Chapter 6 Kissing

Before Harriet could react, she found herself pulled into Tristan's arms.

At the next moment, his strong grip encircled her slender waist, and before she knew it, she was pressed against the car!

"What do you think you're doing..."

Her words were cut off as Tristan's lips claimed hers in a dominating kiss that left her breathless.

Harriet struggled, but her hands were pinned down by him.

It was a long while before Tristan finally released her, his eyes now filled with undisguised desire. His deep voice carried a hint of seduction, "If you don't want me to make love to you right here, get in the car."

Harriet gasped for air, glaring at him, "If you don't want me to call Lark right now and tell her about this midnight make-out session, you'd better let me go. She might just end up in the hospital out of sheer anger."

Tristan's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable, "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm just stating the facts."

Tristan pressed her harder against the car, "If you don't mind her hearing your uncontrollable moans from under me, go ahead and call. We haven't done it in the car for a while. How about now? Front seat or back seat?"

Harriet's fingers trembled with anxiety, "Lark doesn't have the heart for this. If she dies from anger, won't you be heartbroken?"

Tristan lost interest instantly and let her go, "Fine, I won't touch you. But you're coming home with me tonight."

Harriet quickly put some distance between them, "I've told you, I want a divorce. My decision won't change."

Tristan gave her a long, hard look, "Fine, you're determined. But let's see how long you can stick to your decision."

Watching the Rolls-Royce drive away, Harriet sighed in relief and headed upstairs.

The next morning, Harriet began sending out job applications.

But after two days, her efforts were met with either silence or rejection.

Harriet had always been an outstanding student, skipping grades and graduating from Luminara University at 19.

She had studied medicine, and if it weren't for Cleo's illness requiring treatment in Emberfall, she would have been working in a hospital in Luminara City by now.

But things were different now. Hospitals checked backgrounds thoroughly, and with a prison record, no reputable hospital would hire her.

Even though she was mentally prepared, facing this reality was still disheartening.

After a long day out, Harriet returned home to find Jasper and Xanthe sitting on the couch, both looking unhappy.

Especially Xanthe, who seemed to be fuming.

"Uncle Jasper, Aunt Xanthe, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing," Jasper said, "Harriet, have you eaten? I saved some food for you. I'll heat it up."

"I've already eaten," Harriet insisted. "Uncle Jasper, what's going on? Please tell me."

"You've got some nerve asking!" Xanthe snapped, arms crossed. "Harriet, marrying into the Lancaster family should have meant we could all enjoy some benefits. But instead, you've dragged us down. Jasper and I worked hard to keep our shop going, and now it's all ruined because of you. We're going to have to close the shop!"

"Close the shop?" Harriet quickly connected the dots, "Is this Tristan's doing?"

Jasper sighed, "They didn't say it outright, but it sounded like him. Not many people could buy up an entire street of shops in one go."

"Uncle Jasper, Aunt Xanthe, I'm sorry. I didn't handle my personal matters well and dragged you into this."

Xanthe was still furious, "Harriet, Tristan doesn't want a divorce, which is why he's angry. Why are you causing trouble? Wouldn't it be better to just stay as Mrs. Lancaster?"

"Enough," Jasper said sternly. "Harriet is a sensible girl. She wouldn't ask for a divorce unless her bottom line was crossed."

"Bottom line? So what if Tristan has other women? Men having mistresses is nothing new, especially for someone like Tristan. Even if he has ten or eight, it's not too much!" Xanthe advised, "Harriet, listen to me. Go back and stay as Mrs. Lancaster. You'll have more money than you can spend, and Jasper and I can benefit too."

Harriet's expression turned cold. "Sorry, Aunt Xanthe, but I don't agree. Loyalty is the foundation of marriage. Without it, even if you maintain the relationship, it's already tainted."

"I'm saying this for your own good, and you're lecturing me!" Xanthe rolled her eyes. "Divorce will leave you with nothing, and you'll anger Tristan. See, he's already mad and making things hard for us!"

"I'll handle this. I won't let him trouble you," Harriet said, standing up. "I'm going to my room."

"Harriet, stay here. I'm not done talking..."

"You've said enough," Jasper interrupted, pulling Xanthe aside. "Harriet said she'll handle it. It won't affect us."

"I'm just looking out for her."

"Harriet doesn't need it!"

Harriet shut her door, blocking out the argument outside.

She knew Tristan wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted, and she didn't want to drag others into this.

Harriet quickly packed her things and wheeled her suitcase out.

"Harriet, where are you going?" Jasper asked, rushing over.

"Uncle Jasper, I can't stay here anymore," Harriet explained. "If I leave, Tristan won't trouble you."

Jasper sighed, "It's my fault for not being able to protect you."

"No, it's my fault for involving you."

"Harriet, take care of yourself out there."

"I will."

Harriet had already been looking for a place to stay. Without a job, she hadn't rushed to rent.

She contacted a rental agent and secured a studio apartment she had previously viewed.

The apartment was fully furnished, ready for her to move in.

Once settled, she took out her phone and removed Tristan from her block list, sending him a text.

To protect her unborn child, she couldn't go back to Tristan.

She needed to find a job quickly to support herself and the baby.

Her phone rang suddenly. It was Tristan.

Harriet declined the call, but it rang again.

She hesitated before answering, "I've said everything in the text."

"Is this Mrs. Lancaster?" Said an unfamiliar male voice. "This is Opulence Club. Mr. Lancaster is drunk here. Could you come pick him up?"

"He shouldn't be alone. At the very least, he has a driver."

"The driver doesn't dare touch Mr. Lancaster. Mrs. Lancaster, we're closing soon. Please."

Harriet hung up, grabbed her coat, and headed out.

She took a cab to the Opulence Club and went straight to the top floor.

This was Emberfall's most luxurious club, and Tristan had a private suite here, just for him. Harriet had been here before.

The suite door was ajar. Harriet was about to push it open when she saw through the gap two people kissing inside!

Even without seeing their faces clearly, Harriet immediately recognized them as Tristan and Lark!