In front of Kisa was a double-story wooden loft with a brightly lit attic.There was a massive tree in the courtyard that had tables and chairs placed beneath, all of which were adorned with decorative lights. They looked bright, relaxing, and romantic.There were also some flowers and plants on one side of the courtyard.Next to the flowers and plants were some rattan swing chairs.Kisa really liked the environment. It felt comfortable and relaxing."Yep. This is my long-term residence at Athadale. Come on. Let's go inside," Felicity said with a smile.Then, she walked into the house while pulling her luggage in one hand and holding Kisa in the other."You're home, Ms. Jennings," two servants greeted them by the door.One of the servants took the luggage from Felicity's hand while the other led them to the dining hall."Ms. Jennings, we prepared dinner beforehand since you told us that you'd be coming home.""Thank you. That'll be all for now.""Yes, Ms. Jennings."After d
Hearing this, Kisa could not help but laugh."I couldn't tell he was such a helpful person.""Right?!"Felicity continued, "I asked him back then why he helped me. Guess what he said?""What did he say?" Kisa was a little curious.'After all, Gilbert doesn't seem like someone who would interfere with other people's affairs. Moreover, he isn't particularly kind, either. He doesn't have a reason to fund someone who has nothing to do with him unless he was interested in Felicity back then. But that's impossible. If he was interested in Felicity, he wouldn't have introduced her to Davian,' she thought.While Kisa was in deep thought, Felicity suddenly flashed her an odd smile, "At the time, he said, that was how his wife was bullied when she was younger."Kisa froze.Felicity peered at her eagerly, "You're the only wife he has, right? Tsk, tsk. You two have known each other since childhood, huh? A relationship that's over ten years. How romantic!"'I envy a love like this, a marri
Davian was shocked. He asked in a panic, "What's the matter, Mr. Kooper? Are you cold? Should I help you ask for a blanket?""No. It's just two sudden sneezes. I'm fine!" Gilbert said.Then, he crossed his arms and continued resting his eyes.Suddenly, the middle-aged lady beside them mumbled, "Sneezing once means someone's thinking of you; sneezing twice means someone's insulting you. Someone might be insulting you."Davian glanced at the lady beside them in annoyance.'Aren't you a busybody?!' he thought.The lady coughed twice uncomfortably and sat in a well-behaved manner.However, she would still occasionally steal glances at Gilbert.She had never seen such a good-looking man in her life. No matter how she looked at him, he seemed like some celebrity.Davian, who was sitting in the middle, had noticed the lady's improper gaze long ago.In order to prevent the lady's gaze from disrupting Gilbert, Davian purposefully straightened him back to obstruct the lady's view.Whe
After much anticipation, the plane finally landed. Gilbert impatiently got up and stood in the aisle, desperately wanting to get off. Davian turned on his phone and got ready to follow him. However, the middle-aged lady suddenly pushed her way through and stood between him and Gilbert.Davian snorted angrily. He would have punched her right then and there if not for the fact that she was a middle-aged lady. The lady stared at Gilbert's back from top to bottom; her gaze was highly aggressive and probing.Gilbert was taken aback by her intense stare. He scowled at Davian fiercely, but all Davian could do was shrug his shoulders. 'It's not my fault she likes looking at handsome young men. Plus, why did Mr. Kooper glare at me? He should be glaring at her instead!'"Hey, handsome, you traveling alone? Do you have a girlfriend?" The lady asked with a smile as she patted Gilbert on the shoulder. Gilbert almost choked with anger. "I'm married," he said in a calm voice."Oh... What a pity,"
As Davian was consoling Gilbert, the middle-aged lady suddenly appeared next to them and continued her speech. Gilbert's face darkened instantly.Davian had had enough and started yelling at her."Go away! Stop making assumptions about Mr. and Mrs. Kooper. The reason your daughter isn't married is that she's ugly. That's why you're so twisted and want to get in between other people's relationships, right? Ugh, I'm so done with you. Are you f*cking crazy?!"The lady's face flushed with anger when she heard him call her crazy. "I'm just reminding him to watch out. Forget it. Don't come blaming me when your wife cheats on you."Gilbert's expression became utterly gloomy, and his hands were clenched into a fist. Although the middle-aged lady was obsessed with him, she muttered a few words and ran away after seeing his face because she was scared.Davian let out a sigh of relief. 'Finally...' he thought.Gilbert stood there with a depressed look; he did not know whether it was because
Gilbert stayed quiet. He then turned around and walked toward the airport exit. Davian sighed and followed him out hurriedly.After Felicity and Kisa had dinner, they ran to the wooden bench in the yard to chat. The plants and warm light surrounding the bench made the atmosphere romantic. Felicity asked the servants to bring them tons of snacks and fruits, as well as some fruit wine.Holding the glass in her hand, she continued to complain about Gilbert to Kisa. "Don't you think that he's narcissistic? He thinks that every woman likes him just because he's handsome. Well, I don't.""Yeah," Kisa agreed and took a sip of the fruit wine. 'Yum,' she thought. Felicity instantly felt happy hearing her agree.She sipped the wine and continued, "You're the only one who gets it. The guy is handsome, don't get me wrong, but that temper and gloomy face of his is simply unbearable.""I know, right? No woman can stand him with that temper." She wasn't sure whether it was because of Felicity's
When Felicity saw how Gilbert was acting, she hurriedly said, "What do you think you're doing? This is my territory. Don't bring your temper here! Get out of here if you want to act like that. Kisa is MY guest. Don't you dare scare her.""She's MY wife!" Gilbert roared, mad at Felicity for "kidnapping" his wife. Kisa clenched her hands tightly, unable to figure out what the man was thinking. He had been treating her indifferently, like a stranger, during that period of time. 'Why would he even bother coming to Athadale when I could be out of his sight and out of his mind? Why bother emphasizing to someone that I'm his wife? Didn't his cold attitude mean he doesn't want to stay in this relationship anymore?'While Kisa was overthinking everything, Felicity suddenly said contemptuously, "You can't just lose your temper like this, even if she's your wife. It can be considered domestic violence. Be careful lest she leaves you. I mean, no one can bear that bad temper except for her!"Gil
"What are you drinking?" The man's voice was tense and gloomy as if he was anxious. "It's wine. What's wrong?" Kisa said in a daze.As soon as he heard that, Gilbert stood up immediately. He grabbed the glass from her and yelled, "Who gave you this?"Kisa was baffled by the yelling and subconsciously looked at Felicity. Felicity frowned and stared at Gilbert before saying, "Why are you shouting? It's just some fruit wine. I let her have it.""Who allowed you to do so? Do you want her to die?" Gilbert yelled. Felicity was dumbstruck. "It's just some wine. How would Kisa die because of it?" She snorted coldly.Gilbert ignored her. He quickly grabbed Kisa's hand and asked, "How much have you drank? Do you feel any discomfort?"Kisa was taken aback by his inexplicable nervousness. She shook her head and said, "No, I feel fine."Felicity glanced coldly at the man and sarcastically snorted, "You're just like she said, domineering, not letting her drink alcohol... This isn't a pub, you
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