She never expected them to hide their evil plan so well."At that time, when you went to the washroom to clean off the coffee spilled on your dress, you gave me your handbag, remember?""A-And then?""Then, I secretly took out your cell phone and took screenshots of you and Gilbert's intimate photos, as well as your intimate chats with Gilbert. If I remember correctly, you and Gilbert had reconciled at that time, but because of Mrs. Kooper Sr., you kept it a secret. Because of the evidence I photographed, Mrs. Kooper Sr. found out you two were together again. I heard Anthony say that Mrs. Kooper Sr. was so angry that she attempted suicide.""What?" Kisa was too shocked to speak."The day Mrs. Kooper Sr. tried to kill herself seemed to be your birthday, too." Lea murmured.Kisa was obviously smiling, but her eyes were filled with tears—tears of remorse. Her body tensed up, as if she had figured out something, but her thoughts were chaotic. She picked up her coffee and was about to
Kisa stared at Lea in confusion, and Lea nodded her head."So, out of guilt for me at the time, you wanted Gilbert to find the warden so that he and I could make up, right?"Lea nodded again but looked a little sad. "After I told Gilbert about the warden, he went straight after Jensen, and then the accident fell upon Jensen. So, in fact, I was the one who was responsible for Jensen's accident, not Gilbert."She was too naive in the past, doing everything for her so-called love. In the end, after doing all those ridiculous things in the name of love, not only did she fail to get even a half-hearted response but also ended up hurting herself with a ton of guilt. Now that she had confessed it all to Kisa, she felt much better. She felt that even if she were to die now, she would feel more at ease.Kisa's hands were trembling. 'If it was Adrien who engineered Jensen's accident, then it was likely that someone had tampered the car that Jensen was driving. But why would Adrien do this to
Kisa sat on the chair, confounded. 'So, Gilbert didn't lie to me; Andrew and Ada really are my children. But whose baby did I see back then which was all purple and breathless? No. That baby was also mine. I could clearly feel the baby being taken out of my belly at that time. So, was I carrying triplets? Who was it that saved me from the fire—Adrien or Jensen? If Jensen was really working for Adrien all along, then perhaps I'd fallen into a trap from the moment I was rescued from the fire. They might have been setting me up from that moment on.'The more she thought about it, the more chilled and shocked she felt. All her past speculations, assumptions, and everything that she had thought of as the truth until now had all been overturned. 'The people I trusted and relied on were scheming against and harming me, and the man I hated and resented so much never hurt me. Gilbert is the only person who has never schemed against me.'She covered her face with her hands as tears seeped out
Gilbert was nervous. He subconsciously held Kisa in his arms and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling alright?" The man hurriedly picked her up and carefully put her in the car. His eyes showed deep concern. "I'll take you to the hospital right now, okay?"After saying that, Gilbert backed away, preparing to go around the car and into the driver's seat. Suddenly, Kisa grabbed the hem of his clothes. She looked up and stared at Gilbert bewilderedly as she let out a self-deprecating and sad laugh, "I guess I've been wrong all these years."Gilbert frowned fiercely. "What do you mean?"Kisa did not say anything further. Instead, she just lowered her head and started crying and laughing simultaneously. Gilbert was worried for a moment. "Did Lea say something? Did she try to harm you again?" he asked.Kisa shook her head. "She didn't harm me this time. Actually... she helped me. She let me in on a lot of things, and she even told me...""She told me that you loved me very much," she s
"Where were you?" The man asked in a gloomy voice. His handsome face was stained with ruthlessness like a demon. Lea used to fear him, even while being in love with him. But at that moment, Lea was not afraid. Maybe it was because she had made up her mind, but she was no longer afraid of anything.She met the man's dark gaze and laughed lightly, "Nowhere. I just told Kisa about all the bad things I did."Anthony narrowed his eyes coldly, "What does that mean?""It means... I ruined your plans with Mr. Tanner. How does it feel? Are you mad?"Anthony stared at Lea deeply. He suddenly felt that the woman in front of him was different. Before this, Lea has always been humble and flattering toward him. But now, all he saw was provocation and despair in her eyes. His heart tightened inexplicably when he noticed it.With a single force, he pulled the woman over to the bed, and her slender figure almost fell. "Well, aren't you getting gutsy?" he said in a dark manner.Lea stared at him c
"Haven't you always wanted to bear my child? Here, I'll give you another one."An unspeakable sadness appeared in Lea's heart when she thought about that child. Tears fell silently from the corners of her eyes. "That's no longer possible.""How could it be impossible? I'll do it right now!" Anthony began to move his hips again after saying that.Lea stared silently at the face that was only a few inches away from her. From his eyebrows to his chin, Lea looked at Anthony carefully, as if she wanted to remember what he looked like.The man was sound asleep next to her late that night. Lea opened her eyes and stared at the dim ceiling for a long time before quietly getting up. She stood by the bed, looking at the blurry figure with no expression on her face.It was unclear whether the man was having a dream, but he suddenly said, "Why are you so pathetic?!"Lea raised the corners of her lips mockingly.'Turns out that I'm still pathetic even in his dreams. It's fine. From now on, I
Kisa shook her head vigorously, hoping it was just a false alarm and that the dream was just the aftermath of what she was thinking earlier in the day. She called Lea's number three times in a row, but each time it was sent to voicemail. It was clear that her phone was switched off.Kisa began to worry. "What should we do? What if something bad happens to Lea?" Kisa asked, her voice sounding like she was about to cry."Don't worry. It's late; she's probably asleep," Gilbert said in a deep voice, but Kisa could not calm down. The dream was too real. She then dialed Anthony's number. 'He must've met up with Lea since he got out from the Mullen ancestral hall,' she thought.Kisa called Anthony, but he did not answer. He only picked up the second time she called. "What the hell do you want in the middle of the night?!" he said with displeasure and hostility from being woken up."Where's Lea? Tell me. Where is she?""Lea?" Anthony began to regain some sense and subconsciously looked be
Gilbert wanted to comfort Kisa, but he did not know what to say. Her hands were cold even after he held them tightly. Kisa's face was pale. She looked at the picture of Lea on the tombstone in silence. Her face looked so calm that it was scary.Gilbert was afraid that she would collapse at any moment, so he held onto her tightly the whole time they were there. It was not until evening that the two left the cemetery.Kisa could hardly walk. Gilbert helped her get into the car, and she stared out the window blankly. Her face looked as white as a ghost.Gilbert tightened his grip around her hand and said in a low voice, "Try to get some rest if you're tired. Don't overthink it."Kisa listened and obediently closed her eyes. Gilbert took off his coat and put it over her before he started the car.The two stayed at Felicity's for a few days as Kisa was not in a good mood. Ever since Lea's funeral was over, Kisa hardly ever went out of the house. She shut herself in her room all day and
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