Mitchel had thrust his tongue into Raegan's mouth, prompting her to shut her eyes and fiercely clamp down on his intruding tongue.

An instant later, the unmistakable taste of blood spread in their mouths.

A resounding smack followed promptly. The sound of Raegan's palm striking Mitchel's cheek was crisp and reverberated in the room.

It felt as though everything around them had frozen at that moment.

Bearing her simmering anger, Raegan stomped forcefully on Mitchel's leather-clad foot.

Unfortunately, it seemed to have little impact, as he displayed no signs of discomfort on his face.

Raegan regretted opting for flats today. Heels might have been more effective. "Mr. Dixon, if your desires are so insatiable, go find your beloved Lauren. Must you persist in pestering me?"

Mitchel sported a crimson mark on his otherwise handsome visage, a faint hint of blood lingering on his tongue. His dark eyes narrowed, his voice carrying both anger and restraint. "I want no one but you."

"But I want nothing to do with you. I don't like you. I don't know you. I despise you. Is that clear enough for you? Can you understand it now?" Raegan's eyes revealed nothing but disgust and irritation, devoid of any emotion whatsoever. Not even a glimmer.

Observing this shattered Mitchel's heart into pieces. The once-joyful gaze she used to cast upon him had metamorphosed into pure loathing.

Nonetheless, Mitchel clung steadfastly to Raegan's hand.

Raegan issued a stern ultimatum, “Are you releasing me, or shall I summon the authorities?"

A searing ache persisted in Mitchel's chest, and he chuckled bitterly with brooding anger. "Go ahead and summon the authorities."

Raegan stood there, momentarily at a loss for words. Her words were nothing but an oral threat. Without concrete proof, she knew it was pointless to involve the police.

Raegan turned her gaze to Mitchel, her voice cold. "Mr. Dixon, do you have feelings for me?" she asked abruptly, changing the subject.

Mitchel was caught off guard, his Adam's apple moving noticeably as he replied, "Yes, of course. Why else would I do all these things?"

His mind traced back to the efforts he'd made to orchestrate their encounters, making them seem accidental. If he didn't care about Raegan, why would he go to such Lengths?

Raegan's response was a scornful laugh. "But to me, it seems like your interest in me is only because I resemble your former wife.

After all, you two haven't seen each other in five years. What if one day you lose your interest, Mr. Dixon? Will you discard me Like trash or keep me locked away at home?"

Mitchel felt a heavy ache in his chest at her words. His voice, strained and rough, broke the silence. "Raegan, that's not how it is.