Leanna

[Scheme]

"I know what's been going on between you and Sophia."

Nicholas Farrell stopped sipping his wine and glanced at Emma Collin opposite him.

They were alone in the Collin's mansion library after they came from New York for Sophia Collin's dress on her debut.

"Aunt Emma, is this the reason why you called me here?" Nicholas kept his voice even as his expression.

Emma leaned against the couch and tilted her head to the side. "Let us be honest here, Nicholas. When you are with me, no need to act all righteous."

Nicholas frowned. He realized he might fool Zoe and Sophia and other women –– but not this woman.

The smile on his lips stretched in a grin. "It was your daughters who approached me first. I don't mind keeping my distance from Sophia if that is your wish."

Nicholas was not a fool to make an enemy with the Collin's. He didn't force Zoe to have sex with him was precisely because of this reason.

Emma remained unmoved as she maintained her angelic smile. "Don't get me wrong, Nicholas. I know you and Sophia are just enjoying each other's company. Nothing serious . . . It's just, are you satisfied in letting Zoe go just like that?"

Nicholas frowned. It dawned on him that Emma knew exactly what was going on since the beginning. She knew the only reason why he approached Zoe was because of his lust for her.

"You knew?"

Emma's smile became even more extensive.

"Then why did you allow me to approach Zoe if you knew?"

That was a stupid question on his part. He already knew the answer.

"I thought you are a smart man, Nicholas. It should be obvious by now that I hate that girl."

Emma's eyes held a vicious glint as she said those words.

That's right. She hated Zoe to the core of her being. Zoe was a living reminder from that whore who stole Arnold Collin from her. She was in love with Arnold for years, but unfortunately, the man married another woman, and she was forced to marry another man.

However, she refused to give up even after that. She did everything in her power to seduce Arnold until she succeeded. And to be together, she drugged her husband, and Arnold divorced his wife. But the woman died due to depression, but not before leaving a child who was Zoe.

Emma didn't want to kill Zoe because that would be too swift. She wanted her humiliated. To feel despair all her life. That was the only way she could appease her jealous heart.

"Let me help you fulfill your desires."

Nicholas stared at Emma. Under the dim lights, her face turned like of those horror movies with eyes glinting from viciousness with a sinister smile that chilled the bones.

"Aunt Emma, your saying . . . you want me to . . . rape Zoe?" Nicholas said his words in a whisper, afraid someone might hear.

Emma huffed a laugh. "What I'm saying is, I can help you in luring Zoe in. Whatever you do to her is none of my concern. You can drug her. Tie her up and blindfold her. Either way is up to you. All I want is to see her face full of anguish while she breathes."

Emma already thought of this long ago, but couldn't find someone to do the job because of his husband. After all, Zoe was still Arnold's daughter –– still a Collin. So everyone she contacted refused.

But now that Nicholas Farrell came into the picture. She could use the man to humiliate Zoe even further.

On the other hand, Nicholas couldn't believe the usual calm and angelic woman could be so vicious and cruel.

"Aunt Emma, don't you think this is risky on my part?"

"Don't worry, I assure you whatever happens here will remain here. I assume with your intelligence, you could do whatever you want with her without letting her know it was you."

Nicholas just stared at Emma, couldn't find the right words to say. This was a risky gamble. After all, Zoe was still a Collin. If her father knew about this.

He was about to refuse, but a devil whispered in his ear.

You can use Zoe to lure Leanna.

His mouth closed shut. After a short pause, he covered his eyes with his hand while he trembled in excitement and anticipation while his cock throbbed for revenge.

"You have yourself a deal."

----

[Prologue]

[Leanna's POV]

"What are you eating?" he asked voice barely a whisper with his usual gentle tone.

"Oh . . . You know . . . h-healthy foods like er . . .  Tomatoes . . . uhmm . . . Onions . . . Green pepper . . . Garlic."

". . ."

". . ."

"All right! It's beef! I'm eating grilled wagyu beef!"

He chuckled. "I'll order more wagyu meat to be delivered in our home."

I smiled without knowing it. "Thanks . . ."

My smile fell off my face when I heard someone call for him.

"I'm sorry I have to go. I'll call you again tomorrow."

My heart tightened, refusing to end the call.

"Mmm . . ."

"Don't stay up too late."

"Mmm . . ."

"Goodnight . . ."

"Mmm . . ."

"I love you . . ."

. . .

. . .

"I . . ." I bit my lip, and mumbled, "mmm . . ." after a short silence.

. . .

. . .

Sensing that I wouldn't say anything more, Cain ended the call, and my vigorous beating heart stopped thumping.

I love Cain, but somehow, something was holding me back on saying the words like, 'I love you' to him. To me, it was not just a word but a vow. Once I said it, I have to be so sure that he would be with me until death. I wanted it to be Cain, but even I couldn't predict the future.

I sighed, ruffling my lips.

In my past life, every day, every minute, I heard those words from Tristan's flowery mouth. But contrary to what he said, he lacked actions to support it, which only made his words so pretentious.

Maybe that was also the reason why I couldn't say those words and preferred actions instead.

I knew Cain was different. Every word was supported by his actions and screamed certainty and finality. No indecisiveness and always struck my heart and soul.

I smiled bitterly at myself. I have to improve!

I stared at the flowers standing pretty in the vase. It was proof of how many days Cain and I have been together.

It's almost been three weeks.

It had been five days since he didn't return home.

I stood to my feet and pulled out the almost wilting rose and pressed it on a book together with the others.

Bzt!

I picked up my phone and answered Zoe's call.

"Leanna! You have to help me! You have to come with me tomorrow to buy a dress! You have to!"

My brain shook from her loud screech. After making sure that she calmed down, I put my phone back to my ear.

"A dress for what?"

"Dress for Sophia's debut! My parents won't buy me one saying I have tons of dresses. But they all know those are hand me downs from Sophia while that bitch bought dresses almost every week! I can't wear a hand me down on her debut! That's just asking to be humiliated!"

I felt her helplessness even on the other side of the phone.

"Alright, alright, calm down. I'll help you tomorrow. Contact Estela as well."

"I already did, but she said she couldn't come since she's working to resolve something on their business or whatever."

Oh, that's right, Estela is still one of the Fay's heir. Forgot that info –– like most of the time.

"Alright, it's only going to be the two of us then. Let's meet up at lunch."

Zoe breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you! With you accompanying me picking a dress at least I won't make a fool out of myself."

She bitterly laughed at herself.

As soon as we ended the call, I contacted Uncle Luke.