"Alright."I obediently walked over, ate a few dumplings, and then smiled at Madam Shaw, feeling inexplicably reluctant. I could only say, "Grandma, I've troubled you these past two days. I'm going back to Jelaston soon. I wish you a happy New Year in advance and all the best.""Why are you leaving so soon? Aren't you going to help Frank...""He..." I gathered my thoughts. "He probably won't need my help anymore."His true love was probably coming back soon."What do you mean? If he doesn't need your help, are you just going to abandon me?"Madam Shaw pretended to be upset. "I was looking forward to having someone kind to spend the New Year with, and now you're leaving? It's the New Year, stay here and celebrate with me!""Grandma..."Seeing her like this, I was touched.But I also knew that staying here any longer would be inappropriate.Madam Shaw held my hand. "Even if you go back, you'll be alone. Just stick to my arrangements...""Grandma!"Suddenly, a domineering voic
Before I could say anything, Madam Shaw was instantly furious!With a face full of anger, she glared at Mrs. Shaw. "Who gave you the right to drive guests away from my courtyard?""Grandma, it's okay!"I remembered Frank saying that Grandma couldn't handle extreme emotions, so I quickly reassured her. "I was planning to leave anyway. Soon... Frank should bring the real Miss Shaw back to see you."In a family reunion scene like this, as an outsider, I shouldn't be here.Madam Shaw wanted to me to stay, but seeing that I was insistent, she didn't say anything more.I quickly gathered my luggage I had packed earlier in the morning, and soon came downstairs with my suitcase. Mrs. Shaw escorted me out of the courtyard and, once we were far enough that Madam Shaw couldn't hear, spoke with a hint of disdain, "Don't come back unless there's something really important. The Shaw family isn't a place where just anyone can use!""Mrs. Shaw." I didn't stop walking or look at her, and said ca
My eyes warmed up, and I laughed and cried at the same time, sending her the location. "So, you're not going to Sentrea for a romantic encounter?""Is the romantic encounter more important or you? I'm not going to let you spend the New Year alone."She didn't seem to care and cheerfully changed the subject. "Besides, I heard Jeswood is also quite good for a romantic encounter.""Such great kindness, I can't repay."I couldn't help but chuckle. "I can only offer you a full package of food, drink, and fun as a token of my gratitude."Actually, Jane and I were so close that we might as well be sharing money.Neither of us cared about these things.But when she heard this, she cooperated enthusiastically. "Ms. Wilson, you're so generous! I'll come right away to cling to you."As soon as Jane arrived, my mood improved significantly.She stood by the window, admiring the snowy scenery of Jeswood. "What do you think about the news about Frank?"I was momentarily taken aback. "What d
Even though the corridor floor was covered with soft carpet, the pain from my butt hitting the ground made my muddled brain regain a bit of clarity.The person who brought me upstairs was Ryan.I actually mistook him for someone else.Perhaps sensing my resistance, Ryan was momentarily stunned, then, against the light, he sneered. "Are you determined to be with him? Are you planning to be a bridesmaid when he marries the eldest daughter of the Shaw family?"Frank's remarks were always sharp. "Are you trying to impose your own experiences on me?"He took a few large strides to where I was and helped me up from the floor, then looked at Ryan with a faint smile. "Mr. Frost, take care, no need to see us off."Ryan clenched his fists, suppressing his anger. "You'd better focus on Lily. Charlotte will only ever be mine.""She has never belonged to anyone." Frank's voice was calm. "She is herself."Ryan's gaze grew colder as he extended his hand to me, adopting what he probably though
A sudden pang of bitterness surged through me.It felt like I had been unexpectedly pricked by something.I pointed towards the door, my voice was cold. "Get out!""Charlotte, who spoiled you with this terrible attitude? Can't you speak properly?""Did you speak properly?"I glared at him, indignant. "Why are you criticizing me? What about your fiancee? Don't you need to be with her? Why do you have time to come find me?""You’re still so defensive even after you’re drunk."He pressed his tongue against his cheek, and after a brief laugh, he seemed resigned. He half-squatted in front of me, his tone softening."Fine, it was my fault for not speaking to you properly in my moment of desperation. I accept the punishment.""What punishment?" I asked instinctivelyHe cocked his brows and said, "Another kiss from you?"Only then did I realize his ears were flushed red.I shook my head, trying to clear the alcohol-induced haze, and looked at him as clearly as I could. "Why are you
He handed me the box and said indifferently. "Take a look."It was some cream to help with the bruise.When I saw the large words on the box, I wanted to find a hole to hide in. I hurriedly stood up. "Just give me the medicine. I'll apply it myself after I take a shower."If it weren't for him, I would have forgotten I had just fallen."Alright."He smiled with a hint of mischief, his lips curved. "I've already had the waiter bring Jane up. If you can't reach the area yourself, you can ask her for help."From the start, he had considered that the place I fell was quite private.Maybe I had overthought his intentions.The more I thought about it, the angrier and more embarrassed I became. I shoved him out of the room and slammed the door shut.He held the door open with one hand and suddenly, as he did last night, pinched my face. His voice was charming. "Charlotte, Happy New Year."As he spoke, the sounds of fireworks outside echoed, adding to the festive atmosphere. The bril
I tried to comfort her. "Maybe she's a bit introverted? Since there's still plenty of time, spending more time together should help.""I still feel something is off." Madam Shaw seemed a bit regretful. "She used to be quite a little tyrant when she was young. No matter how much she has changed, she shouldn't be this timid..."As I was about to respond, Madam Shaw sighed. "Well, let's not dwell on that. It's still a joyous occasion. You're still in Jeswood, right?"I answered honestly, "Yes, I am.""That's great! I'll arrange for a driver to pick you up." Madam Shaw said with a smile, "We're planning a welcome banquet for Lily tonight. You must come and join us. The clothes that you’ve designed for Madam Smith and me have been quite the talk among us. Many people have been asking where they were ordered from. This is a perfect opportunity for you to introduce yourself. I'm sure you won't have to worry about business for the entire year!""Alright, thank you!"I hesitated a bit but
But had I got to feel guilty about?I didn’t do anything wrong from start to finish.Thinking of this, I lifted my gaze toward their direction. After Lily threw herself at him, he hesitated slightly, seeming a bit uncomfortable, and also worried about upsetting Lily.He grasped her arm, creating some distance between them. His tone remained as indifferent as ever, without any emotion. "Slow down.""But I’ve missed you."Lily looked up at him, blinking her eyes, her pale cheeks cautious and timid, like a little white rabbit. "You left so early yesterday. I haven't seen you for almost 20 hours."So precise down to the hour.I composed myself, curving the corners of my lips. I noticed Frank's gaze fall on me again. Seeing me composed and emotionless seemed to anger him a bit.He released Lily's hand, flashed a roguish smile, and walked over to greet the two elderly ladies before lazily sitting down on the sofa opposite me.Madam Smith gave him a reproachful look. "You brat, you s
Caleb was thinking that in the future, he could let her drink a little more.Of course, only when he was around.She looked kind of cute like this."I did say that, but didn't you just say you wanted to thank me?"Whitney felt that alcohol really wasn't a good thing.Even when hanging out with Jane and the others, she decided not to drink too much anymore.The rationality and logic that she was so proud of had completely vanished.She had never been as calm in front of Caleb as she was with others.Besides, there was a power imbalance between her and him.If she were sober, she wouldn't have been able to reject him anyway.Let alone now, when her mind was muddled.But maybe because she was muddled, she dared to say things that she didn’t usually dare to say."I just lost my balance earlier, and you helped me. Even if you don't accept verbal gratitude, that doesn't mean I owe you something this big."Caleb saw she could barely stand, so he held her by the waist to keep her
"But your reaction just now didn’t seem like you knew I was here."Jane tried to pull her leg back, but when she couldn't, she slapped him in frustration."It was called acting, understand? I didn't want you to look embarrassed, so I got those two out of the way first."Zachary rubbed her ankle with his thumb, as if he believed her. "Then should I be thanking you—for being so considerate?"Jane couldn't be bothered to argue. "Let go. I want to drink.""I'll drink with you."Meanwhile, Frank held Charlotte close and asked in a low voice, "Did she really know we were here?"Charlotte nodded. "What do you think? You really think Jane would mess around during her marriage? She might be bold, but she has boundaries. But you guys really are annoying."Frank hooked her chin with his thumb. "I knew it. You're being cold to me because you're sick of me. I've said it so many times, and you still wouldn't admit it."After saying that, he picked her up and walked out of the bar.He hadn'
Charlotte nudged him with her elbow, warning him not to stir things up.Jordan truly didn't dare to stay any longer. "Westley, take me home.""Okay." Westley finally got up. "You all take your time. If it gets too late, don't go back to the old house—just find a place to crash.""But..." Jordan suddenly felt like leaving wasn't such a good idea. "Maybe I'll stay and play a bit more."Westley simply dragged her out."Jane and Zachary...""You can't control what they do, so why bother worrying over nothing?"Jordan was settled into the passenger seat, her seatbelt fastened firmly.She didn't resist, mostly because she felt what Westley said made sense.Jane was way more capable than she was. This kind of minor drama would be easy for her to handle.Plus, with the smart and composed Charlotte around—It was better if she didn't add to the chaos.Once Westley got into the driver's seat, she asked, "Why did you guys show up? Especially you—didn't you say no seeing each other a w
But it was just a polite gesture—if they had been singing inside, they wouldn't have heard her anyway.So after knocking, she pushed the door open and went in.Charlotte and the others followed to take a look.When they saw the scene inside, they gasped.The four men from home were sitting around a cards table, all eyes on the door, each with a different expression.Zachary looked at Jane, who entered first, and said with a smile, "Honey, pick someone you like and give him a kiss."Jane took a step back and bumped into Charlotte's arms.That was when she noticed the big screen beside them—it was showing their own private room."You were watching us?"Zachary tapped the cards on the table with his long fingers, still smiling."If we weren't watching, how would we get to enjoy such an entertaining scene?"They had all been drinking.Whitney didn't hold her liquor well. She was already a little dazed. Although the room was fairly bright, everything seemed a little off to her.
Caleb didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Westley and played a card.Westley won.And it was a big pot as well.He cocked his brows. "Is this your wedding gift to me, Caleb?"Caleb asked, "Your wedding—Dr. Greyson won't be absent, will he? I heard you two are very close. You've been at death's door multiple times, and he's the one who saved you."Westley nodded. "Theoretically, yes. But I'm not sure if he might have some emergency.""Besides, it's not like you, Caleb, can't reach him. You helped him last time. It's impossible he'd ignore you now."Caleb could contact Carter, but if he did, it would mean helping Carter meet Mandy.He had no interest in meddling in romantic matters—too troublesome.But he couldn't get in touch with Tanner at all.Technically, there was no real need for him to attend Westley's wedding.Even if Whitney was invited by Jane, he himself wasn't obligated.He simply wanted to go, hoping to "accidentally" run into Carter.That way, it wouldn't loo
Frank pulled her into his arms and asked, "You really have to go out for drinks?"Charlotte nodded. "It's a girls-only night. No men allowed.""Oh?" The man repeated slowly and deliberately, "No… men… allowed?"Charlotte saw the look on his face and knew exactly what he was thinking."Only women. Even the drinks are for women.""Oh? Tell me, how do you tell if a drink is male or female?"Charlotte lightly patted his face twice. "The drinks women drink are for women. Got it?"Frank laughed. "Got it."Over on Jane's end, after finishing her call, she was about to go look for Jordan, but Zachary pulled her into the room and pinned her against the wall.His warm lips covered hers, then quickly pulled away.With his forehead against hers, the man asked, "Going out for drinks?"Jane hooked his chin with her finger. "What, Mr. Collins, trying to seduce your way into a drinking invitation?"Zachary chuckled lowly, kissed her again, and asked, "May I?""No."Jane rejected him comp
Jordan had grown up in the Howard family, but the person who had taken care of her since she was little had an old house.She arranged for Jane and the others to stay there, and she would also be getting married from that house.She didn't have many friends. Originally, Leanne was supposed to be her bridesmaid. Although she had a child, she had never been married.But Leanne wasn't sure if she could make it back in time, so she let Jane and Charlotte take over as substitutes for now. They would adjust accordingly later."Try on the dress. If there's a problem, I can still make adjustments."With the help of the two of them, Jordan put on the wedding dress.But Jane was most looking forward to the wedding dress.Both her and Charlotte's weddings were going to be Cherian style.Jordan, however, wanted a Western-style one.And Charlotte, who had designed clothes for many years, had never actually designed a wedding dress before.This was her first attempt, and she was very excit
"Okay, I won't bring it up anymore."Westley walked over with Jonathan and sat down.Miranda was very satisfied. "Finally, Jordy can have dinner with me again."Jordan smiled. "I'm also happy. I can still call you Mom.""Then let's drink to that.""Okay."Westley waited for the "mother and daughter" to finish speaking, then threw out a big announcement. "By the way, our wedding is on the 22nd of next month."Clang!The spoon in Miranda's hand fell."What did you say?""On the 22nd of next month, Jordy and I are getting married. We sincerely invite you and your husband to attend."Jordan was also shocked.She only knew that Charlotte's dress was being made, and they were picking the wedding date.But Westley hadn't told her about this in advance."Next month, it's almost the New Year.""Yes, it's a wedding before the New Year. Then we'll celebrate the New Year at home. I'm informing you in advance, my dear mom. You can prepare for the the New Year Eve dinner.""The New Y
Jonathan almost spit out the tea he was drinking."You have principles now?""Not the right time to talk nonsense."Westley. "Do you always talk in a way that pokes others' pain points?"Jonathan smiled for a moment. "If you've done it, don't be afraid of people talking about it."Westley didn't want to continue the conversation and stood up to leave.He went to the kitchen to find Jordan and found her eating ravioli."Didn't you say you'd help?" Westley sat next to her. "How come you're eating secretly? Give me a bite?"Jordan guarded the food. "It’s in the kitchen. There's still plenty in the pot.""But I want to eat from your bowl.""But I don't want to give you any."Westley laughed. "Okay."But while Jordan took a bite of the ravioli, he kissed her.Jordan's eyes widened as she felt the ravioli in her mouth being stolen away."You're disgusting."Westley smiled. "Sweet."Jordan couldn't eat anymore and pushed the remaining ravioli to him. "I'm not eating anymore."