After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas) novel Chapter 1096

She almost wished the rumors about Gavin were true.

Dolly piped up, "How about I stay over tonight? Living by myself is so boring."

Jolie shook her head. "That might not work. My mom could show up later."

"What?" Dolly groaned, dragging out the word as she slumped dramatically against Jolie. "Then let me hug you for a little while longer. I won’t get the chance once she’s here!"

Jolie chuckled softly, but her thoughts began to drift. Those rumors… she’d never heard them before.

She had always been the obedient daughter of the Quin family. During her school years, her focus had been entirely on academics. Now, with more free time after graduation, she occasionally heard about society gossip through Dolly.

Her gaze turned toward the window. Her life really did feel like that of a meticulously kept songbird in a gilded cage. Before marriage, she was expected to bring benefits to her family. After marriage, she’d be expected to be the perfect wife and mother.

As the night deepened, the cruise ship sailed steadily across the calm sea. Dolly lingered for a while longer before finally leaving.

Jolie sat at her vanity, carefully removing her makeup, when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and her brows furrowed immediately.

It was a message from Gavin. He’d sent a room number.

Earlier, he had told her to go to his room.

The third time.

But she didn’t want to go.

With a resolute gesture, Jolie flipped the phone face down and pretended not to see it. After removing her makeup, she took a shower and changed into comfortable pajamas before lying in bed.

Just as she was about to drift off, a sudden knock at the door startled her awake.

Jolie backed up again, only to bump against the edge of the couch. Her knees buckled, and she sank onto it, forced to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. "Can’t you wait until tomorrow night?" she tried, her voice trembling slightly.

"No."

Without another word, Gavin leaned down, pulling his tie free and swiftly binding her wrists together.

Jolie gasped in alarm. "What are you doing?"

"You’re being disobedient," Gavin said, his tone clipped and unyielding. "You made a promise, but you broke it. Tell me, shouldn’t I punish you for that?"

"You can’t do this!" Jolie’s voice wavered, panic rising in her chest as her bound wrists left her feeling utterly vulnerable. She began to struggle, her voice trembling. "No, Gavin! I’m not your possession. I have the right to say no—let me go!"

Her defiance only seemed to fuel his intensity. His expression darkened further as he captured her lips in a forceful, unrelenting kiss.