Alley Houston witnessed it with her own eyes, a face identical to hers, a voice identical to hers, and even a body identical to hers. Shattered, broken.
Alley Houston broke into a cold sweat, her entire body stiff, and all she could do was scream in vain. Lily Houston still lay beneath the wheels, her face pallid, her eyes suddenly twitching. A smile formed on her lips.
"Ah!"
"Alley, Alley!"
Alley Houston was jolted by a strong, reassuring arm. Beside her ear was the familiar voice of Karimba Cellon. She jerked, her eyes wide open, looking into the void before her. By her bedside was the man who had been by her side for the past few days.
"Why are you here?" Alley Houston asked irritably.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
Karimba Cellon entered Alley Houston's room when he heard her screaming in her sleep. Seeing her thrashing about as if trying to escape, he was filled with fear and quickly turned on the bedside lamp before shaking her awake.
Alley Houston stared at Karimba Cellon for a moment, then slowly nodded after a while. He could also vaguely guess what she had dreamt of.
"Just now, I heard you calling Lily Houston's name. Did you dream about her?"
Alley Houston nodded faintly, sweat breaking out again. She was frightened, clutching her head, curling up, and scratching at her scalp as if trying to help herself regain consciousness. A moment later, tears began to flow uncontrollably from Alley Houston's eyes. She cried openly.
Faced with Alley Houston's current state, Karimba Cellon could only sigh deeply. He sat down beside her, and the deep-seated fear within him also began to resurface. Alley Houston resembled that girl, the girl who had died beneath the wheels of his stepmother's car fifteen years ago.
Lily Houston, her death was not only a haunting memory for him but also for Alley Houston.
Whenever he looked at Alley Houston, the image of Lily Houston, though deceased, still smiling in a haunting manner, haunted Karimba Cellon from childhood to now, making him shudder in fear each time the thought crossed his mind. Witnessing the tragic death of the girl so similar to Alley Houston, along with that terrifying smile on her lips even as her body was shattered, Karimba Cellon began to suffer from gynophobia.
Lily Houston made Karimba Cellon afraid of women, yet he had fallen in love with Alley Houston. Love, indeed, was something that could not be defined by reason and logic.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here!"
Karimba Cellon embraced Alley Houston, his warm hands gently caressing her, hoping to soothe her. Alley Houston trembled for a while and then leaned tiredly against Karimba Cellon's shoulder.
"Ultimately, who was responsible for Lily Houston's death?" Alley Houston suddenly asked. "Occasionally, I dream about her. It feels like she has something she wants to tell me, something she wants me to help her with. Was Lily Houston wrongfully killed?"
Alley Houston spoke while raising her clear, teary eyes to Karimba Cellon. Karimba Cellon suddenly felt a pang in his heart; it turned out that he wasn't the only one who had been hurt. Perhaps over the past fifteen years, Alley Houston had also endured the torment of the mind whenever she thought of Lily Houston's tragic death.
Karimba Cellon knew who the culprit behind Lily Houston's murder was, even to the extent that he had been sitting in the car that had run her over all those years ago. For this reason, this matter had become the greatest haunting in his life.
"Can we put that behind us?" Karimba Cellon whispered to Alley Houston, and she let out a sigh, nodding quietly a moment later.
However, both of them knew that the shadow cast by that haunting was too immense, something they couldn't easily overcome.
Alley Houston closed her eyes, slipping into slumber without realizing. The fever and the nightmares left her feeling increasingly drained. When she opened her eyes again, Karimba Cellon was still there, sleeping soundly beside her. Normally, he should have left the room when she was sound asleep, but he couldn't bear to leave her alone.
In the darkness, Alley Houston smiled slightly, her slender fingers tracing up Karimba Cellon's cheek. Her deep, dark eyes focused on him, as if she wanted to etch every contour of his face into her mind.
The next morning, Alley Houston woke up, and beside her was the familiar face of Karimba Cellon. Suddenly, her head throbbed like a hammer. The memories of the previous night had faded into oblivion, leaving behind only the lingering memory of a horrifying dream and the comfort of the man sleeping soundly beside her.
Alley Houston let out a sigh and slid off the bed, the movement simultaneously rousing Karimba Cellon. He opened his eyes, gazing intently at her and asking:
"It's early morning, where are you planning to go? Whatever you need, just tell me."
Karimba Cellon's solicitude left Alley Houston a bit flustered; she still wasn't entirely used to it. He spoke as he sat up. Alley Houston looked at him and shook her head, responding:
"No need to worry, I can handle it myself!"
After a moment of contemplation, Alley Houston turned her gaze back to Karimba Cellon, her eyes somewhat distant.
"I just need you to leave here as soon as possible!"
Karimba Cellon let out a sigh as he observed Alley Houston's petite figure walking away. It struck him that once a woman turned cold, her heart could become utterly icy, impervious to any attempts to warm it. Karimba Cellon couldn't help but realize that he might have hurt Alley Houston to a degree that could hardly be repaired even with a lifetime of sincere effort.
But he wasn't giving up. He wanted them to fall in love with each other again. And he would take care of her for the rest of his life.
Hearing Alley Houston's words weighed heavily on Karimba Cellon's heart. Nevertheless, he simply shook his head and slowly got out of bed, preparing to head to the market.
For Karimba Cellon, these houseworks were certainly no walk in the park. However, ever since he had arrived, Alley Houston had been adamant about not going into the kitchen. She no longer prepared the dishes he enjoyed. Every time he struggled to swallow the self-cooked meals before him, Karimba Cellon felt a deep sense of regret. Back then, Alley Houston was the one who always catered to his culinary preferences, striving to cook delicious meals that would please him. Now, even catching a glimpse of the unappetizing dishes she had prepared, Karimba Cellon couldn't help but lament. Previously, Alley Houston had been the one who indulged his appetite, but now, even the sight of her in the kitchen...Throughout the morning, Alley Houston sat outside on the porch, engrossed in a book. Her injuries were gradually healing, and the fevers had subsided significantly. She cast a glance inside the kitchen, where th
Karimba Cellon remained motionless in the face of Brenda Mclean's unexpected embrace. His phobia of women was deeply rooted, so her intimate gesture had rattled him. It took him a while to regain his composure.Before Karimba Cellon could push Brenda Mclean away, Alley Houston approached them. With crossed arms, she observed their close interaction and remarked with a sarcastic tone, "How touching! Brenda Mclean traveled hundreds of miles just to see you, Karimba Cellon."Turning his gaze back, Karimba Cellon was met with the disappointment and anger in Alley Houston's eyes. He started to feel flustered, and his instincts urged him to distance himself from Brenda Mclean. His strength was enough, and not surprisingly, Brenda Mclean stumbled and fell to the ground."Ouch, Karimba, that hurts!"
“Karimba, what is this... what is this about??”With a trembling hand, Alley Houston holds a piece of paper. Her eyes are red, filled with tears, as she looks at Karimba Cellon with a mixture of shock and sorrow.Alley was a gentle young woman with a strong inner resolve. She cherished life and always gave her best in everything she did. Alley was forgiving and compassionate, embracing whatever came her way with a readiness to face it. She maintained an optimistic and positive outlook. Despite her cheerful demeanor, Alley had a troubled past. Harsh family circumstances had forced her into a marriage with Karimba Cellon as an escape. But now he wanted to abandon her. She was bewildered, as she didn't know what she had done wrong over the past three years.Karimba Cellon sighs helplessly, glancing at the paper in Alley Houston's hand but avoiding looking at her tear-stained face. She had been by his side for the past three years, a constant presence."I've already signed it," Karimba re
Taking a deep breath, Karimba Cellon softly responds to Brenda Mclean:"Don't overthink it. Just come back safely. You're flying down to City K tomorrow, right? I'll arrange for someone to pick you up."Karimba Cellon doesn't want to continue this headache-inducing conversation. He gently hints at wanting to pick up Brenda Mclean himself. Brenda Mclean actually wants Karimba Cellon to personally pick her up, but being someone who knows when to advance and when to retreat, she replies in a soft voice:"I can manage to go home on my own. But... if you're so kind-hearted, I'll accept your offer!"Accompanying her sweet words is a tinkling laughter. Karimba Cellon also chuckles, asking a few more questions before hanging up the phone.Outside Karimba Cellon's room, Alley Houston sits crouched on the floor, tears flowing before they have a chance to dry. She had just brought that divorce document into the room to meet him, but before she could even cling onto him, he was already engaged in
Alley Houston refuses to stop. She speaks while casting a sharp, disdainful glance at Brenda Mclean, then reaches out to grab the silky, chestnut hair of the beautiful woman standing beside Karimba Cellon, resembling an angel. Brenda Mclean is caught off guard, her eyes flash with anger, but considering Karimba Cellon standing right beside her, she immediately shouts and tears start streaming down her face."Alley Houston, what are you doing? Let go!"Karimba Cellon shouts, disregarding the curious gazes of the people around him, and rushes to grab Alley Houston's delicate arm. Meanwhile, Brenda Mclean sobs and pleads:"Ms. Alley Houston, you've misunderstood. Karimba and I are just friends. I understand he is divorcing you, and I reluctantly accepted it for the sake of Karimba. But I beg you, don't make things difficult for Karimba anymore, I beg you! If you feel so bad now, just hit me, insult me, do whatever you want to me, but don’t hurt him, please…"How could Karimba Cellon not
Alley Houston drives home, crying as she goes. She doesn't know what to do to keep Karimba Cellon by her side. In reality, love is not the only reason that makes her cling desperately to him.While on her way back, Alley suddenly sees a familiar figure buying food on the roadside. She hits the brakes, quickly wipes away her tears, and opens the car door to step out.Seeing Alley rushing towards her, Taylor Kindsley is slightly taken aback. It has only been a few days, but Alley looks disheveled beyond recognition. Her eyes are deeply sunken, her skin pale, and her body appears frail and lifeless. All of this indicates the extent of Alley Houston's despair following her divorce with Karimba Cellon. Taylor Kindsley doesn't know what to say, so she forces a smile."Alley, what a coincidence," Taylor Kindsley says.Alley Houston breathes heavily, then gazes intently at Taylor Kindsley, her expression extremely disheveled. Alley pulls Taylor Kindsley aside to a less crowded corner of a caf
Karimba Cellon lowers himself onto the comfortable and spacious bed, his eyes wandering up to the ceiling. Deep hollows in his eyes reveal fatigue and sleeplessness. He stares intently at the pristine white ceiling, his mind lost in a haze, unable to drift into sleep.Three years, in the blink of an eye, three years have passed. Karimba Cellon is also unsure how someone like him has spent three years living with a stranger like Alley Houston. At first, it was perhaps fear and disgust that consumed him, but gradually he learned to coexist under one roof with her. Alley Houston is unlike those beautiful and seductive models who always try to surround and entice Karimba Cellon. She is simple and gentle, always maintaining an appropriate distance that makes him feel unrestricted.Karimba Cellon always thinks that, regardless of the circumstances, they are still husband and wife. Even though it's just a nominal relationship, Alley Houston isn't bad to him, and he won't mistreat her. Over t
Alley Houston has secretly stayed at Taylor Kindsley home for two days before the breaking up between her and Karimba Cellon has reached Mr. Shayne Houston and Mrs. Mary Houston - Alley’s parents. They quickly arrive at the modest apartment of Taylor Kindsley, just as the two sisters are having their meal.“Mom, dad… Why are you here?”“Sir, Madam…”Alley Houston và Taylor Kindsley lập tức buông đũa, đứng dậy rồi cúi chào ông Houston và bà Houston. Khuôn mặt hai cô gái trẻ đều biểu lộ sự bất ngờ xen lẫn sợ sệt. bà Houston cũng không nhiều lời, thong thả đi về phía Alley Houston rồi vung tay tát lên mặt cô một cái.Alley Houston and Taylor Kindsley immediately drop their chopsticks, stand up, and greet Mr. Houston and Mrs. Houston. Their faces display a mixture of surprise and fear. Mrs. Houston doesn't say much either, calmly walks towards Alley Houston, and then slaps on her face.Slap!The sound of the slap reverberates, leaving Alley Houston stunned and staggering. Taylor Kindsley
Karimba Cellon remained motionless in the face of Brenda Mclean's unexpected embrace. His phobia of women was deeply rooted, so her intimate gesture had rattled him. It took him a while to regain his composure.Before Karimba Cellon could push Brenda Mclean away, Alley Houston approached them. With crossed arms, she observed their close interaction and remarked with a sarcastic tone, "How touching! Brenda Mclean traveled hundreds of miles just to see you, Karimba Cellon."Turning his gaze back, Karimba Cellon was met with the disappointment and anger in Alley Houston's eyes. He started to feel flustered, and his instincts urged him to distance himself from Brenda Mclean. His strength was enough, and not surprisingly, Brenda Mclean stumbled and fell to the ground."Ouch, Karimba, that hurts!"
For Karimba Cellon, these houseworks were certainly no walk in the park. However, ever since he had arrived, Alley Houston had been adamant about not going into the kitchen. She no longer prepared the dishes he enjoyed. Every time he struggled to swallow the self-cooked meals before him, Karimba Cellon felt a deep sense of regret. Back then, Alley Houston was the one who always catered to his culinary preferences, striving to cook delicious meals that would please him. Now, even catching a glimpse of the unappetizing dishes she had prepared, Karimba Cellon couldn't help but lament. Previously, Alley Houston had been the one who indulged his appetite, but now, even the sight of her in the kitchen...Throughout the morning, Alley Houston sat outside on the porch, engrossed in a book. Her injuries were gradually healing, and the fevers had subsided significantly. She cast a glance inside the kitchen, where th
Alley Houston witnessed it with her own eyes, a face identical to hers, a voice identical to hers, and even a body identical to hers. Shattered, broken.Alley Houston broke into a cold sweat, her entire body stiff, and all she could do was scream in vain. Lily Houston still lay beneath the wheels, her face pallid, her eyes suddenly twitching. A smile formed on her lips."Ah!""Alley, Alley!"Alley Houston was jolted by a strong, reassuring arm. Beside her ear was the familiar voice of Karimba Cellon. She jerked, her eyes wide open, looking into the void before her. By her bedside was the man who had been by her side for the past few days."Why are you here?" Alley Houston asked irritably."Did you have a nightmare?"Karimba Cellon entered Alley Houston's room when he heard her screaming in her sleep. Seeing her thrashing about as if trying to escape, he was filled with fear and quickly turned on the bedside lamp before shaking her awake.Alley Houston stared at Karimba Cellon for a mo
After a few more days passed, suddenly one day, Alley Houston developed a fever. It was unclear whether her wound had become infected, but Karimba Cellon was filled with anxiety and restlessness. He entered her room and softly made a request:"Let me clean the wound on your back."Alley Houston didn't respond but instead asked:"Isn't it you who's sick? Don't you find my body repulsive?"Karimba Cellon lowered his head in silence, gazing at the small, frail figure of Alley Houston lying on the bed. She coughed a few times while speaking, and it pained him to witness it. He sighed deeply and sat down beside her."I'm not afraid of anything, I'm only afraid of losing you."Alley Hou
Among the Houston guards, a tall man stepped forward and addressed Karimba Cellon:"Mr. Karimba Cellon, if this is your territory, we naturally won't intrude. But Ms. Alley belongs to the Houston family, and she's currently unwell. The elders want to take her back to the Houston residence to take care of her. You see, it's a family matter for the Houstons...""Who said Alley Houston is part of the Houston family?" Karimba Cellon glared, gritting his teeth.Karimba Cellon suddenly shouted loudly, startling both the Houston guards and Alley Houston, who were hiding near the door. Alley Houston felt a mix of fear and astonishment. Clearly, Karimba Cellon could hand her over to the Houstons, but he was doing everything to protect her. She had no idea that before coming here, Karimba Cellon had arranged his security pers
A few days later..."I'm sorry, Alley. When I realized that I love you, it was too late," Karimba Cellon murmured to himself. In the dark night, his sports car sped along the highway. Upon receiving a report from his subordinates that Alley Houston was hiding in City Y, Karimba Cellon swiftly wrapped up his work at the Cellon Corporation and rushed to the city to find her.After driving through the night, Karimba Cellon finally located Alley Houston. It was a small house tucked away in a winding alley, and without his extraordinary abilities, he might not have found it. When he arrived, he saw Alley Houston applying medicine to her wounds. As soon as she noticed him, she became tense, her eyes fixated on the man before her, then quickly ran away."Alley!" Karimba Cellon called after her. However, her injured leg gav
In the darkness, on the highest floor of an elegant white building, a petite figure was struggling and climbing along the balcony, appearing distressed and desperate.The most excruciating pain seemed to make Alley Houston more alert than ever before. Her small hands, covered in blood, clung tightly to a rough cloth as she exerted all her strength to descend below. Alley Houston cheered herself on, knowing that there were only two more floors to go before reaching the ground.Suddenly, the rough cloth in her hand slipped, and Alley Houston let out a terrified scream before falling into the bushes behind the mansion."What was that noise?"Lying in the bushes, Alley Houston felt the pain coursing through her body as if every bone was shattered. Her smooth, white skin was covered in scratches and oozing blood. She knew that the security guards of the mansion would surely use their flashlights to search the area. They were both numerous and aggressive, and she had to leave before being d
The next morning, Alley Houston and Karimba Cellon met each other at the court. Facing the elderly judge, Alley Houston was resolute."I am certain that I agree to the divorce without any disputes. Your Honor, please render a quick decision."Karimba Cellon could already predict Alley Houston's attitude. What he didn't anticipate was his own emotions."I want to withdraw the petition," Karimba Cellon suddenly requested, surprising Alley Houston."This divorce... I need time to think it over," he continued, looking directly at the judge, hoping for a delighted nod from Alley Houston. However, she responded coldly."You have the right to withdraw, and I have the right to file. You can do as you please, but I have decided on the
When Karimba Cellon regained consciousness, he found Mr. Markus Cellon and Ms. Mary by his side. Seeing both his parents there at the same time surprised him a little, but he remained unemotional. Ms. Mary was as caring as ever, sitting beside him, using a cloth to wipe his body, her eyes filled with concern. In contrast, Mr. Markus Cellon stood quietly by the window, frequently having to answer the phone due to Janet Cellon's incessant chatter about Karimba Cellon's condition.A few days later, Alley Houston and Karimba Cellon were discharged from the hospital. From the time they were admitted until they left that antiseptic-smelling place, they never met once. Alley Houston had stopped talking about Karimba Cellon, and she was gradually regaining her spirits. As for Karimba Cellon, he spent the past few days lying on the bed, his mind wandering.Since that in