Moreover, Julian's sister Olivia had taken a liking to Lily and was now advising her on how to play hard to get. Lily, who could have easily been the happy Mrs. Sterling, was influenced by Olivia to join the workforce, working a nine-to-five job. To add insult to injury, Julian once went to pick her up and found her chatting amiably with a male colleague who, according to 'reliable sources', was one of several men undeterred by her status as a single mother and persistently pursuing her. The audacity of these men under his watchful eye infuriated Julian. He couldn't bear the thought of what might happen when he wasn't around!
No, he had to act fast. He had indulged her whims for a year; it was time to extinguish any lingering flames of resistance. She was to be his wife and no one else's!
After much thought, Julian decided he needed
Lily Parker opened her eyes to find Julian Sterling propped up on one elbow, gazing at her. His broad shoulders and arms, marked with scratches, were visible. Most infuriatingly, he wore a smug smile, like a cat that got the cream. Lily, annoyed, turned away, not wanting to see his triumphant look. But she was so sore that she couldn't even move.The previous night, it had been too long since they'd been intimate, and she couldn't keep up with his pace. He had been holding back for too long, and once he started, he was relentless. No matter how she pinched, cursed, or hit him, he didn't stop, only growing more excited, as if he had lost all reason. He held her waist and plundered without restraint, igniting a wildfire.This was a long-awaited moment for Julian, starved like a wolf, and he wasn't going to stop until he was fully satis
Thanks to the excellent genes of his parents, little Alexander Sterling was incredibly adorable, especially when he looked at someone with his big, round eyes, making it impossible to refuse any of his requests.His eyes were just like his mother's.Julian Sterling felt sentimental, remembering how he had been captivated by those innocent eyes. Ah, love.His temperament was just like his father's.Lily Parker felt helpless. Marrying a tyrant was one thing, but giving birth to a mini-tyrant was another. Such was life.Outside, little Alexander used the limitless potential inherited from his father to reign supreme, but once at home, he promptly displayed his
Julian Sterling was particularly fond of asking his youngest daughter, "Sophia, who do you love the most?" Each time, Sophia would answer with adoration, "I love Daddy the most." This response always filled him with a sense of paternal achievement. Today, holding his daughter in his arms, he asked again, "Sophia, is Daddy your favorite person?" This time, Sophia didn't nod immediately. Instead, she pondered deeply before concluding, "I love Daddy, but I also love Elliott." Julian's handsome face darkened. Stroking her hair, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Who is Elliott?" The name clearly irked him. Sophia innocently replied, "Elliott is just Elliott!" Julian felt utterly defeated by her response. That evening, after Lily Parker finished her bath and saw Julian brooding on the bed, she asked, "What's wrong?" Julian huffed, "Do you know who Sophia says Elliott is?" "Elliott?" Lily paused while applying her face cream, thinking for a moment. "I think he must be Dominic Morriso
In the early days of autumn, a fine, persistent rain washed away the city's restlessness. Moving through the gentle drizzle, it felt as though one's soul could be cleansed and settled.Lily Parker closed her umbrella and stood silently outside an old-fashioned teahouse. A sudden gust of wind tousled her hair and lifted her skirt, setting the wind chimes on the door tinkling. Snapped back to reality, she mustered her courage and stepped inside.The room was dimly lit, with antique oil-paper lamps casting a warm glow. In a corner against the light, a lean figure in a khaki trench coat sat, his long fingers thoughtfully caressing a teacup, exuding an air of refined elegance.His familiar presence halted Lily's steps.M
"Hello," Lily managed to say after a long pause, her expression complex as she observed their unabashed closeness. He hadn't chosen their usual coffee shop but this teahouse, probably because of "her." He was always so considerate and attentive to others' feelings.Finally, another woman had the fortune of receiving his tenderness. She should feel relieved; hadn't she always wished to see him safe, happy, and content? Yet, why did her heart still ache, as if a hand was ruthlessly squeezing it, tearing it apart? The past was meant to be forgotten, for they could never return to what they were. She had Julian Sterling's child, and he had Madeline Foster by his side.Perhaps it was for the best. She could be at peace, knowing someone more suitable than herself was there to love and care for him.
Valentine's Day arrived swiftly.Lily Parker had been distracted since morning, involuntarily glancing outside her office every time flowers were delivered, hoping to see some for her. Unfortunately, there were none. She couldn't understand this quiet disappointment, as she had never cared for such superficial gestures before.She had no classes that day and spent it idly, eagerly waiting for the workday to end. She hurried home, only to be startled upon opening her door. Julian Sterling was supposed to be on a business trip in Mysticridge, and their child was with his grandfather. Why were the lights on at home?Hearing noises from the kitchen, Lily cautiously approached.
After Lily finished cooking, she noticed Julian wasn't in the dining room and went upstairs to call him. She found him standing on the balcony of their room, leaning on the railing and gazing at the night sky, his silhouette merging with the darkness.He had been like this lately, often waking up in the middle of the night and leaving the bed, sometimes standing on the terrace, other times in the study until dawn, lost in thought.His sudden interest in cooking today was strange."Dinner is ready," she called out softly.Julian turned around, "You're just in time." He walked back into the room and pulled out a large envelope from a drawer. "This is for you. See if there's anything missing."
In the warm glow of a spring evening, Lily Parker sat quietly, her thoughts drifting in the midst of a lively family gathering. It had been a while since she had gotten used to life in the Sterling household, despite the warmth and kindness of the elders towards her. Yet, she always felt like an outsider, as if their conversations held hidden meanings she couldn't grasp. She didn't know the people they knew, couldn't engage in their discussions, and often found herself merely a spectator, helping with refreshments, offering nods, smiles, or silence.She had yearned to truly become a part of this family, but finding her place had proven elusive. Whenever she tried to discuss her feelings with Julian Sterling, he dismissed her concerns, believing she would eventually adjust.On this particular evening, their son, little Alexander, had
However, Lily seemed indifferent to his efforts, which only added to his frustration. One day, as Lily was tearfully watching a movie, Julian, feeling neglected, couldn't stand it anymore. "Why watch these kinds of movies? They're so unproductive, and you'll ruin your eyes crying." He didn't find the movie touching at all; in fact, he disliked any movie that made her cry.Lily gave him a look and said with a nasal voice, "You go watch your financial reports and economic news, and don't bother me!" Julian immediately shut up but still stayed by her side. In the movie, the heroine tells the hero that they should walk a hundred steps away from each other, and if they look back and still see each other, she would listen to him.Lily was feeling emotional when Julian, in a mood-killing moment, said, "Why walk? Just hug her and kiss her un
Julian began to understand after Charlotte's talk. Just when he was at a loss for how to make amends, a timely call from his mother, Mrs. Sterling, came to his rescue. Mrs. Sterling called Lily directly. Lily was somewhat surprised and nervously answered, "Mom." "Lily, have your parents gone back?" "Yes." "Then why haven't you and Julian come back for dinner? Are you two having a quarrel?" Lily stuttered in response, "No, no, we're just busy, sorry, Mom.""I don't think it's just being busy. I asked Julian, and those rumors in the newspaper are all false. Don't worry too much about it," Mrs. Sterling reassured. "Yes, I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry about me," Lily responded. Mrs. Sterling was referring to the previous day's entertainment headlines, which speculated about Julian's new love interest. Lily had to admit, seeing that report did unsettle her for a moment.
Even as a young boy, too proud to ask for help, he would just softly call her "sister," and she would relent. As he grew up and became a man in his own right, he no longer needed her help.Charlotte sat down again, "Now you're worried, but where was this concern earlier? Do you really want to lose your wife before you're happy?" "I won't divorce her. She can't make me," Julian said stubbornly.Charlotte shook her head disapprovingly. With that temper, it's a miracle things haven't fallen apart already. "What you need to do is keep Lily's heart. What's the use of just keeping her physically? Mom just asked about Lily; I guess she doesn't know about your issues, does she?""How could I tell her?" Julian nodded, then curiously asked what else their mother had said.
Marriage is like a besieged city; those outside want to get in, and those inside want to escape. — Qian ZhongshuAfter Sophia Sterling had her fill and fussed around Lily Parker for a while, she gradually fell asleep.Lily rested her hand on the bedside, half-leaning against the bed frame, and gazed thoughtfully at her son, who bore a striking resemblance to Julian Sterling.Her mother's words still echoed in her ears, "It takes a hundred years to share a boat, a thousand to share a pillow. Marriage isn't child's play; it's not something you enter or leave on a whim. These young people are just being reckless." Her mother's eyes were full of disapproval. "Lily, don't you agree?"Recently, TV dramas
As if remembering something, she picked up her suitcase, unzipped it, and pulled out a gray sweater that was still unfinished, with a ball of yarn attached. It was clear from the style that it was a men's sweater.She touched the pattern on it and said, "I secretly learned to knit this from Aria. I wanted to surprise you on your birthday. It's not very well done. I kept dropping stitches at the beginning, and it's badly damaged."She held up the sweater for him to see, a hint of a smile on her lips, though it was a smile filled with bitterness.Julian Sterling cleared his throat and, regardless of whether she wanted it or not, pulled her tightly into his arms, repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry, Lily, I was wrong... I'm so sorry..."
The air in the room seemed to freeze."What did you just say?" Julian Sterling spoke softly but held Lily Parker's wrist tightly, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I didn't quite catch that. Say it again."Lily lowered her gaze and took a deep breath. "I said, we should..." She hesitated.The all-too-familiar scent overwhelmed her as he swept her into his arms. He kissed her deeply, shutting down all the words she didn't want to hear, trapping them between their entwined lips and tongues.She widened her eyes and struggled weakly. Her feeble punches landed on him, neither hurting nor bothering him. She eventually collapsed into his embrace, allowing him to do as he pleased.
These past few days, Julian's god mother had been visiting their home. She doted on Julian the most, and since she couldn't attend their wedding, this was her first time meeting Lily, and she naturally scrutinized her daughter-in-law with a discerning eye."Sweetie, your husband isn't complaining of being tired. Why are you?" Julian bit her lip gently and spoke slowly, then lifted her nightgown, sliding off her undergarments and caressing her, before gently entering her.Her sweetness drove him wild. It had been so long since they'd been together, and his passion couldn't be contained. He pushed into her again and again, making her whimper in pain and pleasure. He held her down, much like a butterfly pinned and ravished.He still craved more, lifting her legs onto his should
Lunch was served in the art gallery's attached restaurant, and Amelia Hamilton's parents also joined. It was her first exhibition as the gallery's director, and this meal served as a small celebration, with many friends and acquaintances filling up the table. Lily Parker ate her meal quietly, responding politely to any questions and maintaining her composure. Although Mrs. Sterling felt that Lily's performance could have been better, she found it quite satisfactory. At the very least, there was nothing to criticize.Towards the end of the meal, Julian Sterling called Lily on her phone. The restaurant was noisy, so Lily politely excused herself and went to the foyer to answer the call."Where are you? It sounds lively over there," Julian's voice sounded somewhat lazy, as if he had just woken up.
As the cool spring night settled in, Julian pulled the blanket higher, covering them both. He whispered softly, "Enough 'buts.' I'm here for everything, and you can always trust me. It's getting late, and I have an early morning meeting. Let's get some rest, okay?"Julian Sterling, the unwavering head of the family, held a position that was beyond reproach, even in matters of the heart. In his world, his words were law. Just a few days after their wedding, Julian decided to embark on a business trip to Singapore, which would keep him away for half a month.Lily Parker constantly reassured herself, reminding herself that she had married this man and integrating into his family was her duty. After all, those in high positions were just ordinary people, and with effort and determination, she could surely adapt. However, reality had diff