Winston and Liam had smart and striking appearances. Their bearings were no less noble than that of royalty. "Dad! Liam!" Alyssa rushed over to them immediately. Winston forced a smile. Then, he directed a conflicted gaze toward Yuliana. Liam stared at Yuliana. There was a flicker in his eyes as he tightened his fists subconsciously. The moment Yuliana spotted Liam, her glistening eyes lit up and filled with eagerness. However, due to her noble identity, she could only restrain her emotions as she approached Liam step by step. Women were best at understanding other women. Alyssa could clearly sense that…The relationship between Yuliana and Liam wasn't that simple. They had a story. "Colonel." Yuliana looked up smugly and gazed at Liam with a deep look in her eyes. "Aren't you going to greet me?" Everyone's gazes were focused on this eye-catching pair in front of them. Liam gulped before taking a step forward. He lowered himself slowly and knelt on one knee. Then,
Yuliana, the princess of Kontina, risked getting reprimanded by her father when she returned home. That one kiss revealed her purpose for traveling all the way here. She had come only to meet with Liam. She was a princess who ran away from the royal family in order to meet her lover. This was such a romantic long-distance relationship and a fairy tale about true love. However, to the Taylors, they were burdened by immense pressure! "You abducted the princess, Miley. Is that okay?" Back in the room, Mandy held onto Miley's hand and asked anxiously, "You won't be in trouble with the royal family when you get back, will you? Will they make things difficult for you and Jeremy?" "It's fine, Mom. You don't have to worry. We are close to the royal family." Miley's voice was gentle and comforting. "Also, I'm not that dumb to abduct the princess. Yuliana thinks that she has run away from the royal family. But, in actual fact, I informed Her Royal Highness the moment Yuliana boarde
Lyse, Jennifer was from Kontina," Mandy commented. A sad look flashed across her eyes. Alyssa mumbled softly, "Mom…" Her heart ached. Mandy sat down by her side, opened her arms, and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Ever since your mother's passing, Winston has never set foot in Kontina. Even when he happened to see any news about Kontina on TV, he would switch channels as quickly as possible. Perhaps he was reminded of your mother when he saw someone who had come from Kontina."Lyse, I'll suggest that you go and keep him company. If not, he might get caught up in his thoughts when he's alone, and get so down that he has trouble sleeping again." …With some desserts in her hands, Alyssa walked toward Winston's room. Right after she turned the corner, she bumped into Axel, who had just returned from the frosty winter night. "Axel, you're back!" "Hi, Lyse." Axel strutted up to her with his hands in his pockets. "I haven't seen you all day. Everyone has been asking where y
Alyssa held her breath. She tapped into one of her skills—eavesdropping. She pressed her ear close to the door, straining to catch every word of the conversation inside."What's with you, Dad? You've been pestering us to get a girlfriend all these years. Now that I've taken a liking to Yules and want to be with her, you're opposing us so strongly. Why is that?" Out of all of Winston's children, Liam was the one with the gentlest personality. Even when he wasn't seeing eye-to-eye with Winston, he sought to find out Winston's reasoning patiently. "Miley likes Yules very much too. They interact often in Kontina, and they get along very well. "Yules is the only princess in the Kontinian royal family. If you're talking about family backgrounds, I'm the one who reached above my station. Why are you so displeased?" "Your girlfriend can be the princess of a country. She can be a goddess or a homeless woman. I don't care!" Winston took a deep breath. His eyes were reddened. With a tr
"Nonsense!" Winston's pupils quivered. He slammed his hands on the couch's armrest in anger. "How could you find out about the royal family just as you wish? Moreover, if your feelings for that young woman are true, you shouldn't get close to her with an ulterior motive! "In order to see you, she stepped out of her palace and came all the way to another part of the world. You are clearly very important to her. She's fallen in love with you! "If you intend to use her, how is this fair for her? Do you think that the royal family will forgive you for playing with their princess's heart? Did you think that the special agents under the Kontinian royal family are just for show?" Liam's heart was pained. He was standing with his hands by his side. His hands started trembling uncontrollably. He curled his fingers into tight fists. Of course, he understood Winston's point. He wasn't a heartless person. However, without clarity on Jennifer's past, Winston's anxieties would fester, pois
In his deep sleep, Winston furrowed his brows tightly, and his fingers twitched reflexively. Perhaps he was dreaming, or perhaps it was a telepathic connection with his daughter, Alyssa. "Was Mom… a member of the royal family?" Liam held his breath. Alyssa shook her head. "I don't know. Even if she were and got chased out for some reason, there wouldn't be absolutely no record of her."So, I'm guessing that she might have been someone from the palace or someone connected to the royal family. However, I'm not sure about the specifics. After all, we aren't familiar with the situation in Kontina at all."There's one thing I'm sure of, though." Her eyes gleamed with a cold intensity as she clasped her hands together. "There was probably some kind of grudge between Mom and the Kontinian royal family that forced her into exile. "By some miraculous chance, she ended up in Belbanks, and of all people, Dominic saved her."The word "grudge" hit Liam like a sharp, invisible knife. "Dad h
It was late into the night. Liam retrieved his military uniform from his luggage and laid it beside his bed. Then, he used a flannel to polish his insignia. Although he found time to attend Landon and Lauren's wedding, he had to return to the military immediately. So, he brought his military uniform, which was his utmost pride, along with him. He still didn't feel sleepy after all that he busied himself with. He tossed and turned in bed for a long time before he started to feel drowsy. Amidst his drowsiness, he felt a sudden rise in his body temperature. A faint, sweet-smelling breeze blew across his face, and he jolted awake and stared in surprise at the sight before him. Under the dim lighting, Yuliana's pale skin was barely concealed by a delicate nightgown as she straddled him. As she leaned forward, he couldn't help but notice her ample and enticing breasts, a sight that seemed almost too irresistible. "Liam… Hold me. I miss you." Yuliana's eyes shimmered with affectio
The Taylors, when deeply in love, loved with all their heart. But when they wanted to appear heartless, they could act the part flawlessly. When Liam frostily uttered those words, it felt like a piece of flesh was being cut away from him. Not only that, it also felt like his wounded heart was being wrenched unsparingly. "Liam…" Yuliana, wrapped in his military uniform, shivered uncontrollably. Her shocked stares could burn holes into him. "Are you leaving me?"She seemed like a talented supporting actress, perfectly embodying her role in his charade. Tears streamed down her face when she asked that question, dripping onto the bedsheets.Liam's chest tightened. He couldn't bear to look at her anymore. If only her feelings weren't genuine. If only she were there merely to seduce him. But no. Here she was, pouring out her heart, raw and genuine. Every tear, every word, spoke the truth. "Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten everything we did in the palace? You risked your lif
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart