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
At his inquiry, Lillian glanced at him with an uninterested air. "What's it to you?"Silence followed her retort."Just a few minutes and you're prying. Worried I'd bully her?" Lillian teased, her voice tinged with mockery.Oliver's frown deepened, his displeasure evident. "That's not what I meant.""Then what? Do I need to report every bit of girl talk to you?"Oliver realized that Lillian's patience with him had run thin, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor. Outside of the necessary pretense before Grandma Qin, she treated him like a stranger. This shift grated on him, especially since they used to get along so seamlessly.With no response from him, Lillian simply gathered her clothes and went to freshen up. Afterward, she retreated to bed, acting as if Oliver didn't exist.Ignored, Oliver went through his nightly routine with a scowl, lying down to rest with the same expression. Though they shared a bed, a bolster pillow laid
Who would have anticipated that due to Lillian's nausea, the household would be thrown into utter chaos?Lillian leaned weakly against Oliver, her mind still somewhat adrift.Meanwhile, Serena, who had tagged along, suddenly had a thought and suggested, “Oliver, the hospital is quite far now. Why don’t we take her to that clinic my friend recommended last time? I suspect Lillian might have eaten something disagreeable.”Although Serena seemed to be calmly making a suggestion, inside, she was in complete turmoil.If Oliver took her to the hospital at this moment, they were bound to uncover the truth.If a checkup was indeed necessary, it would be better to go to a clinic where her friend worked; if something unexpected came up, she still had a chance to rectify the situation.Reflecting on this, Serena suddenly remembered how Lillian had refused to go to the hospital when she had a fever on the road some time ago.Back then, Serena thought Lillian was just acting up and playing the vic