In the spacious, serene room, a wave of fear that Lily Parker had momentarily suppressed surged back. Fighting off a dizzy spell, she trembled, "Mr. Sterling, I—I need to go." At that moment, she felt as if flames licked every part of her body. She was weakened, barely able to stand, and Julian Sterling's intense gaze only intensified her sense of vulnerability, despite him having just aided her.Julian responded with an amused smirk. Without a hint of gentleness, he dragged her to a full-length mirror, pointing at her disheveled reflection with disdain. "Go back? Looking like this? Do you want someone to take advantage of you right on the spot?""No..." Lily's eyes widened in shock as she stared at the woman in the mirror—her clothes awry, cheeks flushed with a seductive allure. Could she even distinguish this image from that of a lady in a house of pleasures? Was this still her? Disbelief washed over her, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing quietly.Clearly exasperated, Ju
In an instant, the tiny space between them felt as though all the air had been sucked out. Lily, with her unsteady breathing, tried to move away from Julian, but he suddenly pinned her firmly to the sofa. Those who knew Julian were aware that the calmer he appeared, the more dangerous he was. Perhaps he was genuinely angered by Lily. Lily, in her growing fear, squirmed, trying to break free. Little did she realize that such actions could easily provoke a man's excitement. Julian restrained her restless hands above her head, leaning down abruptly to kiss her lips. He nibbled on her lips, sometimes gentle, sometimes harsh. She felt utterly repulsed, her distaste for him intensifying. Acting impulsively, she bit him, the metallic taste of blood quickly mingling between their intertwined lips. Yet, to her surprise, Julian didn't recoil. Instead, he deepened the kiss, as if intending to devour her soul. He drew back slightly, his voice dripping with seduction, "Now, this is shamelessness
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