Mason had been holding his breath for her answer for the entire day. He hadn’t expected her to reject him and push him away.His heart sank at what she said, but he didn’t respond to this matter. Today was her birthday. So, he told her that she’d find the gifts from her friends and business associates in the fitting room. She didn’t want to kill the mood entirely, so she forced a smile and said, “I’ll open them up after I’ve taken a shower!”Pulling her toward him, he ran his hands across her dress provocatively and said in a husky voice, “Let’s shower together!”However, she rejected him. “I’m on my period!”He stared at her intensely before swooping her up and carrying her into the bathroom. Needless to say, he wasn’t about to force himself on her when she was having a period. Again, it was her birthday today. All he ever wanted was to make her happy. What he didn’t know was that the better he treated her, the guiltier she got. With that said, she didn’t regret her decision o
Dawn broke over the city. Mason drove back to Lockwood Manor. The security guard was dumbfounded when he opened the gate and saw his car. After all, Mason hadn’t been back there for three years. Moments later, the black Bentley pulled into the premises.He got out of the car and closed the door before sweeping his eyes across the manor.The place had been deprived of its masters and mistresses for far too long and had lost its former warming sensation. Instead, a lifelessness surrounded the manor now. It was depressingly ironic, considering Barbara had loved making the place lively when she was still around. The servants hadn’t woken up yet. Walking into the living room, his leather shoes stepped on the unblemished floor and made a crisp tapping sound that reverberated in the room, further accentuating its emptiness. Barbara’s portrait could be found on the home altar, smiling affectionately. Running his fingers across her picture longingly, he murmured, “Westley’s back. He
Yanni was sent to Lockwood Hospital. She needed an AB-type blood transfusion urgently, but there had been a horrible accident that morning and supplies were running short. It just so happened that both Mason and Zoe weren’t in the AB blood group. It would take an hour for them to transport the blood supply from another institution. Yanni could faint and pass into a coma at any given moment. He made a snap decision and exclaimed, “Use the helicopter to transport the blood!”“My blood type is a match!” Cecil declared as he walked right into the room. Everyone held their breath. They knew Cecil and Mason were enemies. No one dared make a peep, much less agree to his offer.After a brief moment, Mason barked, “Prepare to perform the blood transfusion!”Cecil had always done a routine health checkup and he was fit enough for this process. They extracted seventeen ounces of blood from him and transfused it into Yanni without a moment’s delay.The seventeen ounces of blood was like
The walls in the VIP suite were painted light pink. It was heartwarming to look at. However, Yanni was still looking very fragile. Lying down on the white pillow, she opened her eyes and asked her mom a question that she had been holding back for a long time, “Am I going to die, Mom?”It broke Zoe’s heart to hear it, but she used everything she had to pull herself together for her little girl. She even managed to smile and say, “No way!”Yanni was still feeling very weak. Leaning on her mom, she murmured, “Why can’t I go to school like ordinary kids? If you and Dad are going to make a little brother for me, I hope he’ll be all healthy and fit. You have to make sure he’s handsome too. That way, you and Dad will still have a good-looking baby when I’m gone!”Zoe had no idea where her little girl learned to say this stuff, but it struck home and made her fall apart. She said with a sob, “Please look after her for a second, Mia.” Then, she opened the door and went out. She needed
“I can’t do that! Yanni’s important to me, but Zoe is equally important as well. The fact that I did so many wrongs by her just made it worse! I owe it to her!”…Mason paused a little before clenching his fist and continuing softly. “I know you still love her and that she used to have feelings for you…”Cecil cut him off and asked, “Why are you so generous all of a sudden?”Lowering his gaze, Mason smiled bitterly. Moments later, he turned around and said to Cecil, “Power and status was all I cared about in the past. I used to think that having a family of my own was nothing but a bonus. Never did I consider that I’d sacrifice myself just so my kid could live on. I could just as easily make another kid. Don’t you agree?“However, Zoe gave birth to Yanni because of me. “That’s why I love her.”…Mason didn’t specify who he was talking about and Cecil didn’t ask any further questions. He stopped fighting him on his decision because he could see the determination and courage i
Yanni was discharged from the hospital three days later. They returned to Kirk Manor and lived out the rest of the month peacefully. Both of them looked after Yanni together. When Mason had a social or business outing, he’d take Zoe along with him. It looked like they were an actual married couple.Neither of them brought up their painful history. Instead, they tried to put it past them. He knew this was his last few weeks with the people he loved.He told Zoe that he needed to work late into the night, but he’d make sure he came back home before Yanni’s bedtime. He’d bathe her, put on pyjamas for her, and wrap her in a warm blanket before letting her sleep on his chest. Underneath the warm glow of the night light, he’d tell her fairy tales until she slept. Afterward, he’d return to his study and resume his work. By the time he was done, it was past midnight. Both his wife and daughter were long asleep.It was enough for him to simply lie next to them. That was happiness for him
All of the love and hatred that they shared would cease to exist.This was the first time she leaned on his chest of her own accord. She proceeded to talk to him. Her voice was soft when she said, “Ella and Farley are going to get married at the end of the year. Yanni’s condition will have improved by then. I might take her back to Silvercrest to attend the ceremony. I’m wondering what kind of gift should I prepare for them.”He didn’t say anything about it. Brushing her hair, which was damp from the sweat, he chose to enjoy the quiet for a brief moment. She gave him some time. Her voice was a little strained when she spoke. “Are you going to attend the ceremony as well? Ella told me that you have some business dealings with Farley as of late.”Lowering his head, he stared at her intensely, “Do you want me to go?”Instead of answering his question, she ran her fingers across his dashing features and talked about Rosemary. “Rosemary is going to attend as well. After all, she was
“I’m going to make something warm to drink!”Mason didn’t reject his offer. He watched as his father hurried into the cramped kitchen and went about boiling water clumsily. The night breeze was a tad too strong, causing him to cough intermittently. All of a sudden, Mason asked, “Have you gone to see the doctor?”Westley’s body stiffened. Then, he responded softly, “I’ve had this cough for a long time. It’s no big deal, really! All it takes is some pill and I’ll feel better.”Mason knew he was lying. One look was all he needed to know that this condition had haunted his father for a long time. However, he didn’t press for more information. Instead, he started paging through the books on the couch. Westley proceeded to make some tea once the water was boiled. He was a little uneasy when he gave his son the cup of tea. He even smiled bitterly when he said, “I don’t have any better tea leaves. I’m sorry if you find it distasteful.”Mason took a sip and put the cup down.The old ma
In the lounge, Gwen curled up in Tegan’s embrace, crying silently. Tegan gently stroked her smooth black hair, sighing softly. “If you really like him, I’ll help you talk to him.”Gwen sobbed quietly, “Dad will say you’re being rebellious.”Tegan paused for a moment, then replied, “Your brother will help me, won’t he?”Gwen clung to Tegan, continuing to cry softly. She remembered that today was Yeager’s full moon celebration and decided to cry for just a little while. After all, who hasn’t shed tears in their youth?At that moment, there was a knock at the door. From the sound of it, the person outside had a very refined aura. Tegan immediately guessed who it was; it certainly wasn’t her husband. She gently rubbed Gwen’s head. “I’ll go answer it.”When Tegan opened the door, as expected, it was Zion standing outside. The two locked eyes, and after a moment of silence, Tegan calmly spoke, “You two talk.” Zion nodded.In the quiet lounge, the soft sound of Gwen’s crying fill
The following August. It was the party for Ocelotte and Molly's child. Molly had given birth to a boy, named Yeager Sanders, a name chosen by her eldest brother-in-law, Lorian. She was very fond of the name. As for Lorian and Tegan's youngest son, he was named Fergus Sanders. Yeager and Fergus were the next generation of boys in the Sanders family. However, the first child was still Lola, the one and only little princess. She loved following Gwen around. The little girl was now three and a half years old and about to start kindergarten. On the day of Yeager's party, Gwen was still taking Lola around, but she unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance. It had truly been a long time. Since the year Zion had left for another country, although they had occasionally bumped into each other, they hadn’t had the chance for a proper meeting. How many years had passed? Gwen didn't dare to think about it, nor did she want to calculate. She vaguely felt it had been four
After Yanni finished speaking, the Sanders family stood frozen in shock. It was Gwynn who recovered first, quickly asking Yanni, “How is Molly doing?” Yanni smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Aunt Gwynn. Molly is fine, just a bit overwhelmed. I think the baby came as a surprise. Ocelotte is with her right now.” Before Gwynn could respond, Noah muttered under his breath, “A surprise is great! A surprise is wonderful.” Although the young couple’s relationship was excellent, what parent wouldn’t hope for grandchildren? And with Ocelotte and Molly’s stunning looks, the baby was bound to be exceptional. The mere thought of it had Noah brimming with excitement. He silently speculated that it was definitely going to be an adorable little girl. Definitely just like Molly.After a while, Ocelotte emerged, carrying Molly in his arms. She had regained her strength after sipping some sweetened water but was advised to rest for a few days at home. Moreover, during the first trimeste
Over half a year later, in the golden autumn of October. The film "Scarlet Dreams, Jade Skies", starring Molly, achieved a blockbuster box office success and earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the prestigious Golden Bear Awards. On the night of the ceremony, the entire Sanders family showed up to cheer Molly on. Tegan, worried she might feel pressured, kept comforting her, saying, “It’s okay if you don’t win this time. There’s always next time.” Molly was deeply moved. Tegan had just finished her postpartum recovery and yet still came to support her. Looking at Ocelotte, Molly whispered, “I’ve already won the biggest award of my life, Tegan.” Usually composed, Tegan was amused by her and replied gently, “You’ve been much more lively since hanging out with Ocelotte! Your big brother thinks it’s great. He always praises Ocelotte for being so caring.” Molly felt a little shy and leaned in closer to chat softly with Tegan. Gwen handed over a piece of candy and qu
Molly spent the most joyful holidays of her life.In early spring, she married Ocelotte. Her wedding veil was an impressive three meters long, as the elders said that the longer the veil, the longer the marriage. So, Ocelotte had a three-meter-long veil designed for her.He said he wanted to be with her for three lifetimes and more.As the bells of the church rang, Molly, holding onto Lorian’s arm, slowly walked toward Ocelotte. From that moment on, they were one, bound together not only as a couple but as a family. His loved ones were now hers, and they would share both joy and hardship.The few meters between them felt like the culmination of the four years they had spent together.At the altar, Lorian handed Molly to his younger brother and gave his shoulder a gentle pat. "Take good care of her," he said.Ocelotte took a step forward, gazing at Molly through the delicate veil. Today, she looked like a pure white jasmine flower.Ocelotte gently lifted the veil, wanting her t
On the steps in front of the villa, Ocelotte and Molly stood ready to greet their guest. Brody stepped out of the car, looking particularly sharp and dashing tonight. The sight made Ocelotte frown instantly. Dressed as flamboyantly as a peacock, Brody had clearly put in some effort. Later, Ocelotte decided, he’d ask Molly outright who looked better. Was it him or Brody? Brody walked up the steps, his silhouette framed by the twilight. Molly stepped forward and gave him a brief hug. After everything they’d been through, they were like family now. Ocelotte, watching from the side: *Is all that closeness really necessary?* When Molly and Brody finally separated, Ocelotte decided he wanted a hug too. Brody froze, startled by the unexpected request, but before he could react, he was nearly bowled over by Ocelotte's overly enthusiastic embrace. Ocelotte pulled him into a firm hug, slapping him hard on the back. “Now that you’re leaving, I’ll really miss you, you know.”
Before the Spring Festival, Ocelotte moved out of the family estate and started living with Molly. Noah fully approved, saying, "Hurry up and move out. Don’t disturb your mom and me enjoying our world of two." Ocelotte swiftly packed his large luggage, pulled Gwen over, and shoved her toward Noah. "Dad, you must regret having a third child. Too late to send her back to Mom’s belly now." Noah frowned. "Can’t you pack your sister up and take her with you?" Ocelotte hoisted his luggage. "Dad. Molly and I also want our world of two. You and Mom just need to endure it a bit longer. Once Gwen gets married, you’ll truly have your world of two, and none of us kids will need you and Mom to take care of us." Noah cursed playfully, watching his youngest son nimbly hop into a black Range Rover and head toward his fiancée. For a moment, he felt a little sentimental. Noah still remembered the year Ocelotte was born. Times were tough, and he was locked in a life-and-death struggle wi
Ocelotte popped a fruit into his sister’s mouth, teasing her, "What are you thinking about? If you really want him back, go chase him down!"Gwen finished the fruit and muttered softly, "Are you crazy?"Back then, she and that person had broken up because her family disagreed. How could she possibly go after him now?Ocelotte stared at his sister intently for a moment, then chuckled, "He’s in Brookesville! He’s been there for years, hasn’t moved, hasn’t gone back to his hometown to marry that perfect wife. "I think you should be braver, Gwen, just like Molly. When she was young, she did so much wrong to me, but look at her now. When we reunited, she cried and begged to be with me. I couldn’t say no."Gwen's heart skipped a beat as the memory of that person flooded back. Could it really be that simple? Could she really go after him now? But so much time had passed, and so much had changed.Molly's cheeks turned a soft shade of red, but with Gwynn and Gwen around, she didn’t dare
As the evening twilight settled, the gleaming Rolls-Royce Cullinan slowly drove into the Sanders Residence, eventually coming to a stop in the parking lot. Tegan and Gwen, with Lola in tow, were waiting at the steps to greet them.When Lola saw Molly, she wobbled over and excitedly hugged the latter’s legs, calling her "Aunt Molly" affectionately. In a playful, exaggerated tone, Lola praised, "You look so beautiful, Aunt Molly!"Molly felt a bit shy at the compliment.Lola’s little hand then reached into the fruit basket, stealing a banana. Given that bananas are too cold for children to eat in winter, Molly gently took her hand and said, "Let's go to the kitchen, and I’ll heat it for you in the microwave." However, she hesitated, feeling it was more appropriate to first greet Ocelotte’s parents, as it was her first time here.Lorian told Molly to carry Lola to the kitchen, saying that there were no strict rules at home and that Ocelotte was already with their parents.Molly f