Shaun respectfully shouted, "Mr. Kooper!"Jensen sat on the seat Kisa just sat in and stared blankly at the tight on-shut door. His pale face did not show any emotions. Mia gestured to Shaun to leave first, and Shaun quickly backed out. Mia looked at the man before her and whispered, "Let's not force her since she's not willing to help us deal with Gilbert. Speaking of which, she really cares about you. She said she would rather be the one in a coma than you.""The only reason she wished that was so she wouldn't owe me anything," Jensen replied in a dry tone with his raspy voice that had a touch of indifference. Mia pursed her lips, not knowing what to say. 'Jensen has been acting weird ever since he woke from his coma. I haven't seen a single smile on him since that day. He would daze at the window, and he wouldn't reply to me whenever I talked to him. He would laugh mockingly and not say a word whenever I asked about the car accident.'I think he has been hiding things in his hear
The children's eyes instantly lit up upon seeing Kisa. Ada ran toward her and hugged her waist. "Aunty, it's been so long. I finally get to see you again."Kisa was thinking about things along the way home and came back muddled. But, this hug from the little one's soft hand warmed her heart in an instant. "I come back every day.""You always come home late. By the time you're back, my brothers and I are already asleep," said Ada as she pulled Kisa to the dining table. Madalyn's face had darkened. Kisa glanced past Madalyn and landed her gaze on Andrew and Blake. Even though the kids were not hers, she felt warm and secure looking at them."Aunty..." Andrew called Kisa and softly said, "We are going to talk to daddy."Kisa laughed, "What is it you want to talk to him about?""We want Daddy to stop keeping you for himself. We can't even see your shadow throughout the day," Andrew said thoughtfully. Kisa could not help but burst out laughing. The more she laughed, the more her eyes w
Madalyn's mood turned better. She sneered at Kisa, "Gilbert's not at home these few days, but I am. So, don't you think of doing any bad things here!"Kisa remained silent. The only interest she had in this mansion was Jensen's room. Once she got into Jensen's room, it did not matter if she could not stay in the mansion anymore. She would only feel sad about not being able to see the kids as often.At night, Kisa played with the kids and read them stories all night. It was not until ten at night that the three kids unwillingly went back to sleep in their room when Madalyn came to remind them. The kids followed the servants out, but Madalyn sat in her room with no sign of leaving. Kisa did not question her and poured her a glass of water. She then sat beside the window to read her magazines. Madalyn stared at her and coldly said, "Stop falling over backward to please the kids. They are Gilbert's kids and have nothing to do with you.""Yep," Kisa lightly replied. Kisa had heard more t
Gilbert glanced at the phone screen and saw Kisa's name. He hesitated for a moment and turned off his phone. Kohen grabbed his coffee and gave him a half-smile. "You can answer your call. We don't have to be so formal when we're discussing business. The day is still long, and I am free the whole day.""There's no need for it. It's not important," Gilbert said in a faint voice and continued his explanation about the contract. However, Kohen had already seen the name on the phone's notification. He sat back and pondered with his lips curved, "What's wrong? Did you two get in a fight?"Gilbert knotted his brows and reminded him, "We are talking about business right now.""Ha. With our friendship, there's no need to be so formal. Occasionally, it's interesting to talk about private matters."Gilbert put down the pen in his hand and leaned on his chair. He looked at him calmly. "You should start by talking about your matters. What about your flash marriage with that plain woman you neve
Gilbert's face still looked emotionless.He reviewed the contract before he stood up and said, "I look forward to working with you. I'll see you soon."Then, he walked away without waiting for a response.Kohen had a cigarette in his mouth as he looked at Gilbert's back confusedly.He had a feeling that Gilbert was mad, but he had no idea why.Eylul walked in his direction."I saw Mr. Kooper just now. He looked like he was in a bad mood. I said hi to him, but he didn't hear me."Kohen scoffed, "You're pretty observant."Eylul did not know what he was really trying to say as she sighed. "I can understand why he's so unhappy. After all, he was set up by the person he shared his bed with. I heard that the contract was signed by his wife, Kisa Becker.""Pfft!"Kohen was drinking coffee, and he spat everything out of his mouth after he heard what Eylul said.Eylul frowned in disgust, but she handed him some tissues anyway. Then, she wiped the table with more tissues.She was a v
It was just like before. The mansion was so silent that it felt terrifying.Kisa crept softly to the third floor.She paused when she passed by Damon's room, but she did not go inside. She looked inside from the door for a moment before going to another room.She took out the keys and unlocked the door deftly.The room was different from Damon's room. The things in there were not covered with pieces of white cloth.The room was probably cleaned regularly, as it was spotless.The blanket was folded nicely on the bed, and there were even a few books placed on the coffee table. And, there was a transparent glass on the table as if someone had been staying there.Kisa stood in the room as she swept her glance across all the decorations in the room.Damon's room was decorated in warm colors, but this room was the complete opposite. The decorations in the room were elegant.There was a counter by the window.Kisa walked over and stared at it.There was a very old red wine on the c
Kisa paused as she furrowed her brows confusedly.She knew that she had heard it right. Indeed, there was a clicking sound in the room.However, her phone was still ringing.Kisa hastily crawled over and switched off her phone without even looking at the caller's phone number.On Gilbert's side.He listened to his phone silently. "I'm sorry, but the number you have dialed is currently busy."He lifted the edge of his mouth and threw his phone to the side before shutting his eyes.He deserved it anyway. He should have never called her when he already knew that she betrayed him, and he still hated her for it!He should have seen it coming!Kisa crawled down to the end of the bed and lifted the blanket before looking at the bedpost.Then, she saw something like a button between that bedpost and the floor.It looked like it was pressed down. Perhaps she accidentally did that just now.She touched the button and started to feel suspicious.'This doesn't look like it belongs her
Nearly all of the pictures were photos of David and Kisa's mother together.Some of them were even taken in the village, and her mother was holding a baby in her arms.The pictures matched the things that her mother wrote in her diary.Emilia once secretly gave birth to a baby boy in the village when she was together with David. And, they spent a great time with each other there.However, she just could not figure out why David did not marry Emilia despite the fact that he loved her, and they even had a child together. Instead, Carolyn got the chance to set Emilia up and make her marry Christopher.She found a strange photo as she was still feeling confused.It was not a photo of Emilia and David. Instead, it was a photo of David and another woman, and there was a little boy standing between them.The little boy looked as though he was two to three years old, and his features resembled Jensen very much.The woman looked like she came right out of a painting with her delicate fe
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