He was dumbfounded. But July quickly reacted, and she rushed over. “Greg... what are you doing here?”
She quickly tried to snatch the lingerie he was holding, but Greg was obviously intent on causing trouble and avoided her hand, dangling it even more conspicuously. “Is this part of your so-called gossip?” Max’s jaw clenched as he finally found his voice. “Did you sleep with him?” July was momentarily stunned by his question, but then she sneered, throwing her arms up in the air. “Whatever! I’m a movie star now. What exactly do you expect?” She had clearly thrown all shame away, and Max stood there dumbfounded. He stared at her face speechlessly, suddenly finding her unfamiliar. Like the woman he knew and married was nothing but a dream. But she was unbothered and said matter of factly, “As it is, I’m tired of you! You are nothing but a sore loser who works a bartender job, running odd jobs for other people. You clearly have no future.” As she spoke, she even paused and eyed him mockingly, “Do you think you are a man? Look at Alyssa’s boyfriend. He got her a brand new car and refurbished her house. What exactly can you do for me?” “July!” He couldn’t help but yell. She yelled back. “Don’t July me! You sore loser.” Max had never felt so furious in his life. He couldn’t believe this was the outcome of all he had poured into this marriage, and he trembled in anger. But just then, Greg, who was initially watching the two of them silently, chuckled, “July, you should leave this sore ass. Look at him. How does someone like this deserve you?” He entered the door fully and slammed his shoulder into Max as he strode past, looking leisurely like he owned the house. Max’s anger instantly peaked, and he stormed after him. “Get out!” He barked. He was utterly furious now and looked like he was ready to throw some hands. Greg, however, looked like he was seeing someone make a fool of themselves and snickered provocatively, “What? You want to beat me up? Touch me, and I’ll have my police friend arrest you.” July had also entered and folded her arms, her gaze full of mockery. “You better don’t try it. Greg has a lot of friends in the police force who won’t hesitate to whack your ass. You deadbeat!” Upon hearing her words, Max finally calmed down. His expression was grim as he looked at the two of them standing beside each other, that annoying red lingerie still dangling in Greg’s hand. He clenched his fists tightly and seemed to have come to a conclusion. “Fine. I want a divorce!” He declared. “Tomorrow morning at the Civil Bureau Department.” He looked up at July’s face, unable to help himself from hoping she would tell him not to. But sure enough, she merely shrugged and sneered, “Of course.” Max had nothing else to say. He merely stared at her quietly, his heart breaking into pieces. He didn’t know why he dared to hope. And to add insult injury, Greg suddenly grabbed her by the waist and added with a dirty smile. “If you leave, I’m happy to stay and ‘comfort’ July for the night.” Max didn’t bother to respond to his obvious provocation and instead turned to leave, stumbling out of the door. He clenched his fists tightly as he left, willing himself not to turn back even when he heard them burst into mocking laughter behind him. He left the courtyard and stepped into the dark, empty street. The night air was chilly, but it did little to soothe the burning anger boiling inside him. He clenched and unclenched his fists severally, all the events of the night rushing into his head. It was too much for him, and the only thing he could feel at that moment was anger and helplessness. Finally, he stopped under a streetlamp. He leaned on the wall there, its weak light flickering from time to time as he stood there silently. No one knew how long he stood there, but after some time, he seemed to have calmed down. He reached into his trouser pocket and brought out his phone, pressing a few digits on it. But, he hesitated for some seconds before dialing the number. The phone rang only once before it was quickly answered. Max didn’t say anything, and the other person on the line was quiet too. So they fell into silence for a long time. He lifted his head and looked at the dark, starless sky quietly, looking like he wasn’t going to speak. But after what felt like eternity, he slowly whispered, “I lost.”The line connected, but neither one spoke. Finally, Max broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper."I lost."A deep sigh came from the other end. "I don't blame you, Max. Your personality... it's exactly like your father's."Max remained silent, those words stirring up memories he'd long tried to forget.The voice on the phone continued, "Now that you've admitted defeat, it's time to come back to the Norman family. You need to take up your responsibilities."Max closed his eyes, feeling the weight of those words. He'd run from this for so long, but now it seemed there was nowhere left to go. "Tomorrow," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "After I sign the divorce papers, I'll be back.""Alright," came the reply, followed by another stretch of awkward silence.Max felt a lump forming in his throat. All the pain and humiliation of the night came crashing down on him. "I'm sorry, Grandpa," he choked out, years of regret and longing in those simple words. "I know, son. I k
A loud crash filled the air, followed by the sound of metal crunching. July's brand new car was destroyed, crushed by a sleek black SUV. The scene was total chaos.July cried out in anguish, "My car! My beautiful new car!" Tears streamed down her face as her sorrow turned into anger. "Who did this?!" she screamed, her voice filled with emotion. "Who had the nerve to destroy my car?!"Greg, standing next to her, was just as furious. His face was red with anger as he shouted, "Whoever you are, come out now! I'll make sure you pay for this!" He put his arm around July, trying to comfort her while he was still angry.Inside, Greg was mad for another reason. 'I spent so much money on that car,' he thought bitterly. 'All that money, gone in a second.'Fueled by his anger, Greg stormed towards the SUV, ready to pull the driver out if he had to. But as he reached for the door handle, it opened by itself.Greg stumbled back, surprised, as a beautiful woman stepped out of the vehicle. She was s
Alexa's eyes narrowed as she approached July, her stilettos clicking menacingly on the pavement. "Oh, honey," she drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. "Are you really trying to play with fire? You'll only burn yourself, and trust me, you can't afford any more damage to that face." “Let’s see who will hide her face after my post. If you beg me, then I can give it a thought,” she smirked and moved her feet in front of her so that she could beg easily for mercy. Alexa was controlling her anger till now because of Max, but now she realizes that she don’t deserve any respect. She let out a derisive snort. "I mean, seriously? Challenging me? It's like watching a chihuahua try to take on a wolf. Adorable, but ultimately stupid just like you." July's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm not stupid, Alexa. And Max? He's nothing special. That's why I'm leaving him. You're welcome to my leftovers." Alexa's gaze flicked to Max, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face. "Thank goodn
Max stood in his grandfather's study, his heart pounding. The old man sat behind a massive oak desk, his steely gaze fixed on his grandson."Max," his grandfather began, his voice gruff, "it's time we discussed your future. We've secured a marriage contract with the Hunters. You'll wed their daughter next spring." Max's breath caught in his throat. "What? Grandfather, I can't—" "This isn't up for debate," the old man cut him off. "This union will strengthen both our families. It's been decided." "But I don't love Alexa," Max protested, his voice rising. "I'm in love with someone else. Someone real." His grandfather's eyes narrowed. "Real love? Don't be naive, boy. Love comes with time and mutual respect. This marriage is about duty, about family." "I won't do it," Max said, his jaw set. "I won't marry someone I don't love." The old man's face darkened. "If you go against my decision, you'll be banished from this family. Cut off completely. Is that what you want?" Max too
"I'm not here to work," Max said, his voice steady despite his rage. "I'm here to quit."The boss's face twisted into a sneer, his beady eyes narrowing. "Oh really?" he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And how do you plan to make a living without this job, Mr. High-and-Mighty? Did you suddenly win the lottery?"Max took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "That's none of your concern. I'm moving on to better things."The boss let out a harsh laugh. "Better things? You?" He turned to the other employees. "Did you hear that, folks? Our Max here thinks he's too good for us now!"The other workers shifted uncomfortably, unsure whether to laugh along with the boss or support Max. A few nervous chuckles echoed through the bar.The boss stepped closer to Max, his breath hot on Max's face. "Listen here, you ungrateful little punk. You were nothing when you came here. I gave you a chance when no one else would. And this is how you repay me?"Max stood his ground, refusing
Alexa's words stunned everyone at first but in a couple of seconds, they burst into mocking laughter.The boss laughed heartily, shaking his head at Alexa. "Pretty girl, you look beautiful, but you seem to have a few screws loose up there," he said, appreciating her beauty while flirting with her in a way that was far from subtle. Beside Alexa, Max's brows wrinkled and he looked displeased but didn't intervene knowing she had it all under control.The boss continued to taunt, "You shouldn't spend too much time with a loser like Max. Otherwise, you'll begin to have some serious delusions. You really think my bar would go bankrupt just because of a phone call of yours? That’s absurd. Your showoff act is getting on my nerves."He was pretty confident as he strutted around in front of them. But Alexa was rather calm and unfeeling, merely gazing at him coldly."Don't be so quick to laugh," she replied. "Who knows what might happen by the time five minutes are up?""What will happen is you
She stood akimbo, and it was obvious that she was furious. The aura around her was intense, and everyone in the scene could tell that she wasn't to be messed with. Although Alexa looked young, it was obvious she had some good backing.Even Max could not help but give her a few more cursory glances."It won't stop with your rent, loan, and tax," Alexa continued to speak, her chin raised as she evened her cold gaze on him. "If I want you and your entire generation to pack up from this city with nothing, no one can stop me."Max could tell she was not going to let it go. Seeing how the boss and the rest of his colleagues looked terrified, he felt uncomfortable and muttered, "Alexa..."She quickly spun to look at him. "I was already furious with that foolish... woman... erm.." she coughed and gazed at him carefully, unsure if he would be angry at her with that term of address."Anyway, I was already angry with July and her stupid lover," she continued to say. "And yet, he came to provoke
A blue colored SUV sped through a grove of lush and tall trees before stopping in front of a tall iron gate. The building behind the gate was shielded by the tall gate, but it was still evident how magnificent it was. There were two guards standing ramrod straight at the gate with rifles in hand, and when the SUV stopped, one of them quickly approached. Alexa rolled down the window. The guard questioned respectfully, "Do you have a permit, ma'am?"She paused, having forgotten that one needed a permit to enter the Norman mansion. She had gone out in a hurry to pick Max up and didn't take her permit along. She was about to explain this when the guard suddenly sighted the person in the passenger seat. His face immediately changed, and he saluted, "Welcome back, Young Master."Max finally looked over and gave an embarrassed smile. "Hi, Marcus."The guard was clearly pleased to see him and said excitedly, "The door is open. Please go in.""Thank you."Immediately, the gate opened up, an