She was beautiful enough to attract attention.I had thought that after Charlie was rejected by Jane, he wouldn't have any more thoughts about her.But at that moment, I saw his eyes shining, and his eager expression was impossible to hide.As for Zachary…He still had that usual calm demeanor, looking as if he was lost in thought."Charlotte."Hearing my name, I looked at Frank, who unexpectedly knelt on one knee to help me put on my wedding shoes. "Honey, let's go home."I placed my hand in Frank's palm, my brows and eyes curving up in a smile. "Okay."Once he received my affirmative reply, he lifted me in his arms and strode out.Upon returning to Region Gardens, he let Sparrow roll around on the wedding bed.My mom had cooked food for us, and unsurprisingly, the first bite was raw.I looked at my mom, and she winked at me. "Do you like it?"I smiled helplessly. "I can’t really say I don’t."My mom laughed. "Alright, let's move on."After finishing the wedding rituals
"Charlotte, happy wedding!"Michael raised his glass to me. Just as I lifted mine, I heard another voice calling my name.Before I could respond, a voice came from beside me. "Mrs. Smith, happy wedding!"It was Nina.Nina also knew Frank, so I wasn't surprised by her presence.Jane and Michael had been getting along well recently, so they weren't paying much attention to Zachary.At least they wouldn't cause trouble at our wedding.However, I still felt a bit worried when I caught a glimpse of Zachary's indifferent face.But since everyone was right in front of me, I raised my glass and politely responded, "Thank you."Nina took a sip of her drink and smiled at me. "Wait here, I'll help you rescue Frank. Don't let him delay your wedding night, especially since Zachary has just recovered. It can't go on like this.""Two birds with one stone," she said.I felt that her last four words were the key point.But I didn't say much, just replied, "Thank you and sorry for the troubl
Upon returning to Region Gardens, Frank led me toward the bed."It's still not dark outside!"I felt a bit shy and pushed him away with all my might.Frank held my hands down. "Today is our wedding. Everyone knows what that means..."I caught the evident desire in his eyes and couldn't help but glare at him.He continued, "Besides, Mom is in the children's room playing with the kids. No one will disturb us."I was no match for his strength and was completely under his control.I couldn't break free or stop him.Feeling embarrassed, I needed to think of a way to stall for time."Let's not discuss Jane and Zachary, but there is something we need to talk about."Frank's expression remained focused as he asked, "Mom and Jason?"I nodded.Initially, my mom had agreed, and I invited Jason to the wedding.However, upon hearing my arrangements, Jason politely declined. "We can't overshadow your wedding. Dancing and singing are fine, but your mom can take the stage to speak, I won'
He was born into such a harsh family and was an only child, bearing a tremendous responsibility.The path of his upbringing was filled with hardships.From a young age, he clearly knew what he wanted, and his personality was thus steady and aloof.At that time, even when he expressed his feelings, he remained calm and composed.However, before anything could happen, his grandfather sent her abroad.He said it was for her development, to help her learn more.In reality, he just wanted to separate her from Zachary.After years apart, everything changed as they grew up.But when she returned home and visited him in the hospital, his attitude toward her remained unchanged.Although indifferent, there was a unique gentleness about him.She thought that even his grandfather's actions wouldn't affect that.Previously, he was too young to fully control his life.Now that he had grown up, he was gradually taking over the Collins family.At that time, with power in his hands, no one
"I was more honest than you about this."Nina was not angry, her smile seemed glued to her face.Her tone remained gentle. "Tonight, let them resolve the previous misunderstanding. Tomorrow night, we can just let them have a new misunderstanding."Outside, the owner of the escape room watched the surveillance footage and said to a nearby employee, "These two are really bold. The ghost have been trying to scare them for a while, and they're still calmly chatting together."The car drove into the underground car park. Before it had even come to a complete stop, Jane was ready to open the door and get out.Zachary reached out a large hand and pressed down on her, "If you want to talk in the car, I'm here for it.""You really have issues," Jane replied coldly.The driver wisely slipped away.Zachary asked her, "Upstairs or here?"Jane lifted her leg to kick him. "Neither. I don't want to talk to you. Just breathing the same air as you makes me feel sick."Especially the faint sce
"Fine."When good words didn't work, he started to threaten her.Jane was so angry that her teeth itched. She ground her teeth and said, "There won't be any unpleasantness between them. Frank will always stand firmly by Charlotte. As soon as I tell Charlotte about your shameless behavior, Frank will surely find a way to make you unable to do anything."Zachary, however, smirked. "Just in time. I've been bored lately. Let Frank and your best friend skip their honeymoon and come to spar with me, so they can focus on serious matters."Jane felt defeated.Not defeated by Zachary, but by Frank.If Zachary really engaged Frank in a business battle, the city would be thrown into chaos.At that point, Charlotte would definitely worry.They had just gotten married, because she couldn't enjoy her life properly, she felt guilty.But she held her ground verbally. "You really are a good friend to Frank."Zachary didn't take it to heart. He brushed Jane's disheveled hair and said, "Can we
Zachary hadn't really heard her previous words. He also didn't catch the latter part clearly.Faintly, it seemed he heard the word "want."He pressed her wandering hands down and spoke again, his voice already thick with desire, "If you could just speak properly, I wouldn't have to do this."‘Oh, now it’s my fault too.’Jane took the opportunity to bite his Adam's apple.Zachary's grip on her waist tightened suddenly, causing her to gasp in pain.She unhappily said, "Let go."Zachary pulled her tighter into his embrace, resting his chin on her shoulder.It seemed like he sighed in resignation, but Jane detected a faint hint of triumph in it."If you keep this up, I'll just take it as you've forgiven me and that you like me."‘Listen to this ridiculous logic. It was no wonder his family was involved in both politics and business,’ thought Jane.After cursing him inwardly, Jane continued where he left off, "I get it now. Mr. Collins just enjoys the feeling of me chasing after
Zachary was quite surprised when she pinched his mouth shut.His usual calm and indifferent demeanor was nowhere to be seen.Jane held his mouth tightly, looking at him coldly. "Mr. Collins, you may have power and influence, but if you continue to harass me, then a person who has nothing to lose won’t be afraid of anything. Even if it costs me my life, I will make you pay the price."This was not what Zachary wanted.Hearing her say she liked someone else caused a fire to surge in his chest, wildly crashing around.He couldn't control himself.At that moment, he had only one thought and that was to silence her irritating mouth.Now that he had calmed down a bit, he recalled the hurtful things he had said earlier.At that time, Jane probably wanted to sew his mouth shut."I've let you scold me," he said, removing her hand from his mouth. "Aren't you done venting your anger? Tell me what would make you feel better?”Jane's expression was indifferent. "I already told you, didn’t
Jordan hadn't decided yet. "Do you have any particular places you'd like to visit?"Jane said, "Then let's go shopping."She turned to Charlotte. "Can you walk?""I’m fine. If we get tired, we can find a place to sit and rest."Jane then looked at Whitney and asked if she wanted to go.Whitney nodded.The four girls made a quick decision and set off.Ross was eating an apple when he saw them coming out together. He immediately asked, "Mrs. Collins, where are you going? Do you need me to give you a lift?"Jane looked at the car behind him and noticed there were no other cars."Take us to the biggest shopping center.""Okay."The MPV was large, and with just Ross as the driver, it was more than enough for the four of them to sit comfortably."Ma’am, there are yogurts and snacks next to you, all your favorites."Jane glanced at it and said, "Remember to tell Zachary that it’s too late to apologize after making a mistake."Ross would only repeat the exact words to Zachary, an
Ross agreed and turned to leave.Jane kicked the door open with her foot, then stepped onto the balcony, and Whitney quickly came to help.After setting the breakfast down, she noticed something was wrong.Jane and Charlotte exchanged a glance.Jane asked in confusion, "Why are there things in here that neither Charlotte nor I like to eat?""It seems that Zachary and Frank were a bit careless."Whitney quickly said, "I can eat what you don't like."She wasn't picky about food, it was just that she used to not have enough to eat, so she had always eaten less and stayed thin.Jane hadn't heard Ross mention that Caleb had come.She said, "Don't you think Caleb specifically bought this for you?"Whitney was puzzled.Charlotte pointed and said, "The things we like to eat were all prepared by Frank and Zachary. They wouldn't purposely prepare things we don't eat. So, what do you think the extra food is for?"Whitney was momentarily stunned.She thought it was because Jane had or
Whitney washed up and went straight to bed.She didn't have the habit of playing on her phone before bed.Before coming to Nelana, all her work had been handed over.If something urgent came up, someone would call her.So she didn't check her phone, and thus missed Caleb's message.Caleb was on the hotel balcony, with his phone placed on the small coffee table.He held a glass of wine, swaying it absentmindedly.His gaze, however, remained fixed on the phone.But even when it got to dawn, there was no reply from Whitney.The man curved his lips slightly and lit a cigarette.He leaned against the balcony railing, waiting for the sun to rise.Whitney woke up in the morning, went to wash up, and after she finished, took a book from her luggage and went to sit on the swing on the balcony to read.As she passed the kitchen, she made herself a cup of coffee.She didn't like to move much, most of her time was spent on improving herself.She tried to learn as much as possible.S
Westley didn't say anything either.Zachary and Frank were a team, he was no match for them in an argument.His relationship with Caleb wasn't that close, so it was impossible for the latter to help him."They're having barbecue for lunch," said Frank, locking his phone. "They just ordered the ingredients."Jordan found two power strips and moved the pot to the balcony."Good thing we have these, otherwise, we wouldn't be able to eat.""Why do you have so many pots left in this house?" asked Whitney."I lived here for a while before," Jordan placed the plates and cutlery down. "I also feel like leaving these things here makes it seem like Grandpa is still around."Whitney apologized.Jordan smiled and reassured her, "It's fine. No need to apologize. From now on, we're good friends."Whitney nodded and smiled in agreement, "Alright.""By the way, Jordan.""What's up, Jane?"Jane said, "Both Zachary and Frank have booked hotels, so they don’t to stay here. It can't fit them
Jordan and Whitney chatted casually.Most of the time, it was Jordan doing the talking while Whitney listened.After covering enough about the wedding, they talked about Jordan's work over the past few years.She also mentioned the tangled feelings and past with Westley.When she got to that part, she grew a little curious. "Whitney, before you married Caleb, did you ever like anyone?"Whitney shook her head."What about a secret crush?""Not even that."Whitney rarely talked to others about her past.Zachary only knew because he had looked into her and thought she was perfectly suited to be a pawn.And she had needed to become that pawn—to completely sever ties with her past, achieve her goals, and fulfill her ambitions."I was too busy studying and working to think about anything else."Jordan sensed she didn't want to go further, so she didn't press.Just then, Jane called, saying she and Charlotte would arrive soon and join them for lunch.She relayed the message to W
"We had a meal together before, and I noticed you always seemed to like sweet dishes, so I tried buying some. I was worried it might not suit your taste.""It does, it does." Jordan took a bite of the pudding. "It's delicious. But did you buy anything you like to eat?"Whitney said, "I already had breakfast. I can't eat anymore."Jordan offered a suggestion, "Why not try a bite of this sponge cake? It's a specialty here in Nelana."Whitney really couldn't eat any more. She had a small appetite, a condition built up over the years.If she ate a full meal, she couldn't eat snacks afterward. And if she ate snacks, she would lose her appetite for meals.She had a small stomach.But seeing Jordan looking at her so expectantly, she still picked up a piece of sponge cake and took a bite."It's very good."Jordan smiled and took a big bite of the sponge cake herself."Whitney, you're so good at picking food! This is great!"The old house was a bit remote, but it had a rooftop terrac
Jordan said Whitney would be coming over later.Westley hadn't expected that the first one to get out of bed would actually be Whitney."Just the two of you?" he asked."For now, yes."Jordan glanced at her phone. In the group chat, it was just her and Whitney talking—no response yet from Jane or Charlotte.She more or less knew why Jane hadn't responded, but Charlotte too?Still, it didn't really matter. There weren't any specific plans for today anyway.She hadn't known Whitney was coming, so it was a nice surprise."Maybe my sister will text me around noon. We can decide what to do then.""You." She pointed at Westley. "You are not allowed to show up in front of me again after breakfast."Westley nodded. "Got it."After buying food, Whitney told Caleb, "I'm going to find Jordan. You can go handle your stuff. I'll be staying at her place until the wedding."Caleb leaned against the elevator wall, his voice low and lazy. "You're telling me what to do?"Whitney wasn't in a
She replied with an emoji, then looked for her girls in the group chat to ask them out for food.Their group chat had a new member now—Whitney.And it was Whitney who replied to her."I'm already eating at the hotel. Do you want to come over, or should I bring something to you later?"Whitney had actually had a good night's sleep.Though it was a bit later than her usual habit, she still managed to get up for breakfast.Before, it was always Caleb who brought breakfast to the bedside and fed her, because she simply couldn't get out of bed.Jordan figured she was probably having breakfast with Caleb and decided not to bother her."No need, I'll just eat something nearby. Your hotel isn't close to me."Whitney replied. "I'm heading over later anyway, but I'll probably be a bit late. If you're hungry, go ahead and eat something first. I'll bring you something else."Jordan. "Thanks."Whitney. "No problem."Caleb noticed her holding her phone, her expression much softer, even t
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