Chapter 19
“I’m busy. We’ll discuss it later,” Ken snapped.
Viola’s eyes welled with tears. “How long do you want to wait? Until Calista comes backe She’s at the research base–she’ll never return!”
Ken’s face darkened as he rounded on her. “Say that again.” His expression chilled her to
the bone.
Ken, I love you. Remember all our beautiful moments together?”
Ken’s appearance and success far surpassed any man Viola had known. She’d fallen hard for him after just a few encounters. She’d done everything to win him, and now that marriage was within reach, she refused to let him slip away.
Seeing
his internal struggle, Viola changed tactics. She set out wine before him.
I know you’re under pressure lately. Since you don’t want to see me, I’ll leave you be. Have some wine–get some rest.”
She left with calculated grace.
Ken had been lost in thoughts of Calista for days. Seeing the wine, he poured a glass and began drinking.
Watching from outside, Viola’s lips curved in a cold smile. She slipped into Calista’s room, donned her clothes, and styled her hair to match. It didn’t matter if Ken hated her. She could become Calista.
“Calista… Calista…” The wine unlocked Ken’s memories of their time together. He’d always loved her–why couldn’t he admit it before?
Through his tears, he saw a figure like Calista enter the room.
“Calista?”
¿
The figure smiled silently.
Kén rushed forward with a choked sob, embracing her. “You’re finally back. I’ve missed youl
so much…”
Viola wrapped her arms around his waist, biting her lip against the humiliation. Her pride
lay shattered, but she had to endure. “Aren’t you happy to see me, Ken?”
His heart raced wildly. “Of course I am! Don’t ever leave like that again. I’ve missed you
terribly…”
A cold smile played at Viola’s lips. If Ken wouldn’t marry her willingly, she’d force his hand. She stripped down to her camisole and tried to lead him to the bed.
“Let me help you undress…”
But as she reached for his shirt, Ken grabbed her wrist.
“Calista would never do this in front of me. You’re nothing like her, Viola.”
Her eyes widened in shock.
C
