Lily Parker always harbored an inexplicable fear of hospitals, with their stark white walls and the pungent smell of disinfectant. The people moving in and out always seemed pale and dazed, as if a white fog enveloped them, leading them astray, changing them forever. Her grandfather was in the late stages of stomach cancer. Towards the end, he couldn't eat and alternated between unconsciousness and pain. Even at her young age, Lily found it terrifying. On his lucid days, he was mostly silent, occasionally looking at her and sighing. Her uncle was infertile, making her the only grandchild. People said her grandfather adored her to the bone, partly because she resembled her grandmother. During those days by his bedside, she often heard him murmur "Blossom," her grandmother's nickname. It was then she first understood what enduring love meant. Eventually, her grandfather didn't survive that winter, as cold as the one now. Her father had just been moved from the emergency room to the IC
She didn't remember how she left the hospital, her entire body numb, moving mechanically forward as if she couldn't even find her direction. It was only when Ethan Hart caught her, "Lily!" that she realized he had never left the hospital. Wiping away her tears, she looked up at him blankly. His eyes were bloodshot, with dark circles underneath, and his cheeks were painfully thin. She felt like crying again. Ethan wanted to embrace her but realized his hands were too cold. He warmed them up before finally taking her hand, asking, "How is your father?" Forcing herself to be strong, she shook her head unconvincingly, "Don't worry, it's all right now." Ethan paused, looking at her complexly, but didn't challenge her words. Instead, he gently pressed his face against her cold cheek, murmuring, "I'm sorry... Lily, I'm sorry, it's my aunt..." He had his suspicions about what had happened, and a phone call had confirmed them. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice muffled as sh
Ethan Hart's heart tightened bit by bit, a dull pain throbbing within. The envelope in his hand was unconsciously crumpled into a ball. He clenched his jaw, staring fixedly at Lily Parker's face. Her eyes shimmered with a layer of moisture, devoid of any color, blending palely with the hospital walls. His intense gaze almost suffocated Lily. She turned her head towards the window, where she saw people feeding fish in the garden below. Koi swam leisurely, and she recalled Eleanor Brown's words, speaking with a bitter smile, “Ethan, someone once told me that fish are happy because their memory lasts only seven seconds. No matter how intense those seven seconds of encounter are, after they pass, it's a new beginning, a new cycle. Maybe... our seventh second has arrived...” “No...” Ethan's expression changed drastically. He grasped her shoulders too forcefully, causing her to wince in pain, and only then did he realize his overreaction. He hugged her tightly, oblivious to the stares of
In a commercial building in the city center— The secretary's hands trembled as she knocked on the door, her legs shaking. The big boss, Julian Sterling, had been in a bad mood recently, and nearly every senior executive in the company had been yelled at by him. Everyone was on edge, and she was even more cautious working under him, fearing to upset him and be sent packing at any moment. Julian Sterling was reviewing a design proposal from the design department. He had only read two pages before spotting several flaws, angry enough to curse. When the secretary knocked, he snapped irritably, "Come in!" His sharp black eyes stared mercilessly at her as he asked coldly, "What now?" The secretary composed herself, then pulled out two concert tickets from a folder and placed them in front of him. "Mr. Sterling, the tickets you requested have arrived." Julian Sterling lifted his chin, asking, "What are these?" His gaze held a hint of confusion, as if he had forgotten about such a matter.
Julian Sterling's face was expressionless, his voice cutting through the moist air to reach Lily Parker: "What are you doing here all alone in this storm? Where's Ethan?" He was completely unaware of how bitterly jealous his tone sounded.Lily, woodenly staring at the bridal shop window now shadowed by Julian's reflection, obscuring the white gowns, bit her lip and slowly turned around. She passed him without a word, determined not to engage with him.Julian wasn't one to be easily dismissed. His face darkened as he suddenly grasped her arm, his voice deep and slightly hoarse, "Isn't it polite to greet a friend before leaving? You know that, don't you?" The rain had almost stopped, but the wind persisted. Her wet hair brushed against his hand, a chill seeping into his heart, contrasting with the warmth of his fingers.His dark, shining eyes intensely fixed on her, forcing her to turn back. Her brows were tightly knit, not in anger at him, but focused on an elderly couple crossing the
Lily couldn't bother with that anymore and headed for the door. Yet, somehow, she looked back one more time. Julian, overheated, had thrown off the blanket and was turning over, muttering in discomfort. His voice was so low she couldn't hear it, but as she approached, she heard him calling, "Lily, Lily..."She stood frozen, gazing unblinkingly at Julian, his face flushed with fever.Illness reveals a person's most vulnerable state, where longing reaches the deepest part of the soul, revealing the most genuine feelings. He was thinking of Lily, even if he hadn't realized it himself.Lily, puzzled, reached out to touch his forehead, finding it burning hot and damp with sweat. It was he who had the fever. She nudged his shoulder, calling out again, "Julian?" But he just murmured and grabbed her hand, completely unconscious.Lily Parker struggled to withdraw her hand, her heart softening despite herself. She sighed, fetched a hot towel from the bathroom to wipe his sweat, added another bl
Julian lifted his face with a satisfied smile, "Everyone says I've been acting out of character lately, like a lovesick fool. I don't even know when I started to fall for you, but I can't help thinking about you, even just seeing you once would be enough. I thought you had left just now and was about to lose my temper, but then you appeared, Lily. You don't know how happy that made me." Lily quietly let Julian hold her, and then neither of them spoke again. Julian patiently waited for her response. His cheeks were flushed from the fever, and the hallway was a bit chilly, but holding her in his arms, his heart slowly warmed. His gaze was tender as he looked down at her from this angle. Her eyelashes seemed exceptionally long, her eyes as clear as mountain spring water, deep and reflective. He remembered the first time he saw her; it was those eyes that had caught his attention. He had thought then, how could a woman's eyes be so bright, almost capturing his soul? Something deep insid
Lily gently shook her head."You don't love me, Julian. You're just in love with the thrill of the chase. If I had easily given in to you from the start, by now I'd probably be forgotten due to lack of novelty, just a trivial embellishment in your game of life. Julian Sterling, loving someone isn't like this. As you said, our beginning was too terrible, so there's no possibility for anything more.""How can you say there's no possibility?" Julian forced her to meet his gaze, his piercing eyes as if devouring her. "How do you know I'm just living some ridiculous game?"Lily's gaze was unexpectedly gentle as she calmly faced his anger. "Julian, you were the one who said it was all just a game, remember?"Julian was momentarily speechless, not expecting his past flippant words to become her weapon against him now. Annoyed and somewhat childish, he pouted and shouted, "That's because you don't understand me well enough."It's said that playboys skilled in the game of love, once truly smit
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