Chapter 103

Isabella had been openly pursuing Alexander, showing her affection without restraint. Yet in his eyes, it was nothing but manipulation? "Alexander, I'm your fiancée! How could you say such things about me?" Isabella's eyes instantly welled up with tears she refused to shed.

"Isabella, you've known since the beginning that I can't handle overly affectionate women." Alexander took a deep breath, his gaze turning frosty.

"Yes, I know. I've always known."

Because of Alexander's traumatic childhood and upbringing, he'd never been able to form genuine intimacy with women. Even expressing emotions was a monumental step for him.

Otherwise, women would have snatched up such an eligible bachelor long ago, even without Evelyn's interference.

"But ever since we reconciled, you seem to have forgotten that."

Alexander clenched his fists, remembering Evelyn's icy stare.

He felt confused and guilty, yet couldn't pinpoint what he'd done wrong.

Never in his life had he felt so lost.

"But Alexander, we're getting married!" Isabella's eyes burned red with agitation. "We're not children anymore. We can't just hold hands forever! I'll share your bed, bear your children!"

Alexander instinctively stepped back.

He thought marrying this woman was what he wanted.

Then why did he feel increasingly panicked and resistant as the wedding approached?

Suddenly, the door burst open again.

Lucas staggered out from the banquet hall, his face flushed, tie loosened, hands trembling. His unfocused eyes suggested intoxication.

Alexander frowned when he felt the unnatural heat radiating from Lucas as he passed by.

Isabella hid behind Alexander, a cold smirk playing on her lips.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had just changed and removed her makeup backstage.

"Ms. Evelyn! Something's wrong!" A maid rushed up anxiously. "Mr. Ashbourne isn't feeling well and is resting in his room. Could you please check on him? He seems... uncomfortable."

Hearing Lucas was unwell, Evelyn's heart immediately raced.

"Take me to him now!"

With Alexander and Lucas both gone, Daniel found himself bored and decided to stroll through the gardens.

Night had fallen, stars blanketing the sky. The tranquil garden featured a charming bridge over a babbling brook.

Daniel admired the garden lights under the hazy moonlight - a truly beautiful sight.

Just then, rustling came from nearby bushes.

Daniel's pupils contracted. He spun around sharply. "Who's there?"

Silence. The noise stopped.

Probably just a stray cat.

As Daniel turned to leave, the rustling resumed!

This time accompanied by a soft feminine whimper.

Someone was definitely there.

Daniel's brows furrowed as he approached the bushes.

The weak voice carried hints of distress.

His pulse quickened, throat tightening as he drew nearer.

"Who's there? Show yourself."

Parting the foliage, he glimpsed white fabric. Pushing further, he froze.

Under dim lighting, the girl's porcelain skin glowed. Her eyes were misty, lips slightly parted as she struggled to breathe.

Daniel's lips trembled in shock.

"Seraphina?! What are you doing here?"

"I'm... so hot."

Seraphina lifted her flushed face, entire body trembling. From her cheeks to her delicate neck, all bore a telltale pink hue.

"Hot? Are you sick? You can't stay hidden here!"

Confused, Daniel reached to pull her out, but her skin burned like a furnace at his touch.

"Do you have a fever?" he asked urgently.

"Mr. Daniel... help me..."

Seraphina's consciousness blurred, Daniel's face swimming before her.

Yet his touch brought inexplicable relief.

She didn't understand why, only that she craved more contact, needed him closer.

"Seraphina—" Daniel's words died as a wave of heat hit him. Suddenly, Seraphina clung to him desperately, sending them tumbling into the bushes. She straddled him, hypersensitive to every touch.

Despite his experience, no woman had ever come onto him like this.

Let alone such a young girl!

What the hell was happening?

"Seraphina! Stop this! I have a girlfr—mmph!"

Her lips crashed onto his, stealing his breath.

Daniel's heart stuttered.

Their heated breaths mingled as the world around them stilled.

Meanwhile, Vanessa paced anxiously, unable to locate Daniel and unsure if he'd consumed the spiked drink.

She hadn't told Isabella about drugging Daniel too.

Having committed, she planned to seduce Daniel, then pressure her parents to arrange their marriage.

Under the Abernathy family's influence, Daniel wouldn't refuse.

But where had he disappeared to?

"Vanessa!" A maid hurried over.

"Is everything set?" Vanessa whispered cautiously.

"All arranged! I personally escorted Mr. Ashbourne in, then brought Evelyn over," the maid giggled proudly. "Mr. Ashbourne was definitely drugged. He and Evelyn must be... occupied by now."

"What about Daniel? Did you see him?"

"No, I didn't."

"Are you certain you drugged him?" Vanessa's face flushed with anxiety.

"Positive! I watched both men drink! If Mr. Ashbourne's affected, Daniel must be too!" the maid assured. As Vanessa fretted, Isabella called. She quickly moved to take the call privately.

"Vanessa, excellent work. Now... let the show begin!"