Chapter 59

Miranda's voice was hoarse and trembling, laced with fear. She looked like a frightened, helpless bird. Hansel felt a burning lust. He abandoned the pretense of removing her top and slipped his hand under her skirt.

Miranda panicked. "Hansel, you can have any woman you want! Why are you forcing yourself on me? If you're desperate for sex, I can call Ingrid right now. No! Don't do this!"

Her eyes, reddened with disgust and defiance, met his. Hansel felt a surge of malicious desire as she resisted him.

"What's the fuss? We've only been broken up a few days. It's not like I haven't slept with you before. Why are you acting like a virgin?"

Miranda trembled with anger. "You bastard!"

Hansel smirked, gripping her chin. "Do you think you're worth anything without me? No man wants a woman who's been with someone else."

Tears streamed down Miranda's face as she stared incredulously at the man she'd loved for six years. She felt as if she'd never truly known him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Hansel chuckled, fixing his gaze on her trembling lips. "Are you feeling turned on?" He kissed her forcefully.

He pried her hands away and roughly tore her top. Miranda cried; he laughed maliciously.

(© BONUS)

At that moment, Miranda realized the physical disparity between men and women. She helplessly thought of it as being bitten by a rabid dog.

Just as despair consumed her, the weight on her body vanished. A strong force had pulled Hansel—who had pinned her down—away. He stumbled back, regaining his balance only when he hit a bookshelf.

Paul had been waiting for Miranda. He'd guessed she was struggling with heavy books, so he'd left his car and knocked on the mansion's door to help. When Martha opened the door, he heard the commotion and hurried upstairs.

He burst into the study to find Hansel assaulting Miranda on the couch, ignoring her struggles. Her skirt was hiked to her waist, her clothes torn. Her wide eyes reflected despair, tears streaming down her face.

Paul lost all reason. His calm demeanor vanished. How could Hansel do this to Miranda?

He quickly removed his jacket and wrapped it around Miranda, then helped her sit up. Her body trembled violently; her face was streaked with tears. Her usually bright eyes were dull and lifeless. She seemed dazed, trapped in a nightmare.

He held her shoulders tightly. "Miranda, it's okay now. Nothing bad will happen. Answer me; are you alright? Miranda!"

After several calls, Miranda responded. She gradually regained her senses, focusing on Paul's face. "Dr. Jefferson…"

She shivered. Paul gently stroked her back. "It's okay now. You're safe."

"Yeah!" Miranda nodded, tears flowing freely.

Hansel watched them embrace, as if alone. He glared at Paul, recognizing him from the restaurant. He sneered maliciously, "So, it's you. What number are you on Miranda's list of losers? Are you trying to play the hero to this damsel in distress—"

Before he could finish, a heavy punch landed on his face.

Chapter 60