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46: Consideration
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 52: Deliberate Estrangement
Serena emerged from Lillian's office with a complexion turning sour beyond measure, her hands trembling slightly by her dress hem. She had never expected such mockery from a mere assistant. Although she refrained from lashing out there and then, the affront was something Serena felt she couldn't just swallow.Upon returning to her own office, Serena immediately vented about the incident, her voice devoid of resentment, secretly hoping for Oliver's sympathy. However, after her recount, Oliver remained silent for what felt like an eternity."Oliver?" Serena queried, puzzled by his lack of response, only to notice his distant gaze fixed on his laptop, seemingly lost in thought.With no choice but to call his name a couple more times, Oliver finally snapped back to reality, frowning slightly, "You're back."Serena's heart sank. How long had she been back? Had he not heard a word she said?"Uh, yes. I've been back a while. I was talking to you, but you didn't respond," she managed to say w
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 53: Is It So Wrong for Me to Touch You?
“Or is it that you lack confidence in him?” Lillian's lips curved into a faint smile, “Given my current predicament, I'm not worried. What's troubling you?”Seeing her still standing there, unmoved, Lillian pressed on, “Relax. In a few days, Grandma will have her surgery. Just hold on a little longer, and soon you'll have your wish. As soon as her operation is a success, I'll leave this place and not return for five years.”Serena gradually regained her composure with Lillian’s reminder. Indeed, it was just a matter of days before it would all be over, the farce between her and Oliver included. Then, she wouldn't have to tiptoe around as she did now."Fine, I'll take your word for it for now and hope you'll stick to it when the time comes."After Serena's departure, the room fell silent. Lillian's gaze dropped to her abdomen, her hand lightly caressing it."Baby, let's pray together for everything to go smoothly. Soon, I'll take you abroad to live. Your grandfather is there, and he wi
Bump and Run: The Ex's Pursuit 54: Heading for Divorce
In the usual humdrum of life, she didn't dwell on memories. She lived her days in a mix of clarity and haze, but once she let herself remember...Those casual intimacies, now like blades, cut through her piece by piece.Lillian leaned against the safe weakly, closing her eyes in resignation. If only he had shown her the slightest bit of affection, she wouldn’t feel so desolate...When she returned with their marriage certificates in hand, Oliver had just emerged from the shower, his face as somber as when he'd entered. He paused as he passed by her, seeing the two red booklets in her grip, his gaze turning icy as he stared at her.Under that piercing look, Lillian, holding the certificates, felt at a loss.A moment later, he scoffed, "Eager, aren't you?"Lillian flinched, her lips parted but no words came out. She just gripped the certificates tighter and looked down. What was there to say? It seemed there was nothing left worth saying.The divorce was his idea, his heart belonged to
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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
