Attracted By My Ex-wife

Kevin took his time to answer. He remained silent as he fiddled with the elegant lighter, rhythmically flicking the metal lid open and close. Small flames came alive only to die as soon as they had flared.

As the silence stretched on, Ryan grew more anxious. The small sips of wine that he had taken gradually turned into gulps until there was not a drop left in his glass.

An enigmatic smile curled on Kevin's lips, which only fueled Ryan's growing unease.

"I didn't expect you to take your alcohol strong, Mr. Ryan. Let me refill your glass.“

At his words, the waiter attending them poured more of the crimson liquid into Ryan's empty glass. The wine flowed red and thick, following the smooth curves of the goblet.

Anger brewed inside Ryan alongside his discomfort. It was obvious that Kevin was plying him with alcohol, but what was even more irritating was that he was too weak and powerless against the other man to refuse. He let his thoughts drift towards Anne.

Today was the day she would answer him. He mulled over what her decision could be.

As his mind swirled with alcohol and these preoccupations, Ryan excused himself, "Mr. Kevin, I need to go to the restroom."

Inside the restroom, the light burned almost menacingly to his alcohol-addled senses. Ryan had almost flinched at his own reflection as he saw himself against the mirror. His face was flushed, and bloodshot eyes stared back at him as he gripped at the sink in an iron hold.

He splashed cold water on his face and breathed deeply. Soon enough, he was able to regain his composure. Taking out his phone from his pocket, he dialed Anne's number.

If he could just get the shares from her, there would be no need for him to play puppet to Kevin's little games.

The phone rang, but there was no answer. After a few beeps, the call dropped automatically.

"Anne, you little..." Ryan wanted nothing more at that moment than to spew out curses and throw his phone until it smashed into useless pieces of metal, but he bit his tongue and stopped himself. Once again, he walked towards the room where Kevin was.

Cool air blew inside the room. Kevin's tall, business-suit clad figure gave off a detached and forbidding aura.

Anne's phone was in his hand.

The screen showed Ryan's name. Kevin was furious, his hand gripping the cold metal as it rang. He narrowed his eyes at the screen and let the call end. Then, he placed it on the table.

It was only a few seconds later when Anne's phone lit up once again with a message. "Anne, have you made up your mind? As long as you cooperate, I will help you."

At this, Kevin's rage rose to a dangerous height. His jaw clenched as he stared at the message, barely suppressing the urge to rush straight to Ryan and silence him forever.

Anne was too naive. She didn’t know when to doubt people, as if suspicion was a foreign and incomprehensible concept to her. Everyone was her friend. And yet, this same woman was so cold to him.

"My apologies, Mr. Kevin. It seems that I am not feeling too well. I hope you excuse my rudeness." Ryan gave him an elegant smile—one that would perfectly cover his true intentions, but Kevin didn't need to dig too deep to find the real face buried in the facade.

"Since you are feeling unwell, you should rest first. We can talk about business after you recover." With these words, Kevin stood up and walked to the door, leaving Ryan and his deceptively unfaltering smile behind.

His face changed like quicksilver the moment Kevin was out the door. "Bastard, you've gone too far this time," Ryan hissed, his hand slamming down on the table heavily. The wood complained from the impact, and Ryan stewed in his own frustration. He wanted to throw a fit, but he understood his position all too well. He could destroy and trash the room all he wanted, but nothing would change the fact that Kevin had more power than him. There was a bitter taste left on his tongue, and it was not from the alcohol.

It was early evening at Ian's house.

almost seemed deserted save for the

Fu Family's residence

in touch with Anne either, which could only mean one

She was trapped.

there willingly. Otherwise, Kevin wouldn't have had

in Ian's head, and he grew increasingly frustrated. He didn’t have much to work with to form a solid plan. Eventually, he decided to wait. If

concern. His foremost priority was her safety. Everything else was insignificant

thick curtain of silence shrouded the East

in the sky. Neon lights flashed in the distance, and the road

few moments, the

the telltale scent of alcohol on him as he entered the house. With yesterday's events still fresh in her memory,

Kevin would

don't you want to see the baby?" he sneered, his

and asked, "Where

you have to do is tell me what happened between you and Ryan," Kevin said, forcefully

bones. Anne's heart sank at his words. She

said, stretching out her

habitually put things in

before she could reach her phone, Kevin had grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. "What? Are you angry because

was smiling at her, but it was full of mockery. His breath fanned over her skin from their proximity. Anne took a deep breath

more important things you should be asking me? Like why I got engaged to

moment at her words,

came as such a shock that the sweet, naive Anne also could also spit venom. He was caught off guard and didn't know how

hiding in

makes no difference in the end. Why don’t we make a deal, Anne?" Kevin

to say between us?" Anne answered

was again. She was baiting him into battle. There was no way he wouldn't engage. "Of course there is. Plenty of things, I might add. After all, it's for the baby," Kevin said, watching Anne's face

too well what he was doing. Kevin was a shrewd businessman, and he knew her weakness. She forced herself to maintain a

you won't take the child away. Otherwise, I guarantee you that you won't be stepping out of this villa ever again," Kevin laid out his demands as he

"Sure."

From now on, you won't have any contact with other men. Do we have a deal?" he

want, and you have no control over

around. If he stayed here any longer, there was no

"Wait a minute."

his steps but did not look back. He stood straight and waited. He knew that

there are things I need to take care of first. I need time

too far," Kevin answered then left the living room, taking the scent of

but the respite was only momentary. The next second, a heavy feeling sank in her chest. How could she

his word, Kevin returned Anne's phone back to

messages and saw the ones

Ian a message