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
"You didn't prepare a romantic candlelight dinner, and you brought me here to crowd-watch? How insincere of you, Davian. For goodness sake, it's Valentine's Day!"Davian defended himself in an aggrieved tone. "I can't cook, and the restaurants are all overcrowded. So, I have no choice but to bring you here. Besides, there's a variety of food here for you to try.""Can't you learn ahead of time if you don't know how to cook? Couldn't you have booked a private room ahead of time if the restaurants were overcrowded? You're insincere. Stop making excuses. It'll only make you look more guilty!"The two started arguing the moment they sat down.This time, Kisa was on Felicity's side.'That's right. It's Valentine's Day. Since you've decided to spend it with her, you need to be more sincere. Take a look at Gilbert; he knew he had to book a private room ahead of time. Davian's genuinely lacking compared to Gilbert. Even though Gilbert's probably faking it... Davian isn't faking it, even f
"Why would it?" Kisa said with a surprised smile, "We were the ones who invited them, so we were embarrassed to interrupt the both of you.""Mm, If Davian and I were to argue, you'd be too embarrassed to interrupt too."Felicity laughed as her gaze fell onto the big bouquet of roses, " Oh, these flowers are so dazzling. Mr. Kooper, where did you buy them? Someone said that all the flowers at the florist have been sold out!"Davian stared at Gilbert glumly, "You really are the greatest. You even brought such a big bouquet of roses here for fear of others not knowing how great you are!"Gilbert squinted his eyes and glared back at him, "Who else can you blame except yourself for not having the ability to coax and make women happy?!"Gilbert was ultimately his superior. All it took was one chilly glance from Gilbert for Davian to immediately became a wimp. He merely went over and sat down.He looked at the flowers in Kisa's arms, but the words he said were meant for Felicity, "Mr. K
Kisa clutched her bag strap, "Why aren't we returning to the Kooper family home?""It's already morning. What happens if we wake grandma and the kids when we return?""But..." Kisa still wanted to say something, but Gilbert had already bent down to carry her.Kisa quickly shrunk back, "Alright, alright. I'll get down the car myself."She pushed Gilbert away and walked down from the car on her own.Gilbert's private residence was tranquil, with no servants. The door opened, and with the light shining in from the yard, the inside of the house was surprisingly not very dark.Kisa fumbled to turn on the lights, but before she could do so, Gilbert suddenly pinned her body between his chest and the wall.Gilbert chuckled and said in a low, husky voice, "After stalling for so long, you can't run off this time, can you?!""W... wait for a bit. Turn on the lights. We... we should shower first.""What's the use of turning on the lights!?" Gilbert smiled dubiously, then his long arms wen
Davian listened to his subordinate's report and hurriedly got up to put on his clothes. Felicity glumly stared at him, "What happened?"Davian ignored her, as if he did not hear her question. In a flash, he got dressed. He picked up his phone and dashed toward the door before remembering Felicity's presence.He promptly said to Felicity with regret, "S...something happened at the company. I'm going over to handle it."Felicity's face fell, and she pulled over the blanket to cover herself and huffed coldly, "Go then. Go, and don't come back!""Okay, then you should get some rest," Davian finished speaking, and closed the door, foolishly presuming that he was being considerate and gentlemanly toward her.Watching the closed door, Felicity furiously threw a cup at it."Davian, you prick. Don't you even dream of ever touching me again in the future! "Kisa woke up at midnight and felt very thirsty. The man next to her was sleeping soundly. Kisa moved away his hand from her waist, an
Gilbert immediately grabbed Kisa's throat and gritted his teeth, growling disappointedly, "Since the start, what have I been to you in your heart?"Kisa was afraid that Gilbert would lose his mind and hurt her in anger. Hence, she tried to explain herself. "You shouldn't misunderstand. Last time, I said my current status and situation are unsuitable for bearing children.""Not unsuitable but unwilling. You're afraid the baby's sudden arrival would destroy your plan of getting close to me, right?"Kisa widened her eyes widely and hurriedly shook her head, "Of course not. What are you blabbering about?"Gilbert was only trying to probe by purposely speaking like that just now. However, Kisa's reaction made his heart heavy and anxious. He forcefully swung Kisa onto the sofa. Gilbert suppressed his anger and said, "You'd better not be lying to me. If not, I won't know what crazy actions I would resort to."Gilbert's voice was calm, as if not having any emotion. Yet Kisa inexplicably f
The car windows were dark. Kisa leaned onto the car's windshield and looked around for a long time. She could not clearly see if there was anyone inside. She tried to pull open the car doors and actually got them opened. She hurriedly gave a thorough sweep of the car interior. No one was in the car, but the car keys were still in the ignition and had not been pulled out yet.Kisa scrunched her brows in suspicion. What she was able to confirm was that Gilbert came back during the last half of the night.'However, how did Gilbert leave silently? Could it be that he was afraid that I would not be able to call a cab, so he purposedly drove the car back to leave it for me?' She thought.Thinking about it now, she immediately shook her head. It would be impossible for Gilbert to treat her so considerably. Not to mention, when Gilbert left last night, the aura of hostility surrounding him made it seem as if he wanted to kill her.However, she still searched high and low around the house,
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