It was the third day since Chloe and Geoffrey arrived at Orchard Village.After a heavy rainfall in the mountains, the air was fresh, and the distant peaks were blanketed in white snow. A mist lingered over the slopes, and the nearby forest was draped in a thin veil of fog. That morning, the rare autumn sun pierced through the clouds, casting its warm glow over the mountaintop. Chloe's spirits lifted with the bright weather.Over the past two days, thanks to Lucy's attentive care, Chloe had been feeling much better, though she still occasionally felt a little dizzy. She was able to walk around and explore at her own pace. However, Geoffrey was unusually overbearing—if Chloe moved around for even a short while, he would sternly tell her to sit down and rest.This side of Geoffrey was new to Chloe, but she understood it stemmed from his concern for her. Considering the serious injuries he had sustained, she decided to go along with him without protest.Stepping out of the living room, C
"Wow... what a majestic helicopter!" A seventeen- or eighteen-year-old boy exclaimed in admiration."Dad, it looks like they're riding that big bird, too," said a young child sitting on his father's shoulders, his round, sparkling eyes fixed on the airplane with unabashed wonder.The crowd had gathered in a circle around the plane, staring intently at it.The cabin door opened, and a soldier in camouflage leapt down. "Wow, it's the military!" someone exclaimed in awe.The soldiers inspired an unspoken respect from the crowd—those who could soar freely in the blue sky were admired deeply.A man followed closely behind, but all eyes remained fixed on the soldiers. No one was paying much attention to the man in question.Although the man was handsome, his face was dark and brooding. His stubble had grown into a deep, shadowy green, and his piercing, cold eyes had an ominous intensity. Dressed in a black trench coat, he exuded power and dominance, instantly commanding attention. His icy g
Finally, Chloe had finished crying, her tears and snot soaking Lionel's expensive coat. When she looked up, she saw the villagers gazing at her tear-streaked face. Embarrassed, she quickly pulled away from Lionel's arms."Let's go home," Lionel said softly, taking Chloe's hand. His gaze never left her face, as though he couldn't bear to look away even for a moment."Wait!" Chloe tugged on Lionel's hand, turning them both toward Geoffrey.The sight of Geoffrey instantly ignited a surge of anger in Lionel's chest. Earlier, his mind had been completely consumed by Chloe, so much so that he hadn't even noticed this bastard standing behind them.This was the man who almost destroyed her, who almost kept them apart forever!Bastard!Lionel clenched his fists tightly, the sound of his knuckles cracking filling the air. His crimson eyes glared at Geoffrey with such intensity that, if looks could kill, Geoffrey would have died a thousand times over."Lion, don't!" Chloe grasped Lionel's arm ju
"Well, well, did I interrupt something good?" Florence, who had been absent for quite some time, leaned casually against the doorframe, her gaze leisurely sweeping over the two people in the hospital room.Her words seemed innocent, but the sharp glint in her sly eyes betrayed her intentions.Lionel's face darkened with anger, though a trace of excitement flickered in his eyes. His hands gripped the edge of the blanket protectively.As for Chloe, despite the bandage on her forehead, her flushed cheeks and dreamy expression, along with her slightly swollen, glistening lips, painted a picture that left no room for doubt about what Florence had interrupted."Florence!" Lionel growled, his voice a mix of surprise and frustration. "How could you barge in like this? Don't you know you're supposed to knock before entering someone's room?"Despite his stern tone, Lionel was secretly pleased to see his younger sister. He had been planning to summon her back, and here she was, as if she had rea
The moment Chloe saw Lionel, her dizziness seemed to vanish completely. Yet Lionel, in his overbearing way, insisted she stay in bed and rest.Once Lionel left, she was finally free.Concerned about Geoffrey's condition, Chloe headed to the orthopedic ward with Florence.Geoffrey was lying in bed, his leg in a cast and secured with splints, casually playing on his phone.When Chloe pushed open the door, his face lit up with surprise before his brows furrowed. "Why aren't you resting? Why are you running around?" He scolded her, though his delight at seeing her was evident.Before Chloe could respond, Florence stepped into the room, towering over Geoffrey. "Oh, look at you! Practically a mummy now, and yet here you are lecturing people? You're so obviously thrilled to see her but pretending to be serious? Hypocrite!"The sudden appearance of Florence made Geoffrey's expression shift instantly.This woman! Like a persistent virus!No matter how much time passed, Geoffrey could never for
Lionel was fuming as he returned to the hospital room. Without a word, he tucked Chloe back into the blankets. Though his expression was grim, his movements remained gentle."Lion, I just—""Don't talk. Close your eyes and rest!"Chloe wanted to explain, but Lionel cut her off domineeringly before she could finish.Fine, she knew he was just worried about her.Chloe didn't protest further. She obediently lay back, reaching out to grab Lionel's hand, her fingers playfully tracing over his palm. Truthfully, she was trying to placate him, hoping to ease his anger.Lionel was furious that Chloe had left her bed when she was supposed to be resting, but even more so that she'd gone to see the man who had nearly caused her death.She was truly thoughtless, completely ignoring his feelings.Fine, he'd just bring her home where she'd be safe!As he thought this, her soft, delicate fingers wrapped around his hand, instantly softening his mood. Sitting beside her bed, Lionel's face relaxed as he
When Lionel came out, he saw Chloe smiling foolishly in the direction of the hall entrance. He looked around but couldn't spot Alex anywhere, so he turned to Chloe and asked, "Where's Alex?""He's gone," Chloe replied with a soft smile, maintaining her earlier posture.Lionel immediately pulled Chloe into his arms. His dark, obsidian-like eyes locked onto her face. "What exactly are you and Florence plotting?"With his sharp instincts, he was certain there was a secret between Chloe and Florence. And the mastermind behind it all might very well be this woman with the smile that concealed a blade."Nothing!" Chloe flatly denied."Really nothing?" Lionel gritted his teeth as his eyes darkened. "I have plenty of ways to make you talk." Bending down, he scooped Chloe into his arms and carried her upstairs.The days had been so blissful that Chloe hadn't noticed how quickly time passed. Before she knew it, winter had arrived.One morning, as Chloe stepped out of the hall, she came face-to-
In the hall, two people chatted idly, while Chloe sat alone on the second-floor terrace. She could hear Grace constantly instructing the servants—preparing this, tidying that—and specifically reminding them to make the room on the third floor as comfortable as possible for Joanna.Joanna isn't just a guest here? She has her own room? Chloe frowned slightly, recalling a memory. Once, she had tried to go up to the third floor to sleep, but the moment her hand touched the doorknob, Grace had slapped it away, snapping at her, "That room isn't for you!"So that room belongs to Joanna, Chloe thought wryly.As she sat idly on the terrace, a sudden sound of piano music floated down from the third floor. Startled, Chloe stood up. It wasn't surprising that the Williams family had a piano, but what did surprise her was that she hadn't noticed it until now.The piano notes were crisp and clear, melodious and captivating, played by someone who was clearly a master. Chloe, who hadn't touched a pian
"What's wrong?" Florence, sitting nearby, noticed Chloe clutching her stomach and quickly stood up, alarmed. "Your stomach still hurts? I'll call the doctor right now." She turned, about to rush out of the room."It's fine! It doesn't hurt anymore," Chloe called out, stopping Florence in her tracks."Really?" Florence asked, skepticism written all over her face."Really. I'm fine now!" Chloe reassured her repeatedly, and only then did Florence hesitate and sit back down.Chloe's heart warmed a little more toward Florence. Despite her sharp tongue and haughty demeanor, Florence's actions often spoke otherwise. Her arrogance was merely a mask to hide her true self.No matter how harsh her words or domineering her tone, at crucial moments, her kindness would shine through."Florence, you should go back. It's boring here, and I'm really okay now. It's just menstrual cramps. I'll probably be discharged this afternoon.""Alright! I'm leaving then. Take care and call me if you need anything,
"You're showing signs of a threatened miscarriage, and there's already some bleeding!" The middle-aged female doctor spoke with a tone of reproach. "Sigh, you have to be extremely careful during the first three months.""Ah..." Chloe's mind went blank, like a bomb had gone off in her head. "Th-Threatened miscarriage?" She repeated the doctor's words in a daze, completely unable to process what was happening. Her expression was blank, as if she had just been struck by lightning."Yes. Don't you know you're pregnant?" The doctor looked at her with surprise."Wait, you mean I'm...pregnant?" Chloe stammered, the news hitting her like a tidal wave. "How is that possible?" she murmured, almost to herself.She and Lionel had always used contraception. Even on the rare occasions they didn't have time to use protection, she had taken emergency contraceptives afterward. Where did things go wrong? She had always been so meticulous about this!Seeing Chloe still in shock, the middle-aged doctor v
When Chloe woke up, it was already late. Fortunately, as the director of the Art Center, her absence could easily be covered by someone else.After tidying herself up, she stepped out of the bedroom to find Florence sitting on the couch in the living room, casually munching on an apple.Seeing Chloe emerge, Florence picked up a box beside her and handed it over. "Here, for you.""What's this?" Chloe took the box, immediately noticing its luxurious design. Clearly, it wasn't an ordinary item. She recognized the English brand name on the box—a high-end fashion label she'd only ever heard about from Cynthia. Cynthia had once mentioned how outrageously expensive it was."This...probably doesn't suit me. You should keep it," Chloe said, pushing the box back toward Florence. She didn't feel comfortable accepting something so extravagant without earning it."Tch! Don't overthink it. It's not like I bought it specifically for you," Florence scoffed, still chewing on her apple. "It was on sale
Lionel looked up to see Chloe standing in her nightwear, her figure still glistening faintly from a recent shower. She looked like a blooming flower adorned with morning dew, exuding a soft, intoxicating fragrance that captivated him completely."Why are you here? If you're tired, you should go to bed early," Lionel said tenderly, his long arm already pulling Chloe onto his lap.Breathing in her delicate scent, his lips brushed against her skin, teasing her here and nibbling there."Stop it! Don't you have work to do?" Chloe said, her neck instinctively shrinking as Lionel's playful gestures sent shivers down her spine, leaving her both ticklish and covered in goosebumps."Who told you to smell so good?" Lionel teased, lifting her chin. His intense gaze fixed on her rosy lips, and he couldn't resist lowering his head to capture them in a passionate kiss.Whenever Chloe was near, Lionel seemed unable to control himself. It was as if he was addicted to her, his once-prized self-control
Joanna stared at Lionel's face—the face she had dreamed about countless times. Her eyes reddened as she whispered, "Back then, I left because I was angry with you. Nothing ever happened between me and Heather! I only involved him to make you jealous and staged that scene to provoke you..."Lionel remained expressionless, as if Joanna's words had nothing to do with him.When no further explanation came, Lionel's lips twitched slightly. "Are you done? You can leave now."The cold detachment in his tone made it clear that to him, she was nothing more than a stranger."Lion! How can you treat me like this?"Joanna's voice trembled, her pretty face on the verge of tears. She impulsively reached out to grab Lionel's hand. "I'm your fiancée, yet you look at me like I'm nobody. Even if you hate me, at least we grew up together as family. How can you act like I'm invisible? Do you know why I left three years ago? It was because you were too cold
"Didn't you already become someone else's 'dad'?" Chloe countered with a question instead of answering. Sometimes, Lionel's jealousy was just too much for her."Do you think that's what I wanted?!" Lionel spat out coldly, his tone icy. "It seems you're quite special to them. If I hadn't come to pick you up today, were you really planning to go back with him and play stepmother?""Lionel, what nonsense are you talking about?" Chloe's anger flared. Lionel's mild jealousy she could chalk up to him caring about her, but this—this wasn't jealousy. It was outright humiliation! "Do you really think I'm that kind of shallow woman?"Her face darkened as she yelled at Barton, "Stop the car. I want to get out!"Barton froze but didn't stop the car, pretending he hadn't heard her.Seeing Chloe's flushed face and the moisture welling in her eyes, Lionel felt a pang in his chest. He suddenly realized he might have gone too far.His grip loosened, an
As Chloe left the art center with Lisa at the end of the workday, they lingered at the entrance for a moment before Marcus arrived."Chloe, thank you so much…" Marcus said warmly as he stepped out of his car, his gratitude evident in his smile."It was nothing," Chloe replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. She couldn't help but take a moment to observe Marcus. Despite the time that had passed, he was still the same man she once knew—handsome, charming, and exuding an aura that made him an ideal partner in the eyes of many women.Yet, behind that polished exterior lay a man who had endured the pain of losing his beloved wife at such a young age. It took extraordinary strength to bury that grief and carry on with his responsibilities."I truly don't know how to thank you," Marcus said, his voice touched with emotion."There's no need," Chloe replied, waving her hands dismissively. "I enjoy spending time with Lisa.""Lisa, i
Florence was shopping at the mall. Joanna had returned, and she wanted to pick out an outfit as a gift for her.Having grown up together, they shared similar tastes in brands and styles. Their clothing was always high-end, limited edition pieces that highlighted the elegance and prestige of their upbringing. The kind of outfits that, when worn, exuded sophistication and grace, ensuring they became the center of attention wherever they went.A group of sales assistants hovered around Florence, their golden customer, tirelessly recommending items and gesturing enthusiastically. But Florence was someone with her own strong opinions. No matter how sweetly the saleswomen smiled or how honeyed their words were, Florence remained unmoved unless she truly liked what she saw."Well, shopping for clothes, are we?" A tall figure suddenly appeared, blocking Florence's view.Florence looked up and was greeted by Alex's radiant, sunshine-like smile.Alex?! What
Before Chloe found herself in Orchard Village, Flora had already shown signs of mental instability. Due to Chloe's disappearance and Donna's failure to secure a reputable hospital in time, Flora was admitted to a psychiatric institution.That afternoon, Chloe and Donna visited Flora at the hospital. Flora looked significantly thinner and was still in the same state as before—vacant, with a silly grin on her face.Clutching a pillow tightly, she repeatedly called it "baby." When she saw Chloe, her gaze turned dark and menacing. Pointing a trembling finger at Chloe, she lunged forward, screaming, "You evil woman! You killed my child! I'll strangle you!"Several doctors rushed in and restrained her just in time, preventing her nails from scratching Chloe's face.Did Flora still recognize her?Chloe studied Flora's pale face as the doctors held her down. Flora's constant struggling twisted her features grotesquely. Only after being administered a