Chapter 153
Myra stood in the doorway, blocking it as she coldly stared at Kris. “Kris, you should be thankful I don’t have a recording of what you said to me in the past. Otherwise, the things I can claim for myself would go far beyond just that.”
With a loud ‘bang,’ she slammed the door shut, leaning her back against the security door, deliberately tuning out Kris’ frustrated voice outside. Her fists clenched, as if releasing some of her built-up anger. This will probably turn into a long, drawn-out battle, she thought. But for now, I’ve got something else to focus on.
Pulling out her phone, she immediately dialed Tony’s number. She called him three times, but all went unanswered. He must be angry, she realized. A bitter smile tugged at her lips as she typed out a text message: Tony, have you fallen asleep?
Sure enough, the message went ignored, even though she knew he wasn’t the type to sleep so early. Restlessness settled over her as she waited in the living room. Meow, noticing her return, quickly rushed from the bedroom and sprawled across her lap, trying to show affection. However, Myra didn’t share her usual enthusiasm. Perhaps it was due to her long-standing cold war with Sean or his failure to return her feelings. She didn’t know how to coax the angry man next door. But she also knew the silence between her and Tony couldn’t last.
She waited for a while longer, aimlessly playing with Meow until she was sure Kris had left. Only then did she make her move. Heading out of her apartment, she walked towards the door of the unit next door. She was about to ring the doorbell when she realized it was slightly ajar. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, making sure to close it behind her.
The apartment was eerily quiet. She could tell Tony had recently renovated it to match his taste. The clean, minimalist design was unmistakable, and the air felt almost freshly scrubbed. As she stepped into the entranceway, she noticed a pair of female slippers on the floor. Adorable, cat-themed slippers. Her heart melted at the sight. She quickly slipped into them and continued further in.
In the living room, she noticed a plastic bag and a box in front of the sofa. The bag was from the supermarket she’d visited, and the box looked familiar. That’s the box Estelle asked her friend to deliver to me, she realized. Tony said he had gotten rid of it. So he just placed it next door instead… Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at the box.
“Tony—” she called out upstairs.
The apartment was a duplex. Since she hadn’t seen him downstairs, he must be up top. She headed upstairs and soon heard the sound of a shower running in the bedroom. A blush crept up her face as she realized he was probably in the shower.
She stopped, her mind racing with what he had jokingly said the night before. I won’t mind if you change into something from there tonight. She’d assumed the box was gone, so she’d wondered what kind of clothes he was referring to. Now… the thought sparked something bold within her.
Before she could stop herself, she had already grabbed the box, clutching it to her chest. She quickly rushed back to her apartment as if nothing had happened.
Later, after a shower, Myra stood in front of the mirror, holding the lace outfit from the box. This is just two pieces of fabric, she thought with a blush. How am I supposed to wear this?
She berated herself in the mirror. “Myra Stark, you’re getting shameless!”
Despite the inner admonishment, she picked up the pieces of fabric, determined to push forward.
Deciding to go for a more modest look, Myra put on a soft pink long dress that reached her ankles, paired with a small vest that accentuated her waist. She walked over to Tony’s apartment once again. When she arrived, the door was shut tight, and she found herself nervously pressing the doorbell. Time passed, but no one answered. Anxiety began to take hold as she rang it again and again.
Finally, the door opened with a soft click. The security door opened, revealing Tony in nothing but a large towel wrapped around his lower body, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. His gaze was intense, his features more striking now that he had shaved the stubble from his jaw, leaving his skin smooth.
Myra couldn’t help but glance down, her face flushing. His body was perfectly defined—broad shoulders, narrow waist, chiseled abs, and a strong, sculpted physique.
He noticed her gaze and raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Can I help you, Miss Stark from next door?”
His teasing tone immediately pulled her back to the present. She bit her lip, lifting her gaze to meet his slightly frosty eyes. “Are you still mad at me?”
“How dare I?” Tony responded coolly. He didn’t make any move to let her inside, though he didn’t slam the door in her face either. Leaning against the frame, he folded his arms, his gaze condescending.
Myra could sense that he was still a little upset, but his anger had dimmed. Stepping forward, she gently wrapped her arm around his. “I said I’d explain my family situation to you… How about I tell you about it inside?”
Her words were hesitant, unsure how he’d react. To her surprise, he studied her intently for a long moment before stepping aside, allowing her in without closing the door. Her face brightened with a relieved smile, and she quickly followed him inside, changing into the slippers he had set by the door.
The southern side of the living room featured a large floor-to-ceiling window, opening up to a small balcony. Tony walked over, sitting in a recliner and picking up a cigarette. He was about to light it when Myra appeared beside him, her hand snatching the cigarette from his lips before he could even take a drag. She placed it back in its original spot and looked at him with a soft but firm expression.
“You should smoke less. It’s bad for your health,” she said gently.
Tony scoffed, his lips curling into a small sneer. “Who are you to tell me what to do?”
Without missing a beat, Myra grabbed the pack of cigarettes from the table and tossed it onto the sofa. “Tony Hart, didn’t you ask me to be yours? Can I take away your cigarettes with my status as your wife?”
The words left her lips shyly, but her eyes were unwavering as she stared him down.
His expression shifted slightly, the tension in the air palpable. After a beat, his lips quirked in amusement. “I changed my mind. There are plenty of other women in Bradfort City. Why would I pick one who enjoys annoying me so much?”
“Oh?” Myra’s face remained calm, but a small, teasing smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Since you’ve changed your mind, I guess it was rude of me to barge in. I’ll just leave right now.”
As she turned to go, Tony’s hand shot out, grabbing her waist. In the blink of an eye, she found herself sitting on his lap. She looked up, meeting his stormy, intense gaze, her heart racing.
Without a word, she leaned forward and lightly kissed him on the lips. “You don’t know how jealous I was when Kris tried to seduce you just now.”