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43: Not an Outsider
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Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 44: Don’t You Speak with That Tone
Listening to stories...Right, Lillian remembered now. She had been engrossed in Granny's tales of her youth, though for some reason, sleepiness had crept upon her unexpectedly. Too polite to interrupt, she had fought valiantly to keep her eyes and focus but succumbed to slumber without realizing when.Chiding herself for nodding off, she fretted, "I didn’t mean to fall asleep. Will Granny be upset with me?""How could she be, when she adores you so much?" Oliver recounted how Granny Qin had insisted on not waking Lillian after his arrival.Lowering her lashes and smiling softly, Lillian conceded, "True."Freshly awakened, she looked so endearingly disheveled that Oliver couldn’t resist flicking her forehead playfully. "What’s on your mind all day long?"She blinked, the haze of sleep clearing instantly. Lillian caught Oliver’s gaze and felt a moment of puzzlement. Sometimes, his particular gestures could seem confusing, sparking a fleeting illusion that maybe, just maybe, he harbored
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 45: You’re So Good to Me
"Are you idling away your time, or has delivering meals become part of your job? If you desire a change—"Oliver bit back the rest of his sentence as he caught the critical words from his assistant: Secretary Shen."What did you just say? Secretary Shen?"The assistant nodded dumbfoundedly, "Yes, that's what the delivery person mentioned."Right on cue, Oliver’s phone chimed with a message from Lillian."I heard from Granny you haven't had lunch, so I ordered some food for you. The restaurant said it's been delivered. Did you get it?"The anger clouding Oliver's face dissipated somewhat upon reading the message, though his tone remained gruff, "Playing the good Samaritan after avoiding me like the plague?"He shot his assistant a look."Bring it in.""Okay."The assistant carried the bag to the desk, placing it beside Serena’s lunch, which now seemed like an eyesore.After a moment's thought, the assistant broached, "Mr. Qin, about the lunch Miss Serena made. You said I could have it?
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 46: Consideration
"If it's within your power..."Serena nearly blurted out a request but swallowed her words at the last moment. She reminded herself to remain composed.So instead, she deftly shifted the conversation to inquire about Granny Qin's health."I have not had the chance to visit her since I returned to the country. In a few days, I’d like to pay her a visit, if that’s alright with you?"Oliver frowned, rejecting her proposal."Let’s wait a little longer. I'm concerned it might affect Granny’s health."The smile on Serena's lips faded slightly, yet another setback. For reasons she couldn't fathom, it seemed Granny Qin wasn't fond of her. Though treated with the respect due to Oliver's savior, it was always with an excessive formality. To Lillian, however, Granny was warm as to a blood granddaughter, which once rankled Serena deeply.Ultimately, Serena nodded obediently."Alright, I’ll listen to you."After all, it was only a matter of days before she wouldn't need to rush.—Lillian's annual
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 47: Will You Not Ask Him to Leave?
Finally, under Lillian's composed gaze, Yolanda sat back down, though inside she seethed, biting her lip in fury. "Lillian, did you not hear their words? It’s outrageous, I want to tear their mouths apart."Lillian inquired methodically, "And then what? Start a commotion over a few remarks, and have everyone say that not only was I relegated to the cafeteria, but I also got into a brawl over some pointed jabs?"Yolanda's delicate brow furrowed. "That’s not what I meant, Lillian.""I'm well aware that's not what you intended. But do you really think confronting them would make a difference? No matter how you respond, you can't control what others say."Yolanda bit her lip harder. "I can’t just stand by while they slander you like this!"Her indignation on Lillian's behalf was touching. Lillian hadn't expected her usually timid assistant to show such obstinate loyalty.With a sigh, Lillian conceded, "Actually, it's not all slander."Yolanda's eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you say
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 48: What’s the Point of Insistence?
Serena was taken aback by the question. She had indeed hinted at her wishes, but whether Oliver pretended not to understand or genuinely didn’t, he never agreed. And Serena couldn't be too blunt, for fear of being labeled promiscuous. So, she had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill.Lillian quirked an eyebrow at Serena's silent, ashen countenance. "Or is it that you can't get him to leave, so you come to bother me instead?"At this, Serena looked up, her eyes flashing with displeasure. Lillian, however, met her gaze confidently."Am I wrong? You don’t have to do these unnecessary things, you know. Despite your dislike for me, you still bring me food. Are you trying to prove your magnanimity in front of him? Save your efforts. If your beloved would fall out of love over something so trivial, you might as well find a new one."Lillian's words cut to the heart of Serena's intentions, causing her fists to clench at her sides, the urge to lash out at Lillian nearly overwhelming.Lilli
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 49: Loosen Up, Will You?
Nolan lingered for quite a while in Lillian's office before taking his leave. As fate would have it, his exit coincided with Oliver and Serena’s approach. The sight of him tightened Oliver's gaze instantaneously, a chilly aura enveloping his demeanor.Accompanying Oliver, Serena instantly picked up on the tension. With a contemplative look towards Nolan, who was just leaving Lillian’s office, she mused aloud, “Mr. Jiang seems to be on rather good terms with Lillian. Weren’t they out dining together just the other day?”Oliver’s brow furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, answering her with silence. But Serena, feigning ignorance of his mood, carried on, “When I think about it, he's quite considerate towards Lillian. After the Shen family’s downfall, everyone avoided her, yet he joined the company alongside her and still keeps in touch. I used to hear rumors about her father grooming Mr. Jiang as a prospective son-in-law—I thought they were just jokes.”Serena paused there, choos
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 50: Are You Entitled To Be Jealous?
Jealous? Oliver's composure wavered, and he touched the crimson mark by her lips. His voice was deep and rough, a touch of hoarseness making it unexpectedly alluring. “Even if I were jealous, so what? Don’t forget, in the eyes of the law, you are my wife.”His breath was hot against Lillian’s face, his lips inching closer as their breaths mingled. Lillian, mere moments from their lips touching, countered, “So what if I am legally your wife? Are you entitled to be jealous?”Oliver stilled.Lillian smiled, her voice laced with mockery, “Or to put it another way, if you’re jealous over me, where does that leave Serena?”The sudden intrusion of a third party quenched the flame of desire in Oliver’s eyes. His gaze chilled considerably, taken aback by the mention of Serena.“Why bring her up?” Oliver’s voice was a mix of surprise and irritation.Lillian replied with a pointed tone, “Why not? Why mention Nolan then?”A tense silence fell between them, and finally, Oliver released her wrist a
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 51: Wishing You All Your Heart Desires
Despite being declined just yesterday, Serena came again today, insistent on delivering a meal, her feigned kindness causing Lillian to stifle a laugh. Lillian, too disinterested to expose her act, wasn't even up for acknowledging her."Lillian, you've been quite ill, you must be feeling weak. I've even simmered chicken soup especially for you today. Won't you have some?" Serena insisted.Lillian, resting her chin on her hand, observed Serena with a calm amusement. No other souls were present, yet Serena maintained her charade. Lillian set aside her pen and faced her directly. "Doesn't this act tire you?"Lillian's question was about Serena's pretense, but Serena seemed to miss the point and shifted the conversation. "There's a certain bliss in cooking for someone you care about, to watch them enjoy the meal. How could I ever find that tiring?"She added with a sting, "Lillian, when you find someone who likes you as much as you like them, you'll understand my feelings. You too would b
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