only to meet the stern gaze of

? Maisie had just returned from abroad; shouldn

own when he didn't receiv

ith her long, dark hair plastered to her pale cheeks, water drip

Ryan questioned, his tone sound

tionate he was with Maisie at the hot

titude towards the woman he loved and

orced a smile and softly explained, "It started raining on my w

ly itched unbearably, and she c

ying her, Ryan onl

first thing you should do when you get home is dry off and cha

sa's face stiffene

" Ryan seemed too impatient with her to say anything

hat she was pregnant; she couldn't afford to g

r room, took a hot shower, and let t

of the steam-filled bathroom, only

tinctively clutched her towel

cing her reaction, he asked indifferently, "Why should

mories of their passionate, intimate ni

asually held out a cold medicine pill

at it might not be good for the baby. "Well, I think I'll be f

en yourself in the mirror? You're as pale as a ghost. We're visi

ornly resisted. "I just need to drink some

. He decisively popped the pill in his m

leaned closer, his tall frame looming over her, and grabbed her delicate

th, and he didn't loosen his grip until he

nessa dizzy, washing aw

tirred, and he carrie

of moments to undo his tie, his eyes burn

e gaze, she snapped back to

shed against his

n his tracks, wonderi

, but she decisively turned he

struggling to get the wor

ed Ryan's desires in

d her chin, forcing her to look up at him, his deep

suppress the turbulent emotions inside her and brave

able emotion crosse

s question, confusion and bew

s wish to marry his bel

railed off feebly, unabl

er icily. "Jenessa, don't you know your place? If you need something, just say it. Don'

nched her fists and

orce was just one of her games, an attempt

erce determination. "Don't worry. I don't want anything but a divorce. Ryan, w

He just stared at her with a st

nxiety and inexplicable flicker of hope taking roo