Portchester City had cooled in early autumn, and the temperature dropped at night.When Tanya dragged her suitcase back to Western Bay, the five-colored blossoms downstairs were in full bloom. The lights along the road illuminated them, making them look very beautiful.She breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a bit excited. When she returned home later, she planned to shower and sleep.Western Bay was a high-end apartment with over 100 square meters of space. In the precious land of Portchester City, it was already considered a luxury residence.As she entered the house and was about to put down her suitcase, a phone rang inside."I'm on a business trip. I'm too busy to go back. Let's talk in a few days," she heard someone say.Lies. He did not even bother to draft a script.Tanya glanced at the leather men's shoes in the entranceway, absent-minded. Since their remarriage, he had never come to her place.She put both pairs of shoes in the shoe cabinet, then walked into the living
After dinner, Eli showed no intention of leaving. Tanya went upstairs to bathe, thinking about how to get rid of him. She couldn't leave, as staying in a hotel would cost money. If she annoyed him, he would storm out in anger—yeah, that was what she should do.With the plan in mind, she relaxed, feeling drowsy and almost falling asleep in the bathtub. After exiting the bathroom, she blow-dried her hair while feeling sleepy.When Eli opened the bedroom door, he saw her in a long bathrobe, her hair disheveled. She was rubbing her eyes.Having showered before she came home, he closed the door and walked behind her. The last time they had been intimate was before their divorce, which was a long time ago.Since their remarriage, he had not approached her. Tanya figured he was no longer interested in her and just wanted to vent his anger at someone else.But now, as he stood behind her, the room became quiet.She wasn't stupid; she knew why he had come today. He was most likely interes
They stared at each other for a long time. Her gaze was stubborn as if she wanted to fight him to the end.Eli, on the other hand, was not in a hurry. He reached out and pushed her forehead. "I dare you to bite me again."She pursed her lips.He pushed her forehead again. "I dare you to push me once more."She pursed her lips even tighter, enduring it. Having bullied her enough, Eli snorted, then took her chin.Their eyes met. He bent down and kissed her lips.For a moment, her tongue brushed over his wound in confusion, tasting the faint taste of blood. She held her robe tightly, but he pulled it open.He raised himself up and removed his clothes. The room was dimly lit, but everything was still clear. She couldn't find a place to look, so she turned her head away.The temperature rose rapidly, and the long-lost sensation returned. While his kisses were dominant, he was willing to linger in foreplay with her.His upper body was naked, his hands resting on her sides. He leane
A knock at the desk startled Tanya from her reverie."Newcomer, you're Tanya, right?" the director asked."Yes.""Grab your laptop and follow me upstairs," he instructed, then briskly exited the office with several others in tow, leaving Tanya no choice but to quickly follow.The day that Eli visited and emotions were turbulent, Eli whispered in her ear, "Resign from your job."She had softly declined then, but it was already a done deal when she woke up. No matter what, that man wanted her to resign from her position as Dexter's secretary."You made me lose my job. Where am I supposed to find a new one?""Try Saint Medical," he said, a Sterling family enterprise. Now, not only did she have to endure his exploitation at night, but she also had to be careful in his family's company during the day.In the elevator, several people had already begun to discuss."I heard Mr. Sterling is back.""Oh my, what does Mr. Sterling's return have to do with you?"Ted Robertson, the direct
The saying goes that a man is most charming at work. Tanya couldn't help but admit that Eli, sitting at the head and commanding the scene, was as charming as when she first saw him years ago.She couldn't help but think that, indeed, back then, she was attracted by his appearance. Just as she was thinking, a voice came from above."Who's in charge of the Jahar project?"Jasper raised his hand.Eli nodded. "Bring the phase one project proposal by Monday."Tanya could see Jasper's mouth twitching before he clicked his tongue. It was her first contact with the project department, and she didn't understand medical matters, but she could tell that the task was very heavy."Mr. Sterling, we're...""Facing difficulties?" Eli asked.Jasper fell silent. That was quite obvious.Eli remained calm, saying, "If there's not enough manpower, train the newcomers. If necessary, continue recruiting."Anyway, the task must be completed.Tanya saw Jasper grinding his teeth, probably wanting to
"Is this one okay?""Take a look yourself."It was the third suit. Despite all seemingly fine, Eli was finding fault with her. Tanya stood in front of the cabinet full of clothes with a long face.Meanwhile, Eli was sitting on the edge of the bed, propping himself up with one hand while emptying out the contents of her small bag. There were only two pieces of nougat remaining, and he finished them."How about this one?" She held up a black piece and turned around.Eli lifted his gaze. Tanya preempted him before he could open his mouth to comment, saying, "This black one looks mature. It looks good and goes well with your hairstyle today."Eli looked at her casually while chewing on the nougat."Let's go with this one," Tanya said decisively.To prevent him from finding more problems, she quickly picked out a tie and a suit and placed them beside him."I'm heading back now. The director is very busy," she said, bending down to pack her bag.Eli took off his shirt and said nonc
Given that Tanya had left too long and didn't want to leave a bad impression, she volunteered to take on more work.Ted rubbed his chin, saying, "Alright, then you'll do data analysis.""Okay."As a result, she had to analyze an endless set of data. She didn't get home until 7.30 p.m., sighing at the door.She blamed everything on Eli. Her previous job was so much better. The only downside was that Dexter had confessed his feelings to her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed to switch jobs.Opening the door, the lights were already on, and a pair of men's leather shoes were placed at the entrance.She glanced at the sofa and saw Eli looking displeased.It was almost 8.00 p.m., and was he still waiting for her to cook?It was ridiculous.The refrigerator was already packed with high-quality ingredients.She selected a few items and started preparing them.Eli looked over."It'll be ready in half an hour," she said.He glanced at the ingredients beside her, clearly not belie
Tanya felt she was only useful to Eli in the bedroom. She shook her head and continued with her methods. Eli thought she was just plain dumb. He had given her an out, but she didn't take the hint.He closed his eyes and said, "10.30 p.m. I won't wait any longer.""I really don't have time tonight...""What does that have to do with me?"She clenched her fists. As she was about to get up, she heard his voice from behind."It's dark outside. I can't possibly leave. Paid to be slept with or unpaid, it's your choice."Tanya was puzzled. Did he mean she would receive some benefits from him tonight?She turned. "Paid..."Eli snorted.Tanya stared at him for a while. Seeing no reaction, she scooted closer and said near his ear, "I think there's something off about this data, but it seems too late to delve into it now."Eli ignored her."Eli," she said.He finally opened his eyes but just glanced at her before turning away.Tanya was bewildered. Wasn't he willing to help?She rea
Tanya's previous full-length mirror was still usable, but because it was small, she had to walk a bit farther every time she used it. Eli had long wanted to replace it.Little did he know, she got rid of many things in the house to make room for the new large sofa for him, including that old full-length mirror."How do you like it? Surprised?" He patted the mirror.Tanya smiled wryly and pointed to the large sofa. "And you? Surprised?" Only then did Eli notice fewer small items in the living room and a large new sofa. He suddenly chuckled. It was quite nice.He thought of her, and she thought of him. This winter was truly warm.Tanya abandoned the egg tart and hugged him again. "Oh no, this mirror is so big. There's nowhere to put it."Eli carried her with one hand and moved the mirror to the corner with the other. Sitting on the sofa, he thought for a moment, then hugged her and said, "Tanya, let's move to a bigger place."Tanya knew he had been thinking about this all along.
Eli found it amusing. He pushed the head of the small money jar and couldn't help but say, "You gold digger! You love money so much, then why did you give the check I gave you to Soraya?"Tanya blinked and chuckled. "I only acquire wealth in the proper way. To be honest…" She pondered for a moment, then turned to look at him. "Probably because, at that time, I was just too fond of you like I am now."Hearing this, Eli felt a pang of heartache and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Tanya smiled, moved the gifts aside, and made some space for him.Just as they were about to talk, Eli's phone vibrated continuously. It turned out that Bridget was sending over the detailed preparation process for the wedding.Tanya scrolled through it and suddenly felt overwhelmed. Eli looked at it and also felt a headache coming. The two glanced at each other, sighed simultaneously, and leaned back.After they publicly disclosed their relationship, life continued as usual but became busier due to the w
Eli being married was shocking enough, but then his wife was hiding right in the office. In the next half hour, Tanya heard wailing from all around.The atmosphere in their office was quite good, and everyone got along well. After coming clean, everyone joked around and teased each other."Nia, don't forget Mr. Ted, he's been cursing at you all along!""Yeah, he's been calling you a fool!""I heard it, I can testify!"Ted was furious and rushed out to hit someone. Tanya followed with laughter.Before leaving work, Amy indeed brought the cake and candies, sharing them with everyone in the building. Thus, the entire group gave them their blessings.From the office to the parking lot, Tanya received blessings. When she got into Eli's car, her heart was still pounding.Eli was happily eating his candy, feeling good. Especially now that he didn't have to sneak around anymore, he even turned the steering wheel effortlessly.Tanya, holding the cake, asked him in surprise, "Were these
Tanya walked out of the room with her guard down and came face to face with Ted's sneaky expression. She paused.Ted gasped, his brain instantly turning blank.He looked at Tanya, covered his mouth with his left hand, and placed his right hand over the left with his eyes gradually widening.God! This was insane!Tanya regained her composure and glanced in Eli's direction. Eli remained calm, glanced at the fruit plate on the table, and said, "Should we take some down to share with your colleagues?"Tanya nodded. She glanced at the still-disheveled Ted and kindly handed him a tangerine."Sir?"Ted swallowed, looked at Tanya, then at Eli. Finally, he settled his gaze on the tangerine in her hand, mechanically accepting it.Tanya turned to look at Eli. 'Look, you've scared my superior.'Eli shrugged."I'm leaving," she said.Eli nodded and escorted her to the door.Ted followed them out and was sent into the elevator by his boss. As the elevator doors closed, he let out a long
The deep blue bedsheet was neatly spread out. But the two pillows lacked pillowcases, exposed in a sorry state.Eli placed his hands on his belt and turned to look at Tanya. "Is this also your doing?"Tanya leaned against the door frame, only poking her head in, smiling sheepishly."I accidentally drooled while sleeping that day and dirtied the pillowcase. Knowing that you're a neat freak, I took them all off to wash," she said. She raised her hand and swore, "The pillowcases have been washed and are in the cabinet at home."Eli wasn't interested in the pillowcases' whereabouts. He remembered when Amy called him, saying Tanya missed him and wanted to touch the sheets and pillows after waking up.Nonsense!He took a deep breath, then turned his head to Tanya with a frightening smile. Tanya realized the danger and tried to run, but he grabbed her by the waist."Hey, what are you doing?" she said.Eli tossed her onto the bed and followed suit."What are you doing?!""Collecting
Tanya sat upright in the office. Eli stood before her with his hands behind his back. "Come on, explain."Tanya's eyes darted around. "Do you believe me? It's because I missed you too much. When I came to your place, I couldn't help but take away everything related to you." Eli scoffed. "Including the toilet paper?"Tanya pondered seriously.Eli tapped the coffee machine and pointed to the plug that had been pulled out, saying, "If the coffee machine wasn't too heavy, would you have taken that too?"'This brat has no conscience at all. Does she even understand what a cold shoulder is?'While he was reminiscing in her room, she made a fortune in his office!Tanya blinked and gave him an embarrassed smile. "If you think about it from another angle, I love you deeply. If we couldn't reconcile and you came back to see all this, you would hate me. Hate represents love, and love means you can't forget me. My obsession is so deep; I want to stay in your heart forever."Eli fell silen
"You should buy something while visiting. Do you have enough money in your account? If not, I will transfer some to you," Mrs. Moran said on the phone.Tanya didn't want money; she just wanted to hear some advice. She knew her parents' financial situation wasn't good. Due to illness, her stepfather had retired from his position as a butler of the Sterling family. Although the Sterlings provided a retirement package, Mr. Moran was getting old, and he had a son. She heard that his son's business had lost a considerable amount of money in recent years. As a stepdaughter, she had already received enough help from them, so how could she ask for more money?During her university days, she didn't ask her family for money. If she could find a part-time job, she would, and if not, she would endure it just to avoid causing her mother trouble."Mom, I don't need money. I have enough."When Mrs. Moran heard this, she felt even more sorry for her.Since her ex-husband was useless, Tanya suffer
After breakfast, Eli called Bridget."Why did you send her a check? Do you have nothing better to do?"Bridget had just arrived home and begun playing poker with a few old friends.She threw out a card, rolled her eyes, and said, "It's the first time I've met my daughter-in-law! What's wrong with giving her some money!"Eli was speechless."Madam, you came up and threw 500,000 dollars just like that. Aren't you afraid of scaring people?""What should I do? Throw 50,000 dollars instead? That's too stingy."Eli was speechless. Holding onto the railing, he glanced downstairs and saw Tanya ironing her coat in the living room."I almost got dumped because you caused a scene," he joked.Bridget threw the cards while chuckling. "It's good to be dumped. With your unruly behavior, someone should make you suffer a bit.""Are you really my mother?""If you still want to be a good son, hurry up and go through the procedures, live a proper life with Tanya, and try to give me a grandson n
"What did Her Majesty tell you?"Tanya nearly lost her composure, fighting back laughter.Bridget said nothing more as she left with Benjamin, leaving Tanya and Eli to return to the apartment. The journey back was silent, with Tanya deep in thought. Upon entering, Eli halted her at the entrance.Exhaling deeply, Tanya reached into her pocket and withdrew a check. Eli's gaze fell upon it, noting it was only for $500,000. As he moved to take it, Tanya tucked it back into her pocket. On the bar, a spread of breakfast awaited them - fried eggs, sausages, fruits, and vegetables. Despite the inviting display, Tanya's attention was on Eli."Don't you want breakfast?"With the situation still unclear, Eli's appetite waned. Nonetheless, knowing Bridget's nature, he remained calm. Seating himself opposite Tanya, he nibbled at a sausage, noticing her lack of interest."Is everything alright?" he asked, concerned.Tanya shook her head.The oversized sandwich Bridget had ordered had already