"Hello." Lizzie stared at the number, hesitating for a while before she answered."Lizzie, why did you take so long to answer? Did you not want to pick up my call?" Yufenly’s voice was teeming with anger, her volume high.Fearful that Bruno might hear Yufenly’s loud voice, Lizzie shifted the phone to her right ear. "Mom, that's not it. I ..." "Alright, no need for explanations. I want to know what's going on between you and Jacob? Hurry home and let’s talk about it." Yufenly roared into the phone, her voice rising with each word."Right now?" Lizzie asked in a low voice, her head slightly tilted. Barely had she finished speaking when Bruno took the phone away and brought it to his ear."Ah.." Lizzie wanted to say something but a fierce glare from Bruno silenced her."Of course, now. If not now, when? Ruoya said you bullied her yesterday, she cried all night. What did you do to her? Is it Jacob again? Why are you still hanging around Jacob after getting married? You…” Yufenly continue
Lizzie cast her luminous eyes down and turned around, preparing to stride towards her apartment."Lizzie." Jacob emerged from around a corner, his face a portrait of desolation. New stubble sprouted from his face, his usually crisp shirt now crumpled and reeking of alcohol."What happened to you?" Lizzie was taken aback. Jacob, always immaculate, was now a disheveled shadow of his former self, a sight she hadn't fathomed."I—I'm fine." Jacob tried to steady his swaying body, belching. "And you? Are you okay? I've been worried about you. You went to the Kolo's this morning, didn't you? Did anyone from the Kolo family give you a hard time?" He had been camping out under her apartment since leaving the bar in the wee hours, watching until daybreak as Bruno's Cayenne sped out of the garage. He had waited, downing can after can of beer, until Lizzie finally returned.Lizzie shook her head. "No, they understood.""Good, that's good." Jacob let out a bitter smile, his head nodding nonstop."
“I was afraid you’d be upset if you saw it.” Adeline pulled the magazine from his grasp, setting it aside.“Why would I be upset?” Bruno’s countenance betrayed no signs of displeasure, only a faint hint of amusement.Adeline cast a glance out the window, “It seems like you really do not care for her, to the point where you don’t mind her being intimate with other men.”“Do you wish for me to care?” Bruno asked nonchalantly, his arm snaking around her slim waist.“That’s for you to decide, not me. If you do care, what will you do?” Adeline deflected, shifting the conversation back to him.Bruno took a sip of the coffee just delivered by the waiter, “Divorce.” His sensuous lips uttered the word devoid of any emotion.“So, you’re not going to divorce her then.” Disappointment flashed across Adeline's face. She hadn’t expected the news she’d paid so much to unearth would be dismissed so casually by Bruno.“Are you upset?” Bruno raised an eyebrow, looking at her.Adeline stayed silent, her
"Hello, is this Lizzie? This is Adeline, the personal assistant to the CEO. Do you remember me?" Adeline's gentle voice came through the phone.Lizzie was momentarily stunned upon hearing Adeline's voice. "What do you need?""Well, the CEO just left, but I realized that I might have dropped my earring in his car. Could you please help me retrieve it?" Adeline requested."Why don't you just call him directly?" Lizzie felt a bit hesitant about this situation."Mrs. Jiang, if it's inconvenient for you, it's okay. These earrings were a gift from my boyfriend and they're very precious. But the CEO has high standards, so if they're in his car, it's fine. But if they're somewhere else, I..." Adeline hesitated, but her eyes were filled with satisfaction.Lizzie hesitated for a moment. "Alright, I can help you take a look, but I can't guarantee that I'll find them.""Thank you, Mrs. Jiang. If you do find them, please give me a call, and I'll come pick them up myself," Adeline said, her lips cu
Divorce? Had she heard wrong? He mentioned divorce."What, speechless?" Bruno’s simmering fury continued to grow."I have nothing to say to you," Lizzie struggled intensely, and without a hint of warning, Bruno released her, and she fell back into the couch."I never thought about it. Marrying you, I’ve already resigned myself to it. I agreed to all your conditions. Why are you always looking for faults? I won't interfere if you find a woman outside. But also, I don't need you managing my personal life, okay?" Lizzie’s eyes widened as she held back her tears.Bruno trapped her with his hands on the edge of the couch, "Are you blaming me, Lizzie?""I wouldn't dare," Lizzie put her hand against his bare chest, feeling the odd heat coming from him. She stubbornly turned her face away, refusing to look at him."I really can't think of anything you wouldn't dare," Bruno chuckled. After his words, the room fell silent for a long time before he spoke again, "Lizzie, don't tell me, you're in
In the tranquility of the afternoon, Lizzie sat in the music room, her slender fingers dancing across the black and white keys, orchestrating melodious tunes. She welcomed this serene life, devoid of any pressure.For the past three days, she continued to live her life, and so did Bruno. He would come back whenever he wanted - early or late was of no matter to her. Yet, she knew that he had other women in his life. The lingering scent of another woman’s perfume on him was unmistakable. He had returned only the night before, only to leave shortly after a phone call, without uttering a word. But this suited her just fine, she was content with the freedom it afforded her.As the melody came to an end, she withdrew from her thoughts and gazed at the warm afternoon sun streaming in through the window, casting a warm glow on her.She loved this place. In such an aristocratic school, no one else would bother to use the school's public piano, leaving her to enjoy its harmonious notes all alon
Lizzie tightened her thin coat around her, but the chill of the late autumn night still penetrated through, sending a shiver down her spine. She should've walked faster, but she didn't. Instead, she trudged on, facing the cold wind without quickening her pace because of Bruno's call. She didn't want to see him. Why did he call her today?What should’ve been a ten-minute walk had taken Lizzie half an hour. Upon entering the living room, she was choked by the heavy smoke that filled the room. She kicked off her shoes, walked to the window, and opened it. Yet, an uninvited gust of cold wind blew in, causing the sheer curtain to flutter. Lizzie remained silent, opting to stand by the window even though the cold wind made her shiver.Snuffing out his cigarette, Bruno got up and walked to the window. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. His proximity made her uncomfortable. She tried to wriggle free of his grip, but the more she struggled, the tighter his grip became."Where have you
"Bruno, don't you ever think about seducing me when you're not interested," Bruno told Lizzie in a kingly manner before walking into the bathroom, his clothes in hand, leaving Lizzie standing by the window, her bathrobe draped over her almost non-existent figure, bathed in the moonlight, looking vulnerable, as if she would disappear at any moment.Bruno came out, dressed, his cold gaze sweeping over Lizzie's lonely figure, not a word was said as he left the apartment. The slamming of the door echoing his anger.He had left. He had finally left.Lizzie ripped the check on the bed into pieces, her body slumped onto the white shaggy carpet. Why would he think she was after his money? Why would he see her as such a woman? If he hated her, why not let her go?Tears fell as she looked at the torn pieces of the check. She wasn't this fragile! She was strong!Meanwhile, Bruno was driving aimlessly, the cold wind blowing in through the open window, but it wasn't enough to clear his head. What
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