Ethan POVIn the hospital room, Hailey was quietly sleeping. The sunlight streaming through the blinds cast a serene and beautiful glow on her face.Shifting my gaze back to the hallway, I saw a stern, formally dressed man. His suit was immaculate, and the light in his eyes as he adjusted his glasses was one I despised.I wanted to turn and walk away, but I couldn't. I had to deal with this man, Duncan, to solve this mess for Hailey.This was going to be a serious conversation. I could feel the tension in the air, each word cautiously released from our mouths."Your numerous private actions have caused unnecessary complications when I'm handling matters for Mr. Edward," Duncan said in a businesslike tone. "I need to have an open and honest conversation with you.""I thought it would be Edward or Uncle Tommy giving me trouble," I muttered.He nodded. "It was supposed to be them, but Hailey persuaded them otherwise. She believes in you, which I've always opposed."That was one of
Hailey POVWhen I woke up, the symptoms I had previously overcome began to resurface. My head was buzzing, and the dizziness made me want to vomit several times.I couldn't take on too much burden. The doctors had warned me repeatedly.My vision was a bit blurry, but I knew I had to see Edward. I remembered trying to calm Edward's anger toward Ethan. I wasn't sure if Edward's emotions had eased because as soon as I tried to say a few words, I passed out...Edward must be very worried about me. I took a deep breath, propping up my weak body, and slowly made my way to Edward's room.As I approached the room, I heard voices inside."We've located Leo." Ethan's steady voice carried through the room, and for a moment, I almost mistook him for Duncan discussing work."I still find it hard to believe." Edward's voice followed. He did not participate in the discussion of Leo. Instead, he focused entirely on Ethan. "Who would have thought? When you came to America from Idalia as a child,
The arrival of the police made Leo even more unstable. I wasn't sure if he realized what he was doing, as his expression was like that of a sleepwalker, yet his hand was getting closer to Elisa.Elisa's neck was nicked by Leo's knife, and blood trickled down her neck. Screams immediately shattered the tranquility of the night, echoing in the empty warehouse.Her clothes were disheveled, her face full of fear, her eyes panicked and helpless, her body trembling uncontrollably from extreme terror. Ethan took this opportunity to pull me out of the warehouse, where we met the police who were ready to spring into action.At that moment, my judgment was to leave the matter temporarily to the police. I thought it was a reasonable decision. Leo had cornered himself, and his evidence of guilt didn't even need me to have Duncan send it to the court. The police had already arrived, and the prosecutors would be eager to take action.If things went smoothly, Leo would vanish like a boiling table
Hailey POVThe facts I could ascertain were these. Ethan and Elisa had no secret connections, nor was there any evidence of Ethan's instigation toward Elisa.When I created a distraction for Leo, Elisa sensed a certain signal from Ethan.It was hard to describe specifically, but it was a certain characteristic of Ethan's. Those who fell into his gaze were in a state of relaxed intoxication, unable to resist entrusting all important decisions to him. When he nodded, it was the right decision. Even without a nod, his silent consent was the greatest affirmation.I could not criticize Ethan for suggesting Elisa take a fatal step. He did it for me.There were all kinds of protectors in the world. Lily would support and encourage me with her soft heart, and Duncan, being considerate and gentlemanly, always found the best solution to problems, ending everything within the stipulated time.What about Ethan?He was a silent executioner, and those subtle clues had long revealed everything
When I received the hospital notification, even though Ethan would be back soon, I couldn't wait and called Ethan."Hey, sweetheart. I need your help," not only did I hear Ethan's of course, but also a loud howling of the wind, and I faintly heard the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. But every road from home to Lily's house was not coastal.Hesitating for a moment, I stammered, "Are you busy? Maybe I haven't disturbed your important matters."Ethan answered almost without thinking. "You are the only important matter, sweetheart. I can't think of anything more important than you."I heard a very soft sorry, guessing Ethan was covering the phone when he said it. Within a few seconds, there was a muffled sound of a car door closing, and the sound on the phone became clear and clean. Ethan said, "I ran into Nicola. He's with a few Idalian friends.""What's going on?""Nothing, I guess. Back to the point, sweetheart, do you need help?""Uh..."During the fifteen minutes Et
Three days of relentless work didn't spare me from the surgeries that followed, but I reached out to my boss, seeking a break to head home early. Tomorrow was Valentine's Day, and I needed to carve out time to pick out a special gift for my husband.Seeing me choose a men's watch valued at around thirty thousand dollars, the saleswoman quipped, "Oh, you must love your boyfriend very much. I can tell.""Actually, I'm buying a watch for my husband. We've been married for two years," I corrected with a smile.Surprised, the saleswoman remarked, "You look so young."Grateful for the comment, I swiftly made my way home with the elegantly wrapped present. Driving back, I couldn't resist stealing glances at the gift box, envisioning Leo's reaction. Perhaps this time, his excitement would shine through, setting the stage for a romantic evening.Leo had been distant for months, likely due to my demanding job. Despite the lack of affection, his support and k
Leo lounged on the couch. "You're back early today," he remarked."If that red car hadn't snagged my spot, I'd have been home even sooner. Had to sort that out first," I grumbled, mentioning Elisa's car.Leo's eyes narrowed a bit, and he stuttered, "Probably just someone who parked in the wrong place.""It'd be nice if they thought about that," I said, searching through my bag. I pulled out a wrapped watch, and despite Leo's hopeful gaze, I tossed it in the trash.His face froze. "What did you throw away, Babe?""Some garbage," I said curtly."What is it?" he pressed."I said, some garbage," I replied firmly.Leo sat up, his expression turning cold. "Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and you're pitching a fit now?""You smell like you just had sex with a prostitute, you know?" I asked."Are you crazy?" he yelled, leaping to his feet. Pointing at me with a ringed finger, he shouted, "Hailey, how dare you talk to me like
The man's actions caused me to be in a panic. I tried to take my phone back, but he placed a finger on my lips, signaling for me to remain quiet."Hello?" His voice was deep and calm when he answered the call"She's not convenient to take the call at the moment. You can just tell me what you want to talk to her about," the man said calmly. He sounded like he was provoking the person on the other end of the line.I quickly pounced towards him and didn't even care if I looked like I was throwing myself into his arms. He was way taller than me, and since I couldn't take my phone back, I tried to cover his mouth and signal him not to say anything else.The soft and wet touch from my palm allowed me to feel that the man was smiling. He wasn't holding back at all. He tilted his head and kissed my hand gentlemanly.I was taken aback by what he was doing.Then, he bent down. I was already in his arms, so we were even closer. If someone looked at us,
When I received the hospital notification, even though Ethan would be back soon, I couldn't wait and called Ethan."Hey, sweetheart. I need your help," not only did I hear Ethan's of course, but also a loud howling of the wind, and I faintly heard the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. But every road from home to Lily's house was not coastal.Hesitating for a moment, I stammered, "Are you busy? Maybe I haven't disturbed your important matters."Ethan answered almost without thinking. "You are the only important matter, sweetheart. I can't think of anything more important than you."I heard a very soft sorry, guessing Ethan was covering the phone when he said it. Within a few seconds, there was a muffled sound of a car door closing, and the sound on the phone became clear and clean. Ethan said, "I ran into Nicola. He's with a few Idalian friends.""What's going on?""Nothing, I guess. Back to the point, sweetheart, do you need help?""Uh..."During the fifteen minutes Et
Hailey POVThe facts I could ascertain were these. Ethan and Elisa had no secret connections, nor was there any evidence of Ethan's instigation toward Elisa.When I created a distraction for Leo, Elisa sensed a certain signal from Ethan.It was hard to describe specifically, but it was a certain characteristic of Ethan's. Those who fell into his gaze were in a state of relaxed intoxication, unable to resist entrusting all important decisions to him. When he nodded, it was the right decision. Even without a nod, his silent consent was the greatest affirmation.I could not criticize Ethan for suggesting Elisa take a fatal step. He did it for me.There were all kinds of protectors in the world. Lily would support and encourage me with her soft heart, and Duncan, being considerate and gentlemanly, always found the best solution to problems, ending everything within the stipulated time.What about Ethan?He was a silent executioner, and those subtle clues had long revealed everything
The arrival of the police made Leo even more unstable. I wasn't sure if he realized what he was doing, as his expression was like that of a sleepwalker, yet his hand was getting closer to Elisa.Elisa's neck was nicked by Leo's knife, and blood trickled down her neck. Screams immediately shattered the tranquility of the night, echoing in the empty warehouse.Her clothes were disheveled, her face full of fear, her eyes panicked and helpless, her body trembling uncontrollably from extreme terror. Ethan took this opportunity to pull me out of the warehouse, where we met the police who were ready to spring into action.At that moment, my judgment was to leave the matter temporarily to the police. I thought it was a reasonable decision. Leo had cornered himself, and his evidence of guilt didn't even need me to have Duncan send it to the court. The police had already arrived, and the prosecutors would be eager to take action.If things went smoothly, Leo would vanish like a boiling table
Hailey POVWhen I woke up, the symptoms I had previously overcome began to resurface. My head was buzzing, and the dizziness made me want to vomit several times.I couldn't take on too much burden. The doctors had warned me repeatedly.My vision was a bit blurry, but I knew I had to see Edward. I remembered trying to calm Edward's anger toward Ethan. I wasn't sure if Edward's emotions had eased because as soon as I tried to say a few words, I passed out...Edward must be very worried about me. I took a deep breath, propping up my weak body, and slowly made my way to Edward's room.As I approached the room, I heard voices inside."We've located Leo." Ethan's steady voice carried through the room, and for a moment, I almost mistook him for Duncan discussing work."I still find it hard to believe." Edward's voice followed. He did not participate in the discussion of Leo. Instead, he focused entirely on Ethan. "Who would have thought? When you came to America from Idalia as a child,
Ethan POVIn the hospital room, Hailey was quietly sleeping. The sunlight streaming through the blinds cast a serene and beautiful glow on her face.Shifting my gaze back to the hallway, I saw a stern, formally dressed man. His suit was immaculate, and the light in his eyes as he adjusted his glasses was one I despised.I wanted to turn and walk away, but I couldn't. I had to deal with this man, Duncan, to solve this mess for Hailey.This was going to be a serious conversation. I could feel the tension in the air, each word cautiously released from our mouths."Your numerous private actions have caused unnecessary complications when I'm handling matters for Mr. Edward," Duncan said in a businesslike tone. "I need to have an open and honest conversation with you.""I thought it would be Edward or Uncle Tommy giving me trouble," I muttered.He nodded. "It was supposed to be them, but Hailey persuaded them otherwise. She believes in you, which I've always opposed."That was one of
"How did you sleep last night, Ms. Aesthete?""Pretty well.""Any discomfort?""Aside from some occasional dizziness, not much. I did some rehab exercises yesterday and felt really good. You know, finally moving again made me feel alive. I've been bedridden for too long.""Did you feel dizzy while exercising?""Not really. It was very light exercise, you know, basically like walking. It didn't feel strenuous.""Your physical condition is truly remarkable, Ms. Aesthete. Many patients experience mild fatigue after being in a coma for such a long time," said my attending physician, a neurology expert at this private hospital. "You seem to have no such issue. In fact, when I passed by the rehab area yesterday, you completely startled me. You looked like you were in better shape than I am."I blinked at him. "Does this mean I can be discharged soon, Doctor? I'm desperate to get back to my shabby nest.""If there's no dizziness, maybe. But it's still a cloud hanging over us, right?"
When I woke up, my head was buzzing, and the pain made it almost impossible for me to think. Every slight movement felt like a bomb going off in my head, making me vomit several times."Hailey, you're awake." Ethan's voice sounded in my ear, filled with worry and tension.I barely opened my eyes, and the glaring light made me reach out to block the view. After recovering, I saw his anxious face, and Duncan's solemn expression next to him.The doctor entered the ward and checked my condition. I was the most relaxed person in the room."How do you feel?" the doctor asked."My... head hurts..." I answered with difficulty. I promise this was the loudest voice I could make, but it was still so weak that it was almost inaudible.God, I saw Ethan's fingernails digging into his fist on the side. He was furious.I tried to relax the tense atmosphere, half-jokingly said, "Who are you... Who are you guys?""Hailey, this can't be true, can it?" Duncan's brows were tightly knitted, his eyes
Ethan's POV.This was my responsibility.When Matteo first asked me what to do, if I had answered "Kill him" instead of "Sicilian way, do what you're familiar with," then Leo would have been dead in some stinking ditch long ago.After Leo's death, Hailey would have been puzzled. She was so upright and kind-hearted that even when she wanted to retaliate, she always used a fair and aboveboard way. Although I didn't want to admit it, I was the only despicable accident by her side, so she would quickly associate Leo's death with me.Even if she wouldn't, the annoying Duncan by her side would remind her. To drive me away from Hailey, I believe that the hypocritical lawyer would do anything.Because I was not willing to take risks, Leo didn't die."He ran into the call girl we arranged at the bar," Matteo reported to me about Leo's whereabouts, and my heart was full of Hailey's sleeping face. She had a busy day and was now sleeping soundly on the pillow, her hair spread out at my finge
Leo's face was particularly haggard, his cheeks sunken in, and his eye sockets deep, his entire state looking very unstable.His fingers gripped the gun tightly, the barrel pressed against my head, his eyes filled with madness and despair, his body trembling slightly, as if on the verge of collapse.It was absurd. Leo had come to Ethan's house to lurk outside, he had taken me hostage, but the one on the brink of collapse was him?I felt the beads of sweat on my forehead sliding down my cheek, my heart pounding violently in my chest, and I instinctively began to struggle."Hailey!" Ethan called in a low voice, his tone deep, containing panic as if conveying more information. My struggle slowed, and I looked at Ethan for a while, then suddenly sighed."Leo, we can talk. Put down the gun, okay?" I tried to keep calm, using a gentle but firm voice to parley with him."Shut up! Don't speak!" I suspected that Leo didn't hear what I said at all. He might have had hallucinations, thinkin