Seeing the incoming call on my phone, I felt I was imagining things. After a moment's pause, I answered, "Hello.""Are you at home?"He sounded like he was in a vast, empty space, his voice low and tinged with weariness.I stood up and walked to the balcony, stretching my neck to relieve the stiffness, enduring the discomfort, and deliberately asked, "Hmm, are you still busy?"Thinking about it, Jessica had lost so much blood. How could he be at ease?"I'm almost done."For some reason, his voice cleared up a little. "The ticket is on the console by the entrance. Remember to take it when you leave."Although it was expected, hearing it from him still left a bitter taste in my mouth. "You're not coming?""What are you talking about? Let's meet at the entrance of the stadium..." He chuckled softly.But just as he was speaking, a weak yet desperate question interrupted him suddenly, "Ryan, who are you calling? Didn't you promise me..."The voice abruptly stopped.It wasn't Ryan
Perhaps the person I was waiting for would never come.The girl was clever, smiling brightly as she asked, "Are you waiting for someone, Miss?""Yes.""Your friend must be stuck in traffic, it's really jammed around the stadium right now."Maybe sensing my disappointment, she walked over with a comforting smile, tilting her head slightly. "I'll wait with you.""Aren't you going in?""I didn't get a ticket."She shrugged, her mouth turning down in disappointment and helplessness.I chuckled lightly. "Then stay with me."He wasn't going to come. I wasn't waiting for him to come.I was waiting for me to be totally disappointed.Another whole hour passed, until the crowd in the square thinned out and people gradually dispersed. My hand holding the phone was almost numb from the cold.The announcement came over the broadcast that entry was about to close."Charlotte."A warm voice suddenly sounded from behind.I turned around in pleasant surprise, seeing Jack in the same brow
"It's okay, I won't make fun of you." I patted his shoulder and changed the subject with a smile. "So you like Eason as well, but you never mentioned it before."Jack looked towards the stage, his voice tinged with melancholy. "It's natural to love something because of association.""She liked him?""Yeah, she was really into him back in university.""What a coincidence."I smiled. "I used to love listening to Eason's songs back in university too."He smiled knowingly. "Quite a coincidence."We were in VIP seats, with a perfect view of the performance, and no blind spots anywhere. With the familiar intro, the singer appeared on stage, instantly lifting the atmosphere in the entire arena, and causing countless fans to scream and sing along. Jack and I were like two outliers, quietly listening.Scenes from the past years flashed through my mind like a movie playing, frame after frame.Ten years agoI didn't know youYou didn't belong to meWe were still the sameKeeping compan
"What do you mean by that?"I was like a typical gossip girl who tried to get to the bottom of things. But then I felt that asking further would be impolite, so I could only leave it at that.The songs performed at today's concert were all on my favorite playlist. Even after the whole show, I still felt unsatisfied.As the singer left the stage, I had a surreal feeling of awakening from a big dream. I sat dumbfounded in my chair, watching the slowly departing crowd after the noise.The emptiness in my heart was terrifying. Until now, the phone I had been clutching in my hand still hadn't received any messages or calls from Ryan.During my absent-minded lapse, Jack was very respectful and didn't rush me at all. He just quietly waited by my side. It was only when I came to my senses that we followed the crowd and left together.Despite the security guards maintaining order and the crowded pushing, I was walking fine when suddenly a force pushed me from behind. I stumbled and almost
As the interior lights of the car came on, Ryan woke up almost instantly. His demeanor was tinged with annoyance from being disturbed. The next second, he turned his head and our eyes met."Is the concert over?" His expression suddenly softened, acting as if nothing had happened.As if him spending two days and nights with Jessica was just my imagination.I didn't want to pretend anymore. I was tired. "Ryan, I was there at the hospital yesterday. Ryan, I was probably standing about 10 meters away from you at that time, or maybe even closer.""I saw with my own eyes how my husband was so distracted by another woman.""I also heard you admitting in front of the nurse that you were her husband.""So when you called me yesterday, I already knew you were lying to me."I pulled the corner of my mouth and stared at him, speaking deliberately and slowly, "Oh, by the way, she's pregnant. You two are having a child, right?"With each word I said, his face became darker and darker!But t
Ryan squinted his eyes slightly, casually looking at me, lips curved. "Wanna try?"It was the same smile as usual, but I felt a chill run down my spine.It seemed like if I dared, he would snap my neck the next second."Let's give it a try."I followed the principle of not backing down.His face turned cold as frost, a sneer forming, ready to explode, when suddenly, his phone rang loudly.Jessica’s name immediately flashed through my mind.I couldn't help but marvel at how accurate a woman's sixth sense could be.It really was Jessica.Ryan furrowed his brows. He didn't pick up, and the ringtone continued to sound.If he wanted to decline the call, he had a hundred ways to do so.So obviously, he didn't want to."Ryan, where have you been? Why haven't you come back yet? The baby in my womb wants strawberry cake. Hurry up and get it for me!"The car's cramped space completely isolated us from the outside noise, and Jessica's gentle and charming voice rang clearly in my ears
"Gary, drive! Take her home," he said, then closed the car door straightaway.Gary promptly got into the car. "Mrs. Frost, my apologies."The doors were then locked.I could only watch helplessly as Ryan walked a short distance away and got into a bodyguard's car.Both cars started almost simultaneously but headed in completely different directions at the traffic light intersection.It was as if Ryan and I were never meant to walk side by side.I felt drained of all strength, slumping weakly into the seat, my mind in turmoil.Why did I bother?Wouldn’t it be better for him if I let them be?‘Ryan, what exactly do you want?’ I wondered.Gary drove, observing my expression cautiously before cautiously speaking up. "Mrs. Frost, you don't need to argue with Mr. Frost like this. After all, you are Mrs. Frost. You shouldn't worry too much about Jessica.""Gary." I rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rush in, and pursed my lips. "Do you also think that just because I have
I couldn't help but laugh.Ryan was going to take responsibility for her.What did she want from me?She should be going to Ryan.Jessica touched her belly. "You need to finalize your divorce quickly, or it'll delay getting my child registered.""Then you should go tell Ryan to hurry up."The company's headquarters had constant temperature-controlled air conditioning throughout the year. I took off my coat, hung it up, and picked up a spray bottle to water the row of plants in front of the French windows.Since Ryan refused to draw clear boundaries, I wasn't in a hurry either.I could just let Jessica make a fuss.Jessica sneered coldly. "Don't play this game of pretending to be indifferent while clinging to Ryan. I can actually understand you. Being an orphan, with no parents, grabbing onto the Frost family tree that ensures your comfort, you don't want to let go. It's human nature. But Charlotte, as a woman, you know when to feel shameful."She crossed her arms whilst laugh
They were anxious, not just because of the situation, but because they feared Zachary would go mad and go abroad with Jane. Frank glanced at their expressions and immediately understood that they were aware of Lexi's plan to send Jane abroad. "I suggest that while Zachary is looking for Jane, you should take care of the Sanchez family's matters. Otherwise, when Zachary comes back, there will be hell to pay." Jane ate the meal the waiter brought and then felt drowsy. She fell into a light sleep, and when she opened her eyes again, it was already half past nine. She remembered the things she had told the little girl before leaving and quickly grabbed her phone to call. But just then, the door was suddenly kicked open. Several adult men stormed in and grabbed her, dragging her outside. "What are you doing?" They had originally planned to reach the border, but unexpectedly, a violent storm had forced a slight course change. This delay allowed the effects of th
Lexi said, "The plane will leave traces. By then, Zachary will find you. The ship will change at the border and private sea areas. Once she changes ships, it will be hard to track." Jane remembered when Jack had taken Charlotte away before. She felt a sense of unease. After all, Lexi wasn't someone she could fully trust. "I didn't expect you to be so timid." Lexi noticed Jane's worry. "I thought someone with your background, who dared to pursue someone as different as Zachary, and even date him, would have extraordinary courage." But wasn't Jane regretting it now? Otherwise, why would she be running away? She decided not to care anymore. With a firm heart, she boarded the ship. Lexi smiled in satisfaction, but then a cold glint appeared in her eyes as she spoke to the captain. "When we reach the border, throw her into the sea and feed her to the sharks." No matter where she went, as long as Zachary wanted to find her, it was just a matter of time.
Lexi was so angry that she wanted to smash something. She got up and walked away, with each step of her high heels hitting the ground, the sound echoing her immense fury. The more difficult it was to conquer, the more determined she became to conquer it! Zachary went directly back to the Collins family home. The Collins family members were somewhat uneasy. When they saw him come back alone, they were both shocked and suspicious. "Did Lexi not come back with you?" asked Rebecca. Zachary did not respond and walked upstairs with long strides. Rebecca, along with Sir Collins and Madam Collins, exchanged gazes, all feeling something was off. It was strange that Zachary had actually returned to the Collins family. "Sean." Rebecca saw someone else entering behind him and immediately asked, "Did you follow him the whole time? Did you notice anything unusual?" Sean bent slightly, his face carrying a polite smile as he respectfully replied, "No abnormalities w
The situation between Zachary and Jane's relationship had not been made public. It was normal for the employees at the company not to know about it. Zachary did not answer when people congratulated him, and Lexi stood silently by his side, not saying anything either. But to those around them, their actions were as good as an admission.Some people even offered their congratulations, but Zachary didn't acknowledge them. He didn't go upstairs. Instead, he turned and left the building. This time, he didn't even get into Lexi's car. The smell inside the car was too overwhelming, making him dizzy.Lexi followed him, and they entered a nearby cafe. He didn't go straight to Jane's place, but Lexi knew that was just a way of hiding his true intentions. However, she wasn't concerned. After all, the Collins family would never approve of him being with Jane. She just needed to give him a bit of time to play along."Mr. Collins, aren't you going to consider my suggestion?" Lexi asked with a sli
The shock from the Collins family was too much for her. She wouldn't take the initiative, nor would she have the courage to continue with him.So what other way did he have?He'd tried both soft and hard tactics, yet this situation was still more complicated than advanced mathematics.The next day.Lexi invited Zachary out.But the Collins family hesitated.Rebecca said, "Why don't you two spend some more time getting to know each other at home first?"Lexi smiled. "Mrs. Collins, I know what you're worried about, but that woman is no longer in Jeswood."Rebecca was aware of this.After all, they had been keeping an eye on Jane's movements. They even knew where she was staying.It was surprising that Lexi had just returned a day ago, yet she had already figured it out.This kind of method and family background was exactly what the Collins family needed.It was also what Zachary needed."I've erased all traces. Even if he wants to find her today, he won't be able to, and it
The landlord nodded understandingly. "You young people do have a lot of new ideas."They chatted casually and soon reached the large square.The stage had already been set up.They had arrived early, but there were already a lot of people gathered.Jane commented, "It's quite formal."The landlord proudly replied, "This isn't just a community event, there are even celebrities."Jane became a little curious and wanted to see what celebrities were here.It turned out to be an R-list boy band, along with a few elderly artists.Well, it was still a big stage.She watched for a while, but soon lost interest. She made an excuse to go to the bathroom.Under the cover of night, she wandered around.She spotted a small shop and bought a bag of cheese-flavored chips to eat.This kind of life, she thought, couldn't last long. She hoped Zachary would hurry up and get married, so he would stop bothering her."Jane..." Jane was lost in thought when the voice startled her, almost caus
"Stop dreaming."Lexi, despite her feelings for Zachary, couldn't suppress her anger anymore."You want to marry that woman? That's nothing but wishful thinking."Zachary's gaze was icy, and every word he spoke, from his thin lips, carried a chilling frost."Her name is Jane."Lexi, at this point in her life, had never met a man who not only showed no interest in her but also repeatedly poked at her vulnerabilities."The more you protect her, the more dangerous she becomes. My offer won't change. You'll come to me eventually."With that, she turned, her heels clicking sharply as she walked toward the door."Excuse me, open the door."Sean opened the door.Lexi held her head high as she walked downstairs.Sean was about to close the door when Zachary threw the food outside.He even "thoughtfully" closed the door after that.When Rebecca saw the untouched food that Sean had brought down, she couldn't help but feel some pity."Not eating yet?"She had just praised Lexi for
Zachary didn't respond.He reached for another cigarette, preparing to light it.Lexi stretched her hand out, but he shifted his body to avoid her."You really have no taste. No wonder you were dumped."Zachary's brows lowered slightly, and he sat down on the sofa, exhaling a puff of white smoke.Lexi was very angry.But when she turned to see him sitting on the sofa, his legs casually crossed, and an air of inexplicable decadence around him, her anger faded a little.With his handsome face and indifferent demeanor, he was enough to attract attention.The thing about him was that, once someone developed feelings for him, even flaws they couldn't tolerate before would become bearable.Lexi didn't go over to snatch the cigarette from his hand.But despite liking Zachary, she still didn’t like the smell of cigarettes.Standing at the foot of the bed, she looked at him and said, "Marry me."Zachary only sneered.Lexi, unbothered, continued, "You don't want to keep being forced
But at the last two steps, Sean let go of him.He stretched his wrist, which had been twisted, and turned to go upstairs.Sean blocked the stairs with a smile. "Mr. Collins, your blind date is already here. If I drag you downstairs, you'll be embarrassed."Zachary stayed silent for a few seconds, then turned and walked down the last two steps, heading into the living room.His father wasn't there. His grandparents were seated on a two-person sofa, and Rebecca sat on the central long sofa, with three people beside her. He glanced past them without looking closely.Not wanting to sit on the single sofa, he leaned against the stairs and stood.Rebecca smiled apologetically, stood up, and dragged Zachary to sit beside a young woman."This is Lexi Sanchez, the granddaughter of your grandfather's comrade-in-arms. You two used to set off fireworks together when you were kids."Zachary didn't even look at her, replying coldly, "When we were kids, all the children in the compound set of