Nothing changed in Austin's life afterward. Everything remained as normal as it could be, but one thing made him feel like he was stepping into a wide-open space. No longer feeling cramped, and a lot of his burdens seemed to lift. He entered the Goojoo Enterprise building with light steps and a whistle, signaling he was in the best mood.
Occasionally, he responds to greetings from employees scattered across several divisions. Most of them, Fabian barely knew. Wearing the Goojoo Enterprise badge, Fabian assumed they were his subordinates.
Ignoring a few whispers, he heard while heading to the room on the twenty-fifth floor. Was there something off about his behavior this morning? Let Austin think for a moment. Ah... it's probably because he softened the stern expression he usually wore there. Replacing it with a slight smile and greeting.
But was that weird? When a boss greeted their employees?
Never mind. There were many things Austin had to think about r
Fabian's car stops right at the neatly maintained simple house. The lights around the garden and the main house aren't on. Obviously because the new owner just returned, and Fabian gave her a lift. The click of the seat belt in the passenger's seat signals that Fabian's offer has hit rock bottom.Throughout his persuasion, Jane remains unmoved. Everything's rejected, even the highest payment Fabian could offer, Jane's not interested."I don't want fame or fun stuff you can offer, Fabian. Seriously. This is my deepest heart's answer. After you know who I am, you should also understand why I choose this.""Oh God!" Fabian sighs, frustrated, rubbing his face. "You're really stubborn.""Thank you for noticing. So... I consider this our last meeting. Among the three models you favor, the only one who might fit is Giselle. I think you know what to do." Jane gives a slight smile. She pulls the car door lever, but... "The door, please."There's nothing Fab
Maria stared at the finished dishes she had just prepared. Occasionally, she inquired with the main gate security guard, asking if the family guests had arrived. Maria never expected that the woman would truly show her presence here. In reality, Maria didn't want to prepare any dishes, but she realized her position here was only that of the head servant. She was responsible for taking care of all the needs in this grand house, especially the feasts."They're here!"Luckily, the glasses Maria was arranging didn't slip from her grip. She gently rubbed her chest, instructing some of the servants to be ready to serve well, even if it was with half a heart. The first time she met the beautiful woman, Maria felt a sense of sympathy. The love story with her master had to end due to a marriage arranged by the grand master. Maria thought that the woman bearing the status of Mrs. Don Austin William was just seizing the opportunity. Unfortunately, as time passed, that assumption
Calysta ate calmly, tasting everything in front of her and occasionally commenting. She'd chat with Austin beside her, sometimes helping him pick certain dishes. The dining room felt like her domain. Oh, and don't forget to be as sweet as possible to Katherine Don William, who Calysta didn't expect to greet her. But for Calysta, it didn't matter if the middle-aged woman didn't welcome her. Her focus tonight was spending time with Austin in this house, silently declaring her intention to take Jane's place here.Her buried desire, dismissed when Austin carelessly agreed to his father's absurd request, now blazes within her. The fire intensifies because the warm-smiling man in front of her doesn't let her go easily. It gives Calysta her own conviction that the time will come when she fulfills her goal."The cooks here are so skilled," praises Calysta with a honey-sweet smile. "I love all the dishes tonight." She gently wipes the corner of her lips with the soft cloth avai
Jane dried her hands after finishing up. Assisted by Harley in tidying up the slightly messy kitchen area, they all could sit back and enjoy the passing day. Even though Jane could handle it alone, the girl she barely knew for a day didn't hesitate to get involved in the kitchen sink.She said, "You've prepared us a delicious breakfast. Lunch made us reluctant to leave the couch. Do you really think I can't do more than just washing dishes?"Not only Harvey but Giselle and Ursula also share the same tasks. Jane ran out of words to refuse and asked them to sit still."We need to move a lot, Olive," Giselle retorts with a hearty laugh. In her hand was a vacuum cleaner ready to clean the dirt on the living room floor.While Ursula argued, "I need to burn off the calories that just entered this body. Blame Olive for serving such delicious beef teriyaki today."Alright, they are all stubborn, but they warm Jane's heart uncontrollably. As a return for th
"Please enjoy," says Jane as she hands over cups of tea and coffee to her guests. She didn't expect today's visit to raise so many questions for her."You look healthy, Jane." The middle-aged woman sitting in front of Jane smiles warmly. Since getting out of the car, her eyes haven't shifted from Jane. She's very relieved to find Jane in good shape."Thank God, I'm all good. How about Mom? Taking meds regularly, right? I told Maria to keep an eye on the meds and vitamins."Kate smiles even wider, while her son grumbles uncomfortably. His face turns away abruptly. Austin's visible annoyance is clear as day."I originally didn't have any desire to live more—""Mom," Austin interrupts swiftly. "I agreed to meet Jane at your request, but not to engage in nonsense talk." He gets up from his seat and chooses to distance himself from everyone. His peripheral vision still focused on a specific point.The man who since arriving at this house ha
"I didn't expect you to move on so quickly with someone else."Jane almost dropped the plate she had just finished washing. She never anticipated a time when she would be alone with the man who didn't want to see her anymore. Though... it's tough. Since his arrival, Jane has been keeping her distance, avoiding direct interaction. Occasionally, she just responds with superficial chatter.The beautiful woman tries to compose herself. She can't let herself be affected by his presence. Through the corner of her eye, she notices that he's not far from her, just behind her back. The small kitchen and the arrangement of furniture, so different from her previous home, make their proximity uncomfortably close."What do you need?" Jane asks, trying to keep herself calm. She mustn't let her hands tremble, even though her heart keeps praying for Austin to leave her alone soon.The intimidation Austin imposes on her life makes it hard for Jane to forget that he has no
On the way home, Kate didn't talk much. She kept her gaze forward, occasionally enjoying the nighttime drive. Sometimes, they got stuck in a bit of traffic in some central spots, but it didn't last long. Otherwise, their journey back to Don William's residence went smoothly."I hope this is the first and last visit to Jane's house, Mom," Austin says, adjusting his seat. He's been wanting to talk since earlier but was interrupted by numerous messages from Calysta. She's making him impatient to see her soon."Are you forbidding your mom from having a relationship with someone else?" Kate glances at her prideful son. There's a frustration and anger she can't easily express."Mommy can have a relationship with someone else as long as it's not Jane," says Austin firmly. "Instead of wasting unnecessary time with Jane, why doesn't Mommy try to get closer to my future wife?"Kate's stomach feels tied up in a long, tight knot. Strong and suffocating. "What do you
Fabian grinned widely after once again, going through each page of the contract that had just been signed. His dreams were coming true. He could predict it, but finding the approval signature from the person willing to carry Lavender, it's just so delightful. The euphoria reminded him of what he did with Ursula, Giselle, and Harvey. Just like when he got their approval, the joy that enveloped his heart, everything in his mind and strategic plans, realized and... Boom! They all received such a fantastic reception. His instincts as an art performer rarely missed. That's why when Jane agreed, he was sure this year's show would belong to SEO Fashion. Closed very well, and Fabian also felt like his four pillars were standing. Not standing completely, well, because one of them he'd just started to train to stand up against the world. "You look so happy, Boss." One of the finance division staff entered the room, carrying some documents that needed Fabian's signature