With a lift of her gaze, Lizzie met the eyes of the man standing before her. "Does it matter if I'm mad?" she spoke with a detached tone. Having no concern about her feelings, why should he bother to ask? Just like her, he ignored his own unwillingness and drowned her with his power and dominance."I want to know," Bruno walked to the bedside, turned on the table lamp, and leaned down to ask.Lizzie slightly leaned back, wanting to put a distance between them. "Do you want me to be angry at you?""What do you think?" Bruno's hand tightened on her thin shoulder, his handsome face emotionless."If you want me to be mad, I should be mad. Everything about me is under your control now, isn't it? One move, one glance from you, and I'd be shattered into pieces, beyond hope," Lizzie winced as she felt pain in her shoulder from his grip.Bruno didn't intend to let go. Lizzie bit her lip, bearing the pain, unwilling to ask for his mercy.Why should she endure the pain? If she was just trying t
At this moment, Jianmin Jiang spoke with a smile, "Bruno, Lizzie, seeing you two so happy truly puts my mind at ease. I was worried because this is not like the old times where marriages were arranged. You two are a couple arranged by me and President Leng. Seeing you loving each other so much, I am relieved."Bruno's arms encircled Lizzie's waist, an expression of joy on his face, "Dad, Lizzie is so beautiful and understanding. How could I not cherish and love her? If she were married to someone else, wouldn't that be my regret? Lizzie, isn't that right?"Lizzie had been distracted, and Bruno's words abruptly pulled her thoughts back, "Oh." She hadn't really heard what Bruno had said, and could only nod slightly."Your beloved is right in front of you. What else are you thinking?" Bruno whispered into Lizzie's ear, a voice audible only to the two of them.Lizzie turned her head slightly, her lips brushing against his. An electric shock seemed to pass between them.Lizzie quickly retr
"Miss Lizzie?" The maid emerged from the dining room only to find Lizzie lost in thought in the living room.Snapping back to reality, Lizzie asked, "Ooh, what's the matter?""Miss, the master and the madam are waiting for you in the dining room!" The maid noticed her barefoot on the chilly floor and in haste, fetched a pair of slippers for her. "Here, Miss."Lizzie put on the slippers, "Thank you, maid."As soon as she entered the dining room, all eyes were on her. Yufenly scolded, "Why are you standing there like a fool? Come sit! Making all of us wait for you- you have the audacity!" Lizzie’s nonchalant attitude annoyed her. She hated her pretense of misery, manipulating others for sympathy."Yes, sister, why do you look so lost? Aren't you happy to dine at home?" Ruoya said with a cheerful tone, masking her resentment, "You’re rarely home. It’s nice to liven things up when you do come, isn't it?"Lizzie forced a smile, "Why wouldn't I be?" She took her seat next to Bruno."Well th
Lizzie lowered her head. She should have refused him, she should have stayed far away from him. As soon as he appeared in her line of sight, she should have left. But she couldn't bring herself to give Jacob a decisive look or say a decisive word."What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Ruoya looked at her disdainfully. "Lizzie, I'm begging you, can you stay away from Jacob? Because of you, Jacob's company is in trouble. Do you want Jacob's hard work to go down the drain because of you?"Lizzie looked up at Ruoya. "What happened to Jacob's company? Wasn't it doing well before? Why is it in trouble now?"Ruoya sneered. "Are you serious? If it wasn't for you constantly clinging to Jacob, why would Bruno target him in everything? Why do all the projects Jacob wants to secure end up in the hands of the Leng Group? Don't you understand? It's all Bruno's doing!"Her words made Lizzie take a few steps back, her hands gripping the armrest of the chair. "How could this happen? Why would he d
Bruno spoke, his slender fingers tracing her icy, fair cheek. “Is Jacob really that important?” He asked.Lizzie shook her head, “Whatever happened between us is already in the past, why are you relentlessly targeting him?” “Is it really in the past?” Bruno asked coldly. “You two were so affectionate in the garden. You look so pitiful. I'm sure he's worried about you.”He stroked her face, “He probably wishes he could hold you in his arms, love you tenderly. Is that what you want too?” “I’ve never thought about it like that.” Lizzie shook her head, “You are just being unfair. What crime are you trying to pin on me? Or do you want me to leave the Kolo family?” Bruno’s warm breath caressed her exposed fair skin, the slight warmth mingling with the cold wind, causing her to shiver involuntarily.“Lizzie, all I want is you!” Bruno suddenly lifted her up and marched into the bedroom, tossing her onto the single bed covered with pink sheets.Lizzie reached out to stop him, “Please, stop
Lizzie looked up at Bruno in surprise. How could he change so quickly? Just moments ago, he was indifferent, leaving her only with a cold silhouette. And now, he was so gentle with her. Ruoya chuckled, "Sis, brother-in-law, you two are really sweet!" But deep inside, she felt disdain, especially towards the kiss mark on Lizzie's neck. Lizzie heard Ruoya's voice and turned her head towards the source. A few steps away, Ruoya was standing at her bedroom door, arm in arm with Jacob, a sight that sent a small shiver through Lizzie's heart. Jacob watched as Lizzie lowered her head, her hand clenched into a fist, her veins prominent.Lizzie could feel the grip around her waist tighten. She looked up, "Bruno, let's go home.""Kiss me." Bruno knew what she was thinking. If she was begging him to spare Jacob, then she wouldn't want any conflict between them. The best way to avoid conflict was to leave; no conflict if they weren't in sight. That's what she was hoping for."You've got me figu
Yufenly saw Ruoya sighing heavily and reached out to pat her hand. "Ruoya, trust me. Have you forgotten how I helped you and Jacob leave the country a year ago, keeping it a secret from Lizzie? A year ago it was possible, and today, a year later, Lizzie is married. She's less likely than ever to be with Jacob."Maybe it was true! Lizzie could never be with Jacob again, never ever. Ruoya whispered to herself, in her heart. In this life, she only wanted Jacob, and she would have him.Inside the black Cayenne, Lizzie sat, pulling down the suit jacket draped over her body. She placed it on her lap, her eyes focused on the outside world. The streets were empty, with few pedestrians and even fewer cars. As her thoughts drifted away, a melodious tune brought her back to attention.Lizzie turned to look at Bruno, who was still driving attentively. She moved her mouth but didn't speak, unsure of what to say.Upon arriving at the villa, the silence between the two remained unbroken. Bruno exite
Adeline pouted, "Yes, because I love you so much, I get jealous." Which woman could endure another woman leaning against the man she loved? How could any woman tolerate such a sight?She knew that Bruno's marriage was forced, a matter of helplessness. He had explicitly said he wouldn't touch Lizzie, and yet he wanted her, his emotions swayed by Lizzie's every gesture and expression.Bruno smiled lightly, "What do you want to do then?""If I tell you what I want, will you oblige?" Adeline asked, looking out the window."When have I ever denied your requests?" Bruno continued to dote on her as always, not bearing to see her shed a single tear.Adeline tried her best to cooperate with him, displaying the strength and intelligence he desired. She was his best support in the business world.She sighed softly, "I really want to see you." She didn't want Bruno to have too many private moments with Lizzie. A normal man always had difficulty resisting temptation, didn't he?Since Lizzie marrie
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