Chapter 114: Actually, Colton hadn''t gone very far; He had stood by the stairs, his hand gripping the railing tightly as he listened to themotion inside.


    A loud crash echoed through the room and he instinctively stiffened.


    The unmistakable sound of breaking ss filled the air: it seemed like Mny had lost control and had smashed all the wine sses in her fury.


    Normally, Colton would have already taken a deep breath, put his anger aside, and gone in to calm her down.


    He was used to their arguments, which fizzled out as quickly as they broke out, more joking than anything serious.


    But this time it was different.


    The tension in the air was higher, sharper, and he could sense that something had changed between them.


    Mny didn''t seem like the same woman he had known.


    He could vaguely remember the first few days, when she would shyly cling to his arm, her cheeks flushed as she smiled at him every time someone made a yfulment about their rtionship.


    Enough, she would say,ughing.


    .


    Colton is like a brother to me….


    But now, that statement hurt him deeply.


    So she also saw her ex-husband as a brother.


    How many brothers did she have? Once aparison took root, it spread like a crack in ss, unstoppable.


    His expression darkened, irritation taking over him as he grabbed the car keys.


    , ready to leave and clear up.


    But before he could take another step, Lindy''s voice sounded behind him, sharp and insistent.


    Colton, you''re seriously going out alone on your wedding night.


    And if anyone sees you, think of the disgrace that would mean for us.


    family.


    After all, it''s your big day.


    We have to show strength.


    Remember, as long as you don''t feel ashamed, no one will dare make fun of us behind our backs.


    He approached slowly, cing a hand on her shoulder with calcted gentleness, his tone deceptively soft.


    Go calm Mny down.


    This time he has brought arge sum from his family: ten million dors.


    Your parents may be astute, but they are not very clever.


    As he spoke, a cold sneer curled the edge of his lips.


    People like them are easy to manipte.


    If we faced the smartest, our family would have a hard time maintaining control.


    Colton hesitated, his words cutting deep.


    His jaw clenched and his fingers closed around the keys.


    Through the closed door, he could still hear Mny''s sobs, pulling at something deep inside him.


    Against his better judgment, his resolve began to waver.


    After all, this was the woman he had longed for all these years.


    Maybe Mny was innocent and it was just her ex-husband making trouble to spite them.


    “I understand, Mom,” he said with a resigned sigh.


    I''lle back andfort her.


    Good.


    "I''m d you''reing to your senses," Lindy replied, narrowing her eyes as she watched Colton retreat to the bedroom.


    A slow, mocking smile appeared on his lips, a sh of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.


    Love Love They were mere illusions.


    She had long since learned that only self-interest had true weight.


    Inside the room, Mny was sitting on the edge of the bed, her delicate face twisted with the anguish of their earlier argument.


    Of all nights, it had to be their wedding night.


    When the door opened, her tears streamed down her cheeks, perfectly timed to amplify her desperation.


    Colton approached her slowly and put his arms around her from behind.


    He caressed her gently as he wiped away her tears.


    It''s okay, don''t cry, he whispered with a sigh, his breath warm against her skin.


    I only said those things out of hand because I care about you.


    That''s why your ex-husband bothers me so much.


    I''m sorry, Mny.


    It won''t happen again.


    He ced a soft kiss on the corner of her trembling lips.


    She instinctively leaned toward him, seeking his warmth.


    Looking at him with wide, tear-filled eyes, her voice was a soft plea.


    Colton, all I want is for you to trust me.


    I only care about you, so please don''t doubt me anymore.


    You break my heart.


    I won''t, I promise.


    With those words, Mny let out a deep, relieved sigh.


    The tension between them melted and a small, satisfied smile curled at the edges of her mouth.


    His objective had been achieved; She knew she could bend Colton to her will.


    If she could manipte him once, she could do it again and again for the rest of their lives.


    They kissed, forgetting their argument.


    They soon melted into each other''s arms, lost in passion.


    But while Mny closed her eyes and her mind was immersed in pleasure, she did not see the dark shadow that clouded Colton''s expression.


    He thought bitterly of Allison, of how she would mock him mercilessly if she knew what had happened tonight……