Hearing her soft voice, Julian's expression eased a bit, and he even seemed a tad smug. "You should've said so earlier. Alright, let's go shoe shopping." They headed to the shoe section on the second floor. Lily Parker didn't genuinely intend to buy shoes, so she didn't fuss over her choice. She casually pointed to a pair, and Julian Sterling insisted she wear them immediately. She obediently changed into the new shoes, and to her surprise, felt a hint of happiness. Julian observed the faint smile on her flushed face, thinking she was happy because of him. His own smile broadened, and he impulsively bought several pairs of the season's latest sandals. He leaned in close, whispering warmly in her ear, "Look how beautiful you are when you smile. Don't always be so stubborn; it's unsettling. I'm actually quite easy-going, as long as you obediently listen to me." Lily responded with a docile smile, but internally, she found him laughable. How could such a despicable man feign kindness?
As per the schedule, the field trip group was set to visit the Wood Carving Mansion on the west side of the town today. It was said that during the Republic era, a favored concubine of a warlord had once lived there. The mansion also boasted a prized piano, which had everyone buzzing with excitement. They were all eager to feast their eyes on these historical treasures. However, Lily Parker felt an inexplicable unease, a sense of foreboding that she couldn't shake off. Using the excuse of feeling car sick, she decided to stay behind.Lily had barely lain down when she heard a knock on her door. Assuming it was Nathan Brooks, who had brought her some medicine earlier, she absentmindedly began speaking as she opened the door, "Nathan, is there something else?""Did you let that boy into your room?"The icy tone of the voice made Lily shiver involuntarily. Her first instinct was to shut the door, but how could her feeble strength match that of an enraged man?Julian Sterling quickly push
What did he mean by 'up to you'? This was clearly a veiled threat!Lily was so agitated she could barely breathe. She knew what he meant. Nathan Brooks and the others would only be at the wood carving tower for a couple of hours. What would they think if they came back and saw Julian Sterling? She could already imagine their judgmental stares. Would they talk behind her back, saying she was fickle and shameless?"Where are we going?" She finally relented, realizing she couldn't resist him.Julian, now resting with his eyes closed, replied languidly, "You'll know when we get there. My car is just outside the town."Lily Parker slumped her shoulders, feeling drained as she mechanically packed away her neatly arranged toothbrush and towel in the bathroom. Her mind was blank, unable to process anything.While she was tidying up, Julian Sterling silently watched her, his gaze lingering on her slender figure for a long time.When she had audaciously suggested they "clear things up" between
Wrapping his arm around Lily, Julian said with a smile, "This place is quieter and more rustic. The previous town was too commercialized, overcrowded. I couldn't tell if we were there to see people or the scenery. Didn't you find it stifling?"Lily thought to herself, *Anywhere without you would be paradise.*She remained silent, her face expressionless. Julian glanced at her coldly, leading her through the alleyways. In front of some old houses, locals set up stalls selling unique items from the town—embroidery, food, clothing, and more. As they passed a shop selling wooden clogs, they happened upon a young couple having a disagreement.The girl pouted, "I want to buy them! Walking on the wet stone paths after the rain in these would be so fun."The boy shook his head, "No. Haven't you heard? If a man gifts shoes to a woman, they'll drift apart. It's bad luck for the relationship. If you want them, buy them yourself."The girl immediately fell silent.Lily felt a dull pain in her wri
The hotel they were staying at was just outside the small town, a mere ten-minute walk. Naturally, they shared a room.Lily was incredibly anxious. Every time she was alone with him, she was reminded of that ruthless night, the heart-wrenching pain. She was on edge, and Julian, sensing her tension, darkened his gaze briefly before saying, "I'll shower first." He picked up a bathrobe and headed to the bathroom.His words terrified Lily, making her legs wobble. She wanted to flee, but where could she go? She was well aware that Julian's family had even more influence than Ethan Hart's. No matter where she ran, he would likely find her and bring her back, possibly subjecting her to further humiliation.She despised her own insignificance, her helplessness, her cowardice, and ab
In the dim light of dawn, Julian Sterling felt a chill. The comforting warmth that had lulled him to sleep was gone. Half-awake, he opened his eyes to find that Lily Parker was no longer nestled in his embrace. Instead, she was curled up on the edge of the bed, perilously close to falling off, as if she had erected a barrier between them. Displeased by the distance she had put between them, he impulsively pulled her back to his side. His pull wasn't forceful, and she didn't wake. She merely made a small noise of discomfort, scrunching her nose. In the process, the buttons of her pajamas had come undone, revealing a patch of delicate skin, as luminous as the finest white jade. He swallowed hard, unable to take his eyes off her. Any man who doesn't react to such a sight is either a saint or impotent.
Julian wasn't sure what Lily's research entailed and was too proud to ask. Assuming she was interested in local folklore and traditions, he took her to the theater in the eastern part of the town. The venue often showcased local performances, making it a fitting choice. However, instead of the usual operas, today's performance featured a puppet show accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs. After watching for a short while and finding it uninteresting, Julian stood up, ready to leave. But as he turned to Lily, he noticed her gaze fixed intently on the stage, completely engrossed. Biting his lip, he sat back down. He thought Lily was engrossed in the performance, but that wasn't the case. The Parker family used to live in an old mansion by the city's protect
After escorting Lily Parker to the apartment, Julian Sterling hurried off to the club he frequented, where Dylan Hayes, Tristan Caldwell, and Lucas Hartley were already waiting for him.Upon entering the room, Julian casually tossed his coat onto the sofa and took a seat at the bar, immediately inquiring, "What's the situation?"Dylan passed him a glass of red wine and nodded towards the documents on the table, patiently explaining, "We've gathered all the intel we could. Victor Blackwood bit off more than he could chew and now he's choking on it."Tristan, with a sly grin, clapped Julian on the shoulder and teased, "Don't tell me you're the one who stabbed him in the back? After all, he's been crying foul all over town lately, always trying to trip you up..."
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