Filed to story: Shattered Vows (Venessa Windsor) Book PDF Free
It had been four years since they last saw each other, yet she had responded with just one word.
Both of them remained silent, creating an especially awkward atmosphere.
Suddenly, Cole’s gaze fell on Venessa’s slender legs.
He had seen her limping along moments ago and reckoned she must be injured.
With a cool tone, he said, “Let me get a room for you.”
Venessa shook her head, about to refuse.
Cole’s serious tone interrupted her, “With your leg in such a condition and without money for a room, can you stop pretending to be fine? Your grandmother is still in the hospital. Don’t you want to tidy up quickly and go see her?”
Venessa lifted her gaze to look at Cole.
His eyes were a deep black, and his handsome face emanated an irresistible, commanding presence.
She didn’t care about him.
But when she thought of Vera Fanning, her numb heart started to ache.
There was no doubt that Vera had pulled some strings behind the scenes for her early release from prison.
After four years apart, she truly missed her dearly. She yearned to see her immediately.
“Then I must trouble you, Mr. Lockwood,” Venessa responded.
Cole spent money to book her a room and, with a firm attitude, escorted her to the room.
She followed behind him.
His tall and imposing figure was perfectly straight, and he carried a faint scent of classic cologne that wafted into her nostrils.
Venessa was slightly taken aback.
They hadn’t seen each other for four years.
Cole had shed his youthful innocence and now radiated the aura of a mature man.
Not too long ago, he had made the news while she was still in prison.
Touted as a prodigy in his youth, he had already assumed the position of CEO of Lockwood Group’s Aploth-Pacific region at a tender age. His future was boundless and full of promise.
This man, a rare combination of good looks and competence, had once driven Venessa to the brink of wild obsession, so much so that even now, her heart still fluttered uncontrollably when she saw him.
However, he didn’t love her.
He didn’t love her at all.
Before, she had felt that Cole was indifferent to everyone, like a stone that couldn’t be warmed.
But she firmly believed that as long as she continued to love him, she would eventually warm his heart.
Then Madison returned.
The look of love for someone couldn’t be hidden.
Cole’s gaze upon Madison was filled with intense passion and doting affection.
Venessa suddenly realized that Cole wasn’t cold by nature; he was just indifferent toward her.
Simply by standing there, doing nothing, Madison was able to capture his favor.
Harriet could also tell there was mutual affection between Cole and Madison.
Within a few months of Madison’s return, Harriet proposed that Venessa should give the engagement with Cole back to Madison.
It was an arranged childhood engagement between the Lockwood and Pierce families, involving the union of their children.
Venessa envied and felt jealous of Madison, unwilling to break off the engagement.
Despite her stance, Harriet was unwavering. It didn’t matter if Venessa was unwilling; there was no room for negotiation.
Four years had passed.
Not long ago, while in prison, Venessa had come across a report stating that Cole was still a most eligible bachelor.
Is it possible that Cole and Madison still haven’t gotten married yet?
Venessa felt a pang of sadness in her heart, her emotions a complex mix of feelings.
Whether it was resentment or anticipation didn’t matter anymore.
Upon reaching the room’s entrance, Cole pulled out a box of pastries. “I’ve ordered some food for you. If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat these first.”
Venessa’s gaze fell upon the pastries.
They were identical to the ones Madison had given at the hospital earlier.
“I don’t really like pastries. Save them for Madison,” she replied softly, her gaze dimmed.
She didn’t need these insincere gestures.
She could never forget the day at the Lorimer family’s birthday banquet when she was falsely accused of stealing a necklace.
Cole had stood protectively in front of Madison, his eyes filled with resentment as he accused her.
Her father, mother, brother, and the fiancé she loved the most-all of them backed Madison, pushing her to take the fall.
Perhaps Gabe was right.
She had lived as the wealthy heiress in Madison’s place for eighteen years. What else could she possibly complain about?
Maybe those four years of imprisonment were a form of compensation.
Still, she couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling of injustice.
If one wishes to condemn another, one can always find a reason.
