Chapter 228

Jake was powerfully built, his face dark and ruthless, looming over Thea. His hot, pungent breath sprayed onto her. Every touch of his large hands filled her with disgust. Nauseated, she gasped, "Get lost!" She kicked at him with all her might. "Do you realize Nicolas won't let you get away with this?"

Jake lunged, saying, "Nicolas is preoccupied with his son. Thea, you overestimate yourself. A man like Nicolas will only play games with you. Only I will treat you sincerely!" Thea ignored his protestations. However, his mention of Nicolas distracted her.

Before she could fully process it, Jake pulled her into his car. "Being with me is your best option now. Become my wife, and I'll treat you well." He drove to Silvercreek's finest hotel. He wouldn't rush into sex with her immediately.

In the car, Thea mentally mapped escape routes. Jake locked the doors; she was trapped. A strange perfume filled the car, making her feel flushed. He had loved her for eight years, knowing she'd rather die than submit. This was his backup plan. His eyes were fixed on her, his face contorted. "Thea, this time, you're mine," he muttered. He envisioned a future where he'd take compromising photos, ensuring her lifelong compliance.

In the hotel lobby, Jake protectively held Thea, shielding her from onlookers. His excitement was palpable. "Mr. Nicolas! Isn't that Mr. Jake?" Darwin exclaimed. "What's he doing here?"

Nicolas looked over, immediately sensing something was wrong. He recognized the dress he'd bought for Thea on the woman in Jake's arms. A cold aura emanated from him. Before Darwin could react, Nicolas strode towards them, following them upstairs. Seeing Jake carry Thea into a room, Nicolas's fury exploded.

"Jake, you're impressive," Nicolas sneered. "Bringing my wife to a hotel? You're uniquely absurd."

Jake felt a chill under Nicolas's gaze. Thea, meanwhile, was losing her mind. The drug's effects were overwhelming. Her lips parted slightly, as if inviting Jake. His Adam's apple bobbed; he refused to release her. "Nicolas, you're mistaken. I haven't contacted Thea. I merely sought a look-alike. Surely that's not unusual?" He braced himself.

Then, Thea moaned, exposing his lie. "Nicolas..."

The moan pierced Nicolas's heart. He smiled faintly. "Your substitute even replicates my relationship with my wife. Let her go, before I cripple you." He saw instantly Thea's distressed state. His eyes were glacial.

Jake's back went numb. Everyone knew the consequences of angering Nicolas. Though his obsession with Thea was overwhelming, he lacked the courage to defy Nicolas. He knew Nicolas wasn't joking.

Seeing Nicolas gently embrace Thea, Jake remained defiant. "Nicolas, you have Ms. Ralap. Your son is Grandpa's favorite. Why not let Thea go? At least I wouldn't be unfaithful like you!" He’d played the devoted man for so long, he almost believed it himself.

Nicolas stopped. "Have you forgotten why Thea broke off your engagement? Who told you the child is Stephanie and mine?" The unconscious Thea couldn't hear his explanation. She clung to him, her craving evident. Nicolas's unique scent seemed to awaken deep memories. Her captivating eyes held an irresistible allure. She murmured, "Nicolas... Honey..."

Her moans reached his heart, a feather against his soul. Upon entering the room, Thea restlessly grabbed his tie. "Nicolas, I feel awful. Please..." Her voice rose.

Nicolas's Adam's apple bobbed. "Your body can't handle this, Thea. Be good. We have a long way to go." He held her tightly, but she wasn't satisfied. She scratched his chest, trying to tug at his heart.

Failing, tears welled in her eyes. "You're lying about loving me! You don't even want to sleep with me now! My baby's gone, and you don't want me anymore... You have a child with another woman! You never cared about me or our baby!" She only spoke like this when irrational.

Nicolas gently cupped her face. It was beautiful and alluring. Only he knew the effort it took to control his own desires. He brushed away her tears. "Thea, that's not true. Oliver is my responsibility... You're unwell, and Oliver is young. He will be our child."

Finally, he couldn't resist. His lips gently touched hers, a kiss devoid of lust, filled with promises. He physically countered the drug's effects.

When she woke, it was past midnight. Seeing Nicolas's arms around her, she shuddered. Looking at his face, she felt cheap. But seeing it was Nicolas, not Jake, she felt immense relief. Thank goodness it's him. It can only be him! she thought.