"Why doesn't he wake up?" Mia asked with furrowed brows at the manager.
Unable to bear seeing the girl's anxiety, the man in neat clothes stepped forward. Without a word, he pinched Julian's big toe with his hand. In an instant, the CEO gasped and kicked what had pulled him back from the dream world.
"Ugh!" he groaned while greeting the lights. A second later, his very red eyes met the girl's gaze.
"Sir? Are you okay?" the girl sighed, confusing the man.
Seeing his lover's face so close to him, Julian's consciousness was suddenly intact. Paying no heed to his still heavy head, the man sat up.
"Mia? Is it a dream?" the CEO muttered with round eyes. "You already want to talk to me."
As the couple guessed each other's thoughts, the manager bent down, trying to get a better look at Julian's face.
“Are you all right, Sir? Your lover is worried if something bad happens to you."
“What bad thing? I'm fine," the man replied,
As soon as she opened the door, Mia was surprised that Julian stood right in front of her. However, after one breath of disbelief, she closed the door and walked away ignoring the man.“Mia, I know that you are still angry with me. But, please don't take the news from Gabriella as a lie. No Name is on the loose and it will be safer if we stay together,” Julian coaxed while keeping pace with the girl's speed.Unfortunately, the secretary was not moved to answer. She even treated Julian as if he didn't exist. When the girl stopped walking, she just pressed the triangle button and stared blankly at the door."Mia ..." the man sighed as she did not dare to touch his lover. He could only stand two steps away from the girl, a distance he considered safe to guard and give freedom.Realizing that the secretary would not respond, Julian clenched his fists."Okay. If you don't want to believe it, at least ... allow me to keep you close. I won't s
Mia blinked slowly looking at the Alps that stretched in front of her. Some of the peaks were covered by white snow, adding to the soothing beauty. "It's so wonderful," the girl sighed, raising the corners of her lips. The tightness that was pressing on the chest had lessened a lot. With eyes closed, Mia took a deep breath. However, even though her throat was no longer blocked, her brows were still wrinkled. The broken heart of the girl was still not completely healed. “Can't you leave my mind? I want to enjoy this panorama,” Mia thought to Julian's shadow. Unfortunately, the longer she hid in the dark, the clearer Julian's face became in memory. Not wanting to be overcome by sadness again, the secretary returned her sight. A second later, a lake near the foot of the mountain cheered her up. Right at that moment, Mia felt someone's presence behind her back. “Why are you still following me? Aren't you afraid of heights?" the girl asked without
“Please be honest, Sir! You actually hesitate to continue our relationship. Secretly, you are cultivating hopes of getting close to Miss Johnson,” Mia sighed in a slicing voice. Julian had to hold his breath to ease the pain. “Therefore, stop making up senseless lies. Do what Mr. Herbert wishes to get the best daughter-in-law. Accept your matchmaking with Miss Johnson!” Instead of answering, Julian got up from the chair. With slow motion, he began to bend his knees in front of the girl. Witnessing such an unexpected thing, tears suddenly stopped flowing. "What are you doing?" Mia asked in a low and depressed voice. "I beg you ... forgive me," Julian said with head down. “Forgive me for taking the wrong step.” Shaking her head, the girl sighed. "Don't beg me. I'm not the God." “But my life depends on you, Mia. I won't be able to breathe without you,” the man argued with eyes that were almost overflowing with emotion. After a mom
With eyes that never stopped shedding tears, Mia repeated her sincere statement. “I'm sorry for being selfish. I only think about my own feelings, without knowing that you suffer more.” Hearing his lover's wail, Julian's annoyance suddenly disappeared, replaced by a pity that was no less stifling. While letting out a faint sigh, the man finally moved to the empty space beside the girl. "Mia," he called, touching the shoulder that was shaking violently. "I'm sorry, Sir," the girl repeated the words, hiding her face in the shadow of her head. She was embarrassed to show the wrinkles of the eyebrows or the red nose. Gently, Julian cupped his lover's cheek. Slowly, he brought her gaze to meet his eyes. "I am alright. As long as you don't run away from me again, I'm fine," the man nodded reassuringly. “But, I have gone too far, Sir. I was the one who caused all these misunderstandings, but I was also the one who made the fuss. I came this f
Seeing the girl contemplating, Julian let out a faint sigh. He realized that his words had spoiled the excitement. “Hey, you don't have to worry, Mia. As long as we are together, no one will get hurt. Even if that villain attacks, I can definitely defeat him.” "Are you sure? The villain is very strong and his body is … much bigger than yours,” the girl said, shrouded in doubt. While stroking his lover's hair, Julian tugged at the corner of his lips. "Do you know that man's power can be doubled when he protects someone he loves? I have you, while the villain has no one. I certainly win over him.” "Is that true?" Mia sighed as if in disbelief. "Yes, you can find articles about the proof on the internet," Julian said lightly. Not wanting his lover to dissolve into anxiety, the man took a deep breath and exhaled quickly. "Isn't the air here very fresh?" he asked, turning the conversation around. "Yes. I feel my lungs are getting cl
As soon as he entered the hotel room, Julian rushed to check every corner of the room. Carefully, he made sure that no one was hiding there, including in wardrobe, bathtub, and behind curtains as well. The balcony overlooking the mountain also did not go unnoticed. After the inspection was over, he locked the door and propped it up with a chair. “Should we continue this stressful journey? It doesn't feel like a vacation at all,” the girl mumbled as she dragged the suitcase to the side of the wardrobe. A small frown had lodged at the base of her brow since Gabriella's video call ended. “Nowhere is safe, Mia. Even if we return to Quebracha, we won't be focusing on work either. Anxiety will definitely hinder our performance,” Julian said while stroking the secretary's arm. After taking a deep breath, trying to quell the restlessness that weighed on her heart, the girl nodded. "Right," she sighed disappointedly. Insecurity was still lingering at the bottom of her
"Are you cold?" Julian whispered while pulling the blanket over their bodies. A second later, the girl in his arms shook her head and tightened the hug. "No. I'm never cold when I'm around you." "But we spent too long in the tub," the man mumbled with guilt. "It doesn't matter. That's fun,” Mia said, before smiling. She never thought that she could talk casually with the CEO. "Is that so?" the man sighed while rubbing his lover's arms so that they were no longer cold. "Good." While taking a deep breath, Mia reviewed the memories that had been milling about in her mind. "Do you still remember all that Mr. Max and I did?" the girl asked after failing to count her pranks. "Of course. I wonder why you wanted to obey Max's orders," Julian said, half grumbling. "Because it's fun," Mia answered unexpectedly. The girl managed to make the heavy eyelids lifted to the maximum. With an expression of disbelief, the man asked
As soon as she opened her eyes, Mia was immediately greeted by the empty side of the bed. In a few blinks, the girl lifted her head and started looking around. After checking in several directions, she finally found her lover, pensive in the chair facing her."You woke up so early this morning, hm?" Mia asked hoarsely. Even though her eyelids were still heavy, she kept pushing her head up from the pillow.Getting the unexpected attention, Julian gasped. As soon as he saw the girl smiling at him, the man also raised the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I woke up and couldn't sleep anymore.""Since when?" Mia inquired while looking at the clock on the wall."An hour ago," the man answered, glancing at the same direction.Wrinkling her eyebrows, the girl got off the bed. After a few steps, she arrived in front of Julian and gently rubbed the man's puffy eyes.“Are you really unable to sleep or on purpose to be on guard? You must be overshadowe
"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.