Most people knock on doors with a pattern of either two short knocks and one long or two long and one short.But this person outside was different. Knock knock, knock knock, knock knock, knock, knock knock, knock—Knock knock, knock knock, knock, knock, knock knock, knock knock, knock, knock—Knock, knock—knock! Knock, knock—knock!The knocking rhythm even reminded me of a familiar childhood tune.But that didn't help with my morning grumpiness.I shuffled out of the bedroom in my slippers, grumpily opened the door, and saw Frank standing there in a loose hoodie, his hair somewhat disheveled.Seeing me still in my pajamas, he smirked. "Charlotte, do you remember that you need to go to Jeswood today?""Of course I remember. I sent you a WhatsApp message last night asking about the departure time, but you didn't reply."Since I still needed his help with the Jeswood market, my morning grumpiness showed, though it was somewhat considerate."I was just trying to let you sleep in
The Smith family mansion was expansive, exuding both heritage and a vintage charm. It was clear at a glance that the house had been passed down through generations. While the exterior had been renovated, the interior still retained traces of its historical past.Unlike the opulence I had imagined, the mansion had a more understated elegance. Even a small decorative porcelain vase in the corner was a Medieval antique, worth over a hundred million.Frank had long, slender legs but walked at a leisurely pace, with his hands casually in his pockets, unhurried.He guided me past the vast dining hall and headed straight for the back garden. From a distance, I saw two elegantly dressed elderly ladies.One was sitting by the fireplace, sipping tea, while the other was pruning a nearby potted plant with scissors.Frank walked over, poured himself a cup of tea, and with a playful grin, said, "Madams, you're in much better shape than me. You're still doing outdoor activities even in this c
The atmosphere was very comfortable.After chatting for a while, I took out a soft tape measure from my bag to take the measurements of Madam Smith.Frank instructed, "Ms. Wilson, make sure to take measurements for Madam Shaw as well.""Sure."The more people, the more design orders—something I was more than happy to accommodate.Madam Shaw waved her hand, "I don't need it...""Grandma!"Frank interrupted, coaxing her gently, "If you refuse, it will look like I'm showing favoritism.""Alright, alright," Madam Shaw agreed with a smile.Just after finishing the measurements, the butler came to announce that dinner was ready.However, Frank received a phone call and had to leave suddenly. Before he left, he handed me a room card.I didn't want to stay any longer, so I said, "I should be going too. I'll leave with you.""Charlotte," Madam Smith called out warmly. "Don't mind him. Stay and enjoy the meal. After dinner, I'll arrange for the driver to take you to the hotel.""Don
Although Frank constantly talked about money, he arranged for me to stay at a six-star hotel in Jeswood.I originally planned to return to Jelaston that night, but Frank said on the phone, "I'm going to Jelaston tomorrow. I can give you a ride back.""Alright."Might as well enjoy a free Bentley ride.The next day, I intended to sleep in until I woke up naturally, but a phone call disturbed me."Come downstairs."It was Frank's lazy voice.After being woken up by him for two consecutive days, I couldn't help but feel irritated. "Dude, did you stay up all night again?""Oh, is someone cranky in the morning?"I took a deep breath to calm myself and forced a smile. "Of course not, just concerned about you. Mr. Smith, what's the occasion so early in the morning?"Frank yawned. "Madam Shaw wants to see you.""Huh?" I was a bit surprised, and affected by his yawn, I got out of bed while yawning and asked, "Now?"He suddenly spoke sharply, "When do you think? Do you think I have n
"Alright," I agreed.Madam Shaw looked at Frank, "Frank, go have breakfast in the dining room. After you're done, bring a portion for Ms. Wilson.""Sure." Frank glanced at us with suspicion but said nothing more and headed towards the dining room in a casual manner.I thought Madam Shaw was going to take me to the wardrobe, but instead, her warm hand suddenly grabbed mine. "Come, sit.""Alright."A bit flustered by the attention, I sat down and didn’t dare move my hand.I realized I had never met my grandparents or great-grandparents. I don't remember if they didn't like me or if something else was the reason.Madam Shaw's aging face reflected nostalgia as she held my hand a bit tighter. "After seeing you yesterday, I dreamed about my little granddaughter last night. She kept wanting to play with you, it seems she really likes you."She smiled. "I woke up in the middle of the night, wondering if she hoped I would take good care of you."I was touched and softly said, "Madam Sh
No one expected that, despite Madam Shaw's kind and benevolent appearance, her first response to Ryan would be so sharp.I struggled to hold back my smile with great effort.Yet, it seemed that I was the only one who could find any amusement in this situation.The atmosphere was awkward and tense.The real embarrassment wasn't the comment itself but the fact that I, the ex-wife, was right there.I lowered my head slightly and looked out the window, trying to minimize my presence.The snow outside, not yet melted, dazzled and made it hard to see.I felt a gaze fixed on me and then heard Ryan's deep and calm voice. "Yes, recently divorced."Madam Shaw glanced at Bethany, her expression growing colder. "I've also heard that you played a part in it?""Grandma..." Bethany frowned, throwing a subtle glare at me. She adjusted her skirt and sat next to Madam Shaw, shaking her arm."Who told you such nonsense? Ryan's marriage had long since fallen apart... I just...""I'm asking you
In addition to the scandal involving Jessica and John, Ryan had to be cautious. Any small misstep could lead to countless people taking advantage of his vulnerability.When Madam Shaw criticized him, Ryan probably had to endure it.Unexpectedly, he didn't show the slightest discomfort. His expression remained inscrutable as he said calmly, "I'll prove to you if I’m qualified or not.""Grandma." Bethany was overjoyed. "Just listen to him, aren't you satisfied now...""To you, he's naturally qualified, and there's no need to prove anything."Madam Shaw sat with perfect posture, her demeanor impeccable. "As long as you and your mother are satisfied."The first part was a rejection, but now she agreed without hesitation.Bethany was bewildered. "What do you mean...""If he were to be a husband for Lily, he would fall short!" Madam Shaw looked at her steadily. "For you, he's more than enough."Her tone was calm, lacking any hint of disdain.But it was like a massive slap to the fa
I walked away, so I couldn't hear everything clearly. However, the term "ill-fated lovers" was crystal clear.As someone who was single, this term had nothing to do with me.The Shaw family’s residence was enormous. As Madam Shaw mentioned, I eventually had to ask a servant for directions to find the dining room."Are you Ms. Wilson that Madam Shaw has been mentioning since early this morning?"The butler, who happened to be near the dining room, noticed me and promptly instructed a servant to prepare another breakfast for me.I smiled slightly, thanked him, and quietly began eating.Only then did the butler leave.As I ate, someone suddenly cast a shadow beside me, and the next moment, the person couldn't wait to express their frustration."Charlotte, I warn you, stay away from my family! I don't care what you're plotting, don't try to get on my Grandma's good side!"I continued sipping my oat porridge, unbothered. "What am I plotting?"Bethany snorted and felt irritated. "W
‘I’ve already taken my pants off and you’re just going to leave it at that?’She thought this must have been intentional on Westley's part.She raised her leg and kicked him, then turned around, pulling the blanket away, her back clearly showing a trace of resentment.Westley didn't mind, pulling both her and the blanket into his arms.He chuckled softly in her ear."Your reaction right now makes me think you're dissatisfied."The deliberate pause was even more teasing.Jordan immediately elbowed him.But because she was tangled in the blanket, she couldn't put much strength into it.The muffled laugh of the man in her ear clearly mocked her, making her even angrier.Her emotions flared up too quickly, and tears started falling.Westley felt the wetness on his arm, it was hot.He quickly sat up.He knew about her tendency to lose control of her tears, but seeing her cry still made his heart ache.He gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eye with his thumb and whis
"You can't possibly have nowhere to stay."Westley turned her around and found her eyes tightly closed.He laughed softly. "You used to try everything to see what’s in front of you right now, so what's wrong now?"Jordan had been influenced by dramas and novels back then.Because she was protected by the Howard family and watched over by Westley, there were no other men around her except for him.Even if there were, she couldn't see their abs.So at that time, she could only secretly look when he was training or at moments when he would take off his clothes.Leanne had also helped her a lot.When she was young, he saved her when she was hospitalized.He injured his shoulder, and he had to take off his clothes to apply medicine.During those days, she insisted on taking care of him and saw a lot.But all of this ended before she turned 18.It was like playing house, no one took it seriously.Later, she never had the chance to see Westley’s body again.Now, she couldn't loo
Westley's eyes flashed with a deep, meaningful smile.He replied calmly, "How did I trick you? I'm just being very sincere. I was just asking about the things from before. I didn't mean anything. If you're overthinking, then... Are you feeling guilty?"Jordan retorted immediately, "I'm not guilty!"Then, she weakly explained, "I didn't do anything wrong. My confession was real, and the words I said to your mom were for you. Later, I didn't contact you because your attitude toward me wasn't good. I didn't dare to reach out. So, it's all your fault."Westley laughed. "Alright, it's all my fault."He released her and stood up, heading toward the bathroom.Jordan stood frozen, not knowing why the conversation ended so abruptly.They didn't really reach any conclusion.But that wasn't the point. She followed him to the bathroom door and knocked."Westley, are you taking a shower?"There was no response. She pressed her ear to the door and thought she could hear water running.Alt
"I..."Jordan leaned on his shoulder, her voice soft. "Can you just say it?""Okay."Westley was easy to talk to. "You said that after giving it some thought, you might have mistaken your feelings for me. You might have confused sibling love with romantic love. Actually, maybe you don't really like me. That was the gist of it. The exact words, it's been so long, I don't remember."Jordan didn't believe that he didn't remember.If he didn't hold a grudge, he wouldn't have treated her the way he did afterward.He didn't even send her a message.Even when the Howard family invited them back for dinner, he had his subordinates contact her."You really are petty."Westley chuckled, pulling her even closer.He kissed the corner of her lips. "Yep, I'm petty. For the things I owe you, I'll apologize and make it up to you, but for the things I've done right, I'll remember them and make you pay me back."Jordan quickly grabbed his wrist, her speech speeding up."Westley, I can explai
Jordan was rendered speechless. "You didn't drink tonight. What, are you drunk from fruit juice?"Westley let go of her, changed his shoes, and, as if he were at his own home, casually unbuttoned his shirt and sat down on the sofa."Huh?"Jordan changed her shoes and walked over. She sat at the coffee table in front of him, her face serious as she said, "You'd better tell me the truth!"Westley leaned back against the sofa, his posture casual."What do you want me to confess?""I want you to..."The man suddenly moved closer, and Jordan swallowed her words.She stared wide-eyed at the extraordinarily handsome man in front of her.He had undone four buttons of his shirt, and as he moved, his muscular physique subtly showed through.Her gaze couldn't help but fall inside his collar.Suddenly, she felt her mouth becoming dry."Jordy, you need to take responsibility for your words.""I..."Before she could finish, her waist was grabbed, and before she could react, she was sit
Jordan spoke again as his car was about to drive into the underground car park. "The underground car park is very winding. Just drop me off in front of the building, make a U-turn, and you can leave."But Westley parked in the underground car park, at the parking space that was registered to her.Jordan unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. Seeing that he got out too, she didn't think too much about it."Just drop me off here."Westley said calmly, "I'll send you upstairs and watch you go inside.""It's really safe here."Jordan couldn't argue with him. Though she said that, she still let him escort her upstairs.When she used her fingerprint to unlock the door, she said, "It's fine now.""I'll watch you go inside."Seeing his persistence, Jordan unlocked the door and entered.She planned to turn around and say goodbye, but she was suddenly pushed from behind.The sound of the door closing followed, and then she was hugged tightly from behind by the man.Only now d
Jordan thought for a moment, and a line of reasoning gradually became clear."Are you saying Nathan really is my brother?""Not exactly," said Westley. "He's related to you, he's your cousin."Jordan wasn't too surprised. "I see."Westley smiled. "You're much calmer when things happen now, but it still shows on your face. You need more practice."Jordan couldn't hide her emotions. She didn't show too much excitement, but she was still happy."Does my sister know?""Yes."Jordan blinked. "So, you all kept this from me, and I was the last to find out?"Westley pulled her up and headed for the dining room."We can talk while eating, it'll be cold if we wait."Jordan felt a little frustrated. "I'm so dumb."Westley peeled shrimp for her and said, "Nathan wanted to keep it a secret, so it's normal you didn't know.""But you all knew.""I knew because of my personality. You know me, if a stranger appears in front of me or you, I'll do a background check on him. Your sister know
He had someone redo the decoration, and there would always be someone there every day to do the cleaning.Today, he had originally planned to bring her back, cook for her, and had prepared all the ingredients.This wedding house, aside from the time when Jordan came to get the marriage certificate, she hadn't been here since—she went out to study and work.It was completely different from what she remembered.There were also many photos of them.From before the marriage, after the marriage, and even recently.Including the photos she had taken over the years—award-winning ones, those published in magazines, and those that made the trending searches."They're all here. You can look around. I'll call you when the food is ready."Jordan nodded and started to explore.She found a darkroom, which was specifically for developing photos.Inside, many photos hung on the walls.These were all from the three years she and Westley were ignoring each other. They were all of her life and
She wanted to see how he would truly lower his head for her.She also wanted to see if he really liked her.But later, after seeing the golden sea of flowers, he really did a lot to help her take pictures of the sea of clouds.The pink dolphins and fish were considered a blessing.She also witnessed them with him.So, she felt that the matter of pursuing her no longer mattered.She just wanted life to be simpler.She was really tired.She wanted to be happy and carefree.But unexpectedly, now that she didn't care about the pursuit anymore, he started again.It seemed that he would never follow her wishes.That stubbornness of his was something he couldn't change.‘Forget it,’ thought Jordan.She really couldn't be bothered to argue about these things anymore."Let's go." Jordan nodded and sat in the car after he opened the door.Westley walked around the front of the car and sat in the driver's seat, leaning over to fasten her seatbelt.But Jordan fastened it herself.