"You..." Daniel's throat tightened. "What do you want to write about?""I don't know." Maisie smiled innocently, her soft hair nuzzling his chin. The sweet fragrance of her body wafted toward his nose.Daniel struggled to control himself, afraid to expose his feelings. He coughed discreetly to hide his embarrassment and gently pushed her away just a little, making sure not to give himself away."Well, if I do write a novel, I don't want to write about such a tragic story. I want to write about us," Maisie said, raising her head to look at him."About us?""Mm!" Maisie grinned innocently. "I want to include all the good things you've done for me.""What about the times I wasn't good to you?""When have you not been good to me?" Daniel felt a pang of guilt and hugged her."In the past…" he murmured. He had genuinely mistreated her in the past. He had treated her like a pet, summoning her whenever he pleased and disregarding her when he didn't.He had no idea how Maisie had man
"Ms. Reyes, you..." Amanda's eyes widened, and her mind was in complete disarray.In theory, her plan shouldn't have gone awry. Lily was Daniel's former wife, and she had feelings for Daniel, so she should despise Maisie. Besides, Amanda could have used her as a pawn to eliminate the thorn in her side without anyone suspecting her.How had everything changed?"Amanda." Lily smirked. "Stop thinking that everyone else is as naive as you are. Or should I say, as morally bankrupt as you are?""Ms. Reyes...""From the very beginning, you wanted to use me to get closer to Daniel! And while I was in the midst of a fierce battle with Maisie, you'd sit back and reap the benefits. Isn't that right?""No!" Amanda protested. "Ms. Reyes, please listen to my explanation. I genuinely had your best interests at heart.""I could hear you scheming all the way from abroad! You dare say you were never jealous of Maisie? You dare say you didn't want to destroy her?"Amanda was left dumbfounded, una
Just as Maisie had finished typing the last line on her computer and stretched with a satisfied grin, Daniel walked in.Maisie quickly closed her laptop and turned to him with a smile. "You're back early today. I... I'll go prepare something for you to eat!""No rush." Daniel took her hand and looked at her with doting affection.During their time back in Cumulus City, she seemed to have gained a bit of weight. She was no longer as slender as before, but she had a more curvaceous figure. Her complexion had also become rosier. Everything about her reignited the emotions deep within him.Maisie leaned against him, listening to his heartbeat and feeling his gradually warming body. A blush crept onto her cheeks.She gently pushed him away, but he embraced her. "Don't do this...""I understand." Despite feeling frustrated, he was willing to respect her boundaries. "I won't cross any boundaries without your consent."Maisie lowered her head and smiled, pinching his cheek. It was somet
"What's the matter?" "I... I want to take you to meet my mom."Daniel was taken aback."Aren't you planning to marry me? Shouldn't we meet each other’s parents before the wedding? My family background isn't great, and my mom can be a handful. I just want you to be prepared...""I want to marry you, not your family," Daniel said, holding Maisie's hand. "But it's only right that I meet them. It's a matter of respect."Daniel had mixed feelings about it. When the weekend came, he prepared a gift and went with Maisie to her family's home. Even though Maisie had given them a heads-up, the atmosphere became tense as soon as they walked in.Cindy and Nicole were initially surprised to see Daniel, and then they stood by the wall, all still and nervous. Their words and actions appeared quite restrained as they cast wary looks at him.Maisie was a little surprised. She had been worried the whole way about her mom's materialistic nature causing trouble, as she was prone to saying things s
"Oh, it's Mr. Quimby." Owen hastily wiped his hand across his clothes, smiling obsequiously. "I didn't expect... to meet you again. How have you been?"Daniel looked at the hand Owen extended, his expression darkening even further.Maisie gave Owen a pat and whispered, "Owen, what are you saying?"Owen chuckled and quickly corrected himself. "Oh, I misspoke... Heh, I've had a bit too much to drink, and my head's not very clear right now. Maisie, what's for lunch?"Maisie rolled her eyes at him, feeling annoyed."Daniel will have lunch at home today, so I'll go help Mom and Nicole.""Alright, alright!" Owen hastily ushered her toward the kitchen. "Then you go ahead. Make some pork ribs for me! I've been working too hard lately, so I need some nourishment!""You..." Maisie glared at him, concerned he might say something inappropriate."Don't worry!" Owen snickered and whispered, "I'll step outside for a smoke. I promise not to speak with your Mr. Quimby. Is that okay?"Maisie gl
"Mr... Mr. Quimby." Owen bit his lip, his twisted smile growing even more sinister. "Do you still remember that child?"Do you know... where that child was buried?""You..." Daniel clenched his teeth, glaring at him.Owen smirked. He knew that poking this sore spot would hurt the most. "Back then, Maisie was already five months pregnant. You are the one who almost forced her to the brink of death! It was a live abortion of a five-month-old fetus!""It wasn't me!" Daniel's voice grew deeper, his temples pulsing as he emphasized each word. "I didn't force her!""So, was it just an accident? Are you saying it had nothing to do with you?"Daniel moved his lips, but he couldn't say a word. Back when Maisie had been pregnant, he had been cold because he had wanted her to abort the child quickly. Later, Maisie had insisted on keeping the baby, eventually managing to escape from him. She had lived incognito in a harsh environment, struggling to nurture the fetus for five months. Everythi
Daniel hugged Maisie tightly, his strength almost suffocating her. It was as if holding her tightly was the only way to keep her from running away."Daniel…" Maisie gently patted his back. "What happened? Can you please tell me...""I lost my appetite." Daniel released her and took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions. He managed to force a smile. "Can we not eat at home?""Sure..." Maisie nodded, feeling more concerned about him than curious about what had happened. She was ready to follow his lead.Daniel held her hand and fled the house as though he was escaping. He had never thought he would experience fear like this—fear that the sealed-off past would resurface, fear that the old scars would be ripped open again. Most of all, he was afraid he would lose her forever."Maisie, let's get married as soon as possible," he said, his voice strained, almost pleading in her ear.Maisie, who was taken aback, stared at him in astonishment. His eyes were red, and there was something sh
"That just proves you have a talent for it," Lily said straightforwardly. "I'll send you the address. I'll be free in half an hour. I'll give you a tour!"Maisie glanced at her watch. Half an hour… She needed to hurry!"Who was on the phone?" Daniel walked over to her, smiling. "You were all secretive. Didn't want me to hear?""Well… it's just a call from a telemarketer." Maisie hesitated, deciding to come clean after everything was set in stone. "By the way, are you going to the office to handle business? I want to buy a few books, so I'll leave on my own.""I'll take you.""No need, really," Maisie said, then playfully bounded ahead, waving at him. "Don't worry, I'll be back at the hotel soon!"Daniel was slightly taken aback, but he soon figured out who had called Maisie. He had his people check, and it turned out the call had indeed been from Lily. He smiled helplessly."Mr. Quimby, do you want us to invite Ms. Reyes here?" his subordinate asked."No need." Daniel thought f