Chapter 1022

Chapter 1022

They were hardly a couple, and before this, they hadn’t done anything together other than the obvious.

The sudden switch in their relationship status was a bit disconcerting for Maja.

She had never been in a relationship before, always turning down potential suitors to uphold a beautiful promise

she once made. Then came marriage to lan, and she had lived like a widow for three years, keeping all other men

at a distance.

Even half an hour before lan’s arrival, she was looking up date spots for couples online.

But she had been swamped lately, not having the time for anything other than meals and work.

lan moved behind her, gently wrapping his arms around her. He sighed at the sight of the endless data on her

computer screen. “You’re such a hard worker.”

Praised like a child, Maja felt a secretive sense of sham and a sense of satisfaction that was difficult to explain.

Most women didn’t ask for much, just a stable partner who always complimented them.

But most men can’t even do that right.

Maja remained silent, and lan lowered his body slightly.

“It’s 6:30, time to leave.”

She pushed him away with a hand on his head.

He straightened up with a smile, stepping back.

Maja grabbed her purse and followed him out.

Exiting their office, they found many employees working late. Seeing them together, the office gossip mill started

churning.

1

lan, without hesitation, pulled Maja into his arms, kissed her on the cheek, and announced to the crowd, “Dinner’s

on me. I’ll have the cook send up some food. Those of you working late, please stay another half hour.”

-Some who recognized him responded, “Thanks, Mr. Raymond.”

Others chimed in.

“Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Raymond.”

“May you have a blessed family.”

“May you have a century of happiness!”

Maja was speechless.

Once they stepped into the elevator, the office erupted in excited chatter.

“Wasn’t that lan? I’ve seen his interviews before. He’s even more handsome in person. I can’t even look at him

straight!”

“Even though it’s a bit over the top, I wish I was Maja when he kissed her.”

“I won’t lie. His face is the most stunning I’ve ever seen. I blush just looking at him.”

“Ahhh! I want to argue with those online haters who call Maja ugly. Mr. Raymond is with her now, and they’re a

perfect match. The haters are just jealous.”

Once inside the elevator, Maja used her elbow to push lan a bit away.

“You’re too flashy.”

She held her purse nervously. The sudden shift in their relationship made her incredibly nervous, especially now

that everyone knew.

But lan was naturally flamboyant in his relationships. If it weren’t for dinner with Beck tonight, he would have

already taken Maja to meet his circle of

friends.

Inside the car, Maja glanced at the mirror.

The marks on her neck were too obvious, and it hurt her.

She finally took a deep breath, gripping her hands tightly.

Jan, I need to tell you something. If I don’t, I’ll feel guilty.“”

lan was already driving, his attention on the road ahead. He took a turn.

“What was that?”

“I stayed at a hotel for two nights while you were out of the country.”

She couldn’t look at him as she said this.

She looked out the window, tears welling up.

“I was drugged. When I woke up, there were marks on my body.”

As she spoke, she touched her neck.

Sadness swelled in her throat, making it hurt.

A slender hand reached out and held hers, their fingers intertwining.

“Maja, I’m not a fool.”

In other words, he knew those marks weren’t his doing.

Maja stiffened, suddenly not understanding him.

In the past, he always assumed she was involved with other men, almost hating her for it. But now, he was

surprisingly calm.

lan kissed her hand.

“I didn’t protect you. I’ll find him.”

“No!”

Maja recoiled slightly, her head bowed.

“I don’t want to see him again, I don’t want to worry about this anymore. If you think I’m cowardly, that’s fine. I

didn’t tell you yesterday because I was afraid you’d break up with me.”

lan was puzzled, his brow furrowing.

“Why would I break up with you?”

Maja couldn’t answer right away. Wasn’t that what was supposed to happen? He should be disgusted that she’d

been with another man.

Most men had a sense of machismo, wanting their partners to be as pure as possible.