Lizzie looked at the meal in front of her. She was surprised to see that Jacob remembered her favorite Frosty Snowflake Steak. The thought of it unexpectedly touched her heart.The waiter poured them both glasses of red wine before stepping away."Lizzie, what's wrong? Why aren't you eating? Don't you like it anymore?" Jacob asked, noticing that she hadn't touched her fork and knife for a while.Lizzie shook her head, picked up her utensils, and cut a small piece of steak. It still tasted familiar, and she couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.Seeing her smile, Jacob began to enjoy his own steak. He had developed a taste for this kind of steak because of Lizzie. As long as she was happy and satisfied, he would be too.They ate in silence, savoring the meal in front of them. Lizzie, who hadn't eaten all day, almost finished her entire plate of steak.Jacob raised his glass. "Lizzie, I know you can't drink, so just have a little." Their glasses clinked lightly on the table, and Liz
"Don't look back. Let it all end here, forget everything from the past, and from now on, just be who you are in the present," Lizzie quietly told herself, pleading with her heart. Yet, two trails of tears betrayed her, slipping silently down her cheeks, wetting her skin. Her lips tasted the bitterness of sorrow.Jacob stood there, stunned, watching Lizzie making her way through the crowded street, her figure slowly swallowed by the bustling crowd, leaving him rooted in place.Ruoya stepped up, standing beside Jacob, "Jacob, why did my sister leave? Aren't you going to see her off?" A faint smile hung on her face, but her words betrayed her true emotions.Jacob turned to Ruoya, managing to squeeze out a smile, "It's alright. Let me walk you home.""Okay," Ruoya agreed, linking her arm with Jacob's, and together, they walked towards the black Mercedes van parked outside the restaurant.Meanwhile, from the tinted windows of a black Porsche Cayenne, a pair of sharp eyes observed every det
"Don't worry, Lizzie. I'll give you what you desire," Bruno promised, unzipping the invisible zipper at the back of her gown. He undressed her with a decided lack of hesitation, peppering her with kisses that marked her as his.In the spacious living room, they were entangled on the couch. His forceful advances met little resistance. Her white teeth bit hard into her lip, stifling any sound she might make in response to his caresses, especially those moans she didn't want to hear herself making.Bruno claimed her lips with his own, his tongue sneaking in during the brief moments she breathed. His hand stroked her smooth back before it ventured further down. "No!" It was the only word Lizzie could muster, all other attempts at resistance futile."In front of me, you shouldn't utter lies," he warned her, his gaze sweeping over her body that blushed a charming pink from their heated exchange.Lizzie shook her head. She didn't want him to touch her. There was no affection in his touch, ju
The black Mercedes Benz slowly drove into the suburban villa area, stopping in front of a villa. Jacob turned and glanced at Ruoya, who was next to him, her eyes closed and the sound of her evenly paced breaths reaching his ears. He reached out to touch her shoulder, but quickly retracted his hand, staring blankly for nearly a minute before he opened the car door and stepped out. Pressing the doorbell, the villa's gate opened automatically. Jacob drove in and stopped the car. The housekeeper came out with a respectful greeting, "Mr. Lei, you're here.""Um, Ruoya fell asleep." Jacob moved to the passenger side of the car, opened the door, gently lifted Ruoya, and carried her into the foyer.Just then, Jianmin Jiang and Yufenly descended the staircase, "Is it Ruoya who's back?" They were both astonished to see Jacob carrying Ruoya into the house."Ruoya is asleep, I'll carry her upstairs." Jacob said with a slight smile."Alright, go ahead! Carrying her like this must be tiring." Yufenl
"I'm alright, I just had something to do this morning, so I....." Lizzie downplayed, unwilling to worry her friend."Oh, good. I was worried something had happened to you. We don't have class this afternoon, let's get out for a bit! I need to ask you something, it's hard to explain over the phone," Louise spoke with a subtle sense of unease.Lizzie had an inkling of what Louise wanted to ask. She took a deep breath, "Sure, that sounds good.""Why don't we meet at the Eury coffeehouse, is that okay? Do you need me to come get you?" Louise asked, intentionally choosing a meeting spot nearby."No, no need. I live downtown, it's not too far. I'll make my way over," Lizzie gently declined, not wanting to inconvenience Louise, even if she is her best and only friend.Louise understood Lizzie's stubborn disposition and refrained from pressing further. After ending the call, Lizzie sat before her vanity, resting her chin on her hands, gazing at her reflection. After some time, she opened a dr
Minutes later, the car pulled up at the parking lot of the resplendent Linglong Treasure Banquet restaurant. Bruno and Adeline entered together, the gilded opulence of the interior making the restaurant appear magnificent. The polished floor was so clean it could mirror a face. As they stepped through the revolving entrance, waitstaff approached, bowing slightly. After Bruno spoke a few words, they led them towards an elevator, guiding them to the dining area on the second floor."Mr. Cold, welcome! Please, right this way!" The restaurant manager greeted Bruno with infectious enthusiasm. It was clear from this reception that Bruno was a regular here.Bruno merely nodded, his face impassive, and headed towards a table by the window. Two glasses of water and a menu were served as soon as they settled."Adeline, what would you like to eat?" Bruno asked, taking a sip of water and motioning the server to pass the menu to her. Adeline flipped through the menu but hesitated to order.The man
Lizzie and Louise were strolling through a city park. After walking for a while, they sat down under a gazebo, each with a drink in front of them. "This kind of weather is so relaxing," Lizzie remarked, her face slightly tilted upwards, the soft golden sunlight adding a unique beauty to her fair complexion.The old Lizzie wouldn't have had the time to sit around in the park, taking in the scenery."True that! Lizzie, you don't have to work at the coffee shop anymore," Louise said, reminiscing about how Lizzie used to play piano at a café whenever she wasn't in class. It was saddening that the extremely wealthy Jiang family never gave Lizzie any allowance and even the rent for her apartment near school was paid for by her own earnings."I need to catch up on the courses I've missed. I'll think about part-time work later," Lizzie said. She had missed quite a few classes and she didn't think she would give up an opportunity to earn money through her abilities.Louise's eyes widened, "Rea
Lizzie hesitated, glancing at the lobby, "Could I wait here?" she asked."Sure, but we can't guarantee when the CEO will come down," the front desk receptionist replied. After finishing their conversation, they both went about their business, paying no more attention to Lizzie.With nowhere else to go, Lizzie sat alone on a nearby sofa, her phone clutched tightly in her sweating palms. She was uncertain whether to call him.Half an hour passed in hesitation. Jepan descended the stairs, and as he exited the elevator, the receptionist greeted him, "Mr. Pang, are you leaving already?""Why, are you reluctant to see me go?" Jepan responded with a wicked grin, draping an arm casually over the receptionist's shoulder."We wouldn't dare to bother Mr. Pang," she replied, leaning against him without a care, despite them being in the company foyer. Spotting the petite figure sitting alone on the sofa, Jepan extricated himself from the clinging woman and moved towards Lizzie."Sister-in-law?" Je
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