Yasmin slept until the sun set. Then, Mary came up to wake her, saying, "Mrs. Ford, it's 6 pm. Time to get up. Mr. Ford said he's coming home tonight.""What?" Yasmin slowly woke up. "Why's he coming back?""He's coming back to have dinner."Yasmin didn't seem too thrilled about this.Mary asked, "Mrs. Ford, aren't you happy Mr. Ford is coming back? Didn't you always look forward to him coming home? But now that Mr. Ford comes home more often, you seem unhappy.""It's a bit different now." Yasmin lowered her gaze."What's different? Mr. Ford seems much nicer to you now. In fact, he bought a lot of health supplements for you this afternoon. He said you've been anemic recently and wanted to make sure you're getting enough nutrients. "He really cares about you, though he might not show it well..." Mary trailed off."Mary, do you really think he cares about me?" Yasmin asked."He cares a lot for you." Mary said earnestly, "Since you were hospitalized, Mr. Ford has been calling
As Yasmin watched Blake sleep, she didn't say anything and simply crouched down to stare at his handsome face. This was the only time she dared to look at Blake without holding back."What are you looking at?" Blake suddenly opened his eyes. They were clearly red, but Blake still smiled at her, pretending to be okay.Yasmin was startled and said, "I was thinking about whether or not to wake you up.""I wasn't sleeping. I was just resting my eyes." Blake looked at Yasmin's pretty face, his expression softening."Have you been tired lately?""I'm okay." Blake's voice was warm and deep.Then, he reached out to touch Yasmin's head. "Does it still hurt?"Yasmin still had a bandage on her head, and she had to apply ointment every day. She also had a follow-up appointment at the hospital in two days."It doesn't hurt anymore," Yasmin replied softly."Are you still feeling dizzy?""Not anymore." Yasmin was recovering well. The car accident wasn't too severe, and she'd just suff
"Why don't you do the stuff you did before?" Blake glanced at Yasmin's nightgown. It was much more conservative now.Yasmin's face turned red as she whispered, "Stop bringing up my past. I've grown up. I don't do those silly things anymore.""Who said they were silly?" Blake countered, "Wasn't it just being uncontrollably in love at first sight?"Was Blake making fun of her now?Yasmin blushed even harder. "That was because I was young. Haven't you ever felt that way before? Never had a crush on someone before?"Having a crush was kind of bittersweet. Yasmin had found herself waking up late at night missing Blake so much that it hurt, and she kept wondering if he might like her back.But when she actually saw him, she was too shy to openly show her feelings. She wasn't even brave enough to sneak a peek at him. It truly had been awkward.Even though Yasmin felt like she had fallen for the wrong person, she didn't regret it. Only Blake could stir up such deep feelings and make
Blake caught Yasmin's hand and said in a serious voice, "Don't scratch the wound. It just healed and is still red. You don't want a scar.""It's itchy.""That's normal when it's healing.""Okay." Yasmin tried to pull back her hand, but Blake held on tight. So, Yasmin could only say, "You should go rest. I'm going to bed too.""Alright." Blake agreed, but he still didn't let go right away.In the cramped space, things felt a bit odd. Yasmin's heart skipped a beat as she said softly, "Let go of me, please."Blake then released her after a moment.…As Yasmin showered, she couldn't shake off her thoughts of that moment earlier. Blake's intense gaze as he held her hand lingered in her mind, causing her heart to race for quite some time.After showering, Yasmin came out of the bathroom and began to blow-dry her hair.It was raining outside again, and the raindrops pattered against the window. So, Yasmin closed the it. It had been raining in Stanton City almost every day fo
"Anna," Yasmin greeted politely.Annalise glanced at Yasmin and huffed. "I told you to divorce Blake, but you keep seducing him. And now, you don't even listen to me.""We are getting divorced," Yasmin replied."Then why haven't you divorced yet?" Annalise's face was stern. "How many times have I told you to do it? You think I won't be around for much longer, so you're defying me?""No." Yasmin tried to explain, "Blake said to wait another month…"Annalise slammed the table. "Another month? You keep delaying month after month. You think I'm senile?"Yasmin didn't know what to say. After all, it was Blake who refused to divorce. What could she do?Annalise saw that Yasmin had gone silent and huffed. "Fine. Since you don't seem to care about saving your dad, then I won't bother either. But I've heard recently that your dad's situation isn't looking good in prison."Yasmin's expression instantly shifted as she asked anxiously, "What's wrong with my dad?""He started coughing a
"Blake being with you was all about revenge on Stuart. He wanted you to fall hard for him and turn you into his plaything that had no dignity. Then, he wanted to ditch you.""If you stay with him, your dad will eventually die, you'll be abandoned, and you'll have nothing left."After seeing these messages, Yasmin's breathing quickened. She tried calling the number, but she couldn't get through.Yasmin started to feel anxious. Just then, another message came in."Don't try to call me. You won't find me. Just know that I'm the one telling you the truth. Don't trust Blake anymore. He hates your dad. If you keep trusting him, you'll just get played.""If you don't believe me, wait until your dad gets out and ask him if Blake was behind it."Yasmin tried calling the number again, but it still wouldn't go through.Now, her face was as pale as marble.So, it was Blake who made the Starr family go bankrupt? And then he sent her dad to jail?But if her dad knew all of this, why wou
"It's Blake calling," Eunice said.Yasmin paused for a moment and answered the call. After all, she couldn't ignore it. Blake was a very perceptive person. And every time she didn't answer his calls, he would figure out where she was.Yasmin didn't want Blake to know she had met Eunice today. Otherwise, he might think that Eunice had helped her leave Stanton City and come looking for trouble."Hello?" Yasmin answered as her heart raced guiltily. "Did you change your dressing?" Blake's voice was warm and gentle over the phone."Yep. All done," Yasmin replied."Where are you?" Blake had guessed right away that she wasn't at home.Yasmin felt a bit guilty. Then, she glanced at Eunice and smiled, saying, "I'm at the studio. I haven't been to work for a few days, so there's a lot of stuff that's piled up. I just came to sort things out."Blake frowned. "You're still sick, so no working allowed. Head home early, I'll have Mary make you something tasty."Blake had been very gent
Yasmin snapped back to reality and looked at Blake's handsome face.After two years of marriage, she'd realized for the first time that she might not have known him at all.Before, she thought she understood him well. But now, she knew that it was all just a facade. She could never see through his heart."Do you have any secrets?" Yasmin blurted out without thinking.Then, after saying it, she regretted it. She was afraid Blake might notice something was off."Why do you ask?" Blake put down his cutlery and looked deeply into her eyes.Yasmin's heart pounded. Then, she said softly, "You know, I've just realized that every time we're together, it's always me talking non-stop. It's like I've never heard you say anything.""I don't like to talk much. Besides, once I say something out loud, it's not a secret anymore," Blake said with a smile.Even though he was smiling, Yasmin felt like he looked dangerous.Yasmin didn't know what to say, so she remained silent.After dinner, she
Pamela thought that Yasmin's voice sounded strange, but since Yasmin was an important client, she didn't dare offend her.Politely, she replied, "It's okay. Please take your time.""Alright, please leave for now. I'll look for you once I'm finished here," Yasmin said in a strained voice."Okay." Pamela left soon after.Once she was gone, Yasmin awkwardly tapped Blake's shoulder. "Alright, stop it. You almost got us caught just now."Blake was now satisfied. A man who had been sated was no longer as surly. He became shockingly gentle, wrapping his arms around her waist and saying, "Join me for dinner later.""Okay," Yasmin weakly agreed. "Please let me go now."Blake finally released his hold on her. Yasmin's legs felt like jelly, and she nearly stumbled as soon as he let go.He steadied her and looked down at the torn train of the wedding dress. The front, however, still looked fine. He smiled and said, "You still look beautiful in the wedding dress."Yasmin glanced at the mir
Blake didn't respond, choosing instead to stare at Yasmin. She had just removed the tiara, letting her long hair cascade over her left shoulder. This brought attention to her fair skin and made her appear as if she was an otherworldly beauty.No wonder Ivan had been mesmerized earlier. A woman in a wedding dress truly possessed a sacred kind of elegance.Blake's gaze traveled down to her chest. She looked exquisite, but something was missing—the ring. His face darkened as he asked, "Where's the ring?""I took it off when I was trying on the wedding dress. I put it in my bag," Yasmin replied. She turned around to retrieve it for him.Maybe it was the way the wedding dress hugged her slender figure, or the graceful way she bent down to pick up the ring, her hips subtly lifting. Either way, the movement exuded an undeniable allure.Blake suddenly felt an overwhelming urge rise from within him. He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her waist as if possessed.Yasmin froze
Ivan sneered in response. "Oh? Do you want to come over and have a drink at the wedding?""There's no need for a wedding toast, but I'll send you a nice little gift soon. You've had Lizzie abducted, and I haven't settled that score yet." Blake's tone was cold and menacing.Still, Ivan wasn't afraid. He took a couple of steps forward, smirking as he said, "Feel free to try—but you should think it through. You have more loved ones than I do. "Besides your mother and Lizzie, there's also your grandmother. I could blow up your mother's hospital today, kidnap Lizzie tomorrow, and have your grandmother killed the day after."Blake's cold laughter came through the phone. "Is that so? Well then, I guess I need to send you a big gift today."The two men continued their exchange from a distance. Yasmin, who was unable to hear the conversation clearly, was trembling with fear. She was terrified of what they might be discussing.It was at this moment when Wendy hurried in from outside. She
Yasmin stepped into the fitting room and changed into the wedding dress. When she emerged, her long hair was elegantly pinned up, and her red lips were vibrant. It made her look breathtakingly beautiful.Ivan saw her and was momentarily stunned. His gaze was unwavering as he stared wide-eyed. Then, he caught himself and smiled. "Yasmin, you look stunning."She gave a slight smile in response, adding to her allure.Ivan was almost entranced. He picked up a crystal-encrusted tiara from nearby and placed it on her head. She glanced upward, her eyes sparkling as she stood there in the white wedding dress. She looked absolutely mesmerizing, and Ivan couldn't take his eyes off her.Meanwhile, Blake watched from across the street with a growing sense of jealousy. The sight of them together made him smirk cynically. Unable to contain himself, he pulled out his phone and called Yasmin.He didn't want to see them looking so perfect together. It irritated him to no end.When Yasmin's ph
Yasmin's heart ached as she listened, her eyes reddening. "You're doing great, Trist. If Mom were with you right now, I'd definitely give you a big hug."Tristan mumbled, "Mom, stop acting like it's the end of the world. You sound so sentimental. I'm doing just fine here. I've got friends to play with and plenty of household staff members to look after me. "You just take care of yourself in Merania, and do whatever you need to do. Once you're in Rimmervale, we'll see each other again."Yasmin nodded. "Yes, we'll see each other very soon."Just then, the door swung open, and there Ivan stood in the doorway. Yasmin jumped in surprise and instinctively ended the video call."Why are you crying?" Ivan asked, noticing her red eyes.Yasmin wiped her tears and smiled. "It's nothing. I just miss Trist."Ivan understood that being a mother made Yasmin emotional whenever she thought about her child. He then asked, "By the way, how was Trist's winter camp? When is he coming back?"Feelin
Yasmin huffed in exasperation. "I just stole his proposal a few days ago, and now he's starting to get suspicious. If I tell him I don't want to take wedding photos, he'll be on to me for sure. If he gets suspicious, my plan will be completely ruined."Blake remained silent on the other end of the line.Yasmin sighed and continued, "It's really not a big deal. This is the last thing I need to do with him. The wedding is in seven days—it'll all be over by then.""When are the wedding photos being taken?" Blake asked.Yasmin hesitated before answering, "Didn't I already tell you? The day after tomorrow, in the afternoon."Blake only replied with a simple, "It's late. Go to sleep." Then, he ended the call.Yasmin could tell he was not all too pleased, but she really didn't want to stir up more trouble than necessary. There were just seven more days to go—Yasmin wanted to get through the final spurt safely and smoothly.…On the day of the wedding dress fitting, Yasmin was having b
Yasmin had no idea what Ivan would do to her if he learned the truth. She feared that if she angered him, he might lock her up somewhere no one would ever find her."I did that because my grandma suggested it to me," Yasmin explained."Your grandma knows about all of this?" Blake asked."Of course. Do you think someone as sharp as her wouldn't notice that every time you visited, we disappeared for hours? She figured it out a long time ago and asked me what was going on between us.""So, you told her everything about us?""Yes, she knows we've reconciled. I even planted a listening device on Ivan. We're hoping to acquire evidence of his illegal activities." Yasmin nodded as she spoke."Did your grandma suggest that to you too?"Yasmin replied briefly, "Yes."Blake let out a soft laugh. "Your grandma is quite the master of strategies.""She really is," Yasmin agreed with a smile. But seconds later, her expression grew serious. "Blake, there's something I need to tell you.""Wha
Yasmin's face turned pale as she realized the extent of the surveillance at the Burke residence."Can the surveillance footage from the study be deleted?" Yasmin asked at the time.The housekeeper shook her head. "It can't be deleted. The surveillance is linked to Mr. Burke's computer. His computer is password-protected, and only he has access to it."Yasmin's heart sank at the news. She knew that once Blake made his move to sabotage Ivan's project, Ivan would inevitably discover that she was involved.Hence, she had already discussed a plan with Imogen to handle the situation. Although the process had been nerve-wracking, everything had gone smoothly. Ivan seemed to believe her explanation.With the project now in jeopardy, Ivan would likely need additional funding, which meant it was unlikely that he would call off the engagement. Yasmin assured herself that Ivan wouldn't do anything drastic to her—not when he needed money from Sander International.After seeing Ivan off, Yasmi
Ivan gently touched Yasmin's face and said softly, "Forget it. Four years ago, you did wrong by him. It's understandable that he threatened you. But don't worry, I've already forced him back to Stanton City."Soon, I'll deal with everyone who has wronged you. I'll make him miserable and ensure he has no time to harass you."Yasmin stared at him in surprise. "Ivo, what are you going to do to those people?""I won't let a single person who hurt you get away with it. However they treated you, I'll make sure they experience the same," Ivan said, his eyes dark with resolve.Yasmin took a deep breath, unable to find the right words.Ivan seemed to realize that his current expression was too grim. He softened his demeanor and asked with a forced smile, "Let me see what you bought for me."Yasmin quickly snapped back to attention and began showing him the gifts she had purchased. Since she had never bought him anything before, Ivan looked somewhat dazed as he looked at the gifts.He pic