Eve took the bottle and had a sip, but the fear made her choke on the water. "Take it slow," Nina advised. Eve tightened the cap, hesitated for a moment, then looked at Nina and decided to speak up, "Thanks for earlier. If it weren't for you, I probably would've been in trouble." Nina joked, "I usually see you as pretty tough, but you seemed pretty scared just now." Eve pursed her lips and looked down again. "I know I've embarrassed you twice. It's normal for you to make fun of me." "Alright, get in the car. I'll take you home. If you're late, your grandpa will worry about you." Saving her was for the sake of Eve’s grandfather.He only had her, and if she had not helped Eve, he would surely be upset. She could not be indifferent to that extent. Suddenly, Eve remembered something. "My phone and bag are with Stella. I wonder where she went!" Hearing this, Nina hesitated and asked, "Weren't you with Stella just now? How come you're suddenly alone?" Eve explained, "Stella
He bombarded her with questions, leaving Nina unsure which one to answer. "I just got a minor injury, nothing serious," she mentioned, spotting Taylor and the other onlookers. Despite Nash disregarding the stares, Nina felt a tad worried and quickly stepped out of his embrace."Why didn't you pick up the phone?" Nash frowned, still concerned, and pressed on, "What happened?"His gaze shifted to Eve, realizing she was present.Eve felt quite embarrassed, calling out, "Nash..."She hesitated, "Nina saved me. I already feel guilty, I hope you won't blame me."She never imagined Nina would step in to save her.Encountering those people was so dangerous, and she had offended Nina before. She assumed even if a stranger had intervened, Nina would have just given her a cold look.Nina's rescue left her overwhelmed with guilt. She deeply regretted her past actions.Nina was not as unapproachable as some made her out to be, nor was she a bad person.Eve was also feeling frustrated, hopi
"You knew it was dangerous, so why did you still step in?" "I..." Nina began to respond, but Nash interrupted her and continued, "What if help hadn't arrived in time?"Nina had not thought about this question. She believed she could handle the situation at the time and she did not want to worry Nash. She casually replied, "I timed it right, there wouldn't have been a problem.""Nina, have you never been seriously injured before?" Nash's expression was grave, his brows furrowed tightly. Each of her defenses felt like a stab to his heart.If something happened to her, it would be too late.Nina paused, not sure how to answer him, and sincerely contemplated his words.Her life had been quite comfortable from childhood to adulthood.Except for that one kidnapping incident.But she had not been injured during that time, and Nash had already endured the worst of it."I probably haven't had any serious injuries, but I've had my fair share of bumps and bruises," Nina said."What if
Nash responded, "Hmm, if the car's broken down, we'll just get a new one. It'll make things easier for you.""Okay."They had a bunch of cars at home. It would be more convenient for her to switch to an ordinary one, especially the car used by the helpers for grocery runs.After cleaning her wound, Nina walked out of Nash's office. She was getting ready to leave work.Eve was waiting outside, and as soon as she saw Nina, she immediately called out, "Sister-in-law!"Her voice immediately drew everyone's attention. The people in the office were still there, and upon hearing Eve's voice, they all looked at her with confusion.With so many eyes staring at her as if trying to see through her, Nina instinctively tensed up. Before Eve could say "sister-in-law" for the second time, Nina covered her mouth."Mmm..." Eve did not understand why Nina did not let her speak."Don't call me that," Nina whispered, "This is a workplace."Eve did not understand, "Why can't I call you sister-in-l
In the car sat Eve and Nina, with Nash in the driver's seat, his expression dark as he glanced at them holding hands in the rearview mirror.When did they become so close?He did not want Eve tagging along with them."Nash, thank you for your hard work. Let's have dinner together," Eve urged Nash to drive, oblivious to his grim expression. She was famished.Nash coldly replied, "Did I say I'd take you home? Where's your driver? Get him to pick you up."He was not going to chauffeur them around.But Eve clung to Nina, insisting, "We promised to have dinner together. You can't chase me away."Nina explained, "We're going to my parents' place. I've already arranged for friends to join us for dinner.""Oh, to your parents' place? Do I need to bring something?" Eve worried about making a good impression on Nina's family."Don't worry about it. My parents are very easygoing, and they cook well," Nina reassured her.Going back to the villa would mean just the few of them, probably a
Julia glanced at Nash, her warmth now replaced with a distant politeness. "No need, you're a guest, just sit there."Before, Julia used to like Nash quite a bit. Love begets love. But after all the facade shattered, she had regrets, yet she did not want to blame them. Their marriage was their business. If they were divorcing, she could not treat him the same as before. Now, when Nash came to their home, he could only be treated as a guest. No more favors. Nash knew it would come to this and his image in their hearts had taken a big hit. He wanted to redeem himself, especially in front of Nina's parents."It's no trouble to lend a hand when I’m idle," Nash persisted despite Julia's standoffishness, taking the initiative to help her. Julia wanted to refuse, but Nash had already walked into the kitchen, just as he used to, understanding her hardships and volunteering to help. Julia sighed inwardly as she watched him.Before, she used to be happy. She only had Nina as her daughter.
She meant well by talking to him. No matter how satisfied she was with him before, nothing mattered at the moment their marriage became a transaction. She wanted her daughter to be happy, not trapped in a loveless marriage. Nash did not pause his actions as he had expected what Mrs. Walker would say. He replied solemnly, "Mom, I'll give you an answer." Mrs. Walker said, "Nina also needs her happiness. I hope it won't take too long." Her words were clear. After divorce, with Nina's qualities, she would find someone who genuinely liked her. They were getting older and they could not accompany Nina forever. If Nina wanted to find a good match, get married, and have children, she hoped no one would stand in her way. During dinner, the family was harmonious. Although Eve had eaten with many people before at her grandfather's birthday or major holidays, it felt different this time. Mrs. Walker had heard from Nina that Eve had never been loved by her parents since she was young. As
She envied Nina for having such caring family members. She knew it was because she was Nina's friend that they treated her with such care."Come on, don't shed tears. A girl's tears are precious," Mr. Walker could not bear to see a girl cry.But Eve could not stop.Nina was the kind of person who easily empathized with others. She knew that Eve had no parents, only Grandpa George as her sole relative. Feeling sympathy, she wanted to introduce her to her own parents."Don't cry. Haven't you shed enough tears today?" Nina did not want to see her cry.Eve wiped away her tears, sniffled, and hugged her milk tea. "Thank you, Mr. Walker and Mrs. Walker. I'll come again next time."Zion and Julia saw them off at the door. As Eve descended the stairs, she could not help but cry again. Nina handed her a tissue.Nash, on the other hand, remained indifferent. "If you cry like this, and your grandpa sees it, don't blame Nina for bullying you."Nina was trying to comfort the girl, but Nash
On the day of the engagement banquet, Ben’s phone appearing near Jamie should have been a warning sign, but she missed it. Later, she had warmly welcomed Jamie into her home, showering her with care. She had even worried that Ben might dislike Jamie and tried to help them get along. And what happened in the end? While she had been tirelessly caring for them, the two of them ended up in bed together. Now, they were living under the same roof, while she and her child were left with nothing. How could Winnie not harbor resentment? Especially when she looked at Charlie, a chilling thought crept into her mind: If her own child’s life was ruined because of Jamie, then shouldn’t she retaliate by ruining Jamie’s child? An eye for an eye. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Every time Charlie called her "Aunt Winnie" with such innocence, it reminded her of the bond between them. How could she be so heartless? “I’m in Ben’s villa. He won’t let me leave,” Jamie
Ben gripped Jamie's chin tightly, his voice firm and unyielding. When Jamie had disappeared from his life, he had exhausted every possible means, called in countless favors, and poured his energy into finding her. But he had failed. Just when he was on the verge of giving up, he had met Winnie. It felt like fate had stepped in, intertwining their paths once more, as if destined for a lifetime of entangled love and hate. If that was his reality, then he would play along with it.“Instead of plotting ways to escape from me, why don’t you focus on apologizing? Show me some sincerity, and maybe I’ll make your life a little easier,” Ben said.Jamie’s lips curved into a bitter smile. She knew what he wanted.He wanted an apology and an attitude of remorse. But she also knew she had no leverage to stay by his side.Even if she played along now, making him happy temporarily, there was no future for them. Mrs. Lucas’s disdain for her was an insurmountable mountain, and she couldn’t see
Unfortunately, Ben couldn’t see through any of this. Summer, however, wasn’t the least bit intimidated. Shaking her head confidently, she said, “I’ve never done anything to upset him. I don’t believe that just exchanging a few words with him would make him kick me out.”Mrs. Lucas opened her mouth, about to say something, but seeing Summer’s confident demeanor, she hesitated. Maybe, just maybe, Ben might actually feel too awkward to reject her outright. And if a little covert manipulation were added into the mix…Suddenly, Mrs. Lucas had an idea. Hearing it, Summer’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Mrs. Lucas, that’s an excellent plan! We should act quickly before he does anything else irrational.” “Alright.” Though the plan was solid, the two of them decided to put it into action three days later. Meanwhile, Ben hadn’t been to the office lately, but he was still keeping track of all the firm’s cases. He was also trying to reach Winnie, but while her phone would ring,
Ben wanted nothing more than to wring Jamie's neck after hearing her cold, cutting words. “I don’t need your lectures,” he growled. Human nature? Didn’t she think he knew enough about it already? He had seen it in every case he handled, and he had learned it the hardest way through her betrayal. When he fell for Jamie, it had been with the intent to marry her, to share a future. But she had stabbed him in the back without hesitation. And yet, when he tried to hate her, tried to wish for her downfall, he couldn’t bring himself to follow through. “Stay here and reflect on your actions, Jamie.” Ben knew her well enough. If she cried, begged for forgiveness, he would soften. But she didn’t. Instead, all she cared about was that child, the child he refused to acknowledge. “Fine,” he thought grimly. “Let’s see how long that bastard can survive.”*Meanwhile, Ben’s mother, Mrs. Lucas, had failed to convince him to cut ties with Jamie. This left her in a tough spot, especial
Ben would never believe the truth, and his mother would never allow Charlie’s existence. Instead of creating chaos and an irreparable fallout, Jamie chose to keep it hidden. She thought that once Ben’s anger subsided, he would eventually let her go.“Even if you figure out who the father is, what difference does it make?” Jamie met Ben’s intense gaze calmly. “We’ve already said everything that needed to be said. Can’t we stop making each other’s lives miserable?”"Your mother offered so much money. Why wouldn’t I take it? I’m not a fool. I gave you up for one million before. After these past four years, do you really think there’s any love left between us? Do you honestly expect me to cry and beg for you?”Jamie’s voice was steady as she stared calmly at Ben. She had been scared at first, but over time, she had come to terms with her reality. Ben wasn’t going to kill her. And as long as she stayed alive, there would eventually come a day when he’d let her go. Right now, his anger wa
The next second, there was only silence on the phone.Ben sent the phone number to his assistant. “Investigate thoroughly.”A thought suddenly struck him. He couldn't let Jamie continue to roam freely outside.*Four days later, Ben's mother came to visit. “You refuse to take over the family business, and now you're going against me by keeping Jamie around again?”Ben didn’t respond, but her anger only grew. “Ben, you’ve seen for yourself what kind of person Jamie is. Why are you still so obsessed with her? The fiancée I arranged for you is far better than the one you’ve chosen!”The Larson family was also one of the prominent families in Birkham. While the Lucas and Larson families couldn’t rival the York family, the Lucas family still held its position as the second most influential family in the city. On top of that, they were relatives of the Scott Lucas. Even Scott, who had initially resisted marriage, eventually followed his parents’ wishes and entered into a family
Jamie closed her eyes briefly, sinking further into despair. She didn’t even notice when Ben had left the room. Her thoughts were scattered, her mind drifting in and out of focus.Though she wanted to leave the hospital, she was constantly watched, making it impossible. By afternoon, a nurse came in to change her dressing.Jamie glanced up absentmindedly. “It’s fine. I don’t need it.”“This is under Dr. Lawson’s direct orders,” the nurse replied gently but firmly. “I can’t afford to cut corners. Since you’re still admitted, please cooperate.”Jamie lifted her gaze slightly, her tone subdued. “I’d like to get some fresh air.”“Of course, once we’re done changing your dressing, I can take you outside. Just make sure not to strain your muscles,” the nurse said patiently.The weather was exceptionally pleasant that day. As she sat in the wheelchair outside, Jamie made several calls to Winnie. The phone was still off, as if Winnie had made up her mind to disappear completely from her
“You're the patient, and I'm the doctor. Taking care of you is my job,” Jay said with a light smile, handing her the utensils. “Go ahead, try it.”Jamie was indeed hungry. She hadn’t felt like eating, but she couldn’t refuse his gesture. Besides, she needed to regain her strength quickly if she hoped to find Charlie. She picked up the utensils and was just about to take a bite when footsteps sounded outside the room. The door swung open, revealing Ben. His expression darkened instantly, his face stormy as he took in the scene before him. “So, Dr. Lawson, is this how you treat all your patients, or is this a special case?” Ben’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Just giving an old classmate some extra care. What’s the harm in that?” Jay replied, his words laced with subtle defiance. The room's atmosphere froze, tension thick in the air. Ben’s sharp gaze flickered between Jamie and Jay before finally settling on Jamie’s pale face, his expression unreadable. Jamie, sensing th
“Wake up, Charlie.” Winnie held him tightly, panic overwhelming her. She wanted to take him away, not harm him! Just then, the sound of a car pulling up broke through the darkness. Footsteps approached, slow and deliberate. A tall man emerged from the shadows and stopped in front of her. Tears streaming down her face, Winnie looked up. The man’s sharp, angular features were obscured by the dim light, adding to his air of mystery. But she immediately recognized him. It was the same man who had told her the truth about Jack Green being Ben Lucas. Winnie glared at him with fierce determination. “Why are you here? Are you happy now that things have come to this?” “You foolish woman, do you think being deceived feels any better?” the mysterious man sneered. “The truth is nothing but a bloody wound. I’d rather…” Winnie’s voice faltered, unable to continue. “Stop lying to yourself,” the man said with a slight shake of his head. “What do you want?” Winnie asked