"So afraid that I'll regret it?" His voice was muffled. "But I'm more afraid that you'll treat me like a stranger."The surroundings were cold, but his embrace felt just as warm as it did in the past.His words left me stunned.By the time I collected my thoughts, he had already opened the car door for me. After I got in, he turned away without looking back.Through the rain curtain, I glimpsed his upright figure, soaked halfway through.It felt like a thousand ants were gnawing at my heart, leaving it emptier and emptier.So, this was how easy it was to end a marriage.Just half an hour at the Civil Affairs Bureau, submitting documents, signing papers.One month later, another visit, both parties were still in agreement, and we received our divorce certificates.And just like that, everything was cut off.The days of sharing a bed and pillow, of mutual support, seemed like nothing more than a dream.Of course, this all hinged on whether Ryan would keep his word.When I ret
Albert urgently spoke, "Mrs. Frost! Please come back quickly. Grandpa is furious and wants to beat Mr. Frost. Only you can talk him out of it.""What?" Just hearing the first half of the sentence, I sprang up, grabbed a coat, and headed out.It wasn't so much about worrying for Ryan.Although Grandpa had more than one grandson besides Ryan, he cared for him the most. Even if he were to lay hands on him, there would be degrees of severity, and it wouldn't be life-threatening. But Grandpa's health was important, and it was best not to upset him unnecessarily. Unless absolutely necessary, Albert wouldn't be this anxious.Albert said, "You'll see when you get back!"Regardless of my thoughts, when I arrived at the Frost family's residence, I was still stunned.In the study, Ryan, who had once been dignified and composed, was now kneeling on the floor, unable to straighten up from the beating. His forehead was throbbing with veins, and he could only support himself on the edge of th
Although I hadn't considered continuing this marriage with Ryan.Hearing Grandpa's resolute defense, my heart warmed.Ryan pursed his lips. "I have disappointed Charlotte, but I never intended to marry another.""Never intended? If you never intended, why did Charlotte divorce you? Wasn't it because you completely broke her heart?" Grandpa didn't believe a single word.Supporting himself on the edge of the ebony table, Ryan slowly stood up. "I truly never intended to. But I can't ignore Jessica either, especially since she's pregnant.""You're quite the humanitarian!" Grandpa threw a teacup at him.He didn't dodge it, taking the hit squarely on his forehead, which soon began to bleed. Despite this, his expression remained unchanged as he earnestly said, "I promised Aunt Wen that I would take care of her.""What about Charlotte? There are strong rumors in the company that you brought Jessica closer, making everyone see Charlotte as the homewrecker. Do you think that's fair to her
Although we didn't usually live here, the housekeeping staff kept everything immaculate, with not a speck of dust in sight. Even the bedsheets and covers were changed every three days. There was a vintage-style wedding photo hanging on the bedside, touched up by a top-notch editor without a trace of Photoshop.When Ryan sat on the bed, I attempted to withdraw my wrist again, but he held on tight, furrowing his brow. "You won't even help me apply medicine before the divorce is finalized?""I'll get the first aid kit. What else would I use to wipe it for you?"Helpless, I had to compromise. Only then did he let go, relaxing his grip. "Go ahead."I found the first aid kit in the drawer, took out the iodine and ointment, and walked over to him, standing in front of him. The wound on his forehead was shocking, and I gently lowered my head, one hand supporting the back of his head, the other wiping away the blood stains.Grandpa had really laid into him; as soon as I wiped away the bloo
My heart skipped a beat.In an instant, an indescribable discomfort overwhelmed me. This ring—it was our wedding ring. Back when we got married, he might not have cared much, but Grandpa spared no expense for his granddaughter-in-law. A million dollars in wedding gifts, a luxury wedding house, and wedding rings custom-made by a top-tier jewelry designer. Later, the dowry went to my aunt to repay her for raising me. There was no place for me in the marital home. The only thing left to accompany me daily was this ring.When we first married, I joyfully wore it on my ring finger. Upon learning that I was also working at the Frost Group, Ryan immediately advised me to keep a low profile. That very day, I took it off and wore it around my neck on a delicate chain. I wore it like that for three whole years.Something that once brought me joy had now become a silent mockery. To Ryan, this ring and I were both unwelcome. I chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I just forgot to take it off."Indeed
I smiled faintly. "As long as you're not like that, it's fine."A hint of hurt flashed across his expression. "Am I really that bad in your eyes?""It could be worse. Those who abuse, do drugs, gamble—they're much worse than you.""Charlotte," he said, his face darkening. Just as he was about to speak, there was a knock on the door.Accompanied by Jessica's clear voice, "Ryan, I'm coming in."Before anyone could respond, the door clicked open and she walked in."Ryan, I'm here to help you with..."Her voice trailed off as soon as she saw me, her smile freezing on her face.I spoke calmly, "I'll leave first.""Charlotte."Jessica spoke with an air of cordiality, "Since we're getting divorced, we should maintain that appearance. Don't misunderstand, I'm just worried that malicious gossip might tarnish your reputation.""You're announcing our divorce personally before the state even issues us the divorce certificate?"I couldn't resist adding casually, "My reputation, no matte
Grandpa saw through me, and I nodded without hesitation. "Yes."He raised his hand, gesturing for Albert to bring something over—a yellowed medical record.As I took it and glanced at it, my heart felt like it was gripped tightly by an invisible hand.Ryan's childhood.Years spent with a psychologist...I looked up awkwardly, completely unable to believe this.That such a prodigy would be a regular visitor to the psychiatrist.It made sense, though.Born motherless, a father consumed by another woman, turning the household upside down, only doting on his stepdaughter.Psychological issues.It was all too normal."Over these years, I've wondered whether to tell him or not."Grandpa sighed, his eyes full of experience, "But someday, he will find out regardless. You can't hide it from him forever."Leaving the Frost family's old mansion with mixed emotions, on the way back, my right eyelid kept twitching.Normally, I didn't believe in these things, but today my chest felt ti
"Where's Jessica?" I avoided his gesture, choking out the question.Grandpa had the incident with Jessica, so why wasn't she here?Before I could finish, the sound of high heels hitting the corridor floor interrupted me. Jessica hurried over, her face pale with panic. "Ryan, is Grandpa okay? I'm sorry, it's hard to get a cab from the old mansion. I was delayed..."I cut her off sharply, "Why did Grandpa suddenly collapse?"A flicker of nervousness passed over Jessica's face, then she said, "I-I don't know. He just couldn't breathe suddenly and then passed out.""Just like that? You didn't say or do anything?" I didn't believe her.These past two years, Grandpa has been in good health, regularly getting check-ups. Even when he was so angry with Ryan, nothing happened, so it was impossible for him to fall ill for no reason."What are you implying? Charlotte, do you suspect I made Grandpa sick out of anger?"Jessica looked lost for words, suddenly clutching her stomach in pain, ca
She just wanted to escape from this place and hide somewhere safe.Because of this, the familiar light pear blossom fragrance on Westley's body made her neither push him away nor leave his embrace.In fact, she even held onto him a little tighter.Sensing her reliance on him, Westley held her even closer, as if he wanted to merge her into his very bones.They were almost at the car when the younger man rushed forward to block their way.Westley's cold, piercing gaze fell on the younger man's ankle.He immediately realized that this scumbag had been faking his injury."Buck," he said.Buck appeared instantly and pinned the younger man to the ground.The younger man, however, was unbothered. "There's no way Westley would appear in a place like this. And dressed so casually? You couldn't possibly be the famous head of the Howard family. Trying to impose as Westley? You've reached the end of your rope."When Westley was in a good mood, he might have humored a fool like this.But
It was the 21st century, yet there were still such retards around.This was the first time she had encountered someone blatantly staging an accident.And, if she wasn't mistaken, the person in front of her was the leader of this boy band.Some people's voices were naturally gifted—either deep and resonant or low and attractive.It was difficult for others to imitate.Take Westley, for example.His rich, mellow voice had been honed through years of practicing a London accent.It also had something to do with the experiences he had accumulated over the years.When she was younger, it was hard not to be drawn to Westley.Because of this, she never liked younger men.Especially those who hit every one of her triggers."You're quite bold. You've shown me the diversity of species. Are you trying to rip me off? Dream on." Jordan pointed to her shoulder. "A camera. I recorded everything you just did. If you don't want to lose your fanbase, you'd better get lost right now."The youn
The woman knew very well what would happen to her best friend.She wasn't saying these things to defend her friend, though.She had never liked Jordan.Not only was she jealous of Jordan's protection from Oliver, but now, Jordan had also become the famous Mrs. Howard.Why should Jordan, just because she was a little prettier, get such preferential treatment?She had known Oliver first and had liked him for a long time.But the moment Jordan appeared, she received all of Oliver's affection.How could she accept that?But she couldn't afford to offend the Howard family.After throwing out a few insults, she left.Jasmine was rendered speechless. "Who does she think she is?"Jordan didn't waste her time with people like this.To her, they were just driven by jealousy.They were timid, and it was easy to dismiss them.But Westley, now that was truly giving her a headache.Now, almost everyone knew about her marriage to Westley.It was so annoying.Jasmine thought Jordan ha
The staff couldn't give up.This was an order from the Howard family. If she couldn't convince Mrs. Howard to get into first class, her job would be on the line."Sorry, this cannot be refunded. But if you insist on sitting in economy, you can do so at the price of a first-class ticket. It's up to you."Although it wasn't her money, it still felt wasteful.Someone like Westley, who had no shortage of money, wouldn't understand how difficult it was to earn money."Alright, let's go."Jasmine was much more excited than Jordan."Ms. Hickey, this is my first time in first class! When I first saw your work, I loved it, and now, I can be your assistant. I will definitely do my best!"Jordan was troubled and didn't feel like talking much."I'll sleep for a while. Wake me up when we arrive.""Okay."Jasmine had a feeling that the upgrade was done by Westley.She had seen his watch—a limited edition, priceless. It could buy a luxury apartment.He seemed like an employee, but in rea
She became more and more agitated.Her face and neck turned red with anger.Tears began to fall uncontrollably as her emotional distress took over.She wiped her face forcefully and then motioned for him to leave.Westley handed her a piece of tissue, but Jordan didn't take it."Leave."Westley's lips pressed together slightly, and his deep voice carried a strong tone of apology."I acknowledge all the mistakes I've made, all the things I've said. I know that the harm I've caused you can't be fixed in a day, but Jordy, you can hit me, curse me, order me to work like a servant, but asking me to give up on you, that’s something I can't do."Jordan opened the door. Though she didn't say anything, her intention for him to leave was clear.Westley stood in front of her. "The interviewees weren't as good as me. I won't accept you rejecting me because of our personal relationship. I'm starting work now."Jordan couldn't help but laugh angrily. "Westley, do you look like an assistant
"You can't reject me just without even giving me a chance to interview. And I don't accept your reason for rejection, you don’t even know what I’m good at."What professionalism did he have?Westley couldn't even tell the model of a camera.He had received elite education since childhood, and even in his personal life, he never engaged with these entertainment fields.Jordan didn't want to waste time.Even if, hypothetically, she did interview him, what would come of it? Was she really going to keep him as an assistant just because he did a little preparation?"You can leave. It's my studio, and I have the right to decide who I interview and who I don't."Westley just sat down at the door.When the next interviewee arrived, he would tell them that the studio owner didn’t care about what they were good at.He warned them not to waste their time.Jordan pushed him away and led the interviewee inside.Westley stood up and followed her."I've already turned you down, sir. Pleas
After a moment of silence.Oliver signed the resignation letter that she handed over."If you're unhappy in the future, you can still come back.""Jordy, don't feel pressured."Jordan nodded, said nothing, and turned to leave.Since she had decided to open a studio, she immediately started making arrangements.In the end, she chose Nelana as the location.After this trip, she suddenly felt that avoiding Westley all the time was rather pointless.She hadn't done anything wrong, so why was it always her who had to wander around?Even coming back to see her grandfather had to be done cautiously.In the future, she would stay in Nelana, so she could visit her grandfather’s grave more often.She tidied up the old house that her grandfather had left her.The photography studio was opened in a small alley.Over the years, she had gained some fame, so there was no need to set up shop in a busy district to attract business.The studio's name was simple “J”.After tidying up alone
She was still shocked by the fact that he had slept with Diana, and then came another gossip."Whose child is it?""Felix's."Jane couldn't help but clap her hands. "What a drama."Roy said, "Mr. Frost isn't someone who can be easily set up. He might have known exactly what happened that night with that woman. Doing this was probably to put someone's mind at ease."This someone was surely Frank.That was Jane’s guess.The next second, Roy answered, "That way, the person won't keep holding onto the past, and Mrs. Smith can live in peace."He was still thinking of Charlotte.Jane finished the last of her chicken and drank the coke.She leaned back in her chair, habitually patting her little belly.Zachary quickly stopped her with a swift move."It's not because you ate too much and your stomach temporarily bloated, it's the baby."Jane occasionally forgot she was pregnant, mainly because the early morning sickness was replaced by Zachary.With the help of Tanner's medicine,
Zachary helped her into the car and asked what she wanted to eat.Jane blinked at him wildly.He understood.Nothing was better than gossiping and eating.Zachary had someone ask around."They'll definitely get you the latest and most authentic gossip. Now, let's fill your stomach with real food first."Jane leaned closer to him, resting her chin on his shoulder, and kissed his firm jaw.Zachary sighed. "No junk food."Jane replied, "But I really want to eat fried chicken."Zachary couldn't tolerate the greasy smell.Due to his stomach issues, he couldn't eat much, so he never paid attention to it.His sense of smell was more sensitive than those who were constantly around such strange smells.Moreover, junk food was bad for both her and the baby.There was no need for it."Anything you say today won't work."Jane knew how Zachary was going to react. "You don't have to be with me. I'll go eat it myself. I must eat it, otherwise, I'll be in a bad mood, and the baby will f