?


    Wild as a rabid dog, snapping at anyone who came too close.


    "Here, sis, have some water to cool off," said Christine as she epted the ss, findingfort in its lukewarm embrace.


    She swished the water around her mouth before taking a few sips, managing to quell a bit of her rage.


    Merritt reached out, gently rubbing her back, helping her to calm down.


    Taking deep breaths, Christine tried to regain herposure, but before she could fully exhale, the car screeched to a halt.


    The driver cursed under his breath, using phrases only locals would understand.


    Stabilizing herself, Christine peered between the front seats, only to see their taxi blocked by two cars.


    Before she could react, her door swung open, and a hand with distinctly outlined knuckles yanked her out.


    Merritt tried to grab her but was restrained by Primo.


    "Dailey, let her go!"


    Despite Christine''s struggle, Dailey hoisted her up effortlessly and strode towards a ck sedan.


    Once inside, he instructed the driver to take off, even as Christine pped him in frustration.


    Dailey simply licked his cheek where she hit him and said in an even tone, "If it makes you feel better, keep hitting."


    Fuming, Christine threatened, "Stop the car, or I''ll jump."


    Dailey caught her hands, his silence speaking volumes.


    He wouldn''t let her jump.


    "What are you nning?" Christine kicked him, exasperated.


    "You''re getting married in a few days, what on earth are you doing with me now?"


    "You can''t possibly be dreaming of having a harem, can you?"


    Dailey''s calm demeanor was a stark contrast to Christine''s fury, though inwardly, he was filled with regret.


    He had thought his n was perfect, all for Christine''s sake.


    But seeing her with Merritt, he couldn''t proceed with his n any longer.


    "The wedding''s off. I''ll make sure she leaves; the child isn''t mine. Christine, I''m not breaking up with you."


    "And you can''t break up with me."


    Christine scoffed, "Since when do you get to decide everything?"


    "Except for breaking up, I''ll listen to anything you say."


    For the first time, Christine truly understood the phrase "talking past each other."


    "Out of respect for our past, I''ll rmend a specialist. Go see them."


    Dailey pulled her closer, his usually impassive eyes now showing a hint of emotion.


    "I nned the wedding for you."


    Christine struggled to put


    between them, only to be pancet


    onto hisp and held tight., t.


    "Now it''s even harder to escape."


    "You better stop moving; I can''t guarantee I''ll hold back."


    ...


    Exhausted, Christine gave up.


    Thinking she had calmed down, Dailey started to exin: "Your drowning incident was no ident. With Nelly''s pregnancy stirring the pot, my enemies were getting restless."


    "They couldn''t tell who was more important to me, Nelly or you."


    "So, with Nelly using the child to threaten me, I decided to y along."


    to break up. By marrying Nelly,


    "It also coincided with youret To enemies'' attention t g you safe." ContentThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    All Christine responded with was, "Just don''t hurt Merritt."


    ...


    Dailey''s facade of calm shattered.


    He leaned in, his kiss burning on her neck as he sucked hard, obliterating the ring mark.


    Christine knew what he was doing but chose not to rify.


    Let him misunderstand if he wanted to.


    "I''ve listened to you. Now, can I go?"