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..."
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
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.
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.
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
Lily Parker sat silently in a secluded corner of the departure lounge. Her right hand clutched her bag tightly, while her left intentionally pulled the brim of her hat down low, effectively shadowing more than half of her petite face.Time dragged on relentlessly. With each tick of the clock, an unbearable weight pressed down on Lily. Her eyes refused to drift, and in truth, since she had gotten her boarding pass, she hadn't felt at ease for a single moment. She remained tense, so alert that even her breaths were cautiously held.At last, the airport's PA system announced her flight was boarding. She heaved a sigh of relief, quickly scanning the vicinity with her peripheral vision. Rising, she tightened her trench coat and briskly walked to the boarding gate. Gripping her boarding pass anxiously, she waited in line, looking as though she wished to board immediately and escape this oppressive place.When it was finally her turn, an airport staff member took her boarding pass and discre
Unable to hold back, Lily began to cry uncontrollably. It was as if she was venting all the pent-up feelings of repression, indignation, and humiliation she had been harboring for so long. The bitter tears made her beautiful eyes appear even more pitiful.With a smile, Julian remarked, "My dear Lily, why the tears? Aren't you afraid I might be heartbroken?" Gasping for breath, her voice shaky, Lily pleaded, "Mr. Sterling, I beg you..."His playful demeanor vanished instantly. It was as if the gentleness from a moment ago was merely an illusion. He coldly stared at her, "Beg me for what? Haven't I let you have your fun? Is it that you're unwilling to give up, or did you think that by finding wings you could fly? Did I give you permission?" He scoffed and sauntered over to a genuine leather sofa, casually leaning back. "What are you still doing standing there? Come here!"Lily's face turned as pale as paper. She took a few difficult steps forward, forced to approach the devil himself,
Julian Sterling's sports car smoothly glided into the heavily guarded military compound, tracing an elegant arc. He turned off the ignition and, just as he was stepping out, he ran into his older brother, Adrian Sterling.Adrian had just returned from his military duties. His green uniform made him look distinctly imposing, and his hawk-like sharp eyes caught Julian's presence. He squinted, sizing Julian up for a long moment before remarking with a slight smirk, "What? Tired of your games? Finally decided to come home?"Despite being brothers, the two couldn't have looked more different. Julian, in his crisp suit, radiated a refined charm. Adrian, shaped by his prolonged military life, emanated a cold, resolute aura. Each had his unique appeal, and neither outshone the other.Slapping Adrian on the shoulder with a grin, Julian replied, "Of course. It's my home, after all." He then craned his neck to peer inside the house, a hint of unease evident in his eyes. Lowering his voice, he as
To his relief, it wasn’t one of his matchmaking prospects, but his cousin, Isabella. Seeing that the housekeeper was still setting the table, Julian took a seat beside Isabella, crossed his legs and asked, "What brings you here today? Something up?" Having spent a few years abroad for her studies, their relationship was neither close nor distant. He remembered her as a child, two little braids bouncing as she ran after him. As she grew up, she had become more reserved, losing some of that endearing childlike charm.Isabella always had a refined and delicate beauty. Today, dressed in a pale yellow chiffon dress, she looked even more serene. She slightly furrowed her brows, seeming a tad displeased at Julian's probing demeanor. She replied softly, "Nothing in particular. I just came to visit Aunt and Uncle."Julian Sterling quirked a playful smirk, teasing her, "Why the long face, Isabella? Someone owes you money or what? Ouch!" He yelped as his mother's foot found his shin. Mumbling un