Chapter_76
Chapter 76
Emmeline and Adrien exchanged a few brief words before Adrien drove off in his sports car. Emmeline turned around and walked toward the café entrance.
Abel quickly moved away from the window and sat down on the sofa by the bed. He couldn’t understand why he felt so uneasy. From their exchange, it seemed like Adrien and Emmeline had been arguing. But what frustrated Abel more than anything was the idea of them being together. He didn’t want to see that.
He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, trying to calm his nerves.
Just then, the door to his room opened.
Abel froze. Was Emmeline coming in?
He heard her voice from outside. “I heard from the nanny that you drank a little too much tonight. Are you feeling better now?”
“Mm,” Abel replied quietly.
Emmeline pushed the door open and, noticing the room was dim, she flipped the light switch. The soft light illuminated the room, revealing Abel’s figure slouched on the sofa. His white pajamas contrasted with his damp hair, and his piercing eyes seemed almost hypnotic.
For a moment, Emmeline was taken aback by his appearance.
“I thought you went back to the mansion,” she said, confused.
“Why can’t I be here?” Abel smirked, his voice slightly mocking. “I pay rent. I have the right to stay here.”
“I didn’t mean that,” Emmeline replied quickly, feeling defensive.
“How’s Star?” Abel asked, his tone softening slightly.
“He’s okay now,” Emmeline answered.
“Is that why Adrien sent you back?” Abel’s voice was laced with a subtle bitterness.
Emmeline’s heart skipped a beat. Was he spying on her?
Abel sneered at the look on her face. “Don’t be so nervous. I just happened to see it from the window.”
Emmeline sighed, frustrated. “There’s nothing between me and Adrien!”
Abel’s face hardened. “I can’t do anything about it. You and Adrien are family, after all.”
“Family?” Emmeline raised her voice in anger. “Can you stop being so sarcastic when you talk to me?”
“Was I wrong?” Abel suddenly stood up, his tall frame towering over her.
Emmeline instinctively took a step back, her back hitting the door. She felt small and fragile beneath his gaze, but there was also an undeniable tension in the air.
Abel took another step forward, pinning her against the door. “What do you want?”
Emmeline’s breath hitched. “You tempted me.”
“I didn’t!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
Before she could protest further, Abel pressed his lips to hers, his kiss forceful and demanding.
Emmeline tried to push him away, but he grabbed her wrists and pinned them to the door, his lips never leaving hers.
Desperate for air, Emmeline started to weaken, her body going limp against his chest.
Without warning, Abel scooped her up in his arms and walked to the bed. He laid her down roughly on the soft mattress, his hands already pulling at her clothes.
“Abel Ryker!” Emmeline shouted, fury and fear in her voice. “What are you doing?”
Abel froze, his body tense. He quickly stood up, his breath heavy. “Sorry,” he muttered hoarsely.
Tears welled up in Emmeline’s eyes, her heart pounding in her chest.
Five years ago, Adrien had violated her. She couldn’t allow history to repeat itself with Abel.
“I thought you were a better person!” Her voice cracked as she spoke, the tears starting to fall.
Abel stumbled back, guilt and shame flashing across his face. “I’m really sorry, Emma,” he said, his voice broken. “I couldn’t control myself. I drank too much tonight, and the alcohol… it’s still affecting my judgment.”
“That’s no excuse!” Emmeline snapped, her voice trembling with both anger and hurt.
“I know,” Abel said quietly, his voice filled with regret. “I didn’t mean any harm. I… I…”
“What about you?” Emmeline asked, her tone sharp. She noticed a strange hesitation in him, something she hadn’t seen before.
“I…” Abel started, wanting to say I love you, but the words never made it past his lips. Instead, he muttered, “I want to take a shower.”
Abel quickly turned and walked toward the door, leaving Emmeline lying on the bed, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and pain.
