LOGINThe night grew later, marked by the light drizzle that had gradually subsided, leaving behind a chill that pierced the skin. The taxi carrying Hellena pulled over at an open-air nighttime dining area. Rows of hanging yellow lights illuminated the neatly arranged wooden tables beneath the night sky. Hellena stepped out of the taxi, pulling her medium-sized suitcase behind her as she searched for an empty table in the quietest corner, far from the other diners.As soon as she sat down, Hellena called for a waiter. Without hesitation, she pointed to several dishes on the menu: a large portion of honey-glazed grilled beef ribs, crispy fried chicken with spicy seasoning, a bowl of hot beef soup, two servings of warm steamed rice, and a cold drink. To Hellena, the most effective way to cope with a shattered heart was to bury all the pain in food. She wanted to fill the emptiness gnawing at her stomach, hoping that a full stomach would ease the tightness in her chest, even if only a little.
As Hellena walked down the spiral staircase toward the family room on the first floor, her gaze immediately fell upon the two women sitting leisurely on the long sofa. Mrs. Hansel and Vivian Wheeler were calmly sipping warm tea, still dressed in the elegant gowns they had worn to the party.Hellena's stiff footsteps caught both of their attention. Vivian was the first to turn around, and a triumphant smile spread across her face the moment she saw the suitcase in Hellena's hand."Well... look who's finally come to her senses," Vivian sneered, deliberately raising her voice so it echoed throughout the room. "So you still have a little shame after all? You're finally leaving this house."Mrs. Hansel set her porcelain teacup down on the glass table and looked at Hellena with a cold, rigid expression, devoid of the warmth she had once shown as a mother-in-law who always pampered her."It's good that you've finally realized it," Mrs. Hansel said coldly, crossing her arms over her chest. "K
The master bedroom of the Smith family mansion felt unbearably silent and cold as Hellena stepped inside. The drizzle outside had grown heavier, tapping softly against the windowpanes as though it, too, mourned the destruction of the curvy woman's heart.Hellena switched on the bedroom light, ignoring the bottom of her blue velvet gown, which had become slightly damp. With fingers that were still trembling, she removed the luxurious evening gown and changed into the simplest casual clothes she owned—a loose cotton T-shirt and a pair of plain long pants. There was no trace of makeup left on her face, nor any pearl jewelry. All that remained was her pale face with a pair of swollen, reddened round eyes.Hellena pulled her medium-sized suitcase out of the wardrobe. One by one, she folded her simple clothes and placed them inside the suitcase. She deliberately did not touch a single luxurious item, expensive dress, or piece of jewelry that Kael had bought for her over the past few months.
Just 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
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 luxury sedan finally came to a stop at the lobby entrance of one of the most elite private hospitals in the capital. The glass-dominated façade reflected the silhouettes of Kael and Hellena as they stepped out almost simultaneously."Get out," Kael said shortly, without a trace of emotion.Hell
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







