'Uh... Am I supposed to know? But then again, I really don't know when his birthday is. I asked him once when we were little, but he was so cold and arrogant at the time that he ignored me. Jensen did mention it once, but I forgot. But, I really don't care about occasions like this.' Kisa looked at his sullen face and asked in a soft voice, "So, is today really your birthday?""No!" Gilbert yelled at her as if he was afraid she did not know that he was angry.Kisa did not dare to have a fallout with him again, so she played along. "So, what day is it? Didn't you just say we are going to celebrate?"He pursed his lips and started the car again in silence.Kisa looked at his surly side face in bewilderment as she thought to herself, 'What a quirky man!' She quietly took out her phone and checked the calendar. It was February 14 today. 'Valentine's Day?' She looked over at Gilbert. 'Could it be that he is talking about Valentine's Day? Oh, gosh! A ruthless, unromantic man like him is
As far as the eye could see, there was an enormous sea of flowers of all colors. The flowers were all in full bloom, and they were gorgeous in the sunlight. When she got closer, she realized that there were also many daisies and gerberas."How did you know about this place?" She looked at Gilbert in surprise.Seeing her eyes brighten up, Gilbert's anger instantly subsided. He secretly admitted he was a wuss before her."Let's go." He took Kisa by the waist and led her into the sea of flowers. There were several elderly farmers working at the nursery. She figured that the elderly might be the ones growing the flowers."Welcome, Mr. Kooper," the elderly farmers greeted.Kisa looked at Gilbert in amazement. "Everyone here knows you. It looks like you're a regular here.""Ha-ha, little girl. It was Mr. Kooper who instructed us to grow these flowers," an old farmer said to Kisa in amusement."Is GK Pictures venturing into the flower business now?" Kisa's eyes widened in surprise agai
Kisa looked at him, and she was transfixed. "W-What did you just call me?""My dear," he answered softly, wrapping his arms tighter and tighter around her. He then covered her lips with his hot, open mouth.At this moment, Kisa was still in a daze, and she did not avoid him. Perhaps it was because she was in a sea of romantic flowers, as her heart fluttered the moment their lips met. Gilbert closed his eyes, kissing her gently but with great devotion. She stared at him in awe, finding his thick and long eyelashes casting a gentle shadow on his eyelids in the sunlight. She looked at him as if she was looking through him and at the arrogant boy who she had a crush on back then. Kisa slowly lifted her hands and wrapped them around his strong, slender waist. The sea of flowers behind him became the most beautiful background in the world under the sun, so beautiful that it dazzled her eyes. She closed her eyes, not thinking about anything again. She continued to just feel his soft, almost
Kisa walked too quickly and bumped into the people in front of her. She promptly swayed and fell butt first.Gilbert was startled. He quickly caught her and pulled her into his chest."Why are you in such a rush? It's not like I'm going to eat you!"Gilbert spoke in a suggestive tone.However, Kisa was too distracted to bother. She stared intensely at the three who had just exited the restaurant.The three were none other than Adrien, Carolyn, and... Christopher.Christopher did not seem to notice Kisa and kept tugging on Carolyn's arm. His eyes were bloodshot and brimming with anger."You easy b*tch. You're old and gray, yet you're secretly spending Valentine's Day with this man? You're so shameless!"Then, he raised his arm and slapped Carolyn.Christopher was furious, so his slap was hard and forceful.The force of Christopher's slap flung Carolyn to the pillar beside them.But, it was not over yet. Christopher quickly strode up to Carolyn—who was lying by the pillar—and
It was Adrien Tanner.He tugged on Carolyn and lowly said, "Alright. Let's not argue with them. Your face is already beaten up so badly. Come on. I'll take a look at it in the car."Carolyn was very obedient to Adrien's words.Upon hearing Adrien's words, she immediately followed him into the car.After they left, Kisa finally turned to Christopher.She saw him squatting next to a pillar, painfully hugging his head.'He probably had never been in this much pain, even when my mother died. All I remember is the time my mother fell incredibly ill, and I didn't have the money to let her see a doctor. I went to the Case residence to borrow some money from him, but I was chased out by the housekeeper just as I got to the door. Even though I shouted "dad" at the door, all I saw was my father and Carolyn walking out of the house together. I ran up to him and grabbed him, telling him that mom was sick and that we didn't have the money to see a doctor. Just as he was about to give me some
Nevertheless, Kisa teared up after they entered the restaurant.She took a deep breath and forcefully kept her tears at bay.'I'm not feeling sad for Christopher. Getting sad for a heartless father like him is not worth it. That father of mine only feels remorseful because he has finally seen Carolyn's true colors. What's the use of his remorse? After all, my mother is never coming back. I'm feeling sad for my mother. They ruined her life, and she deserved better,' thought Kisa.Seeing her reddened eyes, Gilbert felt a twinge in his heart.He worriedly held the woman in his arms. "Why don't we go to a different restaurant?"Kisa shook her head and said, "I'm fine."She smiled and turned to Gilbert. "Did you make a reservation ahead of time?""Mhm," he nodded and led her toward their pre-booked private room.Kisa had a smile but was still in low spirits. She barely ate a thing.Meanwhile, Gilbert was feeling immense regret.'I never should've brought her here for dinner. Chris
The man's serious expression made the huge popcorn in his arms look out of place.'He even looks a little... cute,' thought Kisa.Gilbert walked up to Kisa. He saw the corner of her lips curve upward but did not know what she was thinking. She seemed pretty happy.'If she's happy, I'm happy too,' he thought.He handed her the tickets and said, "Let's enter the venue.""Mhm." Kisa took the tickets.She peered at the huge bucket of popcorn and asked in amusement, "You didn't have enough to eat just now?""I did.""Then, the popcorn...""I bought it for you. Isn't everyone buying it?" Gilbert said and looked around them."Mhm..." Kisa nodded and secretly compared the size of their bucket with other people's. Then, she said to the man, "Was there a need for you to buy such a big bucket?"'Thankfully, he's the one holding it. If I were to hold it instead, it would probably cover my entire face,' she thought.'Oh!' thought Gilbert.He was startled."I just told them to get me t
Kisa held her unfinished soda conflictedly."I don't want to go home yet," she whispered.Gilbert glanced at his wristwatch and frowned, "It's almost ten o'clock. What do you want to do if you don't want to go home?""I... I'm hungry. I want some supper!"Gilbert glanced at the bucket of popcorn that was practically untouched."You're... Hungry?" he asked doubtfully."Mhm!" Kisa nodded furiously, "Let's have some meat skewers."Gilbert crossed his arms across his chest and side-eyed her. "I assume you're not trying to exhaust me because you're worried that I'll do something to you when we get home?"Kisa laughed awkwardly, "How could I? You're so strong your energy could never be depleted.""You bet!" the man snorted. However, he still agreed to her request. "Alright. We'll go for meat skewers."It was Valentine's Day, so the streets were packed with people even at this hour.Gilbert led Kisa to an alley. The alley was crowded from one end to the other.The food stalls ther
In a small town in the South, a gentle breeze caressed the cheeks of passersby, creating a pleasant and serene atmosphere. This town, known for its tourism, was adorned with flowers even in its narrow alleys. The surrounding houses were all quaint inns, exuding a poetic and picturesque charm.Beneath an arching bridge, Kisa set up an easel to display and sell her paintings. She had always loved painting since childhood. Although she had not achieved great success in this field, her vivid and evocative paintings were very popular with tourists. She would sell most of her paintings every day.On weekends, Blake would join her at the stall, but today was Wednesday, and she was alone. After arranging her paintings, she had barely sat down when people began to gather around. Some admired her art, while others immediately offered to buy. Her paintings were reasonably priced, which attracted many customers."Miss, I'd like that painting of the snow-covered rose garden at night.""Alright,
In the backyard, Kohen looked at his older brother's calm expression, a hint of worry in his voice. "Bro, are you alright?""I'm fine," Hayes said, adjusting the blanket on his lap. "Tomorrow, take me to meet those medical geniuses you found.""Oh, sure..." Kohen nodded in agreement, but after a moment, he could not help but ask, "Bro, what did that woman say to you that made you change your mind so suddenly?"Hayes gazed at the stars in the sky, his voice cool and distant. "She told me she's doing well, very happy. Then she pointed out how pitiful and miserable I am right now. She asked me if I don't feel envious, knowing how well she is doing compared to me."Kohen grimaced, realizing that the woman had provoked his brother into action.Hayes lowered his eyes, a faint smile on his face. "That's right. How could I not be envious? So, I want to heal my legs, live a good life, and show her that I can do better than her."Kohen felt a pang of sympathy for his brother. From Hayes's
Mentioning Hayes, Eylul's expression became complex. "Hayes is reclusive and doesn't like to see people. Only a single old servant has been taking care of him all these years. I only met him once, back when I married Kohen."Mia's heart ached, recalling the enigmatic yet deeply emotional man. She could not help but feel a lump in her throat. "How's his health?" Mia asked.Eylul replied, "His health is fine, but his legs have remained the same. Kohen has found top orthopedic experts for him and even sought out Kelvin Hoover from Calthon, but he refuses treatment. For so many years, he hasn't even stepped outside the backyard.""You mean he's been living in the backyard all this time?" Jensen asked gravely.Eylul nodded. "Yes, Kohen wanted him to live in the main house, but he refused. He only likes staying in the backyard. Moreover, the room he stays in used to be..." Eylul glanced at Mia. She had heard that Mia used to live in that room.With a complicated expression, Mia pursed h
"Let's forget everything that just happened,' Mia said.Jensen looked up at her. In the moonlight, his eyes were deep and complex, profound and unfathomable.Mia tried to muster a smile. "You don't have to feel burdened. In a way, I forced you. And you must have always disliked me. Actually, I didn't come to you for money; I just wanted to see you. Now that I have, I should go. Jensen, from now on... take care."With that, she walked away, fearing that if she lingered any longer, she would not be able to leave. But after only a few steps, she was embraced from behind.Jensen's voice was low and hoarse. "Stay with me."Mia trembled at his words. Jensen continued. "But I still have so many things to do and someone in my heart I can't let go of. I don't know... when I will be able to give you a satisfactory answer. If you don't want to stay with me without any promises or guarantees, you can—""I'm willing," Mia blurted out, "as long as I can be with you, I don't care about anything
Mia's face changed instantly. " You... you know I like Jensen, why would you...""Heh, if you like Jensen, shouldn't you be willing to do anything for him? If you can't even do this, how can you claim to love him?""I won't do it! Doing this would be betraying Jensen. I would risk my life for him, but I can't do this."Adrien stared at her flushed face and gently chuckled, his words loaded with meaning. "Aren't you feeling all hot and bothered yet?"Mia frowned. Her body was indeed getting hotter and more agitated. 'Why would Adrien ask this? Could it be the drink...?'As the thought crossed her mind, her heart sank. Seeing Adrien's cold expression and the man's playful smile, Mia turned and ran. But before she could take more than a few steps, she was dragged back. Weakened by the drink, her desperate struggles were futile. As the man pressed her down, playing with her like a toy, she closed her eyes in despair. She thought she could never face Jensen again. With a bitter laugh,
Adrien Tanner, Jensen's father, stood before Mia with a warm smile. "My son is truly awkward when it comes to matters of the heart. He's even willing to refuse such a beautiful young woman like you."Mia stared at him, her tears suddenly streaming down her face. "I only wanted to see him, even if it was to face rejection. Wouldn't it better to say it clearly to my face?""Yes, it would." Adrien agreed. "But standing here stubbornly won't help, because he left on a business trip a couple of days ago."Mia's heart ached even more, realizing that Jensen had avoided using the front door just to evade her.Adrien continued. "I have a way to make him come to you willingly, but it depends on whether you're willing to cooperate."Mia nodded. "What do I have to do?"Adrien motioned to his bodyguard, who handed him a glass of wine. "Drink this," he said.Mia furrowed her brow, hesitant.Adrien gently patted her shoulder, like a father would."Don't be afraid. I won't harm you. From the
Filled with guilt, Mia stepped forward, but Kohen suddenly pulled out a handgun and aimed it at her."Get out!"Jensen pulled Mia back. He looked at the cold man before him. It was this man who had taken him in years ago. At that time, Kohen was young, a carefree and privileged young man. Now, he seemed to have grown up all at once, his eyes colder and more distant.Jensen said with a troubled expression, "If you ever need me in the future, don't hesitate to find me."Kohen sneered coldly; pain etched in his brow. He mocked himself. "I never should have taken you in back then. In the end, it was I who harmed my own brother."Jensen pursed his lips, not knowing what to say, only feeling an unbearable pain in his heart. It was the first time he felt he owed someone. That sense of indebtedness suffocated him."Get out, and don't let me see you two ever again."On that night, Jensen and Mia left the McCray family. As a result of Hayes's ordeal, the McCray family underwent tremendous
"What on earth happened?"Jensen did not speak. Mia choked out. "The collaboration between the Burton family and the McCray family was a trap. We were ambushed by the Burton family, and Hayes... he was hit by a car trying to save us.""Damn it!" Kohen cursed under his breath, abruptly pulling a knife from a nearby bodyguard and pointing it at them. "What are your lives worth? Why would my brother save you? Why?"Mia bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. 'It's my fault. I wanted to save Jensen, but I should have gone alone. I shouldn't have dragged Hayes into this. He seemed cold-blooded and heartless, and I never thought that he would risk his life for me. Why was he so good to me?'"Kohen..."Suddenly, a weak cry rang out. Hayes had awakened.Kohen hurriedly moved closer, gripping Hayes's hand. "Bro!"Hayes's face was deathly pale. He did not look at Kohen, but instead turned his gaze to Mia. His eyes were calm. He saw Mia's red-rimmed eyes and the tears lingering there,
Hayes was sent flying by the car, his body crashing into a wall before bouncing back.Mia's entire body felt ice-cold as she trembled, yelling, "Hayes!""Kill them all!" A hoarse, aged voice suddenly rang out from the entrance. It was Curtis. He looked at Kendall's lifeless body on the ground, his eyes filled with rage, shouting, "Run them over! I want them to join my grandson in death!""Ah!" Jensen roared, disregarding the guards' swinging knives, and like a madman, charged at Curtis. Curtis's face changed, desperately pulling a nearby guard in front of him as a shield. But it was useless. Jensen, like a crazed beast, attacked anyone in his path. Soon, his knife was held against Curtis's throat.Curtis trembled all over. "Wh-What do you want?"Jensen, covered in blood with splatters on his face, looked like a demon that had emerged from a battleground. He grabbed Curtis and held him hostage in front of him. "Let us go!""Don't even think about it!" Curtis retorted angrily. "You