Jolie instinctively glanced at Selena after hearing that, noticing the awkward expression on her face. After a brief pause, she suddenly called out, “Sister.”Selena shot up from her seat as if startled. “I think I’ll skip the oranges. I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll head out first,” she said quickly. Without waiting for Jolie to respond, she hurried out of the hospital room, looking like she was running from a pack of wild animals.Jackie blinked in surprise. “What was that about?”Jolie replied casually, “Maybe… she felt embarrassed.”Jackie chuckled warmly. “That’s normal, perfectly normal. When there’s tension and one side tries to make peace, the other usually feels awkward. Your relationship with Selena always seems a bit like this, doesn’t it?”Jolie lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, “She left home a long time ago.”Jackie raised her eyebrows. “Sounds like there’s been some serious conflict.”Jolie didn’t elaborate. The fact that Selena was willing to v
Daisy’s stance was unyielding, leaving Jolie no room to argue. She took her straight back to the Quin family home and even confiscated her phone.Meanwhile, just half an hour after they left, Selena arrived at the hospital. Noticing the empty room, she froze for a moment before grabbing a nearby nurse.“Excuse me, where is the patient from this room?” Selena asked.The nurse replied, “She’s been discharged.”“Discharged?” Selena was stunned. “So soon?”It wasn’t surprising that Jolie was ready to be discharged, but Selena couldn’t believe she’d leave without saying a word. She pressed on, “Did she leave on her own?”The nurse shook her head. “No, her mother came to take her.”Selena nodded slowly, her expression darkening. So that was it. Anger flickered in Selena’s chest. Jolie had been severely injured, and Daisy hadn’t bothered to visit her in an entire month. Yet, the moment it was time for her to leave, Daisy suddenly showed up. For the longest time, Selena had assumed Jolie w
As expected.Jolie lowered her gaze slightly. Her pale face carried a fragile determination as she sat at the edge of the dining table. Her slender frame looked too weak to resist, yet the defiance in her eyes told another story.She couldn’t escape. But she wasn’t willing to give in. “I won’t break up with him,” she said, raising her eyes with a clear and unwavering resolve. Terence let out a cold laugh. “Well, you’ve got guts. You really are my daughter. Let’s see how long your resolve lasts!” With that, he abruptly stood and stormed out of the dining room. Daisy frowned at Jolie. “Jolie, why are you so stubborn? Ian Wheeler isn’t the right person for you. Why won’t you listen to us? Do you really think we’d harm you?” Jolie replied calmly, “Is what’s ‘right’ always the best?” “Of course,” Daisy said firmly. “If someone fits in every way, that’s what’s best.” “I don’t agree,” Jolie said softly, her gaze dropping as she rejected her mother’s words. “You’re being too
"When will you divorce her?"In the private room, the girl gazed at the man before her with deep affection.Aveline stood outside the private room with cold hands and feet. Like the girl inside, she stared at the man's handsome, sharp face, as her complexion gradually turned pale.That was her husband, Lucas Tudor.He was mute, working as a server in this club. Today, she got off work early to go home with him but didn't expect to stumble upon this scene.The man who usually wore a server's uniform was now in a tailored suit, his short hair meticulously styled. His expression was noble and cold, with an air of elegance and aloofness she had never seen before.His thin lips parted, his voice low and pleasant. "I'll bring it up to her soon."She shut her eyes abruptly and turned to leave.He could speak.His voice was actually so pleasant.However, she never expected that the first words she would hear him say were about divorce.Aveline was in a daze, thinking she must have mistaken som
Earlier, when she heard his voice, it was mixed with music, making it hard to hear clearly. But now, his deep, magnetic voice came from right above her, so clear that it struck her heart, leaving her breathless with pain.He could speak.However, he hadn't told her about it immediately.In fact, he wanted to divorce her.All of it was true.Why?Why did he want a divorce?Aveline wanted to ask, but she held back.Why should he get to divorce her just because he wanted to?Over the past year, she had done nothing to wrong him. Even if he wanted a divorce, he owed her an explanation!Aveline's heart felt cold, but she craved the warmth of his body, hugging him even tighter."Yes, I heard you talking to someone, but I didn't catch what you said. Lucas, your voice is so nice."She kissed his back."Lu."It was what she called him only in their most intimate moments.Whenever he heard it, he would respond with even more passion.But tonight, Lucas pushed her away."I'm tired."Aveline's fac
Aveline looked at him. "Say something."Lucas responded, "Let's eat first."He gently pushed her away and walked to the dining table, placing the breakfast on it.Aveline's heart sank deeper into despair as she stared at his back, pain evident in her eyes.She had stopped him from saying the word "divorce," but his attitude was clear. He was distancing himself from her, not even offering a false promise.He never used to be like this!In the beginning, he just followed her everywhere, clinging to her. Later, when she decided to take him in, she taught him to read and learn sign language. His gaze on her became more focused.No matter what she did, his eyes were always on her, as if she were his whole world."Lucas, you didn't give me my good morning kiss."Aveline walked over and said, reminding him of the promise they made after they got together.Lucas pushed the milk toward her. "Let's eat first. I have something to tell you later."Aveline clenched her fists. "If I don't eat, will
When Aveline arrived at the office and sat down, a colleague immediately came over and said, "Aveline, have you heard? Our company has been acquired! The person who bought it is Lucas Tudor, Frederick Tudor's third son, who mysteriously went missing."Aveline froze. "What's his name?""Lucas Tudor. I saw his photo, and he's really handsome! They say he disappeared for a year and just recently returned to the Tudor family. As soon as he got back, he started making big changes to the subsidiary companies here. Our company was directly acquired. Oh my, having such a handsome man as a boss—I’d be smiling even in my dreams!"Aveline pulled out her phone and saw the first notification: news about Lucas, a member of the Tudor family who had been missing, returning.In the photo, the man wore a black suit, his short hair neatly parted, his features sharp and handsome, with piercing eyes that carried a cold glint. His entire demeanor exuded noble aloofness.Lucas belonged to the Tudor family, C
What did he take her for?Her heart ached as if it were being torn apart, making it difficult for her to breathe.Seeing the tears in her eyes, Lucas' gaze deepened, but his expression grew even colder. "I have my reasons. Not telling you was to protect you.""Hah!"Aveline scoffed, holding back her tears, her tone turning icy. "Let me tell you, I won't divorce you. Don't even think about it!"She turned and walked away."You wouldn't want to lose this job, would you?"Behind her, his cold voice rang out. "You're an orphan who struggled to establish yourself in this city. This job must mean a lot to you."Aveline glared at him. "What are you trying to do?"Lucas replied, "Sign the divorce papers. My previous offer still stands."He was threatening her!Aveline's hands trembled with anger. If he weren't so far away, she might have slapped him across the face!"Lucas, you're despicable!"How could he change so much in such a short time? Or was he always this cold, and the past year had b
As expected.Jolie lowered her gaze slightly. Her pale face carried a fragile determination as she sat at the edge of the dining table. Her slender frame looked too weak to resist, yet the defiance in her eyes told another story.She couldn’t escape. But she wasn’t willing to give in. “I won’t break up with him,” she said, raising her eyes with a clear and unwavering resolve. Terence let out a cold laugh. “Well, you’ve got guts. You really are my daughter. Let’s see how long your resolve lasts!” With that, he abruptly stood and stormed out of the dining room. Daisy frowned at Jolie. “Jolie, why are you so stubborn? Ian Wheeler isn’t the right person for you. Why won’t you listen to us? Do you really think we’d harm you?” Jolie replied calmly, “Is what’s ‘right’ always the best?” “Of course,” Daisy said firmly. “If someone fits in every way, that’s what’s best.” “I don’t agree,” Jolie said softly, her gaze dropping as she rejected her mother’s words. “You’re being too
Daisy’s stance was unyielding, leaving Jolie no room to argue. She took her straight back to the Quin family home and even confiscated her phone.Meanwhile, just half an hour after they left, Selena arrived at the hospital. Noticing the empty room, she froze for a moment before grabbing a nearby nurse.“Excuse me, where is the patient from this room?” Selena asked.The nurse replied, “She’s been discharged.”“Discharged?” Selena was stunned. “So soon?”It wasn’t surprising that Jolie was ready to be discharged, but Selena couldn’t believe she’d leave without saying a word. She pressed on, “Did she leave on her own?”The nurse shook her head. “No, her mother came to take her.”Selena nodded slowly, her expression darkening. So that was it. Anger flickered in Selena’s chest. Jolie had been severely injured, and Daisy hadn’t bothered to visit her in an entire month. Yet, the moment it was time for her to leave, Daisy suddenly showed up. For the longest time, Selena had assumed Jolie w
Jolie instinctively glanced at Selena after hearing that, noticing the awkward expression on her face. After a brief pause, she suddenly called out, “Sister.”Selena shot up from her seat as if startled. “I think I’ll skip the oranges. I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll head out first,” she said quickly. Without waiting for Jolie to respond, she hurried out of the hospital room, looking like she was running from a pack of wild animals.Jackie blinked in surprise. “What was that about?”Jolie replied casually, “Maybe… she felt embarrassed.”Jackie chuckled warmly. “That’s normal, perfectly normal. When there’s tension and one side tries to make peace, the other usually feels awkward. Your relationship with Selena always seems a bit like this, doesn’t it?”Jolie lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, “She left home a long time ago.”Jackie raised her eyebrows. “Sounds like there’s been some serious conflict.”Jolie didn’t elaborate. The fact that Selena was willing to v
The next day, Daisy came to visit Jolie. Noticing Jackie in the room, she frowned and asked, “Who are you?”Jackie replied with a friendly tone, “I’m Miss Quin’s caregiver. And you are?”Daisy’s expression shifted briefly before she responded, “You can leave now. There’s nothing for you to do here.”Jackie grew wary and glanced at Jolie for guidance. Jolie said calmly, “Jackie, I’d like some fruit.”Jackie immediately understood that Jolie was subtly asking her to step out. “Alright,” she nodded and left the room.As soon as the door closed, Daisy turned to Jolie. “Jolie, did you look into that caregiver? What’s her background? Is she reliable?”Jolie met her mother’s gaze, her tone flat. “Sure. I’ll investigate later.”Daisy hesitated for a moment as if she suddenly remembered something. “I’m sorry, Jolie. Yesterday I forgot about you. There was an issue at the company, and your father and I were tied up until late. Were you alright? You didn’t go hungry, did you?”Jolie found it la
Upon hearing this, Jolie looked at him. "Can I refuse you?""Of course you can," Gavin replied without hesitation.Jolie eyed him skeptically, finding it hard to believe he would give in so easily.Gavin figured that even if she refused, there were still six obligations left to fulfill. Once those were over, their ties would be completely severed. He was confident that by then, she wouldn’t occupy any more of his thoughts.In his life, emotions had never been a priority. Career and power were always paramount. He had set his goals clearly from a young age. So even though he now realized he liked Jolie, he wouldn’t do anything irrational for the sake of feelings. That wasn’t who he was.Jolie’s eyes gradually brightened. She had assumed he was the kind of person who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, resorting to forceful tactics if she disagreed. His rationality made things much simpler!"Mr. Cooper, I’m sorry," Jolie said after deliberating for a moment. "We’re not very com
Gavin pulled out a document and handed it to her.Jolie glanced at it, her eyes widening in shock as she realized it was a detailed dossier on Ian. Staring at Gavin in disbelief, she asked, "What… what is this supposed to mean?"She didn’t even look at the contents again, her mind swirling with chaos. "To show you the kind of person you’re so adamantly defending," Gavin said coolly, his expression steady.Jolie’s grip on the bedsheet tightened as her thoughts spun out of control. She struggled to process what was happening. "Why are you doing this?" Their relationship was supposed to be simple—a transactional repayment of a favor. So why was he meddling in her life? Why investigate Ian? Why did he care so much about her relationship with Ian?A flood of questions filled her mind, and though the answer seemed obvious, she couldn’t bring herself to believe it.Gavin looked into her dark, clear eyes, finding something there he couldn’t quite decipher. It was rare for him to not unders
Jolie closed her eyes and said weakly, "I won’t break up.""You…" Daisy was taken aback by her stubbornness. Jolie had always been the most obedient child, the one who listened without question. Yet now, she was completely unyielding.Sighing heavily, Daisy sat down beside her. At this point, there was little she could do. Terence had already lashed out, but even that didn’t make Jolie relent. If she refused to break up, what more could they do?For now, Daisy decided to leave the matter alone. If talking to Jolie wouldn’t work, perhaps convincing Ian would be the way forward."Are you hungry?" Daisy asked after a pause."No," Jolie replied faintly. The only sensation she could focus on was the pain radiating from her back. She lay on her stomach, too afraid to move.Daisy let out a soft sigh. "If you get hungry, let me know. I’ll make you whatever you want.""Mm." Jolie barely responded, closing her eyes as exhaustion pulled her into a restless sleep.…Night fell, and Jolie stirred
Aveline said, "It’s absolutely true. I should’ve recorded it. Then you wouldn’t doubt me.""No, no, I’m not doubting you," Gernard replied quickly. "I just didn’t expect it. Brother actually said something like that? He’s always been distant from women. Growing up, there were girls who liked him, but he never paid them any attention. During school, he focused on studying, and after that, on work. Honestly, I thought he might never learn how to date. And now… he’s finally thawed!"He sounded amazed, but soon his brows furrowed. "This Jolie—she’s Selena’s younger sister, isn’t she?"Aveline nodded. "That’s right."Gernard’s frown deepened. "I think I’ve seen her before. She does resemble Selena a bit. Baby sister, you know Gavin had feelings for Selena before, but he came into the picture too late. She was already married. Do you think… is it possible he sees Jolie as a stand-in for Selena?"Aveline’s expression immediately grew tense. If that were true, it would indeed be unsettling.W
"I… I haven’t decided yet," Selena said hesitantly.Aveline replied, "Take your time. There’s no rush. You’re in Larbor City now, and so is she. When you’re ready, you can always go see her.""Mm." Selena gave a soft hum of acknowledgment and ended the call.When she looked up, she met Aaron’s gaze. He was staring at her intently.Selena’s breath caught slightly. "What’s wrong?"Aaron reached out and gently brushed her cheek with his fingertips. "If something’s troubling you, you can always tell me."Without a word, Selena leaned into his chest, seeking comfort in his silent presence. Aaron wrapped his arms around her, holding her close without pressing for answers.He had long since resolved to be with her and had quietly investigated her background. He knew her family life had been far from happy, though she had never spoken of it. He hadn’t brought it up either, respecting her silence.His earlier question had simply been a gentle nudge, hoping she might open up and feel better by s