Serena rarely lost her temper. In public, she was always gentle and amiable. With her beauty and pleasant personality, she was viewed as a goddess in everyone's eyes. So, when she suddenly became angry, everyone was stunned, looking at her with various expressions. The room fell silent.In the quiet, under everyone's gaze, Serena suddenly came to her senses, realizing what she had just done. Her lips moved, but all she could muster was: "I'm sorry, I was in a bad mood just now, I lost my composure, I apologize."To maintain her goddess image, Serena kept apologizing while tears welled up in her eyes, falling like large pearls. Initially shocked by her outburst, her friends began to feel sympathetic after seeing her cry and apologize."Serena, what's wrong? Please don't cry.""Tell us what's bothering you; we'll help you.""Didn't you just speak with Oliver on the phone?"Everyone comforted her and passed tissues, finally soothing Serena's distress. Serena’s beauty, accentuated by her
The care Oliver bestowed upon her was probably rooted in their childhood friendship, or perhaps because their families had been friends for generations, and he saw her as a sister. Thus, with or without marriage, he would treat her well. Yet, it was laughable that she had allowed herself to develop feelings amid such interactions.Lillian closed her eyes in self-derision, no longer glancing at Oliver.Grandma Qin woke up around eight in the evening. As soon as she stirred, Lillian was by her bedside, eyes locked on Grandma's, nose to nose, her face the picture of intense concern."Grandma, you're awake. How do you feel? Is there any discomfort? Are you hungry?"Grandma Qin looked at the pale, anxious face before her, her eyes round with worry, and couldn't help but smile, gently shaking her head.This girl was truly endearing.Seeing Grandma shake her head, Lillian licked her lips nervously and held up a hand gesture in front of her."Grandma, look at me. How many fingers am I holding
Once they left the hospital room, Oliver took her away, and Lillian struggled to free herself from his firm grip."What are you doing, Oliver?" Lillian demanded, her brows knotted in confusion."We're going back home for today," Oliver said, his gaze fixed on her."But didn't you see Grandma's condition? She wants to leave the nursing home. She doesn't want to stay here," Lillian reasoned. She suspected that Grandma Qin refrained from returning home for fear of troubling her family, feeling resigned to stay at the nursing home. Lillian was frustrated with herself for not seeing through her grandmother's emotions. Had she realized earlier, could the distress that led to Grandma Qin's fainting have been avoided?"I know," Oliver replied in a low voice, "but you saw her emotional rejection, her anger towards me."He paused, then added, "Not towards you, though."Lillian paused, taking in his words. True, Grandma Qin had spoken sharply towards Oliver but gently towards her. The realizatio
Oliver was swiftly placated by his mother's gentle and warm tone."Alright, Lillian and I are bringing her home tonight, so don't bother going to the nursing home. Head back to our place," he assured his mother."Bringing Grandma home?" The surprise in his mother's voice was palpable, followed quickly by, "Is Lillian there?"Oliver didn't verbally confirm Lillian's presence but glanced her way with a meaningful look. The call was on speakerphone after all—she heard everything.So Lillian chimed in with a respectful, "Mom."The soft laughter on the other end acknowledged her, "Ah, there's my girl. Thank you for taking such good care of Grandma.""It's no trouble, thanks for your concern," Lillian replied.Though Mrs. Qin didn't shower her with affection like Grandma Qin did, she never skimped on the due courtesies. She had never spoken harshly to Lillian, and upon learning of their planned marriage, had only shown mild surprise. "I didn't think you two would come together so quickly. I
Lillian felt a sudden catch in her heart, unsure of how to respond to Grandma Qin's query. Her eyes instinctively sought Oliver's. If they in the back could spot Serena, it was impossible for Oliver not to have noticed, especially when it concerned the woman he was fond of.Predictably, Oliver slowed the car down and stopped at the villa's entrance. No sooner had the car halted than Serena, clutching her purse, approached the driver's side and tapped on the window.The window rolled down to reveal Serena's warm, gentle smile. "Oliver, you're back. How is Grandma? I'm sorry, I know you told me not to worry, but I just had to come and ask in person."After speaking, Serena's gaze casually swept to the back seat. Not spotting Lillian in the front, she assumed she would be in the back. Pleased with herself for a moment, thinking the passenger seat was reserved for her, Serena's triumph soon dissolved upon seeing two figures in the back—one was Lillian, and the other...When she recognized
After the performance concluded, everyone moved inside. The butler had the kitchen prepare a meal for Grandma Qin, though it was strictly according to dietary regulations. Given the late hour, she ate conservatively, setting down her spoon after just a few bites."Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your efforts," she said graciously.Grandma Qin then prepared to freshen up, and as Lillian offered to assist, she was gently stopped with a pat on her hand."What help do you think I need for a simple wash? I'm not completely helpless," Grandma Qin chided gently.Before Lillian could utter another word, Grandma Qin turned to Serena and softly suggested, "It's getting late, Serena. Why don't you stay the night? Have Lillian ask the servants to prepare a guest room for you."Caught off guard while nibbling absentmindedly, Serena promptly declined, "No need, Grandma Qin. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to stay.""What's inappropriate about it?" Grandma Qin countered. "We have plenty of guest
Even through her heavy coat, Lillian could feel the icy chill emanating from the bathroom walls. Oliver's grip on her shoulder was firm and unyielding, pinning her in place with a force that sapped her will to fight back, leaving her breathless.She glared up at him, the man pressing down on her, and let out a cold chuckle amidst labored breaths, "What are you doing? Are you so infuriated because I struck a nerve?"Oliver's gaze darkened as he observed her. Her eyes sparkled like stars against the bathroom lights, a radiant contrast to her bright pupils. Her nose, pert and proud; and her lips, a rosy pink, shimmered temptingly. Yet from that beautiful mouth came words so sharp, they stabbed at the heart, making one wish to silence her forever, to stop her from ever speaking again.In a swift motion, as if to prevent her from saying another word, Oliver bent down and captured her lips in a forceful kiss."You... mmph."As he leaned in, Lillian's uneasy premonition barely had time to re
Oliver's brow furrowed, his dark eyes emanating a cold light. The oppressive aura around him was so heavy that Lillian almost thought he was about to do something drastic. Then, to her relief, he turned and left the room. As she let out a sigh, her lips curled into a mocking sneer.Serena stood outside the door, her fingers twisted together in nervous anticipation. Oliver's voice had sounded irate, as though something significant had been interrupted. This realization sent a shiver of unease through her. When she had identified herself and yet he took so long to open the door, her anxiety deepened. What was taking so long? What was he doing in there?Her mind a tumult, the door finally opened. Serena's head snapped up, and she scrutinized Oliver carefully. He was still wearing the clothes he had on when he went upstairs, his coat unremoved but slightly wrinkled. She quickly assured herself that wrinkles didn't signify anything.Then, as she lifted her gaze and noticed a small cut on O
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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