Annabelle noticed Ariana's uneasiness and asked, "What's wrong with Ariana? Not feeling well?"
"I was just scared," Ariana said, her eyes turning red. "I heard that my sister-in-law was unconscious for two days, it was really terrifying. Is she okay now?"
Annabelle smiled and said, "It's not serious, I've just been feeling tired lately. I spent a long time swimming in the sea that day, so I was a bit exhausted."
She realized that Kendrick didn't want to bring up the topic of Milan in front of their friends, so she also tried to downplay it as much as possible.
Kendrick pulled her hand and held it in his palm.
"However, my dog Anna is really good in water. Thanks to her, I was able to escape that day. I owe Anna my life now."
Annabelle pursed her lips and thought to herself, "You cunning fox, you should be grateful. I risked my life that day to pull you out of the sea level, and even in that situation, you took advantage of me. Just thinking
"Of course," Kendrick nodded.Ariana carefully untied the ribbon, opened the gift box, and inside were a pair of exquisite and unique emerald earrings, clearly crafted by a master.In Ariana's eyes, when a man gives a woman jewelry, it also implies a lot of ambiguity, especially when it is done in front of Annabelle. This made her secretly proud."Do you like it?" Kendrick asked.Ariana was about to say that she liked it, but she heard Kendrick say, "Annabelle helped you pick it."Did Ariana choke on something that Annabelle picked?Originally, this was not Ken's intention, it was just a formality...When Ariana looked at the emerald in the box again, she felt that the faint green light was exceptionally dazzling."Like, very pretty," she snapped the box shut and looked at Annabelle, "Thank you, sister-in-law."Annabelle took a sip of tea and smiled faintly, "You're welcome."At this moment, the club manager appro
Ariana chatted with Seamus and Scott while keeping an eye on Annabelle and Kendrick. Although she always had a smile on her face, only she knew that her mouth was stiff.She remembered when she used to learn how to play golf, she also wanted Kendrick to teach her.Kendrick, however, directly hired a professional player as her coach. He taught her well, but what she wanted was just to be held in his arms and taught hand in hand like this!Afterwards, Kendrick took Annabelle to play two strokes and said, "Why don't you give it a try?""Okay."Everyone has a competitive spirit, including Annabelle, who, despite lacking natural athletic talent, is determined to independently excel in this sport.So the little rabbit seized the opportunity and took two swings while the iron was hot, and the result was...None of them won.Annabelle pouted and looked at Kendrick, who was laughing beside her."The first time playing ball, it's
Annabelle stifled a laugh and looked at Seamus.Seamus kept shaking his head and gesturing with his eyes, telling her not to speak.Annabelle, of course, would not betray anyone. While she was pondering how to explain, Scott casually remarked, "You used to play basketball when you were young and almost hit your own heel."Annabelle was surprised to learn that this seemingly quiet young master from the Shi family was also a cunning and manipulative man.But at the same time, the laughter that had been suppressed so hard was once again stirred up.Kendrick's face grew darker.Seamus said with a strong will to survive, "Kendrick, I swear to God, I only said it to boost my sister-in-law's confidence."Annabelle kept a straight face and explained to Kendrick, "I wasn't making fun of you, I just thought you were cute when you were little!"Kendrick, of course, was not really angry either. If his embarrassing past could make her laugh
Kendrick reacted quickly and promptly supported Ariana's shoulder, preventing her from falling into his arms.Seeing Ariana with her eyes tightly closed and a pale face, it seemed like she couldn't speak anymore.Kendrick gently placed her on the ground, cradling her back with his arms, and said to Annabelle, "Anna, take a look at this, see what's going on."Annabelle was a medical student. Saving lives and treating illnesses was an instinctive reaction for her. She immediately crouched beside Ariana, opened her eyelids to take a look, and then checked her pulse by lifting her wrist.Pretty healthy, the heart rate was a bit fast, but the pulse was strong and vigorous, and there was no fainting or shock reaction.Other than Annabelle, Ms. Murphy could possibly come in first if she ran an 800-meter race.At the same time, Annabelle also discovered something interesting.The bandage on Ariana's foot was just for show, it could deceive th
Annabelle thought to herself, "If Kendrick leaves the delicate Ariana behind and comes to take care of me, wouldn't it make her sad?"Previously, Lisa envied Annabelle, causing her to almost lose face. She didn't want to make any more enemies.Because she had already realized that these girls who liked Kendrick were all tough characters, she herself was just a naive little bunny from the mountains, unable to withstand their antics, and had no intention of competing with them for men."Seamus was taking care of her."Kendrick was a man, with a rather blunt emotional nature, unaware of Annabelle's subtle emotions.He thought Annabelle was too strong-willed, but now that she has twisted her ankle, she is too embarrassed to let him see and is just gritting her teeth."I was really fine... Ouch, it hurts!"As soon as he pressed on the injured area of Annabelle, she couldn't help but cry out in pain."Both swollen, but you're fine. I
"Hey, Kendrick! Put me down!"Annabelle patted Kendrick's back, but the old fox didn't let go and ignored her.She was like a hunted rabbit, helplessly lying on Kendrick's shoulder, under the shocked gaze of Scott and Seamus, under the sinister gaze of Ariana, being carried by Kendrick all the way to the parking lot and stuffed into the passenger seat.Annabelle glared at Kendrick angrily, so furious that her ankles didn't even hurt.How can she not be angry? She is already an adult, being carried around like this, losing face.However, Kendrick started the car expressionlessly and glanced at her indifferently, saying, "Seatbelt."Annabelle, with anger, pulled the seatbelt across and with a click, inserted it into the slot.Kendrick also angrily stepped on the accelerator, and the car drove away from the club's parking lot.Seamus, Scott, and Ariana had also arrived at the parking lot and witnessed the scene where Kendrick arro
Annabelle opened her eyes wide and looked at Kendrick, as if she didn't know what he was saying, and asked in return, "Why should I be jealous?"Kendrick listened and gave a bitter smile."That was me being sentimental. Do you want to stay here, or should I carry you upstairs?""It was right here.""Okay, then I went upstairs first. Call me if you need anything."After Kendrick left, Annabelle fell into deep thought. Was she really feeling jealous?Immediately, Annabelle shook her head. It was impossible for her to like Kendrick, at most it was because she saw Ariana playing mind games and Kendrick was completely oblivious, she was just worried for him.But then I realized, why was I in such a hurry?It is normal for a woman who has fallen in love to play some tricks for the man she likes. Why should she be so concerned about it?So I stopped overthinking.Annabelle stayed at home for a week, and the swelling in h
Annabelle smiled and, in fact, she only played the piano for her own amusement, never really considering performing on stage.However, seeing how excited her friend was, she decided to agree to Kamila's request and give it a try.If fortunate enough to be chosen, that would be great. If not chosen, at least Kamila tried her best and should have no regrets.As soon as Annabelle agreed, Kamila couldn't be happier. She immediately told Annabelle a few songs she had been considering and the two of them started discussing and choosing one as their performance piece.Gauge's attention was always focused on the conversation between Annabelle and Kamila, so he didn't hear what Hayley said at all. It was only when the people around him stopped talking that he realized the atmosphere was a bit awkward."Sorry, what did you just say?"Hayley gave a bitter smile and said with a hint of disappointment, "It's nothing, I just wanted to ask if there are any
What Gauge wanted to discuss with Kendrick was a strategic collaboration between their two companies.Since stepping into the family business, Gauge had discovered a series of issues.Although Lin Jewelry appeared to be thriving, its narrow focus on a single line of business had left it vulnerable to serious challenges.Therefore, Gauge was planning to expand the jewelry and watch business within the next five years into leather goods, fashion products, and the perfume industry.He also proposed merging the group's original real estate construction division with a subsidiary of Gregory's Group. Murphy's Group would retain only a small share—essentially, a disguised sale to Gregory's.But the reason they couldn’t call it a sale outright was because Murphy's Group had started out in the construction industry. Gauge’s father, Simon, still held an emotional attachment to that legacy and couldn’t let go entirely.After the merger of the construction branches, Gauge hoped to acquire Gregory
At first, Annabelle didn’t understand what he was up to. It wasn’t until they were back inside the house that she realized—Kendrick thought she looked a little too sexy wearing his oversized T-shirt, especially since it made it seem like she wasn’t wearing anything on the bottom. It sparked a lot of imaginative thoughts.Annabelle was both amused and exasperated. She lifted the hem of the T-shirt to show him: “I am wearing shorts! They’re just... a little short. But still totally decent!”But Mr. Gregory was persistent. In the end, Annabelle gave in and changed into her own clothes.Once they were both dressed, they returned to the courtyard.Annabelle noticed Gauge hadn’t touched the watermelon and asked why—after all, it was set aside just for him.Gauge pulled a ten-hole blues harmonica from his pocket and said, “If I eat now, I won’t be able to play.”She knew harmonica players had to keep their mouth clean before playing.Then, Gauge handed her his guitar. “Since we’re just hang
While Kendrick was cutting the watermelon, Annabelle couldn’t take her eyes off him.How strange—why did everything this man did seem so charming to her? Even slicing a watermelon looked handsome.It was as if her brain had automatically applied a beauty filter to him.Annabelle placed a hand over her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. But the more she tried, the faster it beat. The sweet words he had just whispered, every little expression and gesture of his, were now playing back in her mind like a movie…Kendrick held out the watermelon to her with a grin. “Little fangirl, stop staring. This handsome guy is your husband—100% confirmed.”Annabelle glared at him with a flushed face. “Narcissist!”Then she lowered her head, scooping out a bite of watermelon, determined to focus on eating.Just as she was about to take a bite, she noticed Kendrick had sat down.The other half of the watermelon was still sitting on the small stone platform by the well.“Aren’t you going to eat?”“Y
Annabelle smiled softly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and affection. "Why do you always have to compare everything?" she asked, her voice gentle and teasing."I just want to know," he replied, his voice low and earnest. He reached out and tucked a strand of Anna's hair behind her ear, his touch light but intimate. "What it feels like for you to be with me."Annabelle fell into deep thought, her gaze drifting away as she considered his question. The room was quiet, filled only with the soft sounds of their breathing and the occasional rustle of the sheets beneath them. After a while, she still hadn't answered. Kendrick sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Is it really that hard to answer?""Hmm... it’s hard to describe," Annabelle murmured thoughtfully, her fingers playing with the edge of the blanket. "Before, when I was with you, just seeing you would throw my heart into chaos. My pulse would race, and I could hardly catch my breath. But now…” She trailed off, h
Annabelle hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time.When she lazily opened her eyes and looked out the window, she realized it was already dark.Ever since arriving at her grandma’s house and staying in this quiet little fishing village—far away from her usual life—it felt like she had escaped to another world. Her entire being relaxed, with nothing left to worry about.Kendrick didn’t have to stress over the corporation anymore either.Their biggest daily dilemma had become: what should we eat for the next meal?If only life could always be this carefree...Annabelle slowly sat up. After sleeping for so long, her whole body felt soft and mushy. She got out of bed and wandered into the courtyard, where she saw Kendrick sitting at the small table, smoking.When he heard her, he turned around.“Awake?”Kendrick stubbed out his cigarette and patted his thigh.Annabelle walked over without hesitation or shyness and naturally sat on his lap, arms around his neck, resting softly against his s
Kendrick’s face darkened. “It’s better to date someone older. Look at Mr. Murphy—he’s too young, can’t even cook. How’s he supposed to take care of a girlfriend?”Annabelle raised her eyebrows and gave the sly old fox a glance. Flicking the water off her hands, she smiled and said, “But younger guys are energetic—and no generation gap!”Kendrick let out a sharp “hmph.” “You think there’s a generation gap between us?”“I didn’t say us,” Annabelle teased, eyes twinkling. “Why are you jumping to conclusions? Having a midlife crisis already, Uncle?”The little bunny was obviously up to no good with that mischievous grin.Kendrick glanced at the loquat tree in the courtyard, then squinted at the sunlight filtering through its leaves, trying hard to stay calm.After all, he was turning 31 after the New Year. Couldn’t let a little girl get under his skin, right?But midlife crisis? Really?He was in his prime. A young man!So this young Mr. Gregory looked into the reflection on the glass. He
So Annabelle thought to herself—was Mr. Gregory being a little too proactive?Kendrick asked lightly, “So, do you want to go swimming with him alone?”He deliberately emphasized the word “alone,” as if suggesting she had ulterior motives. Annabelle could only respond, “...I never said that!”“Then that’s that,” Kendrick said calmly, taking her hand and leading her into the house.After a short rest, the three of them began preparing lunch.Gauge was every bit the privileged young master—clearly someone who’d never cooked at home before. He practically didn’t know how to do anything.He was too rough when washing vegetables, to the point of mangling the leaves.Then they had him try chopping vegetables—but the young master, with his obsessive need for precision, insisted on cutting everything perfectly uniform, each slice as neat as the next. At the rate he was going, they’d probably be eating tomorrow’s lunch.Kendrick and Annabelle didn’t even bother expecting him to cook anything. T
Afterward, the three of them returned to Grandma’s house first.Gauge waited in the courtyard while Annabelle and Kendrick brought the things they bought at the market into the house. After grabbing the ingredients they needed for lunch, the three of them headed to Gauge’s place together.When they arrived in front of the white guesthouse, Kendrick couldn’t help but chuckle.That morning, he and Anna had passed by this very spot. He had been wondering at the time—the place had a fresh, elegant architectural style. But there was no signboard, so maybe it wasn’t a guesthouse after all. If it was just a private residence, then it probably belonged to someone with means.Sure enough, his guess wasn’t far off. What he didn’t expect was that this would turn out to be Gauge’s home.After stepping through the front gate, Annabelle couldn’t help but marvel.To build such a charming little courtyard on this sloped hill must’ve taken a lot of thought and care.“Come in, rest a bit. Have some wat
As Kendrick was lost in thought, Annabelle called out to him, “Let me help you carry a couple of those.”Just moments ago, Kendrick had taken all the shopping bags from her hands—he was carrying everything by himself now.Seeing his forehead glistening with sweat, Annabelle, who now had empty hands, felt both guilty and worried.Kendrick looked back at her, smiled, and said, “I could carry you on my back too, no problem.”“Stop messing around, give me two bags.”Seeing how serious she looked, eyebrows furrowed and all, he finally gave in and handed her two of the lightest ones.But as soon as she took them, Gauge casually took them from her without saying a word.Annabelle: “…”She felt like she’d just become the middleman in a hand-off.Kendrick glanced at Gauge. “Thanks, Mr. Murphy.”His tone and look were both laced with provocation.Even Annabelle thought he was kinda asking for a punch right then.Gauge snorted coldly, “Don’t thank me. It’s not like I’m helping you.”“Tsk, brat…”