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
Maisie spoke out of anger, but she noticed a hint of guilt on Cindy's face, which quickly transformed into suspicion and surprise.Cindy fixed her gaze on Maisie and asked, "Maisie, have you remembered something?"Maisie was puzzled and had no idea what Cindy was referring to.Cindy grabbed her and pressed, "Did you remember that person from before?""What person?" Maisie was still puzzled. "Who are you talking about?"Cindy was about to respond, but Maisie's phone rang, and she hurriedly went to the living room to answer it.Daniel was on the other end, his voice deep and comforting. He hadn't gone to attend to business matters but had been waiting outside her house. He was aware of the situation Maisie was facing, having dealt with Cindy a few years ago. He also knew that Maisie's family hated and feared him.After assisting Nicole with her divorce, he had warned her not to reveal his relationship with Maisie to anyone. Cindy still had no knowledge of Maisie's involvement with
Daniel's heart skipped a beat as he gently kissed her on the cheeks."Never," he said, his voice low and resolute.Maisie smiled happily.The car behind them honked as the traffic light turned green. They exchanged smiles, and Daniel quickly drove toward their destination.Their destination was a stylish private club nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush trees, making the porcelain-white building appear like a pearl in the forest.Maisie's curiosity brimmed as she looked at him. "Why did you bring me here?""Didn't I say we're meeting some people?" Daniel asked."Are they your business associates? I..." Maisie hesitated, but Daniel didn't wait for her refusal. He took her hand and led her into the VIP room.The people inside had been waiting for a while. Once they saw Daniel, they all stood up.Maisie examined them. There was a middle-aged man who looked gentlemanly and a seemingly capable career woman. She was surprised because these people seemed familiar like those o
The meeting ended quickly, and everyone else left, leaving only two journalists. One of them was Leroy Kerk, who had a close relationship with Daniel, and the other was the woman who had been eyeing Maisie earlier."You might not have remembered with so many people around earlier," Daniel reassured Maisie with a smile. "This is Leroy, a significant figure in this field, and we're old friends.""And this…" Daniel paused. "She is Amanda Winslade, the Editor-in-Chief of Cumulus Morning Post."Maisie politely nodded her head, but Amanda's attitude remained icy. Maisie even sensed a hint of anger in Amanda's eyes."Alright, it's getting late," Leroy said with a smile. "I still have work to do, so I won't disturb you and Ms. Squire. Amanda, are you leaving? I can give you a ride.""Sure," Amanda replied with a light laugh. "Mr. Quimby, we'll be taking our leave."She only greeted Daniel and completely ignored Maisie as if she were invisible.Maisie found this quite puzzling. Her fir
When Amanda delved into Maisie's background, the results left her disappointed. Maisie, a financially struggling student with family burdens, had little to her history.In terms of looks, she appeared decent, but compared to Daniel's social circle, she might seem plain. She had delicate features, long hair, a petite figure, and minimal makeup. It appeared there wasn't much more to her than this.Amanda couldn't fathom how Daniel, used to a high-class lifestyle, could fall for this seemingly unremarkable woman.Leroy's voice interrupted Amanda's thoughts. "Don't be too hard on yourself. Love isn't always easy to explain. I know you still have feelings for Daniel, but I suggest you move on. This guy isn't someone to mess with.""But—"Leroy said, looking serious, "Amanda, I'm telling you this because you're my mentee. Take my words to heart."Amanda fell silent.After a while, Leroy spoke in a hushed voice. "Besides, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that 'plain Jane' isn'
"Are you also this considerate with other women?"Daniel looked alarmed. "Wh... What do you mean?"Maisie pouted. "That female journalist… She didn't seem too friendly..."Daniel was taken aback. Which female journalist was she talking about? There were several this morning, and he had been fully focused on Maisie. He had no time to pay attention to other women's expressions.However, since his lady had spoken up, he had to clarify it. He couldn't bear an unjust accusation.He forced a smile. "Maisie, there were so many people this morning, and I honestly didn't notice. I'm not sure which one you mean."Maisie glanced at him. This mature man always carried an aura of composure and authority, but seeing him so flustered was rather amusing.Amanda had dampened her mood, but the vexation vanished upon seeing Daniel's response."It's Amanda," she said bluntly. "The one who left last.""Oh...""Be honest now. Does she like you?""Huh?" Daniel was already starting to sweat on his
Daniel eagerly unbuttoned his shirt, unveiling his muscular chest.With her eyes shut, Maisie slowly lowered her hands that had initially pushed him away. She lay there tensely, anticipating the moment.Daniel's kisses traced from her cheek down to her neck, heading lower...He sensed her trembling breath, her body stiff with fear, and he felt that he consumed her heart. He was thrilled. This feeling was even more gratifying than the first time he had her.Just then, Maisie's phone suddenly rang.Both of them were startled by this unexpected noise. The ringing persisted as if it was determined that she would answer.Maisie opened her eyes, feeling somewhat disoriented. Daniel had lost interest as well and silently gestured for her to answer the call.The caller ID displayed Cindy. Maisie felt awkward and adjusted her clothing before moving to the window to take the call."Mom, what's wrong?"All she could hear on the other end was a torrent of tears and cries. "Maisie, why is
"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