Suzie pressed on the doorbell. The neighbors who had nothing to do stared at her while gossiping with each other. In this small town, the appearance of a new person would ultimately be the topic of conversation. After pressing the doorbell a few times, a middle-aged woman approached Suzie. "Young Lady, I heard you are looking for Betty. May I ask what is it for?" Suzie turned to the middle-aged woman and was impressed at the speed of rumors here. She had just asked an old woman at the entrance of the town about Betty's address and it already spread throughout the whole town in a few minutes. Suzie smiled amiably at the middle-aged woman. "To be honest, I came here to visit my old friend, Yena. I heard she is living with her aunt." "Oh. You are Yena's friend?" The middle-aged woman's face then became strange. She looked a bit doubtful at Suzie. "If you are her friend, you should have heard that Yena just left the city yesterday." Suzie blinked. "I lost contact with her a month
There was laughter and lively murmurs in the hall as the guests and the family of the groom celebrated. There was lavish food, lively music, and expensive wine served at the hall. Their joyous laughter could even be heard on the second floor. In one of the rooms on the second floor, sat a bride who did not seem to fit in the joyous event. Yena sat on the bed still wearing her wedding gown. Despite the beautiful make-up and dress she was wearing, her expression was gloomy. As if she was sitting in prison waiting for her execution. She heard a cheer below. It was followed by the guests asking the bride and groom to dance. A while later, the door opened and the groom came in. Her groom was a man in his forties. He looked strong and tall. Other than his balding head and slightly big belly, he looked like an average middle-aged man. Yena stiffened as she watched her future husband approach her. Although she had no choice but to accept her fate, she still couldn't wrap her mind aro
In truth, Suzie would have arrived earlier if not for the head butler stopping her. Just right before she left for Willow City, the head butler blocked her way. She was stunned when she saw him in the middle of the road. Then she becomes on guard. The head butler know which town she would be in and expected the outcome of her search. As expected, the head butler was keeping watch on her. And quite strictly at that. Suzie pretended she was not stunned seeing the head butler. "Madame, please don't forget that you are part of the Albrecht family. This is the first time you will go outside ever since becoming the new Madame. You have to consider your image as the Madame. As someone from a powerful family, you can't go alone by yourself. I will appoint a team who will protect you and I will also accompany you myself." Suzie: "...." She had a guess that this head butler just wanted to see what she was going to do. However, coming to an unfamiliar place with an overwhelming team was ef
Suzie watched in a daze as the image on the screen changed. Javier showed her the dozens of sitting rooms, guest rooms, the enormous atrium, the master's bedrooms, the garden court, and the entrance hall with ease. As if he was presenting a multi-national project and convincing the investors to agree with him.Suzie's face stiffened as time went by.He said it was a villa for the two of them, right? Then why it seemed that this villa would house hundreds of people!Seeing the low-key but elegant interior design, Suzie wondered if this cost Javier all of his money.There was no doubt that this big villa would have taken what was left behind of Javier's money.Suzie was about to tell him that she doesn't need a villa and that there was no need to spend a huge amount of money on her. But when she turned to him and saw his proud and enthusiastic face, Suzie swallowed the words she was about to say.Her husband looked so happy. How could she burst his bubble?Javier did not notice Suzie's
Yena came to report to the main mansion the next day. She was in a good spirit as if she hadn't experienced being sold off into a forced marriage and got divorced in one day."I told you to take a lot of rest. You should have taken advantage of it." Suzie sighed.Yena was too enthusiastic to come to work. If it was her, Suzie would take a whole week of rest before committing herself to her job."I had enough rest. Besides, you said the position of your personal maid is empty. Who will pick up your dress and do make-up for you if I did not go?""I can handle them enough. Well, since you are here. Let's talk about your schedule."Suzie was capable of doing anything by herself. However, in this big mansion, she need someone she could trust. Besides, being a Madame without a personal maid would look strange. So her first choice was Yena. Yena was someone Suzie could trust. Although she could not trust Yena when it comes to Javier, she could trust other things to her. Unlike the other ma
The Thomsons left the mansion immediately after Suzie gave her word that she would attend the banquet. Suzie did not think about them anymore and went outside to do some shopping for her gift. Yena accompanied her.Thanks to Yena's suggestions, Suzie had come up with an idea. She wanted to give a customized object that would last long. Since she was skilled in wood crafting, she thought of making a wooden sculpture for Javier.When she passed a lingerie store, Suzie stopped. Her gaze was complicated for a moment.A sales lady standing near the entrance door saw Suzie. When she saw the high-end brands that Suzie was wearing, her eyes lit up."Excuse me, Young Miss. We have new arrivals today and most of them are limited editions. Do you want to take a look?"Yena became enthusiastic. As Suzie's personal maid, she also wanted to do her job of helping Suzie choose her clothes."Let's have a look, Eldest Young Madame. It won't hurt having a couple more."Suzie hesitated. Yena thought S
Suzie hesitated. Her experience and instinct told her that this was the best chance to counterattack while they were unprepared. If it was the past Suzie, she would risk it just to end this trouble. But looking at Javier's begging eyes, Suzie wavered. Javier could see that Suzie was shaken. He wanted to hold her hand and convinced her to not go. But when he was about to reach out to her, Suzie avoided his hand. A hurtful expression flashed across Javier's face. He was arguing with her, of course, she would feel upset. Suzie saw his expression and hurriedly explained. "Don't misunderstand! I did not avoid you because we are arguing. I just....My hands are dirty. I just wiped the table. Let me wash my hand first." Suzie hurriedly went to the sink to wash her hands while Javier watched. She then wiped her hand with the clean cloth and initiated holding Javier's hand. "Okay. You can continue." Javier: "..." He blinked. His eyes wandered to their holding hands and then to Suzie wh
Javier stiffened.Suzie's kiss was light and soft. It was only for a moment but Javier felt as if the time had stopped. He looked back at Suzie.The lampshade from the bedpost illuminated Suzie's side profile. Making her appear more delicate and frail but beautiful. The affectionate look and tenderness in Suzie's eyes drove Javier's entire body hot. His heartbeat turned fast. There was only one thought in his mind.He wanted to kiss her.Javier stared at Suzie's eyes. His grey eyes were several shades darker. The turbulent desire and devotion reflected in his eyes. "Suzie, can I kiss you?" He asked hoarsely. His mind was too distracted by Suzie to think whether asking to kiss her at this moment would be alright or not. He just followed his heart.Suzie paused for a moment and nodded.But Javier did not let her finish nodding, he leaned over and captured the lips that he had been constantly thinking about.It was his first kiss so he was careful, gentle, and clumsy. He sucked those
Suzie smiled and kissed the twin's head. "Always remember that you two not only have us but you have each other. Keep looking out for each other like this as you two grow up, okay? Then Mommy will give you a lot of rewards." Hearing rewards, the two children's moods turned happy. "What rewards? Are we going to the ocean and dive with sharks?" "Are we going to fly in the air and meet Superman?" Suzie laughed. She really wished her children would never lose their innocence and their imagination towards the world. They could grow up strong and disciplined, but they should never lose their innocence toward life and their hope for the future. She would make sure of it. "Let me think about it." The two children talked about the rewards that were about to come while they held Suzie's hand. When Javier met them at the company's lobby, he could not help but smile at the scenery. The scenery of his wife and his two children laughing and smiling warmed up his heart. Life was full of ups a
"Everyone, I appreciate your presence here. The reason behind gathering you all and convening this meeting on such short notice is to announce that my wife will be visiting." Tension hung in the air as Javier initiated the meeting. However, the revelation that followed left everyone in a state of surprise. Maintaining his composed demeanor, Javier continued, "Many of you had the opportunity to meet her at last year's opening ceremony. She expresses her regret that she couldn't personally greet each and every one of you on that occasion. My wife is a busy mother, her schedule is quite demanding. I kindly ask for your understanding in this regard." "Madame does not need to apologize." "Madame's kindness is truly remarkable. It's touching that she considers employees like us. We're genuinely grateful for her thoughtfulness." "There is no need to bother about us...." Those with a talent for flattery seized the opportunity to win favor. And their strategy proved effective. Javier's
Three years later...In the massive conference room of a certain high-rise building, a group of executives and the board of directors were seated accordingly in their positions. The seat at the head of the table was empty.Everyone waited for that person's arrival with their hearts in their throats.Only the people in higher positions within the company knew how terrifying their boss was. Though young, their boss was ruthless when it came to business and never gave a second chance to those who harmed the company.He was generous to those who worked hard and remained loyal, but ruthless to his enemies. In three years, the company had risen unimaginably and become the number one empire in the country. It then ascended to a top-three rank in the whole of Asia.To those employees who remained with the company even during the most difficult times, their rise to these positions was a testament to their loyalty. They considered themselves fortunate to have stuck with the company and reaped n
In the quiet embrace of dawn's gentle touch, the sea awoke from its slumber, its vast expanse stretching out as far as the eye could fathom. The horizon, adorned with hues of soft amethyst and pale rose, held a promise of the spectacle to come. A delicate, cool breeze carried the faint scent of salt and adventure, caressing the senses like a whispered secret. Suzie tiptoed out of the bedroom and washed her face downstairs. She then busied herself in the kitchen. It had been two weeks since the couple had stayed on the island, and there hadn't been a single day when Suzie woke up early to prepare breakfast. Partly because it was Javier's fault for keeping her up late, but whenever she did wake up, Javier had already cooked breakfast and cleaned the kitchen. Even the dishes were taken care of by Javier. There wasn't much else for Suzie to do but watch her handsome, gorgeous husband handle the chores. Suzie appreciated his efforts. However, she also wanted to showcase her cooking ski
Suzie woke up, feeling an ache in her lower body. She opened her eyes and saw sunlight peeking in through the curtains.How long had it been since she was out?She slowly sat up straight and felt the stinging sensation again. She couldn't help but blame the man once more for being too fierce last night.It was as if the married couple had a connection; Javier appeared at the door, holding a warm glass of water.He looked surprised to see Suzie awake. He hurriedly walked in and handed her the water."You're awake. How do you feel?" Guilt and self-blame were evident on Javier's face. He knew that he had been too rough last night.Suzie wanted to scold him, but seeing him like this, her heart softened. Still, she glared at him. "You were indeed too rough last night."Javier gently helped Suzie to her feet. "I'm sorry. I lost control. Mrs. Zhou kept you away from me for three days—how could I not miss you?" Javier couldn't help but drag Mrs. Zhou into the conversation.Three days without
"....so just look at me and don't be nervous." A voice sounded on the front, breaking the fight that was about to start. Ambassador Milliard and Uncle Surge had already arrived in front of the bride's waiting room. At the door, Javier was almost hugging the door as he spoke with a pitiful voice, "I really wanted to see you. I haven't seen you for three days. Mrs. Luo is too strict." "We will see each other in a few minutes. So go to the hall and wait for me. Let my makeup artists work in peace," Suzie's voice sounded from inside the room. "...Alright. I miss you so bad, wife." Ambassador Milliard: "...." Uncle Surge: "...." Fortunately, they were the only people here. If other guests happened to pass by, Javier's image would completely shift from that of a peerless young CEO to that of a lovestruck fool, simping for his wife. The door swung open, and Javier, who had been clinging to it, almost stumbled forward. Mrs. Luo emerged from the room and deliberately avoided him. "Jus
Many people began talking about the couple again. Some were a bit regretful that the wedding of the century was not publicized on the TV. They could only get some news and updates from the social media of the guests.In a salon, a group of young misses were browsing their phones as they were getting pedicures.One of the young ladies saw the post and the discussion. She sat up straight in shock and the pedicurist almost ruined the nail polish she was applying on her toes."Wow! The whole island?! This is amazing! The island is so beautiful! I want to go there!" The young woman squealed. She glanced at the young woman at the far end of their group."Bianca, Mr. Albretch has gifted a very massive and beautiful island to your sister. We can go there, right?"Bianca was also browsing her phone. Even though she did not want to see the news about the wedding, everyone was talking about it and the photos from the island kept showing up on the hot search. She naturally saw this discussion.Wh
The sun hung low in the sky. The sea, a vast mirror of shimmering azure, stretched as far as the eye could see, its waves whispering secrets to the shore. Glistening flecks of sunlight danced upon the water's surface, a prelude to the symphony of colors that was about to unfold.The gentle lull of the waves created a serene backdrop, a tranquil cadence that set the rhythm for the impending ceremony.Seagulls soared gracefully above, their calls mingling with the rustling of palm fronds swaying in the warm breeze. The air held a hint of salt, making people feel as if they were in the sea's embrace, welcoming all who had gathered to witness this union of souls.At the water's edge, a carefully crafted boarding ramp stood adorned with seashells and diaphanous fabrics that fluttered in harmony with the wind. There was red carpet for the guest who embarked from their private boats.Delicate petals, kissed by sunlight, were scattered along the sandy aisle, guiding the way to the heart of th
..... While Suzie was busy pampering herself, Javier, the groom, was also solving some things on his own. He took a break from his busy schedule and visited the City Z penitentiary. City Z's prison had the maximum security in the country where high-profiled criminals with heavy chargers were assigned to. Because of Colton's identity and the long list of his punishment, he was assigned to this place. "Inmate 1206, you have a visitor!" A correctional officer banged on a certain cell's door with his baton. A thin man stood up with a confused expression. He followed the correctional officer to the visiting area. When he saw the person through the partition glass, the thin man paused. The compliant look on his face shifted for a moment. Javier was sitting on the other side with a calm gaze. He pointed at the telephone beside the partition glass. The correctional officer pushed the thin man, "Inmate 1206, you only have fifteen minutes." The thin man had no choice but to sit. He hes