After being disfigured by a fire, Annabelle Sanchez was kicked out by her parents. Twelve years later, she was brought back, not out of guilt but out of the need of a victim of an arranged marriage. What was worse, her fiancé, disdaining her looks, dumped her in public. In desperation, she married Kendrick Gregory, her ex-fiancé's brother. After marriage, Kendrick was surprised to find that Annabelle was incredibly gorgeous. She, on the other hand, realized Kendrick was actually a cunning fox.
Voir plusThe call was made to Tokyo. A landline.After four rings, a voice came from the other end—Scott’s.Kendrick closed his eyes briefly. “So, you are there.”“There was an issue. I told you before.” Scott’s voice was low, carrying a hint of strain.“Are you coming back or not?”Before he could answer, Kendrick continued, “It’s up to you whether you return or not. I’m just calling because Anna mentioned that before Julissa’s accident, she told Anna she was still waiting for you. And it was you who told her to wait.”“She’s waiting for me?”“You can ask her yourself. Since Julissa is Anna’s friend—and also a good girl—I’m calling to remind you: if you haven’t figured things out, don’t toy with her feelings. Know who’s worth cherishing and who isn’t. Make sure your priorities are clear.”There was silence on the other end before Scott chuckled.“Kendrick, do you really think I’m that foolish?”“Heh.”“Or do you see me as that much of a jerk?”“Who knows.” Kendrick deliberately jabbed at him.
That soft “Kendrick” made the big boss go completely weak. It was even more powerful than calling him “husband.”This was the first time she had ever called his name so intimately in private.So, he quickly returned the gesture, giving the little woman a kiss. “You’re welcome, Anna.”They exchanged a smile.Suddenly, Annabelle realized—oh no! Jaime was still here! How embarrassing!“You two continue chatting. I’m leaving,” she said, blushing as she stood up, ready to flee the living room.Kendrick grabbed her hand, stopping her.Jaime, with the knowing smile of a single man, said, “Madam doesn’t have to leave. I’ve finished my report. You two carry on. I’ve had my fill of PDA today, so I’ll be heading out.”Kendrick shot him a glare. Tsk! This guy’s getting cheeky now?Smirking, he picked up an orange and made a throwing motion toward Jaime.The assistant bolted immediately, not giving his boss the chance.Annabelle hadn’t expected Jaime to be this amusing, and she doubled over laughi
Kendrick said to Jaime, “Since that’s the case, let’s handle it officially. Organize the collected evidence and file a lawsuit against Susie for slander. Also, find a lawyer for Ada and sue Susie for invasion of privacy and violation of personal image rights.”“Understood, Boss.” Jaime agreed but didn’t leave immediately.Having worked by the CEO’s side for so long, he could tell that his boss wasn’t done talking.Kendrick leaned back, resting his arm on the sofa behind Annabelle. His fingers idly played with a strand of her hair, gently twirling it.“In private, arrange for Susie to get a job at one of our branch offices in another province. It won’t be anything glamorous, just enough to keep her afloat. Whether she takes it or not is up to her. But as for the entertainment industry… she’s done. That place is messy enough without her adding to the chaos.”Annabelle stiffened slightly at his words.Noticing her unease, Kendrick didn’t shy away, even with Jaime present. He asked direct
Afterward, Jaime came to the hospital room and informed them that they could leave. Annabelle took Kendrick’s car back to Lavender Villa, while Jaime drove back her little white car, which had been left in the mall parking lot the night before. He used the opportunity to report to Kendrick on some work matters. Once the three of them arrived at Lavender Villa, Jaime sat in the living room and began briefing Kendrick on Ada’s situation. Since it involved Annabelle, she stayed to listen as well. Hearing the report, Annabelle couldn’t help but admire Jaime’s efficiency. At the same time, she finally understood why Ada had targeted her—it all stemmed from Ada’s own misdeeds. After joining Willie’s company as a model, Ada relied on Willie’s favoritism and her own rising popularity to act out recklessly. She bossed around and bullied junior models, treating them poorly. One of these models, Susie, had harbored resentment toward her for a long time. She secretly dug up dirt on Ada’s pas
Jaime was completely at a loss for words. He didn’t dare outright refuse—after all, Miss Hickman was Madam’s friend. She was beautiful, sharp, and had even been a ballet dancer before. Talented and accomplished—what reason did he have to refuse? But he also didn’t dare agree. If he nodded, Mr. Nichols would surely have his head. At this moment, Annabelle finally understood what Kendrick was getting at. Yeah, why wasn’t Scott here yet? Was he really too tied up with work? After that, Jaime helped Annabelle with the discharge procedures, and she and Kendrick returned to the hospital room to pack up. During this time, Kendrick made a call to Scott and put it on speaker, so Anna could eavesdrop on some gossip. “Where are you?” Kendrick’s tone wasn’t exactly friendly. Annabelle pinched him, reminding him to mind his attitude. Kendrick held her hand, signaling her to stay put and not interrupt. “Tokyo.” Scott’s voice was cold as ever. “How’s Julissa?” “She’s still unconscious. Th
Mrs. Hickman suddenly asked, “Oh, where’s the chicken soup? You didn’t forget, did you?” “Of course not! You’ve reminded me at least a hundred times—I wouldn’t dare forget,” Mr. Hickman replied, pulling out a food container and handing it over. Mrs. Hickman then passed the insulated container to Anna. “Your Uncle Hickman made this fresh this morning. You and Mr. Gregory worked hard yesterday, so you need something nutritious.” Annabelle felt a bit embarrassed to accept it, but Mrs. Hickman was very insistent. Mr. Hickman also reassured her, saying they had made an extra portion. There was enough for both of them, and if Julissa woke up in the evening and the doctor allowed her to eat, there would still be a portion left for her. Since it was a heartfelt gesture from the elders, Annabelle no longer refused and accepted it gratefully, thanking them sincerely. Kendrick then took the insulated container from her, carrying it himself. Anna decided to head back. She told Mr. and Mrs.
Annabelle added, “Auntie, there’s no need to be so polite. If you need anything, just let us know.”Mrs. Hickman smiled sheepishly and said, “Well, actually… I just wanted to ask, Mr. Gregory, do you happen to know any outstanding young men like yourself? Maybe you could introduce one to our Julissa?”Annabelle, who had been feeling rather heavy-hearted, instantly brightened up at those words. She almost burst out laughing.Mr. Gregory was quite the catch, it seemed—he had won Mrs. Hickman’s approval in no time.Even though Mrs. Hickman wasn’t her biological mother, and they had only met twice, for some reason, Annabelle felt an inexplicable warmth toward her, as if she were family.So when Mrs. Hickman praised Kendrick, Annabelle couldn’t help but feel proud.She even wanted to tell Mrs. Hickman that there happened to be a wonderful man, Mr. Nichols, who was already pursuing Julissa!But since Julissa hadn’t accepted Scott yet, she decided to keep quiet for now.Kendrick’s expression
Annabelle walked up to the observation window outside the ICU. Through the glass, she saw Liam sitting beside Julissa’s bed, dressed in a sterile gown.He held Julissa’s hands in his, pressing them against his forehead.He looked extremely worried, as if silently praying for her recovery.Annabelle sighed. She knew that although Liam and Julissa had broken up, his feelings for her hadn’t changed.In the past, he had always treated Julissa like a little sister, pampering her—not out of romantic love, but out of familial affection. After their breakup, this sentiment didn’t disappear. Instead, it carried a layer of guilt for not reciprocating her feelings.That was why, even after breaking up, Liam had never stopped keeping an eye on Julissa’s life.He no longer pretended to be her boyfriend, but he truly cared for her like a brother.With something so serious happening to Julissa, there was no way Liam wouldn’t come.But whether Julissa would appreciate his presence was another matter.
Jax led them to the door where the attacker was being held. As he opened it, he turned to Kendrick. “Boss, let me handle it instead. No need to dirty your hands.”“No need.”Kendrick had to personally deal with the bastard who had dared to hurt his woman. Nothing else would satisfy his rage.Just as he was about to step inside, Annabelle called out, “Wait a moment.”“What is it?”“Don’t kill him.” As his wife, she gently reminded him.No matter how despicable that man was, if he died, it would truly stain Kendrick’s hands. She didn’t want him to become a butcher drenched in blood for her sake.Kendrick nodded. “Understood.”He opened the door, stepped in, and shut it behind him. Through the small glass window, Annabelle peeked inside. The room seemed to be a storage room, with filing cabinets lining both sides. The man sat on the floor, hands and feet tied.Kendrick entered, took out a knife, and sliced through the ropes binding him. Then, he tossed the knife aside.Annabelle frowned,
In the VIP ballroom of the Imperial Hotel in Elfhedge, a grand engagement party was underway."Let's welcome the groom-to-be and the bride-to-be to have their opening dance!"The groom-to-be, Marvin Gregory, burst into laughter after hearing what the emcee said."Opening dance? You might have thought too highly of that ugly creature!"Upon hearing that, everyone turned to Annabelle Sanchez, the bride-to-be, who had just become a laughingstock.Wearing a veil, she stood quietly on the stage.People started to gossip. Some said that Annabelle, the third girl of the Sanchez family, was disfigured by a fire when she was a child, and she had been living in Springvale Temple in the mountains ever since. She never even went to college.Marvin, on the other hand, was the second eldest son of the Gregory family, handsome and influential. It was reasonable for him to disdain her.That being said, Annabelle was from a prestigious family. Everyone assumed that she was probably on the verge of she...
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