Jacob's eyes widened. She had said this before, but he hadn't paid attention. This time, his heart tightened.
After a moment, his expression darkened. "Don't say such things."
"My mom told me, if you like someone, you should tell them. You should cherish them, stick to them, and make them happy. Life is short, and if you don't say it, you might never get the chance."
Ivana brought her delicate face closer to his. "So, can I sing now?"
Jacob didn't respond immediately. He could handle the most complex data, but Ivana's straightforward affection left him at a loss. After a long pause, he said quietly, "Do as you wish," and closed his eyes again.
As he did, he felt the bed shift slightly under her weight. Then, a gentle song filled the room.
She was right; her voice was beautiful. Though he didn't understand the foreign words, the melody was soothing, like a warm hand calming his fatigue and restlessness.
Ivana sang softly for a while un
"I can't help it. You look so appetizing when you're serious." Andrew leaned in and whispered in Tony's ear, "Makes me want to devour you.""Animal!"Tony, flustered by Andrew's provocation, bit down hard on his thin lips before releasing him just as Andrew was about to make his next move."Hold on. I'm going to change my clothes.""Okay."Andrew reached out and stroked the corner of Tony's lips, his eyes filled with desire. Tony sighed, knowing how wicked Andrew could be but unable to resist loving that side of him.Just as Tony turned around, he noticed Evans standing a short distance away, looking shocked. Tony stiffened, about to say something to cover up, but Evans spoke first."I-I didn't see anything. I won't say a word. You guys continue..."With that, he glanced nervously at Andrew before quickly escaping. Watching Evans's retreating back, Tony squinted and looked at the tall, elegant man beside him."What did y
Ben stood there for a few seconds, then hurried into the locker room with his clothes.Andrew and Tony had just gotten into the car when Ben came rushing out, still looking flustered. He had his boots on the wrong feet, and his shirt was buttoned wrong.As soon as he got in the car, Ben slammed the door and looked at them, out of breath."Explain. Now."His handsome face was full of tension and curiosity, his hands clenched into little fists on his knees, staring at them intently.Tony cleared his throat.Then he looked at Andrew."Maybe you should explain."Andrew nodded.He turned to Ben and said, "As you can see, Tony and I are together."Ben's expression froze for a moment, then turned to confusion."Huh? Together?" Ben was startled. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?!"Andrew pressed the gas pedal, speaking slowly. "Yes."Ben was speechless. "But, Andrew, you do realize Tony's a
A bit of juice clung to his lips, and Andrew immediately grabbed a napkin to wipe it off, his actions naturally affectionate.Tony seemed a bit embarrassed, turning his head slightly and taking the napkin to wipe his mouth himself.Ben, sitting nearby, nearly dropped his cherries.Seriously?! They're being that obvious? Does Dad not see this?He glanced at James, expecting some reaction to the blatant intimacy. But his dad was calmly sipping coffee, showing no sign that he noticed anything amiss.Ben was flabbergasted.James was sipping when he suddenly felt a piercing gaze fixed on him.He looked up and saw his goofy son, Ben, staring at him intensely."Ben, what are you looking at?""Dad, in this situation, don't you have anything to say?"Anything to say?James furrowed his brows and snorted. "I certainly do."He glared at Ben, his voice sharp. "Didn't you say you were bringing your doctor girlfri
"Hotel?!" Ben took a deep breath, his mind racing with images before he shook his head to clear it.He had another thought. "So John knows about their relationship too?""Yeah, he's known for a while."Ben furrowed his brow, suddenly feeling like an idiot. Damn it. He thought he was the first to know Andrew's big secret!At that moment, a voice called out from the entrance. "Dad."Everyone in the living room turned to see Colin standing at the door, wearing a white t-shirt, looking as handsome as the moon and exuding a cool aura. Beside him stood Leah in a pure white dress, cinched at the waist with a black belt that highlighted her slender figure. She wore white sneakers, and her slightly curled chestnut hair flowed behind her, framing a doll-like face.James's eyes lit up. He had seen Leah's photos before and thought she was beautiful, but in person, she was even more stunning!"You're here! Come in!" James couldn't hide his smile.
Diana counted on her fingers. "It's been months, how does he manage? Is he... taking care of himself?"Diana nearly choked. "That's private. I'm not answering that.""Really?" Leah pretended to ponder. "Is it that you can't answer, or don't want to?""I'm a proper person, don't try to get anything out of me," Diana replied, feigning innocence while her mind raced with blush-inducing images.Leah leaned closer. "Come on, he must be frustrated. Why not buy him something?"Diana’s eyes lit up. "Like what?"Leah whispered in her ear, describing various items. "This... and that... and..."When she finished, she looked at Diana. "Which do you think is best? Or try them all?"Diana considered. "I think the doll you mentioned sounds good.""Then go with that," Leah agreed."But there's a problem," Diana said seriously. "If it’s a life-sized replica of me, I'd have to send in some... provocative photos. I can't do that, an
Ben sat there, looking dejected. "It's not salt. Those are my tears."James was baffled. "What nonsense are you spouting?""Sorry, Dad. I'm just not feeling well today. I've been crying a lot, and I'm a bit dizzy.""Dizzy?" James's eyebrow twitched in irritation.If it weren't for the guests, he would have taken off his shoe and given Ben a good thrashing. But seeing that Ben seemed genuinely upset and alone, he decided to cut him some slack.James's tone softened. "Alright, let's just eat. Everyone, help yourselves. We're family here, so dig in."The guests nodded and picked up their forks, starting to eat.Tony and Leah, tasting Ben's cooking for the first time, were impressed."This steak is really good, probably the best I've ever had," Tony said.Andrew, sitting beside him, whispered, "If you like it, I can learn to cook too.""I get it, but stop holding my hand under the table. There are people watching."
“I can't help it,” Ben said, counting on his fingers. “I can't wait to see Liora. It's been six days since we last saw each other.”He had planned to visit her tonight anyway, but his dad’s broken bone made for an unexpected, yet welcome, excuse.The group reached the office of the orthopedic chief on the third floor.Since only one family member was allowed inside, Ben accompanied James.Standing at the door, Ben was about to knock when James stopped him.“Wait.”Ben was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”“It’s the first time meeting my future daughter-in-law. I’m a bit nervous.”Future daughter-in-law?Ben sheepishly rubbed his nose. “Isn't that title a bit premature?”“What, you’re not dating Liora with the intention of marrying her?”“Of course I am! I just don’t know if Liora feels the same way. I’m afraid she might not want to go the distance with me.”James nodded. “That’s a legitimate concern.”
Liora's voice was soft and seductive. Ben swallowed hard, ready to kiss her again when his phone rang. Startled, he pulled away."Hold on, my phone's ringing..."He answered the call, his expression changing as he listened. He replied a few times and then hung up, looking crestfallen."It’s the production team... They need me back this afternoon.""This afternoon?""Yeah." Ben checked the time, his face full of disappointment. "Looks like we won't get to be together tonight after all."As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Liora's perfect figure, his frustration clear.Liora picked up her phone from the side table and checked the time."Forty minutes left before I start work."Hearing this, Ben felt a wave of sadness wash over him.Did this mean he only had forty minutes left to spend with Liora today?Ben suddenly felt a tightening around his neck. Liora had wrapped one arm around it, her other hand brushing t