Domenic swapped his shoes, stood in the hallway with an icy gaze, and said, “While I’m gone, think things over.


    If you truly have no feelings for me, I’ll take the ne back when I return.


    ”


    With that, he stepped out and shut the door behind him, giving Lindsey no room to protest.


    Left alone, Lindsey retreated to her bedroom.


    She carefully set the ne in her jewelry box and stared at it, chin in hand.


    It resembled a fiery blood drop, deeply red and pulsing.


    She knew she couldn’t mishandle such a treasure.


    She had to safeguard it and give it back to Domenic upon his return.


    As Lindseyy on her soft bed, she dr@ped her arm over her eyes.


    But every time she closed them,st night’s closeness haunted her, his assertive ki*s, hisforting chest…


    He was gone on business, and it’d be a while before he returned.


    Yet, the moment he left, she found herself missing him.


    Annoyed, she pulled the covers over her head, trying to force sleep.


    If she could just drift off, she wouldn’t have to think of him at all.


    *


    On her second morning, Lindsey awoke with shadows under her eyes, vigorously scratching her head.


    She’d been dreaming of Domenic all night, a presence that seemed to follow her relentlessly.


    In frustration, she flung the covers aside and rose to shake off his image from her mind.


    Yet, despite her efforts, curiosity drew her to the jewelry box to glimpse the ne once more.


    She remembered her promise to take Sh to meet Vincent at his ce today.


    At ten, Lindsey took a taxi to Vincent’s quiet seaside vi.


    The atmosphere in this ce was serene and peaceful.


    Soon after, a taxi pulled up, and Sh stepped out.


    Dressed in a simple ck dress with tassels and oversized sunsses hiding most of her face, her hair dr@ped casually around her shoulders.


    To any onlooker, she was a far cry from the celebrated actress she once was.


    “Sorry for the wait, Lindsey.


    Traffic was a nightmare,” Sh apologized, though she was barely a minutete.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    The years under Andrew’s thumb had stripped away Sh’s boldness, leaving her overly cautious and humble.


    Lindsey offered aforting smile and took Sh’s arm.


    “You’re right on time.


    I’m the one who came early,” she reassured.


    Like good friends, they approached Vincent’s residence and rang the bell.


    A servant promptly greeted and ushered them inside.