Violet grinned. "So, Lina, when will you guys hold a party? I'm sure you can't afford that, right?"That man is poor, yet you insisted on marrying him. What do you like about him?"Gia gnashed her teeth. "Violet, you know very well why she got married!""How would I know?" Violet laughed out loud. "Don't tell me she's keeping a secret?""Absolutely not," Lina declared, rising from her seat. Her gaze turned cold as she scanned the room, ultimately fixing it firmly on Violet.Lina displayed no fear as she confronted Violet. The latter was taken aback by Lina's unwavering posture, rendering her speechless."Since everyone is so curious about why I got married, I'll fulfill your wish today." She smiled and said, "It's because… I love him!""What!?"Everyone was shocked, including shell-shocked Violet.Lina smiled. She was happy that Zuko was not there, or she would feel embarrassed."Yes, I love him!" She raised her voice intentionally. "My husband is the best man in the world. H
A hush fell over the students as the lecturer entered the classroom.It was a design theory class, and Lina had consistently excelled, earning praise for her homework numerous times.However, her heart was in disarray right now.Her gaze fixated emptily on her homework, her thoughts consumed by Zuko's presence as he entered the room.She absentmindedly touched her hair, still feeling the lingering warmth from his touch...A smile gradually spread across her face as she stared into space.What had he said before he left? He had mentioned bringing her lunch.For a moment, she was taken aback, revealing an awkward smile.How could that be possible? The store would be crowded at noon, and he was expected to remain there with her parents. How could he possibly find the time to bring her lunch? Moreover, did he even know how to cook?Perhaps he had simply said it without much thought.Yet, despite her skepticism, his words brought her joy.…Soon, It was noon, and the students we
The manager looked up to look at Violet. "Are you Ms. Lina?"Violet gulped. "I'm not.""That's right," he said with a smile. "I'm delivering the food for Ms. Lina and Ms. Lina only. This is no mistake!""But she—"Violet yearned to say more, but the manager didn't allow her any opportunity. Without warning, he stood tall, gesturing for the others behind to do the same. Their voices grew louder."Enjoy your meal, Ms. Lina!"…To be honest, Lina felt extremely uneasy as she ate.More than ten attendants stood around the classroom while the manager served her. Numerous students watched from outside.She started to perspire. The more she pondered, the stranger it seemed.Upon returning home, her first instinct was to confront Zuko."What was that during lunch?" she inquired.He furrowed his brow. Hadn't he arranged a meal for her through the owner of Best Level?Could it be that the food wasn't good?"Zeke!" Lina's expression grew anxious. Suspicion clouded her innocent eyes.
Zuko licked his lips, feeling his throat dry. He was adept at concealing his emotions, never allowing them to show on his face.However, lying was not his strong suit. He had been forbidden from lying since childhood.Now, he found himself struggling to fabricate what might be the biggest lie of his life.Lina's eyes grew increasingly suspicious. "Zeke, a meal at that hotel could cost someone's entire annual income, so...""I did something, but it's not illegal," he replied, his voice deep, avoiding direct eye contact.In the past, he never looked people in the eyes because he simply didn't care. But now, he felt a pang of guilt, hence avoiding her gaze.Her anxiety grew instantly. "What did you do?"Zuko fell into a momentary silence. Immersing himself in the persona of "Zeke," he quickly brainstormed what kind of activity could have yielded such a large sum of money in a short period of time.Then, he remembered his uncle, a renowned actor, in Southeast Asia. Although Zuko wa
If Zuko knew he was going to make up such a lie, he would have pretended to be sick these two days. How could he work so hard!?"Zeke, come over. Let me have a look!" said Lina."What?" Zuko turned back to glare at her. "W-What do you want to look at?""If you're badly injured! We have ointments and stuff at home. I'll apply them for you if your injuries are bad!""No need!" Zuko blurted and put both his hands up in front of him as if Lina was trying to take advantage of him. "Uh… There's really no need. I'm thick-skinned and rugged, used to falling and knocking around. There's no need for ointment!""Zeke Hamerton!" Lina grabbed his T-shirt, ready to yank it up. "Just let me take a look!""Don't come over!""Why are you shouting?""Are you done? Don't touch me!"Zuko glared at Lina, causing her to stand frozen in shock."Zeke, I was just trying to be kind..." Lina softly explained.It would be untrue to say that his reaction didn't hurt her.Melissa couldn't stand to see h
Lina knew she had misspoken and blinked, looking at her mother silently."Silly girl!" Melissa was exasperated, pulled her to the living room, and spoke in a low voice. "Do you have feelings for him?""I do... so what?" Lina lowered her head as if she had done something wrong, but her expression was one of stubbornness. "W-We have a marriage certificate...""Have you lost your mind!?" Melissa poked her with a finger. "That marriage certificate is fake!""Mom, lower your voice!" said Lina."Lina!" Melissa sounded almost mournful.It felt like the beautiful flower she had planted was snatched together with its pot. The daughter she had painstakingly brought up was going to be stolen!"I know what's in your mind. That's why I'm training him!" Melissa lowered her voice and patiently explained to her, "If we train him well now, he'll listen to you in the future, and you two will be happy!""Huh?" Lina was taken aback.Melissa chuckled, adoring and helpless against her daughter. "Ho
Zuko turned to look at the young woman beside him and felt that she was like a cherry blossom, delicate and captivating.At that moment, a subconscious voice suddenly asked him, 'Do you still remember Pammy?'Zuko's hands trembled slightly, and he quickly shoveled food into his mouth to conceal his absent-mindedness. 'Pammy…'Had Pammy still been there, would he have fulfilled the marriage agreement with the Thompsons long ago, gradually taken over the Hamerton Group, and become a good husband and father?Meanwhile, he was now in Jangasas as Zeke Hamerton. He had shed the husk of Zuko, but he knew that he would forever be in Pammy's shadow.Actually, he had told himself many times that Pammy was only five years old when she went missing, and he was just a child. How could a child have such deep feelings? He should not have cared so much.For some reason, every time he saw Lina, her innocent smile, her soft voice, and her pouts when she was teased, he could not help but think of P
Zuko was bewildered. The indecent conversation and crude language stung his eyes.Zuko scoffed. "What's this!?"Jacob told him truthfully, "This is chat records between Violet and a male escort."Zuko was taken aback, his expression changing. "A male escort?""Yes." Jacob chuckled. "The kind of men in nightclubs who are handsome and have hot bodies specifically to entertain wealthy women."Zuko felt a wave of nausea. "Violet has such a fetish?""I didn't believe it at first either." Jacob shrugged, his expression complicated. "She doesn't have a good reputation in the circle, but I couldn't believe she'd stoop so low as to hire male escorts. Then I...""You tried it out yourself?" Zuko's sharp eyes immediately saw through it.Jacob froze, his expression complex as he nodded. Then he explained the whole process to Zuko, "I heard that she likes to hire male escorts, so I registered an account and pretended to be one to chat with her. Unexpectedly, she took the bait! She's been tr