"I didn’t mean it like that, I was just asking..." Annabelle’s voice became barely audible by the end.Young Master paused for a moment before sighing deeply."I wasn’t planning on telling you this. But since you asked, I’ll tell you the truth. The anesthesia needle that you took for him, it likely had poison in it. The toxins are still in your body, and physical intimacy will speed up your blood flow, allowing the poison to spread more quickly through your organs."He hadn’t intended to tell her about the poison, afraid it would lead her to suspect something about him. But to prevent her from having any further physical contact with Kendrick, he told her the lie that intimacy would worsen her condition.Now that he had reclaimed the Whitney family’s business, his position was still unstable. With internal and external threats looming, he couldn’t take Annabelle away immediately.He couldn’t afford to be open about their relationship either, as he feared the enemy might use her to for
The bodyguard replied, "They’re just sitting together, looks like they’re chatting."Kendrick sneered.How romantic!Was it that she trusted Ryan too much, or did she never put up any guard against her Young Master from the start? Maybe, as soon as Ryan made his move, she would immediately throw herself into his arms without a second thought."Keep an eye on them. Don’t expose yourselves.""Yes, Mr. Gregory."Kendrick hung up the phone, throwing the glass in his hand onto the stone table. The glass shattered into pieces as it hit the surface, the sound of it breaking felt like a heart shattering.**At the amusement park:**Annabelle said goodbye to Young Master and met up with Julissa again.Julissa was still full of excitement, so Annabelle reluctantly stayed with her for another half hour. After a full round of the park, Annabelle felt much better.The two took some photos, and Julissa posted them on her social media. Encouraged by Julissa, Annabelle—who didn’t usually post much—als
"Of course, I’m concerned," Annabelle muttered, feeling uneasy.Kendrick didn’t look right. Did he find out about her meeting with Young Master?No matter what, she couldn’t let on that she was guilty.She added, "By the way, Julissa and I went to the amusement park. I posted a picture of the two of us, and guess what? Several of my classmates want to meet Julissa."She quickly glanced at Kendrick’s expression to see how he was reacting.She wanted to show that she had been with Julissa tonight, with proof in the photos.Kendrick nodded. "I saw the photos.""Mm! Pretty good pictures, right?"After saying that, she realized how awkward the conversation was. Feeling guilty, she added, "I’m going to change. Don’t drink anymore."Just as she was about to turn around, she heard Kendrick speak quietly. "Was the view from the Ferris wheel good?""…"Annabelle froze, closed her eyes, and sighed. It seemed there was no need to cover it up anymore; he already knew.She turned back around, walke
Kendrick wasn’t cooperating like he usually did. It seemed like he wanted Annabelle to experience that feeling of desperation—where no matter how hard she tried to comfort him, nothing worked.He pressed his lips tightly together, and Annabelle awkwardly kissed him, trying to mimic how he usually kissed her, attempting to use her tongue to pry open his lips.But it felt too embarrassing, so she only gave his lips a quick lick before turning away, blushing.She had already kissed him, yet he still wasn’t giving in. What else did he want?Frustrated, Annabelle got up, determined to ignore him.But as she tried to walk away, Kendrick stopped her, pulling her back and making her straddle him."Comforting your husband isn’t done like this," Kendrick said softly, his gaze fixed on her lips. "If you don’t comfort me properly, you’re not leaving.""You won’t cooperate," Annabelle said unhappily."Let Annabelle experience what it’s like to be rejected," he continued, his voice pausing with a s
Kendrick’s expression darkened, his anger quickly rising.How dare Ryan talk to her about something like this!And who was that Ryan to think that just because he said they couldn’t sleep together, they had to listen?Annabelle explained why they couldn’t sleep together, the consequences and all.After hearing it, Kendrick felt a bit of doubt creeping in. If sleeping together would really harm Annabelle’s body, then perhaps some restraint was necessary.But then he turned to Annabelle and said, "We’ll go for a checkup tomorrow. Traditional medicine is powerful, but let’s trust Western medicine this time."The main reason, of course, was that he didn’t trust Ryan.At this point, Annabelle had no choice. She couldn’t argue with him. Since Kendrick didn’t trust Young Master and wouldn’t believe him, going for a Western medical checkup was fine.Of course, she also wanted a full check-up.After all, she had been diagnosing herself, but hadn’t noticed anything unusual with her body. It was
For some reason, when Julissa said this, her heart suddenly felt empty, as though she had lost something important.Zane, however, was pleased. He smiled and said, "Everything will be done the way you like."Julissa smiled back. "Okay.""By the way, here, this is for you." Zane opened the passenger side door, took an A4 sheet from the glove compartment, and handed it to Julissa."What’s this?" Julissa looked at the form, confused."This is my work schedule. From now on, you can check it to see when I'm free. As long as I'm not working, I can be with you."Julissa took the form, thinking that this person was quite straightforward and interesting. "Alright, then next time, when you're off, let’s go watch a movie.""Sure."Despite it feeling like a routine, and despite the fact that their relationship had almost nothing to do with love, wasn’t love supposed to fade away eventually?She had once poured all her enthusiasm into Liam, but now she was content with going through the motions, w
Julian looked at his older brother as if he were a dinosaur, smiling. "Aren’t you always so disdainful of me, bro?""Less talk, go get it.""Alright, alright!"Julian went back to his room, and soon returned with one of his photos, signed by him.Scott glanced at the photo, his face dark. "Your handwriting is terrible.""…As long as I’m handsome, it’s fine!" Julian retorted.Scott sneered, clearly mocking him.Julian felt like snatching the photo back, but didn’t dare challenge his older brother.Scott went back to his room, looked at the signed photo, and casually tossed it on his desk before dialing Julissa’s number."Mr. Nichols? It’s late, is there something you need?""Your signed photo, you can come pick it up tomorrow."Julissa paused for a moment, then realized what Scott meant. She felt grateful yet a little embarrassed. "You still remember! Thank you so much."She had almost forgotten about it herself and didn’t want to get too entangled with Scott after the awkward incident
Suddenly recalling the events of the previous night, Annabelle's face flushed, and she quickly pulled her hand out of his palm. “You eat, I’ll go change.” Watching the little rabbit run away with a red face, Kendrick couldn’t help but smile helplessly. She was still so easily flustered. About ten minutes later, both of them were ready and headed for the hospital. Outside the car window, the cold wind blew, but inside the car, it was warm. Classical guitar music played softly, light and gentle. The man beside her drove quietly, accompanying her to the hospital for her check-up. On her lap was a thermos box with the breakfast Kendrick had prepared for her. She could eat once the check-up was over. When they had just gotten married, she had thought he was arrogant and cunning, but now, she realized he was such a considerate and gentle man. Annabelle couldn’t help but smile. At a traffic light, Kendrick stopped the car and glanced at the small woman beside him. He noticed
Scott nodded after hearing what she said.Julissa waited for him to follow up, but he didn’t say anything more.She had no choice but to guide the conversation herself.“You don’t know who she is?”“There are so many people who like me. How could I possibly guess?”Julissa wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from her forehead—whatever, she couldn’t be bothered to argue with the narcissistic CEO. After all, if anyone had the right to be cocky, it was him.“She said her name was Mandheling.”Scott froze for a second, then looked at her.“Isn’t that a type of coffee bean?”“Ah, right…”Julissa scratched her head, thinking for a moment.“It was Heather! Yes, that’s the name!”She hadn’t really bothered to remember, because the way that woman had looked down her nose at her had left a bad taste in her mouth.And people who rubbed Julissa the wrong way—well, she didn’t waste the brain space on them.Scott nodded slightly after hearing the name.Julissa raised an eyebrow—so he did know this “Ma
“God of Food?” Scott chuckled. “That actually suits you.”“It’s not that kind of god…” Julissa waved her hand. “It’s a term from the Chinese zodiac and five elements thing—never mind, I can’t explain it well. Just go with the vibe.”Scott clearly wasn’t interested in diving into astrology. He simply gazed at her up close.“So, you’re not marrying into their family anymore, and you’re still eating their eggs. Is that appropriate?”Julissa suddenly recalled her mom’s earlier warning—sure enough, moms do know best. Her mom had predicted that Scott would be feeling a little off about it.So Julissa explained seriously:“My mom already returned the favor. She gave Mrs. Zamora some wild veggies and seafood, so the eggs are totally fair game. Besides, Mrs. Zamora is like a real aunt to me—she’s watched me grow up. Even if I’m not going to be her daughter-in-law, that relationship won’t change.”After that, she tugged on Scott’s sleeve pitifully.“Don’t overthink it, okay?”Scott stared at he
Scott seemed perfectly normal—but underneath that calm surface, something was clearly off.Like how he deliberately looked away after their brief eye contact. Or how he wore a faint smile, but there wasn’t even a hint of warmth in his eyes.It was obvious he didn’t want to talk about it right now, so Julissa swallowed her unease and headed to the dining room.Soon after, Scott returned as well, freshly washed up. They had breakfast together, then changed into work attire and got ready to leave for the office.Just as they were about to head out, Mrs. Hickman called Julissa back.From the look on her face, she clearly wanted to speak to her alone. So Julissa told Scott to go down first and start the car—she’d be right behind him.Once he was gone, her mom asked, “Does Scott know about you and Liam?”“He knows… a bit.”Back when she and Liam had just broken up, she met Mr. Nichols. He had even comforted her during that time.Although thinking back now, it was likely that Scott alread
Julissa spit out the toothpaste foam and immediately walked out of the bathroom.Liam was standing at the entranceway and turned to look at her. Surprise and joy flickered in his eyes.“Julissa, you’re home.”“Mm, just for the night,” she mumbled, her words unclear due to the toothpaste in her mouth. Her gaze quickly shifted toward Scott’s bedroom door.Scott appeared soon after, dressed casually.When Liam saw him, his eyes were filled with shock—and a flicker of pain. The smile that was just starting to form vanished instantly.Scott’s expression was neutral. He gave Liam a small nod, then turned to greet Mrs. Hickman politely:“Good morning, Auntie.”Mrs. Hickman smiled and nodded back, “I’ve made breakfast. You and Julissa can eat before you go.”“Okay,” Scott said, then turned to Julissa.“Done with the bathroom?”Julissa blinked in confusion and shook her head. “Almost.”“I’ll dish out breakfast then,” he said.As he passed by the entrance, he casually asked Liam,“Have you eate
Julissa quickly pressed a hand against Scott’s chest—trying it on in front of him? That’d be like wrapping herself up with a bow and offering herself straight into the lion’s den!“You go back to your room right now. I’ll let you know after I try it on,” she said firmly.“What if I just turn around and face the other way?” Mr. Nichols offered half-heartedly.Julissa glared playfully. “As if I’d believe you wouldn’t sneak a peek. Go! If my parents find out, we’re both dead.”Only then did Scott reluctantly get off the bed and allow himself to be pushed out the door.After he left, Julissa closed the door and quietly changed into the lingerie he’d gifted her.It fit… perfectly.Seriously?Scott’s judgment is this accurate?Her cheeks grew warm again.No matter what, she really loved these gifts. And thank goodness she hadn’t discovered the surprise earlier in front of her parents. That would've been so awkward.But then again… if she had found it earlier, Scott probably would’ve come up
Julissa didn’t ask too much and decided to check what else was hidden in the box first.Underneath the perfume box, there was a small paper pouch. She squeezed it—it was soft, like fabric.A scarf? Julissa thought, but quickly dismissed the idea.Scarves are one-size-fits-all, and Scott had said he wasn’t sure about the size—so it couldn’t be something like a scarf or handkerchief.Clothing, then?But what kind of clothing fits into such a tiny pouch?Julissa already had a vague suspicion. She glanced at Scott and saw, under the soft glow of the nightlight, his face was cast in a layer of shadow… filled with teasing ambiguity.His eyes, too, were unmistakably laced with desire.Her heart started beating faster, her cheeks warming. She bit her lip and opened the pouch, pulling out the contents.It was a black lace lingerie set.Her face instantly flushed red-hot.“Scott, you—how could you…”How could he give her something so intimate?But deep down… Julissa liked it.Compared to food o
Julissa thought about it—after all, he had bought the dessert for her—so, although reluctant, the stingy little Julissa grudgingly handed another piece to Scott.But as she picked it up, she noticed something odd.There was something else hidden under the oil paper lining the box.The bottom of the box clearly wasn’t flat. It looked like there was a small box and some soft items tucked underneath.Julissa looked at Scott in surprise—only to see him watching her with a smile.She immediately realized it—there was something fishy about this dessert box he gave her.Carefully, she lifted the remaining pastries, wrapped them in a clean napkin, and set them aside on the nightstand. Then, she removed the layer of stiff greaseproof paper beneath them.Sure enough, underneath was a small, palm-sized box tied with a ribbon—obviously the real gift Mr. Nichols had prepared for her.Julissa instantly took out the box and excitedly untied the bow, gently opening the lid.Inside was a bottle of per
Scott turned around, his eyes dark and intense, and asked in a low voice,“Are you sure?”There was a teasing, ambiguous note hidden in his tone.Julissa blinked and tried to cover up her true thoughts with a clumsy excuse:“It’s just… I haven’t seen you in a few days. I wanted to talk to you…”“You’re not worried your parents might find out?”“It’s fine… the door’s shut. They won’t hear anything…” she mumbled.Scott then pulled her directly into his arms, lifted her chin, and asked with a smirk,“So, what is it Julissa wants to talk about?”At that moment, even if she did have something important to say, Julissa had completely forgotten it.“Uh…”Before she could finish, Scott already leaned in and kissed her.At first, she was tense, worried that they’d wake up her parents—but soon enough, all those thoughts faded away.By the time the kiss ended, she realized they were now both lying on her tiny bed.Julissa stared at the man in front of her.In the dim light, his eyes seemed even
“I was not thinking anything like that!”Julissa hurriedly denied it, then reached up to touch her face.Whoa—hot as a little furnace.She grew even more flustered and muttered, “Anyway, you go ahead and shower. If there’s a problem…”But then she thought, even if something did go wrong while he was in there, it’s not like he could call her in for help. So she added quickly,“If there’s a problem… you’ll just have to deal with it yourself. I’m leaving now.”And with that, Julissa practically fled the bathroom.Scott couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her flushed face.She always acted so bold and easygoing, sometimes even daring to tease him first—but now, she was completely shy and flustered.At the end of the day, she was still a kid at heart.Meanwhile, Julissa had returned to her bedroom.Lying on her bed, she couldn’t help but wonder—this wasn’t the first time they’d stayed under the same roof, so why was she acting so shy just because he was visiting her home?Though “shy”