Maisie's hand trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away. She allowed him to hold her hand, letting the warmth of his palm seep gently into her heart, much like the morning sun illuminating her world.After breakfast, the two of them reached the villa on the outskirts. They wiped the small tombstone clean and placed a beautiful bouquet of daisies in front of it.Maisie looked up, and the sky seemed bluer than ever. She smiled gently and took a deep breath, realizing that life should involve subtraction. Letting go didn't mean forgetting, but traveling light to keep moving forward."You know, I still have the prenatal examination report." Maisie spoke softly. "Because there's a photo on it... Even though it's not clear, you can see the eyes and nose."Daniel's heart skipped a beat. He quietly moved closer to her, his broad shoulders enveloping her petite frame like a tender haven."What did she look like?""That's hard to describe." Maisie chuckled softly. "Fetal babies probably
Daniel was worried but didn't want to show it too clearly, so he pretended to ask calmly, "What authors did she introduce to you?"Maisie smiled but didn't answer. She made an excuse about having to visit the publishing company and left ahead of time.Daniel followed closely behind, not letting her go alone. He claimed that the area they were currently in was remote, not good for hailing cabs, and there wasn't much public transport, so he insisted on driving her.After a tug-of-war, Maisie couldn't resist anymore and finally got into his car.-SL Publishing was hosting a small afternoon tea party.The tea party wasn't grand, but it had high value, mostly filled with top-notch professionals in the field.Lily used her connections to pave the way for her authors. As a promising new writer with impressive achievements, Maisie was naturally among those Lily paid attention to.Throughout the event, Lily weaved through the crowd with Maisie, introducing her enthusiastically to liter
Daniel narrowed his eyes, exuding an unusual calmness reminiscent of the tranquility before a storm."To be honest, I'm not a big fan of this circle," he said in a low, measured tone, each word crystal clear. "Not all these authors are pure. Seeking wealth is one thing. But if some harbor ulterior motives, using the guise of artistry for unsavory purposes, Maisie will surely be taken advantage of!""Are you paranoid?" Lily looked exasperated. "Quimby, if you're so easily jealous, are you going to start controlling Maisie's freedom next? That's just terrifying!"Furthermore, why can't women be in the forefront? When we engage in work commitments, it's based on real abilities! Why should you men scrutinize attractive women? Is it a woman's fault for being pretty, or do you men just have filthy minds?"Daniel's eyes suddenly widened.Lily had that knack, using her twisted logic and arguments to render him speechless!Although Daniel appeared calm as a placid lake on the surface, sto
Daniel inched closer, his chest nearly touching her flushed face. He murmured in her ear in a low, charming voice, "I'll keep waiting until you nod."Maisie stood there, unmoving. She glanced at him, then chuckled shyly.Just then, Daniel's phone rang—his assistant urgently needed his attention for some company matters.Forcing a smile, he said, "I need to head back.""Alright." Maisie nodded gently."Take care of yourself. Call me after the tea party ends, and I'll come pick you up.""You focus on your work," she said. "My home isn't far. I'll manage.""Fair enough." He didn't push. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me."As Maisie watched him walk away, a whirlwind of emotions overcame her. He was the first person she ever loved, perhaps the only one in her life.However, the more the love, the harder it was to forget the hurt.She sighed softly.Suddenly, a clear voice sounded beside her, "Can you still see anything when he's gone that far?"Startled, Maisi
"Nicole, don't worry too much," Maisie comforted softly. "I'll figure something out.""Alright!" Nicole flattered timidly. "Maisie, it's always you who has all the solutions. Whenever something happens at home, we can only rely on you."Maisie forced a smile. After hanging up, she instinctively dialed Daniel's number. Those digits felt etched into her muscles.Yet, she hesitated at the moment of pressing the call button.For years, seeking his help had become second nature to her. From treating Owen's illness to every major and minor family issue, it all depended on Daniel.Not having enough money at home, having to move houses, Nicole seeking to divorce Wesley, Wesley gambling... These issues were a heavy burden to a regular household, but it was only a matter of words to Daniel.Maisie let out a long sigh and smirked self-deprecatingly. Apparently, she would always be dependent on him.She didn't want to continue like this. Since she had chosen to be independent, she needed to
In the evening, Maisie found herself at the hospital with Cindy. She prepared a plate of sliced apples for Cindy, but the latter didn't even glance at it."Mom." Maisie spoke, the atmosphere tense. Summoning courage, she continued. "You haven't had dinner. Have some fruit first. If you want anything else, I can get it for you..."Cindy glanced at her and turned her head away."The doctor emphasized the need for proper nutrition during treatment. If you don't eat or drink, no one can help you. Mom—""I'd rather die than live like this!" Cindy exclaimed.After a moment of silence, Maisie lowered her gaze and said, "What do you want from me? I've tried my best for you!""Make Daniel get your brother out, and I'll forgive you!""Mom!""Are you going or not?" Cindy suddenly sat up, glaring at her. "If you don't go, I won't seek treatment! If I die, it's because of you!"Maisie looked at her, fighting back tears."You're a famous writer now!" Cindy sneered. "If news spreads about a
Maisie's unexpected words took aback Cindy.In reality, everyone had their boundaries, and Cindy's biggest mistake was disregarding Maisie's emotions and being careless about her sensitive wounds. She forgot that even a rabbit could bite when pushed too far.Unable to swallow this insult, Cindy was only stunned for a few seconds. When she finally reacted, her anger surpassed her shock by far."You wretched girl!" she screamed. "You dare to throw a tantrum and smash things at me now? I..."She looked around, picked up a cup from the table, and aggressively threw it on the floor. Unsatisfied, she then grabbed a vase and hurled it toward Maisie.Maisie stood motionless as if plummeting into the depths of despair, feeling cold all over.Right when Cindy hurled the vase, the door to the room swung open, and someone dashed in to shield Maisie. "Watch out!"Maisie blinked in confusion. There was a sunny scent about this person's white shirt.The vase crashed to the floor and shattered
"I appreciate your good intentions." Daniel spoke in a hushed tone. "But it appears this hospital specializes more in orthopedics than cardiovascular treatment, doesn't it? I'll take charge of finding the right doctor for Mrs. Squire's illness.""Mr. Quimby—""Moreover, this is a family matter," Daniel enunciated each word, emphasizing "family matter". "Your concern is unnecessary. I'll arrange for Mrs. Squire to be transferred to another hospital this afternoon!"Harvey was taken aback. He watched the two figures leave with a faint smile.Exiting the room, he received a call from his butler as he walked to the corridor."Mr. Harvey, someone has coordinated with me about transferring Mrs. Squire...""Yes, it's Daniel Quimby." Harvey spoke softly. "Just follow his instructions.""Understood." The butler paused. "And Ms. Squire…""Keep it under the radar for now. The situation isn't entirely clear. Everything is speculation on my part. But..." Harvey smirked. "I'm good at giving
"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