Ines quietly listened as Shawn endlessly praised his nephew, not understanding much of what was being said. She remained silent.After talking for a while and noticing Ines’ lack of response, Shawn thought she was being polite. "How about this? I'll give him your WhatsApp. You can have a meal together sometime and get to know each other.""I'd rather not."Ines wanted to refuse, but Shawn insisted. "Come on, you're single anyway. Meeting up won't hurt; you can still be friends if you don't click romantically."Shawn was so enthusiastic and had said so much that Ines felt refusing would be rude. After some thought, she smiled and agreed. "Okay, thank you, Director Shawn."Ines thought meeting up with the other person would be fine. He seemed so impressive; maybe he would not be interested in her. Ines felt less pressure with this in mind.Shawn nodded satisfactorily. "I'll give him your WhatsApp later, and you two can chat. I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about."Ines smil
Solomon took a drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke in her face with a smirk. "Ines, funny how I didn't know you were single."Ines was taken aback, realizing he had just overheard her conversation with Shawn.Seeing Ines silent, Solomon pinched her chin with a smirk. "Cat got your tongue?"He had thought she was busy with work, but she was out on a blind date. She had even told others she was single. Did he mean nothing to her?Ines quieted down after being unable to break free, her cold gaze locking onto him. "Solomon, we've broken up."Solomon chuckled. "Is that so? When did that happen? I wasn't aware."In the past two years, they occasionally argued, leading to talk about breaking up, but she always returned to him after a couple of days. She was obedient and beautiful, and they were compatible in bed. He was more than willing to appease her whenever she threw a tantrum.Solomon had grown accustomed to having her around and had never considered parting ways with her
Solomon gently touched Ines' cheek, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "What's the matter this time?"Seeing Ines silent, he continued, "I've been busy lately and overlooked you. After this busy period—"Before he could finish, Ines coldly interrupted him. "There's no reason. I'm just tired of it; I don't want to be with you anymore."Solomon's expression froze for a moment, seemingly unable to react."What did you say?"He lifted Ines' chin, making her look directly at him. His peach blossom eyes were tinged with a faint smile. "Tired? Tired of me?""Yes," Ines replied earnestly.Solomon's smile faltered.Seizing his distraction, Ines pushed him away forcefully and got up from his lap.Solomon flicked the cigarette ash, his face devoid of a smile. "Ines, repeat it. I didn't hear clearly."He gave her a chance to retract her words.However, Ines did not back down, enunciating each word, "I said, I'm tired of you. I don't have feelings toward you anymore and don't want to be wi
After a moment, Solomon saw her struggling to catch her breath. He then mercifully released her, sporting a smirk. "Your body speaks more truth than your lips."He whispered in her ear, "We haven't tried the office yet. Do you want to give it a shot?"Ines widened her eyes and struggled even harder.She refused!Ines fought fiercely, and Solomon, not wanting to scare her further, said, "Stay still. Let me hold you for a moment, and then I'll let you go."He wanted her badly, but he had not considered taking her here.The office could have been better, with its potentially poor soundproofing and the small couch hindering their freedom.Ines stiffened, not daring to move."That's better," Solomon said, embracing her. He ran his hand through her hair. "Don't make me angry."Ines feared Solomon might lose control, so she did not dare move a muscle or say a word.Solomon held Ines quietly, the scent of the girl making him restless. He was reluctant to let go, but he wanted her.
Before she could finish, Solomon interrupted her. "Next time, I'm busy today."Queenie's smile froze momentarily, but she did not insist and nodded. "Alright then."She escorted Solomon to the door and watched him get into his car. "Goodbye, Mr. Rowland."Solomon waved his hand without saying anything.Watching the car speed away, she decided to sit in the passenger seat beside Solomon one day.Back in the office, hearing colleagues gossip about seeing Solomon today, Queenie asked, "Was Solomon here to see Director Shawn today?"A colleague said, "No, he should have been here to see the editor, Ms. Matthams. I saw him heading straight to her office."Queenie frowned."Ms. Matthams is in charge of several programs with the highest ratings on the station, all sponsored by Rowland Corporation. Solomon's visit should be about discussing cooperation for the next quarter.""That makes sense. Ines is handling all the cooperation with Rowland Corporation."Listening to her colleagues
When Patricia heard this, her face lit up with joy. "Is that true? That's wonderful! Bring her home so we can meet her."Solomon was not getting any younger, and Patricia eagerly awaited him to find a girlfriend, get married, and start a family. She could not wait to become a grandmother.Before Solomon could respond, Udonis spoke sternly, "When did you start dating? Who is she? What does she do?"Solomon furrowed his brows slightly. "Does it matter who she is?"Udonis' expression turned serious. "Solomon, let me warn you. Don't bring back any unsuitable women. Not every woman is fit to enter our family. I don't care what you do outside, but if discussing marriage, you must find someone suitable for our family."Patricia knew her son had many women from various backgrounds around him. She knew he had discretion and did not interfere. However, Udonis was right. When it came to marriage, their backgrounds had to match.The Rowlands were one of the most prominent families in Richw
Ines politely declined, citing prior evening plans. Caleb did not push further, merely suggesting to reschedule when available. Ines set down her phone, latched her suitcase, and double-checked her belongings in the bedroom and bathroom to ensure everything was packed. After almost two years of residence, leaving felt oddly unfamiliar. She settled onto the couch, her expression tinged with melancholy.This apartment belonged to Solomon. Ines used to reside a bit farther from the TV station until Solomon insisted she move closer, allowing her an extra hour of sleep each morning. Solomon often visited when he was not busy, sometimes staying for days at a stretch, even nearly half a month at one time. This place held numerous memories, yet ultimately, some things did not belong to her.Ines took a deep breath and rallied herself in the kitchen. Tonight would mark her final meal here. She settled on making tomato beef stew, steamed fish, braised prawns, a salad, and perha
Solomon still held her, his hands wrapped around her waist. "Just the two of us don't make so much food. We won't finish it."Ines replied, "The fish and shrimp won't be fresh tomorrow, so let's cook them. The salad isn't too much. We should be able to finish them."Solomon pinched her chin and leaned in to kiss her lips. "Do you know I'm going on a business trip, so you made so much delicious food for me?"Ines raised an eyebrow. Was he going on a trip?"No, I just felt like cooking."Solomon chuckled. "Then let's cook together to finish faster."By cooking and finishing dinner faster, they would have time to do other things.Before meeting Ines, Solomon had never set foot in a kitchen. Since they got together, he had learned a lot. Although his cooking skills were mediocre, he washed and cut vegetables well.Solomon's phone rang while preparing the last dish as they busied themselves in the kitchen. He went to the balcony to answer it.Kyle called, reminding him of things
“Arthur proposed to Tracey?!”In the afternoon, Tracey posted several photos of her and Arthur in a hot air balloon. In one of the photos, she held a bouquet with a dazzling ring on her ring finger.[Yes, I do.]That was the caption.Blair hugged Mable and nodded with a smile. “Yeah, Arthur proposed to her today. Trace called to say they’ll prepare for the wedding after they return from their trip.”“That’s great!”Mable was sincerely happy for Tracey and Arthur.She asked Blair, “Do they have any ideas for the wedding? We can help them prepare in advance.”Blair said, “We can call Trace and ask.”Mable looked at the time. It was midnight in Monafett, and she did not want to disturb them by calling at this hour. She smiled and said, “I’ll call her tomorrow.”Getting two good news in a row today made Mable feel particularly good. After dinner, she could not help but want to drink some wine to celebrate.Blair had not drunk for a long time, either. Seeing her in high spirits,
Kyle stared into Zoe’s eyes. He had indeed noticed it, but he was not sure yet.However, when Zoe called him by his full name, he was completely certain.Zoe had regained her memories.From the moment she woke up, her emotions had been off. Even Monica noticed something wrong with her, so how could he not have seen it?Kyle looked at Zoe, reaching out to brush the hair by her temples. “It’s been a long time since you called me that.”Zoe had not called him since waking up, but as soon as she did, she called him Kyle instead of Ky. He knew then she must have remembered everything.Although Kyle knew that this day would come sooner or later, he did not expect her to regain her memories at this moment.He was completely unprepared and caught off guard.Zoe lowered her head. “That’s what I used to call you, but you tricked me into calling you Ky.”She remembered everything as soon as she woke up.The events that happened when she had forgotten felt like a dream, too surreal to be
Kyle named the baby Six not only because he was born at 6 pounds and 6 ounces but also because June 6th was the day they first met.He would always remember the scene when he first saw Zoe, even though their relationship started with deception, manipulation, and even revenge.Kyle caressed Zoe’s cheek and said, “Zoe, I’ve never told you this, but I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. It was love at first sight.“I want you to stay by my side forever and let me stay by your side forever. I’ll never let you go again in this lifetime.”Zoe’s eyes slowly reddened as she listened to Kyle’s heartfelt words.Indeed, she never knew he fell in love with her at first sight...They both did.Kyle gently wiped away her tears. “Zoe, I promise you. We’ll only part in death, never in life.”Zoe choked and nodded, burying her face in his chest as she cried.In her arms, Six seemed to sense his mother’s emotions and moved restlessly.Zoe quickly comforted him.“Let me.” Kyle took the
At the hospital. When Zoe woke up again, it was already the next morning.As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Kyle sitting by her bedside.Kyle noticed her waking up and quickly held her hand. “Zoe, you’re awake. How do you feel?”Zoe stared at the man in front of her and blinked, feeling shocked.When she did not answer, Kyle immediately became nervous. “What’s wrong? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”Zoe remained silent and continued to stare at him. Her eyes gradually turned red, and her nose tingled with a strong sense of sourness.Kyle’s heart clenched at the sight. “Zoe, don’t scare me like this. Zoe...”He was getting anxious and was just about to call the doctor when she suddenly grabbed his hand. “I... I’m okay. I just had a nightmare. I’m a bit groggy after waking up.”Kyle hugged her, his warm hand gently patting her back. “It’s okay. I’ve been by your side all along.”Zoe buried her face in his shoulder, softly humming without saying anything.At that mom
“I see.”Outside the delivery room, Kyle’s family and the others were still waiting anxiously.Close to midnight, the door finally opened, and the nurse carried the baby out.“It’s a boy. Both mother and son are safe.”Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.Before long, Zoe was pushed out. Monica checked on the baby before hurriedly walking to Zoe’s side and taking her hand. “Zoe, you did so well.”“I’m okay, Mom.”Zoe was still very weak after just giving birth, and her voice was weak. Monica immediately told her husband to call the servants to brew a tonic and sent it over.Mable walked to Zoe and felt her heart ache when she saw the latter’s pale face, but she smiled and said, “Congratulations, Zoe.”Zoe smiled, no longer having the strength to speak.Blair and Solomon congratulated Kyle.Kyle nodded, not paying attention to them, and took Zoe back to the ward with the nurse.Zoe was a first-time mother, so she was extremely exhausted after giving birth an
As soon as Mable learned that Zoe was about to go into labor, she rushed to the hospital immediately. It was late at night, and Blair was worried, so he accompanied her.When the two arrived at the hospital, Zoe had already been taken into the delivery room. Kyle followed her in, but his parents waited anxiously outside.Mable looked at Monica and Floyd and asked, “Isn’t Zoe’s due date still about ten days away? Why did it suddenly come early?”Monica said, “We’re not sure, either. After dinner tonight, Zoe said her stomach was hurting. Kyle helped her upstairs to rest, but not long after, he called for someone to prepare the car to go to the hospital...”Seeing Mable stare anxiously at the delivery room, Blair held her hand and comforted her. “Don’t worry. Zoe has been healthy her whole pregnancy. There shouldn’t be any problems.”Mable nodded. “Yeah, I hope both the mother and child are safe.”Soon, Solomon and Ines also arrived.Solomon greeted Kyle’s parents and asked, “How
Without saying anything, Solomon placed his behind Ines’ head and kissed her.Ines wrapped her arms around his waist...Knock, knock!The untimely sound of knocking interrupted them.Ines jumped like a startled deer, eyes wide and cheeks red.The servant’s voice came from outside. “Sir, dinner is ready.”Solomon hugged Ines and cleared his throat. “Got it. We’ll be right there.”The servant acknowledged and left.Ines buried her head in Solomon’s chest and took a deep breath before saying, “Let’s go. Don’t want your parents to wait too long.”“Yeah.”Solomon stroked her head and looked at the drawing he had just completed. “Once it’s dry, I’ll have it framed and hang it in the bedroom, okay?”Ines asked, “In this bedroom?”Solomon nodded and kissed her forehead. “Yeah, we’ll probably come back to stay here often in the future.”Ines pursed her lips and smiled silently.“Let’s go have dinner.” Solomon led her downstairs.After having dinner at the Rowland residence, Solom
Solomon embraced Ines from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. “I learned to draw when I was young and almost did fine arts for college.”“Why didn’t you?”Winning first prize in a national art competition indicated a high level of drawing skill.Solomon said, “Painting is just one of my many interests. I do it to pass the time when I’m bored. I’ve never thought of becoming an artist.”Ines nodded. “I see.”Solomon suddenly perked up and opened a small cabinet beside the bookshelf, taking out a canvas and some paints. “Come on, I’ll draw a portrait.”Ines was stunned. “Of me?”“Yep. Give me a moment.”Solomon led Ines to sit on the sofa, then went out to find a servant to bring him the easel.Although he had not painted in many years, he still had all the tools he used before.Before long, the servant helped him bring in the easel and other tools.After looking at the layout of the bedroom, Solomon asked Ines to sit in the soft chair by the window, where the lighting w
Ines blinked. “I was just thinking about what to bring to your house tomorrow. I can’t go empty-handed...”Solomon laughed at her words. “You don’t need to bring anything. Just seeing you will make them happy.”“That won’t do. I still need to buy something.”Although she knew that Solomon’s parents did not lack anything, she could not just go without a gift. It was still necessary to have proper etiquette.Ines was a little nervous at the thought of visiting his parents tomorrow. “Can you tell me what your parents are like?”Solomon noticed her nervousness and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. My mom and dad are very nice. They won’t make things difficult for you.”Ines looked at him and nodded.With him by her side, she was not that worried.She heard Solomon say that his father liked tea, so she bought a gift box from the supermarket. In addition, she also brought some nutritional supplements to bring along when they go to Solomon’s house tomorrow.After buying everything, th