MasukJust as Hellena took two steps toward the exit of the ballroom, a shrill voice she knew all too well cut through the thunderous applause of the guests. The voice boomed through the microphone, echoing throughout every corner of the spacious hall."Secretary Hellena!" Vivian Wheeler called in a sweet yet commanding tone, laced with venom. "Could you please bring us our engagement ring box from the table beside the stage?"Hellena's footsteps came to an abrupt halt. Her body froze in the middle of the aisle. A chilling sensation instantly spread from the tips of her toes to her chest. Before she could even process what had just happened, Kael's baritone voice rang out from the stage once again—the voice that had always made her feel safe now sounded so unfamiliar and cold."Hellena, please bring the box over here now," Kael called flatly.Hellena slowly closed her eyes. She let out a long breath and wiped away the remaining tears on her full cheeks with her fingertips, making sure not t
The clinking of crystal glasses and the lively strains of the symphony gradually faded as the main lights of the grand ballroom flickered several times. The host stepped onto the magnificent stage, urging all the invited guests to direct their full attention to the highlight of the evening's celebration.From behind the crimson velvet curtain at the side of the stage, Kael William Smith finally appeared. He looked exceptionally dashing in a custom-made black Italian tuxedo that perfectly accentuated his well-built frame. Beside him, Mrs. Hansel walked gracefully in an emerald-green evening gown, smiling warmly as she greeted rows of business associates and members of the media whose camera flashes never stopped sparkling.Thunderous applause echoed throughout every corner of the ballroom.Standing motionless in the aisle below the stage, Hellena fixed her bright, round eyes entirely on the man she loved so deeply. A sincere and gentle smile adorned her plum-colored lips. An overwhelmi
The long-awaited night had finally arrived. The grand ballroom of the five-star hotel in the heart of the city had been transformed into a breathtaking celebration venue, adorned with thousands of crystal chandeliers and the dazzling melodies of classical music. The 30th anniversary celebration of Smith Group was attended not only by elite business figures and high-ranking officials but also by dozens of renowned media reporters who were already standing by with their cameras along the red carpet.Meanwhile, in the master bedroom of the Smith family's mansion, Hellena stood before a full-length mirror, her breathing calm and steady. She examined her appearance from head to toe. Earlier that morning, Kael had reminded her to get ready early because he had to arrive at the venue ahead of time to oversee the technical preparations with the board of directors. However, even as the clock struck seven in the evening—the time Kael had promised to send a driver to pick her up—he still had not
The cool air from the air conditioner slowly filled the silence of the master bedroom. Kael gazed at Hellena’s curvaceous back as she lay facing away from him beneath the thick blanket. Hearing the steady rhythm of his wife’s breathing, Kael curved his lips into a faint smile. He knew all too well how exhausting the day had been for the woman he loved dearly. Kael did not want to impose on her when Hellena was in such a foul mood.“Go to sleep, darling,” Kael whispered very softly near Hellena’s ear. The man pressed a warm kiss to the crown of her head before finally moving away from the bed.Kael walked slowly toward the bathroom to clean himself up. The cold shower water cascaded over his broad, well-built body, washing away the remnants of exhaustion after a day spent dealing with office matters and tension at home.A few minutes later, Kael emerged from the bathroom wearing casual trousers, with a small towel draped around his neck. His black hair was still wet and slightly dishev
Hellena threw her curvy body onto the bed with a soft, ragged breath. The burning sensation in her chest had yet to subside. Every moment of having to face Mrs. Hansel and Vivian downstairs kept replaying over and over in her mind.Hellena let out an irritated huff, clutching the corner of her pillow tightly. "That scheming woman..." she muttered through gritted teeth. She knew very well that her mother-in-law's sudden coldness and suspicion were nothing more than the result of the poisonous lies Vivian had been feeding her. Her kind and caring mother-in-law had undoubtedly been completely deceived by that blonde woman's performance.Click.The bedroom door slowly opened.Kael's steady footsteps echoed as he entered the room. He draped his expensive suit jacket over the chair near the door, and his gaze immediately landed on his wife, who was pouting on the bed.Seeing Hellena's puffed-up cheeks and stubborn frown, Kael curved his lips into a faint smile. He closed the distance, climb
Hellena’s footsteps felt slightly heavy as she entered the courtyard of the Smith family mansion. Kael’s car was nowhere to be seen in the main garage, indicating that her husband might still be held up by work or an unexpected meeting. Hellena let out a long sigh, intending to head straight to the bedroom upstairs to freshen up and rest. However, the moment she stepped through the front door, the atmosphere in the living room felt extremely strange. The air inside was so cold and stiff that it seemed to drain away the warmth that usually welcomed her home. On the luxurious sofa facing the entrance, Mommy Hansel sat with her body upright and rigid. Beside her, Vivian Wheeler sat with her arms crossed, wearing a faint smile filled with triumph and mockery. “Hellena,” Mommy Hansel called. Her voice was no longer as warm as it usually was. Her tone sounded very flat, formal, and distant. “Sit down. There’s something important the three of us need to discuss.” Hellena narrowed her
Madam Hansel's grip felt incredibly sincere against Hellena's skin."Thank you, Hellena," the middle-aged woman whispered softly, her voice filled with deep emotion.Hellena paused in confusion."Thank you for what, Mother?""For curing my son's phobia," Madam Hansel replied, looking at Hellena wit
The room suddenly fell silent, leaving behind a suffocating tension.Hellena remained frozen in place, staring at Kael with visibly trembling eyes. Her heart pounded relentlessly while her mind desperately searched for another way out—one that, unfortunately, did not exist.Marry Kael Willian.The
Without wasting a second, Hellena hurried toward the luxury apartment complex where Kael Willian lived.The increasingly bitter night wind slapped against her skin the moment she stepped out of the taxi. Before her stood a towering skyscraper clad in dark glass, exuding the same arrogance as the po
“When are you going to marry me?”The woman's voice rang out clearly, loudly, and disgustingly. In the dimly lit living room, her body was pressed affectionately against Herry's. Her slender fingers were wrapped tightly around his neck, while her lips continuously kissed the skin that Hellena had n







