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
Tears fell uncontrollably from Kisa's eyes as she looked at the bowl of spicy ramen in front of her. She remembered that Lea also suffered from morning sickness not long ago and could not eat anything except ramen.'It hasn't been that long, but she and her child are now...' Kisa could not help but feel overwhelmed once more when she thought about it.Gilbert's heart tightened when he saw her suddenly crying. "What's wrong? Is your tummy okay? I'll try to find more food if you can't eat this." The man was about to take the bowl of ramen away when Kisa grabbed his hands to stop him. "I'm fine. It's just some pregnancy mood swings," she said with a smile."I've heard people say that pregnant people are very emotionally fragile. It's okay. You'll be fine after you have the baby," Felicity said with partial understanding, to which Kisa nodded with a smile.Kisa was overwhelmed with emotions when she saw the array of food and how concerned Gilbert and Felicity were. When she was pregnan
It was Anthony. He was dressed in black, and his face was cold and solemn. His thin lips were tightly pressed together, revealing a touch of daunting coldness. Kisa was unsure if it was her imagination, but she felt that Anthony had lost some weight.Anthony knelt and placed a bouquet of flowers in front of her grave. He stood up and stared at Lea's photo in silence, without saying a word. Kisa did not understand what he was trying to do. In her eyes, Lea took her own life because of that man. She did not know why he was there after so many days."I remember telling you not to be so cruel to her, otherwise, you'd drive her to her death, but you didn't believe me," Kisa stood up and uttered coldly.Antony's gaze slowly turned to her. There were no emotions on the man's face; only a sense of melancholy lingered over him.Suddenly, he violently grabbed Kisa by the neck. Startled, Kisa backed away quickly and fell in front of Lea's grave.Anthony held her neck up against Lea's tombsto
"What happened? Who did this to you?" Gilbert asked as he hurriedly checked the red mark on Kisa's neck to see if the damage was severe.Kisa grabbed his hand and smiled, "I'm fine. Don't worry.""How can I be worried?" There was a serious expression on Gilbert's face. He looked at the tombstones in the cemetery and suddenly said ruefully, "Everyone has only one life. Thank god...""Yeah?" Kisa looked at him and asked."Thank god that you're still alive and well by my side. Otherwise... I wouldn't know what to do."Kisa hugged him after hearing that. She snuggled into the man's arms and murmured, "Yeah... Thank god."'Fortunately, I was not as deep in despair back then as Lea was, and I was still able to come out of it.' Kisa felt sad and regretful when she thought of Lea and Anthony, but there was nothing she could do anymore. The living could only let time heal their pain and grief.That afternoon, Kisa and Gilbert went back to the Mullen residence. They still stayed in the sa
Carrie did not seem to notice how Mr. Mullen Sr. and Jane's faces changed after listening to what she said. She then continued talking with disdain plastered across her face."What I'm saying is that that woman is dumb. She was already sleeping with Anthony. Why didn't she make use of it to marry into the family? I mean, Aunty Jane became a part of the Mullen family because of the child she bore. That woman could have done the same. I don't get why she didn't just ask Aunty Jane for advice. Why would she kill herself just like that? Oh, I forgot..."Carrie was disdainful and proud. She seemed to have remembered something and sneered, "I forgot your friend was actually pregnant with Anthony's child, but Ms. Reyes outplayed her. Tsk, tsk. She was merely a plaything that could be replaced easily. No wonder she killed herself!"Slam!As soon as Carrie finished speaking, Mr. Mullen Sr. slammed the table unbearably. "You're quite the chatterbox, eh? If you don't want to eat, then get out
After dinner, Kisa and Kelvin went to visit Vivian. As soon as they entered the yard, Kisa saw her sitting in her wheelchair, trying to lift her legs. She was able to move them slightly, but not all the way.Vivian seemed a little frustrated that she could not lift her legs. Her face was full of anxiety and annoyance."There's no need to rush, Ms. Mullen. Dr. Hoover said that you're doing great, so don't worry. Take your time," Kisa chuckled as she walked over.When Vivian saw her, a smile instantly appeared on her face. "I haven't seen you in a long time. Please, sit," she said. She then ordered the servants to pour them some tea.Vivian's complexion had improved a lot. The depressed look on her face was also gone. Kisa was happy for her. She helped Vivian with the blanket on her lap and said in a low voice, "We're entering winter soon; you have to stay warm. Keep up the good work, and I'm sure you'll be able to stand up in no time."Vivian nodded, looking at her with gratitude.
Vivian was shivering, possibly traumatized. Kisa, regretting her own hastiness, was afraid that Vivian would break down and go crazy again like she did before. She knew she should have asked the questions only after Vivian's leg had completely healed, but she just could not wait any longer.Adrien had been at the Mullen residence, seemingly watching her and Gilbert's every move all the time, and the person who used psychotropic drugs on her had yet to be identified. Feeling that danger still lingered everywhere in the Mullen residence, she wanted to find out about David and get out of there as soon as possible.Vivian was shaking all over, her hand gripping the handrail, her knuckles turning white from using too much force.Kisa stared at her anxiously. As she thought of changing the subject, Vivian suddenly asked her, "What is your mother's name?"Hesitating for a few seconds, she then said, "Emilia Becker."Vivian's face turned pale instantly. That made Kisa wonder why and what
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