‘Come on,’ Roy muttered to himself. ‘When have you ever cared for strangers? You don't even bother with people you know. You clearly care, yet your words are so harsh.’"Whether it's someone else or you, whether you're just passing by or whatever, the fact is, you saved me this time, and I should stay and take care of you."Zachary didn't even glance at her. He just curved the corner of his lips in a faint, mocking smile."You don't want to take advantage of this opportunity to rekindle our relationship, do you? Sorry, I don't do that."Roy wanted to sew Zachary's mouth shut.He was aloof when he needed to speak, yet chatty when he shouldn't.Jane didn't back down because of his words."Mr. Collins, you're overthinking things. I don't do such things either. I'm only taking care of you because you got hurt saving me."Zachary wanted to dismiss her, but then he heard her imply something. "Could it be that Mr. Collins is afraid that my charm might attract you again?"Jane stayed,
Jane really didn't want to leave him alone in the hospital, even though he had so many reliable people around him. "I still want to stay." Charlotte didn't say anything more. "Once he's discharged, I'll help you move." During this time, she had bought some things for the place. Jane nodded and smiled. "Okay." Between good friends, they knew what each other was thinking. They understood each other. Charlotte and Frank didn't stay long. They left the food for them and then left together. No matter what happened in the future, both of them instinctively wanted to give the couple some space. Zachary was staying in a VIP ward. After Roy delivered the toiletries, Zachary instructed him to bring in a bed. Jane said she was fine with sleeping on the sofa. Roy glanced at the large hospital bed that could comfortably fit two people. He said, "Mr. Collins, medical resources are tight. Let's make do with one bed for a few days." "Let's give the bed to those w
Jane couldn't sit on the bed, so she sat on the nearby chair.But the angle was a bit awkward, and before she realized it, she was half-lying on the bed.What she didn't know was that while she was engrossed in watching the movie, someone had been watching her the whole time.Her back stiffened a bit, so Jane stretched and turned her head to speak to the man.She realized he had already turned his back and lay down.She didn't disturb him, instead, she quietly pulled the blanket over him, carefully avoiding the burned areas.Then she went to lie down on the sofa and chatted with Charlotte for a bit.She also glanced at some New Year clothing designs.When sleepiness began to hit, she got up first to check on Zachary, making sure he was sleeping soundly.But just as she was about to turn around, she noticed something was wrong."Does it hurt?"Zachary didn't respond.Jane went to find a nurse to ask about pain relief methods.Then, she returned with some ointment, knelt beh
Rebecca stayed in place for a long time, her gaze heavy, before finally leaving.When she arrived home, Eric was just heading out. He asked, "Where did you go?"Rebecca explained about Zachary's injury, as well as the things he had said.Eric's face darkened. "Do you think Zachary hasn't truly given up on Jane?"Rebecca nodded. "That's the impression I got."She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you think we should..."Eric waved his hand. "Let's wait and see. No need to act yet."Rebecca was a bit worried. "He's about to go back to work soon. After the birthday, the position of power will be handed to him. By then, it might be too late."Eric replied, "Let's wait until after the New Year."Jane woke up and found herself in bed.She hurriedly checked on Zachary, but he was nowhere to be found in the bed.She got out of bed and saw Zachary coming out of the bathroom.He had changed out of the hospital gown and was now dressed in a neatly pressed shirt and trousers.Sh
He scratched his nose. ‘So pretentious.’ Jane returned to Region Gardens to pack her things and move back to her own little place. Charlotte noticed that she looked dispirited and asked, "Did Zachary bully you?" Jane shook her head. "It's my fault. Even though he took the hit for me, I feel bad and want to take care of him, but I forgot that it was me who insisted on breaking up. I said so many hurtful things, forcing him to stop bothering me. So, I should have done what you said and just paid for the medical expenses, no need to personally take care of him." Charlotte smiled. "Listening to you speak, you sound like you're full of resentment." Jane sighed. "Exes should be treated as though they're dead. He saved me, but I should treat him like a stranger, like a living saint, just pay the medical fees and offer compensation, not insist on taking care of him." "What if he's out on a blind date with some young lady? That would be a misunderstanding, which would be
Then, he earned four disapproving glares from the girls. Frank stood under the intense gaze of the four girls, who seemed ready to tear him apart. He placed the snowman's head back on, and even found a knitted hat to put on it. He reached out and picked up Sparrow, only for her to slap him in the face. Frank cocked his brows and smiled. "Alright, you're not happy, so you hit people. You're starting to look more and more like your dad." Jane gave Charlotte a look. Charlotte helplessly rubbed her forehead. She couldn't compete with genetics. On New Year's Eve, Jane tidied up her little place and did some decluttering. She had dinner at Charlotte's, and after clearing out the fridge, she organized everything properly. She turned off the power, water, and gas at home, locked the door, and headed to Region Gardens. On the way, she bought some gifts and clothes and toys for Sparrow. Julie had gone home for the holiday. The New Year's Eve dinner at home
She let her watch as they set off the fireworks. Frank stood by, lighting a large firework. In an instant, the night sky was illuminated. Under the dazzling fireworks, the four girls laughed joyfully. Frank glanced at the black car hidden in the night not far away. The back window of the black car was fully rolled down, and a wisp of white smoke dissipated in the wind. The sound of the wind seemed to carry the man's slightly low but magnetic and pleasant voice. "Jane, Happy New Year." After the New Year, Jane and Charlotte threw themselves into work. Yasmin and Jason decided to take their wedding photos in St. Penalow. At the same time, Zachary got up at nine every morning and worked until five in the evening. But he never really left work at five, always attending drinking sessions. One time, Rebecca happened to catch him leaving a drinking party, being supported by Ross to the car. His hand was pressed against his stomach, clearly showing that h
Eric pondered for a moment. "Then, in early next month, during Zachary's birthday, we'll invite the Greyson family over. At that time, we'll announce the engagement directly." Rebecca was worried. "After what happened with the Sanchez family last time, I think it's better to give him a little more time." Eric replied, "How much time have we given him already? It's no use, we should be more direct." "Then, if we force him too much, Zachary will..." "After his birthday, the position of the head of the Collins family will be passed to him. Are we just going to stand by and watch him marry that woman?" That was definitely not the outcome Rebecca wanted to see. But the alternative wasn't something she was eager to see either. "Let's have them meet at the birthday party first, but don't announce the engagement. If anyone asks, just give a vague answer." "After the birthday, Zachary will need to go on a business trip to Nelana for a while. Let the Greyson family's d
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