Lily Parker wasn't quite sure how she had managed to get back to her university. By the time she made it to her dorm room, her legs were numb. She collapsed onto her bed, feeling alternating waves of heat and cold wash over her. Even though her eyes were dry and sore, tears flowed uncontrollably, mocking her foolishness.Perhaps she should never have been with Ethan Hart from the start. Their backgrounds were worlds apart. He belonged to the elite while she was from a much humbler background. Being together seemed almost doomed, a union unlikely to gain approval.She recalled the phone call she received from her mother a few days ago. Her mother reminded her to focus on her studies and, upon graduating, to choose a suitable young man from her father's circle of students for courtship and eventual marriage. This way, they'd know his background, and her parents could rest easy. It dawned on her then that she had never mentioned Ethan to her parents, Ethan, whom she so deeply loved.Late
But later, Ethan Hart did break his promise. He got caught up with the subsidiary company's various issues and couldn't free himself. He had no choice but to call Lily Parker to apologize. Although she was a bit disappointed, she understood and told him to handle his business first and not to rush back. Ethan, fearing she might be upset, hesitated to hang up the phone. She reassured him with many comforting words before letting him go, and then she continued to stare blankly at her computer.How long had it been since she received that anonymous email in the morning? She hugged her knees and buried her face in them, feeling as if a heavy stone was lodged in her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. Days had passed, and she thought she could move on and act normal around Isabella de Valois, but someone seemed determined to deny her that peace.The email contained just one line: "Leave, or I will release the photos."Was the threat for her to leave Ethan or to leave the school? If t
The commotion from inside had alarmed his mother, elder sister, and second sister, who anxiously waited outside the door. Upon exiting, Ethan gave them a brief nod before hurrying to his car parked in the mansion's driveway. Once inside, he immediately dialed a number. When the call was answered, he heard Lily's voice, thick with drowsiness, "Ethan? Why so late?"Ethan's eyes softened, crinkling with amusement, "Sleeping so early, little piglet?"Lily retorted playfully, "Hmph, if I'm a piglet, you're definitely the big pig!""Lily... is there something you want to tell me?" Ethan hesitated but still asked the question lingering in his mind.There was a pause from Lily's end, and then she softly responded, "What could possibly be on my mind? Every day I worry if you've been ensnared by some beauty in Shanghai. Plus, I've been busy arranging my passport, sorting out paperwork, and preparing for entrance exams. When would I have the time to think of anything else?"As he suspected, she
By the time Julian Sterling rushed to the hospital, Ethan Hart had already been moved from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Julian caught a glimpse of Lucas Hartley, who stood dazed by the door. Hurrying over, Julian pulled Lucas aside to a quieter part of the corridor, asking, "How is he? Is he okay?"Lucas raked his fingers through his hair, shaking his head. "He's not out of danger yet," he began, pointing to his head, his voice rough with emotion, "Apparently, there's a hematoma inside his skull. He's also suffered multiple severe fractures. The doctors are really worried about complications setting in. They're not optimistic." The man who was jesting with him over the phone just days ago was now at death's door – the suddenness of it all was hard for Lucas to digest.A look of shock registered on Julian's face. "I've seen Ethan drive. He's always been steady on the wheel. How could this have happened?"Lucas sighed heavily, his voice tinged with bitterness, "I don't
Last night, Lily Parker had waited at the dormitory entrance the entire night without seeing Ethan Hart. His phone was perpetually unreachable. When a classmate informed her that Ethan had an accident just outside the school gates, she felt a momentary disconnect, as though she'd misheard. But the harsh reality soon set in. By the time she'd ascertained which hospital he'd been taken to and rushed over, she was told outsiders couldn't enter, and to the Harts, she was just that - an outsider, someone they never acknowledged.There, Isabella de Valois, usually with gentle eyes, now had a gaze sharp as venom. Unexpectedly, she slapped Lily, her voice thick with menace, "You still wish to go in and humiliate yourself further? First, he fought with his family for you, placing the company in jeopardy, and then he had this accident rushing to see you. Aren't you satisfied? Do you want him dead to feel content?"It was then that Lily truly understood. Isabella's kindness towards her was for E
By the time Lily awoke the next day, it was still dark outside. Her mind was still hazy post-fever, and it took her a while to recall the previous events. As the unfamiliarity of her surroundings came into focus, she jolted in realization.Perhaps alerted by the noise, the ever-dutiful butler entered after a light knock, "Miss Parker, Mr. Sterling mentioned that you're unwell. He suggests you have breakfast and then take your medication, or if you prefer, a driver can take you wherever you wish.""Mr. Sterling? You mean Julian Sterling?" Lily replied instinctively, only then noticing the soreness of her throat and her overall weakness.The butler raised an eyebrow, seeming somewhat hesitant. "Yes, it was Mr. Sterling," he confirmed.Lily Parker fell silent, recalling the warmth of the arms that had held her. It felt so comforting, so safe. She had thought it was all a dream, never expecting it was Julian Sterling who had been there for her.She didn't stay long, feeling awkward about
In her dream, Lily Parker was lost in memories.The day she learned she had earned the chance to study in Vienna, Ethan Hart was tremendously supportive. He enthusiastically took her shopping for travel essentials, making plans for them to go skiing in Semmering come winter. When she expressed her inexperience, he assured her it was easy to learn, promising he'd even fly over to keep her company. Coincidentally, they were invited to a private photography studio's grand opening for a free photoshoot that day.Lily donned an old-fashioned, elegant cheongsam adorned with delicate embroidered lotus flowers, the neckline embellished with pearls. It was both classical and exquisite. Ethan, on the other hand, was dapper in a Republic-era Chinese suit, exuding an air of propriety and charm. The photographer had praised them, saying they looked very much like a couple. Ethan couldn't contain his glee at the comment.He said, "Lily, you have to trust me."He said, "Lily, once you graduate, we'l
Serena offered a perfunctory hand to steady her, saying insincerely, "Sorry, I didn't see you there. Are you alright?" The tone held no hint of genuine remorse; instead, it sounded almost gleeful. Lily glanced at the application form in Serena's hand, and oddly, she felt an unusual calm. She took a deep breath and replied slowly, "I'm fine." Serena smirked. "Good to hear. I'm in a hurry, so I'll be going. Bye!" With that, she confidently strutted toward a Lotus sports car parked nearby in her high heels. Lily squinted, and when she recognized the man in the driver's seat, she couldn't hide her shock. It was Preston Harrow. When had Serena become involved with him? Memories of that night and Preston's inappropriate advances came flooding back, along with everything she'd lost because of it. Rage bubbled up in her, making her breath quicken. As Preston drove past her, he had the audacity to stop the car. Leaning out, he taunted with a smirk, "Oh, Miss Parker, why the lost look? Did J
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