“Please come in, Mia. This is our humble home. Even though it's small, it's full of peace,” Greta said as she took the suitcase from the special guest's hand.
Receiving such a warm welcome, the secretary's lips grew wider. "Thanks, Greta," she said awkwardly. The girl was still waiting for the right moment to confess—maybe, after meeting other family members.
“In this house, I live with my husband, Jack. But he's dealing with horse manure. So I told him to meet you guys later. Our children are currently studying in another city. They only come home on vacation. So, you can use their room,” the host explained without stuttering. It was clear that her thin lips were indeed fond of talking.
“Then, where is Grandpa?” Julian asked, raising an eyebrow.
In an instant, the woman raised her index finger. "That's what I want to explain in more detail. Before meeting my father, you should know his condition. Julian may have understood from my explanation via ema
Witnessing such heartwarming thing, Mia automatically took a deep breath. Her lungs were hot. However, she still tried to hold back the urges not to burst into tears. Just as the girl began to gain control of herself, Mr. Hunt's gaze accidentally fell on her. With gleaming wrinkled eyes, the old man sighed. "James, is this beautiful woman your wife?" he asked while letting go of the hug. With a slow motion and a big smile, he turned his focus to face the girl. "Yes, Dad. This is your daughter-in-law,” Julian answered while placing his palm on Mia's back. Understanding the meaning of the CEO's light touch, the girl suddenly smiled. Although it's stiff, the curve of her lips looked very sweet in Mr Hunt's eyes. The old man's happiness skyrocketed along with laughter. "You're very good at picking woman, James," Mr. Hunt said before standing politely face-to-face with the secretary. "So, what should I call my daughter-in-law?" In just an i
When she saw the room she was going to occupy, Mia didn't budge. There was only one narrow bed there, while she had to share the room with the man who was considered her husband by Mister Hunt. "This is your room. It might look small, but this room is wider and much warmer than the other rooms,” Greta explained as she placed Mia's suitcase next to the cupboard. "Thank you, Auntie. This is enough for Mia and me,” Julian said while dragging his bag to the same place. "Then rest! I have to get back to the farm to help Jack. After the horses have been taken care of, then we get ready for the party. If you are hungry, lunch is already available in the kitchen. Don't hesitate!" Curling her lips, the secretary nodded. "Thank you so much, Greta." "My pleasure, Dear. Think of this house as your own home,” the woman replied with a warm smile. A second later, she walked out, leaving the girl with the nephew who also raised the corners of his lips.
"Come on, Mia. Don't be afraid," Greta said, nodding. With a hesitant motion, the secretary began to raise her hand to the head of a nearby brown horse. After successfully stroking Hasty, a wide smile immediately appeared on her face. "Does he like me?" the girl whispered, worried that she might scare the horse. “I don't know, it's too soon to draw conclusions. In that case, how about we hold a test?” Hearing Greta's suggestion, the secretary's eyes widened. "Test?" "Try to stand beside Julian," the woman said with glowing eyes while pulling the brown horse. At three meters away, she stopped and shouted, "Put some distance between you!” Wasting no time, the CEO and his secretary took a step in the opposite direction. Once the two were in the right position, Greta stroked the horse's head. “Hasty, make your choice! Who do you like more?” the woman asked before stepping back. “Julian, Mia, wave like I did earlier.” Smilin
Hearing Julian's report, Greta spontaneously checked the girl's condition. “Mia, are you okay?” Instead of answering, the secretary sat up and shook her head, collecting consciousness. "Mia?" the man sighed while raising an eyebrow, hoping the girl would respond soon. “I'm fine, Sir,” Mia replied, still with the corners of her lips held high. “Then, why did you suddenly laugh?” Julian inquired while observing the look in the secretary's eyes from a closer distance. A second later, the girl's smile began to turn flat. "Nothing, Sir," she said, shaking her head. Without a word, the man looked at his aunt who then shrugged. "How about you take her home? I'll catch up when I'm done returning all the horses to the stables?” Greta suggested to her nephew. "All right," Julian said curtly. Without further ado, he stood up and picked up the secretary with his strong arms. Realizing that the two of those people thought sh
After a moment of silence, Mia took a deep breath. With eyes angled upwards, holding back sadness, the girl spoke again. "Do you know that your son is so great?" she asked through a strained vocal cord. "Of course, I know. My James has always been great," Mr. Hunt replied quickly. Hearing the old man's never-fading spirit, Mia's shoulders felt heavier. With a bitter curve of her lips, she nodded. “The current James is a much greater man. He is the leader of a very large company. Despite his high position, he remains humble and compassionate. James right now is also very persistent and loyal," Mia explained with a dreamy look. "Is that why you love him?" Mr. Hunt asked in a thin voice, as if he didn't want anyone else to hear. Watching how the old man respected her privacy, the corners of the secretary's lips lifted slightly. After a moment of contemplation, the girl nodded again. "Yes. I think, I love him because of that soft side.” “T
"S-sorry .... I don't know you are changing," Julian stuttered. His hand, still attached to the doorknob, seemed hesitant to pull or push, whereas his eyeballs were shaking, confusion determined the direction.Surprisingly, Mia didn't show any anger. While covering her body with the dress that had not been worn perfectly, the girl blinked stiffly. "Okay," she said slowly.“T-then, finish it. I'll come in after you're done,” the man said while forcing a smile and stepping back.Before the door closed tightly, the secretary suddenly called. "Sir ...."In just an instant, Julian restrained the movement. "Yes?""Would you mind helping me zip up this dress?" Mia asked, successfully coloring the CEO's face with amazement.“Zip up your dress?”With a crooked smile, the girl nodded. A second later, she turned around and hurriedly passed her hand through the sleeve of the dress. Then, putting the cloth together behind h
After taking out a ring, Julian handed the box to his uncle. Then, he stared intently at the girl in front of him."Your ring finger, Mia Hunt," the man said, holding out one hand.After wiping the tears from her cheeks, the secretary placed her fingers on Julian's palm. A moment later, a sparkling ring had sweetened her hand."It's the right size," Jack sighed, successfully widening the smile on the groom's face.Without warning, Julian lifted Mia's hand and kissed it warmly. "You are very beautiful tonight, Mrs. Hunt."Worried that tears would ruin her makeup, Mia immediately turned to the ring that was left in the box. After handing the bouquet to Jack, she took a similar, larger ring and put it on Julian's finger.A second later, thunderous applause came from the audience seats. Greta and her father compactly developed a smile with teary eyes."Give her a kiss!" Greta exclaimed, making Mia's heart race again. She had done it befor
Receiving a warm kiss from Mia, Julian's eyes opened maximally. His body had frozen, while the brain and lungs seemed to have forgotten their functions. It was only when the secretary pulled away that he realized that his heart had gone mad and his blood rippled with joy. Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Julian grabbed the back of Mia's head and continued the romance. Getting a backlash, the girl automatically closed her eyes again. Mia knew that she had activated the CEO's wild side. It's her responsibility for taming it. That's why, when Julian lay her down on the bed, she didn't fight back. Even, when the man started exploring, her breath joined to warm the atmosphere. "Sir ...." Julian didn't answer, he just let out a passionate breath in front of the reddened face. While stroking the girl's hair, he noticed the unbelievable look in the secretary's eyes. "Do you want me too?" Julian whispered doubtfully. While stroking the man'
"Whoa!" Cayden sighed as his father placed him on the back of a pony. With round eyes, he surveyed his height from the ground. Even though it was not much, the toddler in the cowboy hat still showed a happy smile. “How is it, Little Evans? Are you happy?” the woman who held the horse's rein asked. Not daring to move much, Cayden nodded at a limited angle. "Yes, Greta. I am happy. It's thrilling!” he answered enthusiastically. “Thrilling?” Gabriella muttered, furrowing an eyebrow. While continuing to rock her niece, the woman expressed astonishment. “Where did you learn that word, Little Prince?” "Daddy often mentions it," the toddler replied, successfully making his father wince. "Daddy said that the nights spent with Mom were always thrilling." As Gabriella glared at her husband, Greta burst out laughing. "Gosh, Max. I think you should be more careful now. Your genius son can absorb all the words you speak.” "Right. I'll be more caref
"If you kept avoiding me, I would really quit the company," Julian said, successfully freezing Mr. Hunt's steps. The old man was then blinking, digesting the words he thought he heard wrong. “Actually, my position as a CEO is being threatened for some reasons. I tried to keep it a secret from all of you. I didn't even let Mia know. But as it turned out, it wasn't easy at all. My mind became adrift. And because the burden was too heavy, my emotions finally exploded. I'm so sorry it had to happen in front of you." Hearing the tone that seemed honest, Mr. Hunt slowly turned his focus. Two seconds later, he saw the tears slide from the grandson's eyes. "I've tried to be strong and tough, Grandpa. I thought I could solve all problems. But it turns out, I haven’t found any solution yet. That's why I was angry when I failed to find Grace and you at the cemetery. It got me think that I am a useless man," Julian explained with the gloomy eyes landed on the grass.
“Tsk, why does Grandpa run away like this? It just makes me feel even guiltier,” Julian grumbled between gasping breaths. Holding on to Mr. Hunt's message, he walked down the tree-lined path. “What should I do if Grandpa isn't there? Where should I look for him?” the man thought as he couldn't erase the wrinkles from his face. The burden in his heart was too heavy to ignore. After a few moments of struggling with the noise in his brain, Julian finally shook his head and blinked strongly. "No, no. Grandpa must be there. I'll take him home and things will automatically return to the way they were before," the man nodded, fostering hope. Ignoring the anxiety that kept swirling in his mind, he went faster. Unfortunately, as soon as Julian passed the cemetery gates, his steps were frozen. His jaw was dropping while his eyelids were lifted to the maximum. What he had hoped for quickly turned into disappointment. "No way! This is impossible!” he curs
"Dad," Cayden called quietly. A second later, the toddler handed Max a piece of bread that had been cleaned of jam. "I'm already full," he continued with a meaningful smile.Understanding the son's intentions, Max spontaneously raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to finish your bread again?"While showing two rows of tiny teeth, Cayden nodded. After a faint exhalation, the father began to vibrate the air with laughter."Gaby, look at what Little Prince did! I can get fat if he keeps handing me food,” the man said while showing the second bread he received from his son.“Just eat it, Max. You need more energy to help the Little Prince take care of Hasty,” the woman who was cleaning the dishes with a sponge replied.Hearing his mother's response, Cayden's eyes immediately widened. His energy had just risen to the peak. “I've finished breakfast, Mom. Can I go to the stable now?”"Yes, but you have to wash your face
Suddenly, Julian dropped his face into his hands. After exhaling heavily, he lifted his head again and put on an indescribable expression."I didn't mean to scare anyone, Mia. I just don't want Grandpa’s mistake to happen again," the man said with frown on his face."Yes, I know," Mia replied with the same thin voice. “But you can do it without hurting Grandpa's feelings, Julian. This matter can be discussed amicably.”While gritting his teeth, Julian shook his head. Confusion had returned to cover his eyes. “What should I do now? I already made Grandpa sad.""Apologize?" Mia answered with a grimace."Is that enough?" the man asked doubtfully. He began to realize that his anger had indeed crossed the line.Pondering, the woman nodded. “As long as it's sincere, Grandpa will definitely forgive you. And I think, you should also explain to Cayden that what you did was wrong. Don't let your nephew imitate something t
“Greta, have you prepared delicious toast for us?” Cayden asked as the hostess opened the door wider to welcome him. Seeing her father was still able to walk, the woman with high arch of the brows spontaneously sighed in relief. After shaking her head for a moment, she turned her gaze to the toddler who was still holding Mr. Hunt's hand and waiting for her response. "Of course I have. There is also strawberry jam for you. Are you hungry?” Greta asked while faking a smile. “Not me, but Grandpa. I heard the sound of his breathing all the way. Grandpa is very tired! He should eat a lot of bread," Cayden said with his trademark expression—round eyes and pursed lips. While stroking her son's head, Gabriella bent her knees. After leveling their eyes, the woman tilted her head. "You know where Greta put the plate of bread, don't you?" No more than two seconds, the toddler nodded. "Yes. On the dining table," he answered with a big smile. "That
"Sorry, Julian. I took Grace to see your grandmother for a while. Now, I intend to take her home. We're not wandering around or straying like you said," Mister Hunt explained with an indescribable expression. Even so, his hoarse voice was able to touch the hearts of the listeners, apart from his grandson. "But the way home is over there, Grandpa!" Julian snapped, still with eyebrows raised to the max. The young man didn't feel sorry at all for the hunched back that was getting weighed down by guilt. "I really can’t understand what’s on your mind. Don't you realize that your recklessness can lead to trouble? Didn't we agree to go together? Why did you secretly take Grace away?” he continued, thickening the wrinkles on his grandfather's forehead. Sensing her father's anger, Little Princess began to furrow her brows. The baby had never heard such a loud voice. When her eyes fell on Mr. Hunt's gloomy face, she spontaneously pouted. A second later, her heavy cry b
Arriving at the cemetery, Julian was taken aback. What he saw was completely beyond expectation. There were no old man and baby among the tombstones. The grandfather and Grace left absolutely no trace. "This is impossible," Julian muttered as he quickened his pace. Neglecting his initial attempt to remain calm, the man sped toward the direction Greta had given. After searching for a while, he finally found the grandmother's name on one of the stones. “Right, this is the place. They should be here," Julian sighed, sounding desperate. With deep furrows, he circled around, trying to find any trace of either his daughter or Grandpa Hunt. Unfortunately, as far as the eye could see, the two remained off the radar. Confusion instantly grew bigger in Julian’s mind. "Tsk, how could it be like this?" he grumbled while clutching his head. Knowing that irritation, Mia gently touched her husband's arm. She knew that the man had failed to control hi
Carefully, Mr. Hunt wiped his great-granddaughter's cheek. Grace's red eyes no longer shed sadness. However, the old man still felt guilty for making the baby cry. "I'm sorry, Grace. I should have walked more calmly so you wouldn't wake up," he whispered in between his ragged breaths. After her face had been dry, Grace rested her head on Mister Hunt's shoulder. Blinking slowly, she pursed her lips. The furrow of her tiny brows indicated that she still wanted to roll up in the blanket on the crib. The baby wondered why she was with her great-grandfather, sitting on a long bench at the edge of a path. “When I was young, I only need fifteen minutes to arrive at your great-grandmother's grave. But now, why does it feel so long and tiring?” Mr. Hunt grumbled as he wiped his forehead with one hand. After one quick breath, the old man stood up again and held Grace in his languid arms. Although the baby was a bit heavy, his lips still curled up warmly.