In the elevator, there was a lingering silence between them. Eventually, Mason broke the silence. "Why did you get the medicine yourself? The contraceptive pills developed by the Lockwood Corporation—"Zoe chuckled. "What's the difference? They're all contraceptive pills."She looked at him, casually asking, "Why did you follow me? Don't you need to accompany your lover? Lilith seems to be in desperate need of your company."Mason's eyes were deep. He stared at her face, trying to interpret her expression. After a while, he shifted his gaze away, adjusting his tie and the position of the tie pin in front of the mirror. His eyes met hers in the reflection, and he casually asked, "What about you, Mrs. Lockwood? Don't you need my company?"Zoe did not avoid his gaze. She looked into his eyes, her tone calm. "Having the title of Mrs. Lockwood is enough for me."Clearly, this statement irritated Mason.Mason stared at her for a long while, his voice cold. "Well, I should thank you
"Rub my temples for me," the man spoke, his voice hoarse.Zoe set aside the book in her hands, surprisingly not harboring any resentment. She leaned over to massage him. In the past, she had learned this skill to comfort him after long hours of work.However, as soon as she touched him, she frowned slightly. "Mason, you have a fever!"Mason opened his eyes. Due to his illness, his usually bright black eyes seemed dim. Suddenly, his hand reached for her slender waist as if intending to engage in an intimate act.Zoe restrained his hand, preventing him from acting recklessly.Mason rarely fell ill, but his temper worsened each time he did. In the past, Zoe had always accommodated him, taking care of him meticulously and occasionally letting him have his way.Mason, feeling unwell and unsatisfied, became even more disgruntled. His black eyes stared intently at Zoe. "What's wrong? You don't want to do it?"Zoe took the initiative to sit on his lap, reaching for the medicine box whil
Zoe's resistance was futile against the force of Mason's ardor, even in sickness.Mason easily pinned her beneath him.Gradually, Zoe lost her strength. Eventually, she stopped struggling, burying her delicate face in the dark-colored couch. She refused to look at him or respond.In his anger, Mason could not help but become more aggressive. He pinched her delicate chin with his slender fingers, forcing her to look at him. His words were anything but pleasant. "Mrs. Lockwood, let's see who can make you moan louder."Zoe felt humiliated. She turned her face away, but Mason held her tightly. She could not escape. Reluctantly, she was forced to stare at his handsome face.The dim yellow light surrounded Mason, casting a soft halo around him. However, there was no tenderness in his eyes. His forehead, side profile, and neck were covered in sweat.Mason was getting carried away, both mentally and physically. Finally, when emotions reached a critical point, he lowered his body, bit
It was autumn.He was dressed all in black with a matching light windbreaker. The morning sunlight touched his side profile, and the early breeze tousled his neatly trimmed hair, making him exceptionally handsome.Perhaps sensing Zoe's gaze, Mason slightly raised his head, and their eyes met. Neither of them looked away. Mason even squinted as if trying to see her more clearly. He saw his wife standing in the soft light, facing the sun, and he could glimpse her radiance.Mason took a deep drag of his cigarette. His cheeks were deeply indented due to the effort, exuding a strong masculine charm. Then, he chuckled, seemingly mocking her.At this moment, Ava came out from the foyer, carrying luggage. The driver placed the luggage in the trunk, and only then did Zoe realize that Mason was going on a business trip. Her phone rang in the bedroom.Zoe walked back to check. Surprisingly, the call was from Ava, who was polite but somewhat distant. "Mrs. Zoe, could you please bring down Mr.
Ava dared not conceal the truth. She honestly informed Mason that Brittany had answered the call.Mason's gaze shifted toward Brittany Rogwood. She must have had some intentions toward Mason, but his look made it clear that she had no chance.She was a first-tier female celebrity, and very liberal with her charms. She casually flicked her hair and chuckled, "Mrs. Zoe asked me to remind you that he still has a slight fever and should avoid strenuous exercise."Sure enough, Mason's handsome face darkened.Thinking the collaboration was hopeless, Brittany was about to leave when Mason stopped her. He did not personally negotiate. Instead, he instructed Ava to confirm the fee details before letting her leave.Brittany blinked in surprise.Ava put on a business-like smile and began discussing collaboration details. Of course, she had to lower the price a bit because Mr. Mason was currently in a bad mood.The next day, Lockwood Corporation announced that Brittany became the spokespe
As she descended the stairs, the small living room had been supplied with with tea, coffee, and breakfast for Zoe.Carly was quite observant.Seeing Zoe in good spirits, she felt annoyed. "Mrs. Zoe, how can you be so happy? You need to manage your marriage well. Are you just going to watch Mr. Mason fool around? With that woman around, don't you feel any sense of crisis?"Zoe paid no attention to them.Sitting at the low table, she poured herself a latte after careful consideration. After savoring it, she smiled. "Are you here because of Brittany? Are you afraid that Ms. Lilith will lose Mason's favor? You should go find Mason instead of trying to work an angle with me. After all, if I managed my marriage as well as you seem to want me to, Ms. Lilith wouldn't get any favors from Mason."Carly was momentarily speechless.She sought Zoe because she had no other choice. She did not know what would happen to their family if Mason found a new lover.Therefore, she planned to team
Zoe also gazed at him. After a moment, she smiled gracefully and said, "Sure. I'll be waiting for you in the bedroom." She got up and walked away, passing by him.Suddenly, Mason grabbed her wrist, slowly pulling her closer until she was near him. Her cheek gently brushed against his shoulder, the fair skin contrasting with deep gray, highlighting its delicacy.Zoe blinked lightly. Mason might have forgotten that he caused a scandal in Crocksten, leading his former lover to come knocking on his door. He was supposed to be comforting his lover now.Zoe gently pulled away. She gave him a dignified smile and headed upstairs. Her graceful figure was pleasing to the eye. Considering she had been by his side for a little while now, any signs of the hardships she endured in the past days were no longer visible. She was raised in a wealthy environment, displaying an inherent air of delicacy.Mason, for once, seemed lost in thought.Fearing his blame, Lilith nervously twisted the sleeves
Mason sounded so gentle that it bordering on seductive.He might have disappointed her greatly, but Zoe couldn’t help but feel something stirring within at what he said. Eve so, she kept a clear head.He came over, pinned her on the couch, and started kissing her tenderly. However, all she felt was heartbreak. Touching his dashing face, she asked him softly, “Do you love me, Mason?”He would never admit it. In fact, he never loved anyone. His silence was his answer. She already knew this, but that didn’t make her feel any less sad about it. So, she asked again, “Well. Do you want to love me? You said we’re married. Are you ready to make me feel loved?”To his credit, Mason didn’t lie to her. Touching her lips with his own, he responded softly and tenderly, “Not at all!”Closing her eyes, Zoe let him kiss her. She felt him fondling her, but she still used every chance she got to talk about their relationship. She was cut off intermittently by his flurry of kisses. Each word w
On the second floor, Gwen was trying on her wedding dress for tomorrow. Just as Zion had wished, it was a traditional Zutriysteinian wedding.The red wedding gown was crafted by the top artisans from Zutriystein, elegant and dignified. The headpiece she wore was adorned with wild pearls; each gem was carefully embedded, and the headpiece alone cost tens of millions. A substantial amount of money had been spent.The woman in the mirror was stunningly beautiful. Gwen gently touched her headpiece and muttered to herself, "Zion really doesn’t mind spending money on this little hobby of his."Gwynn, as a mother, patted her head. "This little girl really doesn’t know when to keep quiet, but luckily, she’s married well and is right here beside me..."She had given a generous wedding gift, exactly the same as when Holly got married. Like Holly, Gwen didn’t want any shares of the Sanders Group. The money that Zion earned was enough to support both of them and his small hobbies.Meanwhile
Ignacio said, "We can’t take care of both of you."Holly was at a loss for words.Lucius was at that lively age, but he was raised by his father and had good manners. When he saw Ocelotte, he respectfully greeted him, saying, "Second Uncle."Ocelotte patted his little head, thinking that the boy seemed sturdier than his own children, possibly because Molly was too fragile. He made a mental note to make sure Yeager got some extra nutrients when he went back.The black Rolls-Royce Phantom sped down the highway, getting them back to the Qiao family mansion before evening.The Sanders family’s sons had all moved out, leaving only Gwen still living at home. Holly, who rarely came back, was also staying at the house. She didn’t refuse, planning to stay for a few days before heading to Silvercrest to visit her biological parents and pay respects.The car pulled into the Sanders Residence, and the house was lit up brightly.In the courtyard parking area, luxury cars were parked everywhe
In the evening, Gwen was preparing to leave work.In the parking lot, she spotted Zion’s car, but it was empty. Just then, a school leader passed by and said to her, “Zion came to school. There’s a donation ceremony happening in the auditorium. You should go check it out. "Then, you two can head home together afterward. On a cold day like this, a nice dinner would be perfect. What a cozy idea!”Gwen playfully replied, “You really know how to enjoy life.”The leader, holding a bag of groceries, laughed, “See? Your teacher’s wife has been nagging me since morning to go home and cook while babysitting the grandkids.”Gwen smiled softly, watching him leave.In the sky, clouds glowed orange and yellow, their edges tinged with gold.She carried a thermos as she walked toward the auditorium. Along the way, a few students noticed her and started chirping excitedly, cheekily calling her “Ms. Gwen.”Gwen corrected them, “It’s Ms. Gwen.”The students laughed and teased, “Ms. Gwen! Mr. Z
Gwen stared dazedly at the man.Zion, dressed in a black coat, stood tall in the study, exuding an oppressive aura. He walked toward her and pulled the teary-eyed girl, her face streaked like a little tabby cat, into his arms. One hand gently smoothed her hair as his voice softened to the extreme, "Still saying you didn’t cry."Gwen leaned against his shoulder, mumbling, "You did it on purpose.""Are you at least a little touched?"She pounded on him twice more in response.Zion chuckled lowly, letting the girl vent while his heart ached silently.These past five years had been filled with fear and uncertainty for him. He had been afraid that before he could make a name for himself, Gwen would fall for someone else. If that happened, what could he possibly use to ask her to come back to him?The love story of a poor boy and a rich girl might've existed in novels, but the reality was often harsh.Gwen didn’t care, but he couldn’t bear to let her endure hardship.Now, as they
Zion and Gwen's marriage seemed inevitable, with no one putting up any resistance. Occasionally, Gwen even had a strange illusion.It all went so smoothly that the years of separation seemed like they had never happened, as if she and Zion had always been together. After their reunion, he didn’t even ask her about her life abroad and treated her just as he did before.She was no longer as youthful and tender, but Zion still saw her as if she were a 20-year-old girl. Gwen felt a bit dejected, thinking to herself, he must just like girls around 18-year-old.But unfortunately, the spring river flows eastward and cannot return!Zion only smiled.In winter, the days grew shorter. After work, Gwen arrived at Zion's villa, but he had not yet come home. The two housekeepers had already started preparing dinner.When Gwen got out of the car, she received a call from Zion. Her voice was soft and tender.“When will you be back?”On the other end, Zion checked the time and said, “I’ll be
Zion noticed Gwen gazing at him with those wide, expectant eyes again. With a chuckle, he reached into the pocket of his trench coat, pulled out a sleek wallet, and carefully extracted a platinum card. He placed it in her outstretched hand and said with a smile, “This is my secondary card. There’s no credit limit.” Gwen gasped softly, then teased, “Wow, aren’t you generous? Thank you, Teacher Qin.” Zion gave her a light tap on the head. Not missing a beat, Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck and grinned mischievously, “Thank you, my sugar daddy.” Zion’s response was to pull her close, cupping her cheeks as he kissed her fiercely. Though he once carried himself as an educator and now as a refined businessman, he found himself utterly smitten by her playful antics. After the kiss, Zion leaned close to Gwen's ear and murmured something uncharacteristically crude that sent a shiver down her spine. He playfully nipped her nose. “Turns out you’ve got a thing for bad boy
Zion could sense Gwen’s cautiousness and chuckled softly. Then, he cupped her face and planted a firm kiss on her lips. “Don’t worry, I won’t touch you. We agreed to save that for our wedding night. Besides, I just drank last night, so I probably wouldn’t be much use. I want your first time to be special, so I’ll make sure I’m well-prepared.” Gwen’s cheeks turned crimson. She buried her face in his chest, mumbling, “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” How peculiar! Back then, even though they were together, their relationship had always been proper and restrained. But now, here they were, sharing a bed, their bodies so intimately close it was both thrilling and embarrassing. Gwen had never experienced this before. Zion seemed to understand her thoughts. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “I haven’t either. Before the wedding night, I’ll make sure to study hard.” Gwen didn’t dare ask how he planned to “study,” though she had a pretty good idea—i
Zion maintained a respectful demeanor and immediately greeted, “Mr. Noah.” Noah, however, didn’t make things difficult for him. He gave a light cough, which could be considered acknowledgment. Then, turning to his youngest daughter, he said, “Go upstairs first. Your mother’s been waiting for you all night; she probably has something to say to you.” Gwen hesitated and didn’t move at first. Zion gently nudged her, his voice soft, “You should go.” Only then did Gwen start to move. But before heading upstairs, she walked over to Noah. As the youngest daughter and the most adept at charming her way out of trouble, she hugged her father. Only then, with visible reluctance, did she head upstairs. Her father’s anger dissipated by more than half after the hug. Watching her go, Noah turned his attention to Zion, his tone calm but firm: “Have a seat. Let’s talk.” Zion immediately sat down and, with practiced ease, poured Noah a cup of tea. Noah feigned irritation and remarked, “
But Gwen was not satisfied.With reddened eyes, she pitifully asked again, "Are you married? Is there someone else by your side? Do you still love me?"As she asked, she was more persistent than before, yet it made the man's heart ache even more.Zion remembered that when they parted ways, Gwen was still an innocent, naive girl. Now, however, she was willing to ask such direct and revealing questions. The braver she became, the more pain he felt in his heart.Zion no longer teased her. He looked into her eyes and answered seriously."No, I'm not married. There's no one else by my side. Her leg healed, and she got married earlier this year. And yes, I still love you. Very much."...Gwen's eyes turned even redder.Her voice trembled as she said, "That doesn't mean I have to be with you. I'm still mad at you."Zion took a step forward and gently wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. It had been five years, and now she had become a teary little kitten. He remembered how