Belinda's voice was so loud it made Callie's ear hurt.
Callie held the receiver far away from her ear.
"Callie Norris, you better explain what's going on! If you're playing games with me, I won't let you off the hook!"
Belinda had such a fiery temper; what man would like that?
Callie sighed helplessly. "I don't know why he came back early..."
"Callie Norris, you did this on purpose to deceive me!"
"If you don't believe me, then let's just stop working together."
Callie couldn't stand her yelling anymore.
On the other end, Belinda took a moment to calm down.
It wasn't that she wanted to yell; she was just frustrated. She had a chance to be with Shane, but now they were drifting apart. Shane was growing more and more distant, and it made her anxious and angry.
"I believe you..."
Belinda said through gritted teeth.
Right now, she had no other choice but to continue working with Callie.
Even without seeing her face, Callie could imagine Belinda's expression twisted with anger.
She was such a strong-willed woman, yet now she had to rely on her to please Shane.
Her heart must be in turmoil.
Callie wouldn't have chosen to cooperate with someone like Belinda if it weren't for the child in her belly and her own need to escape successfully.
This time, they were just using each other.
"Wait for my news!"
With that, Callie hung up the phone.
In this partnership, Callie held absolute control.
Belinda had no other options.
She could only depend on Callie.
Callie put down her phone and went downstairs.
She walked into the dining room.
She froze for a moment, staring in disbelief at Shane Robinson.
"You..."
Shane Robinson stood up, elegantly wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin. "What are you looking at?"
Callie's mouth twitched.
Could this man really be a pig?
He had actually finished eating.
Instead of going upstairs after finishing his meal, Shane headed for the door.
Callie Norris asked, "It's so late, where are you going?"
Shane didn't even turn his head, probably afraid that Callie would see the expression on his face.
"Going to the office, got some work to handle," he said nonchalantly.
Callie glanced at the time. It was already quite late. Going to the office now? Is he really that busy?
But then again, it made sense. Managing such a large company must come with a lot of responsibilities.
Without thinking much about it, Callie headed to the kitchen to make herself something to eat.
Outside the house, Shane got into his car, holding his keys. He drove off but didn't head to the office. Instead, he parked on the side of the road near the villa. He called his secretary, "Get me a box of digestive tablets and bring it over."
On the other end of the line, the secretary was puzzled. "What's going on?" she wondered, but didn't dare to ask. She simply replied, "Got it."
Shane was feeling too full and didn't want to move around. He reclined his seat and lay back.
Half an hour later, the secretary arrived. She saw the car parked by the roadside but didn't expect Shane to be inside. She took the medicine and headed straight to the villa.
At that moment, Callie had just finished her meal and was about to go upstairs to take a shower and sleep when the doorbell rang. She went to open the door.
The secretary handed over the medicine.
Callie Norris asked, "What's this?"
"President Robinson asked me to buy it."
Callie Norris was puzzled. "..."
Wasn't Shane supposed to be at the office?
Curious about the contents of the bag, she took out the medicine to have a look.
The label on the box read Jiangzhong Brand, Digestive Tablets.
Callie Norris couldn't help but chuckle.
Did that man overeat?
After all, finishing such a huge bowl of dumplings, no wonder he felt stuffed.
"Is President Robinson feeling unwell?" she asked.
"He just ate too much. Don't worry, I'll make sure he gets the medicine," Callie Norris assured.
The secretary lowered her gaze. "Alright, I'll take my leave."
Callie Norris smiled.
She stood at the door with the medicine, waiting until the secretary had left before heading out to find Shane.
Spotting his car by the roadside, she walked over.
She raised her hand and knocked on the window.
Shane Robinson, thinking it was the secretary, rolled down the window, only to see Callie Norris...
His eyebrows furrowed.
Callie leaned against the window, her tone teasing, "Did you over eat?"
Shane remained silent, "..."
He had come out here to avoid Callie finding out about his whereabouts.
This woman, always up to no good, constantly trying to make a fool out of him.
"Stop slandering me," he said coldly, maintaining his aloof demeanor.
At this moment, he was still the high and mighty Shane.
Callie Norris looked at him, thinking to herself, Keep pretending, go on!
"What are you doing here?" Callie asked deliberately.
"Watching the stars," Shane replied.
Instinctively, Callie glanced up at the sky.
Tonight—there really were stars.
The clear night sky was dotted with countless stars, bright and twinkling...
But...
"How did you see them?" Callie asked, puzzled. Shane had been sitting in the car with the windows closed.
Did he have X-ray vision?
Callie thought to herself, Does he even think before he lies?
She took out the medicine in her hand and waved it in front of Shane. "Your secretary brought this over."
Shane was silent again, "..."
"Isn't this for you?" Callie asked, raising an eyebrow.
She asked the obvious question.
Shane felt a headache coming on. Why was it that no one could do things right? Trying to keep his cool, he replied, "I asked my secretary to buy it."
"Did you eat too much?" Callie asked.
Shane stared at her. Why couldn't she let this go?
His thoughts darkened. "Come over here, and I'll tell you."
Callie thought to herself, could he really have good intentions?
She wasn't stupid; she wasn't going to fall for it.
"Here's your medicine. I'm going back to sleep."
She wasn't about to get on his "pirate ship."
Shane quickly grabbed her wrist as she handed over the medicine. His voice was low, with a hint of command, "Get in the car."
Callie was surprised.
Wasn't this guy a bit too domineering?
Not daring to offend him just yet, she reluctantly got into the car.
As soon as she sat down, Shane adjusted her seat, making it recline.
Her body slowly lay back.
"Stars..."
It turned out he had opened the sunroof, and from inside the car, she could really see the stars.
Gazing at the quiet sky, she blinked. "You're a grown man, don't you know when to stop eating? If people found out that Shane Robinson needed digestive tablets because he over ate, they'd laugh their heads off."
"..."
Shane was silent for a moment before saying, "I wouldn't want to disappoint your feelings."
Callie Norris, "..."
What feelings?
The dumplings she served him?
Those were meant to mess with him, not show affection!
When did that become a sign of feelings?
She thought to herself, self-deluded!
Suddenly, Shane flipped over, crossing the center console, and pressed down on her.
Callie instinctively protected her stomach, glaring at him with displeasure. "What are you doing?"
He was so heavy.
She could barely breathe under his weight.
Shane slightly arched his body, creating some space for her.
Hovering over her, his long fingers played with a strand of hair by her ear. His deep, sexy voice slowly filled the space, "Callie, do you like me?"
Callie Norris, "..."
Like him?
How could that be possible?
How could she like a man who wanted to starve her?
She wasn't crazy, okay?
"Are you running a fever?" she asked, otherwise why would he start talking nonsense?
Or had the food gone to his brain?
She reached out, grabbed a medicine box, opened it, and took out a pill, bringing it to Shane Robinson's lips. "If you're sick, take your medicine."
"Stop talking nonsense."
Shane kept his mouth shut, so she forced it open, prying his lips apart with her fingers.
Her movements were rough.
Shane, "..."
He had no choice but to open his mouth and accept the pill Callie Norris was shoving in.
"Callie, men like gentle women. You're too wild."
"It's not that men don't like wild women; it's that you don't. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean everyone else feels the same. Besides, my man loves my wild side," Callie retorted with a big, challenging smile.
Shane's brows furrowed.
Wasn't he just asking for trouble with that comment?
He knew Callie had a man.
Why did he even bring this up?
The thought of Callie lying beneath another man made Shane's blood boil, rushing to his head!
Suddenly, he lowered his head and pressed his lips forcefully against hers.
"Mm..."
Callie struggled, pushing him away. "What... are you doing..."
Shane had already lost all reason. He wanted her. This woman belonged to him.
If the past couldn't be changed, then he would seize the present.
He pressed harder, kissed deeper…
His breath was filled with an overwhelming sense of possession, as if he wanted to conquer the world!
There was a tangy, sweet taste in his mouth, mingled with his unique scent.
Callie Norris couldn't push him away; she could only endure.
But she didn't respond at all.
Even though her heart fluttered with the kiss.
...
Frustrated by the lack of response, Shane pulled away from her lips.
Her lips were swollen and red from the kiss.
Soft and dewy.
Like freshly washed cherries.
Her slender body, so weak and defenseless against his actions, gave off a sense of fragility.
It made one feel a pang of pity.
Shane gently caressed her cheek.
His Adam's apple bobbed up and down.
He had words in his heart.
But nothing came out.
Maybe she needed time.
After all, they didn't know each other well.
He smiled, "The dumplings were really good today."
Callie opened her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly.
"Can you get off me now?"
Her tone was cold, almost indifferent.
Even though Shane had been so passionate.
He forcefully took Callie's hand and placed it on his face. "You could learn to be a bit gentler."
Callie pressed her lips tightly together.
She didn't understand what Shane was trying to do.
Was it affection?
No.
If Shane liked her, he wouldn't have been so heartless to lock her up.
It was probably his macho pride, wanting her to submit to him.
Luckily, she had her child, which kept her clear-headed.
She wouldn't be swayed by him.
She smiled, "If you like gentle women, I think Belinda would be more suitable."
She didn't mean it.
Belinda was anything but gentle.
Shane's face immediately darkened.
Why bring up that woman now to ruin the mood?
"Callie, are you jealous?" Shane asked.
If she wasn't jealous, why would she suddenly mention Belinda at this moment?
Callie thought, "Jealous? You wish! Your whole family is jealous!"
She smiled to change the subject, "Can you let go of me? I'm really tired."
She couldn't answer. If she said she wasn't jealous, Shane would definitely keep pestering her. But if she admitted she was, it would go against her true feelings.
Besides, the entire car seemed to be filled with his presence.
She wanted to escape.
"Okay," she mumbled.
Shane responded with a soft "Hmm."
He moved to his side.
Callie sprang up like a jack-in-the-box, pushed open the car door, and hurried out.
Shane watched her retreating figure through the side mirror, his eyes gradually deepening...
...
The next day.
Callie came downstairs in her pajamas.
With no job to go to, she had plenty of free time.
She wasn't planning on looking for work anytime soon.
Her main goal now was to get away from Shane.
Last night, Caitlin had called to ask when she would go over.
But having just been dragged back by Shane, she knew he would be watching her closely.
She had no chance to run away.
She told Caitlin she had some things to take care of first and would join her once they were sorted out.
"Miss, breakfast is ready!" Mrs. Ford called.
Callie walked to the dining room. She looked around but didn't see Shane. "Where is he?" she asked.
"I saw him leave with his swimming gear. He must have gone swimming," Mrs. Ford replied.
After nearly drowning once, Shane was actually quite afraid of water, but the more he feared something, the more determined he was to conquer it.
"Which swimming pool?" Callie Norris tried to pry.
Mrs. Ford shook her head. "Sir never goes to swimming pools. He usually heads to the lake. The water at Cloud-haven lake is deep and clear..."
Callie's face lit up with understanding.
When she reached the dining room, she sat down to eat breakfast, pretending to play on her phone. She quickly sent Shane's whereabouts to Belinda.
After sending the message, she put her phone down and continued eating her breakfast with a satisfied smile.
...
Belinda, half-doubtful, gathered her swimming gear and headed to the lake.
From a distance, she spotted Shane's car parked by the roadside.
Swimming was prohibited here due to the depth and danger of the water.
Her heart raced with excitement.
She thought to herself, Callie finally did something right and didn't lie to her.
By the time she arrived, she had already changed into her swimsuit and had her swimming gear ready.
She couldn't swim.
But for Shane, she was willing to give it her all.
To reach the lake, Belinda had to climb many couple of stairs. Yet, the thought of getting closer to Shane made the climbing seem effortless.
When she finally reached the top, a vast, lake-like scene spread out before her eyes.
The water here was unpolluted.
It was crystal clear.
Surrounded by green mountains.
The morning air was especially fresh.
She spotted Shane in the water.
Her heart raced.
She wanted to join him in the water.
So, she grabbed a swim ring and headed over.
It was safer to wear a life jacket in such deep and remote waters, but Belinda, eager to show off her figure to Shane, opted for the swim ring instead of the bulky, unattractive life jacket.
The water was cold, but Belinda paddled in with determined strides.
She was desperate to reach Shane as quickly as possible.
A romantic encounter with Shane?
However, not knowing how to swim, she could only paddle awkwardly with the swim ring, making slow progress.
Meanwhile, Shane was already swimming back.
Belinda seemed to realize that he was about to leave. In her haste to catch up, she made a wrong move, causing the floating ring to slip off her body, and she began to sink.
"Ugh..."
She swallowed a mouthful of water.
"Help... Help me!"
Shane had already reached the shore. His fitted swimsuit clung to his lean, muscular body, showcasing his powerful physique.
"Help me..."
Hearing the cries, Shane turned around and saw someone in the water, bobbing up and down, hands flailing desperately.
This place was usually deserted.
How could there be someone here?
Without hesitation, he plunged back into the water to save the person.
It was a matter of respect for life.
When he reached the shore and saw it was Belinda, his expression immediately turned icy.
"Are you stalking me?"
Belinda shook her head, still in shock from the near-drowning experience.
"I wasn't stalking you. I came here to swim..."
Shane didn't believe her for a second.
She couldn't swim at all. What kind of swimming was she talking about?
Belinda quickly realized her mistake and tried to explain, "I came here to learn how to swim."
Shane thought to himself, Learn to swim here?
"You saying you're here to commit suicide might be more believable."
With that, Shane walked down the stairs, casting a warning glance back at her. "If you dare follow me again, don't blame me for being rude!"
"I'm really not following you, it's just..."
"Just what?"
"It was..." Belinda almost blurted out, "Callie told me."
If she told Shane the truth, Callie might never share Shane's whereabouts with her again.
This time, Callie hadn't lied to her. She still had a chance to get close to Shane in the future.
"I really came here to learn how to swim," Belinda insisted, biting her lip.
Shane's disgust for her grew. At first, she acted like she didn't want anything. Now, she was clinging on him, using every trick in the book. He might never come to this place again because of her.
"Belinda, if I had known it was you who fell into the water, I wouldn't have saved you."
With that, Shane Robinson walked away.
Belinda's eyes reddened. His words were so hurtful. Did Shane hate her so much that he wished she would just disappear?
...
Shane walked into the house. Callie was lounging comfortably on the couch, reading a book and munching on some fruit.
He walked over and pulled the book from her hands, glancing at it. It was a medical textbook.
Shane wasn't surprised; after all, she was a doctor.
"You quit your job, stopped going to work. Are you planning to run away again at any moment?"
Maybe it was because he had seen Belinda earlier, and his mood had soured. With nowhere else to vent his frustration, he decided to take it out on Callie.
How he wished it had been Callie at the lake. How he wished it was her who was clinging to him.
Callie found him utterly baffling.
What was his problem this early in the morning? Did he eat a bomb for breakfast?
Callie sat up. "I've already handed in my resignation, and the hospital accepted it. Do you think they would still want someone who has quit?"
Shane knew he was being unreasonable, but his pride wouldn't let him admit it in front of Callie. "Callie, don't even think about running away again. If you dare to run, I'll break your legs."
With that, he tossed her book back at her and turned to go upstairs.
Callie Norris was left shocked. What had she done to deserve this? Why was he taking his anger out on her?
Are you kidding me?
To avoid running into Shane, Callie had retreated to the back of the villa, sitting on a stone bench to continue reading her book.
But then she had a second thought.
If she didn't go to work, would Shane think she was planning to escape again and keep an even closer eye on her?
On the other hand, if she went to work, would Shane Robinson believe she had no intention of running away?
After much deliberation, Callie decided to go to work.
She had already completed the resignation procedures at the hospital as an intern, there was no way she could go back.
That left the dance studio.
After some thought, she decided to head to the dance studio.
First, she needed to ease Shane's suspicions.
So, she went back to put her book away.
Shane, freshly showered and dressed in a neat suit, came downstairs.
It looked like he was heading to the office.
Callie ignored him and started walking upstairs. As she passed by Shane, he grabbed her arm and asked, "Where are you going?"
Callie Norris responded dismissively, "To the bathroom."
Without another word, Shane pulled her along.
Callie was dumbfound, "..."
"Where are you taking me?" she asked, struggling as she spoke.
"Since you don't have to go to work, you'll come to my company!" Shane thought to himself, deciding to keep her under his watchful eye to prevent any chance of her escaping.
"I need a personal assistant, and you suit the position."
It wasn't a question; it was an order.
Callie was tongue-tied, "..."
"I don't want to." She refused.
Shane suddenly stopped in his tracks and asked, "You don't want to?"
Callie wanted to retort with a firm "No," but she didn't dare to confront him so directly.
She knew she couldn't win.
She quickly shook her head, "I quit my job at the hospital, but I still need to go to the dance studio."
"That job isn't suitable for you..."
"I like it."
Before Shane could finish his sentence, Callie interrupted him.
She made her stance clear, "I really like working at the dance studio."
She had no intention of being under his constant surveillance every day.
"What are you doing? Are you going to take away my job and my freedom too?"
She protested.
Shane stared at her for several seconds before finally letting go.
Pushing too hard might backfire.
"Come back early tonight, don't stay out too late."
Callie nodded obediently.
In front of Shane, she knew when to be soft and when to assert herself.
She eagerly saw Shane off at the door, taking the opportunity to inquire about his plans for the day. "Where are you going today?"
"I'll probably be at the office most of the time."
Shane appreciated her interest in his affairs. His usual cold demeanor softened, showing a bit more patience as he spoke.
"Oh," Callie nodded.
Hearing his response, she began to scheme how to help Belinda win him over.
After watching Shane leave, Callie quickly tidied up and headed to the dance studio.
However, she was unaware that the moment she arrived at the dance studio, the news had reached Shane.
Upon hearing she had indeed gone to the dance studio, Shane merely nodded, acknowledging the information.
But he didn't relax his surveillance on her.
After all, Callie was someone who had plans to escape.
Fortunately, she wasn't lying; she really did go to the dance studio.
Principal Lopez, was grateful to Callie for helping her husband secure Shane's investment, she readily agreed when Callie asked to come back to work for a few days. She was very kind to Callie.
"Can I just teach the beginner class?" Callie asked.
Given her current condition, she wasn't fit for dancing.
The beginner class only involved learning basic movements.
It was much safer.
She had to consider the baby growing inside her.
Principal Lopez was easy going and agreed without hesitation.
"Thank you," Callie said.
"No need to thank me. You've helped me out too."
A little after three, Callie was done with her classes, and the last group of kids had been picked up.
She was off work.
Instead of heading back to the villa, she took a cab to a more secluded hospital for a prenatal check-up.
Lying in the ultrasound room, the doctor examined her. "Everything looks normal, but you need to pay attention to your nutrition. The first three months are crucial for the baby's development. Make sure to keep a happy mood."
Callie nodded.
"Thank you, doctor."
Knowing that the baby was healthy gave her some peace of mind.
...
The moment Callie arrived at the dance studio, Shane knew.
Naturally, he would also be the first to know when she went to the hospital.
"To the hospital?"
Shane was quite surprised. Was she sick?
If she was sick, there was no need to go to a hospital so far away, right?
Was she trying to hide something?
"Find out why she went to the hospital," he ordered before hanging up the phone.
He had a nagging feeling that Callie was keeping something from him.
Suddenly, he put down his work and left his office.
He drove back to the villa.
Walking into the house, he asked Mrs. Ford, "Has Callie come back?"
"Yes, she's upstairs," Mrs. Ford replied.
With a blank expression, Shane headed upstairs.
He pushed open the bedroom door.
But the room was empty.
The sound of running water came from the bathroom.
He glanced at his watch. It was only five o'clock. Why was she taking a shower now?
Was she getting ready for bed, or what?
In the bathroom, Callie was washing off the sweat she had worked up while teaching dance moves to her students at the studio. She wanted to clean up and change into fresh clothes.
It's only at home that I feel truly comfortable.
After finishing her shower, she stepped out of the bathroom dressed in a modest, cozy outfit.
Seeing the man standing in the room, her brows furrowed.
Why is he back at this hour?!
"What were you doing at the hospital?"
Shane Robinson got straight to the point!