Mark's eyes were full of pleading and hope. As a wealthy heir, he only needed to snap his fingers to have any woman he wanted. His estate could be filled with women of all types.He didn't know why he was so humble in front of another man's assistant.But he really liked her- liked seeing her confident, sad, happy... any version of her.Though they hadn't known each other long, Prisley had already touched his soul.Prisley fluttered her long eyelashes. She didn't know how to comfort Mark. At this moment, he seemed so fragile, a stark contrast to his usual appearance.She took a deep breath and held his hand. "Mark, love is a sudden flutter, do you understand?""I do. I felt that sudden flutter.""But I didn't."Mark's eyes dimmed."We can have a long, steady friendship. No flutter, but nice and warm. That's also very good. Do you understand?"In Steve's office, Heath listened with a black face as he rambled on.His secretary brought in two cups of coffee and, as she left, Steve took th
"There's been a structural collapse at the construction site in Tulsa."Heath was startled and sat up abruptly, "Is anyone hurt?""Fortunately not," Prisley replied, "But the collapse was extensive. I need to go and see. This project is my responsibility."Heath pondered for a moment. "I can't leave right now. Let Steve accompany you. It's not convenient for you to go alone to such a distant place."Prisley’s gaze was firm, "Thanks Steve. I'll wrap up things here and meet you in the garage in an hour.""You can use my plane," Heath added."No thanks. The flight to Tulsa is convenient," she immediately declined Heath's offer.Steve was about to express his gratitude, but Prisley quickly turned down the offer of a private plane, leaving him speechless.What's wrong with her? Did she turn against me just because she accepted someone else's flowers and necklace? Heath could feel the hedgehog bristling all over him.As Prisley and Steve left the office, they ran into David. He smirked, "Pri
"Hey, Mark! What brings you here?" Prisley welcomed him into the room with a big smile.Mark placed the bouquet on the table, his eyes gleaming with warmth as he looked at her. "I heard about the trouble with your company's project last night, so I arranged a flight early this morning to come and be with you.""You didn't have to come all this way for me; I have other colleagues here," Prisley replied."This area's not too very safe. I'm worried," Mark insisted."You should put half of that concern into your own company," Prisley retorted."If you were working with me, I would. I'd give a hundred percent to the company," Mark joked.Prisley didn't want to engage in banter; she withdrew her smile. "I need to go handle things at the project company. You go have fun or wait for me at the hotel.""Have lunch with me at least," Mark insisted reluctantly as she left.It was said that Warner Company had a female executive assistant to the president who was efficient in her work, and Mark want
Mark watched Prisley from a distance, admiring the necklace for quite a while.Seeing the joy in Mark’s eyes, Prisley sighed, "Thank you for the gift, but I hope you won't give me any more.""Why not?""I'm not your ideal partner. Don't waste too much time on me."Prisley had spent four years with Heath and had seen too many wealthy marriages.Wealthy marriages were all about alliances, with many having their own lovers post-marriage. Life was like a show or a business partnership, with no real happiness.She didn't want to get into that mess.She wanted a simple, loving life like her parents, even if short-lived, but shine like fireworks in brief brilliance.She recalled the warm dinners and happy weekends when her father was still alive.Her mother always smiled when with her father, and he loved to lift Prisley onto his shoulders, spinning her around and lifting her high.Even though Prisley’s father died when she was eight, those warm memories stayed in her mind forever.She despis
"Get in!"Heath gave Prisley a shove on the shoulder. Prisley stumbled, taking two steps back, instinctively protecting her stomach. Heath walked into the room and slammed the door shut. The loud bang made Prisley's heart skip a beat."You didn't expect me to come, did you?" Heath closed in on her, his voice icy, his eyes scanning her with a ruthless glare. Prisley felt a chill run down her spine.She could tell Heath was unusually angry today. Had he lost his mind?Remembering the unpleasant encounter in the office earlier, she feared he might do something crazy again. She tried to remain calm."Mr. Rynn, if you have something to discuss, let's go downstairs.""It's better for you if we talk here. Do you really want to discuss your intimate photos with him in front of everyone downstairs?""You said you were on a business trip. I even had Steve accompany you and let you use my private jet. And you used it to have a romantic getaway?" Heath's voice grew louder with every word.Prisley'
"You must be dreaming! How is that even possible?" Heath jumped up from her chair like a cat whose tail had been stepped on."But you said it that day! In bed! The contract states no emotions involved. You've breached it, so it has to end," Prisley mocked.Heath knew he must have blurted it out in a moment of weakness, but he hated that Prisley had seen through him.He roughly pinned Prisley against the wall. "Prisley, the contract says, it ends when the term is up or when I get married. Our relationship can't end until then.""Neither of those has happened. So, you're still mine.""Didn't you say there would be no more contracts?""I decide if it continues. I didn't sign to end it." He's actually being childish, not keeping his word.Prisley looked at him like he was an idiot. "Ridiculous. Did you buy me? The contract says I serve you, not that you own me. Now I'm not selling. Okay?""Okay or not, I decide. As long as I don't agree, it doesn't end." He let go of Prisley, not even look
Holding Prisley, Heath had a strange feeling. He always acted high and mighty. When did he start caring about her?But he involuntarily tightened his arms around Prisley, holding her firmly.Prisley hesitated for a moment, not resisting. She was truly tired, too exhausted to fight back."Heath," Prisley whispered."I'm here," Heath buried his head in her neck, responding."I'm tired. I want a peaceful life. Let me go, please? I'm begging you."No hysteria, no yelling, it’s just a calm request. Her voice was weak, tugging at the heartstrings.Prisley really felt exhausted. She felt her heart slowly breaking into pieces, unable to piece it back together.Heath instinctively held her tighter."You ask me to pretend to be Filla, but I'm not her. I'm tired of pretending, I just want to be myself again. All the good impressions I gave you were fake, not me. You love her. Or maybe the fake me. The real me isn't good at all, not worth you forcing to keep.""Sleep, you're tired," Heath gently p
Prisley's mind was fuzzy, "I am yours?""What if I don't..." Her words were cut off by another kiss, leaving her flushed and weak. She closed her eyes.She felt herself being lifted, then gently placed on the bed."If I didn't make it clear before, from today on, you're mine. Everything about you." Heath said in a husky voice, his passionate kisses resuming.His deep voice pierced Prisley's core. He'd never said such things before. Why now? He said he didn't love her...Was it because of Mark? Was he really into her, or just trying to one-up Mark? These men...Prisley's thoughts scattered as electric currents surged through her, igniting a fire within.She had been mad at Heath before, but now she couldn't resist his teasing. He knew exactly how to touch her sensitive spots - her earlobes, her neck, her collarbone... Heath wouldn't miss a single one."Listen, from now on, you're mine alone. No more messing around with other guys.""Okay, I get it."Prisley's breathing quickened, barel
Peter glanced at the screen and immediately understood his boss's intent. Not daring to delay, he quickly arranged a car and sped toward the scene, almost flooring the gas pedal the entire way.Heath appeared calm, but inside, It felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his heart, leaving him both anxious and flustered. He deeply regretted not assigning security personnel to Prisley. He couldn’t bear to imagine what he would do if Prisley’s life slipped away right before his eyes.Heath’s limbs felt weak, his fingertips icy. Over the years, he had dealt with countless crises, always composed and decisive. Yet, the few moments of panic he’d experienced all seemed to revolve around Prisley.“Peter, get all the securities over here.”“Yes, sir.”“And prepare a large amount of cash.”“Yes, sir.”Heath’s mind raced, considering all possible contingency plans.When he arrived at the scene, the place was bustling with activity. The police had already cordoned off the area outside the café, k
Spencer was about to say something when sudden commotion erupted outside the café.A figure darted through the door.Spencer assumed it was someone in a rush to grab coffee. To avoid a collision, he instinctively pulled Prisley toward him.“Come here, don’t let them bump into you...”“Spencer,” Prisley chuckled as before. She was all too familiar with this habit of his. Just as she found herself in Spencer’s arms, another hand yanked her away forcefully.“Ah—!” Prisley cried out in panic.“Come here! Or you’ll regret not listening!” A raspy male voice shouted harshly in her ear. The grip was so strong that Prisley was thrown a few steps away, hitting the wall by the café.“What’s going on?!” Spencer reached out to pull her back, but the man grabbed Prisley by the neck, pressing something sharp and shiny against her throat.Spencer froze, his body stiffening on the spot.Everyone else in the café panicked and bolted for the exit. “Run! Get out of here!”No one dared linger. And within m
Early the next morning, Heath had to leave for a business trip. Prisley breathed a sigh of relief. She still wasn’t used to living with Heath in the apartment. It was nice to have some space for a while.That day, she was wandering around a boutique in the shopping mall when she suddenly saw a figure pass by outside the store.Prisley froze. Without thinking, she ran out.But the man had already walked far away.“It can’t be him, right? No, it can't be.” She felt uneasy but picked up her pace.The man was tall with long legs, walking quickly.Prisley’s heavy body made it hard for her to keep up.“Hey—sir, wait—” She shouted when she realized she was about to lose him.It seemed the man heard her. He stopped and turned around."Spencer! It really is you!" Prisley gasped, covering her mouth. Her legs felt weak, and she almost collapsed.Spencer quickly rushed over to steady her, so overwhelmed that he didn’t know what to say.“I finally found you!” They both spoke at the same time and hu
Heath and Prisley returned to the apartment, and a subtle sense of relief filled the air.Heath smiled as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders. He opened his arms and pulled Prisley into a hug, pressing her forehead gently against his warm chest. In that moment, it felt like he was holding something precious he had almost lost, and it made him cherish her even more.Prisley didn’t resist, didn’t move at all. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Heath opened the door, and a few strong movers stood there, behind them were several large items.Heath was puzzled, but Prisley greeted them warmly. “Oh, you’re here? Please, bring everything inside.”The lead mover asked, “Are you Miss Anderson?”“Yes, that’s me,” Prisley said cheerfully as she welcomed them in.“Could you sign for this?”Prisley quickly signed, her happiness clear from her expression. The large items were brought inside, and she led them to an empty room.Heath asked, “What’s all this? It’s huge.”Prisley smiled faintly. “A bed.
Mark and his father walked into the study.Old Grant said, "Son, all these years, I haven't interfered much, letting you choose your own path.""You could study if you wanted, or travel if you preferred. But now, I have to think about your future."Mark asked quietly, "What"s wrong, Dad?" He had a feeling something was off. His father"s usually kind face was now serious, like when he was in a business meeting."My heart is getting worse. Even though I look fine on the outside, I know my own condition.""It could stop beating at any moment. I don't know if it will be tomorrow, next month, or next year. So, I have to make arrangements now."Mark interrupted anxiously, "What did the doctors say? There are so many treatments available. This isn't a big issue, Dad. Don't be so pessimistic."Mark had originally come home thinking only about getting some benefits from his father, maybe some shares or money. But hearing his father speak like this, he suddenly felt like the sky was falling.The
"Dad, what's up?" Mark said, holding his phone, sounding casual.His father's gentle voice came through the line, "You haven't been home for dinner in a while. Your mom wants to see you."Mark gave Heath and Prisley a wink, pretending to be relaxed. "I miss you too. I'll come home tonight. Nothing's more important than you."He hung up, and the smile on his face vanished.Heath signaled that he was leaving. Before heading out, he reminded Mark, "Don't forget what's right and what's not."Mark nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be a great actor."Prisley couldn’t help but smile as she watched his playful, slightly mischievous demeanor. "Mark, I'm glad you're back to your old self. That's the you I like."She shot a glance at Heath, hoping to catch a hint of jealousy on his face. But Heath remained indifferent, only showing a trace of sarcasm.They all went their separate ways.As Heath and Prisley reached the car, Heath suddenly stopped. He turned and said coldly, "What? Disappointed I didn't g
“With your immature look and still being wet behind the ears, you dared to compete with me for Prisley?”Heath said, half-joking, half-contemptuously. His tone held a touch of mockery, and a smirk curved his lips. He lounged on the sofa, casually tapping the edge of his wine glass with his fingers, casting a dismissive glance at Mark.Prisley, sitting next to Heath, gave him a gentle elbow jab. She shot him a disapproving look and then gave him a subtle wink, signaling him to ease up on Mark.To their surprise, Mark was momentarily stunned but then smiled calmly. His eyes showed a trace of self-deprecation but mostly relief.“You’re right, Heath. Compared to you, I’m indeed quite immature,” Mark said with a wry smile.“I finally understand that I’m definitely not the type Prisley likes. So despite all her efforts, she still hasn’t fallen for me.”He spoke with self-deprecation. Though he was addressing his past hurt, he showed no real sadness. Instead, he seemed to be stating an acce
"Mark, what's wrong? Are you speeding? Tell me where you are right now!"Prisley’s face had gone pale with worry. She turned to Heath, desperate for help.After listening for a couple of seconds, Heath immediately grasped the situation with Mark. He grabbed the phone from Prisley and said, "Mark, whatever's going on, you need to stay calm. Prisley is really worried about you. You don't want to cause an accident and make her even more upset, do you?"The roar of a car engine came through the phone. Mark answered with a chocked voice, "Okay, I’ll listen to you."Not long after, the three of them were sitting in a restaurant.The restaurant’s lighting was soft and warm, but the atmosphere between them was exceptionally heavy.Mark sat in the corner of the table, his gaze distant.He looked utterly defeated, with bruises from a fight on his face, completely lacking his usual charm and confidence. Prisley had seen Mark anxious and smug before, but never this defeated and at a loss.Prisley
After saying goodbye to Prisley at the hospital, Mark drove home with a heavy heart. He couldn't remember how he drove—the dim streetlights and shadows on the road were all that filled his mind. It felt like the whole world had lost its color.Only when he instinctively hit the brakes did he realize he was already parked in his driveway.Inside his mansion, the silence made the space feel even more empty and cold. With one person missing, the house felt like a hollow shell, and even the air seemed thin.Mark walked unsteadily into the bedroom that was once filled with laughter and warmth. Prisley's presence was everywhere. Her book was still open on the nightstand, a few of her clothes casually draped over the chair. On the wall hung a portrait she had painted of him, so detailed, so lifelike. But the bed across from it was now empty.Mark approached the bed, hesitated for a moment, and then collapsed onto it, exhausted. The faint scent of her perfume still lingered on the sheets. He t