On the sofa, the whole family sat neatly together.He took a bite of the ice cream, spoke succinctly, and got straight to the point. “First thing, I will only marry Jane.”Sir Collins was the first to object, concerned for the family's reputation and for the ice cream.Zachary ignored him. “Second, Nina must go abroad.”Nina, sitting on the single sofa, kept her head lowered, curled up. When Zachary said this, tears fell from her eyes, looking pitiful.“Mrs. Collins, I suggested going abroad to Zachary. Please don’t blame him.”Zachary’s mother, Rebecca Collins, was confused. “You just got back. Why suddenly do you want to go abroad? You refuse to tell us what happened either. Sending you abroad before was for your studies. Now that you’ve graduated, why go abroad alone?”Nina glanced at Zachary before shaking her head. “Mrs. Collins, I know you care about me, but I want to go abroad.”“And I want to take my grandfather’s ashes with me.”Rebecca became even more perplexed. “
Madam Collins loved drinking coffee. If others knew, they would definitely think she was a gentle and easy-going old lady. Unfortunately, she was not. Coffee was just a simple hobby, it didn’t affect her judgment or decision-making on any matter. Sir Collins was the same. All members of the Collins family, including him, prioritized calmness above all else. Before he met Jane, he had indeed followed their wishes, behaving like a proper member of the Collins family. It was precisely because he knew what he wanted that he decided to be with Jane. Otherwise, when Jane distanced herself from him, he could have easily walked away and become a stranger to her. “Why don’t I just sever ties with the Collins family?” Eric slammed the table again. “I think you’ve gone mad. You can say such childish things?” “Have you digested all the teachings from these years along with your meals?” “Severing ties with the Collins family? Have you thought about it? You can’t even protect t
Charlie talked about his ex-girlfriend every day, and Frank joked about her being his "true love," but he never denied it.“Nina, tell me the truth. If you don’t tell me the truth, I won’t be able to help you,” Rebecca urged.Nina looked at Zachary and then shook her head vigorously at Rebecca. Everyone present could tell there was something deeper going on, but Nina was afraid of Zachary and didn’t dare to speak up. “Don’t look at him. Just tell your Mrs. Collins the truth so that she, along with Grandpa, Grandma, and your godfather, can understand whose fault it really is,” Rebecca insisted. Nina bit her lip, hesitating for a long while before she finally spoke. Zachary didn’t stop her, he also wanted to hear how she would recount that night’s events. “Mrs. Collins, actually, it was my fault…” She stumbled over her words. “One night, Zachary got unhappy because Miss Greenwood brought her boyfriend and drank a bit too much, and he ended up getting himself drunk.” The e
Zachary glanced at his watch, there was still some time left. He asked, “Let me hear it—what do the elders expect me to do? Marry her?” Nina’s eyes lit up with surprise, but she kept her head down, and no one noticed. Sir Collins furrowed his brows. “It’s just about taking responsibility, I’m not saying you should marry her. You still need to marry someone who can support you—someone who can help you if your career faces difficulties in the future.” Nina understood, indeed, she couldn’t hold any expectations for the Collins family. Sir Collins had brought her back merely to allow her to see him off, covering up the guilt of separating them for years and of her near-misfortune abroad. Rebecca’s kindness toward her was based on her behaving well and understanding her place, as if she were just a non-blood relative. There was no hope for anything more with Zachary. At this stage, they were merely considering the interests of the Collins family, regardless of her feelings. Sh
“Jane, Sir Collins is in the hospital.”Jane jumped out of bed, quickly washed up, got dressed, and called a taxi to the hospital.After getting out of the car, she called Charlotte. Charlotte and Frank were already at the hospital. After hanging up, she told Frank and then came downstairs to find her.Jane walked over quickly. “What happened?”Charlotte said, “He’s old and got too angry, so he fainted.”Jane bit her lip. “Is it because of me and Zachary?”Charlotte shook her head. “Not entirely. Don’t overthink it. It also has something to do with Nina. If you want to see Zachary, I’ll talk to Frank, but we need to avoid the Collins family for now. We can’t let Sir Collins know.”“They’ve locked down the news. Sir Collins’s illness can’t be spread, so I can’t take you up there for now. I’m sorry.”Firstly, it was because of Sir Collins's status.Secondly, although Charlotte was Jane's close friend, this was a private matter of the Collins family, and she had no standing to ma
“Don’t worry and don’t overthink things. You know me, I’ve always been easygoing.”Charlotte didn’t mention that if Jane really were that easygoing, she wouldn’t have gone up to the rooftop that day.“Message me when you get home.”A week later, Sir Collins was discharged from the hospital and returned home.Jane also received a message that Zachary was coming to see her.Over the past few days, they occasionally exchanged messages, mostly relayed through Charlotte.Knowing that Sir Collins was okay made her happy, so she impulsively went to the supermarket to buy some vegetables and meat, planning to cook something.She had failed before, but practice made perfect.This time, she thought she could finally cook.However, she still overestimated herself.When Zachary arrived at the door, he heard a piercing alarm.Thinking it was a gas leak, he didn’t knock and instead entered the door code Jane had given him.Once inside, he was met with thick smoke that stung his eyes.“J
He picked up the apron from the ground and put it on, starting to prepare the ingredients.When he marinated the meat, he realized there weren’t enough ingredients.He thought for a moment and decided to make something simple.Roy was very efficient in his work.When Jane opened the door and saw him, she was a bit surprised. “Are you looking for Zachary?”Roy handed her the rice. “Mr. Collins asked me to bring this.”Jane accepted it without understanding, and before she could even say thank you, Roy had already disappeared.With such impressive skills, if he had been guarding the top floor that night, she and Zachary wouldn’t have woken up to find someone else beside them.Even if the surveillance footage could be deleted, it wouldn’t escape Roy.“What are you daydreaming about?”Zachary received Roy's message and came out to check.He found her standing at the door, lost in thought, with the door still open.He walked over to close the door and took the items from her han
The large bed in the bedroom suddenly sank.The neatly arranged sheets gradually became a mess.The view outside changed from golden warm sunlight to reddish-orange sunset.The blanket was in disarray.Zachary picked up Jane and headed to the bathroom...The consequences of exercising on an empty stomach meant he had to reheat food in the middle of the night.Jane, having not eaten either, was too lazy to move even her fingers, while Zachary was full of energy.He helped Jane into her silk pajamas, tucked her in, and then quickly took a shower.Afterward, he went to the kitchen to reheat the food.He also wiped away the red wine stains on the dining table.Once everything was set, he went back to the bedroom and carried Jane out.Jane immediately stuffed a bite of food into her mouth.Finally feeling alive again.Zachary served her some soup. “Drink this first.”Jane gulped it down, feeling warmth spread in her stomach.“Slow down.”Zachary looked at her affectionately
Jane rolled her eyes at him.Zachary, however, let out a deep smile from his eyes."Have fun here. I have some things to take care of. We'll go to the banquet together tonight."Jane couldn't care less about him, waving her hand.Zachary patted her head before leaving.A young girl, smiling, teased, "You and your boyfriend have such a good relationship."Jane wanted to explain, but she didn't think it was necessary. Maybe she wouldn’t come to this place again. Even if she did, she could explain it next time.She smiled. "Could you teach me how to make the embroideries?"The girl happily agreed.Embroidery was indeed very time-consuming and mentally draining. Jane spent the whole day sitting there, embroidering, only getting up to eat or use the restroom.She learned a stitching technique and completed a small piece.When she stood up to stretch her stiff back and neck, she saw Zachary walking toward her."Did you have fun?"Jane tossed the piece of embroidery at him dismis
It was as if he could hear her thoughts. “I only said it to you.”Jane pushed him. "Go sit across from me.""Isn't it better for me to sit next to you? If I sit opposite from you, you’ll lose your appetite."Sitting next to him would only lead to more physical contact, making her even less able to eat."Just sit across from me."Zachary obeyed, standing up and moving to the opposite side. He then filled her cup with some more tea."Be careful with the tea. It’s hot. Don’t burn yourself."The breakfast they had was satisfying.Jane didn’t want to spend more time with Zachary, so she planned to talk to Dominic about intangible cultural heritage and the national trend.But Zachary directly shoved her into the car.She couldn’t escape, so she turned her back to him, ignoring him.Zachary didn’t provoke her either. He sat beside her, focused on his tablet, looking at recent work arrangements.In the front seats, Raymond and Ross exchanged glances.Ross didn’t slow down while ta
He didn’t even furrow his brows."If hitting me will make you feel better, go ahead and hit me. Just make sure I’m still alive after you’re done. That way, I’ll still be able to make arrangements for you if someone bullies you."Jane snorted coldly. "You’re the one who’s bullying me.""Well, I admit that." His gaze burned with intensity as he looked at her. "I can’t live without you."Jane sneered. "Oh, so because you can’t live without me, you bully me?""How can having sex be seen as bullying you?"‘He’s so annoying.’Jane didn’t want to talk about these ambiguous topics with him."Let go, I need to wash up."Zachary released her, but Jane, still irritated, kicked him.Zachary, however, seemed to be in a great mood.Once she finished her makeup and changed clothes, they went out to eat together.As Zachary introduced Nelana to her, Jane became more and more upset."You know so much about Nelana, you must have already arranged everything in advance. So, last night, you we
The phone was still turned off.But even though she was angry, Jane knew that Zachary wasn’t crazy enough to take someone’s life just because he was upset.She figured he just didn’t want her to contact Dominic tonight.She would call him tomorrow instead.However, when she woke up, she didn’t expect Dominic to be the one calling her first."Are you okay?"They both spoke at the same time.After saying that, both of them laughed.Dominic was still a little dazed. "Do you know what happened to me?""After I paid the bill yesterday, two tall and burly men in black suits dragged me into a car, and I passed out right away. I woke up this morning, having slept on the floor all night. My neck was sore from sleeping on the ground, and I think I might be catching a cold. Achoo—"Jane cursed Zachary inwardly.How petty! What was wrong with putting Dominic on his bed?"One of my friends is a weirdo, sorry for the trouble."Dominic sniffed. "It wasn’t too bad. By the way, is he your
Knock knock—There was a knock at the door.Zachary stood up to open it.Raymond handed him a chicken pizza.He sensed that the atmosphere wasn’t quite right and, gathering some courage, she asked, "Sir, you didn’t have anything for dinner. Should I have the hotel bring something over?"Zachary nodded and mentioned a few dishes.Raymond agreed and went to instruct the hotel.He happened to run into Ross on his way back and they chatted."I have no idea what Miss Greenwood might want. Mr. Collins doesn’t even know what he likes to eat himself, but he remembers what she likes."Ross, eating a sandwich, said, "Doesn’t Mr. Collins like roast chicken?"He remembered that when Miss Greenwood brought food to the Mr. Collins’s house last time, she had mentioned it.Raymond shot him a look. "You’re a blockhead. That’s what Miss Greenwood likes. Now, the things that Mr. Collins like are because they’re what Miss Greenwood likes."Ross blinked. "Oh."Raymond was rendered speechless.
Jane said, "This is not something you should be doing.""I caused the injury, so I should be the one to handle it.""I'll do it myself!"Zachary held her hands, "You can't see the injury, you have long nails as well. What if you hurt yourself again? I think I should apply the medicine."Jane felt helpless."Zachary, I’ll just ask you one thing, can you understand what I’m saying?""I’ve already ordered pizza. It’ll be delivered soon."‘As expected, he doesn’t understand what I said,’ thought Jane.Jane was no match for Zachary in terms of strength or words, so she ended up crying.Zachary stopped.Jane immediately broke free from his hands and sat on the other side of the bed."Do you only feel happy when you see me in pain?"Zachary pursed his lips. "No.""Then why do you insist on forcing me to do things I don't want to do? I’m a person, not some item that you can do whatever you want to.""Is that how you see me?" Zachary looked at her, his eyes darkened slightly. "I l
"I was just handling some matters, but I can't tell you. Please understand."Jane seemed to believe him and nodded. "I see."Raymond also nodded. "That's right."Jane smiled. "You were handling matters, but what about the others?""They also have their own matters to deal with.""So..." Jane’s gaze suddenly became sharp. "You all went off to work, but there's no one guarding the hotel entrance? Aren’t you worried that while he’s in bed with me, his enemies might come and kill him? After all, the bed is when a man is most vulnerable. You’re a man, so you should understand that, right?"For a moment, Raymond seemed distracted, as if he had seen his Mr. Collins casually asking him what mistake he had made.Then, with a cold tone, he would be sent off to Afrealia, just like Roy.The more you say, the more mistakes you make. He stopped explaining and simply said."Miss Greenwood, it’s not safe outside. You should stay in the hotel and wait for Mr. Collins."Jane didn’t believe the
He placed the pillow behind her waist and asked gently, "What do you want to eat? I’ll have someone prepare it."Jane glared at him and said, "Get out!"Zachary took her hand and said, "There’s a banquet tomorrow. Come with me."Jane pulled her hand back and replied coldly, "You’re really sick.""Yes, and you’re the reason I”m sick."Jane raised her hand, intending to hit him. "Get out!"Zachary grabbed her wrist and smiled.Jane felt that he was seriously ill and decided it was better to just leave.But as soon as she lifted the blanket, a cold wind blew, and she quickly pulled it back up."Turn around!"Her teeth were clenched in anger, wishing she could bite him.Zachary's gaze slid over her body. "What are you hiding?""I..."Jane covered his mouth. "Don’t be such a pervert."Zachary held her hand. "The banquet tomorrow has to do with the purpose of your trip. Are you really not going?""How do you know what I came here for?"Zachary didn’t answer, just looked at he
Annie saw the red marks on his neck as he moved.There was also a bite mark on his Adam's apple.Both marks told her of the wildness he had shared with Jane just moments ago.The thing she feared most had happened."And not even a day apart," Zachary said again, his voice was cold enough to send shivers down one’s spine.Annie met his sharp gaze, instinctively taking a step back.But then she felt it was wrong and moved forward to stand in front of him."What are you saying? I don’t understand," she said, reaching out to grab his arm.Zachary turned sideways to avoid her, and Ross immediately restrained Annie, kicking her in the knee and forcing her to kneel on the ground."Zachary!"Annie had never been so humiliated before.Since childhood, everyone had always revolved around her.She was given everything she wanted.Without speaking, people would rush to her, handing her things that were close to her heart.Zachary was no different, he had been delivered to her by her