Inside the dining room, however, there was a sense of warmth and harmony.…Originally, Jamie was expected to leave once dinner was over, both out of courtesy and propriety. After only a few steps, he heard a dripping sound from the ceiling above, and two drops of water landed squarely on his nose.Jamie looked up and saw a damp patch spreading across the white wall. The villa’s roof was leaking.Both Jennifer and Paityn looked up as well. The former muttered in disbelief, “This house has only been built for a few years, and it’s already leaking. What a shoddy job. I wonder which unscrupulous contractor built it. They really should be reported.”Jamie glanced at Paityn and replied softly, “It was built by a subsidiary of the Sanders Group. Jennifer, I can guide you; reach out to the CEO, Lorian Sanders. He’s my uncle's son, and you know him too!”Jennifer froze. Lorian was her son-in-law.Paityn knew Jamie had brought it up on purpose because he was still holding onto things fro
Just as Paityn was lost in thought, Jamie seemed to hear the footsteps behind him. He turned to look at her silently. His dark eyes were like ink that revealed no trace of his true emotions.Paityn's lips moved as she struggled to find her voice. At last, she managed to say, “My mom was worried. So, she asked me to come up and check on you.”The rain continued to fall, but it had lightened to a gentle drizzle. Jamie’s voice was clear as he asked her, “What about you? Are you not worried, Paityn? Are you not even a little afraid of losing me? Are you not worried that you won't see me again?”Paityn shook her head wildly. She wasn’t wearing a raincoat, and the umbrella she had brought was blown away by the wind, leaving the black umbrella lonely in a corner of the rooftop. The past lovers stood quietly, gazing at each other. Suddenly, Jamie extinguished the cigarette with his fingertips and strode towards her.Paityn didn’t have time to think. Before she knew it, the back of her he
Paityn shook her head gently. As an adult, she understood the difference between fleeting infatuation and a lifelong commitment. She admitted that she had feelings for Jamie, but their past was undeniably unpleasant, and it wasn’t something that could simply be resolved by saying they were back together.Paityn spoke honestly to Tegan, “I’m not sure if Jamie is a good person. I’m afraid that while he’s treating me well today, in a few days he might feel like I’m taking advantage of him. "Jamie has the power to control everything about me, and our relationship isn’t stable. I’ve never felt inferior before, Tegan, but I really do in front of Jamie. I’m scared that he looks down on me. I'm afraid that he still holds a grudge."Paityn paused briefly. She used to have feelings for Lorian. The words she didn’t say hung heavy in the air; she felt too ashamed to voice them. Tegan gently embraced her, sensing the deep sadness that enveloped her sister. She realized that Paityn must real
As night fell, Paityn woke up on the sofa. She wanted to check on Jennifer. To her surprise, she opened her eyes, and she saw Jamie sitting on the single sofa by the bed. He had already changed into a clean outfit. He wore a black shirt and dress pants, looking noble and handsome. Jamie hadn’t slept. A laptop was resting on his lap, and he was focused on the screen, deep in thought. From Paityn’s angle, his profile looked incredibly striking, like it had been chiseled. When Paityn spoke, her voice was hoarse, “Why haven’t you gone home yet?” Jamie heard her voice and closed the laptop. He walked over to her and sat down beside her. He reached out to check her forehead. Then, he relaxed his brow slightly and spoke softly, “The fever has gone down a bit.” Huh? Paityn asked in confusion, “Did I have a fever?”Jamie replied seriously, “You were a bit feverish! Otherwise, why would you fall asleep holding onto me so tightly? Do you really like hugging me to sleep that much, Pai
The banquet was about ten kilometers away.Originally, Wylie wanted to arrange a car for Paityn, but the latter refused and said she'd take a cab herself. The spring night in Crocksten was cold, and the thin-down jacket she wore wasn’t enough to stop the shivers that overtook her. She couldn’t tell if it was the chill of the night or the chill in her heart that affected her more. Paityn had placed too much hope in Jamie. Seeing the scandal unfold had shaken her deeply. No matter how much she liked him, she wouldn’t abandon her principles. Otherwise, what awaited her would be endless waiting, uncertainty, and compromise.Men are best "tamed" before marriage. There's no need for a marriage plagued by constant drama over these matters. Such a marriage would be better avoided.A blue taxi slowly pulled up, and Paityn bent down to get in. She gave the driver the address, who couldn't help but comment, "It’s lively over there tonight. The hotel entrance is full of luxury cars, and the
The countless women were like wounds on Paityn's heart. Theo had also been surrounded by countless women. He even supported an illegitimate child on the side. Theo hadn’t started off as a bad person. It had just happened gradually, as he lost himself in a world of soft and enticing whispers.Paityn remained silent for a long time. Carol could sense her mother’s gloomy mood, and her own spirits were low as well. She leaned against Paityn, clearly upset with Jamie.…Paityn chose not to make a scene just yet. It wasn’t until they returned to the hotel and she had soothed Carol that she finally spoke up. However, Jamie brushed off her concerns, feeling she was overreacting. “Carol isn’t as fragile as you think. Besides, nothing is going on between Yara and me.”“Nothing now, but what about in the future?“Carol is a sensitive child, Jamie. I already feel guilty for not being there for her from the start,” Paityn replied, and her voice was steady. “She’s upset already. Don’t you s
The night was dark as ink. Jamie stared at her, asking in disbelief, “Just because of this, you want to leave me? Just a few days ago, things were great between us.”“Yes, it did feel wonderful. I finally felt cherished! However, your current actions and words are telling me that I'm not worthy, Jamie. I don’t deserve your respect because our beginning was less than honorable… "Look at Yara. She’s a family friend of the Lockwood family; she has your care, and she still has your comfort and company even after a breakup. As for me, however, all I seem to receive is humiliation.”…As Paityn spoke, a sadness crept over her. She truly didn’t want to compare herself to others; love wasn’t meant to withstand comparisons, which only ended in hurt. Paityn thought of herself, Jamie, and Carol. She didn’t want things to escalate into hostility between them—she wanted to end things on friendly terms.“Let’s just leave it be,” Paityn murmured softly. It sounded like the best conclusion.
Jamie was taken aback.A bitter expression crossed Paityn’s face as she said, “That was the first time I met Monty. I saw you with Yara in the parking lot. She was crying uncontrollably, and you were holding her with such tenderness.”Jamie wondered if that really happened. He recalled a day when he had gone to buy formula for Carol and had indeed run into Yara. She had been completely drunk. Out of a sense of humanitarian duty, he had offered to take her home, but he never imagined Paityn would see it.Jamie's instinct was to deny it. “I have no feelings for her.”Paityn only smiled bitterly. She didn’t say anything more. She simply stated that she would come to pick up Carol in the morning. Even when Jamie tried to persuade her to stay, she refused, leaving his hotel suite with unwavering determination.After Paityn left, Jamie stood alone for a long time. He didn't move until the night was deep and quiet. Finally, he tore off his shirt and threw it directly into the trash can,
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