Anthony opened the door to Lea's room. He had always had the keys to the house. When the door opened, the room was pitch black, and he could not help but frown. 'Is that woman not back yet?' he thought as displeasure filled his heart. He held a phone that was calling Lea in one hand while the other turned on the lights.[Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable.]"F*ck that b*tch! She must be out with other men right now!" Anthony cursed as he flipped the switch.When the lights came on, he saw Lea huddled in the corner of the room. He was taken aback by her sudden appearance."God!" He cursed and walked toward Lea. "Are you f*cking crazy? Why didn't you turn on the lights, and why did you turn off your phone? What are you trying to do?"Lea curled up without saying a word. She looked like she was going insane. Anthony irritably grabbed her and said, "Are you mute?! I am talking to you!"Only then did Lea look up. Her face was as pale as a ghost. Anthony frowned as he utt
Lea's already pale face turned even paler. "Please, Mr. Mullen. You're so rich and powerful; I'm sure you can find any pawn or woman you want. Please let me go. I just want to go somewhere secluded and live a good life. Please...""Shut up!" Anthony growled, irritated.He pulled off his tie and threw it on the coffee table as he yelled at her coldly, "You don't get it, do you? Only I can abandon you. You want to go to a place where there is no one else and live a good life there? Fine. We'll talk about that after I get tired of you."After he finished speaking, he rushed toward her, pressed her against the sofa, and ripped her clothes off."No, Mr. Mullen. Please, don't..." Lea cried out when she realized his intentions.Anthony narrowed his eyes and said, "Why are you trying to get away from me? Why are you rejecting me? Do you have another man out there?!"The man's face looked cold and scary. Lea was frightened. "N-No... It's just... M-my relatives are here.""Your relatives
"Slow down. Why are you in such a hurry? There's plenty of food to go around. Are you that scared that you won't get any?"Kisa was startled when she heard Madalyn saying that so suddenly and slowed down.'What is up with grandma today? Why does it feel a little weird here?'"Walk slower, Ma'am. Don't fall," Andrew said as he went to help her. Blake also came over to support her. One of them was on the left while the other was on the right, like they were helping an elderly cross the road. 'What is going on here?' Kisa thought. 'Not only is grandma acting strange, but the kids are also acting weird too.'She then sat down on the chair. Madalyn served her some soup and said, "Eat up. It helps with the body." Kisa looked at the bowl of soup that was handed to her and finally took it after a long time. "Thank you, but my body is fine," she said politely."Oh, if you say it's fine, then it's fine?" Madalyn replied with a serious look on her face. "I didn't cook it for you anyway. Eat
George was quick on his hands and feet. He brought a glass of water in a matter of a few seconds. "Here you go, Mrs. Kooper."Kisa hurriedly grabbed the glass of water and felt puzzled as she drank it. 'I just choked on some food. It's not like I'm a newborn baby. Why are they so worried?' she wondered."Great-Grandma, will the baby in Ma'am's tummy be okay?""Pfft—" Kisa was so startled when she heard Ada's words that she spit out a mouthful of water. Mrs. Kooper Sr. gently patted her back anxiously and said, "What's the matter? Did you choke on the water this time?""Cough, cough, cough..." Earlier, Kisa had choked on her food, but this time round, she choked because of chock. She could not stop coughing, and her face flushed red."You're an adult, yet you can't drink water properly? Don't hurt my future great-grandchild with your cough," Madalyn voiced out in a panic.After saying that, she looked at George and said, "Quick. Call Kelvin to come and have a look at her. Quick!"
"Don't you lie to me. The doctor gave you prenatal pills. There's no way he would ask you to move around more. Do you think I've never given birth before?""Of course not. The prenatal care pills are just for backup," Kisa lied. "The doctor said that regular exercise can promote the development of the fetus and make me stronger, which will help with the birth."Madalyn glanced at Kisa in suspicion."If you're worried, you can send a bodyguard with me when I'm out. My show is coming to an end; I can't just leave the production," she hurriedly added.'This will deceive her,' she thought.'I'm going to the hospital to get proof that I'm not pregnant tomorrow. She'll believe me then. There is no way I will be grounded and forced to stay in this house tomorrow.'"I think what Mrs. Kooper said makes sense, Madam. Being locked up at home every day isn't good for the baby, and pregnant women should get fresh air every day. I think it's best we listen to her and get a bodyguard to follow
It was less than half a minute from when the bell rang until the three servants came in. Kisa wondered if they lived next door and paid constant attention to the bell."Ma'am, are you hungry?""Do you feel unwell?""Ma'am, how about I get some food for you?" The servants walked out as she spoke.Kisa stopped her hurriedly. She held her forehead and asked the three servants, "When was this bell installed?""Ma'am, Mrs. Kooper Sr. asked someone to install it immediately after she read the newspaper. Besides, the mat in the bathroom and other furnishings in this room were all ordered by Mrs. Kooper Sr. and arranged after she learned you were pregnant."Kisa shook her head. She said resignedly, "Alright, I got it. You may leave now.""Ma'am, is there anything we can do for you?""No.""We're leaving. Ma'am, you can ring the bell if you need anything. We're living just right next to you."Kisa closed her eyes speechlessly, "Okay, I got it."'Jeez! All this fuss was made over the
'Turns out Andrew and Ada's mom was just an unknown woman who had sexual relations with Gilbert while he was drunk. No wonder Gilbert refused to tell me who Andrew and Ada's mom was. So that's the parentage of the two kids.'For some reason, Kisa took pity on Andrew and Ada in her heart when she learned of their parentage.'It turns out their first existence was not recognized or expected by the Kooper family. Moreover, their mom... abandoned them for money.'Madalyn looked out of the yard with a walking stick and sneered, "Yes. That woman was sensible. She didn't come to make trouble for so many years. As for the reason why Gilbert didn't mention their mom in front of the kids, it's probably because he didn't want to make them sad."George nodded, "I understood." He said quizzically after a pause, "However, the day when Andrew and Ada were born was also the day Ma'am had an accident in the prison. Ma'am lost Master Gilbert's child, but Davian sent Andrew and Ada here on New Year's
Kisa tensed up and listened carefully to the noises outside. She heard the squeal of brakes in the courtyard downstairs. The sounds were jarring and pierced through the still of the night.'Who'd be getting home this late? Madalyn, George, and the kids are at home. No one's sick here, so it certainly won't be Kelvin. I'm sure it isn't Davian either, as Gilbert isn't here. Could it be...Gilbert?'Kisa got up quickly when thinking of this. She had no time to put on her shoes but hurried to the window, opened the curtains, and looked down.The lights in the yard were dim. However, with a glance Kisa could recognize that the man who got off the car was Gilbert, as she was very familiar with his figure.At this moment, maybe because of the guilt in her heart or some other reason, she turned and ran toward the door immediately. She rushed downstairs and opened the door.Gilbert saw Kisa appear at the door as soon as he turned around, and he was stunned. But his look of surprise soon tur
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