Bella shot Fiona a sideways glance. Not only was Fiona risqué, but she was also lewd. However, their compatibility indicated that Bella was no innocent flower either, just differently lewd. Fiona immediately caught Bella’s look and defended herself, "Crude but true! I can't stand your faux purity, married lady pretending to be a maiden!"
"Can't you be more subtle?" Bella criticized the crass language. She had never introduced Calvin to Fiona, and such words seemed far removed from him.Raising an eyebrow, Fiona suggested, "If you prefer, we could call it 'lotus arm.' Is that subtle enough?"Bella couldn’t help but cover her face. Was it even possible to have a normal conversation with her? Everything Fiona said was tinged with innuendo. Meanwhile, Bella noticed Jessica leading two new faces into the conference room. Fiona’s eyes followed, murmuring sounds of disapproval, probably cooking up some sleazy thoughts. Bella nudged her, "Come on, haven't you seen men before?" Just a couple of clients visiting; no big deal.Fiona shot back, "Who do you think Jessica is? She wouldn’t bother unless those men were worth her time. Even without looking, you can tell they're handsome by how eagerly she’s parading them around. She’s clearly hunting."Jessica was indeed a piece of work. With an inflated sense of her attractiveness, she put on airs, never uttered a truth, loved freebies, and then flaunted these small gains on social media as if they were grand gestures of friendship, earning her the nickname "Drama Queen.""Yeah, your 'insights' could win 'The Brain!'" Bella retorted, heading back to her desk. Fiona followed, rummaging through her bag to pull out several DVDs. Bella glanced at them, unimpressed by the animation quality, "The art isn't very aesthetic.""Ultraman and Transformers have aesthetic art?" Fiona accused her of double standards.Bella shrugged, asking, "Is there a plot? I'd like to see Snow White."Fiona snatched the DVDs back, "And you deny having peculiar tastes! Ultraman! Transformers! NP! My pure tastes can’t satisfy your heavy ones!"Feeling somewhat wronged, Bella was curious about the so-called high-quality adult films. Suddenly, Jessica's excited voice interrupted, "What’s this about peculiar tastes? Hey, Fiona, found any goodies? Let me see." With that, Bella was pushed aside. Fiona glanced at Bella, now Jessica might get her hands on those 'blockbusters.'Jessica flipped through the DVDs dismissively, "I thought it was something else. What’s so interesting about this? If you want to watch something, go for 'Rape of the Wolf.' This is child's play and poorly drawn." Fiona replied with a forced smile, suggesting they share their collections sometime.Without answering, Jessica sighed dramatically, adjusting her figure-hugging dress, "Mr. Devon always dumps the messiest tasks on me, even sending me to the business department. One salary, but I'm doing the work of several people. If they don’t raise my salary, I might switch jobs. Just last week, another company offered me a high salary. I’m so busy, everything depends on me. I don’t have time for chit-chat, bye."Bella rolled her eyes. The company could collapse without Jessica! Her unmatched skills in pretending were legendary. Fiona scoffed, the epitome of disdain. She shoved the DVDs into Bella’s hands, "Take these home, study them, and write a three-thousand-word review afterward."Before Bella could retort, her phone rang. Fiona glanced at the caller ID—Calvin? "Your husband?" She had vaguely heard his deep, charismatic voice the other day and wondered what he looked like.Bella answered, knowing Calvin was too reserved for idle chats or surprises; he was all about business. Indeed, he called to inform her that his mother invited them for dinner tonight. Lately, Bella couldn’t help but daydream about Calvin, her thoughts often veering into R-rated territories. She blurted out, "Can't you talk about something else?""Like what?" Calvin was perplexed.Realizing she had drifted off, Bella quickly retreated to her desk, whispering, "I was talking to a colleague. What did you say? I didn’t catch that.""My mom wants us over for dinner tonight. When do you get off work? I'll pick you up."A summons from Calvin’s mother usually meant weekend visits. Why Friday this time? Was she planning a crash course tonight for weekend practice? Bella inquired, "I thought we were going on the weekend?""No idea, but she asked, so let's go. It's just dinner."Just dinner? More like a feast at Hongmen! Bella internally screamed, apprehensive about facing mature topics with Calvin’s mother. Muffled, Calvin spoke to someone before asking again, "When do you finish work?""Who were you talking to?" Bella asked."My secretary."Bella scoffed. Secretaries were prime vixen material. She doubted she could pry any information from him; perhaps she needed to stage a surprise visit, like in dramas. Regardless, as a mama's boy, Calvin's divorce plans would falter if his mother sided with Bella. She needed to impress at tonight’s dinner. Gathering her spirits, "I get off at six.""Alright, see you later."Hanging up, Bella sat lost in thought. She was ready to adopt dramatic gestures, yet Calvin couldn’t even muster a "Wait for me, wife?" Their discord was evident. He fantasized about rejuvenation post-divorce, while she yearned for a blissful marriage. How could their visions align? And why was she suddenly fantasizing about a happy marriage when everything seemed fine before? Was it the fear of losing him that made him seem more valuable?Waiting for Calvin, Bella stayed an extra fifteen minutes at the office, noticing Jessica chatting up colleagues on her way out. Internally rolling her eyes at Jessica’s shamelessness, Bella wondered who’d be her victim today.Downstairs, Calvin hadn’t arrived, so Bella waited at a conspicuous spot. Soon, Jessica appeared disgruntled, likely having failed to hitch a ride. Bella secretly rejoiced—served her right! But then Jessica approached, "Bella, you’re still here?" Looking around, she asked, "Waiting for someone?"Bella saw through her intentions—eager for a ride. She had no car, but the person she awaited did. Playing coy, Bella asked, "Why are you leaving so late? Mr. Li piling on more work?""Don't get me started. My workload’s backed up till next month, even weekends are booked. Anyone wanting to meet needs to check my schedule."Bella forced a laugh, "The capable are burdened. Mr. Li values you, something we can only wish for."Jessica smirked, proud of her endless tasks, "Yeah, Mr. Li insists on involving me in everything. What do I have to do with the business department meetings? And why am I taking minutes? I’m not his secretary! His secretary’s useless, just living off the company."Bella struggled to respond, her tales transforming simple tasks into meeting minute-taking. Listening to Jessica was always awkward, unable to confront her lies directly, Bella just offered a strained laugh. As she tried to maintain her composure, a car honked twice and pulled up.Jessica reacted faster, all smiles, "Your friend?"Turning, Bella saw Calvin lowering the car window. Jessica was taken aback by Calvin’s appearance, marveling at Bella’s hidden gem of a handsome friend. She grabbed Bella’s hand, "Hiding such a handsome friend and not introducing him? That’s mean. Introduce me.""Maybe some other time. I’m in a hurry," Bella said, eager to escape without playing matchmaker. With Jessica's unusual thought processes, who knew what trouble she might stir? Still, Jessica pressed on, smiling charmingly at Calvin, "I’m Bella’s colleague. It's hard to catch a cab now. Would it be convenient to give me a ride?"Calvin gave her a brief glance, "Inconvenient." The window closed, cutting off Jessica’s hopeful gaze. Bella chuckled. Jessica was used to being gently refused, but Calvin's directness was rare, likely enough to irk her for days."You’re not very polite." Bella remarked on Calvin's bluntness.He signaled to turn, "I bought cake. Eat some if you’re hungry." Why bother being courteous to strangers? Besides, if Bella were on good terms with her, she wouldn’t have rushed to the car.Noticing a plastic bag beside her, Bella smiled, recognizing it was bought specially for her. The cake melted in her mouth, prompting her to ask, "Are you using the effort you’d put into a proposal to push for a divorce?"Calvin shook his head, "Proposing didn’t take any effort at all."Bella frowned, the pleasant mood brought by the cake vanishing instantly. What did he mean by that? Did he think she was so desperate to marry him? She stabbed the fork into the cake angrily, "How come I never noticed how venomous your words could be before? Every sentence stabs at my heart! Proposing wasn’t hard? Then maybe divorce should be harder for you!" His face, always so cool and detached, yet his words ignited her anger like nothing else.Calvin's expression remained unchanged, as if oblivious to her anger, calmly stating, "What do you want? I'll try my best to fulfill it."Bella swirled the fork in the cake, uncovering the chocolate beneath the cream and tasting the slight bitterness. It reminded her of her current mood, subtly bitter. She wondered if his heart was as dark as the cake. Glancing at his handsome profile, she retorted, "I want you.""Aren't you tired of my dullness?""I care about looks!" With his poison tongue, better he keeps silent.Calvin smiled for once, "
Tonight was full of irregularities, and Bella couldn't resist venting to Fiona on Q, their conversation straying far from the original topic until they weren't even sure what they were talking about anymore. Suddenly, a ringtone sounded, and turning her head, she was surprised to see Calvin's phone flashing. In the past, she wouldn't have given it a second glance, but now, curiosity got the better of her, wondering who would call at this time.Calvin had just entered the bathroom, and seizing the moment, she grabbed his phone—Julia? Undoubtedly a woman's name, Bella felt an immediate surge of displeasure. A call this late? To say goodnight?After Julia's call stopped after three attempts, Bella bit her lip, debating whether to snoop through Calvin's phone. Glancing towards the bathroom and considering Calvin hardly ever shared details about his work or social circles, she figured the phone might reveal something. With the phone in her grasp, all secrets could be unveiled! Luckily, she
Bella's drowsiness was instantly dispelled by seventy percent, half due to his enticing suggestion and the other half out of fright. Now reflecting, she realized he had been coaxing answers out of her during such a moment. Was he so calculated even then? A surge of discomfort washed over her, interpreting the recent lovemaking as a ploy. Was he so desperate? Hmph! She abruptly turned, pulling the blanket over her head to sulk alone. What's there to investigate? The evidence must have been destroyed by now, all an act!Calvin was puzzled by her sudden anger. Why was she upset when he was the one being checked on? Watching the mound formed under the blanket, he felt a bit helpless. What a childlike behavior, harboring grievances silently. If she doesn't speak up, how is he supposed to understand her concerns? After a moment of silence, he finally asked, "What's wrong?"Suffocating under the blanket and growing more aggrieved by her thoughts, why should she tolerate this? He concocts a r
Calvin’s hand released her waist to support her gradually weakening body, his gaze in the mirror dropping to her shoulders and neck, then lowering his head to nuzzle against her silky skin with a voice so husky it was almost indiscernible, “Right here, I want you to watch how I love you.”Their eyes no longer met, but the reflection in the mirror was still enough to make one’s cheeks flush with heat, revealing a yearning for a fiery caress. Bella bit her lip, struggling with internal conflict. She wanted to close her eyes and avoid the scene before her but found herself captivated and unable to look away. The large mirror not only allowed him to see her clearly, but she could also see him in full detail.As she watched, she became somewhat entranced. Her heart raced with his movements, and the hand resting on her left breast felt both daring and scorching, nearly setting her heart aflame. She gasped for air, her eyes reddening, her hand trembling slightly over his, “Can we go back to
Bella was disgusted by Jessica's relentless pestering, knowing full well it was just an excuse. Was Bella truly clueless or pretending to be naïve? How could she possibly give Jessica Calvin's WeChat ID? With all the troublemakers lurking around, did she really need another Jessica? It was chaos waiting to happen. However, Calvin's tastes couldn't be that peculiar, right? A bizarre woman like Jessica shouldn't be his type.Jessica was assertive, demanding Bella to give her the WeChat ID immediately. Bella was speechless for a moment and then forced a smile, "You... you saw him, too. With his looks, he must be surrounded by countless troublemakers. How could he possibly be single? Right? Don't get involved in this mess." "You can't say that. Good-looking people naturally attract attention. Who would be interested in something no one else wants? Stop stalling and hurry up," Jessica urged.Bella racked her brains, trying to figure out how to avoid giving out Calvin's WeChat ID. Suddenly
Without hesitation, Calvin calmly acknowledged that it was Julia. Bella felt her blood boiling, realizing it was indeed her! In an instant, she imagined various ambiguous scenarios: him working late discussing projects with Julia, having dinner together in a suggestive atmosphere, or even contemplating divorce because of Julia...These unfounded speculations overwhelmed her, causing her hand holding the phone to tremble. However, she remembered Jessica was listening in, so she took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions before asking, "How did you two meet?""It's just some work-related interaction," came the familiar response.Again, the same excuse! Bella gritted her teeth inwardly, wishing she could reach through the phone and demand an explanation from him. He always used work to evade her! Just as she was getting annoyed, Jessica excitedly patted her shoulder and whispered, "He knows Julia too? Julia's been making waves lately. Is there a chance he could take us to meet her? Q
"Of course not!" Bella quickly shook her head, but it was because he stood out too much that she wanted to keep it hidden. "I just didn't want to reveal too much to Jessica on WhatsApp. Fiona already knows about our relationship. You've seen what kind of person Jessica is—meddlesome and nosy. I just wanted to brush her off, but I never expected this. Do you think I enjoy this?" She felt really wronged! She couldn't have imagined that Jessica would take the lead and even throw flirtatious glances at Calvin knowing he was married.The lights in the stairwell were motion-activated, and now they suddenly dimmed, casting everything in shadows. Bella glanced up at Calvin, whose eyes sparkled in the dim light, and his lips moved, "Since you know she's troublesome, why did you give her my WhatsApp number?"Bringing up this topic again made Bella want to shed tears of frustration. She regretfully recounted the morning's events to him, ending with a sigh of frustration, "I thought you wouldn't
Calvin only mentioned having a dinner appointment in the evening, but Bella spontaneously imagined that he had moved his lunch appointment with Julia to the evening. So she spent the whole afternoon staring at Julia's photo, finding her beautiful no matter how she looked at it. She imagined Calvin standing next to her, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, incredibly pleasing to the eye! What does it matter if her husband stands with another woman who is handsome and beautiful? Are they going to have dinner together, or are they going to end up in bed together?Her imagination shifted from the restaurant to the hotel. She quickly slapped her face, stopping herself. She would drive herself crazy if she continued to imagine like this. Calvin had already postponed the lunch appointment, and it seemed unreasonable to ask him to postpone another one in the evening. After some thought, she called Calvin's mother."Mom, I'll come home for dinner tonight."Calvin's mother seemed very happy an