"I’ll go to the kitchen. You can rest here," Adam said while nodding sincerely. However, instead of moving, the woman didn't budge. She had been hypnotized by the green eyes that were only inches from her nose. "Amber?" The man got confused watching the silence. Unexpectedly, Amber cupped Adam’s cheeks with both hands. While closing her eyes, she took her lips to his. The man's body automatically stiffened. His eyebrows were raised to the max and his blinks were restrained. For a moment, he didn’t dare to move. His heart and logic were in a great battle. "Should I enjoy it? I haven't had this pleasure in over two years. But I'm not a jerk who takes advantage of circumstances." When Amber paused to take a breath, Adam quickly separated their shoulders. With stiff face, he tried to rouse the woman's senses. "Stop it! Don't you want to do it with me? I can't help it if you keep flirting." Receiving such a warning, Amber sighed hea
"You are infertile?" Amber sighed in disbelief. Her gaze could not be separated from the gleam of eyes that radiated sadness. “Please don't spread the news, but yeah … I am. Because of that, I got angry when you accused me of being impotent.” Adam shrugged while forcing a smile. The woman blinked in confusion. The information seemed odd to her. After a brief contemplation, she broke the silence through a faint snort. "Stop lying to me! I'm not stupid. You think I forgot the baby in the photo? You already have a child." "That was what in my mind too. I thought the cute baby was my son. But it turns out ... no," Adam said in a lower voice. The wrinkles on Amber's face suddenly faded. She knew the man beside her wasn't joking. "What happened?" she asked sharply. Her concern might not be heard. “I used to love my wife very much. Even though we have been married for years without having children, we survive and struggle together. Can you imagine how happy I was when I found out she wa
"You already touched me since the beginning?" Amber accused in a displeased tone. "No, it's not like that. You know that I've been married before. Of course I know a woman's size at one glance," Adam explained flatly. "When we were in that small town, you said you didn't know my size. Were you lying?" Amber's tone was getting higher. Once again, the widower scratched his ear. "I had to tell the lie to avoid a fuss," he said almost inaudibly. Before the woman vented her anger, he quickly handed over the next bag. "I bought this for you too. You'll need it." With a wrinkled face, Amber looked into the bag. As soon as she found a variety of beauty products, her annoyance was replaced by surprise. "How did you know I was wearing this brand?" the woman inquired while picking up the concealer she had been looking for. "Didn't you recommend it on your social media?" In an instant, Amber gaped. "Did you spy on me?" "I’m not a spy. I just don't want you to waste my gift on the wrong b
"Sorry I call you now. I was still with Julian and Mia earlier. So, how are you doing? What do you mean everything's under control? Have you left the cottage? Or maybe, you’ve killed that jerk?" Hearing how Sebastian called him, Adam gave a faint snort. As he continued to walk towards the chair by the window, he said, "Sorry. Amber is sleeping. When she wakes up, I'll make sure she calls you right away." The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. Adam's voice managed to surprise the caller. "Who is this? Where's Amber?" Sebastian asked in a confused tone. "Amber is sleeping." Adam repeated the statement with more emphasis. "You don't have to worry. She's fine." In an instant, Sebastian's snort rattled the speakerphone. "Are you Mr. Smith?" Hearing the cynical tone, Adam smiled lopsidedly. "Yes." "Is Amber really sleeping? You didn't keep her in a room, did you?" "You have high imaginations, Sir. But no, I'm not a psychopath," Adam said in a low voice. His expression was hard to rea
"You want to cheat, huh?" Adam sighed with high arched brows. “If you don't want to be touched, you should be more careful about moving your hands.” Amber bit her lip. Her fists clenched tightly, admitting the guilt. "It’s not about cheating. You know that ... here is a woman's private part, right? How could I let you touch it?” “Not only women, but men too!” the Crazy Bear rebutted while putting on a look of contempt. "Your people are not allowed to touch our people arbitrarily. It's also harassment." "But I didn't mean to. If you repay the deed, it's on purpose. That is harassment." Amber was starting to look desperate. Her feet slowly moved back, taking distant from the man. Little by little, Adam moved forward. His jaw hardened demanding justice. "I can't let you free anymore. I've given you too much leeway." "What do you mean? I never touched you," the woman argued with full conviction. But, a second later, she was wide-eyed. Her movement was just stopped by the table. "Do
"Aren't you going to teach me? But, why are you bringing that shovel?" Amber asked when she found Adam walking towards the door. The man was in outdoor costume. "I have to get some wood from the barn. Our stock is running low." After a blink, the woman reached for her coat. "Then I'm coming. So next time, I can do this job for you." Hearing Miss Lim's initiative, Adam furrowed his brows. "You're not a spoiled girl anymore, apparently." "Since in the first place, I wasn't. You're the only one who judged me that way," Amber replied as she grabbed the flashlight and patted Mr. Cold's arm. "Let's hurry!" Excitedly, the woman led the way. She didn't know that Adam was staring at the traces of her touch. “That girl … does she still not know? You always make a big mess in my heart, Amber." He followed as the sigh of despair escaped his mouth. While Adam was busy shoveling the snow that blocked the barn door, Amber looked up at the star-filled sky. Her face was sad and full of longing.
Behind the eyes that almost jumped out, her brain began to work hard to bend the truth. “Oh, that … I mean … he's both my fiancé and best friend. But we treat each other like friends. Isn't that more familiar?” Snorting a laugh, Adam continued his work. "Well, well. Best friend disguises as fiancé. You guys are so good at lying to me." "We're not lying. We're already engaged," Amber said in a pushy way. "Then, where is your engagement ring?" With a tense expression, the woman pointed towards the road. "The robbers took it." Shaking his head, Adam cleaned his gloves from dust. “Enough, Miss Lim. You may be able to lie to other people, but not me. Your lips are slightly pursed every time you tell a lie." Amber spontaneously pulled her lips back. "No. I'm not lying," she said in a low voice and a strange expression. "In your opinion, what punishment is appropriate for an apprentice who lies to her teacher?" Mr. Cold folded his arms across his chest and began to pinch his chin. “Sh
Hearing the defense, the designer was stunned. "You came all the way here with an empty brain?" "No. I know a lot about jewelry. It's just that, I haven't thought about the brand yet. I'd like to just learn the basics for now. After that, I’ll think of going a step further." "What kind of jewelry do you want to make?" Adam interrupted loudly. Amber shrugged hesitantly. "I don't know. Maybe bracelets, necklaces, earrings—all the luxurious jewelry." Adam snorted and looked away. "You insist on learning from the best designer. But it turns out, your intentions aren't clear." "My intentions are clear. I love jewelry. I want to make the best of it and give my first piece to little Evans to keep my promise," Amber said without feeling guilty. "But that's not enough, Miss Lim. Jewelry isn't just a symbol of luxury. It's also about the message you want to convey through it." Seeing the firmness in Adam's eyes, Amber was silent. Her hand secretly gripped the book tighter. "Today, think
Amber quietly opened the workroom door. Seeing her husband was daydreaming, she lifted the corner of her lips. "What are you doing, Jewel?" Adam spontaneously turned to the direction of the voice. Knowing the presence of his wife, his smile grew wider. "Hey .... Is Ashley sleeping?" "Yes," Amber answered while approaching. Then, casually, she sat on her husband's lap. "Why are you still here? Is your work not done yet?" As Adam rubbed the back of his neck, Amber began to investigate the table. Turned out, the computer had been off. The files were also neatly organized in the folders. What’s left there was only a cell phone displaying an image. "You really like that picture, hmm?" Amber concluded while glancing sweetly. Spotted by those warm eyes, Adam let out a smile. After kissing Amber’s shoulder, he nodded. "It's all thanks to you. I wouldn't have been able to fix my relationship with Mother if you didn't follow us." "I didn't do anything. When I got there, you guys have been
"I know you must have doubted what I said," Mrs. Smith cried, breaking the silence. "Is there something I have to do to prove my point? Your mother really wants to change, Adam." Still with furrowed brows, the man snorted. "Why only now? Is it because Ed abandoned you?" Mrs. Smith shook her head briskly. "No, don't get me wrong. The tension between us has nothing to do with Ed. I was too stupid to use him to take all yours." "Non sense ...." "Do you know that Ed scolded me? He's tired of being dragged down by my selfishness. Your brother said he didn't want to help me bully you anymore." Before Adam could object, Mrs. Smith continued. "Since then, I've started to realize. But, I still convince myself that you don't deserve to be happy. Your mother is very stupid, hmm?" Adam suddenly fell silent. From under the frown, he looked intently at his mother. “Why should I believe?” "I haven't even used a penny of your money, Adam. I feel guilty every time I see your transfer papers. Sh
After his mother slammed the door, Adam rubbed Amber's arm. Noticing his wife's disheveled look, he whispered, "Are you all right?" The woman nodded. "Yeah, you?" Adam took a deep breath. After raising an eyebrow, he curled up his lips. "Yeah. I'm glad nothing happened. I was afraid my mother would do something reckless. Sorry for letting her carry Ashley." "It's okay, Jewel. I think Ashley is happy to have met her grandmother," Amber said while stroking her daughter's head. The little baby had closed her eyes again. She seemed so peaceful. "Look, she's smiling again." "She must want to cheer you up," Adam whispered before landing a soft kiss on Ashley's forehead. "Not only me, but you too. We are lucky to have such a kind baby. This must be your good karma. You remain patient with your mother, even though she has been hurt you many times." Disagreeing, Adam shook his head. "Your sweet karma too, Precious. You are much more filial to your parents. Anyway, they are coming here, r
As the silence was hanging in the air, people in that room were exchanging glances. No one dared to speak until Ruby broke the silence. "May I carry her?" "Of course," Amber answered, patting Adam's arm. Understanding the code given, Adam took Ashley out of her tiny bed. As soon as the adorable baby arrived in Ruby's arms, all eyes started to tear up. "Hey, look at this tiny face! Why are you so cute, Ashley?" Ruby whispered in a trembling voice. The emotion almost pushed the tears out of bounds. "This pretty nose is very similar to Amber's, while these thin lips ... a hundred percent copy of her father." As that woman studied every detail of the baby, Amber asked lightly, "Would you like to take a picture with Ashley?" In an instant, Ruby's wistful eyes were tinged with shock. "Is it okay? Didn't you two agree not to publish your daughter's face?" "Take the photo as a keepsake. You can print it and store it in your wallet or diary," Amber said, glancing at Nick. Realizing the
“Hurry up! I can’t stand it anymore!" Amber shouted while squeezing her husband's clothes. Panic, Adam started to circle around the yard. Maybe he dropped the key somewhere. Meanwhile, Nick was busy groping his own body. When his hand pressed against his trouser pocket, his eyes widened perfectly. "Shall we just take my car?" the fat man suggested while showing his car keys. Still out of breath, Amber turned to the vehicle parked beside Adam's car. "You think I weigh up to a ton? People must be laughing when they see you take me in that truck!" she grumbled in a shrill voice. Nick spontaneously grimaced at it. "Sorry, Madam. It's not a truck, but a mini box van for dry cargo. I use it to deliver jewelry." "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Precious," Adam continued with a reassuring nod. "The car is used to carrying valuables." Suddenly, Amber closed her eyes again. The pain that twisted in her stomach grew crazier. "Okay! Quickly tak
"Hello, Mrs. Smith. How are you feeling?" Nick said when welcoming Amber to his house. He secretly felt proud to see his whistle hanging around the woman's neck. "Very well. We’re sorry to bother you, Nick. It's actually one week earlier than the doctor predicted. But Adam keeps insisting that we should stay at your house." Seeing Amber's guilty expression, Nick chuckled. "It’s not a problem at all. What the boss thinks is true. It's best if we are on guard. The hospital is too far from your cottage." "You're a wise man, Nick," Adam said while carrying three large bags he'd pulled from the trunk. “Seems like, I’ve put my trust in the right person.” Once again, the fat man chuckled. Taking one of the bags from Adam's hand, he waved. "Come on! Let me show you your room! I’ve asked Tina to clean it this morning." As Nick led the way, Amber leaned toward her husband. "Who's Tina?" "I don't know. Maybe, his new girlfriend," Adam replied wit
"I’m sincere," Amber nodded swiftly. "It's just I regret their attitude that never changes. I can’t tell how long they will stand to make you suffer." Smiling a little, Adam stroked her cheek. Now that he had known the reason, his love to her grew larger. "Don't worry! I'm sure they won't ask for anything more after this. I've got nothing for them to grab." "What about our house? Should we apply for a transfer of assets? I think it would be safer if the certificate was registered in my name." Stifling a laugh, Adam nodded. He knew that half of Amber's heart was actually not willing to see him sacrifice so much. "That's why, I insisted on handing over the company to you. But you kept refusing." "I don't want people to think of you as a slave to my love, Jewel. It’s not normal for a man giving all his wealth to his wife? He’ll be called a stupid man. I don't want you to be branded like that." Thinking that Amber was so adorable, Adam kissed the tip of her nose. "I have no problem
"Now it's my turn to give you a gift," Ruby said awkwardly. "A gift? When did you prepare it? You spent most of the time in bed," Amber asked wide-eyed. "Online shopping is not something difficult," Ruby said before smiling faintly. Without further ado, she handed her the box. "Take this as an apology as well as my thanks. You may open it now." After giving Adam her whistle, the pregnant woman lifted the lid of the box. As soon as she found a neatly folded red knitted cloth, she let out a faint sigh. "Is this a form of protest because we threw away the white sweater you gave Adam?" "Otherwise, I want to bury bad memories about it. I hope a new sweater could remind you of the new me." "Well then, from this moment on, Adam and I will make lots of sweet memories with this sweater," Amber said as she took out the gift from the box. However, a second later, the curve of her lips froze. Turned out, there was another sweater in the box. "You
"Hey," Amber said, reluctant to call her brother-in-law’s name, "Ruby wants to talk to you." In an instant, Ed's eyes widened. Without further ado, he entered through the gap between Amber and the door. "Has Ruby changed her mind?" Adam inquired as he rose from his seat. After closing the door, he guided his wife to sit down carefully. "No." Confused, the man's eyebrows arched perfectly. "So?" "Ruby wants to end their relationship as soon as possible. That way, she can stay at Mr. Berg's residence without any worries," Amber explained before raising an eyebrow. "How about you? Did something happen while I was inside?" Lifting the corners of his lips, Adam kissed his wife's hand. "Believe it or not, I feel nothing. Yes, I'm annoyed to see Ed. But knowing he's got what he deserves, I don't feel relieved either, like nothing's changed." "Because no matter what happens to them, our lives will still be the same?" "Yes." As h