A reluctant smile crossed Jacob's lips, "Oh, really? How did you find out?""I heard it from my dad. Jacob, you seem unhappy," Ruoya noticed the forced smile on Jacob's face."No, why would I be unhappy?" Jacob looked at Ruoya. She was so excited to share the good news; he wouldn't want to spoil that for her.Ruoya nodded, "That's good, Jacob. Let's go celebrate today then."She knew he was busy preparing for a collaboration and didn't want to disturb him. The moment she heard that Jacob had successfully signed the collaboration, she couldn't wait to find him."Sure," Jacob nodded."Jacob, I know of a new seaside restaurant. Let's go try it out, shall we?" Ruoya just wanted an evening for the two of them."Whatever makes you happy." Jacob had no objections and put on his suit jacket. The two left the company together.Bruno drove Lizzie to the Yue Lan Seaside Restaurant. Parking the car in an empty spot, they observed the large square with several music fountains, dazzling with colour
Lizzie, clinging to the table, attempted to stand, "I... I need to go to the restroom." Barely gaining her feet, she stumbled backward. Bruno, with his quick reflexes, supported her waist to prevent her from falling. "Slow down," Bruno murmured, his arm encircling her waist, guiding her back to her seat. Just moments ago, when Lizzie staggered, Jacob instinctively wanted to assist her, but Ruoya detained him, "Jacob." Bruno looked at Lizzie, his large hand tightly gripping hers, "Lizzie." He poured her a glass of water, offering it to her. After a sip, Lizzie gained some clarity, shaking her head, "I'm... I'm fine." "You're anything but," Bruno replied, noting her increasingly flushed face and unsteady stance. He turned to Jacob and Ruoya, apologizing, "I'm sorry. Lizzie's had too much to drink. I need to take her home. I hope we didn't ruin your evening." Ruoya chuckled, shaking her head, "No problem, brother-in-law. You should take her home if she's drunk. Lizzie was never
"No need, it's already late. Go in and rest early," Jacob escorted Ruoya out of the car and glanced at the still-lit villa. Despite the late hour, they were still awake, but he didn't want to intrude."Jacob, drive safe," Ruoya didn't intend to pressure Jacob too hard.Jacob nodded in acknowledgment, "Alright, I understand. Go inside now." Ruoya tiptoed up and left a farewell kiss on Jacob's cheek.It was only after Ruoya disappeared into the villa that Jacob got back in his car and sped away. His black Mercedes didn't return to his own apartment, but instead stopped beneath Lizzie and Bruno's apartment. Looking at their almost completely dark building, he wondered if she had drunk too much, if her head ached, if she'd been sick, and whether Bruno had cared for her or simply left her alone. His mind was filled with uneasiness and worry.It wasn't until daybreak that Jacob finally drove away.Lizzie groggily opened her eyes, rubbing her throbbing temple. "Ugh, it hurts." She turned to
Lizzie went to the dry cleaner to pick up the evening dress. She was supposed to return it to Louise, but it wouldn't be appropriate to bring it to school. So, Lizzie called Louise and arranged to have lunch together.In a small restaurant, Lizzie sat by the window, waiting for Louise's arrival. Suddenly, a figure appeared in her sight."Jacob, what are you doing here?" Lizzie looked at Jacob in surprise.Jacob smiled, "Can I sit here?" Lizzie nodded."Lizzie, don't you remember? We used to come here for meals before," Jacob sighed. How could she forget even this? If it wasn't for his sudden idea of having lunch, they wouldn't have bumped into each other."Oh, right," Lizzie suddenly recalled. "But that's all in the past. Remembering or forgetting, it doesn't matter anymore.""Yeah, it's in the past," Jacob sighed. Seeing that Lizzie hadn't ordered yet, he asked, "Are you waiting for someone?""I'm waiting for Louise," Lizzie replied. Just as she finished speaking, she saw Louise gett
"Boss, you've been pretty good to your sister-in-law lately." Jepan said, driving the car, speaking to Bruno in the back seat.Bruno cast a glance at the bag beside him, lifting a thick eyebrow, "You're sticking your nose in too much.""Boss, I'm just concerned about you. And, of course, your sister-in-law." Jepan said with a grin."You seem to know too much." Bruno said indifferently, aware that even though Jepan was not often at the company, he was still attentive to these matters.Jepan chuckled, "Of course, I'm always interested in your affairs. And from my experience with countless women, your sister-in-law is far better than your lover.""Did Adeline upset you?" Bruno said with a smile. He knew that Jepan and Adeline didn't get along. One was his best friend, and the other was his lover, yet their relationship was strained."Boss, you know I don't squabble with women." Jepan said, pulling the car to a halt in front of a restaurant."A fondness for beautiful women can never go wr
Lizzie observed as Bruno hardly touched his food. "Can't you get used to it? Do you want me to prepare something else for you?" She had steeled herself to merely reheat the cold dishes, but upon seeing Bruno barely moving his chopsticks, her heart softened."No need," Bruno put down his chopsticks. "Finish your meal and clean up. Rest early." With that, he stood and left the dining room.Lizzie watched his retreating figure, then looked at the seat he had occupied. He had only eaten a bite or two of the rice. "How strange," she mused, "He was the one who wanted a midnight snack, but he hardly ate."When Lizzie finished cleaning up and returned to the bedroom, she saw Bruno already lying on the bed. She couldn't understand why he had started to share the large bed with her. Before, he used to spend every night in his study."Are you daydreaming? Do you want me to carry you to bed?" Bruno saw Lizzie standing there, lost in thought."No, no need," Lizzie quickly walked to the bed, took o
Lizzie glanced at him. He was visiting the orphanage only because of his business commitments, right? But why did he bring her along?Bruno turned to her, his gaze softening as he followed her attention to the children not far ahead."Go on. Don't stray too far. I'll come find you later," Bruno said, turning away to another building after speaking.As Lizzie approached, the children's eyes widened in curiosity.Among them, a little girl with two braids ran up to Lizzie. "Miss, you're so pretty! My name is Fu Xiaoxue. Like Brother Bruno, you can call me Xue. Miss, can you play with us?"Lizzie replied with a sweet smile, "Of course." Taking the little girl's hand, she headed towards the children."Miss, are you here with Brother Bruno?" The little girl asked as they walked."Yes," Lizzie nodded, "Does he come here often?"The little girl paused and looked up at Lizzie, nodding vigorously, "Mhm. But he usually comes with Sister Ye.""Oh." Sister Ye in Xiaoxue's words must be Adeline."B
Bruno fell into silence, his heart, did he truly comprehend?"Bruno, it's rare for you to bring her along today. Accompany her. Even if you two can’t be together forever, at least now, she’s still your wife." Xu Wan spoke to Bruno.She still remembered months ago when Bruno came to her, his face etched with distress, talking about not wanting to marry the heiress of the Jiang family. But she knew he had changed his mind later for revenge, to retaliate against Yelun’s ruthless abandonment of his mother years ago, leading to her eventual death due to illness. She didn't agree with his methods, yet she couldn’t stop him.Now, after meeting Lizzie only once, she could sense that she was a good girl, devoid of the usual arrogance and willfulness of a rich girl. Perhaps, she was the one meant for Bruno.But Bruno refused, "That won't be necessary. She would be more comfortable without me."Xu Wan didn't press further, she just watched as Bruno stood there.Lizzie walked around the rooms, th
On a sunny weekend, a month later, Bruno drove with Lizzie to the orphanage.Although it was already afternoon, the orphanage was still bustling with activity. Bruno walked hand in hand with Lizzie through the sprawling garden, watching the children running around on the grass, unaffected by the heat. Among them was Adeline.Her once long hair had been cut into a stylish short style, making her look refreshed.There was a pure and genuine smile on her face, devoid of any traces of pain. She had forgotten the past, forgotten the pain she had endured. She was genuinely happy.Xu Wan approached them. "Adeline has been doing well during this time."She stood beside Bruno and Lizzie, reminiscing about Adeline's past. "Adeline used to have a strong sense of inferiority because she felt abandoned by her parents. She always wore a mask of strength and tried to distance herself from this place. But who would have thought that after all these years, she would come back completely transformed."
Bruno gave a nod, "Alright, I understand. I'll accompany Lizzie.""But, boss, what about Adeline?" Lycan spoke up, noticing that Bruno hadn't mentioned Adeline at all."How is she?" Bruno asked flatly. Even though Adeline had taken a bullet for him, his attitude toward her hadn't changed."The details are still unclear. She's currently in surgery," Lycan reported, "What if the situation isn't promising?" Given Adeline's critical condition upon being taken to the hospital, it was uncertain if she'd survive."We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Keep a watch on her and keep me updated. Lizzie was deeply shaken by this. I need to be with her." Having said that, Bruno retreated into the patient room.Watching the closed door, Jepan murmured, "Lycan, did you notice? The boss doesn't really care about Adeline, even if she took a bullet for him. He didn't even blink.""I know. In his heart, there is only room for Lizzie. She must be scared after what happened. And if the bullet had hi
Lizzie struggled with all her might, but her white blouse was ripped apart, buttons scattering across the floor.Charles stared at her exposed, smooth skin, his eyes locked onto her."Bruno certainly has a good eye," Charles remarked, tut-tutting softly.Lizzie pursed her lips in anger. The way Charles was looking at her felt like an insult."It's just the two of us here. Don't be shy." Charles pulled her close into his arms, planting a kiss on her cheek. The light contact made her feel nauseous from the bottom of her heart.Just as Charles was about to rip off the remainder of her blouse, a loud commotion erupted outside.Before they could react, the wooden door was kicked down. Bruno, dressed in a black suit, stood at the entrance."Bruno," Lizzie cried out in relief. Her heart, held tight with worry, finally eased. She tried to move towards him, but Charles held her back.Charles was taken aback by Bruno's appearance. "Bruno?""So you recognize me, and yet you dare touch my woman."
Lizzie was tied up, unable to move. Even if she wanted to escape from the high-rise building, she was trapped.Footsteps echoed from outside. The sound of shoes on concrete indicated there were a lot of people approaching. Lizzie shrunk into a corner as the door was thrust open, and to her surprise, Charles was the first to enter."You," Lizzie looked up at him."Miss Lizzie, hello. We meet again." Charles approached her, looking down from his superior height."What do you want?" Lizzie was taken aback; she never expected it would be him.Charles crouched down to her level. "Of course, I've been thinking about you." He caressed her face gently, "I've missed this soft cheek of yours."He was ready to risk it all for her. Bruno had canceled their partnership because of her. Charles wouldn't be lenient either.Lizzie turned her face away, "Don't touch me. Take your dirty hands off me." Was this man really intending to possess her? Just because of that one meeting at the nightclub?"Miss
Just as Lizzie had risen and was attempting to guide Yelun back to the villa, two men suddenly appeared beside her. They forcefully shoved Yelun's wheelchair away from her grasp. "You guys..." Lizzie advanced to grab the wheelchair, but was held back by one man gripping her arm, preventing her from moving forward.Helplessly, Lizzie watched as Yelun's wheelchair rolled a considerable distance before tipping over, taking him with it.She tried to scream for help, only to realize the park was eerily devoid of people."Who are you and what do you want? Let me go!" Lizzie struggled in vain against their firm grip."Dad!" She yelled, but was swiftly restrained by the two men and forced into a vehicle.With the engine roaring to life, Lizzie watched as the park faded into the distance. She frantically pounded on the car window shouting, "Let me out, let me out!"The car sped further away, and Lizzie swivelled around to look at her captors. She reached for her mobile phone, only to realize i
Bruno rose from his seat and walked over to her. "How did you get here? Did you drive yourself?" he asked. "Yes," Lizzie nodded. "Don't worry, I drove carefully." She was aware that her driving skills were not the best, so she seldom drove on her own. "Next time, let me know if you want to go out. I'll come pick you up," Bruno said, gripping her hand tightly. Lizzie nestled into his arms with a smile. "Understood. You must be hungry. Let's eat before the food gets cold. I made this meal myself." She led him to the couch, opened the lunchbox she had brought, and prepared to serve the food. "Nothing beats having a wife who knows how to take care of me and cook such delicious meals," Bruno said, wrapping one arm around her while picking up the chopsticks with the other hand. He reached out to feed her a bite. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Try this." "I had a late breakfast. I'm not hungry yet." Despite her words, Lizzie accepted the piece of braised pork he held out to h
"Bruno, Bruno," Adeline watched as the elevator doors closed, was he really so heartless? Just to go back to Lizzie, he could abandon her so easily.Jepan stood beside her, watching Adeline's pale face, "Adeline, should we go? Do you need me to carry you?" he teased, grinning wickedly.Adeline was about to respond when Jepan interrupted her, "I might have thought about it, but I don't have the guts. I don't want to be misunderstood by Louise.""YOU!" Adeline glared at Jepan, who had never shown any kindness towards her. Especially now, when even Bruno had abandoned her, he became even more ruthless."No need, I can walk on my own." Adeline hobbled slightly as she entered the elevator, Jepan followed with a leisurely laugh.Bruno drove back to the villa at top speed. The villa was still brightly lit, were they not sleeping yet?In the living room, Lizzie held their son, both sitting there. Lizzie had a finance magazine in her hand, and their son was playing video games in front of the
The hotel banquet hall, Bruno in a black suit, with Jepan trailing him, still dressed casually."Boss, did you come in person because you wanted to confirm something?" Jepan asked."Isn't Charles coming too?" Bruno looked at Jepan, his smile inscrutable.Jepan nodded, "Boss, I bet you don't know someone else is coming.""Who?" As Bruno's words fell, a familiar voice came from behind."Bruno." Adeline, dressed in a graceful purple, approached from behind.Bruno's face fell as he watched Adeline approach him."Boss, I guess I'll go in first." Jepan wisely withdrew, regretting he hadn’t warned Bruno earlier.Seeing the gloom on Bruno's face, Jepan figured it was best to make himself scarce.Bruno was about to move forward when Adeline grabbed his arm, "Bruno, we're not strangers, are we?""How did you get here?" Bruno halted, addressing her."Bruno, I knew you were coming. You don't want to see me, but I had no choice but to come here." Adeline clasped his arm.Bruno pushed her hand away
Bruno held her tightly, "You should go home early today, I have things to do tonight.""Okay." Lizzie nodded, understanding that he didn't need to tell her everything, aware that he was very busy. Although there was nothing she could do to help, she didn't want her presence to disrupt his work.Before the end of the workday, Bruno had his driver take her back to her apartment. Lizzie had a small meal, her appetite wasn't great. She made herself a bowl of noodles, but only ate a few bites and settled in to watch TV. Bob, her dog, was sitting next to her, more engrossed in the TV than she was.Bruno and Adeline sat in a French restaurant that evening. The dim yellow light and soothing music made the atmosphere elegant and romantic."Bruno, I ordered a couple's set meal, hope you don't mind?" Adeline had already ordered when they were seated."Of course I don't mind, as long as you like it." Bruno was not particularly fond of Western food. As he looked at the premium steak set meal in fr