Three days later, Jesse and Melissa were chauffeured to the airport in luxury cars and guided onto a gleaming private plane by professional and enthusiastic flight attendants. It felt like a dream to them.Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their fantasy.As they entered Hamerton Manor, their words fell short in describing the grandeur before their eyes. The well-dressed butler courteously led the way, and they followed in awe."Honey...""Sweetheart?""Quick, pinch me!""I'm pinching you...""Then why don't I feel any pain?"Jesse was momentarily perplexed before he suddenly felt a burning sensation on the back of his hand! He realized he had been pinching his right hand with his left hand, and he almost let out a yelp!"Dad, mom!" Dave, who followed behind, felt like he was walking on clouds with every step. "Is Lina... marrying into a wealthy family?""I heard my brother-in-law's name isn't Zeke but Zuko Hamerton!"I heard he's a Count in Southeast Aciat
Lina blinked and nodded, her smile light. "Of course.""So, you're okay with having an extra set of parents who dote on you?" Zuko asked."What do you mean?" Lina blushed, grasping his arm and speaking softly. "I know your parents are kind, but I never expected them to love me like their own daughter.""Lina, that's not what I meant..." Zuko paused."I understand! Don't worry," she said mischievously. "I'll respect and honor them as if they were my own parents, no matter what!"Zuko felt a bit helpless, realizing his hints had no effect.Just then, the butler approached respectfully and invited them to the main building.The atmosphere during dinner was relaxed. Initially unsure where to sit, Jesse and Melissa were nervous and struggled to handle their cutlery.But as Cordelia and Zephyr's easy-going nature influenced them, they began to relax, speaking more freely, and their tense expressions eased into smiles.However, there was a mix of flattery and reverence in those smile
"We stole her home back then! In fact, we should've reported it to the police to help find Lina's family after the shipwreck..." Jesse patted her shoulder and sighed."Recently, I've been having nightmares." Melissa choked, her voice trembling. "I dream that Lina hates me, saying that I separated her from her parents...""Don't be foolish!" Jesse hastily said. "Dreams are the opposite of reality!""But this dream reminds me... Have I been too selfish for the past 20 years? Is this illness retribution?""You..."Jesse had never been good at comforting others, and he was afraid that anything he said would be wrong at this critical moment.In fact, there was no one more tormented than him currently.His lifelong companion was terminally ill, and their children were unaware. Every day, he had to put on a brave smile.If they really found Lina's family, he would have to endure the pain of losing his daughter too.Jesse fell silent, tears welling up in his eyes.After a long while,
Zuko was about to reveal the truth when a knock on the door interrupted them. The butler entered with Jesse and Melissa, wearing a smile as he explained, "Mr. and Mrs. Jenner got lost in the garden. We guided them to the guest room, but they insisted on seeing you."Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged polite smiles and gestured for Zuko to leave first.Cordelia poured floral tea for everyone, noticing the perspiration on their foreheads and realizing they must have something important to discuss."Please, speak your mind," she said with a gentle smile. "We're going to be family, no need to be too formal.""In that case, I won't beat around the bush," Melissa said, taking out a photo. It showed the two of them holding a young Lina, taken on a ship with a dock in the background as they were about to buy snacks for her.That act had saved them from their biggest disaster.Cordelia's gaze changed as she saw the face of the little girl, her heart racing.After Pamela disappeared, Linda wou
When Pammy was young, Nicholas appeared stern on the surface, but he actually doted on her tremendously. Every time he hovered over her to take her photos, he would promptly send a copy to Zephyr, forcing the latter to appreciate them together. However, his photography skills were questionable and not really appreciable.This habit continued until it was abruptly interrupted after Pammy's first birthday due to an unexpected incident.Zephyr had carefully kept those photos, and now as he took them out, a mix of emotions washed over him. Especially the photo of Pamela at one year old, dressed in a princess dress made of organza and wearing a small crown, she looked exquisite, lovely, and adorable.He took the photo from Cordelia's hand, examining it several times and confirming that the one Melissa was holding was indeed Pammy!"It's like finding something you've searched for everywhere..." Cordelia murmured, turning to him. "Pammy has actually returned like this...""Yeah, I'm shoc
Renee stood there, staring blankly at the two people who appeared before her as if they were heavenly beings. A mix of emotions overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face once again.Renee tried to speak. "Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, I actually—" "Don't say anything now. It's more urgent to save her," Cordelia interrupted, stepping forward and taking Renee's hand.Renee's small hand felt cold, and she couldn't help but tremble as she suddenly felt a comforting warmth.After all the necessary arrangements were made, Toph stood by Renee's side outside the operating room, silently waiting.Zephyr had already sent the best experts, and Renee's mother would soon be out of danger.Then, Cordelia coughed heavily and shot Toph a meaningful look while Zephyr approached."Toph, call your brother and tell him to come to the hospital immediately!""Uh, well…""Listen carefully. It's your brother!" Cordelia emphasized. "Tell him to come alone!"Toph looked at his parents' troubled face
Cordelia continued, noticing Renee's expression. "Zennie, if she doesn't need a kidney transplant, does that mean she'll recover from her condition soon?""Not so quickly," Zennie replied calmly. "Kidney dysfunction is a chronic and long-term condition that can be quite challenging. Considering the patient's weak physical constitution, we can only manage it through conservative treatments.""Do you have a solution?""Yes." Zennie nodded with a smile. "There's a highly effective drug that has recently been released in Eropah. It has undergone clinical trials and targets this specific condition... However, it comes with a high cost, and the patient's family needs to carefully consider it."Renee moved her lips, appearing troubled.On the side, Cordelia chimed in with a smile. "No worries. If there's an effective drug, we'll find a way to afford it at our joint hospital!""Aunt Cordelia..."Renee's voice choked, looking at Cordelia with a complex expression, unable to find the righ
"Still want to argue?" Zuko didn't even get a chance to speak before his father's stern shout interrupted him.Toph, wearing a smile on his face, straightened up, no longer resembling a punished elementary school student. He looked like someone who had redeemed himself.Then the real show began, with their parents taking turns harshly criticizing Zuko.Cordelia scolded, "You should have spoken up about this long ago!"Zephyr added, "Yes, why didn't you say anything!?"Cordelia continued. "This is such a big matter, and you didn't come back to discuss it with us? We could have come up with a plan!"Zephyr agreed. "Exactly! You caught us off guard!"Cordelia hissed. "You've become so arrogant, hiding everything!"Zephyr chimed in. "That's right! Since your wings are so strong, we'll break them for you!"Zuko remained silent.Toph had been suppressing his laughter, his face turning red. However, he quickly met his older brother's murderous gaze when he turned his face."Y-You!
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak