In a corner around this hallway was Tatiana, her eyes brimming with shock and sadness. She felt as if invisible blades were thrusting into her heart as she observed the scene before her. She had thought that she had already accepted the fact that Sean loved her sister. Yet tonight's events proved to be unbearably painful for her, shaking her to her core. Tears streamed from her eyes as she cupped her mouth to silence her sobs.Not wanting to disturb the two, she turned and ran away.Her love for Sean could only be transmuted into sheer pain right now. There was nothing more devastating than to willingly let him go."By the way, what has been up to you tonight?" Alyssa asked, gently knocking on Sean's temple. "We're not playing Werewolf here. You don't need to be so hostile. "Simon's still your brother, and your parents are present tonight, too. You can't always take my side. You need to have your own stance, too. How else would you be able to show yourself at home?"Sean was
"You're not Sean. Let go of me," Tatiana stammered, her face reddening with embarrassment as she attempted to free herself from Simon's grasp. However, she could barely exert any energy with how weak she was."Oh? Only Sean can hold you, then? Do you fancy him?" Simon teased, gazing at her flushed, delicate face. The urge to mess with her grew the more she struggled in her arms.Tatiana really took after her mother, Lyla.Like any other man, Simon's instincts beckoned for something carnal in response."N-No!" Tatiana cried, and her face grew even redder."Please don't mind if I take you back to your room." Simon's hold on her waist did not lessen in the slightest."No, thank you. I can go myself.""Aw, don't push yourself." Simon leaned in so close that they were inches away from kissing, but Tatiana's hands on his chest pushed him back. He continued, "We've known each other since we were young. You can just call me Simon.""Ms. Tatiana!"An abrupt cry jerked Tatiana awa
Simon wasn't going to humiliate himself all for a woman.As he watched Sean and Tatiana's figures fade into the distance, he recalled how furious Sean had looked when he snatched her away.Suddenly realizing something, a cunning grin rose on Simon's face. "If you can be Winston's godson, why can't I be his son-in-law?"…Sean brought Tatiana back to her room, slamming the door behind them.She moaned weakly before collapsing on the couch. The earlier commotion had swiftly shattered her sobriety.Upon witnessing her profound discomfort, Sean's initial upset rapidly faded away. "You know you can't drink that much. Why did you do it anyway?"He sighed and shook his head, quickly filling up a glass of water for her. "Here, drink this.""No, I don't want." Tatiana turned away from him. "Go away. I want to be alone.""At least sleep on the bed. You'll catch a cold here.""I said go away! Why don't you go bother Alyssa instead?" Tatiana shouted, curled up into a ball.Sean's hear
"By the way, I'll be here tomorrow morning to fetch Ms. Alyssa and drive her back to Solana City. It's time I get back to work."Sinead thought back to when her beloved youngest son knelt to clean Alyssa's feet. She wrinkled her nose, saying, "You were doing just fine by Mr. Jonah's side, Sean. He's KS World's CEO, after all. "Why are you going back to Ms. Alyssa's side now? What kind of future would that hold for you? Winston will want to pass his family business onto his sons one day, not his daughter.""Haven't you read the news, Mom? Ms. Alyssa's been taking Solana City by storm," Steven cut in excitedly. He continued, "The netizens are even calling her 'Queen of Pseudonyms' now. By the looks of it, she's nearly as capable as her brother, Jonah.""That's because she has her father to help her!" Sinead said, still upset.Sean held his mother's hand and said earnestly, "Mom, Ms. Alyssa is very generous and kind to me. She needs me. And as long as she still needs me, I'll alwa
Alyssa opted for a mediocre-looking sedan for her drive to the park later that day with Sean's company.13 years ago, she had nearly lost her life here while searching for her mother's belongings. Supposedly, the memory should still traumatize her, but that trauma wavered in the face of her determination to be strong. Ever since that incident, all that changed was that Alyssa would pay the park a visit every year and hike around the area with Elijah Forrest, aiding any trekkers or hikers in peril.At first, the park rangers underestimated Alyssa, thinking she would go running back to her parents after a day's work and never return. To their surprise, Alyssa pushed through every obstacle without complaint, finally leaving a good impression in front of everyone.Sean looked at her from the rearview mirror. She was clad in full hiking gear, with no makeup on her skin. She had a robust elegance to her, like some determined huntress."I'll come with you on the trek, Ms. Alyssa. It w
"And who might this be, Alice?" Elijah turned to Sean."Oh! He-He's my cousin." Alyssa quickly made a white lie. The park rangers were largely oblivious to how things were transpiring in Solana City, given their focus was on the park itself. Naturally, they had no idea of her identity as Alyssa Taylor."Your family has quite the genetics. Even your cousin appears to be a fine man!" Elias praised.Sean blushed happily. He could accept that instead of "boyfriend"."The weather's been peculiar of late, Alice. A storm might spring up on us when we least expect it," Elijah said worriedly. "I'm truly glad you could pay me a visit today, but you don't need to come up into the mountains with us.""I don't mind. Did you forget? I got a community award for helping people up there before. They even called me a living Mountain Goddess!" Alyssa said proudly, thumping her chest."Hahaha! How blessed we are to have two great individuals in our midst!" Elijah chuckled fondly.Alyssa cocked he
"Lead the way!" Elijah said gruffly.Elias was concerned for him, however. "But sir, the weather might turn against us any minute, and you're already … ""Don't worry about me, I'm fine!""Leave this to Elias and me, Mr. Forrest!" Alyssa cried. "I've volunteered as a medic in a warzone before. If this hiker is in any danger, I can come to their aid immediately!"A look of shock and respect surfaced on Elias' expression."Well … alright then." Elijah nodded. He gave Alyssa's hand a firm grab. "We're counting on you, Alice!"…Jasper drove into Crater Mountain Park on his own. He had swapped for a less-showy-looking SUV, so Sean hadn't noticed his arrival outside the park.He soon parked the car and got out."Mr. Forrest? Is that you?" He called, dressed in camo for the hike. He looked just like some special ops team sergeant."Mr. Jasper!" Elijah greeted him warmly at the entrance. "The weather is not on our side today. What brings you here out of your busy schedule?""It's p
Just then, thunder sounded in the skies, followed by a strike of white lightning.It seemed to have struck Jasper to the ground, making his entire body numb and fixed to the spot. Only his heart remained tossing and turning in turmoil."How long has she been joining you on your hikes, Mr. Forrest?" Jasper inquired restrainedly as if he were suppressing some emotion."For the past three years now, actually."The past three years. That meant since the start of their marriage.Jasper's heart lurched once again. Bile filled his throat, flooding his senses.Alice … Alyssa …Jasper came to realize that Alyssa had been keeping that from him all these years, even though they were doing the same thing. While Jasper had his own reasons for his actions, he couldn't help but wonder about Alyssa's motivations.His head throbbed painfully. All these lies and secrets were driving him insane!"Oh dear. The rain's a-coming." Elijah glanced at the gray clouds gathering above the mountains a