Kisa subconsciously turned to look. To her surprise, the silhouette was Gilbert.'How'd he get to the courtyard within such a short period of time? He's still in his night robe,' she thought.Kisa then glanced at the courtyard behind him; it was pitch black. Only Vivian's place had some light, and the other places did not look different.Her gaze was fixated on Gilbert. After the man entered the house, she finally shifted her gaze.A while later, Gilbert finally returned."What were you doing just now?" Kisa asked curiously the moment the man entered the room.Gilbert shut the door and glanced at Kisa. A moment later, he responded indifferently, "Nothing."Then, he leaned onto the headboard and stared at a random spot in a daze.Gilbert scrunched up his brows as his eyes darkened; he seemed to be thinking about something.Kisa could not figure out what he was thinking, but she sensed he had a heavy heart.She pursed her lips. Then, she suppressed her curiosity and did not ask
"Where is that woman? Is she in the backyard? I'll go find her. We must clarify everything that happened back then."Gilbert was experiencing complex emotions when he saw how emotional that woman was. He knew she must have felt wronged when he misjudged her all those years back. He wanted to make up for it, but she refused to accept his efforts.He pulled Kisa back and said, "There's no need to go after that woman. It isn't her."Kisa was taken aback. "It isn't?""No, it isn't."Kisa felt discouraged and leaned into Gilbert's arms. She had thought that it was her. 'I was mentally prepared to confront the woman, but he said it wasn't her.'Kisa could not help but feel a sense of loss in her heart.'Even though all of Gilbert's attention would be focused on Sara once she appears and I won't be known as Mrs. Kooper or the wife of GK's CEO anymore, I still hope that she'll appear so that I can find out everything that happened back then... and so that Gilbert can stop deliberately p
Gilbert looked at Kisa with sad eyes and asked, "You really want her to appear?""Well, yeah. Don't you?""I—""Don't tell me that you don't want that. Don't tell me that I'm the one you really love," Kisa interrupted him lightly."You couldn't wait to catch up when you saw that figure that resembled her. Don't you think you'd be lying if you said you love me? Honestly, I don't blame you for anything. Love can't be forced. I've already thought about it after all these years. If she ever comes back, I'll give you two my blessing," Kisa said with a smile.It was as if she no longer wanted this marriage.Gilbert grabbed onto the mattress tightly. He gripped it so angrily that his knuckles turned blue.Kisa saw the man's sullen look and laughed, "Didn't you say I robbed her of being Mrs. Kooper? Isn't giving it back to her when she returns the right thing to do? Why are you getting mad about it?""...Okay. I'm not mad." Gilbert's face looked tense, but his voice was calm as he slow
After Kisa and Arthur left the room, Gilbert slammed the book on the table with a gloomy look on his handsome face. "Kisa, did you have a fight with your husband?" Arthur asked abruptly as they walked on the gravel road in the backyard. Kisa was taken aback when she heard that. She smiled in surprise and said, "No. Why?""Well, when I went to your room to look for you, I saw his face, and it was terrifying, especially when he looked at me. It was like he was going to eat me alive. Did you guys have a fight before I went into the room?""Nah," Kisa awkwardly laughed. 'Ugh, why does that man always have to look so gloomy and scary? Can't he control his facial expressions? We're just guests at the Mullen residence, for goodness sake.'"Kisa, I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but I think your husband hates me."'Oof. This little dude is rather straightforward, but he's not wrong,' Kisa thought. She smiled at him and said, "Oh, it's not that. He was just in a bad mood when you came i
Kisa saw that Vivian's complexion was much better than yesterday. Maybe it was the warm sun in the late autumn morning. Vivian was sitting in the courtyard with a blanket and a book in her lap. She leaned back on her wheelchair, and her eyes were slightly closed. It was a peaceful scene. Kisa was also happy to see that she was no longer sad.Arthur brought Vivian lots of snacks, books, and fun crafts, all in one bag. He dumped the things onto the table and yelled, "Aunt Vivian, I'm here to see you again!"Vivian slowly opened her eyes. She looked at Arthur and then at Kisa. Her gaze was not as cold and sharp as it had been yesterday. "Stella, go make some tea," she said to one of the servants. Kisa smiled faintly and sat at the table with Arthur. He was a chatterbox, introducing Vivian to all kinds of stuff. Vivian listened to him calmly. Occasionally, a smile would appear on the corner of her lips.'Arthur has quite the charisma. He's somewhat capable of coaxing people and enliveni
"Hey, Mr. Kooper. Are you here to see Ms. Mullen? Why are you standing outside? Just go in." It was Adrien's voice. He even called Gilbert "Mr. Kooper".Kisa's heart trembled for a moment, and her back stiffened up. 'Why is Gilbert here? He should have gone out of this place long ago with how gloomy he was this morning.' Just as she was thinking about it, Adrien and Gilbert had already walked in. Vivian looked at Kisa, and after a while, she glanced at the two new visitors.To Kisa's relief, Vivian did not go crazy like she did two days ago when she saw Adrien. However, there was obvious resentment and hostility toward Gilbert in her eyes."You're... from the Kooper family?" She asked Gilbert coldly."Yes, I'm from the Kooper family in Calthon. David Kooper is my uncle," Gilbert replied, not intending to hide anything.Kisa subconsciously glanced at Adrien. She saw that he had his hands behind his back and was expressionless. Vivian's face began to show the distorted look of hatre
"Aren't you going to leave?!" Gilbert clenched his fists as he turned around and walked out of the yard. Kisa stroked Vivian's back and whispered, "It's okay. The person from the Kooper family has left. It's okay. It's all over now...""Arthur, pour her a cup of tea," she said to Arthur. He quickly handed over the cup of tea, and Kisa let Vivian have a few sips. She gradually calmed down after that.Adrien was standing at the side. Kisa glanced at him and asked, "Are you here to see Ms. Mullen today too, Uncle Tanner?""Well, Mr. Mullen Sr. and I are good friends. Ms. Mullen mistook me for that person, so Mrs. Mullen Sr. asked me to come and comfort her."Hah!" Vivian suddenly sneered. "But, you're not him," she said with a smile as she looked at Adrien with scarlet eyes. The look in her eyes was complicated. Many emotions were hidden behind it. At first, Kisa thought that Adrien would not be able to stand Vivian's gaze and would probably dodge them a little. However, she was surpr
Kisa followed her gaze and looked at Adrien's back. Many questions popped up in her head. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that Adrien was David Kooper. 'Otherwise, why would he show such concern to Ms. Mullen?' Ever since Adrien and Gilbert appeared, Vivian had been in a bad mood. Kisa held Vivian's hand tightly and said, "Don't think too much about the past. The most important thing right now is for your leg to heal. I will contact my friend tonight and ask him to come as soon as possible.""Many doctors have looked at me and said that it's hopeless," Vivian said in a low voice.Kisa smiled at her and said, "Well, I was sentenced to death by many doctors back then, and I was indeed dying at that time. But, my friend was able to drag me back from hell. I believe that he can heal your legs."A glimmer of hope flashed in Vivian's dead eyes when she heard that. Kisa was relieved. "The weather is nice. You should call your friends and hang out with them.""Friends?" Vi
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