The man did not respond at all.However, Kisa refused to believe that he did not hear her crying out in pain. After all, sharp and alert people like him were often light sleepers.Regardless, the man still did not respond.Kisa was frustrated.'He's completely giving me the cold shoulder now? He's even disregarding his child's safety,' she thought."It hurts! My stomach hurts so badly!"Kisa said loudly and grunted out in anger.Suddenly, the person beside her shot up. The man had sat up on the bed.Before Kisa could react, the lights in the room were turned on.She lifted her head and was met with a handsome, tense face."Why does your stomach hurt?" the man asked in a panic.His slender, large hands covered her stomach and gently caressed it.Kisa snorted lowly, "I've been crying out in pain for a while now. Weren't you ignoring me? Why are you worried now?"'Her tone... Why does it sound like there isn't pain at all but a hint of resentment instead?' Gilbert wondered.
Kisa stared at the man in front of her through teary eyes."You'll never know how it feels like to be a mother. Back then, I loved that child more than myself. How could I use it to threaten you? You, on the other hand, were cold-blooded and heartless. You kept calling it a b*stard and saying it shouldn't live; you told me to abort it. You don't know how hopeless I felt and how much pain I was in," she said in a choked voice.After she finished, she took a deep breath and wiped her tears. She continued, "Even though it's all in the past, my heart still hurts when I think about it. This type of pain is something cold and ruthless people like you won't understand."Gilbert stared intensely at her tear-filled eyes. He could not help but recall what Sharon had said to him outside of prison that New Year's Eve."Kisa said she won't let your child live if you don't let her leave prison."'That was what Sharon told me. However, I never once doubted whether these words truly came out of K
Kisa froze, then turned to look at Gilbert.She was lying down while he was sitting.She could see the man's chiseled jawline and his dark eyes brimming with earnestness.Kisa's heart trembled."What... Did you say?" she asked in a tense voice."I'm saying our first child is still alive."".... Hah!" Kisa suddenly laughed sardonically. It sounded cold and ironic.She continued, "Gilbert, haven't you hurt me enough? You're even telling me such lies...""I'm not lying to you. The child really is still alive.""Is that so?" Kisa snorted icily.She continued, "Where's the child? Bring the child here and let me take a look."Gilbert stared into her eyes and said slowly, "You've met them. They're... Andrew and Ada."Kisa's heart trembled once more. A moment later, she sneered so much she teared up."Gilbert Kooper, if you're going to lie, at least make it a little bit more convincing. Did you forget that I've already done a DNA test with Andrew and Ada? I got carried away with m
"I slept with another woman and had children with her, yet you really don't mind at all?"'How infuriating!' thought Gilbert.The anger he had suppressed so far instantly shot up because of her.'Ironically, she always complains to others about how quick-tempered I am and how I always have a dark expression, but does she hear herself always saying such infuriating things to me? If other men were put in my position, wouldn't they be angry too?' he thought.However, Kisa still resented him because of the child, so she looked at him and lied, "I don't mind, really. Now that I think about it, that outrageous night you had with the woman happened not long after we got married. You didn't acknowledge me as your wife back then and disliked me. That's why I don't have the right to mind you being with other women, right?"She was purposefully saying such things to make him shut up.Gilbert's gaze darkened further. There was evident hostility churning in his eyes.With a tense expression,
Right after Kisa spoke, she turned around so that her back was facing Gilbert.Gilbert stared deeply at the back of her head and did not continue explaining himself.'This woman's always been stubborn. Besides, she refuses to believe me, so there's no use if I don't have concrete evidence,' he thought.When he thought of Kisa's unconcerned and icy words just now, he felt angry.He subconsciously tightened his grip on the woman's waist as he got angry. He wanted to mold her into his embrace.At first, Kisa gritted her teeth and endured his perverted way of hugging.When she felt the pain coming from her waist, she finally lost her patience and growled lowly, "Loosen your grip. Are you trying to strangle my current baby to death?"Gilbert instantly retracted his arms as if he had touched something hot."You... You... Did I hurt you just now?""Mhm!" Kisa answered quietly.When she thought of how the man cared about the baby in her this much, she felt a mix of emotions.'Even t
"Garden? Silhouette of a woman?"Gilbert frowned deeply, "Why'd you have such a dream? You even had the same dream twice. Have you been to that garden? Do you know that woman?"Kisa shook her head."I find it odd too. Ever since I started staying at the Mullen residence, I've been having this dream. I also keep finding the Mullen residence really creepy."Gilbert stroked her back gently, "Alright. It's just a dream, not a foreshadowing. Otherwise, you may as well be Superman."The man said in a feigned light-hearted tone. He was just trying to calm the terrified woman down.Her forehead was drenched in sweat; it seemed like she was terrified by her dream.Kisa nodded, "I also don't think it's a foreshadowing. I would think it's a coincidence if I had such a bizarre dream once since I've changed to a different place to stay and am not used to it. But this is the second time I'm having this dream, so it's really weird.""After this, go see Kelvin."Kisa turned to him in astonish
"I heard that a summer retreat was built in there; a water pipe connects to the stream of the mountain beside. The water's cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Moreover, its interior is also exceptionally stunning. I also heard there's a massive garden that looks like paradise."'A garden?' wondered Kisa.For some reason, she suddenly thought of the bizarre garden in her dream.She could not help but shudder.Moments later, she shook her head.'It's just a dream. How could it be so coincidental?' she thought.She looked at Gilbert, "Do you really buy it? A summer retreat?"Gilbert shook his head, "Of course not. After all, there's no need to act so mysteriously and guarded if it's a summer retreat.""I don't, either. It would make more sense if other people in the Mullen family could enter. The thing is, Mr. Mullen Sr. isn't allowing his family members inside either and there are many bodyguards in the restricted area. That's why I think there's definitely a secre
'She had even chosen her gravesite...' thought Gilbert.Gilbert was leaning on the wall in the courtyard outside. When he heard Kisa's words, his heart clenched.'Back then, she must've had the mentality that she was definitely going to die. Thankfully, she survived. Otherwise, what would I do?' he thought."But I... I'm worried that I'll get my hopes up for nothing, " Vivian gripped her blanket and said dejectedly. She was feeling a mix of emotions.Just as she was about to speak, three persons entered the courtyard.It was Mr. and Mrs. Mullen Sr., and Adrien.Seeing Adrien, Kisa got an idea. She said to Vivian, "You should give it a shot, even if it's a small glimmer of hope. Otherwise, how will you stand up and make that person pay? Go find that person and avenge yourself, right?"Then, she subtly glanced at Adrien.Unfortunately, Adrien's expression remained indifferent, as if he were just an outsider.Kisa's gaze darkened. She suddenly found the man's calmness and indiffe
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