After the press conference ended, Sharon was like a demon when she kicked Kisa intensely. But she was back to being gentle and innocent in front of Gilbert. 'I wonder when oblivious Gilbert will see through her two-faced side,' Kisa thought.While Gilbert and Davian were talking inside the room, Sharon sneered at Kisa. "You've not been out these two days, right?"Kisa remained silent, leaning on the back of the chair resting. Sharon was unsatisfied with Kisa being impassive and mocked. "You have no idea how people are hating on you everywhere. You should really be hiding. I'm worried about the day you die from others' hatred."Kisa slowly opened her eyes and smiled at her. "Did you see the marks on Gilbert's neck?"Sharon was stunned.Kisa chuckled. "Do you know how he got it?"Sharon's face immediately darken, "What are you trying to say?"Kisa slowly neatens the bandage on her hand and snickers. "Gilbert says he hates me, but his body tells otherwise. It's normal to leave ma
She wiped off her tears, acting like she was forced to be strong after being wronged. She looked at Gilbert and smiled, "Gilbert, I won't be visiting Grandma today. I'll go some other time. You can go ahead together with Kisa."Gilbert stared at her red eyes for a few seconds and turned toward Kisa."What did you do again?"Even before Kisa could speak, Sharon pulled his arms and said in a soft voice, "Gilbert, you shouldn't blame Kisa. She didn't do anything. It was all my fault; I suddenly felt sick. Don't blame her."Kisa chuckled internally.What a sly lady. It may seem like she was trying to defend her. In fact, the hidden meaning behind those words was to put the blame on Kisa.She was trying to make all the blind men side with her, pity her and help her.Sure enough, Gilbert glanced at her in disgust. Then, he told Sharon, "Don't try to defend her anymore. If she didn't do anything, why would you be crying? You're always being the soft-hearted one trying to defend her. Ho
Gilbert looked at her closely, "What did you just say?""I told Sharon, the scratch marks on your neck were from our night together. Even though you despise me, you can't resist me."She noticed Gilbert's gloomy face. Then, she smiled happily, "So? Are you nervous now? Would you like me to explain to her on your behalf?"All of a sudden, Gilbert came close to her. The look in his eyes was incomprehensible and his voice was husky."Do you know that you have to take responsibility for your own words?"Kisa remained silent and stared into his dark black eyes. She was panicking deep inside.It was the same look he had when he imagined her as Sharon.While poking the car seat, she continued mocking, "Why? Did I guess it correctly? You can't resist me?"Gilbert stared at her for a few seconds and backed off with a smile, "Do you think that's possible?"He started the car again and said, "You better not spit nonsense to Sharon anymore. She's a lot more innocent and kind-hearted than
Sharon was wearing a white sweater with a coffee-colored shawl over it.She was brewing tea elegantly. Looking at such a scene with the warm yellow light on her, it seemed as though the world was peaceful.She poured the freshly brewed tea into mugs and replied to the man at the door, "Come in."Howard took a quick glance at the surroundings, "There are not any reporters here, right?"Sharon covered her mouth and laughed, "I'm an international star myself. I'm not even worried, why should you be?"Then only did Howard enter.Just as he sat down, a man suddenly walked in from the divider.Seeing that man, Howard felt nervous.On top of his nervousness, he also felt inferior and unhappy.Anthony sat close beside Sharon. He kept glancing at Howard condescendingly."I heard you're my distant cousin. Tsk, from what I remember, all my cousins are well to do people. I'm not sure how I am related to someone like you."Howard held his fist tightly on his lap and replied with a smile,
Gilbert's grandmother lived in a villa neighborhood named the Sandy Bay, surrounded by mountains and lakes.As soon as Kisa woke up in the morning, she could smell the fresh air from the mountains. It felt refreshing.She thought that it would be nice to stay there for the rest of her time here.After a while, there was a knock on her door.She opened the door and found Kelvin standing outside her door.Because of Gracie's matter, he looked at her with a confused look."While I'm here to check up on Grandma, I'd like to check on your health condition too."Worried that others might hear them, Kisa let him in.She closed the door and said, "The medicine you gave is effective. Not only did it relieve pain instantly, but it also made me even more energetic."Kelvin listened but his face seemed dull."You might feel that the effects are great now, but it'll only weaken your body in the future. When that happens, no medicine will work on you anymore. You'll have to bear the pain t
After all, this girl is full of tricks and good at acting. No one knew what she was going to do here.As she was tucking Grandma's blanket, the lady leaning by the door said, "Gilbert is not here.""I know." Sharon smiled, "I'm here to see you.""Then spill." Kisa had no intention to hide her hatred.Sharon did not bother and replied, "Gilbert has such a big heart. He let a culprit who hurt his Grandma take care of her. I wonder what his thought process was like."Kisa smiled but her eyes were gleaming.She replied, "Kelvin said that Grandma will wake up soon."As she said that, she looked straight into Sharon's eyes to catch her reaction, "When the time comes, we'll know who is the true culprit that hurt Grandma."Sharon's face changed a little, but she didn't show any signs of panic.She only replied with a smile, "Really? Then I can't wait for that day to arrive. Let's see if Grandma will defend you."Sharon's calmness and confidence was surprising. It made Kisa doubt if s
In the evening, Kisa cooked up a meal.The dishes not only looked pretty but smelled amazing too.Gilbert smelled the aroma as soon as he stepped into the house.Before he reached the dining room, Andrew and Ada were running toward him."Daddy, Ma'am cooked dinner for us. It smells yummy.""Daddy, let's have a bite."As the two little kids were speaking, they dragged him to the dining table.Just as he reached, Kisa brought a bowl of soup from the kitchen.She was wearing a set of pink loungewear. Her hair loosely tied and a light purple apron around her waist.At a glance, she really did seem like a virtuous housewife.Gilbert stared at her for a moment. He suddenly had an illusion. He and Kisa were a pair of ordinary couple. He would leave in the morning for work and come home in the evening; she would prepare meals, clean the house and teach the kids.Everything was wholesome, ordinary yet heartwarming.The life of a normal wedded couple would most probably look like thi
Kisa ignored his scornful expression and placed the bowl of chicken soup in front of him."I made you some chicken soup; it's good for you."Gilbert glanced at the creamy chicken soup before turning to her sharply, "Stop beating around the bush. Tell me, what is it that you want from me?"He refused to believe there was no hidden agenda behind her kindness to him.'Everything nice that she had done for me had ulterior motives,' he thought.Just as he had expected, she stopped putting on a facade."I need your help with something."Gilbert scoffed and did not respond.Kisa quickly added, "It's not something difficult. I was hoping that you could take me to the Case family's house sometime this week,"'Sharon has set a trap for me; that's why she wants me to attend Grandpa's birthday banquet so badly. As long as I get my hands on my mother's belongings before the banquet, Sharon will have a hard time pulling off her plan. However, I won't be able to step foot into the Case famil
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