“This time, the art exhibition invited her to Lincourt City. I heard she’s absolutely gorgeous—a real knockout,” Ethan said, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he leaned into the conversation. “She’s nothing like those gray-haired old artists. She’s young, vibrant, and full of life. I wonder if I can get her to have dinner with me.”Ethan chuckled, a sly itch gnawing at him. “If she could be my girlfriend, even for just one night, that’d be perfect.” He had a particular weakness for the artistic charm that creative women exuded.Justin frowned, glancing at Ethan with evident displeasure.Noticing his reaction, Ethan smirked and shrugged nonchalantly. “What’s there to be so uptight about? We’re both men. If you’re interested, I’ll step aside for you.”He spoke as if Haley were already someone he had conquered and could pass around at will. Ethan had clearly inherited his father’s reputation as a playboy. He had dated so many women that he had lost count, though “dating” was
In the grand banquet hall on the first floor, Haley followed closely behind Wilfred, maintaining a composed demeanor. Many people approached Wilfred to greet him, and she responded with polite nods, keeping her presence understated. Initially, she worried about running into someone she knew at the banquet, but it turned out her concerns were unfounded. She hadn’t mingled with the upper class in Lincourt City before, so apart from Wilfred, she didn’t recognize anyone.As the evening progressed and the drinks flowed, conversations became livelier. “Mr. Wilfred, you’re truly fortunate—not only are you successful in your career, but your companion tonight is also stunningly beautiful,” one official from Haven State remarked, his tone full of praise.“This is my younger sister,” Wilfred explained with a light smile. “She’s accompanying me tonight as my guest.”The official let out an awkward laugh, trying to cover his misstep. “Oh, so she’s your sister.”He quickly recovered and a
He seemed familiar—she recalled he had arrived with the official who had earlier suggested arranging a match for her. It appeared the two were acquainted. “By the way, I don’t believe I’ve caught your name,” the woman said, breaking the silence. Haley was momentarily surprised. “Her husband is over there, and he doesn’t even know who I am?” she thought. Then she remembered—the woman hadn’t been present when Wilfred introduced her earlier. “I’m Haley,” she replied politely. “Miss Haley,” the woman addressed her carefully. Uncertain whether Haley was Wilfred’s legitimate wife or just a girlfriend, she opted for the neutral title of “Miss”.“My husband owns the largest and most reputable construction materials company in all of Lincourt City,” the woman continued with pride. “Even the recent government development projects were contracted to him.” Haley immediately understood. This was a roundabout way of asking her to make an introduction. The woman clearly hoped Haley co
Mrs. Zimmerman hesitated, her expression conflicted. “But she’s the one Mr. Wilfred brought to the banquet. Doesn’t that mean something?” “So what if he brought her?” Xena leaned closer, her voice low but sharp. “Does that prove she has any real status? Did you hear Wilfred formally introduce her?” She added in a conspiratorial tone, “Let me tell you the truth. My family is already planning my marriage to Wilfred. If you’re looking to connect with the right person, you’d better know whose side to take. Don’t back the wrong horse.” This time, Mrs. Zimmerman understood. “Thank you, Miss Gibson, for the advice.” She wasted no time, turning away from Haley and heading back into the banquet hall to mingle with her usual circle of society wives. Xena shot a disdainful glance toward Haley, who remained seated on the sofa in the distance. “Hmph!” Xena thought, her lips curling into a sneer. “I’ll make sure everyone here knows she’s just a mistress—a kept woman. Once the ru
Unlike Alex, who spent his days running around and playing sports nonstop, her two sons were like night and day—one was all brains, the other all brawn, a perfectly clear contrast. Chase remained silent on the other end of the call. He had already made plans with Uncle Richard to hack into a small company’s website today as practice. “Hmm?” Haley raised her voice when she noticed the silence. “Got it, Mom,” Chase replied, feigning agreement. “She won’t find out anyway. I’ll just practice first, then work out afterward,” he thought.“Alright, I’m hanging up now. Go eat something and make sure to rest and exercise. And if you miss me, just give me a call,” Haley reminded him one last time, her tone filled with care. “Okay, I will, Mom,” Chase replied. As the call ended, a sudden rustling sound came from behind her. Haley turned around sharply, her gaze landing on the large tree from which the sound had come. Her voice turned stern. “Who’s there? Come out!” “Hmph!” A
Haley didn’t get angry. Instead, she smiled faintly, her tone carrying a slight chill. Taking a slow step forward, she stood in front of Xena. “I’m looking forward to the day you marry Wilfred,” she said calmly. Without waiting for a response, she brushed past Xena and headed back toward the hall, taking the opposite direction from where she had come. Left alone in the garden, Xena stomped her foot in frustration. “What did she mean by that? Was she mocking me?”How dare Haley ignore her warning! Xena’s face darkened. “I’ll make her regret it.” As Xena stormed off, she ran straight into Justin. “Mr… Mr. Yates…” Xena stammered, her arrogance quickly replaced by nerves. “Did you see the woman who was just here on the phone?” Justin asked urgently. He had spotted her from the balcony and had rushed down in search of her, but the crowded banquet had delayed him. In just that short time, she had disappeared.Xena pursed her lips, indifferent. “Oh, her? She left.”“Left?
Haley walked straight to Wilfred’s side, saying nothing about Xena’s warning or even mentioning her. “You’re back? I didn’t see you earlier and was about to go look for you. It’s almost time to wish Mr. Gibson Sr. a happy birthday,” Wilfred said with a warm smile, nodding as he looked at her.“I was just taking a walk in the garden. The flowers there are beautiful,” Haley explained. Wilfred glanced out the floor-to-ceiling windows toward the garden. “If you like them, I’ll have them planted at Mistletoe for you.” He made a mental note of the flowers’ appearance and type—anything for his sister. “No need for that. We’re not here often. But if they could be planted at home, that would be even better,” Haley replied, referring to their estate in Merika State. “Alright, we’ll have them planted at home,” Wilfred agreed easily. At that moment, Mr. Gibson Sr. entered the banquet hall, supported by his son and daughter-in-law as he made his way to the stage. Dressed in a tai
Justin returned to the banquet hall, his tall, athletic figure standing just outside the crowd. His head was lowered slightly, and a faint sense of dejection seemed to hang around him. Emily Yates. Her name repeated endlessly in his mind, like a mantra he couldn’t escape. He had been so close—twice now. He had almost found her. The birthday celebration was already underway, and guests had gathered near the stage. Justin lifted his head, about to move forward, when his eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance.He froze. Narrowing his sharp eyes, he stared intently, confirming again and again what he was seeing. The noise around him faded into silence. The only thing he could see was the woman standing on the stage. Emily!It was her. The very person who haunted his dreams, night after night. She was there, right in front of him. Alive. Emily Yates wasn’t dead. The lights from above illuminated her figure, casting a soft glow that seemed to make her
At a top-ranked high school in Lincourt City, the bell rang.Students still lingering in the hallways or restrooms were urged to hurry back to class.Outside, the summer heat simmered, accompanied by the steady buzz of cicadas. Inside, the air-conditioned classrooms offered a much more comfortable escape.In Class 2–1 of the junior year, students hurried back to their seats. Just as the final chime faded, the homeroom teacher walked in, holding a stack of freshly graded exam papers.“For this round of mock exams,” she announced, loud and clear, “the top score in the entire grade once again goes to our very own Haley!”A wave of murmurs and applause followed. “Let’s all work hard and try to catch up to her next time!”She began handing out the papers in order, from the highest score to the lowest.After Haley got her paper, the next few went to her seatmate, Helen, and the student sitting behind them—Zac.“Work hard and catch up?” Helen muttered as she slid back into her seat, s
But what did it matter, even if she still loved him? The pain he caused her in the past was still there, lingering beneath the surface.They had loved, they had hurt, they had been entangled for years. But not every love story had to end with forgiveness and reconciliation.Haley couldn’t pretend the past hadn’t happened. She couldn’t smile and pick up where they left off, as if nothing had ever gone wrong.She would always remember that street in Merika State, when Justin turned away, picked Emma up in his arms, and left her standing there alone.Even if he had mistaken someone else for her, the pain he caused and the love he failed to give were real.And that wasn’t something she could ever forget.She could make peace with the past, but she could never erase it.Her heart ached, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she turned and walked away.*Years later, Haley passed away peacefully in her bedroom at the estate.That same day, Justin had gone out to the grocer
It was just a shame that life rarely worked out the way people wanted it to.*Ten years passed in the blink of an eye.Chase and Alex had grown taller and older. Haley’s once-small jewelry brand had not only found its place in the industry—it had grown into a globally recognized luxury label, known for bespoke, high-end pieces.As for Justin, he split his time between Haven State and Merika State. Whenever he wasn’t busy, he would shamelessly camp out at the estate, claiming he was just there to “see the kids.”Eventually, no one even bothered to call him out on it anymore.One day, Haley had a business meeting with a potential partner—a widowed single father. Somehow, Justin caught wind of a rumor that the man had feelings for Haley and was actively pursuing her. Word had it that she was interested too, and they were currently having dinner together at a restaurant.The second Justin heard that, he canceled a company meeting, boarded his private jet, and flew straight to Mer
As soon as Haley stepped into the room, Justin followed right behind her.It was the first time he had ever set foot in Haley’s room—the space where she lived in Merika State.“Get out!” she snapped.“Haley, I just wanted to see you. Please don’t make me leave, okay?”His eyes scanned the room. The walls, the shelves—everything was filled with Haley’s photos. There was even a custom-built glass display case, clearly made with love, housing her pictures from childhood to adulthood. It was something Evelyn had put together just for her, and it overflowed with affection.There were portraits of her alone, family pictures, and right at the top—photos of Chase and Alex.Justin looked at each one carefully, as if he were trying to piece together a life he hadn’t been part of, but desperately wished he had been.Then his gaze landed on a particular photo: Haley in her teens, wearing a soft pink-and-white hoodie with little bunny ears on the hood. Her pale skin, big round eyes, and brig
“Haley…” Justin’s voice was weak. There was so much he wanted to say, but he didn’t even know where to start.“I heard you’re sick?” Haley said.“I… I’m fine. I’m not really sick, I just—”“Take care of yourself. Heart problems aren’t like other illnesses. Just look forward. Let go of the past. Meet someone new. Live your life.”Justin fell silent. His head dropped, and the phone pressed against his ear was clenched so tightly in his hand that his knuckles turned white. He wrestled with the words for a long moment before finally managing to force out.“Okay.”But he knew. He wouldn’t meet someone new. Without Haley, what kind of life could he possibly call “living”?The call ended. Life went back to its quiet rhythm. Justin no longer clung to Haley or tried to find her. After one more day in the hospital, he threw himself back into work and took over the reins of RC Corporation.They had truly managed to part on peaceful terms.After returning to Merika State, Haley d
Everything went quiet—no sound reached his ears. His vision blurred and darkened. The sky was spinning. The ground was spinning too.With a heavy thud, Justin collapsed to the ground.“Justin?!” Zac White shouted in alarm, rushing back to him.“What… what’s going on? Why did he pass out?” He couldn’t believe Justin would faint just because Haley left.Helen was just as panicked, fumbling to help her husband lift Justin off the ground.Soon, airport staff hurried over and helped carry Justin to a car.*In the hospital room, the monitor beeped steadily beside Justin’s bed. A needle was hooked into the back of his hand, an IV drip slowly feeding into his veins.Several doctors and nurses gathered around. After a moment, one of them called out, “Mr. Yates is waking up. Go notify the director.”“Right away.”Not long after, Zac rushed into the room, footsteps urgent. The other medical staff stepped out after confirming Justin’s condition.“Justin, how are you feeling? Do you kno
Soon, the rest of the Walker family also noticed what was happening outside.Alex opened the door and ran out on his little legs. “Uncle Justin! You’re back! Why didn’t you come inside? I heard you got your memory back. Congratulations!”He meant it sincerely, then added cheerfully, “So… did you win Mommy back?”But seeing that Uncle Justin looked down and didn’t respond, Alex quickly realized he had said the wrong thing. If Uncle Justin was just standing out here and not going inside, then he must have made Mommy mad.His warm little hand reached out to hold Justin’s cold one. “It’s getting chilly, Uncle Justin. Come inside with me.”He tugged hard but Justin wouldn’t budge.Justin looked down at him and gently pulled his hand away. His voice was hoarse. “Be good, Alex. Go back inside.”But Alex didn’t move. He was determined to bring Uncle Justin in with him.He tried again and again, tugging with all his strength, but it was no use. Uncle Justin just wouldn’t go in.The aut
”Justin, let go! None of this matters anymore.”It didn't matter?How could it not matter?This was about his innocence. Of course it mattered. It was everything.“I don’t love you anymore. Just let go.” Her voice was calm. Her whole demeanor was terrifyingly calm.Justin froze where he crouched.She didn’t love him anymore?How could that be?She used to love him more than anything!She had confronted him outside the hospital room, using the promise of marriage to force him to go home with her.She’d chased him all the way into his mother’s birthday banquet, getting in with Sean’s help just to find him.She gave birth to his children.She even brought the kids with her to his mother’s funeral.And there were those three years they spent together—whatever he wanted, she did everything she could to give it to him.If that was not love, then what was?That was love!So why? Why didn’t she love him anymore? How could she stop?Wasn’t love supposed to last forever? Wasn’t
At last, Justin found Haley in the hospital’s back garden.She sat alone on a wooden bench, the autumn wind lifting strands of her hair as she tilted her head toward the starry night sky. Her eyes were vacant and hollow.“Sis…” Justin bent over, hands on his knees, panting hard. “Why are you sitting out here? It’s chilly at night. Come on, let’s go back. Dinner’s waiting, and I’m starving.”He didn’t know if she had overheard his conversation with Jacob. He had no idea how much she had heard.So all he could do now… was pretend nothing had happened."Was it fun lying to me, Justin Yates?" Her voice was dry and lifeless.The last time she found out she had only been a stand-in love, it had happened right here—at Lichfield Hospital, in the same garden, under a sky just like this one.The wind had been just as sharp, just as cold, cutting straight to the bone.It felt like being sliced open again and again, each cut peeling away more of her flesh, until there was nothing left but