Arya sat across from Maisie, her demeanor somewhat reserved, and Maisie's mood carried its own complexity.Still, Maisie offered a smile and initiated the conversation. "Did you ask me out today for a specific reason?"Arya, who appeared hesitant on the phone—a contrast to her usually candid self—replied awkwardly, "Well, it's not anything major. It's just that my parents and I have been feeling guilty about my brother's behavior. I'm wondering, do you still hold any grudges against us?"Maisie's heart warmed, and she gently held Arya's hand. "You don't need to feel this way. How could I hold any grudges against you? Your brother and I weren't a good match, and not being together might have been fated.""Now that Sophia has faced the consequences and my brother..." Arya sighed. "Graham isn't doing well, either. It's like divine retribution."I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about this." Arya smiled. "I'm here today to give you this!"She then presented a newly published set of c
"I..." Maisie didn't quite know how to respond.Arya quickly waved her hand and said, "Please, don't misunderstand. I'm not prying into your privacy. I just find this situation a bit odd.""Yeah, it does seem strange," Maisie said, lowering her head in thought. She added, "I didn't know Daniel before. I first met him while working at the kindergarten. So, I'm not sure why Graham's suspicions exist. If needed, I can explain things to him in person.""Do you really want to see him again?"Maisie chuckled. "We ended our engagement—we're not enemies. Plus, as you mentioned, he has already faced consequences, hasn't he?"Arya nodded, admiring Maisie's magnanimity. She couldn't help but think she might not have the same composure if Toph treated her the same way.After a light meal, Maisie went straight to the hospital. She knew Graham would be at the hospital today for a dressing change and the ward he'd be in. While she no longer had lingering feelings for him, she felt the need to c
Daniel's smile couldn't entirely mask his imposing presence, which still managed to unsettle Maisie. He gently held her hand, understanding her unspoken reason for being there."Don't worry. I was just curious," he assured her, meeting her gaze. "Maisie, are you... still afraid of me?""Still?" Maisie questioned, puzzled. "Was I afraid of you before?"Daniel fell silent, his thoughts taking him back in time.The old Maisie had indeed been fearful of him. She had been worried he might become tired of her, stop supporting her family, or cast her out on a whim. As such, she had been meticulous, going to great lengths to please him. Even in bed, she had yielded to his every desire, striving to accommodate his every whim.Back then, he had been enamored with her, seeing her as the most submissive and obedient woman he had ever met. Looking back, he now realized his affection had been more like a master's fondness for a submissive pet.Daniel gazed at her once more, the clarity in her
After what felt like a long time, Maisie finally calmed down. She glanced at the man before her and took a deep breath, her heart suddenly aching as if something had been ripped away."Maisie!" Daniel was still worried and nervously held her hand, continuously apologizing, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I acted too hastily. I shouldn't have behaved that way!"Don't worry! I promise I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with in the future!"Maisie gazed at him for a moment, then softly shook her head."No, it's my fault," she murmured. "I should be the one apologizing. I don't know what came over me just now. At that moment, my mind seemed to—"Before she could finish, her phone rang.Daniel helped her straighten her attire, adjusted her seat, and used his coat to cover her legs.Maisie answered the call, and Nicole's hesitant voice came through. "Maisie... Can you come home soon? Mom... She...""Alright, I'll speak with her directly!"The phone was taken by someone else."Maisie
The car was eerily silent, almost as if a vacuum had swallowed it. Each word that emanated from the receiver landed in Daniel's ears with utmost clarity.His smile bore a hint of contempt, affirming the age-old adage—"Old habits die hard."In the past, it was Cindy who had steered Maisie into this relationship for monetary gain. Even now, with Maisie entwined with him, Cindy's words echoed a familiar tune. "While you're still youthful and attractive, and Daniel's interest endures, exploit it to your advantage!"A glint of malevolence flickered in Daniel's eyes as he gently touched Maisie's shoulder, deftly prying the phone from her grasp.Caught off guard, Maisie struggled to comprehend the unfolding events as she heard Daniel's resonant voice addressing the phone, "She has already ended things with Graham Bayer."The voice on the other end fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a shrill tone. "What... What did you say? Hello! Who are you? Did Maisie break up with Mr. Bayer b
Maisie paused, then smiled and nodded. Having him beside her made her feel more comfortable."My work will be done soon. If you can't wait until the weekend, we can leave a couple of days earlier.""No need," Maisie replied softly. "In fact, I also want to talk to Ms. Corbin.""What's going on?""I..." Maisie hesitated for a moment and then decided to confide in him. "I want to quit my job at the kindergarten and focus on getting my journalist certification."Daniel listened and expressed his support.In truth, he had wanted Maisie to leave the kindergarten for some time. Linda had arranged that job for her, and it was the reason the Bayers were more approving of her. He didn't want her to have any more ties to the Bayers, not even the slightest connection."Do you really support me?" Maisie asked, somewhat surprised. It seemed that no matter what she said, he would always agree, even support her unconditionally."Absolutely," Daniel assured her with a smile. "I believe that wh
Daniel grappled with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he hoped that she would remember him, but on the other, he wished she could completely forget everything that had transpired before, never to recollect those memories again.-Guided by Nicole's directions, Maisie navigated her way to her family's address. She couldn't help but smile at the irony of needing a map to find her own home. Over the past two years, the concept of "home" had slowly faded from her mind."We're almost at my house," Maisie informed Daniel. "You don't have to accompany me any further. I can go on my own.""Alright. I'll head back to the company to take care of some matters.""Sure, go ahead." Maisie was aware that Daniel worked for the prestigious Quimby Group, a renowned name in this city. Daniel must have a lot of responsibilities there.With a wave and a smile, she turned to face the aging apartment building.The neighborhood was in a low-income area, surrounded by shantytowns. The remaining bu
Maisie looked down and softly muttered, "I have to support myself in Centrolis, and living there is expensive. I need to save some money."This revelation took Cindy aback. She remembered her youngest daughter as the most obedient, never one to argue back.Daniel was a tough one to handle, and Maisie had spent three years with him. Cindy knew Maisie well—her daughter was docile and meek, never daring to fight back. But now, she was refusing to send money home!Cindy glared at her and asked, "Tell me the truth, did you spend all your money on your little lover?"Maisie was baffled. "What little lover?""The guy!" Cindy flared up. "Oh, I know! You went behind Mr. Bayer's back, cheated on him, and got caught by the Bayers. That's why the engagement was canceled, right?""Mom..."Maisie felt wronged. She couldn't believe this was her own mother. Was this how a mother treated her daughter after a breakup? Was this the norm?Maisie turned away in silence.Cindy was getting more irri