There was a bottle of water beside Stella's feet. It did not seem like she had the intention to end her life.Marshall heaved a sigh of relief upon thinking about that.There was a very steep drop just less than six feet away from Stella, and Marshall dared not to startle her. So, he sat down not far from her and accompanied her in silence.It was past noon. Although the sun shone brightly, it felt chilly at the mountaintop.Stella wore a windbreaker. It did not look very thick, and her exposed earlobes turned bright red from the coldness."Stella..."Marshall called out to her softly.Stella remained still, and Marshall did not know if she had even heard him.Marshall gazed at the distant mountains surrounded by mist and spoke again after some time, "I had a younger brother called Ryan who was two years younger than me. Not only that he was adorable and well-behaved, but he was also incredibly smart too. He could say plenty of simple words before he was even a year old. He alw
"Keegan once told me something, and I'll say the same to you now."He said: 'You can be weak with me around.'"Marshall's voice spoke in the wind, and Stella could feel like she heard Keegan whispering in her ear, "I'm willing to die with you, although I'd always put myself first."What a liar!Stella could not bear the overwhelming pain anymore and broke down crying.Her cries echoed in the wind, in the mountain, and in the cascading river. She wondered if they could reach Keegan and show him how much she missed him.She could not control her emotions any longer, and her heart was filled with resentment and hate."Why did you have to bring the police there?"Why did you have to save me?"She cried as she asked, and Marshall was heartbroken listening to her questions. With a tearful eye, he repeatedly apologized.Stella vented without holding back. Her voice even turned hoarse from the crying.Her cries gradually subsided and eventually stopped. Then, Marshall spoke again, "
Stella was awakened by a dog's barking.She opened her eyes and found herself in a room with mud walls covered in newspaper. The tungsten lightbulb on the ceiling looked old, and the glass wall had black mold all over it. The room was filled with various antique items, and she realized she was covered under a large floral-patterned blanket that was very warm and soft, exuding a faint scent of the sun. Suddenly, Stella felt like she was in a movie where she had time-traveled to the 80s.'Does that mean that Keegan had also time-traveled?' she wondered.However, the smartphone on the table shattered her fantasy. She lay in bed for a while but soon decided to get up.The fever had left her feeling weak and sweaty. After spending a few days in the mountains and sweating all night, her body had an unpleasant smell.She wanted to freshen up but realized there was nothing in the room. So, she adjusted her clothes and went outside.She only noticed that she was sleeping in the master bedr
Stella shot him a glance, "Go back then. I didn't ask you to come anyway."Keegan was taken aback. Then, he scoffed and retorted, "Do you think I wanted to come here? I just didn't want people to gossip!"He just would not express his true feelings, which was probably why Arthur "bullied" him.Marshall could not carry out the task at all, so Arthur had to call over some youngers from next door to help.With swift and precise movements, they soon castrated over a dozen of piglets. Marshall was stunned as he asked in a low voice, "Doesn't this... hurt?"Arthur paused for a moment before saying, "Why don't you ask them?"Marshall was left speechless.As Arthur spoke, he grabbed the fattest piglets and asked Stella excitedly, "Stella, how's this one? Or you can pick which one you like, and I'll butcher it for you later."The piglet squealed and struggled as its hind legs were being held up. Stella reached out to rescue it from Arthur's hand and said in a low voice, "I don't feel li
Stella paused for a moment and then lowered her gaze. She remained silent for a while before saying, "Mr. Moore, Keegan treats you as his best friend, and so do I.""I know." Marshall smiled gently, though his face looked a little pale. "I've never dared to imagine replacing him. I just want you to be happy.""I will," Stella replied softly, "Because I know he'll want me to be happy too."Marshall tightened his grip on his phone and stopped saying anything else.Jorgeville was a peaceful and tranquil town.Some years ago, there were some government projects in Jorgeville that took up quite a bit of land. So, many local residents received a substantial amount of compensation for relocation, making their lives relatively comfortable.However, the town did not have any major industries supporting its economy, and the quality of education was subpar. So, many of the younger generation chose to move out.So, when the two good-looking and graceful youngsters came to visit Arthur, ever
So, Arthur said in a gentle tone, "Would you buy a pack of Doral then?"Marshall had never heard of that cigarette brand, but he agreed anyway, "Sure."He grabbed his jacket, turned to Stella, and asked, "Stella, do you want anything?"Stella shook her head, "No, thank you."Her tone sounded polite but somewhat distant. There was a clear hint of disappointment in Marshall's eyes as he spoke softly, "All right. I'll be back in a minute.""Mhm," Stella responded.After Marshall left, Arthur said to Stella, "Stella, stop working and come sit with me for a while."Stella wiped her hands and walked over, feeling somewhat nervous. Arthur patted the doorstep and said, "Come, sit here."Then, Stella sat down next to Arthur."What happened to that kid from the Kane family? Did you guys get into a fight?"Stella initially thought Arthur would ask her about Albert. But to her surprise, he asked about Keegan instead.After coming down from the mountain, Stella had been trying hard to hi
Arthur did not know how to write and could not compose a letter. Hence, he lost touch with Evelyn after three years.He had initially assumed that she would have already wed upon his return. To his surprise, the person he had longed for was still waiting for him at home.Although they hadn't seen each other in years, their reunion was natural, as if they had never been apart. They quickly confirmed their relationship after that.Arthur hired a matchmaker to formalize their union, and they soon set a date for the wedding.The couple were engrossed in the preparations for their new life together, eagerly anticipating their future. Little did they know, tragedy was on the horizon.A series of gruesome murders began plaguing the town. The perpetrator targeted young women, committing heinous acts before taking their lives.In just six months, four lives were brutally taken, causing the people to panic. Women were afraid to venture out alone.At the time, Evelyn was employed at a text
Evelyn's story did not end there. Instead of earning respect for identifying the assailant, she found herself subjected to further humiliation when details of the incident leaked among the community.Many believed that she survived not due to luck but rather because she was compliant with the perpetrator's wishes compared to the previous victims who met their end. Some of her co-workers even commented that her preference for stylish attire may have made her a target as it seemed too flashy.In an era where a woman's chastity was valued above all else, people often resorted to victim blaming.Even the Thornfields claimed that she was an embarrassment to the family. Despite increasing the dowry in the beginning, they ultimately proposed lowering it, perhaps out of fear that Arthur might feel repulsed by Evelyn.Evelyn was filled with a strong sense of Injustice and could not endure any longer. In a fit of anger, she attempted to take her own life.Thankfully, someone noticed this an
Keegan moved from initial resistance to reluctantly listening, and eventually to questioning."Why do these novels portray men as so stupid and brainless, yelling at the female lead as if they have intermittent explosive disorder?""Is the male lead sick? Forcing the female lead to donate a kidney, is he out of his mind?""How many years would they get for calling the police in their world?""Why is he so dumb? The supporting actress claims the female lead pushed her into the water and he believes it? Is checking surveillance footage illegal?""Stella, are you making fun of me?""I can't learn this. It all feels so neurotic. What does the female lead see in him?"Stella retorted, "Who cares if it's neurotic? Just mimic that stupidity, that's how these innocent women like men who protect them like that."Keegan was very reluctant, but his brain was more compliant than his body. Without needing to study deliberately, everything he heard stuck in his mind.So when Keegan mentione
Keegan's expression darkened with anger. "You're being completely unreasonable!"Stella crossed her arms, wearing an expression that seemed challenging. "You let her take it. Let's see if I dare."Jaylene hadn't actually wanted those junk items in the first place; she was deliberately trying to stir up discord between them. Now that her goal was achieved, she put on a sympathetic look."Keegan, I don't want it anymore. Don't be angry. Your health is more important. Didn't the doctor say to keep your emotions stable?"Turning her head, she reproached Stella. "Stella, are you here to help Keegan recover his memory or just to provoke him?""Shut up, you brat! Do you even have a say here?"Acting under the guise of a drama, playing the role of someone lacking in manners, was incredibly satisfying.She’d wanted to curse this brat for a long time!Jaylene's lips twitched, but she held back, tearfully saying, "Stella, if you don't like me, I'll leave. There's no need to humiliate me l
Jaylene understood the situation perfectly. Even though she didn't particularly like these cold, mechanical devices, she put on a pretense of surprise, saying, "Really, Keegan?"Keegan nodded. "Choose one you like.""Keegan!" Before Stella could finish her sentence, she couldn't hold back her sharp voice, "With your pile of junk that I can't even touch normally, she takes a look and now you want to give it to her? What's the meaning of this?!"Keegan frowned, apparently not comprehending her current anger at all. "Jaylene gave me a gift, and I'm giving her one in return. What's the problem?""What problem?" Stella's eyes started to redden. "I can't touch them, so why should she be able to? Have you forgotten, or do you have inappropriate feelings for her?"Keegan's expression darkened. "This makes no sense!"Jaylene secretly delighted in this, hypocritically trying to calm things down, "Forget it, Keegan. Since Stella minds so much, I don't want it anymore. You've strained your r
The standoff lasted for over twenty minutes before Keegan grabbed a book and knocked the beetle off Jaylene's neck. The beetle fluttered twice and suddenly flew up, landing on Jaylene's face.Jaylene screamed, rolled her eyes, and fainted.As she collapsed, the bug flew off again."Jaylene?"Keegan called out to her.He looked up at Stella and said, "You go start the car, I'll carry her to the hospital."As he spoke, he signaled to Stella.She understood and coldly grunted, "So troublesome."Walking over to Jaylene, she squatted down beside her and slapped her face twice.Jaylene immediately opened her eyes and reached out to push her away. "What are you doing!"Stella was prepared and had already moved back before she could be pushed.She shook her tingling hand and innocently said, "Jaylene, you fainted because of the bug. I was just saving you. Don't believe me? Ask Keegan."Jaylene nearly ground her teeth. Did she think she hadn't heard? She was intentionally exposing h
Her fingertips trembled with a mix of horror and excitement. Just as the teapot was about to slip from her grasp, Keegan suddenly said, "Jaylene, don't move."Jaylene froze, instinctively thinking Keegan had regained his memory. She had barely twitched when Keegan loudly stopped her again, "Don't move, absolutely don't move."Jaylene wanted to say something, but then felt an itching sensation on her neck, as if something was crawling slowly. Goosebumps erupted all over her body.By now, Stella had turned around and saw Jaylene standing stiffly with the teapot in hand. Her eyes quickly assessed the situation and then she noticed the beetle crawling on Jaylene's neck.It was an unknown species, not overly tentacled but as long as a little finger, its mouthparts slightly twitching, genuinely alarming in appearance.Stella murmured, "It's so big."Jaylene couldn't see what was on her neck, unsure if it would bite or if it was venomous. She stood frozen in place, her voice trembling,
Seeing him, Stella even lowered her eyes and softly praised, "Mr. Kane, you acted very well."Keegan glared at her, his voice low and intense. "If you keep watching like this, Coco will cut ties with me tomorrow."Stella replied confidently, "No, she won't. After accepting the red envelope, she can tolerate you a little longer."Keegan asked sharply, "Did you teach her to ask for red envelopes like this?""Don't falsely accuse me; I didn't teach her.""You may not have taught her directly, but you set an example. Have you forgotten how you always make me buy things for you?"Stella was speechless. Whenever she wanted Keegan to buy her something, she would often say, "Gifts are only surprises when given voluntarily. If reminded, it shows they don’t like me that much."It had to be said, Coco had learned the essence of it.Stella also felt a bit awkward, thinking that in the future, she needed to avoid such flirtatious conversations between spouses in front of the children. They
Could she figure all this out?Keegan frowned, casting a disappointed look at Coco. "Are you not listening to me now?"Coco raised her gaze defiantly and stated, "Aunt Stella taught me that if I don't want something someone gives me, I can say no. I don't want this hairpin.""Didn't she teach you that even if you don't like something, you should still say thank you?"Coco fell silent for a moment, then reluctantly said to Jaylene, "Thank you, Aunt Jaylene, but I don't want it."Jaylene hesitated with her hand extended, unsure whether to retract it or leave it there, managing a strained smile. "Then what do you like? Next time, I will get you something you do like."Coco asked, "Do you want me to do something for you?"Jaylene was taken aback. "What?"Coco replied seriously, "Aunt Stella says offering help without reason is either deceitful or thieving. Since you don't like me, why else would you give me something? You want me to do something for you, right?"Jaylene forced a s
Leighton's incident did indeed revive their suspicions.Jaylene was gullible, but Darcie might see through this scheme. "Keegan, why didn't you go to work today?" Jaylene chose to ask directly at first.Keegan remained composed. "I've been busy with the press conference lately and haven't had much rest. Now that things have slowed down, I thought I'd take a break and relax."Jaylene spoke gently, "You should rest well. Since you came back, you've been busy, and you've been postponing Dr. Stone's follow-up appointments. Keegan, I'm really worried about your health. Since you're resting these days, I'll arrange for Dr. Stone to give you another check-up. Stella has been living here to assist your recovery for so long. We need the doctor to give a clear assessment of whether there's been any improvement. Otherwise, it's not good for Stella's reputation to stay here so long, unmarried and under one roof."Keegan nodded. "Okay, please arrange it. Thank you."His response was decisive,
Stella had just descended the stairs when she heard that remark, causing her eyelids to twitch as she thought to herself, “Damn it! He really knows how to come up with excuses!”Upon hearing this, Jaylene's eyes briefly flashed with disdain, but she ultimately accepted the shoe covers Keegan handed her. As Keegan led Jaylene into the house, her eyes continued to scrutinize every corner.There were a couple of pillows on the sofa, couple mugs on the table, wedding photos of Keegan and Stella on the walls, and even headbands and hair ties scattered on the table. The house exuded an unmistakable feminine touch.Jaylene's expression darkened, but when Keegan turned to ask if she preferred tea or coffee, she adopted a gentle, harmless demeanor. "Tea would be perfect."Keegan invited her to take a seat and called for Maria to prepare tea. Jaylene spoke softly, "Keegan, I heard from Stella that you brew Dragon Well tea better than anyone else. Is there a special technique?"Stella paused