The private courtyard of the hot spring villa was beautifully designed for the deep autumn. With the meticulous care of the designer, red maple leaves gently fell with the night breeze.
Colin gathered her long hair and left a kiss on her back.
As Eranthe watched the maple leaves falling above her, accompanied by the steam rising, she suddenly felt that this year had passed by quickly, especially since she met Colin.
From the clouds in the sky to the current hot spring villa, it felt like a dreamland created by Colin just for her.
Following the normal trajectory, she should be working overtime at the company, running around with Ana, and guarding against the office schemers trying to trip her up.
Eranthe couldn't bear to waste the beautiful scenery before her. She picked up her phone from the tray and took a picture of the maple tree overhead.
Colin approached her from behind, "Shall I help you take the photo?"
Eranthe replied, "No, I
However, after marriage, their relationship quickly crumbled under the pressure of their respective admirers. Whether voluntary or forced, their marriage became a fragile union of interests between two different races.Both sets of parents reached some kind of agreement, only requiring them to ensure that their heir, Colin, would become the Alpha. Whether they stayed together or not became irrelevant.Later, Zerlinda left the Rodriguez family with her lover, and Austin eventually succumbed to the werewolf mistress who had been infatuated with him for years.Over the years, Zerlinda and Austin had minimal contact, except for the times when Colin was a child, showing up on Christmas Day. Most of the time, they were in different countries, managing their own businesses.When the Rodriguez family forced them to sign a contract, they couldn't have illegitimate children, or else both would face severe consequences.So, Colin was their only child.
"Alright, I'll give it a try."What Oriel didn't know was that Frank initially wanted her to be a regular participant, but the production team opposed the idea. Even Harold felt it was too obvious. Eventually, they dropped the plan.On the other hand, upon receiving news that Oriel's company agreed to the recording, Frank put down his phone, did some warm-up exercises, and then jumped into the temperature-controlled swimming pool.After a few laps, he felt satisfied.After packing her belongings, Oriel only brought some daily necessities and comfortable sportswear suitable for work.The destination was a village near the city. It would take about two and a half hours by car due to geographical constraints, making flying or taking the high-speed train inconvenient.Oriel planned to drive there herself. However, her manager insisted on arranging a car and a driver to accompany her."I'll tell you; I almost became a celebrity manager bef
The tent was small, so she stepped outside, planning to enjoy the scenery. Luckily, she brought her camera, allowing her to capture some footage. She could later edit it into a video.She had even thought of a theme, planning to create another video herself after the show aired to promote it.Rose interrupted her assistant, saying, "Stop being so clumsy; can't you do anything properly?"The assistant apologized repeatedly. Rose looked at herself in the mirror and asked, "Have you asked the production team? Who are the guests this time? I saw some unknown internet celebrities; they might lower the overall popularity."The assistant explained, "Yes, there are internet celebrities, but they also have millions of fans. I heard there are heavyweight figures joining as well."This eased Rose's dissatisfaction a bit.Oriel initially thought they had reached the filming location, but to her surprise, they had to walk another stretch of mountain road
Many people began to make associations, naturally pulling Rose into the mix, especially considering the rumors between the two.Oriel's eyelids twitched! She jumped even more energetically. She knew it!Ever since Catherine mentioned that the behind-the-scenes big boss of the company was Frank, to her being inexplicably chosen to participate in the variety show, to the uneasy feelings along the way.At the moment she saw Frank, all the various questions in her heart seemed to be answered.The barrage was exploding, and the feedback received by the production team was also quite positive.Despite having to serve this wealthy dad, the combination of his looks and popularity was no less than that of a leading male celebrity. Moreover, with the advantage of having a supportive wife's fan base, it could bring in viewership and traffic."When it's time to assign tasks for the small groups, remember to put Mr. Wilson together with Rose."The
Colin quickly placated her, pushing the phone toward her, "See for yourself."Eranthe continued to glare at him, and Colin, somewhat resigned, added, "It's none of my business. I'm making it clear in advance."Eranthe finally picked up the phone and saw Harold and others still laughing, and the images were all Frank's astonished expressions. She couldn't discern anything from it."Frank is participating in a variety show?" Eranthe noticed the logo in the corner of the screenshot."Hmm, your bestie is in it too."Eranthe blinked, "What's going on?"Colin leaned in slightly, bringing his face closer. "Miss. Taylor, during negotiations, you also have to offer some benefits."Eranthe clicked her tongue and boldly planted a big kiss on his face before saying menacingly, "Spill it, confess and get leniency, resist and sleep on the couch."Colin, in consideration of his own romantic life, promptly betrayed his brother, "He's intereste
Most of the time, he was with the driver.She got into the passenger seat, just fastening her seatbelt when Colin's hand reached over."It's dangerous to drive with one hand."Colin was considering the love guide that Harold and the others sent him last night. They all held hands like this while driving with girls.So, was it his problem?No, it's definitely Eranthe's problem."Are you allergic to the word 'romance' or something?"Eranthe raised her hand, and the man's fingertips were distinct and slender. As someone who appreciates hands, Eranthe quite liked them.Of course, it would be even better if the owner of these hands could turn into a mute."Do you consider this romantic? What kind of outdated dialogue is this from?"Colin: ...He never expected to be called outdated one day.Stubbornness surged, and he just insisted on holding onto it, then drove with one hand."Where are we going?"
Colin wouldn't bother soaking his feet here. "No need."Eranthe lowered her head to take a bite of the ice cream cone, enjoying the rich and creamy flavor. "Mmm, it's really delicious."Colin's lips curled slightly. "Is it, really?""Eh, thank you," she said. Before she could react, Colin had already leaned down and lifted her chin, sealing their lips in a quick kiss.The elderly Japanese lady soaking her feet nearby covered her mouth in surprise.Colin promptly pulled away, leaving Eranthe staring at him. Even though no one here knew them, it wasn't appropriate to display affection so openly!"It's delicious," Colin said, wiping his lips with his hand.Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, Eranthe had to escape this socially awkward scene.Colin, noticing her discomfort, immediately scooped her up."Your relationship is really sweet," remarked someone nearby.Colin, in a rare display of a smile, and Eranth
Thus, their proximity had turned into a negative distance.Colin looked at her flushed ears, feeling quite pleased, and picked up the phone. "Hello?""Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Miyazaki contacted me. He invites you and your companion to a yacht party tonight."Although Colin came to Japan for the cooperation with Haruki Group, another purpose was to meet Michihiko Miyazaki.He hadn't expected Michihiko to contact him this early, but he would attend the invitation."Tell Mr. Miyazaki that I will be there on time," Colin replied after hanging up the phone.Eranthe observed him and asked, "Do you have something important to attend to now?""Nothing important, just an invitation.""Then let's head back.""What do you feel like eating?" Colin held her hand as they walked back.Eranthe didn't really like Japanese cuisine. She could tolerate the occasional raw and cold dish, but after eating it for two or three days, her stomac
Eranthe replied, "If I had no conscience, I wouldn't give you medicine to take."Colin turned his head in frustration.Morris arrived promptly upon hearing that Colin was ill, and Eranthe happened to be handing over her shift to him."Follow the instructions on the medicine label for him. I've prepared hot water. Just remember to close the door when you leave," Eranthe said, aware that she had only half an hour for her commute and couldn't linger.Morris nodded repeatedly but then noticed the deathly stare from his boss."Miss Taylor.""Yes?""Today, I also need to take a day off with Mr. Rodriguez. Could you please take care of him?""Today's schedule is packed for me. I can't look after him," Eranthe replied, well aware of Morris's tactics. His loyalty was clearly with Colin.Morris was quick on his feet. "Miss Taylor, my mom is coming to Assyria City today. I was planning to take the afternoon off anyway. Mr. Rodrigue
Colin raised an eyebrow in disappointment, then spread out the sheets and lay down with the cat.But clearly, he couldn't sleep. The scent of the woman still lingered in the air, constantly tempting him and making him feel uncomfortably hot.He decided to take off his shirt, his long legs hanging off the sofa because it was too small for him to stretch out fully.Every time he closed his eyes, he pictured her exceptionally enchanting appearance.Inside the house, Eranthe tossed and turned, feeling like her territory had been invaded. She regretted not ignoring him.Why was this so troublesome? If only she had ignored him, she would have fallen asleep by now.After lying in bed for half an hour without feeling drowsy, she scratched her head, feeling the need to use the bathroom. But the bathroom was outside the room...What if that dog suddenly pounced on her?If he dared, she would punch him.Eranthe silently vowed, lift
Eranthe: ...She really wanted to smash this guy with the water bottle."Go home!"If she kept listening to him, she might start feeling a little soft-hearted.Colin smiled subtly and followed her casually, like a large dog.On the way home, Eranthe repeated multiple times not to take advantage of any opportunity to enter her home.Colin agreed readily, and when it came time to open the door, she insisted on watching him enter before she unlocked it, like she was guarding against a thief.Colin asked, "Are you really sure you don't need me to escort you home?""Mr. Rodriguez, I'm already home.""What if someone unwelcome shows up at your place?"Eranthe laughed, "Then I'll call the police. It's scarier letting you in. Maybe you should worry more about whether there's a headless ghost under your bed at night, or someone staring at you from outside your window."After saying this, Eranthe watched with satisfa
"..." Eranthe concluded that communicating with him was indeed asking for trouble.Eranthe opened the door to leave, and Colin followed.Eranthe cursed inwardly. She had let her guard down. It seemed Colin had taken advantage of the moment to change his clothes, and now he was accompanying her to eat."Mr. Rodriguez, someone of your stature shouldn't be playing the role of a tracker," Eranthe remarked."No, of course not," Colin assured her."Let's hope you stick to that," Eranthe responded skeptically."Agreed."The two entered the elevator. "Where are you headed, Mr. Rodriguez?""Depends on my mood.""..." What a watertight answer! Depending on his mood meant wherever she was going, he would follow!The elevator quickly arrived, and as luck would have it, they encountered the elderly lady downstairs again."Oh dear, finished your meal, young couple? Going out for a stroll?"Eranthe smiled awkwardly
Wasn't he just trying to make her insist he stay?"Forget it, sit down and eat. It's like I'm bullying you," she muttered.Colin moved closer. "Miss Taylor, are you inviting me?"He glanced at his watch. "During my working hours, I'm not allowed to eat with clients, but if a client requests it, I can provide additional services.""What additional services? Dishwashing?""A deep kiss.""Eh?" Eranthe gave him a deadpan smile. "You're fired.""My employer isn't Miss Taylor, so you don't have the authority for that, but you can complain.""And the solution to complaints—is it also a kiss?"Colin remained serious, adopting an austere expression. "Miss Taylor, I'm here for part-time work, not to sell myself."Eranthe couldn't stomach her meal after that.“Colin, are you even serious? Should I start a fundraiser to buy you a mirror?” Eranthe retorted, still seething.This guy had the audac
Then, as if in disbelief, the doorbell rang."I'm sorry, Miss Taylor, it seems the nutritionist has arrived. We've already paid, so it would be awkward to send him away."Eranthe: ...Why did you even schedule this?!It's just stirring up trouble for no reason!She didn't want to take it out on innocent people, so she hung up the phone and went to open the door, expecting to see a lady but finding a tall man at the door instead.Eranthe burst out laughing, "Mr. Rodriguez.""When did you start moonlighting as a nutritionist?" Eranthe crossed her arms, eager to hear what else he could come up with.Colin raised an eyebrow, "Just bored after work, making some extra cash."He gestured to come inside, leaving Eranthe speechless. She was also worried about leaving the door open and the cat suddenly darting out.Once Colin successfully entered, it was just like before—efficiently grabbing onions, ginger, and garlic
Most likely, Colin was just there as a witness the whole time.Eranthe adjusted her position, leaning closer to the car window, and closed her eyes again.When she woke up once more, it was to the sound of honking outside the window.She suddenly looked as night fell, turning her head abruptly to meet the man's dark gaze.She jumped slightly, and Colin said casually, "Awake?"Eranthe checked the time and realized it was already 7:40. She must have slept quite a while in the car. "Why didn't you wake me?" she asked.She opened the car door. "Thank you for driving me back."As she picked up her bag to head home, she noticed Colin was also getting out of the car.Eranthe halted her steps. "Are you planning to come to my house?"Colin admitted nonchalantly, "Yes."Eranthe was incredulous. "Mr. Rodriguez, don't play dumb. Wasn't I clear enough?"Colin replied, "Shouldn't a pursuer safely escort you to the doorst
Alexis wasn't under Mr. Hill Vice President Hill's jurisdiction, so he didn't react much either.After the meeting dispersed, Eranthe clearly noticed several leaders looking displeased.Just as Mr. Hill Vice President Hill was giving Eranthe instructions about which projects to prioritize next, Eranthe was taking notes with her pen when she saw the hotel manager rushing over to a group of leaders."What's going on?" Eranthe watched as the leaders headed towards the coffee shop, and shortly after, police cars arrived.It seemed they were trying to contain the situation and were ordered to return to the city promptly.Eranthe had already checked out and didn't want to get involved in others' affairs. She hoped to catch a ride with Mr. Hill Vice President Hill, but then she saw him being called away as well."Forget about it, let's all go back," Eranthe muttered to herself as she turned around, but then Colin's phone call came through.S
"Okay, if you really end up with Eranthe, I'll learn from you.""Does Oriel really want to be with you? Just flattering yourself," Colin, in a bad mood, retorted sharply.Frank sighed, "Ah, men without a sex life are truly terrifying."Colin ignored him.From behind the water feature, voices could be heard.Although not loud, with few guests around, the conversation was clear."That woman is really pretty, almost like those female celebrities on TV.""Were you trained with her before? Do you know what she's like? Is she easy to get? With looks like hers, she must have plenty of suitors.""I heard she has some connection with that Miller family whose son, Eric Miller, dated her for a few months. They've probably split up now, and there are quite a few guys chasing her in the company.""I think with a woman like her, you could win her over with a bit of money. Just a few dates and you could sleep with her.""Alexis,