Blake held Yasmin close, his large hand moving to her lower abdomen to gently massage it. "Can't sleep because of the pain?"Yasmin didn't dare pull away from him. She lay stiffly in his arms and said, "It's okay, I was just falling asleep."Her voice was delicate and gentle. It tugged at Blake's heart. Blake was feeling somewhat unsettled. He leaned down to kiss her forehead gently, whispering, "Go to sleep."All night, he kept massaging her stomach. Yasmin had planned to get up once Blake fell asleep to photograph his document and send it over to Ivan. However, every time his hand stopped and she tried to move, he would wake up and continue massaging her stomach.Blake was a light sleeper; he was always on high alert. If she acted rashly, he could catch her in the act.She knew that she couldn't complete her task that night, so she finally relaxed and fell asleep in Blake's arms. They spent the night wrapped around each other.…The next morning, Yasmin woke up to find Bla
After Blake left, Yasmin headed out again.She went to the mall and bought various supplements and skincare products. She intended to bring them all to Eunice at Erinnyes."Eunice, this is a moisturizing cream to use in the morning. This one is a night cream, make sure you use it before bed. These are probiotics, they help with the baby's gut health," Yasmin explained without a break. She held up various items, introducing them to Eunice one by one.Eunice looked puzzled. Confused, she asked, "Yaz, what are you doing?"Yasmin smiled and replied, "I'm bringing you gifts. You've been in postpartum care for so long, and I haven't gotten you anything. So, I took the chance to get you these today.""But why do I feel like you're bidding me farewell?" Eunice inexplicably had a strange premonition. "Are you planning something?"Yasmin hesitated for a moment, then laughed. "No, I'm just bored lately. I went to the mall and thought of getting you some gifts.""What about what happened
Blake's gaze instantly darkened. His good mood from the morning was completely gone, replaced by an intense brooding.It was that expression again. The ominous look he always had before he went berserk.Yasmin feared being caught, so she calmed her nerves. She explained, "I was just saying goodbye to Ivan.""Why goodbye?" Blake asked. His eyes narrowed dangerously.Yasmin tried her best to calm him, explaining, "You forbade me from going to Merania. I told him I was not going anymore, and that we'd live together here in Stanton City.""Is that so?" His skepticism lingered.Yasmin nodded earnestly. "Isn't that what you said? That if I contacted him, you wouldn't let me see my dad. I… I miss my dad."Upon hearing the grievance in her words, Blake's hostility softened a bit. He turned gentle as he asked, "So saying goodbye to him means you won't contact him again?""What else could it be?" Yasmin looked at him with a hint of grievance.Blake's mood lifted a bit. "So, you're final
Yasmin could keenly feel the heat from Blake's body. Her eyes betrayed irritation as she questioned, "Can't we just sleep peacefully?""I want it." His voice was hoarse as he spoke, barely recognizable. He rested his head in the crook of her shoulder. Then, he bit down with a pained, guttural moan.Ever since they started giving each other the silent treatment, he had endured for too long."Yaz, help me…" Seeing that she didn't move, he urged, "Hurry…"In the darkness, Yasmin's face displayed her resignation. She sighed softly and gave in to him.She knew his character well enough. If not appeased, he would persist until he got what he wanted. Yasmin didn't want to be harassed every day. Thus, she let him resolve his problems for tonight. Tomorrow, he wouldn't be like this.He didn't know how long had passed, but his entire body tensed up. At the critical moment, he suddenly embraced Yasmin. Then, he let out an uncontrollable grunt.His body temperature was high, and Yasmin re
Blake asked softly, "You know my company is launching a new project soon?"Yasmin's heart began to race. She was afraid that he would suspect something. Then, she took a deep breath and calmly said, "I've been seeing it on the news these past few days."Blake nodded at that, his smile widening. He picked up a tie and said, "Help me with my tie.""Can't you do it yourself?""Not as well as you can." Blake handed her the tie. He tilted his head back and pointed his chin at her.Yasmin took the tie from him. While carefully tying it, her fingers accidentally brushed against his neck, sending a shiver through her body.Blake looked down at her and asked, "What? Are you trying to seduce me this early in the morning?""Of course not." She blushed slightly. "It was an accident.""I really hope your period ends soon." Blake pulled her into his embrace, and Yasmin could feel his body radiating heat.Yasmin's eyelashes fluttered. She was afraid he might do something, so she lowered her
Blake grabbed his car keys and phoned Tyler. "Where is Mrs. Ford?""She's still at the restaurant with Ms. Salle," Tyler replied.Yasmin was waiting for the fingerprint processing to be completed, so she couldn't leave. She ordered a few dishes and decided to just have dinner with Eunice.Just then, Eunice's phone rang. It was a call from Mortimer, asking when she would be home.Eunice laughed and said, "I'm having dinner with Yaz. I'll be back soon.""Our baby misses you," Mortimer said sweetly. He held their adorable baby on the other end of the video call.Eunice couldn't help but smile. "Has our baby been good today?""The best."The two of them started chatting. Yasmin sat across from Eunice, listening to their conversation with a faint smile playing on her lips.Suddenly, a waiter approached. He placed a glass of juice in front of her and gently tugged at Yasmin's sleeve while Eunice was distracted.Yasmin reached under the tray, and the waiter discreetly handed her a t
Yasmin felt uneasy and squirmed under his touch. "I can undress myself."Blake didn't force her. He simply stood there and watched her intently.Amid the rising steam of the heated bath water, Yasmin felt awkward. She quickly stripped out of her clothes and stepped into the rectangular bathtub.Blake joined her soon after. He pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. His body was hot to the touch. It made Yasmin jump in surprise. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed."I'm washing you," he murmured seductively near her ear."No," Yasmin protested. She grabbed his hand in alarm. Her eyes misted as she said, "I need to talk to you.""What is it?""My birthday is in three days. I want to go out with Eunice and the others to celebrate.""Just the two of us wouldn't work?" Blake preferred a more intimate celebration.However, Yasmin countered, "You've been so busy lately, you're hardly ever home. If I wait for you, who knows how late it will be before I can blo
The next day eventually arrived. It was Yasmin's birthday today.Blake had to attend a morning meeting at the company. He would only be able to join her birthday party in the evening after wrapping up the project launch."Sorry, I have some company matters to deal with during the day today. I'll come to see you tonight." Blake apologized, feeling guilty."No worries." Yasmin flashed a kind smile. "You can just come over when you're done, it's not like you won't make it.""Mm." Blake looked down at her with deep eyes. "Once today's launch is over, I'll take you on a vacation tomorrow.""Okay," Yasmin replied gently. "Go to work now."He kissed her lips and walked out of the house. Yasmin saw him off until they reached the yard.She watched him as his Rolls-Royce Ghost disappeared from view, then she withdrew his gaze. She steadily walked inside the villa.As guilty as she felt, this was her only way to escape him. She went upstairs and took a nap to refresh herself. In the eve
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