Noah regarded Maddox wordlessly. The young man was beaten up so badly, but it did nothing to diminish his refined good looks. Chuckling lightly, he murmured repeatedly, “Held hands, have you? With which filthy hand did you hold hers?” Rising, he picked up a baseball bat. Maddox raised his eyes and glared at him. He couldn’t believe this was how Gwynn’s husband was. She was so slender and fragile, while Noah was so cruel and violent.Gritting his teeth, the young man said, “We’re just friends! You might own her body, but you’ll never own her mind. She’ll never be yours. Believe me when I say she’ll break free from you someday.”Picking up the document, he read it. A philosophy student?Snorting, he slipped his hands into a pair of white gloves and put on a pair of safety goggles. Instead of wasting another word on Maddox, he swung the bat at him.A minute later, both of Maddox’s hands were ruined. A bloodcurdling scream filled the air. Lowering his gaze, Noah smiled fa
“Noah!”Zoe jolted awake. She opened her eyes and it was pitch-black in her room. She just had a nightmare about Noah and Gwynn. At first, he treated his wife well, but they ended things on a sour note. They were going through the same thing as her and Mason, painful and miserable.Sitting up, she curled up and held herself. She was still trembling to this moment. The dream felt too real. All of a sudden, someone held her shoulders. Raising her eyes, she saw Mason in the darkness. He was wearing a bathrobe and sitting in a wheelchair. If it wasn’t for the wheelchair, she wouldn’t have been able to tell that there was anything unusual about him.His voice was gentle. “Yanni’s going to be fine very soon!”“I know that,” she murmured. Raising her head, she looked at him with a silent plea. She needed to hug him now.The tough act she put up in daylight had all but come undone at this moment.This was the first time she behaved like this. Her voice was both soft and broken. “Can
She wanted to know if he was telling the truth or bluffing her.Mason stared right back at her. They knew each other very well because they had been married for several years. That was why she knew he still had feelings for her. She was sure of it. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone to Kirk Manor, had sex with him, and held onto him so tightly.The truth was that she couldn’t take it anymore after the first couple of rounds. However, she pushed herself to go on just so she could satisfy him.She wouldn’t have done that if she didn’t love him from the bottom of his heart.Mason felt sorry for himself. They loved each other but they could never get the timing right. In the past, Zoe loved him. Then, she grew disillusioned and stopped loving him over time. After that, it was his turn to fall in love with her. Now, however, they couldn’t love each other. Every time he got his hopes up, one glance at his busted legs was more than enough to kill his dreams of getting back together w
She looked at the kids from the rear-view mirror, swapped glances with Mia, and smiled faintly.Fifteen minutes later, a car pulled into the private route leading to her manor. As it was coming closer to the place, she saw that it was a black Land Rover. A man got out of the car. It was Liam. She didn’t say anything, but she wore a nonchalant expression. Mia, however, couldn’t hold her temper in check and exploded, “How dare he show up here?! He has done enough to tear up our entire family. Why does he still show his face around us?”Zoe hadn’t had the chance to tell her stepmother about Noah and Gwynn. Now that Liam was here, she thought perhaps she should fill her in. “Noah married his sister, Gwynn, a year ago. She was only twenty-one years old.”Mia was completely stunned.After a brief moment, she came to her senses and said, “That’s not possible! We were also staying in Silvercrest for the past year. How did he manage to keep such a huge thing from us? Are you sure Liam
Liam also kept dreaming about Zoe. As time went by, he came to realize that he wasn’t taking pity on her. Instead, he missed her. He reminisced about the moments when she stood in front of him and told him how tragic her marriage was, sounding heartbroken and looking all vulnerable. He missed it when she used to regard him with trusting eyes. That was why he’d pay her a visit whenever he went on a work trip to Silvercrest. He even sent Gwynn to Silvercrest Art College so that he could have another good reason to visit Zoe. All they ever did was have a meal together or have a cup of coffee, but that was good enough for him!Now, however, all of that was lost to him. It didn’t matter how much he loved her, he was simply undeserving of her. After all, his love was despicable and tainted.…Zoe walked back into her manor. Mia was playing with the kids. Hearing footsteps, she raised her eyes to look at Zoe, who was slipping out of her shoes at the door. She said to her stepmo
Zoe went upstairs by herself.She had only gone to the eastern master bedroom on the second floor. Opening the door, she crossed the private lounge and walked into the bedroom. There were no wedding photos above the headboard. The bedroom lacked any of a young lady’s usual belongings. There was only a small canvas on the couch. It was only half-done, but she could tell from the features that it was a portrait of Noah. There were only some lady’s clothes in the fitting room. What was weird was that there were even fewer men’s clothes in there!Touching the fine fabric of the lady’s clothes, she could already tell that Noah hadn’t been treating Gwynn well. Otherwise, why would there only be a few clothes when they’ve supposedly lived together for a year?She didn’t stay there for too long. After she had looked around, she went downstairs slowly. Kim was visibly unnerved when she came down.She asked, “Am I right in saying that Noah doesn’t come here frequently?”Kim didn’t l
Zoe didn’t let him intimidate her. Looking back at him, she said, “I can’t help you! They flew out of the country and I’ve no idea when they’ll be back. I don’t think they’ll stay in the same place when they come back. “I’m sure you know this, but Noah spent two years garnering more powers and influence than I have in Silvercrest. There’s nothing I can do if he intends to hide from me.”“I know you’re telling me the truth. I’m just trying to leverage on your conscience,” he said.She responded mockingly, “Here I am, thinking conscience is the last thing you care about in the world.”Then, she had no intention to talk with him further. Putting on her sunglasses, she said, “I’ll be in touch when I have news!”The next thing she knew, he gripped her arm. It was reminiscent of how he had grabbed her hand all those years ago. He was also touching the slash marks on her wrists back then. Back then, she was weak and vulnerable. Now, however, she was much more powerful. She was no lo
It was night and Mason was wearing a white bathrobe on the second floor of his manor. Sitting on his couch, he had a blanket on his knees as the private doctor massaged him. She said, warmly, “Dr. Cecil said that you're getting some sensation back to your legs. Your right arm seems to be recovering well too! Looks like the newly formed research team is making strides.”Did she just mention a newly formed research team?Mason didn’t seem to recall investing in it. The private doctor knew she had let it slip, but there was nothing else she could do other than tell him the truth. “Ms. Zoe sponsored it. The first donation was already twenty million dollars, much less the subsequent ones.“This is how Dr. Cecil put it. If the research team needs to be maintained for five years, then it would probably exhaust Ms. Zoe’s entire wealth and properties.” She continued to massage him and said, “Ms. Zoe is doing everything she can to help you, Mr. Mason. She’s one heck of a lady.”Mason rem
At that moment, Gwen was completely flustered. She didn’t understand what Zion meant, nor did she understand why he was deliberately getting close to her. She wanted to ask, but before she could, Zion had already led her out of the car. The restaurant arranged by the school leadership was nearby, just off campus. Gwen had been there with Zion before, but not in a private room. Returning to an old haunt brought a sense of nostalgia. Zion walked side by side with Gwen. He was six-foot tall, and she was about five-foot-five. They made for a strikingly good-looking pair. Considering their history, the school leaders naturally couldn’t resist teasing them a bit. Gwen felt slightly uncomfortable and replied, "We were young and foolish." Over the years, Zion had grown seasoned in the business world, exuding an effortless charm. He responded with a light smile, "I wonder if we can pick up where we left off—still holding a grudge?" As soon as those words were said, the schoo
After running away in a flurry that night, Gwen retreated into her home, avoiding the world outside for several days. Her father, Noah, meanwhile, busied himself with his new hobby of keeping turtles—purchased on a whim after his wife, Gwynn, teased him for being too old. In an attempt to prove his youth, Noah even released the turtles back into the wild one evening, making a point of marking one with the name "Zion" on its shell in a bold act of petty revenge. Gwynn, ever the pragmatist, found the gesture immature and pointless, but it brought him a fleeting sense of satisfaction. Gwen, however, was unaware of the antics her father had indulged in. All she knew was that her father had been unusually concerned during her self-imposed seclusion, urging her to get out and take a break. Noah's insistence that she shouldn’t remain cooped up at home was an attempt to draw her back into the world, to reconnect with life. But she couldn’t shake the weight of everything that had transp
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