Inside was Elise, and Blake was walking in at that moment.Yasmin gently turned the doorknob.Elise was lying on the hospital bed. She was very beautiful, with her long hair spread on the white sheet, looking innocent.Her eyes were big and bright. When she saw Blake entering the ward, she weakly called out, "Blakey?"She seemed to want to sit up.Seeing that, Blake stopped her and sat down in front of the bed. "You just had surgery. Don't get up.""Blakey, you finally came to pick me up." Elise's eyes were red, like an injured little white rabbit. "Please don't leave me again," Elise pleaded."I won't leave you again." Blake gently patted her shoulder, calming her down.A smile appeared on Elise's face, and she relaxed completely. "Yay, I can stay with you forever."She looked pale, appearing so weak. She seemed fragile, yet so beautiful at the same time.Yasmin stood outside the door, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease.She felt she couldn't continue to consume hers
Brian's words were suggestive. Yasmin frowned at him and warned him coldly, "Brian Ford, I'll lodge a police report if you keep harassing me.""Go ahead." Brian roguishly blew air in her face. "I'll tell the police that I uncontrollably made those remarks to you because I was too in love with you."Feeling irritated, she glared at him. "Love is all about respect and admiration. Your problematic behavior can only be called harassment."However, he didn't seem to care. "It's pretty normal to want to lay claim on someone you love, isn't it?"While they were talking, a car rolled to a stop in front of them. The car window rolled down, revealing Blake. He looked visibly upset. He questioned, "Why are the two of you together?"Yasmin was surprised that Blake would show up. Seeing that, Brian smiled. "Oh, I ran into Yasmin, so I had a little chat with her." After that, Brian left without any fuss, not wanting to stir trouble with Blake.She cast a glance at Brian. In her eyes, Brian m
Yasmin's protesting scoffs only aroused Blake further. He pinched her chin and kissed her aggressively on the lips.Her self-control slipping away, she reached out to unbutton his shirt under his lead. Just as they were entangled in passion, his phone buzzed.She snapped back to reality, reminding him, "Mr. B, your phone is ringing."Blake had wanted to ignore it, but his phone kept going. He was about to decline the call when he saw Joel's name on the screen. Joel must have been calling him with updates from the hospital.Elise's ashen face flashed across his mind. He cooled down and picked up the call with Yasmin still clinging onto him.He heard Joel say, "Blake, Elise removed the needle of the IV drip and escaped. I managed to find her and put her through a mental health assessment. Her mental state is not right…"Frowning, Blake asked, "What's wrong with her?""She might have schizophrenia. She insists that someone is going to kill her, and she wants to escape from the hosp
Yasmin fell silent for a while. "Did she object to your marriage?""What's there for her to object to?" Blake redirected the question to her.Feeling reassured, Yasmin smiled and agreed, "I'll head to the hospital, then."She took a cab to the hospital since she was free that night. Upon reaching the entrance of Elise's room, she overheard Elise talking to Blake. "Blakey, will Yasmin dislike me?""She won't. She's easygoing," Blake replied.Yasmin pushed the door open and saw Blake's handsome face, as well as Elise, the reticent beauty in the bed. Elise's hair cascaded down her back. She sat there like a pure and innocent fairy.Yasmin had only laid eyes on Elise for a second before the latter hid behind Blake. "Blakey, she's staring at me…""Don't be afraid. She's just saying hi." Feeling tickled by the situation, Blake gestured at Yasmin to come over. "Yasmin, let me introduce Elise Fletcher to you."Smiling, Yasmin reached out for a handshake. "Hello. I'm Yasmin Starr, Blake
"I think so. I can start by working part-time for a few hours every week. I'll look for other jobs when I adjust to working," Elise explained in a melodious and soft tone.Yasmin said nothing throughout the dinner, choosing to focus only on her food.After a brief silence, Blake agreed to Elise's idea. "Of course you can work a few hours per week. Do you have anything in mind? Do you need help finding a job?""Blakey, I'd like to be a designer since that's what I was studying. I might not have a college degree, but before I dropped out, I was top of my class." Elise brought up her past before casting a curious look at Yasmin. "I heard Yasmin is a designer.""Who told you that?" Yasmin sounded a little surprised."Everyone at the villa knows." Smiling, Elise added, "The driver told me about it when he drove me to the hospital for my follow-up appointment."Nodding, Yasmin inquired, "What field of design were you studying?""Same as you; I studied fashion design. Yasmin, may I wor
"Let me wipe your sweat for you." Elise reached out to help him.Blake stopped her by taking the towel from her hand and said, "I can do it myself. Oh and just ask the maids to do it next time. You should spend more time resting.""I was just bored and wanted something to do. I know I just woke up, but I don't want to be useless," Elise said pitifully. Pursing his lips, Blake gently consoled her. "You're not useless. You'll get used to things in no time.""Okay!" Elise nodded and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her hair. "I don't have anything to do today, so can I follow you to work?""So suddenly?""I miss Dad. He used to work with you all the time. Now that he's gone, I want to visit the places he used to go," she explained sadly. Gerard Fletcher seemed to be one of Blake's soft spots, so he eventually agreed. "We'll go together later.""Okay."The two of them walked into the house in time to see Yasmin standing on the stairs.Blake smiled at his wife. "You're up ea
Eunice asked, "Does it feel like she's intruding on you guys?""Yeah." That was exactly it. Although Yasmin knew Blake and Elise saw each other as siblings, it wasn't appropriate for them to stick so close to each other since they weren't technically related. Moreover, Yasmin couldn't shake the feeling that Elise was overly dependent on Blake. After listening to what Yasmin had to say, Eunice commented, "You're right. She doesn't seem to know what personal space is. No one can stand someone constantly disturbing their lives, much less a married couple like you guys."Yasmin felt a sense of resignation. "She even said she wanted to come to our studio to learn.""What?" Eunice's eyes widened. "She wants to work here?" "No, she said she doesn't need a salary. She just wants to learn and gain more experience."Eunice frowned. "Is that what she told you?""Yeah. She begged me in front of Blake and looked so pitiful that I didn't know how to turn her down." Yasmin massaged her
"Well, it's just a hunch for now. I can't quite put my finger on it." Yasmin forced a smile. "You'd better keep an eye on her. Who knows what she has up her sleeve," Eunice warned Yasmin.Yasmin took the advice to heart and numbly stuffed more food into her mouth. …In the evening, Yasmin finally finished her work and stretched out her sore muscles. She grabbed her phone to check her social media and immediately came across what Elise posted for the day. It was a picture of Blake occupied with work. The caption read, "Blake looks so handsome when he's working!"This kind of statement seemed more like romantic admiration than sisterly affection. But before Yasmin could ponder further, Elise's call came in. "Yasmin, Blake and I are downstairs. You can come down now."Yasmin finally remembered that Elise had asked her and Blake to take her shopping earlier that afternoon. Powerless to refuse, Yasmin packed up and turned off the lights before leaving the studio with her b
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