The night before Yolanda Tillery returned, Dwayne Lawrence took Jillian Horton to a themed hotel for the first time.

That night, he ran through every position, every toy, every technique he could think of.

In the final round, Jillian's nails dug deep into his toned back.

His skill left her dizzy, breathless, and completely undone.

It wasn't his wildest night, but it was the time he came the most—as if he needed to review every move one last time.

"Dwaynie, what's gotten into you? You were so wild tonight."

As he pulled out, she didn't even have the strength to lift her head.

"Nothing. Get some rest. I'm going out for a smoke."

He grabbed his jacket from the chair and stepped onto the balcony.

Watching his lonely silhouette, she moved to hug him.

But as she got closer, she saw his phone screen—a video call had connected.

The screen lit up with a woman in a sleek red dress.

She was sitting in an airport VIP lounge with a glass of wine, elegant and sophisticated.

"Dwaynie, calling me this late? Shouldn't you be with your little girlfriend?"

Jillian knew who she was—Yolanda, a friend of Dwayne's mother. He had always called her "Aunt Yolanda".

She was ten years older than he, but stunningly youthful and beautiful.

Dwayne lit a cigarette, exhaled slowly, and said in a low voice, "Aunt Yolanda, I've practiced well these past three years. I'm a grown man now. Can you give me a chance? Stop seeing me as that boy from before. You know my feelings for you."

"What are you talking about, silly boy? You're about to get married. If your girlfriend heard you, she'll be upset. Get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

She hung up, but Dwayne didn't move.

Behind him, Jillian stood frozen. A cold numbness spread through her body, and every breath felt like a stab.

Three years together, and she had been nothing but someone for him to practice on.

All that passion tonight was just his rehearsal for Yolanda?

The thought made her stomach turn.

She covered her mouth and rushed to the bathroom, retching violently.

The noise drew Dwayne over.

He put out his cigarette and gently patted her back.

"What's wrong? Why are you throwing up so badly?"

His voice was as gentle as always, but she felt nothing but cold.

Even his touch felt unbearable.

"I have to go," she said coldly.

"It's almost dawn. Come with me to pick up Yolanda. Her flight lands soon."

Without waiting for a reply, Dwayne stepped into the shower and turned on the water.

He extended his hand to her. "Shower with me?"

She looked at his handsome face, her heart aching so much she could barely breathe.

"No, I—"

But he pulled her into the shower anyway.

Hot water drenched her, and his hands immediately began to roam.

She grabbed his wrist. "No. Dwayne, I'm tired. I don't want to."

"Already? Hmm? Did I fail to satisfy you? But you were enjoying yourself just fine earlier..."

Dwayne bit Jillian's earlobe, trying to arouse her.

But her eyes were empty.

Knowing she couldn't refuse, she gave in and let him vent out one last time.

At the airport.

Dwayne and Jillian waited two hours before Yolanda appeared.

She was even younger and more striking than Jillian had imagined. A red velvet long dress hugged her curves, her brown curls pinned behind her ears, radiating a timeless charm.

Spotting Dwayne, she waved. "Dwaynie!"

As if unable to hold back his longing, Dwayne instantly dropped Jillian's hand and rushed toward her.

She let go of her suitcase and leaped into his arms, and then he lifted her and spun her around a few times.

"Dwaynie, you've grown up. You're so handsome now. Not like me—I'm getting old."

"Not at all. You're just as beautiful as ever, Aunt Yolanda," Dwayne said, the excitement in his tone palpable.

"You always know what to say. I'm sure I'm nothing next to your girlfriend."

"It's the other way around. You completely outshine her."

"Oh, you and your sweet talk."

They held each other tightly. Watching the tenderness and affection in Dwayne's eyes, Jillian let out a quiet laugh.

She remembered—it was a rainy night she fell for him.

He was drunk, lying in the mud, and she happened to pass by and helped him up.

When he woke, he asked for her number and promised to take her out to eat.

Slowly, they grew close.

She thought he was just a regular guy, but he turned out to be the heir to the massive Lawrence Group, even though he was only twenty-five.

Around others, he was cold and distant. Only with her, he was gentle and attentive.

One day, he told her he loved her, and she said yes.

They spent three years together.

He was always good to her—peeling every bit of white pith from her oranges, even though she said multiple times he didn't have to.

Every morning, he brought her warm milk with half a spoon of honey, saying it was good for her health.

Every time before she got in the car, he adjusted the seat so she'd be comfortable.

Then, last month, he proposed.

She was so happy she couldn't sleep for nights, thinking she'd finally found her happy ending.

But all those illusions were shattered today.

She had been nothing but a joke.

Yolanda looked at her. "Is this your girlfriend, Dwaynie? What's her name again... Jill?"

She slid down from Dwayne's embrace and smiled at Jillian, "Hello, Jill. I'm a friend of Dwaynie's mother. You can call me Yolanda."

Jillian just looked at Yolanda, saying nothing, which made Yolanda slightly awkward.

Dwayne frowned. "Jill, Aunt Yolanda's talking to you. Didn't you hear?"

"I did. Yolanda, are you really just a friend of his mother? You look so young. Someone who didn't know might think you were his girlfriend," Jillian said, her voice flat.

Yolanda's smile tightened. "Maybe you got the wrong idea... Dwaynie and I have always been close. We hugged a lot back then. Well, to be fair, I was always the one holding him..."

"I'm tired," Jillian said.

No longer willing to deal with Dwayne and Yolanda, she turned to leave.

Dwayne caught up to her. "Where are you going? Bradley and the others are throwing Aunt Yolanda a welcome party at the Afterglow Club. You should come."

Jillian let out a cold laugh. "As you said, it's for her, not me. Why would I go?"

"Jill, this isn't like you. Aunt Yolanda left her business behind to come back for our wedding. How can you be so rude?"

It was the first time Dwayne had ever raised his voice at her.

She looked at him, tears welling in her eyes.

Just then, Yolanda walked over gracefully and took Dwayne's arm.

"Dwaynie, don't speak to a woman like that. Be nice. Jill, please come with us, alright?"

Dwayne practically dragged Jillian to the parking lot. As she moved to get in the car, he opened the passenger door for Yolanda.

"Aunt Yolanda gets carsick. You take the back, Jill."

Jillian got in the back without a word. It was all ending anyway. Arguing felt pointless.

"Wait," he said.

Before Yolanda sat down, he adjusted the seat for her.

Yolanda lit up with surprise. "Dwaynie, I'm so touched. After all this time, you still remember my habit."

His voice was unbelievably soft. "Of course. I remember everything you like.

"Oh, I don't want you feeling sick, so I got these."

He opened the glove compartment, picked out the best-looking orange, and started peeling it with familiar ease.

Yolanda smiled coquettishly, "You still remember I love eating oranges in the car? And that I hate the white pith? You're so sweet, Dwaynie!"

Sitting in the back, watching him, Jillian felt a deep cold spread through her.

She had always thought his small, thoughtful gestures were for her alone.

But his tenderness had never been real.

The love she'd felt for the past three years had never truly been hers.

Tears traced silent paths down her cheeks. She bit her lip hard, refusing to make a sound.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

It was a text from the bridal shop manager, sending over a batch of wedding dress photos for her to choose from.

"Ms. Horton, here are the dresses you were interested in. Which one would you like for the wedding?"

Her wedding?

She had almost forgotten the date was set.

But she didn't want to marry him anymore.

"The wedding is off. I won't be needing a dress. Thank you," she typed back.

Meanwhile, Yolanda's gentle voice drifted to her. "You're getting married now, you know. You should start acting like a grown man.

"Jill is a nice woman. Be good to her."

Dwayne asked, "Aunt Yolanda, how long are you planning to stay this time?"

"How long do you want me to stay?" she replied. "I'll leave after the wedding. Why? Can't bear to see me go?"

They kept flirting right in front of Jillian, not caring in the slightest how she felt.

Jillian didn't interrupt. She simply found the number of Rosa Lawrence, Dwayne's grandmother, and sent a text.

"I'm sorry, Rosa. I need to call off the wedding."

Rosa called immediately.

"What's wrong, Jill? Why cancel so suddenly? Where is Dwaynie? Let me talk to him."

"It's my decision," Jillian said. "I want to call it off. Please don't ask him. I'm sorry, but I'm in the middle of something right now. I'll explain everything to you later."

She hung up. Dwayne turned to look at her from the front seat. "Who was that? Call what off?"

"Nothing important," she said, shaking her head.

Dwayne gave a brief nod. "Aunt Yolanda will be in town for a few days. I want you to stay with her."

"You're so thoughtful, Dwaynie. You deserve a reward. Here, open your mouth."

Yolanda leaned over and placed a section of orange into his mouth.

His lips brushed against her finger, and he parted them slightly, as if not feeling enough and wanting to kiss it.

Yolanda froze for a second, then blushed.

Looking at her, Dwayne said softly, "Aunt Yolanda, the orange you feed me is so much sweeter."

She gave his shoulder a playful punch and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Stop joking. How could it be any different? They're all from the same bag."

A wave of nausea hit Jillian as she watched Dwayne.

She never thought the man she loved could be so disgusting.

Fortunately, they soon arrived at the Afterglow Club. The private room was already full when they got there.

The moment Yolanda and Dwayne walked in, their friends started pushing drinks on them.

"Yola! It's been forever! You're finally back!"

"You're late, Yola! You know the rules—you have to drink!"

"Yeah, you're not getting out of here until you finish that!"

Amid the cheers, someone shoved a glass of whiskey in front of Yolanda.

She smiled, picked it up readily, and said, "OK, fine. I'll drink."

"Wait. You have a weak stomach. You shouldn't be drinking this. I'll have it for you."

Dwayne snatched the glass and was about to down it for her.

Jillian instinctively reached out to stop him. "You just recovered from that stomach issue a few days ago. Have you forgotten already?"

"It's just one glass. I'll be fine."

Dwayne tossed the drink back, and the room erupted again.

"Wow, Dwaynie hasn't changed a bit—still playing the knight in shining armor."

"After three years, you're still so protective of Yola, Dwaynie."

"Hey, remember what happened three years ago, guys? Yola left the country, and Dwaynie was so messed up about it. He got completely wasted, ran out into the rain, and got soaked. No one could stop him whatsoever. And then..."

Jillian could no longer hear another word.

She looked at Dwayne's face and suddenly felt in a trance.

That rainy night three years ago...

He had gotten that drunk because Yolanda had left the country?

She let out a quiet, bitter laugh. The truth was even harsher than she'd imagined—even her first meeting with him was tied to Yolanda.

"Seriously, Dwaynie, don't tell us you're still hung up on Yola."

Seeing the conversation getting out of hand, Yolanda cut in quickly.

"Alright, that's enough, everyone. I came back because Dwaynie is getting married. I even took time off to be here ahead of the wedding. If you keep joking like this, Jill will get upset. Right, Jill?"

If she hadn't mentioned Jillian, everyone—including Dwayne—would have forgotten about Jillian's presence.

Realizing they'd crossed a line, someone quickly tried to smooth things over. "Jill, don't take it the wrong way. We're just messing around. We joke like this all the time. Don't overthink it."

From the side, someone muttered under their breath, "Who even invited her? This is supposed to be a friend's thing. With her here, we can't even joke as we want."

"Hey, shut up! Jill, congrats on the wedding!"

Jillian stayed quiet through their awkward explanations.

She just stood there, a dull ache spreading through her chest.

"Don't just stand there. Come sit down."

Noticing the look on her face, Dwayne reached for her hand to lead her to the sofa.

But she shoved his hand away and forced a smile. "You guys have fun. I need to use the restroom."

Jillian pushed open the restroom door and stepped inside. She turned on the tap, splashing cold water on her face.

The shock of the chill helped clear her head.

When she looked up, she saw a beautiful face reflected in the mirror.

It was Yolanda.

"Are you OK?" Yolanda smiled and held out a tissue. "Here."

"I'm fine. Thanks."

Jillian didn't take it. She saw no reason to pretend with Yolanda and moved to leave.

Just then, Yolanda's voice came from behind. "I'm sorry. I had no idea that after three years, Dwaynie would still be so hung up on me."

Jillian stopped but didn't turn around. "What's your point?"

"Nothing, really. I'm just curious—do you think he'll still be this obsessed with me after you're married?"

Hearing the subtle provocation in Yolanda's tone, Jillian felt her instincts confirmed.

Yolanda wasn't as innocent as she pretended. She clearly had feelings for Dwayne, too.

Turning around, Jillian met Yolanda's gaze squarely. "You have feelings for Dwayne, don't you?"

"Of course, I do. Why wouldn't I? He's young, handsome, gentle, and sweet. But I just wonder how far he'd go for me. Tell me—if something happened to me at your wedding, do you think he'd leave you at the altar to come save me?"

Jillian's hard-won composure was shattered.

She looked up, anger blazing in her eyes.

"You're shameless!"

A sharp crack echoed through the room.

Yolanda had slapped her hard across the face.

"Watch your mouth! Why would Dwaynie fall for someone like you? Let me make something clear—you'll never measure up to me. I've known him since he was ten. Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like that!"

The slap caught Jillian off guard, but she wasn't one to back down. She grabbed a bucket filled with dirty mop water and dumped it over Yolanda's head.

Yolanda screamed—a shrill, horrified sound.

Obsessed with her appearance and a known neat-freak, she completely lost it as the filthy water soaked through her clothes.

Watching her writhe and shriek, Jillian smirked coldly. "If you thought I was a pushover, you were wrong. And just so you know—I'm not marrying Dwayne. So, whatever fantasy you're playing out in your head? It ends here."

"You—"

Yolanda lunged at her, but just then, noise erupted from outside.

The restroom door burst open, and Dwayne rushed in, followed by a crowd.

"What's going on?"

His face darkened instantly when he saw Yolanda drenched and trembling.

"Who did this to you?"

Jillian was still holding the empty bucket. Meeting Dwayne's harsh stare, she said coldly, "I did. She slapped me, so I poured water on her. We're even."

"Dwaynie..." Yolanda lifted her head slowly, tears welling in her eyes. "You see? No one wants us together. Not your mother, not your grandmother, and not your girlfriend. I tried to explain there's nothing between us, but she wouldn't listen. Look what she did to me!"

Seeing her tear-streaked, distressed face, Dwayne immediately took off his jacket and wrapped it around her.

He gently wiped her tears and said, "Don't worry, Aunt Yolanda. I'll make this right."

With that, he picked up another bucket of dirty water and poured it directly over Jillian's head.

The icy, filthy water seeped through Jillian's collar, soaking her to the skin in an instant.

The cold was biting, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.

"Jillian, don't think being my fiancée gives you the right to lay a hand on Aunt Yolanda. If you ever do something like this again, it won't end with just a bucket of water," Dwayne warned, his voice low and hard.

Jillian lifted her head slowly, her gaze icy.

"Did you really just do that to me ... for her?"

Ignoring her, Dwayne bent down, scooped Yolanda into his arms, and walked out. "Don't be scared, Aunt Yolanda. I've got you. I'm taking you home."

As he passed Jillian, he shot her a look.

It was so detached and ruthless that it made her heart clench with a sharp, physical pain.

A few of Dwayne's friends lingered behind, their eyes sympathetic.

"You OK? Try not to take it personally. Dwaynie's always been like this when it comes to Yola—he loses all sense. Maybe he'll cool off by the time you get home."

"Yeah, what were you thinking, picking a fight with Yola? She means something different to him. She's off-limits. Just try to keep that in mind from now on."

Jillian took a shaky breath and looked at them.

"Why is he so protective of her? And why does he call her 'Aunt Yolanda'?"

"Well, he used to want to call her just Yola, like the rest of us, but she wouldn't allow it. She said since she's a friend of his mother's, he had to show respect.

"As for why he cares so much... His mother died young, and Yola was his neighbor back then. She looked after him a lot—she was really there for him during some dark times.

"Honestly, he was pretty attached to her. Eventually, Madam Lawrence found out and made a huge scene. After Yola went abroad, he was a wreck. Then he met you. We thought he'd moved on."

"Hey, that's enough," someone cut in. "Jill, you should go home and get changed. You don't want to catch a cold."

When Jillian stepped out of the club, it was pouring—sheets of rain swept across the pavement.

She tried to hail a cab, but driver after driver sped past when they saw how drenched she was.

Walking home wasn't an option as it was too far. Left with no choice, she called Dwayne.

"Dwaynie, can you come pick me up? I—"

"You've got some nerve calling me. Aunt Yolanda's running a fever because of you. Find your own way back. Don't call me again."

His voice was cold, and he hung up before she could respond.

Staring at the darkened screen, Jillian remembered their first year together.

Back then, whenever it rained, he'd come find her without being asked—no matter where she was.

"Jill, we met on a rainy night. I promise I'll be with you every time it rains. Wherever you are, I'll come find you."

But today, he couldn't have been more indifferent.

She dialed Rosa's number.

The call connected almost immediately.

"Hello? Jill, is that you? I've been waiting for you to call—"

"Rosa..." Jillian's voice broke. "Could you ... come pick me up?"

She burst into tears the moment she heard Rosa's voice.

After all these years, she believed Rosa's kindness was genuine.

At the mansion.

After changing into dry clothes, Jillian sat on the sofa, sipping warm tea. She finally began to feel some warmth return to her body.

Rosa took her hand gently. "Jill, what Dwaynie did was completely wrong. But you have to believe he does love you. He's just ... confused about his own feelings right now. He doesn't realize what he's throwing away. Please give him a little more time."

"Rosa, you know he's in love with Yolanda, don't you?" Jillian asked quietly.

"That isn't love—it's the attachment of a boy who never got over his first crush. He doesn't understand what real love is, and that's why he's hurting you," Rosa sighed. "Your wedding is in five days. Can you give him those five days? If he hasn't come to his senses by then, you have my word—the wedding will be off. You mentioned wanting to study abroad before, right? I can help arrange that for you."

"But..." Jillian wanted to refuse. After just one day, she was utterly disappointed in Dwayne.

She dreaded what the next five might bring, and the thought of enduring more fresh blows was unbearable.

"Please, do this for me. And give your relationship one last chance."

Seeing the earnest look on Rosa's face, Jillian finally nodded.

"Alright, Rosa. Five more days."

"Thank you, Jill. Now get some rest. I'll have someone drive you back tomorrow morning. Try to talk to him then, OK?"

The next morning.

During the drive back to the villa, Jillian checked her phone.

Dwayne hadn't contacted her all night—not a single text or call.

He'd probably been too preoccupied with Yolanda to even remember her existence.

Taking a deep breath, she entered the villa.

They weren't in the living room. Not dwelling on it, she headed upstairs to rest.

As she passed the guest room, she noticed the door was slightly ajar. Through the opening, she saw Yolanda lying in bed while Dwayne sat beside her, carefully feeding her medicine.

"Dwaynie, do you remember when you were fifteen? I used to feed you medicine just like this."

"Yes, I remember. I'll never forget how kind you've always been to me, Yola."

Dwayne's gaze was filled with affection as he looked at Yolanda. "If it weren't for you back then, I might be dead already..."

"Don't say things like that. You're getting married now—you should focus on your future. And didn't I ask you to call me Aunt Yolanda? You keep forgetting."

Yolanda weakly brought her hand to his lips, and he took the chance and caught her wrist. "But I prefer calling you Yola. How long are you planning to stay this time?"

"You already asked me that. I told you—I'll leave after your wedding."

"So soon?"

"What's wrong? Are you upset? You still frown exactly the same way when you're unhappy. It's a shame ... I won't be here to smooth those frowns away for you anymore."

"I don't want you to leave, Yola."

Suddenly agitated, Dwayne leaned down and kissed her possessively.

She made a weak effort to push him away. "Dwaynie... Don't... We can't..."

As she looked up over his shoulder, she saw Jillian in the doorway. A faint, triumphant smile touched her lips.

With a cold laugh, Jillian pushed the door open forcefully.

"What are you doing?"

Dwayne jerked back in panic, pushing Yolanda away.

"Jill, I—"

"Jill, please don't misunderstand," Yolanda cut in. "Dwaynie had too much to drink. He didn't..."

Jillian laughed coldly as her gaze fell upon Yolanda's smeared lipstick.

"Oh, really? Getting drunk first thing in the morning? Is that right, Dwayne? You love Yolanda, don't you? The truth is, you don't want to marry me at all, do you?"

Facing Jillian's rapid-fire questions, Dwayne answered shamelessly, "That's not true. I love you. You're the one I want to marry, Jill. I ... wasn't thinking straight. Jill, please forgive me. I swear it will never happen again."

He pleaded, his eyes red and welling with tears.

Against her better judgment, Jillian felt her resolve soften a little.

"And if it does happen again?"

"Then I'll accept the punishment of never seeing you again for the rest of my life," he answered without a moment's hesitation.

She nodded. "Alright, Dwayne. Remember the promise you made today.

"If you ever betray me again, I will leave you. You will never see me again."

For the next two days, Dwayne was genuinely attentive to Jillian.

He went along with what she wanted and spoiled her with surprises.

And he barely went to see Yolanda.

She began to believe he had truly realized his mistake and wanted to build a happy life with her.

Then came the day before their wedding. She was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea. A pregnancy test confirmed it—she was pregnant.

She couldn't wait to share the excellent news with Dwayne.

She found him downstairs in the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist as he cooked dinner.

Over the past few days, he had made all sorts of dishes for her.

Even though they weren't her favorites, she ate them anyway because he said he was making them especially for her.

Watching him focus on his cooking, she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

"Dwaynie, guess who has a surprise?"

He turned around to look at her. "What is it, babe?"

"Look!" She handed him the pregnancy test.

His eyes dropped to the stick, then flicked back to her face, filled with disbelief. "Pregnant? You're pregnant?"

"Yes. Aren't you happy?"

She couldn't quite read his expression, and his reaction frustrated her.

"What are you talking about? Of course, I'm happy. This is our baby. And we're getting married tomorrow. The timing is perfect! I'm about to be a father! I'm thrilled, Jill."

He hugged her tightly, one hand stroking her belly. She completely missed the flicker of ruthlessness in his eyes.

That night, Dwayne brought Jillian a glass of milk. Soon after drinking it, she grew incredibly drowsy.

As she drifted in and out of consciousness, she heard someone crying nearby.

"Congratulations, Dwaynie. You're getting married tomorrow, and you're going to be a father. I'll leave after the wedding. From now on, there will be nothing between us. I hope you'll be happy forever."

It was Yolanda's voice. She was talking to Dwayne.

"Yola, what if I told you I'm willing to do anything for you? Would you believe me?"

Dwayne held her in his arms, his voice full of affection. "Jill is young. There will be other children."

Unable to fight the heaviness in her limbs, Jillian sank into a deep, drugged sleep.

When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a hospital.

The sharp smell of disinfectant filled her nose, and the glaring white ceiling made it hard to keep her eyes open.

She shifted slightly, about to call for someone, when she heard Dwayne on the phone.

"Dwaynie, how can you be so cruel?"