Annabelle boarded Robin's private plane and arrived at his private estate in Glubia.
Robin personally went to the tarmac to pick her up.
"Annabelle, it was so good of you to come," Robin hugged her.
They hadn't seen each other for several years. In Annabelle's memory, Robin was tall with brown curly hair and melancholic light blue eyes, which were very charming. But now Annabelle couldn't see him, she could only judge his mood by his voice, which sounded very low.
"How is Kaila doing now?"
Robin had been unable to make it to Ironbay Island to visit Annabelle before, also because his wife Kaila had been seriously ill.
This time, Annabelle hurriedly came because Kaila was already in her final moments.
Robin sighed and said, "Come with me first, she has something to say to you in person."
Annabelle knew that this was probably her last words, and her heart became even heavier.
Five years ago, Annabelle had just started pract
After Jax left, Jaime came to the office and brought the documents that needed to be reviewed by the CEO.Kendrick signed the document and handed it to his assistant.Jaime didn't leave immediately and asked, "By the way, Mr. President, the car has been modified. When should I go to the 4S store to pick it up?"Kendrick's gaze deepened.The car was bought by him for Annabelle.He had been poisoned and went to the hospital before. The car broke down halfway, and Annabelle didn't know how to drive, so she had to call Gauge for help in the middle of the night. At that time, he had the idea of personally teaching her how to drive so that she could travel on her own conveniently.Since she was going to learn how to drive, Kendrick thought of giving her a car of her own.So I helped her pick a white small Mercedes, the price was not high, but the overall performance was good. I thought she wouldn't refuse it, after all, she definitely would
"For Henri, you also have to stay strong."Annabelle knew that such a light and airy sentence, telling him to be strong, actually couldn't help him at all, but she didn't know what else she could do.She had also heard their love story, this romantic cross-border love, which was full of hardships from the very beginning.When Kaila was studying abroad, she met Robin. However, their parents opposed their union from the beginning. Robin's family did not accept Kaila's humble background, and Kaila's parents did not accept her marrying into the Crystaliron family.Robin was once banned from leaving for half a year, and Kaila was also almost forced by her parents to marry another man. In the end, Robin resorted to a hunger strike as a form of protest, and Kaila suffered from severe depression, which finally made both families relent and allowed them to reunite.They struggled for such a long time and finally came together, but Kaila fell seriously ill a
Gauge's message was, "After you came to my house that day, my father decided to make you the newest spokesperson for our Murphy Jewelry. Later, he found out that you were sick and felt down for a while, but he said that once you come back, if you're willing, you will be the spokesperson for Murphy Jewelry. I accidentally said so much, I hope I didn't bother you, and I hope to see you soon."Jewelry spokesperson... Annabelle never even considered it.Moreover, the jewelry brand under the Murphy Group is very influential. The spokespersons for the brand are all A-list celebrities. She never expected that she would be valued so highly by Simon.Of course, she also had no intention of agreeing, because due to her personality, it seemed that she was not very suitable for doing modeling or endorsement work.She considered for a while and decided to reply to Kamila and Gauge's message."My eyes have already recovered, but it will take some time before I c
Soon, some news links about Kendrick popped up."Kendrick attended the project completion ceremony and performed the ribbon-cutting."The Gregory Group once again achieved great success in the real estate industry, and Kendrick was interviewed by reporters."Mr. Reyes got married and Kendrick brought a luxurious gift."Most of them are business-related, with a few being about the celebrity circle.However, from the picture accompanying the news, it can be seen that Kendrick still looked extraordinary as usual, attracting attention wherever he went.It can be seen that in those days without Annabelle, Kendrick was still the esteemed Mr. Gregory, the president of the Gregory Group, and his career was thriving and his life was perfect.Perhaps she had already forgotten about her?Then, a piece of gossip news caught her eye.Kendrick may have secretly divorced Annabelle and is about to marry the daughter of the Murphy family
Annabelle didn't feel any other meaning in Robin's gaze, she just felt a bit amused and uncomfortable discussing the topic of "marriage between same-sex individuals" in front of an innocent child."...Robin, did you talk too much to the child?"Robin shrugged and said there was no problem in letting children understand the complexity of the world from an early age.Afterwards, Robin answered his son's question, saying that there is not only one form of marriage in the world, and that not all married people necessarily love each other. However, he still hopes that Henri will be able to marry someone he loves in the future.Henri nodded thoughtfully.Annabelle suddenly thought about what she would say if she had children in the future and they asked her what marriage is.I couldn't help but think of Kendrick, what would he say?The scene of the conversation between the big and small suddenly slipped through Annabelle's mind, and she cou
Kendrick had some acquaintance with the host of the mansion where the banquet was held, and as someone of his status, it was very easy for him to get the invitation, so he came.And then I saw a scene where she and that Crystalironese man were incredibly harmonious and well-matched.The man said something unknown, making her lower her head and chuckle.Then the man unexpectedly patted the hand she had placed on his arm, and she blushed!Kendrick felt like he was losing control. He just wanted to rush over immediately and carry the young woman on his shoulders back home.Just at that moment, the symphony orchestra in front of the banquet hall started playing a harmonious waltz, and the opening dance officially began.Kendrick barely suppressed his anger and took a sip of champagne.Watching her dance gracefully with that Crystalironese man, it reminded me of the first time they danced that same dance at their engagement banquet.
Annabelle walked out of the villa and crossed a short corridor, finally arriving at a deserted place, where she breathed a sigh of relief.At that moment, someone tapped her shoulder from behind.Annabelle was startled and turned around to see a blond-haired, blue-eyed man from Welledgese.It wasn't Kendrick, she breathed a sigh of relief.Later, she heard the man say in Crystalironese, "Beautiful Coldburnese princess, what made you leave in such a hurry? There are still two hours until the clock strikes twelve. Isn't it too early to escape now? Why not dance with me again, maybe I am your prince."Annabelle had a black line on her face. This man was so clueless, spouting cheesy sweet talk that was on par with Marvin."Sorry, I wasn't interested."Annabelle said and then tried to walk around the man.I thought that the people who came here would at least have some dignity, regardless of whether they had any dignity in private.
Annabelle turned around and looked, but she didn't see Kendrick's figure either. It seemed like he didn't follow.Being in a strange place, Annabelle found herself trapped in this maze garden again. All the fears came rushing in, making her feel anxious and confused. She started wandering aimlessly, but wherever she went, there was always a wall.When her fear reached its peak, a pair of arms embraced her."Why are you running around? If you get lost, just wait in the same place, I will come and find you."Although Kendrick was blaming, his tone was gentle.Annabelle's nose tingled, and she said, "The people I was waiting for, none of them came back, you don't have to say such nice things... um..."Before she could finish speaking, Kendrick had already kissed her lips.He kissed passionately, he kissed lingeringly, conveying to her all the longing he had for her during these days through this silent way.Annabelle initially str
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…”