Chapter 151

“You can’t park on the overpass for long. My car will be towed! Where are you going? I can follow you, can’t I?”

“Shut up. If your car is towed, I’ll buy you a new one!”

Joanna choked, sniffing subconsciously. Thankfully, she didn’t smell alcohol.

“You haven’t been drinking, have you?”

Bruce said nothing, accelerating. The car sped toward a winding mountain road, nearly reaching Emerald Mountain. Many couples drove there at night for the view.

“Bruce, where the hell are we going?”

“You’ll see!”

The winding road circled Emerald Mountain, becoming increasingly narrow. Though Bruce was a skilled driver, Joanna remained silent to avoid distracting him.

Half an hour later, Bruce stopped at the mountaintop, parking near a cliff. Through the window, Joanna saw the breathtaking night view of Greyport. The city lights twinkled below, surreal and beautiful.

Bruce lit a cigarette. Joanna, however, was not admiring the scenery; she stared at him coldly.

“What are we doing here so late?”

Bruce smoked silently, filling the car with smoke. Joanna coughed and opened the door. As she was about to leave, Bruce exhaled deeply.

“I’m getting married next month!”

Joanna was speechless, an indescribable feeling—not pain, but a suffocating pressure—filling her.

“Congratulations!”

Bruce turned, frowning. “Isn’t there anything else you want to say?” He wanted her to beg him not to marry.

“I said congratulations!”

“Joanna, won’t you… try to persuade me to stay?”

She sneered. Four years ago, when they divorced, he’d been just as resolute. It was unsurprising he was marrying Roxanne now—after all, hadn’t he left her to marry Roxanne?

“Mr. Everett, did you bring me out here at this hour just to tell me you’re getting married? You could have called! I’m sorry, I probably won’t be able to attend your wedding. I wish you happiness.”

Joanna opened the car door to leave. Bruce grabbed her wrist.

“Ah! What are you doing? That hurts!”

“Joanna, you belong to me for life.” He pulled her back, lowering the seats. He pushed her onto the seat.

Joanna panicked, pushing back desperately. “You’re crazy! Don’t touch me!”

Bruce, already irritable—his body hotter than usual after eating spicy food—tore her clothes.

Joanna screamed, but her voice was muffled by his kiss.

Half an hour later, Joanna was semi-conscious, trembling. Bruce lit another cigarette, seemingly unaffected. Yet, for some reason, he felt no interest in Roxanne.

“Bruce, you bastard…” Tears of humiliation streamed down Joanna’s face. This bastard had always been cruel to her. Would she ever forgive him?

“Even if I’m a bastard, you forced me to be one.” She stopped crying, sobbing silently. Bruce’s heart softened. He gently kissed away her tears, his tone finally gentle.

“Joanna, I’m actually… in love with you! As long as you listen to me, I’ll spoil you. Why do you resist me so? I can give you anything Jaydon can, even more! Why him, not me?”

Joanna cried, leaning on his shoulder, biting him frantically. “Bruce, you bastard! I’ll never forgive you!” He winced in pain; blood on her lips.

“So be it! As long as you’re mine now…”

The entire night was spent making love in the car. The cramped space was filled with passionate encounters.

In the morning, the early sunlight was dazzling and beautiful. Joanna slept soundly. Bruce hugged her gently; the sunlight illuminated her face, making her look incredibly beautiful. His gaze softened.

If Bruce had known the girl who saved him ten years ago was Joanna, none of this would have happened. Fate played cruel tricks on him; he learned the truth only after losing what he cherished most.

Bruce’s phone rang incessantly. Joanna awoke. It was Roxanne. Dozens of missed calls and countless messages. She’d called all night. Worried she might do something rash, he answered.

“Hello!”

“Bruce, where are you? Why didn’t you answer all night?”

“What is it?”

Roxanne said quietly, “Nothing. You left suddenly, I was worried.”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“Bruce…”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up. We’ll talk tonight.”

Bruce hung up before Roxanne could reply. Joanna heard the conversation. She glanced coldly at Bruce.

“Bruce, aren’t you disgusting?”

He frowned, silent. Joanna pulled on her torn clothes.

“You’re about to marry Roxanne, and you’re still bothering other women! Aren’t you a scumbag?”

He frowned, unwilling to refute. “Whatever. As long as you’re happy, say what you want.”

Joanna ran her fingers through her hair, her body aching. Her head swam.

“Take me home!”

“Joanna, name your price,” Bruce said after a pause.

“What do you mean?”

Bruce looked into her eyes. “How much to be my lover?”

Joanna’s heart skipped a beat. She recovered. “Hmph, what kind of person do you think I am?”

Bruce’s face was arrogant. “Joanna, no matter what, you need money, don’t you? Instead of relying on another man, rely on me. I’m your ex-husband; I’ll treat you better!”

Joanna slapped him.

“Bruce, don’t think everyone is that cheap! I need money, but I’m not so low as to be someone’s lover. You don’t have to love me, but don’t insult my character!”

Bruce touched his cheek. “You always misunderstand me. I’m asking because I love you…”

“I don’t need your love. Love Roxanne.”

Joanna opened the door and stumbled out of the car, her legs giving way. He’d been too rough. Her body ached; she could barely stand.

Bruce quickly got out and picked her up. “Joanna, when did you become so stubborn? Do I have to force you?”

Joanna smiled coldly, exhausted. “Bruce, let me go!”