Craving 1

Chapter 1 

“Hara, Ells is trending everywhere now. Reporters have 

completely blocked the hotel entrance. Could you handle this?” 

It was 10:00 p.m. 

Sitting at her desk, Harriet Chavez pinched the bridge of her 

nose, listening in silence as Patsy Medina, her mother-in-law, 

talked on the phone. 

She was married to Ellsworth Townsend for three years, 

dealing with his scandals and mistresses almost every single 

day. 

The few times she saw him, it was always about handling his 

affairs. 

As Harriet remained silent, Patsy said earnestly, “Hara, it’s not 

just about the company’s reputation or the stock price 

anymore. Kelsey’s back. You know she isn’t just any woman. 

You gotta protect your marriage with Ells.” 

Kelsey Graham was back? 

Harriet frowned slightly, a wave of weariness washing over 

her. 

After a few more seconds, she finally replied, her voice gentle, “I 

see, Patsy. I’m on it.” 

After hanging up, she stared at her phone wearily for quite a 

while before grabbing her car keys and leaving. 

*** 

Half an hour later, Harriet entered through the hotel’s back 

entrance and went upstairs. 

Zane Herman, the Townsend family’s servant, and Jolene 

Martinez, her secretary, were waiting for her by the door. 

With a luxury shopping bag in hand, Jolene walked toward 

her. “Ms. Chavez, the clothes are ready!” 

It was identical to Kelsey’s outfit tonight, prepared to help 

Ellsworth out of this. 

Zane knocked on the door. “Mr. Townsend, Mrs. Townsend is 

here.” 

“Come in.” 

Chapter 1 

Ellsworth’s flat voice rang out. He didn’t sound guilty or 

flustered at all. 

Zane opened the door for Harriet just as Ellsworth walked out 

of the bathroom, his loose gray sleepwear doing little to conceal 

the toned muscles of his chest and abdomen. He towel-dried his 

hair casually, radiating effortless allure. 

He was still calm when he saw Harriet, not guilty or 

embarrassed at all for being caught having an affair. 

After three years, they were both used to this. 

Ellsworth bent down and picked up a cigarette case and a 

lighter from the coffee table. He shook a cigarette out, held it 

between his lips, and leaned in to light it. 

He exhaled a smoke ring and greeted Harriet as if nothing had 

happened. “Hey.” 

Harriet nodded and said in a businesslike tone, “I’ll go get 

changed.” 

With that, she took the clothes handed by Jolene and walked 

toward the bedroom. 

Just then, Kelsey stepped out, tucking a loose strand of hair 

behind her ear. 

Harriet stopped abruptly at the doorway. 

Kelsey… really was back. 

At the sight of Harriet, Kelsey was momentarily stunned. But 

soon, she regained her composure and smiled, “Hey, Hara.” 

Then she patted Harriet’s head and said softly, “Thanks for 

your help, Hara.” 

Harriet instinctively tightened her grip on the clothes and 

managed to say, “Don’t mention it, Kelsey!” 

Back then, she was unaware that Kelsey was Ellsworth’s first 

love and that he had never stopped loving her. 

If she had known, she wouldn’t have nodded when Ellsworth’s 

grandfather, Raymond Townsend, asked her if she loved 

Ellsworth. Then Ellsworth wouldn’t have been forced to marry 

her. 

She wouldn’t have been a complete joke. 

Ellsworth was decisive and meticulous in everything he did. 

Under his leadership, the Townsend Group had risen to new 

heights. 

Even senior executives twice his age had to treat him with 

respect, not daring to mess with him at all. 

Yet this paragon of discretion had been so reckless in his 

personal life. 

Harriet could think of only one reason-he must’ve been furious 

about the marriage. This was his way of humiliating her and 

getting back at Raymond. 

Kelsey withdrew her hand and walked past Harriet, who 

instinctively turned around to look. 

At the sight of Kelsey, Ellsworth handed her a coat and said 

gently, “Put it on. I hate to see you catch a cold.” 

“You’re so sweet!’ Kelsey smiled at him, looking genuinely 

happy.