As soon as the words left Paityn's lips, her mouth was kissed. It was a gentle kiss, and it felt cautious and tender as if Jamie were treating a rare treasure. Paityn opened her eyes, and so did Jamie; they gazed at each other, and Paityn felt like crying at that moment. Jamie had never kissed Paityn like this before. A single tear slid down her cheeks. It was salty and wet. Just when she thought he was going to let her go, he tightened his embrace around the back of her neck and began to kiss her fiercely. Jamie kissed Paityn deeply and passionately as if he wanted to claim her completely, while her tears flowed fiercely and uncontrollably, from beginning to end.After a long while, Jamie finally released her. Paityn was left dazed by the kiss. She was completely unsure of where or when she was, while he gently pressed his forehead against hers, whispering, “You can report me for assault now, or slap me to relieve your anger.” Two seconds later, a crisp slap echoed against hi
Jamie was taken aback. It took him a moment to regain his voice. “What? Say that again.” Wylie’s voice trembled with excitement as she repeated the news and shared what she had learned. “Mr. Monty's ex-wife seems to be ill. It appears that he is remarrying out of a sense of responsibility, to provide psychological comfort to her.” “Well, it seems Monty is quite commendable in this situation.” Whether Monty was good or not, Jamie wasn't sure, but he felt that this decision was exceptionally wise.Jamie's demeanor shifted completely. He even instructed Wylie to inquire about the illness, suggesting that they could find a doctor for Colette if necessary. He needed her to live a long and healthy life. Wylie nodded in agreement. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry, Mr. Jamie. Lockwood Corporation is a pharmaceutical company, and we have some effective targeted drugs that we can arrange for Ms. Colette to try.” After he hung up the phone, Jamie sat alone in the car for a long t
Paityn hurried to the first floor.Jamie was sitting comfortably on a sofa in the lobby. A cup of fragrant coffee was placed on the small side table beside him. The receptionist was attentively keeping him company, speaking politely to the distinguished Jamie.“Ms. Paityn will be down shortly. Please take a seat. I brought over a couple of business magazines for you.”Jamie was in a very good mood, and he responded graciously, “No need, thank you! My child’s mother will be down any minute.”My child’s mother…The receptionist’s heart was pounding with excitement. She was eager to spread the juicy scoop throughout the entire building and indulge in a bit of gossip.Unfortunately, Paityn arrived quickly, and she overheard his words.Jamie leaned back on the sofa and remarked casually, “The coffee is nice, but the magazines aren’t quite up-to-date.”Paityn walked over and picked up the two magazines. She glanced at them and spoke coolly, “If you bought my company, then you’d be fr
It was hard to blame Paityn. On one hand, Jamie's gaze was gentle. On the other hand, he was undeniably handsome.After some back-and-forth, the three of them ended up having dinner together. They walked into a Maravilla restaurant, and the waiter naturally asked, “Sir, ma’am, are there three of you?”Before Paityn could respond, Jamie calmly said, “Yes, three! Please give us a table by the window, so it’s easier for the child to see that Ferris wheel in the distance.”The waiter recognized Jamie after a moment. He recalled that he had seen Jamie in a business magazine as the president of Lockwood Corporation. The waiter didn't want to be disrespectful. So. he became very attentive and provided them with the best table. He even gave Carol a brand-new Rubik's Cube, which made her extremely happy.Once seated, Carol played with her new toy. She was absorbed in her own world and ignored the adults.Jamie unfolded a snow-white napkin and gently handed the menu to Paityn. He said, “W
Paityn was indeed afraid. She had loved Jamie, and she feared that this kind of interaction might make her unconsciously fall for him again. She was terrified of becoming that kind of woman.Paityn struggled to deny it, insisting that she didn’t feel that way. However, it was clear that Jamie didn’t believe her. He gazed into her eyes and slowly spoke, “Why won’t you admit that you don’t actually like Monty? Marrying him was just a way for you to escape reality and avoid being hurt by me again. "What if I promise not to anger or hurt you anymore, Paityn? What if I treat you like I did tonight? Would you still choose Monty over me and marry him?”Paityn didn't know. She shook her head rapidly, but Jamie wouldn’t give her the chance to escape. He held her hand tightly, and his eyes were filled with an emotion she couldn't quite understand. Paityn thought she must be imagining things. How could Jamie have such a look in his eyes? What she saw more was sadness. They had many year
The airport was bustling with people, and many people glanced in their direction. Paityn found it hard to bear the scrutiny. So, she buried her face in Monty's shoulder and asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?”Monty remained silent and held her tightly. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her that he had reconciled with Colette, nor could he tell Paityn that he loved her. Pity and responsibility were the only feelings he had for Colette. Monty couldn’t say anything. This embrace was what he longed for and should be the last one.Finally, when the air felt thin between them, he let her go and feigned a casual tone. “I’m starving after the trip. Shall we go grab something to eat?”Paityn smiled lightly. “Mom knows you're back and has been preparing chicken soup with fresh mushrooms since morning.”Monty paused and considered. “Let’s have dinner just the two of us this time.”Paityn's smile froze on her face. She had an intuition, and deep down, she sensed that something significant
Time seemed to stand still. Paityn quietly gazed at Jamie, watching as the raindrops fell one by one onto the black umbrella he held. Each droplet made a faint, tearing sound against the fabric. It sounded soft yet haunting. The rainwater appeared to drift toward her face, pooling at the corners of her eyes. Why else would her skin feel so cold? Jamie reached out and gently wiped away Paityn's tears. His voice was tender and laced with a compassion that sent shivers through her. “You're abandoned, you poor thing.”For reasons Paityn couldn't comprehend, Jamie's words caused a tremor to ripple through her, igniting a feeling of unease in her chest. She wanted to turn away and escape the intensity of his gaze. However, he cupped her face in his hand, enveloping her entirely. The world around them faded, leaving just the two of them under the dim light of the streetlamps as they were surrounded by the rhythm of falling rain. Paityn had nowhere to run. So, she could only retort
Jamie hardly considered it. “Thank you, Jennifer.”Paityn felt that he was really thick-skinned. He shrugged at her. “Is that a problem? Your mom kindly invited me, didn’t she?”Although Jennifer wasn’t clear about the situation, she could guess that Paityn’s engagement to Monty had fallen through.At the same time, Jamie was being so attentive currently. As a mother, she still hoped Paityn could match with the best suitor. So, Jennifer smiled gently. “Of course.”Afterward, Jennifer shot a glance at Paityn. “He went through a lot to bring you back.”Paityn was always dutiful, so she didn’t say anything more. However, she sat far away from Jamie and didn’t talk to him after entering the restaurant. She just used a napkin to wipe the droplets of water off her body.Jamie stared intently at her as if admiring a piece of art. Paityn spoke in a faint voice, “You look like you’ve never seen a woman before, Jamie.”Unexpectedly, He shamelessly replied, “I haven’t, especially not witho
The reunion of old lovers was met with a deathly silence. Ocelotte's dark eyes were like ink, while Molly's delicate face was pale. She gazed helplessly at the young man, her mind echoing with memories of their once-sweet moments together."If only you had a lot of money, Ocelotte. If I had money, that would be fine too!"Ocelotte. If I had a lot of money, I'd fund you to start a big tech company, and then you wouldn't be sad about not being able to play basketball anymore. I’d be the behind-the-scenes boss, and you could be CEO."I always dream about it, but money is so hard to earn, Ocelotte."…In the small winter cabin, two young bodies were wrapped in wool blankets, holding each other tightly.The lady rested her head on the man's strong shoulder, murmuring softly. There was a sadness in her eyes that the boy couldn’t see.After today, she would be leaving. She would take a million to train abroad and become a big star. She would make a lot of money, and then start a compan
Yanni smiled gently. "Yes, I'm over five months pregnant! I’ll probably give birth around spring."Gael did the math in his head. By that time, he would have already settled abroad. He wouldn't be able to give Yanni's child any gift right away. If it weren't for worrying about Keaton's feelings, Gael might have even considered becoming the child's godfather. Then again, he had Ella. He was technically her biological father in name.Ella seemed to like him quite a bit. She sweetly called out, "Uncle Gael."Gael smiled and patted her head. Then, he took two candies out of his pocket. He had just attended the wedding banquet and happened to have them on hand. He handed one to Ella, who eagerly peeled it open and popped it into her mouth.Gael couldn’t help but hug Ella. This was the child he and Yanni had in name, but also a lingering thought of his. He couldn't help feeling a mix of emotions as he held her. When he let go, he noticed his new wife standing quietly beside him. Her
Paityn obviously didn’t recognize it. She opened the box and saw an emerald bracelet. It was completely green, which at first glance appeared to be worth at least forty to fifty million, very precious. Inside the box was a card with a message written on it. "Wishing you happiness for the rest of your life, from Monty."As Paityn was stunned, she realized she had stirred up a hornet's nest. The driver, Jamie, immediately let out a cold snort. "I told you it was someone with the surname Verdan, but you wouldn’t admit it! Now that we have the evidence, What do you think we should do, Paityn?"Looking at the gift, Paityn originally felt a bit sad. With Jamie causing such a ruckus, however all her sadness was swept away. In the end, she helplessly asked him, "So what do you want to do about it?"Jamie focused on the road ahead, and his hand lightly stroked his chin in deep thought. Finally, he made a few requests, all shameless and without boundaries. After finishing, he turned to
Jamie and Paityn’s wedding was set for the golden autumn of October. Before the winter solstice, Mason and Zoe personally went to the McKinney family to ask for Paityn's hand in marriage. In addition to the ten cars' worth of gifts, he also brought along their capable, lovestruck son, Jamie.Jennifer hosted a lavish family banquet to welcome the in-laws. Naturally, she had some personal intentions. Among the many dishes, there was a pot of delicious chicken soup, and she made sure to give a chicken leg to her good son-in-law, Jamie.The Sanders and Lockwood families knew very well that Jamie didn't eat chicken legs. However, at this moment, he couldn’t stop praising the chicken leg. He even called out to Jennifer as his mother. "Mom, the chicken soup you made is just to my taste." Lorian and Tegan were also present. They exchanged a glance before he picked up the other chicken leg from his own bowl and handed it over to Jamie. He smiled playfully. "You really should eat mo
Jamie held his breath as he looked down at Paityn, watching her slide the ring of commitment onto his ring finger.In the dim light of the car, the platinum ring gleamed with a cool glow. It rested on his finger but felt as though it hung over his heart.They had made a vow for life.For a long while, Jamie didn’t move. He kept staring at his ring finger and the wedding ring Paityn had placed there. At this moment, he felt a profound sense of peace; he knew her heart. Her willingness to do this proved he held a place in her heart. It was a place that surpassed Lorian and Monty for Paityn.The world was vast, but Paityn's lover’s name was Jamie and only Jamie. When the blood rushed to Jamie’s head, he pulled Paityn close. He forced her to utter those shameless vows and sweet words. He demanded her to promise a lifetime with him. Jamie also asked that Paityn love only him for all her days. She was truly both angry and amused. Sitting up straight, she carefully removed the diam
A long time had passed. In fact, it felt like an eternity. Jamie gently turned his face. He brought it close to Paityn's ear and savored the soft, downy feel. At that moment, she reminded him of Carol; she was also someone who needed his protection. Paityn was quiet and docile when she nestled in his embrace."Paityn." Jamie's voice was rough. It was barely a whisper, and his drink-induced haze mostly cleared. Slowly, he stroked the top of her head softly. Then, it didn't feel enough, and he leaned down to kiss her. She was his little puppy. This was the first time he’d called her that, yet it felt perfectly natural.Maybe they should have been together all along. Jamie should have been Paityn's protector and her shield against the storm. He shouldn't have left her to worry that their relationship might sour. He shouldn't have let her face difficulties alone and be afraid to seek his help. That was why she chose to bear it all by herself, to begin with.Business matters were
Paityn was even more confused now.Meanwhile, Gavyn extended his hand to her in a particularly familiar manner, shaking it lightly. Then, he smiled gently. “Carol looks more like her father.”Paityn felt a bit embarrassed.Gavyn’s assistant came forward and respectfully invited them to take their seats, treating Annie with great courtesy as well.Annie couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration. In recent days, she had put in a great deal of effort to arrange this meeting with Gavyn. It had taken quite a bit of work just to get him to agree to meet casually. Gavyn's attitude had been incredibly high-handed, which was understandable, given the tremendous resources he controlled. In the presence of the Lockwood family and the Sanders family, however, such a powerful man still gave ample respect and consideration.Indeed, during the meal, Gavyn's demeanor was notably more subdued.Jamie was younger by a whole decade, but he handled the situation effortlessly when it came to
To Paityn, Jamie seemed especially quiet today. However, he was also particularly intense. The passion was fierce, and he had her calling him “husband” more than once.Jamie was so powerful that even someone as resilient as Paityn found herself completely worn out by him. Afterward, she lay on the soft bed, still basking in the afterglow.Paityn was a bit surprised because she knew Jamie very well, he’d usually go at least three rounds after such a long build-up of nearly half a month. Today, however, he’d let her off after just one. Naturally, Paityn herself had already had more than enough. Jamie showered and smoked a cigarette on the balcony. Then, he came back to help her get dressed.Paityn blushed and said she could do it herself. Jamie was truly acting differently today. If men had monthly cycles, she would have thought it was his time of the month. When Paityn teased Jamie like this, he replied with an exasperated tone, “Then, what was that just now? Was it a bloody conf
Yanni and Keaton exchanged a smile.…In early autumn, Carol started school again. On the day of enrollment, Jamie and Paityn took her to kindergarten together. After getting out of the car, Carol carried her little backpack and skipped happily into the kindergarten. The teacher, who was very fond of her, held her tiny hand affectionately.Once they lost sight of Carol, the two got back into the car. Paityn fastened her seatbelt and said naturally, "Take me to the office. I have a meeting this morning."Jamie gripped the steering wheel, but he couldn’t resist saying, "It’s been a while since we’ve done that, Paityn. Don’t you want to?"Paityn turned to look at him. After a moment, she agreed, even though she could only spare two hours at most. Hearing this, Jamie’s whole body felt a rush of excitement. He leaned in to kiss her, and his voice was warm and eager. “Two hours isn’t enough. I’ve been holding back for too long.”Paityn wrapped her arms around his neck, and her voic