My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)

The next day, I had brunch with Monique before returning to the villa.

Being absent-minded as always, I only realized that I had left my bag and phone in Bronzy Condo.

I entered the villa and noticed that the living room was empty. Minnie was most probably out for groceries; while Hendrix, being the workaholic he was, should be at the company.

I changed into my slippers and decided to look up some parenting education books for reading. The moment I opened the door of the study, the air was fetid with stale tobacco smoke.

It was daytime, but the curtains in the study were drawn up. It was dim.

"Hendrix?" I asked in a small voice as I saw cigarette sparks by the window.

Hendrix was the only one who smoked in this villa.

I reached for the switch and turned on the lights. Hendrix's expression was dark as he bellowed, "Turn it off!"

"What's wrong?"

walked towards him. "Didn't you sleep well last night?" I flinched

his icy eyes fixed on me. He stubbed out the

answered. "I told you

voice rough and ruthless, "Arianna, what else are you

his cold attitude. So, annoyed, I refuted, "What can I hide

you?" His eyes were red, and there was stubble on his chin.

gaze was particularly

in the dark, so I

and asked, "Who was the man you hugged at the

I snapped at him, "Hendrix, were you stalking me?" A fit of sudden anger burst in me. I continued, "Oh, Hendrix, are you serious? So you're even taking away my freedom

I unconsciously took a step back. He clutched my shoulders tightly in anger, "Why are you trying to run away? You're my wife, and

do anything you want!" Bothered by the foul smell of alcohol and cigarettes from him, I broke free from his grasp to leave the

exit the room, he had grabbed me by the arms and pulled me into a forceful hug, "Aren't you