"Admit it, you've been hiding things from me," said the man. His voice was warm and calm, but it made her feel oppressed. Compared to how he always yelled at her, his gentle yet cold demeanor was even more terrifying.Kisa held onto her own hands and said, "I don't know what you're talking about.""Oh, you don't?" Gilbert pursed his lips and smiled. The smile sent a chill down her spine. The man straightened up and slowly walked toward Kisa as she stepped back subconsciously.The bed occupied most of the room, so as she backed away, she reached the side of the bed. The back of Kisa's knee accidentally bumped against the edge of the bed, and she fell onto it as the man approached her. The bed was soft, and she bounced twice on it. Gilbert came closer, bent his back a little with one hand supporting him on the mattress, and stroked Kisa's soft hair with the other. "Do you need a quick reminder?" He asked.Kisa did not like how calm and collected he was, even though it was clear that
Kisa was taken aback. She then realized the cigarette in his hand was stretched out of the window as if he was afraid of burning her. "Then, just smoke. No one is stopping you."Gilbert stared at her for a few seconds and glanced at her belly. 'Ugh. I have got to quit smoking.' The man tugged on his tie, as he was a little annoyed. Then, he stubbed out his cigarette."Why did you do that? It's not like I can't inhale it right now," Kisa stared at him in a daze and said. 'What is wrong with this man? When my health was at risk back then, he could not stop smoking in front of me. He would even deliberately puff out the smoke to my face. Now that I'm fine, he's suddenly being considerate. He's so fake,' Kisa thought.She tried to change the topic and asked for the third time, "Did your uncle actually send a letter to grandma?"Gilbert stared at her with a playful demeanor and replied, "Didn't you say you weren't interested in my uncle's affairs? Why are you getting so worked up?"'Uh
"Grandma withdrew the lawsuit because of that letter?" Kisa was getting more and more confused. "Why did David help Sharon? Does he have a connection with the Case family?"Gilbert shook his head. "I checked. My uncle had nothing to do with the Case family, but... Carolyn seemed to have a crush on him many years ago.""What?" Kisa was utterly shocked, and something flashed through her mind so fast that she could not even grasp it. She sat down on the chair with her mind all over the place. 'Why did David save Sharon from the lawsuit? Could it be because of Carolyn? Does David like her? No, no, no. That's impossible. If David liked her, she wouldn't have married Christopher. With her personality, she would definitely choose David...'Did Carolyn beg him to write the letter? But, that's rather unlikely... She wouldn't be keeping quiet if she knew about David's whereabouts. Plus, there's no way she had a big fight with Christopher because of Adrien if she liked David. Unless... Unless
Arthur's suspicion was so apparent that Kisa was speechless. "I'm not lying; honest!""No one can be sure. You lie so much that you played your husband like a fiddle.""Pfft—" Kisa laughed out. She knew that she was not that capable since Gilbert was hard to deceive. 'I could only ever fool him on small matters. How am I to play him like a fiddle?'"I'm telling the truth this time. The person who hurt her was my husband's uncle, so in a sense, he is my uncle too. Seeing how badly your aunt reacted today, I feel bad. I want to apologize to her on behalf of the Kooper family," Kisa said with a sincere look.Arthur did not doubt her any further when he saw how sincere she looked. He nodded and said, "My aunt hasn't been her best self these past two days. Her mood is constantly fluctuating. You should pay close attention and try not to provoke her.""Okay," Kisa nodded as she followed him toward the fake rock. A small courtyard was on the other side of the rockery, and a wooden cabin
Vivian immediately widened her eyes.The burn scars behind Kisa's back were especially horrifying. Kisa had seen it in the mirror herself.Everyone who had seen the burn scars on her back was all shocked."Your back..."Vivian's voice was filled with shock.Arthur was curious. He tilted his head slightly and glanced in Kisa's direction in embarrassment.However, a single glance was enough to send him into shock."Ah... Kisa, what happened to your back? Why is it like that?"Kisa had a really fair complexion, making the scar look particularly obvious and hideous.Kisa pulled down her shirt and turned to face Vivian. Then, she smiled calmly and said, "Back then, my beloved sent me to jail. Then, I ended up with these wounds.""Your... Your beloved?" Vivian was in disbelief.Kisa nodded, "I loved that man for many years and became his wife, just like I wished. However, he still sent me to jail for another woman. Back then, I was eight months pregnant with his child.""W-What?"
'This shows that my word got through her,' Kisa thought to herself.She thought again, 'If I want to learn about David, I can only start with Vivian. There's a saying that people with similar experiences feel sympathy for one another, so it'll be easier for them to reach out to each other. I need to make Vivian let her guard down if I want to get closer to her. That's why I told her about my messy and painful past. That way, Vivian might think she isn't the most miserable person.'Seeing how Kisa did not move, Vivian darkened her expression. She said to Arthur, "Hurry up and scram with your friend!""Oh, oh, don't be mad, Aunty Vivian. We'll leave now, We'll leave..."Arthur said while tugging Kisa's arm in a panic. Then, they walked out to the courtyard.Kisa turned around and saw Vivian with one arm on the table and the other on her wheelchair. She had a dark expression on her face and a hint of hatred in her eyes.Kisa smiled slightly.'My words definitely got through to Vivi
Kisa said as she peered at Adrien's expression.Adrien nodded, "I heard about this from Mr. Mullen Sr. too. He said the eldest son of the Kooper family had hurt Ms. Mullen back then, so it's no surprise the Mullen family don't like the Kooper family.""Yeah. I want to atone for his sins, so I purposefully came over to console Ms. Mullen.""You're... helping the Kooper family atone for their sins?" Adrien looked at Kisa in amusement.He continued, "You don't have to atone for their sin. Isn't there Gilbert?"Kisa shook her head. "Ms. Mullen is a good person. It doesn't matter who's atoning for the sins. I, too, went through similarly unforgettable and hopeless suffering, so it's better for me to console her instead. Rather than saying that I'm atoning for the sins in the Kooper family's stead, I'm merely standing in the viewpoint of a woman who's gotten hurt and wants to help Ms. Mullen get better."Adrien nodded and said, "You're right."Kisa glanced at him and said half-jokingl
"Why?"Seeing Arthur's serious and panicked expression, Kisa grew even more curious about the things within the archway.Arthur replied, "That's my grandpa's territory. No one's allowed to go in there."Kisa's eyes glinted slightly."Why is that? Don't you all stay together? Why are there territories?" she asked in confusion."It's not that we have territories."Arthur peered into the archway. Then, he walked toward the villa.Kisa quickly caught up to him."If it's not that you have territories, then what is it? Didn't you just say that's your grandpa's territory?""We don't have territories. Everyone in the Mullen family can move around as they please anywhere in the courtyard except for that place.""Hoho. You're making it sound like that place is a prohibited area.""Something like that."Arthur thought for a bit and continued, "Actually, in the beginning, that area was similar to the other areas in the courtyard. There was a rockery, pond, and gazebo. I even used to of
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