Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 234

Cheryl clutched her chest, feeling as though a saw was cutting into her heart, making it harder to breathe.

She quickly looked away, leaning against the wall as she gasped for air.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number she knew by heart. After a moment of hesitation, she pressed call.

When the person on the other end answered, Cheryl bit her lip and forced out the words she never thought she'd say. "Ms. Tanner, please tell him... I agree."

The moment the words left her mouth, tears poured down her face like a flood. As soon as she hung up, she couldn't hold back anymore and ran to the hospital garden.

In the secluded garden, Cheryl broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. After what felt like an eternity, her trembling hands opened her phone case. She pulled out a photo she had been keeping hidden inside.

Her fingers gently traced the bright, sunny smile of the man in the photo. Her voice was hoarse as she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Tears fell onto the photo, one after another. She had finally reached her breaking point.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Later, she received another call from Sidney Tanner, who gave her an address and told her to go there.

cab. She looked up

eyes, she took a deep breath and

the door to a presidential suite of the five-star hotel, Cheryl tugged nervously

stared down at the expensive carpet beneath her feet, biting her lip hard. She knew there would be no turning

herself to lift her

room was lavishly decorated, with a soft glow from the floor lamp casting shadows across the

Cheryl, making her feel as though she'd been thrown into

from years ago. It was as if he were a completely different person. His deep, cold

wine in his slender fingers, swirling it

awkwardly in front of him, her hands

his gaze icy as it settled on her. "Do I need to teach you how to please your

were pricking her skin. She kept her head down, unable to meet his eyes as she said,

her sides

on his pant leg. But Marley's eyes caught the frayed edges of her sleeve, and his expression turned even colder. Without warning, he poured the entire glass of red wine

her hand away. She had to endure it. She could do