
She looked at Andrew with a complex mix of emotions.
Andrew, however, seemed relaxed and pleased, as if he had just done something enjoyable.
Realizing the truth, the surrounding men discreetly left, leaving the quarreling couple alone.
"Mr. Stewart, we have nothing to do with each other anymore," Cynthia said coolly.
"Mrs. Stewart, let me remind you that you still bear my surname," Andrew retorted with a cold smile, taking a sip of his drink.
Cynthia's good mood for the evening was completely ruined. She muttered angrily, "Don't call me that. We're divorced! Stay away from me!"
"As long as I haven't signed the papers, you're still my Mrs. Stewart. I'm here to remind you of your duties as my wife. After the party, you're coming home with me!" Andrew whispered back.
"That's not happening!" Cynthia hissed through gritted teeth.
Andrew leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "You don't want to ruin your best friend's party, do you?"
Cynthia quickly stepped back, putting some distance between them. She glared at him but realized she couldn't retaliate.
Though tonight was ostensibly a welcome party for Gloria, it was actually her debut as the Barlow family heir. Cynthia couldn't afford to ruin it.
When the party ended, Cynthia had no choice but to leave with Andrew. Now, everyone knew that the beautiful lady standing next to Gloria at the beginning of the event was Andrew's wife.
Facing Gloria's shocked expression, Cynthia couldn't explain across the crowd, so she sent her a message.
Rebecca had just finished discussing strategies with Yolanda when she returned to see Cynthia smiling and saying goodbye to people, arm-in-arm with Andrew. Seeing others complimenting Cynthia, Rebecca was instantly filled with rage.
She had only been away for a moment, and Cynthia had already latched onto Andrew again! So the divorce talk was just a ploy.
Not only had Cynthia avoided the divorce, but she also forced Andrew to publicly acknowledge her as his wife! She had underestimated how scheming Cynthia was!
Furious, Rebecca stomped her foot. With all of New York's elite present, she couldn't afford to cause a scene. Not after being publicly humiliated as the other woman a few days ago, and especially not with Cynthia looking so stunning tonight.
She could only watch helplessly as Andrew and Cynthia left together.
And her precious Andrew never cast a glance at her.
Once outside the ballroom, Cynthia tried to pull away from Andrew to go back and find Gloria.
But he grabbed her wrist, dragging her briskly to the parking lot. Without a word, he shoved her into his car and sped off.
Throughout the ride, Andrew's face was stormy, and he drove at breakneck speed. Cynthia felt dizzy and disoriented from the whirlwind of events.
"Andrew!" She finally managed, her face pale, struggling to keep her composure. "Slow down!"
With a sudden, sharp stop, Cynthia's stomach churned, and she nearly threw up. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her heartbeat, and snapped, "You're insane!" She reached to open the door, but it was locked tight.
"Unlock the door! I want to get out!" Cynthia yelled. "Let me out! We have nothing to do with each other! I..."
Before she could finish, Andrew grabbed her and pulled her into a deep, forceful kiss.
Andrew wrapped his arms around her waist, pinning her against the seat.
The kiss was intense and unrelenting. No matter how hard Cynthia tried, she couldn't push him away.
Not satisfied, he let his hands roam over her exposed skin. Cynthia's eyes widened, and she struggled, but he overpowered her, holding her down firmly.
"No, Andrew..." she pleaded.
- Writer
