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22: Powerless to Defend
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 23: What Do I Want
Ever since the day she deleted that text message from Oliver's phone, Serena had been on edge.She guessed Lillian must lack the courage to tell Oliver the news face-to-face since she had resorted to texting. But Serena couldn't ease her mind and decided to invite Oliver out.However, he had to work late and couldn't make it. Nevertheless, Serena stuck by his side at the office and then dragged him to a gathering with friends. He ended up drinking too much and passed out.During that time, she even called Lillian, who hung up in a flustered state. This secretly delighted Serena.Lillian's reaction indicated her growing despondence. Serena only needed to leak that Oliver wanted the abortion and that she, Serena, was willing to compensate. Surely, Lillian would then abandon any foolish hopes.But Serena couldn't broach the topic herself; if Oliver ever found out, he might blame her. So, she carelessly mentioned it to a friend, enlisting their help.To her surprise, Lillian didn't show u
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 24: Implications
Here we go again.That same sentence structure.Lillian once thought Serena to be exceptionally gentle and likable, for she always appeared generous and appropriate in public.But since returning home, Serena had used this kind of talk twice. Last time it was Oliver, now the household staff.On the surface, it seemed like gratitude, but it was actually a declaration of ownership.Ownership that Serena didn't truly possess.If before, her relationship with Oliver could be labeled as boyfriend and girlfriend, then her words might seem reasonable.But they weren't, and Lillian couldn't grasp the stance Serena was taking now.Moreover, had they been a couple, Lillian would never have agreed to a sham marriage with Oliver, no matter how much she adored him.Nevertheless, Serena had helped her in the past.So, Lillian could only purse her lips and swallow the discomfort, eventually pushing it back down. She offered a shallow smile and said nothing.Lillian's lack of discomfort and non-react
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 25: No Marital Affection
Evidently, Serena was unnerved by the rejection of her money. Since her return, she had noticed Oliver's delicate behavior around Lillian. If he were to discover Lillian's pregnancy, Serena couldn't be certain of his response. Her intuition warned her that Oliver wouldn't easily let go if he learned the truth.Facing Lillian, Serena could only muster a strained smile. "Lillian, are you worried what others might think? There's no need. This money is my own, known to no one else. I am genuinely concerned about you, especially given your current situation...""Miss Serena," Lillian sighed softly, "Thank you for your concern. Though my family has fallen, I've strived these past years. Maybe not lavish, but sufficient for myself and..." She paused, a faint smile curving her lips, "it's not a problem. Besides, you've helped me enough already; I can't continue taking your money.""It's alright, I'm giving it willingly.""Miss Serena, I really can't."Lillian returned the envelope to Serena a
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 26: Don't You Want a Divorce?
Her words struck him like a blow, leaving Oliver speechless for a long time. When he finally regained his senses, he saw Lillian's eyes filled with mockery and pain. Before he could look closer, she lowered her head and resumed packing with an urgency that hadn't been there before. Clothes were no longer folded neatly but crumpled together hastily and stuffed into her suitcase.As she turned, Oliver's icy voice came from above and his grip tightened around her delicate wrist. "Why move out today? Are you so eager?"His tone was laced with sarcasm. "Let me guess the reason for your haste—is it because of the lunch you had today with your dear Nolan?"Lillian jerked her head up in disbelief. "You have no right to mock me! You know exactly what my relationship with Nolan is!"She struggled to free her hand, but Oliver's grip was unyielding, clutching her even tighter as she attempted to pull away.His mouth was set in a straight, displeased line. "What? Am I wrong? If he's not the reason
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 27: Who Said Anything About Clinging?
Oliver dragged two of his buddies out for drinks.He was drinking fiercely, treating the alcohol as if it were mere water.Ji Qingbei and Gu Yanxi watched on the side, both feeling a sense of alarm."Should we stop him?"Ji Qingbei gestured with his eyes towards Gu Yanxi.Hearing this, Gu Yanxi shrugged helplessly."Do you think I have the ability to persuade him?"Ji Qingbei pursed his lips with a grave expression: "He's already had a lot. If he keeps this up, it's not going to be good for his health."Gu Yanxi nodded in agreement."Yeah."The next second, both moved forward in silent consensus to intervene."That's enough, Oliver. Stop drinking.""Even if you're trying to drown your sorrows, you've had enough. Once the alcohol evaporates a bit, you'll be out cold."While they verbally tried to stop him, they didn't dare to physically intervene.Hearing them, Oliver let out a scoff, not bothering to reply. He had enough for the night, his eyes were red, and there was a heavy air of a
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 28: Behave, Won't You?
At that moment, Lillian had already changed into her pajamas, ready to lie down for the night. No matter how upset she felt, she couldn't let it disrupt her normal routine. If she truly decided to keep the child, she knew she might have a tough battle ahead. Thus, she needed to be constantly rejuvenated and prepared. Even if sleep eluded her, she had to lie in bed and rest.Unexpectedly, her phone rang at this hour, and to her surprise, it was Oliver calling. The sight of his name on the screen brought a complex swirl of emotions. After their rigid confrontation earlier and his abrupt departure, Lillian had assumed he went to seek solace with Serena. Yet here he was, calling her.Tempted to answer, then considering the call he had Serena make earlier, she almost didn't want to. But as the phone continued to ring, she finally relented, only to hear an unfamiliar male voice on the line.After a few seconds of internal conflict, Lillian resigned herself to change out of her sleepwear and
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 29: I Can't Make Heads or Tails of You
Gu Yanxi immediately nodded in agreement."You're right; he can't be left unattended in this state. So, where shall we...""Let's take him to my place," Ji Qingbei interjected suddenly, his voice steady and deep. "As you both heard, he called out my name. If I don't keep my promise, he might come looking for trouble once he's sober."Ji Qingbei had been an old friend of Oliver's for many years, even before Gu Yanxi and Serena came into the picture.His temperament was always composed, speaking little and wasting no words. But when he did speak, it was difficult to refuse him.Just like now.Serena observed Ji Qingbei with his calm demeanor. For reasons she couldn't fathom, she felt as though this Ji Qingbei wasn't too fond of her.But he was a good friend of Oliver's.Maybe it was just her imagination.Gu Yanxi, on the other hand, seemed a bit lost for words as he spoke up for Serena."Oliver's drunk out of his mind; he probably won't even remember what he's said by morning. Ji, why t
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 30: Raising a Child for Fun
"What do you think?" Ji Qingbei countered with a question of his own.Their gazes locked in mid-air, and after a beat, Ji Qingbei added, "What's wrong? Disappointed she didn't come?"The 'she' they referred to was clear to both.Silence lingered for a moment before Oliver scoffed, "Disappointed? About what? Doesn't matter to me whether she shows up or not.""Oh," Ji Qingbei raised an eyebrow, "since you don't care, I won't say anything else."And with that, he remained silent.Oliver's brows knitted tightly together, his gaze on Ji Qingbei filled with annoyance."Why play coy? If you know something, just spit it out.""I'm playing coy?" Ji Qingbei feigned surprise, "I thought you didn't want to know, fearing it would annoy you. So I said nothing. But do you really want to know?"Oliver's response was an irritated silence.Damn it, why did he even know someone like Ji Qingbei?Oliver was too exasperated to c
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Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 114: Just Hold Back for Now
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 113: Willing to Do Anything for Her
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 112: The Kiss Was Not Passionate Enough
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 111: Can Also Get Hurt
Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 110: Of Course We Give Her the Best
Mrs. Qin's embrace carried a refreshing scent of lemon, creating a relaxing atmosphere that made Kartika reciprocate the hug with warmth. Female elders always held a special place in Kartika's heart.Mrs. Qin noticed Kartika's affection and playfully tapped her nose. "Are you missing your mom?"Kartika was momentarily stunned by the reference to "mom" but then nodded in acknowledgment after regaining her composure. "Yes, I have missed you all.""Ah, sweet girl, we've missed you too," Mrs. Qin said, then pinched Kartika’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. She grasped it a few more times before turning to Mr. Qin, "Did you bring the gifts for Kartika that we talked about?"Mr. Qin rummaged through his pocket and pulled out two small boxes. "I did."Mrs. Qin took the boxes and handed them over to Kartika. "Here, these are gifts from us on this trip."Kartika had always received gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Qin, even before marrying Farhan, and they had always been quite valuable. Mrs. Qin wo
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 109: Can You Bear to See Her with Someone Else?
After Kartika fell asleep, her breathing gradually became even and deep. Farhan moved to the other side of the bed, where she lay turned away from him, and discovered she was indeed sound asleep—not just asleep, but in a peaceful, deep slumber.Touching the cheek that Kartika had slapped earlier, Farhan's expression was somewhere between reality and doubt—was it not for a faint soreness, he would have thought the previous uproar was a mere illusion. After all, who falls asleep in one moment, deeply and without care, straight after being furious?Kartika's recent changes were so significant that Farhan felt he barely knew her. His heart was unsettled, his emotions with no outlet, yet as he watched her serene sleep, he found himself rendered speechless. When he finally left the bedside, he did so with an almost lighter step.Settling on the sofa outside, Farhan couldn't deny the wakefulness of his mind despite the late hour; Ji Qingbei's parting words at the bar repeated themselves in h
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 108: I Don't Really Like You
With these thoughts, Kartika let out a mocking laugh, her eyes looking at him with a cold intensity. "If you have needs, go to Lestari."Farhan's eyes darkened with a shadow of anger as he bit down hard. "I want you, no one else."Despite Kartika slapping him and telling him to leave, Farhan’s grip on her wrist tightened as he raised his voice in frustration. "Angry? Weren't you playing the role of the dutiful wife quite well these past days? Why stop acting now?"Furiously struggling against his grasp, Kartika no longer had any desire to reason with Farhan, her sole focus was to free herself.As he watched Kartika's vehement resistance, Farhan felt both irritated and pity. Recalling the recent conversations with Ji Qingbei and Mrs. Qin, he gripped her wrist tighter. "These were your own words before, so why are you angry now? Shen Nuonuo, what are you angry about?"He was trying to confirm something with his intense gaze. "Are you upset because I said you’re just a physiological need
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 107: It's Been a Long Time Since I Kissed Her
Gu Yanxi stormed off in a huff, leaving only Farhan and Ji Qingbei at the bar. Ji Qingbei glanced at Farhan, who seemed lost in thought, and thus refrained from initiating further conversation.After a short silence, Farhan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"Ji Qingbei's lips curved up slightly, "Don't you already know the answer?"Farhan looked up, his gaze heavy and dark, seeking clarification."What answer?""Farhan, do you remember the last time we were here I asked you if, after all these years, you still hadn't figured out what you really want?"Farhan paused, recalling that Ji Qingbei had indeed inquired the same. The question felt familiar from earlier in the evening with his grandmother. However, when Ji Qingbei had asked previously, Farhan didn't give it much thought and disregarded the remark.Observing Farhan's silence, Ji Qingbei sighed softly, "You've watched her grow up, you've seen her through every mood and phase, and you know her ins
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 106: You're Not Enchanted by Her, Are You?
The night was cool and calm as Gu Yanxi and Ji Qingbei made their way through the crowd towards the bar counter, following yet another call from Farhan in the dead of night.To their surprise, they expected to find a drunken Farhan but instead arrived to see him completely sober and immaculately dressed, sitting at the bar with a drink before him that had not been touched."What's going on? Didn't you call us here for a drink?" Gu Yanxi asked, puzzled.Approaching Farhan, Gu greeted him: "Farhan, what's up with you? Not a single sip yet?"Hearing the familiar voice, Farhan snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Gu Yanxi before turning questioningly towards Ji Qingbei as if to ask: Why did you bring him along?Ji Qingbei caught the look and quickly realized the situation. It seemed that Farhan had only summoned him, not Gu Yanxi, but by then it was too late to rectify the mistake. Both men, understanding the circumstance, chose not to comment any further.Gu Yanxi, ever the carefree
