The Manipulated Villainess

"What makes you think that I will want to make a deal with someone like you? I won't repeat myself." Aston briefly glanced at the road and then turned back to Cassandra. "Move your car."

"Are you sure that you don't want to listen to me? I have a little news for you on someone named Ethan Min." Cassandra confidently said to him. A little smile never left her face the whole time.

Aston's eyelids flickered at the mention of his late father's name. Ever since he lived as Aston Kang, she was the first to confront him with his father's name!

Cassandra took a step closer to him. "I can see that you are thinking twice now. Why? Did your father's name reminded you of your real name, Aston Min?"

Aston tightly clenched his fist, sharply gazing down at the woman before him. "Shut up. I don't know how you get this information but if you think that you can force me into your wicked plan because of this, you're wrong. I'm not Aston Min anymore." 

He turned his back on her and gets on his bike. "Move your car." He repeated for the second time.

"I only want you to help me talk with Nathan. If you can do that, I will give you whatever you want. You can ask me whatever information you need too." Cassandra said, turning to Aston who was now sitting on his bike.

Aston simply sneered at her words. "Don't think too highly of yourself, Cassandra. Nathan won't change his mind. No matter what you do, even if I get involved, it won't work. Do you think he will accept you again after his father died?"

If Cassandra Lim was hurt by his words, she didn't show it. Though it was more than hard, she remained calm but she secretly clenched her fist. 

"Why?" Aston asked. "After you used him and made him suffer that excruciating pain, you want him back? Are you crazy?"

At Aston's provoking words, Jaxon finds it hard to be still. He walked forward but Cassandra stopped him then she turned back to Aston. "You are indeed a good friend, Aston Kang. You even turned down this great opportunity for your friend's sake. However, I'm not the type to give up easily. I will let you go for now but you will see me soon again."

She turned to Jaxon and ordered, "Move the car."

The road was immediately cleared and Aston drove away from the place.

"I don't think he will accept your proposal. Aston Kang is quite loyal." Jaxon promptly said to Cassandra the moment Aston left.

Cassandra briefly recalled a certain scene and her lips curved into a smile. "I'm not sure but you might be wrong. I saw the change in his reaction when I mention that name." She turned around and walked back to the car.

"What if he refused till the end?" Jaxon asked.

Cassandra halted before she entered the car and gave a quick thought. "At least, let's hope that he tells his friend about this. If he ever did, Nathan will surely come to meet me."

"But he would surely be angry at you." Jaxon quickly stated.

"I know." Cassandra simply said and gets inside the car.

* * *

The next morning, Nicole received a call from Garcia Han while she was dressing up for work. She knew what the purpose was, so she felt hesitant to answer it. But still, she couldn't miss the call.

"Hello, Mother." She greeted her like she always did.

"I told you to talk to Aston Kang within three days and only today is left. Are you thinking about it?" Garcia Han asked her from the other line.

"Yes, I did. I will meet him tonight." She responded with much reluctance. She still abhorred the wicked idea.

"Do you think you will succeed? You might know it from his reaction or response when you asked to meet him." Garcia Han was standing in her room near the windows. She was very serious about this matter as it was to save her declining reputation.

Nicole fell silent for a while but knowing that everything was already planned, she finally said, "I think I will succeed. Trust me."

Garcia Han's serious face instantly brightened up at her response. "Really? That's a relief! If you succeed in this, I will grant you whatever you want. You can ask me anything."

Nicole remained quiet again but Garcia Han instantly spoke up. "After you meet him, tell me how things are going. I will be waiting."

"Alright," Nicole said and ended the call. Putting down her phone, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

She wasn't happy at all. Aston was the one she wished to protect the most but she felt like she pushed him inside the lion's den. But still, she chose to believe in him and that's the only reason why she decided to proceed with this absurd plan.

*

After a long and tiring day, Nicole was finally ready to go home. But she won't be going straight home. For the first time ever, she will be going to Aston's house.

In the past, she could never visit him due to Garcia's men watching her every move. But now, she will visit him due to Garcia's pressure. How did things turn out this way?! She still couldn't believe that Garcia Han came up with such an idea!

She entered the apartment which was almost the same size as hers. Everything in the apartment was neatly arranged and was in place. Though he lives alone, it was evident that he looked after his home well. If only he took good care of himself too!

"Welcome, Nicole. What do you think of my apartment?" Aston promptly asked as he welcomed her.

"It's nice. Seems like you take good care of it." Nicole remarked with a little smile. She still finds it hard to suppress her displeasure over the idea.

"Are you still upset over my decision? I think you said that you trust me." Aston said. He stood behind her and placed both his hands on her shoulders. Then she gently pushed her and made her sit on the couch.

"I trust you and I mean it. Who I don't trust is Garcia Han." Nicole muttered. What other evil plans were on that woman's mind? She couldn't guess at all and that was driving her crazy!

"You don't have to worry," Aston said in a calm voice. "No matter what, she won't be able to touch me easily."

"You don't know her, Aston. Once you meet her, she will never set you free from her grip." 

"She won't have to do that. I will destroy her before that." He gently planted a kiss on her forehead. "Trust me."

Nicole only nodded and he glanced at the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready soon. Wait here for a while." He rose from his seat and went to the kitchen.

Feeling bored, Nicole turned on the TV and much to her surprise, Aston first appeared on the screen. Then she recalled that he had an ongoing series.

Ever since she crossed path with him, she had read many articles about him. Even today, there were many articles to celebrate his birthday because, for the fans, today was his birthday. She also read many birthday wishes on social media. However, she still hadn't watched any of his series and that made her quite excited when she noticed that his series was currently airing.

Her mood was really changed for good after she watched the series for a few minutes. He was more awesome than she thought and his acting was more than great. She made a mental note to be careful. With this top-notch acting, he would be able to easily fool her anytime!

She continued watching but suddenly, her expression changed. What's more? She quickly turned off the TV when it comes to a certain scene!

"What was that?" She uttered with a displeased face. Then Aston called her and said that dinner was ready.

They started eating together but Nicole's face lacks any hint of enthusiasm. Aston thought that she was still thinking about the stepmother's plan and it made him worried a bit.

"From tomorrow, I will be very busy. I'm not sure but after a few days, I might even need to stay for a while in a place near the filming set but don't worry. I will still try to make time to see you." He said to her but she didn't respond. The way she looked... it was as if she was zoned out.

"I already make sure that my schedule is cleared on the night of my birthday. You said that we will be having dinner with my friends." Aston said to her again.

He waited for a few seconds but she didn't respond. Was she even listening to him?

"Nicole, do you listen to me?" He slightly frowned, wondering what's wrong with her. She didn't even eat her dinner!

At his words, Nicole was snapped out of her stupor and when she saw his expression, she was a bit lost. But there was something that bothered her more. She puts down her spoon and glanced at him, straightly meeting his gaze. He was flustered at her actions and slightly raised a brow.

"How many actresses have you kissed?" She suddenly asked him with a serious yet curious face.....