Every word Miranda spoke cut Sabrina like a knife. At some point, her expression started darkening, and soon, it looked positively stormy.Before Miranda could finish gushing about Hendrix and Helena, Sabrina interrupted to say, "I've got an urgent matter to attend to at noon. Let's have lunch some other time.""Alright then. See you next time, Ms. Reed," Miranda said. "When you have some spare time, do tell me what your expectations are for the photos. I'll send them to Mr. Gorman."Miranda assumed this was Hendrix and Sabrina's first time meeting each other. It was unclear if Sabrina hadn't heard Miranda or was refusing to reply on purpose. Either way, she walked off without even looking back.Prior to this, Miranda and Sabrina had gotten along fairly well, so the sudden change in Sabrina left Miranda feeling rather puzzled. It didn't seem like anyone had offended her somehow.At the same time, Helena had a similar question for Hendrix. "What's wrong? You look a little down."
"I have to look out for you, of course!" Sabrina growled. "I can't let some random woman trick you and take you away!"Genuinely angry now, she began eyeing Helena icily.Hendrix couldn't take it anymore. He came right out and declared, "I'm not dating Helena just to rebel against you. I really think she's a wonderful person. Being with her has made me very happy. I get along really well with her—""No means no! If I say you're not right for each other, that means you're not!" Sabrina snapped in fury, cutting Hendrix off. She slammed the cutlery down on the table and said, "You're coming home with me, Hendrix."Hendrix no longer wanted to hold himself back on account of Jefferson being there. He rose to his feet and said, "We're in a foreign country now. You can't throw your weight around here the way you do back home, forcing everyone to abide by your demands!""I'm just worried about you getting fooled, Hendrix!""You keep claiming that you need to look out for me. Well, so be
Sabrina stared at Hendrix in disbelief. She wanted to speak, but the police officer didn't give her a chance to do so.Hendrix remained unmoved. Once he was certain that the police officer was taking Sabrina down to the station for further questioning, which meant she could no longer pester him, he gave Helena a call."Can you come and pick me up?""Where are you? I'll be right there."Helena didn't ask any questions. She simply rushed over to look for him. When she found him, he was standing alone by the side of the road, looking a little frail. It was as if a strong gust of wind could sweep him off his feet.Once Hendrix saw Helena, he asked, "Is everything alright with Mr. Scott?""He's fine; he's just a little confused," Helena assured him. "Don't worry. I've explained things to him.""Okay," Hendrix replied with a nod.While it seemed like Helena was tempted to say something, she didn't end up asking why Hendrix looked even more upset now. She accompanied him back home and
Rowan was well and truly terrified, but he dared not leave. The debt he owed was far too massive. If he couldn't get any money from Sabrina now, he would be doomed once the debt collectors found him.Sabrina heard the maid reporting, "Mr. Shepard purposely drew lipstick stains on himself to mislead Mr. Gorman."Everything was clear now. All adults knew what a lipstick stain looked like—marks left after a passionate makeout session.Rowan watched as Sabrina ended the call and turned back around again. Sabrina signaled to Julie, saying, "Deal with this. I don't want to see him ever again."Julie got the hint and quickly had people come in to drag Rowan off to prevent him from attempting to get near Sabrina again.Meanwhile, Sabrina got into a car and drove to Hendrix's residence as fast as she could. She had to find him and resolve all of their previous misunderstandings. Even if he refused to forgive her and be with her, at the very least, he wouldn't get into a relationship with
Looking up at the rolling mountains nearby, Hendrix suggested, "Helena, I plan on packing up and heading to those mountains to photograph some of the fall scenery. Do you want to come with me?"Naturally, Helena agreed to it. "Sure. I'll go wherever you go, no matter where it is."Laughing, Hendrix asked, "I plan on staying near Mount Ernest for a while. What do you say?""I'll pack our things then," Helena said. She was even ready to jump into action right away. "You can carry on with your nap. I'll wake you up when I'm done."While the two made arrangements for their next destination, Sabrina sat alone in a dark room, looking through the documents before her. The only source of light in the room was a desk lamp that lit up her face in an eerie manner. She looked like a vampire sitting in her ancient castle.Julie knocked on the door and called out, "Ms. Reed, we've found several people who match your requirements.""Come in," Sabrina called out.Afraid of angering Sabrina so
Time healed all wounds.During Christmas a year later, Sabrina, who had gone back home, entered Hendrix's room for the first time in a long time. The place was cleaned regularly per her instructions. She didn't allow anything to be touched or moved. Everything was left as it had been—it was as if Hendrix had left just minutes ago.After letting the staff leave early, Sabrina picked up the vacuum to clean Hendrix's room herself.Just then, a letter was delivered to the house. Although the postman had left, Sabrina recognized the handwriting on the envelope and tried to go after him. She wanted to get the contact information of the sender, but she was too late. All she could do was trudge back into the room and open the envelope.It contained a simple postcard with the words Merry Christmas. Only then did she realize it would be Christmas the day after tomorrow.In the past, no matter how things had been, she and Hendrix had always spent Christmas together. But after what had happ
"Mr. Scott, I've made up my mind. I'm going to Euressa to pursue my career."On the other end of the phone, Jefferson Scott was all smiles. "You should've done this sooner. With your talent, if you'd come earlier, you'd definitely be an internationally renowned photographer by now."Hendrix Gorman smiled politely. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Scott.""When are you planning to come?"Hendrix thought for a moment before responding, "Probably in about two weeks. I still have some things to wrap up here.""Alright. You know, Nicholas passed away early. Sabrina has been looking after you for all these years. She's been incredible to you. Now that you're planning to settle abroad, you should have a proper talk with her."After hanging up, Hendrix glanced over at the woman who was trying on her wedding dress in the distance and the man standing beside her with a smile. He couldn't help but give a bitter smile.Sabrina Reed had indeed taken great care of him. She had been attentiv
Hendrix didn't get home until the early hours of the morning.Making the decision to leave had been instantaneous, but the bond he'd had with Sabrina for over 20 years wasn't something that could just vanish. He wasn't that strong to simply let go.To avoid any regrets, he figured it was best to stay away from Sabrina for the next couple of weeks.When he got back to Gorman Manor, the house was pitch dark.Hendrix didn't bother turning on the lights. He dragged his tired body straight toward his bedroom.But then, a voice called out to him from the living room, "Hendrix."He turned around and saw someone sitting on the couch."Yes, Mr. Shepard?"Rowan was wearing a black silk robe. It was a robe Hendrix knew too well.Sabrina had one just like it, but in red. It was obviously a matching set.Rowan gave a slight smile. "Bri got this robe for me. Do you think it looks good?"As he sat up straight, the red marks on his body gradually became visible. Against the black silk, they
Time healed all wounds.During Christmas a year later, Sabrina, who had gone back home, entered Hendrix's room for the first time in a long time. The place was cleaned regularly per her instructions. She didn't allow anything to be touched or moved. Everything was left as it had been—it was as if Hendrix had left just minutes ago.After letting the staff leave early, Sabrina picked up the vacuum to clean Hendrix's room herself.Just then, a letter was delivered to the house. Although the postman had left, Sabrina recognized the handwriting on the envelope and tried to go after him. She wanted to get the contact information of the sender, but she was too late. All she could do was trudge back into the room and open the envelope.It contained a simple postcard with the words Merry Christmas. Only then did she realize it would be Christmas the day after tomorrow.In the past, no matter how things had been, she and Hendrix had always spent Christmas together. But after what had happ
Looking up at the rolling mountains nearby, Hendrix suggested, "Helena, I plan on packing up and heading to those mountains to photograph some of the fall scenery. Do you want to come with me?"Naturally, Helena agreed to it. "Sure. I'll go wherever you go, no matter where it is."Laughing, Hendrix asked, "I plan on staying near Mount Ernest for a while. What do you say?""I'll pack our things then," Helena said. She was even ready to jump into action right away. "You can carry on with your nap. I'll wake you up when I'm done."While the two made arrangements for their next destination, Sabrina sat alone in a dark room, looking through the documents before her. The only source of light in the room was a desk lamp that lit up her face in an eerie manner. She looked like a vampire sitting in her ancient castle.Julie knocked on the door and called out, "Ms. Reed, we've found several people who match your requirements.""Come in," Sabrina called out.Afraid of angering Sabrina so
Rowan was well and truly terrified, but he dared not leave. The debt he owed was far too massive. If he couldn't get any money from Sabrina now, he would be doomed once the debt collectors found him.Sabrina heard the maid reporting, "Mr. Shepard purposely drew lipstick stains on himself to mislead Mr. Gorman."Everything was clear now. All adults knew what a lipstick stain looked like—marks left after a passionate makeout session.Rowan watched as Sabrina ended the call and turned back around again. Sabrina signaled to Julie, saying, "Deal with this. I don't want to see him ever again."Julie got the hint and quickly had people come in to drag Rowan off to prevent him from attempting to get near Sabrina again.Meanwhile, Sabrina got into a car and drove to Hendrix's residence as fast as she could. She had to find him and resolve all of their previous misunderstandings. Even if he refused to forgive her and be with her, at the very least, he wouldn't get into a relationship with
Sabrina stared at Hendrix in disbelief. She wanted to speak, but the police officer didn't give her a chance to do so.Hendrix remained unmoved. Once he was certain that the police officer was taking Sabrina down to the station for further questioning, which meant she could no longer pester him, he gave Helena a call."Can you come and pick me up?""Where are you? I'll be right there."Helena didn't ask any questions. She simply rushed over to look for him. When she found him, he was standing alone by the side of the road, looking a little frail. It was as if a strong gust of wind could sweep him off his feet.Once Hendrix saw Helena, he asked, "Is everything alright with Mr. Scott?""He's fine; he's just a little confused," Helena assured him. "Don't worry. I've explained things to him.""Okay," Hendrix replied with a nod.While it seemed like Helena was tempted to say something, she didn't end up asking why Hendrix looked even more upset now. She accompanied him back home and
"I have to look out for you, of course!" Sabrina growled. "I can't let some random woman trick you and take you away!"Genuinely angry now, she began eyeing Helena icily.Hendrix couldn't take it anymore. He came right out and declared, "I'm not dating Helena just to rebel against you. I really think she's a wonderful person. Being with her has made me very happy. I get along really well with her—""No means no! If I say you're not right for each other, that means you're not!" Sabrina snapped in fury, cutting Hendrix off. She slammed the cutlery down on the table and said, "You're coming home with me, Hendrix."Hendrix no longer wanted to hold himself back on account of Jefferson being there. He rose to his feet and said, "We're in a foreign country now. You can't throw your weight around here the way you do back home, forcing everyone to abide by your demands!""I'm just worried about you getting fooled, Hendrix!""You keep claiming that you need to look out for me. Well, so be
Every word Miranda spoke cut Sabrina like a knife. At some point, her expression started darkening, and soon, it looked positively stormy.Before Miranda could finish gushing about Hendrix and Helena, Sabrina interrupted to say, "I've got an urgent matter to attend to at noon. Let's have lunch some other time.""Alright then. See you next time, Ms. Reed," Miranda said. "When you have some spare time, do tell me what your expectations are for the photos. I'll send them to Mr. Gorman."Miranda assumed this was Hendrix and Sabrina's first time meeting each other. It was unclear if Sabrina hadn't heard Miranda or was refusing to reply on purpose. Either way, she walked off without even looking back.Prior to this, Miranda and Sabrina had gotten along fairly well, so the sudden change in Sabrina left Miranda feeling rather puzzled. It didn't seem like anyone had offended her somehow.At the same time, Helena had a similar question for Hendrix. "What's wrong? You look a little down."
The days passed as they always had, and following that encounter, Sabrina didn't show up again.Truth be told, recently, she no longer popped up in Hendrix's thoughts all that often anymore. Helena treated him well, and it wasn't in an eager bid to prove herself as his girlfriend either. She cared for him in her gentle, compassionate way.Hendrix found that a steady, peaceful life like this gave him a sense of serene contentment.…One morning, Hendrix got a call at dawn. It was from Lisa, the editor-in-chief of the magazine he worked for."Good morning, Mr. Gorman. A friend of mine, Miranda Derby, is a host. She'll be conducting an interview with a prominent figure—the one I mentioned to you the last time. Would you be free to help out with the photography for the session?""Sure. I can do it. Where's the venue, and when should I be there?" Hendrix queried."It's best if you can head over there now to discuss the details. I'll send you the location and Miranda's contact informa
Frowning, Sabrina asked, "Sister?""Aren't you?" Hendrix responded calmly.Sabrina continued, "I saw the photos you left me, Hendrix."Hendrix's expression didn't change much. He simply let out a soft hum."But Rowan ruined some of them," she said."Understandable," Hendrix replied. "He's your husband. He can do whatever he wants with your things.""He's not!" Sabrina clung to his waist and desperately explained, "I didn't marry him, Hendrix. I called off the wedding when I realized you were gone. I've been searching for you. A boy killed himself wearing clothes you donated. I almost thought you…"Hendrix frowned. "Let go, Sabrina!""Don't call me Sabrina!" Sabrina shouted.Hendrix looked up at her and smiled. "Fine, Ms. Reed. Does this sound better?"Sabrina was livid. "Hendrix Gorman!"Hendrix took a deep breath and slowly pried her arms from his waist before stepping back and standing next to Helena."I wasn't finished introducing," he said. "Sabrina, this is Helena Serr
Sabrina wasn't sure how the eight-hour flight passed.When she heard the news from Lisa, her first reaction was confusion.Hendrix was abroad? He had gone to Merona?But she had already had people check the airport records, and there had been no sign of Hendrix flying out.However, she was also relieved. At least Hendrix was alive. He was still out there. That was enough for now.But soon, a wave of anger overwhelmed her. Why had he left without a word?Even if he wanted to go abroad for work, why had he never mentioned it to her?…Hendrix had left Jefferson's home and moved into a new place.It had just been a temporary stay, after all. Although Jefferson and Jocelyn both liked having him around, Hendrix didn't want to overstay his welcome. When Helena found out, she offered to help him.Hendrix had arrived with nothing—no luggage, just himself. After moving into his new apartment, he decided to go shopping for a few things to furnish his home.While he was browsing a fa