Chapter 20: Livia's Revenge

Livia wasn't always like this.

She knew that Angelo didn't like her wearing bright and flashy clothes, nor did he appreciate her dolled-up appearance at any bar. She certainly wouldn't do anything to upset him on this matter, let alone respond with a counter-question.

Angelo stared at her coldly, but Livia met his gaze without showing any weakness.

This time, she didn't want to back down.

"Livia," Angelo finally broke the silence and called out her name after what seemed like several minutes.

Livia simply arched an eyebrow, her seductive mannerism making it impossible for any man to remain angry.

What was getting hard, though, was something else, unintentionally provoked by her casual motion.

"Don't provoke me," Angelo uttered, swallowing hard, barely managing to get those words out.

With a light chuckle and a smirk on her lips, Livia took out her phone, flipped to a photo, and handed it to him, "Is it me who's unclear about our relationship, or is it you?"

Angelo's face darkened instantly when he saw the photo.

Livia thought he would explain, but he averted his eyes and resumed driving.

Livia let out a soft laugh and played with her phone, zooming in and out of the picture. "Valentia is pretty attractive. She’s quite a match for you."

Angelo glanced at her coldly, but Livia, unfazed, continued, "I wonder who took this photo. If they sent it to me, could they also send it to the paparazzi? After all, she's a public figure with a wholesome and inspiring image. Any scandal like this could harm her if exploited by her rivals."

Looking serious, Livia asked Angelo, "You're pictured with her, and she's quite popular—what if you get dragged into this? But hey, no big deal. Neither of you are married. You're a handsome couple, and who knows, this might even boost your fame."

Angelo's driving speed kept increasing. It was the middle of the night and the roads were clear. The speed limit was 65 miles per hour but Angelo was pushing 80.

Livia was in high spirits. If he didn't want her to have it easy, then nobody would.

It was like he was seeking revenge by rolling down the windows. The outside air, now cooler, rushed in because of the high speed, blowing Livia's hair wildly and making her look possessed.

Indifferent, Livia casually fixed her hair and glanced at the phone lighting up on the dashboard, kindly reminding him. "Someone's calling you."

The car slowed down, and the window rolled up. He glanced at the caller ID, then shot a look at Livia, who seemed untroubled by everything. He pressed the hands-free button to connect the call to the car's Bluetooth speakers.

"Angelo, where did you go? Are you still coming? We're all waiting for you," Valentia's voice rang clear and distinct, impossible to mishear.

Livia stared out the car window.

"Just go on without me," Angelo replied, his voice cool and dismissive.

Livia pursed her lips, accidentally letting out a soft, unintentional kiss sound, feeling the rush of vengeful satisfaction.

'Such a small noise, she couldn't have heard it on the other end of the phone, right?'

"Who are you with?"

Clearly, the other person's hearing was pretty good.

Livia didn't dare look at Angelo, afraid that he would think she did it on purpose.

Angelo, seeing Livia pretending as if nothing happened, turned off speaker mode and brought the phone up to his ear. "Don't stay out too late. Head back early and get some rest."

Whatever the response, a simple "Alright" from Angelo ended the call.

Livia didn't ask, and Angelo certainly wasn't going to volunteer any information.

The car pulled into the apartment's underground parking lot, and as Livia prepared to exit, she found the door locked by him.

She turned and glared at Angelo.

Loosening his collar and rolling up his sleeves with a carefree attitude, he looked as if he was gearing up for a fight.

Livia's heart raced as she gazed upon his chiseled face, now frosted with a glint of coldness in their heated night.

"What are you trying to do?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Without a word, Angelo unbuckled his belt and pulled it free.

Livia's eyes widened with fear, her hand pressing against the car window, wary of the unpredictable man beside her.

Ignoring the panic and uncertainty in her eyes, Angelo grabbed her wrists, tied them together, and then gently pushed her into a reclining position by lowering the seat.

"What the hell are you doing?" Livia tried to curse at him, but she had never been good at swearing. Her attempts were harmless.

Angelo leaned over her, fingers nimbly slipping down her shoulder strap, revealing soft skin without completely undressing her. His touch trailed down the light fabric to her sensitive spots, teasing her.

"Angelo!"

The lights inside the car remained on. Livia was trapped in this cramped space, his face looming over her. Fear and shame flooded in.

She was frightened that someone might see them.

"Angelo," Livia's voice shook uncontrollably with a plea, "not here."

But Angelo didn't stop. He proceeded, using only his hands.

Livia dared not make a sound. The silence was profound, and she feared even the slightest noise would amplify endlessly.

"Sending that photo... was that your way of getting me to come back?" Angelo pressed himself on top of her, playfully nibbling at her ear and teasing the sensitive lobe, feeling her body quiver beneath him without any intention of letting her go.

Livia turned her head away, tears already brimming in her eyes.

She felt a humiliating shame as if he was treating her unfairly.

Angelo hadn't slept with her, but the torment he subjected her to felt just as violating as if he had forced himself on her right there.

It was like a sudden storm with nowhere to hide, only the choice to endure.

After a while, Angelo finally loosened his belt and hunched over to look at her tear-streaked face, her makeup smeared, her eyes red and swollen.

She looked like a rose battered by the storm, its stem bent but still radiantly beautiful.

Angelo's Adam's apple bobbed harshly as he grasped her hand and carefully adjusted her skirt, brushed her hair over her shoulder, and took out a wet wipe to gently clean the makeup from her face, a stark contrast to the person who had just ravaged her.

After tidying her up, Angelo carried her out of the car, hooked the door with his foot to close it, and then cradled her into the elevator.

Livia continued to sob, her tears leaving a warm, moist patch burning against Angelo's chest.

His heart throbbed at the sight of the red marks on her wrist, his breathing growing heavier.

Unlocking the door, Angelo carried her into the bathroom, had her stand on his feet, and turned on the shower. The cold water poured down, and Livia shivered violently.

Their clothes, completely drenched, clung to their bodies, outlining the robustness of the man and the curves of the woman, setting the mood for passion and burning desire.

Angelo pushed Livia against the wall, lifted her chin with his hand, and peered through the curtain of water into her eyes, his gaze intense and voice husky. "From now on, you're not allowed to go to a bar dressed like that, all by yourself."