Laurence's message instantly ruined Zoey's mood.…The time came in the blink of an eye. Zoey didn't think Laurence would remember his message. When he said he would pick Teddy up later, she assumed he meant 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm. She had just arrived home when her phone rang. Laurence announced, "I'm downstairs. Do you need me to come up?" He spoke with an arrogant tone and acted like he was negotiating. "No." Zoey didn't want him coming upstairs. She didn't want to hand Teddy to him that early. She couldn't calm down, even if it was only for a day. Zoey pursed her lips and huffed. "Didn't you say you'd be here later?"The sky hadn't even darkened. That made him seem a little too eager."Yeah, it's almost 6:00 pm," Laurance said casually.Zoey pressed her lips together.Unlike her, Laurance was extra patient. He didn't hang up, even when they remained silent for a long time. Eventually, he spoke with an unbothered tone. "I'll head up in five minutes."Zoey's fingers tighte
Laurence put aside his emotions as Zoey appeared wary, building up walls of defense against him. She was nervous, uneasy, and drained as if every second of the day was excruciating to her. He ignored her reaction, pretending that she was there of her own accord. All that mattered to him was that she was within his reach."Aren't you hungry? Let's have dinner." The household staff at the villa had prepared dinner in advance, and the rest of the people on the property had been dismissed.Zoey thought she had almost forgotten everything that had happened in the villa. She kept telling herself to forget, but the memory was seared into her mind. Standing there, she felt suffocated by the familiarity that washed over her.She had never met a more challenging person than Laurence. She felt exhausted every time she had to deal with him. "I want to eat at home." Laurence stared calmly at Zoey, his eyes dark and unreadable. He knew why she had asked to have dinner at home—she despised h
The cake in the fridge was still good to eat. Laurence hired a pastry chef to come to his house. Since he was a faster learner, Laurence quickly learned the ropes after briefly observing the pastry chef at work. The first two cakes he made weren't very pretty. They were uneven.By the third cake, he made one that could pass as the cake displayed in pastry shops. The pastry chef was paid a generous amount. She rarely came across people of high social standing, so she felt anxious, and her flattery came off calculated. She said, "Your wife will love it." The man stared at the cake for a long time before asking nonchalantly, "Is it beautiful?" The pastry chef was genuinely impressed by Laurence's baking skills. She gave a nod of approval." You've done a good job. If you don't say, she might not guess that you made it.""I see." Laurence summoned the butler. "Get the chauffeur to drop her home." No one could tell who made the cake, and Laurence would prefer that Zoey didn't fin
Laurence held Zoey close to him, even in a deep sleep. Zoey was sweaty and restless in the middle of the night. She was mumbling in her sleep, and it sounded like she was having a nightmare.Laurence woke up and saw tears streaming down her face. She was trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up. Laurence gently called Zoey's name in her ear, but she didn't respond.Fortunately, her whimpers eventually subsided. The nightmare must have finally left her. Laurence was relieved. He crept out of bed and went to the bathroom to grab a clean towel. He wiped away the cold sweat on her forehead, wondering what she had dreamed about. She didn't really have nightmares in the past. She barely moved when she slept, curling up in his arms. Only during the cold winters would she cling to him for warmth. Zoey was probably afraid of him at the time. Maybe she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. She would always be terrified to wake up in his arms, her face red from sleep or embarrass
Laurence scowled in silence for a while before looking deep into Zoey's eyes. He spoke in a flat tone, "Well, they can wait. You need to honor your word even if it's just a verbal agreement." Zoey couldn't reason with him. Being near him for 24 hours was excruciating for her and her child.Laurence glanced at the time. "It's 9:30 am now. You have 8 hours and 30 minutes to go. Do you need my phone to let them know?" Zoey pressed her lips together. "No, thank you." Laurence curled his lips. "You're welcome." Zoey didn't bring her phone with her. Not wanting to be caught in an awkward silence, she sat on the living room sofa and turned on the TV. She flipped between channels, unable to find anything that interested her. The entertainment channel was broadcasting the latest news. She used to sit there, hearing the news reports of his affairs on TV. Laurence had too many flings to count. Maybe there was a number, but Zoey didn't dare to look it up."William Knope of Harborville
Zoey watched two episodes of a soap opera to kill time. She found that watching unrealistic soap operas was a great way to boost her mood. At least, it was better than dealing or interacting with Laurence. The man sat beside her, sinking into the soft sofa. Surprisingly, he could tolerate the nonsensical school-themed soap opera she was watching.Zoey was watching the soap opera intently. Laurence wondered if he should worry about Zoey crushing on the youthful leading man.Among all the topics Laurence could have chosen to discuss, he commented, "The leading man is a newly signed rookie. He comes from money. "He has the right resources to reach stardom quickly. He's been secretly dating a manager in the entertainment industry for two years."Laurence suddenly became talkative, even though he sat indifferently next to Zoey. His legs were crossed, and his hands rested on his lap.Zoey didn't care for what he had to say. Regardless, Laurence pressed on, "He looks innocent, but he'
After Zoey's birthday, her life, which had finally returned to a moment of peace, was disrupted by the show's broadcast.Zoey didn't have much screen time on the reality workplace show. But her brief appearance had everyone talking. She wasn't used to being in the public eye. Her full name was plastered all over the internet, which made her feel less secure.Zoey was traumatized by the negative media attention she received the last few times. It was not a positive experience for her.Her colleague made fun of her. "You're a hit on the internet." Zoey smiled, not taking the remark to heart. She didn't read the online gossip. She feared coming across hate comments that could make her feel like hiding and crying. After all, what was out of sight was out of mind. The TV ratings for the program's second season were higher than the first season. The director had an idea that he knew he shouldn't act on. He suggested to the cameraman to increase Zoey's screen time but to keep her
Lydia couldn't let it go. She believed that she was no less than Zoey. Yet, Zoey always acted like she was better than everyone else."Really?" Lydia smirked and smiled in the direction Zoey left. "I'll be the judge of that." The feud at the workplace could be cruel. Lydia knew she would never have a chance for a promotion if her superior didn't leave. No one enjoyed working at the bottom. Lydia was no exception. She had her sights set on Zoey's position.Not long after Zoey left the restroom, she gave an excuse to leave the welcoming party early. Lydia didn't want to let her off so easily. "Why are you leaving early? Do you have a date?" She clearly had no good intentions. Her words could easily give others the wrong idea. Zoey replied indifferently, "I don't have a date. I'm just tired." "I won't insist you stay then. Go home and get some rest." Lydia smiled and tried to mislead others. "I thought you were going out on a date." She assumed it was with someone important.