Kisa was startled and began to feel curious. 'Strange… How can there be light?'The tiny spot of light was not very bright. Kisa stared at it for a long time, only to realize that it was coming through the cracks of the ruins. The rubble from the collapse had formed a wall. Kisa needed to find out whether someone was there or if someone had dropped their phone. The faint light looked like a flashlight from a mobile.Kisa touched her way around but still could not find a way out. "Hello? Is anyone there?" she shouted, but no one answered.'Someone must have dropped a phone on the other side,' she thought. 'This will be much easier if only I can grab it.'Kisa put her hands on the wall and continued walking along it, but she still could not find an exit. Suddenly, she heard a vague sound of people talking. The voices sounded familiar.'That sounds like Anthony and Mr. Mullen Sr.'"Actually, I don't hate you, Anthony. On the contrary, son, you're the most important child to me. I on
Kisa leaned against the rubble weakly, staring at the figure shrouded in a faint light. She did not dare to move. She feared that the figure would disappear like a bubble if she moved.'I'm having a hallucination. Am I dying? But… At least I get to see him.'Suddenly, Kisa did not feel so afraid or helpless anymore.She smiled at the figure and muttered, "Will you blame me for not protecting our child?"The man appeared in front of her as soon as she said that. He knelt down and stared at her without blinking. Under the faint light from the phone's flashlight function, the man's black eyes looked like coal.Kisa looked carefully into his eyes; there was resentment behind it. She then could not help but smile sadly and said, "I guess I really hurt your feelings, huh? Look at you. You look so angry still, in my imagination."All of a sudden, Kisa burst into tears. "I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you, Gilbert. I didn't mean it…"While she said that, she reached o
"Kisa… Where are you? Kisa…"Kelvin kept calling her name and dug through the dirt and rubble with his bare hands. After a while, his hands were covered in blood. "You can't die on us, Kisa. What will Gilbert do if you're dead? How is he going to live without you? Kisa… Please be okay… Kisa…" His eyes were red with tears as he roared frantically into the ruins.Adrien stood aside, smoking a cigarette and surveying at the damage thoughtfully. 'Is that woman really dead? How will I keep up this game if she's dead?'He narrowed his eyes coldly, and he seemed irritated."You lot, go and look for them. Make sure you rescue Mr. Mullen Sr. and Mrs. Kooper," Adrien ordered the bodyguards behind him.He then walked toward Mrs. Mullen Sr. and said, "Are you alright, Mrs. Mullen Sr.?"The old lady shook her head but covered her face and cried, "I'm fine, but my husband…""That was scary. How could the basement collapse like that?" Lydia said with lingering fear as she clutched her chest.
Kelvin was agitated and asked, "Where is she? Is she okay? Is she safe?" Adrien was also staring at Anthony at that point, nervous about finding out the answer. He did not want Kisa to die just like that.Anthony was silent for a long time. When he started to speak, his voice was weak. "Gilbert took her out of there, but I'm unsure if she's alive.""Gilbert? How can he be here? Are you toying with me?" Kelvin asked, taken aback by what he heard. Anthony did not pay any attention to him. Instead, he just stared at Mr. Mullen Sr.'s lifeless body in a daze, and everyone in the Mullen family fell into a mourning state.Adrien looked toward the horizon of the ruins thoughtfully. 'Seems like there's another exit in this basement that even that old man did not know about. Sara, Sara, Sara. I've underestimated you…''Thank god Gilbert saved Kisa, though. I was worried that she wouldn't be able to return to his side.' The corners of Adrien's lips curled when he thought about it. His eyes da
"It's okay. You can kill me whenever you get the chance. I'm tired of you being loving one second and not the other. I don't want to fight for us anymore."Kisa frowned as she looked at the man. 'What does he mean by that? Was he actually hurt by what I said that day? Does he no longer want this relationship with me?'Suddenly, Gilbert stretched out his hand and stroked her belly with his slender fingers for a while. "However, I'll still have you by my side for the sake of this child," he said."You can go wherever you like when the child is born. I won't care about you anymore. Even if you face something as tragic as what just happened, you'll be on your own."Kisa blankly stared at the hand that was lingering on her stomach. Subconsciously, she reached out to grab it, but the man withdrew his touch. Kisa's hand stopped in mid-air, empty and lonely.She wanted to explain everything to Gilbert, but if Adrien and his evil plans were still in action, they would never be able to live
Everyone in the Mullen family was shocked when they found out that 50% of the family's property and business shares were given to Anthony. Albert got 10%, while Leon, Isaac, and Joe each got only 5%. Meanwhile, Vivian got 15%, and finally Mrs. Mullen Sr. got 10%.Kisa was also taken aback when she heard about the distribution of the inheritance. She looked at Kelvin and asked, "Are you sure? The distribution numbers seem rather unreasonable. Doesn't this mean that Anthony is now the head of the Mullen family? Wasn't he the most unfavorable one out of them all?""Yeah. That's why the other sons of the Mullen family went crazy. They're saying that he killed Mr. Mullen Sr. and forged the will. Leon, Isaac, and Joe are planning to join forces and sue Anthony."Kisa frowned. "What happened next? There hasn't been any news from the Mullen family in the past half a month. Has the inheritance dispute been resolved?""The only reason there hasn't been any news is that Anthony had something
Kisa slowly looked up and saw Gilbert's indifferent handsome face. She had been recuperating in the villa for over half a month now and saw the man day and night. The man had never smiled at her during the time she was there.Even though the two slept on the same bed, they had their backs facing each other, which made Kisa feel lonely and bitter. However, she did not say a word about his indifference and had no right to blame him. All she could do was bear it in silence.'I have to figure out Adrien's true purpose before telling him anything,' she thought.Kelvin had come over several times and noticed that Gilbert was upset. Seeing the gloomy expression on the man's face, Kelvin walked over to him tactfully with the help of his crutch. His leg had been injured when the basement had collapsed the other day, but it was not as serious as Kisa's injury. He was still able to walk around with his crutches, while Kisa had to sit in a wheelchair."I'll visit you in a few days, Kisa. Ms. M
"Then I'll feed you!"After saying that, Gilbert raised her chin with one of his hands, forcing her to look up. Before Kisa could say anything, the man pried her mouth open with two fingers. The woman was in pain and wanted to shout at him, but the man had no mercy. He poured the chicken soup directly into her mouth.Although his actions were rough, the soup did not splash out of Kisa's mouth. It wasn't until she was forced to swallow that the man let her go. Kisa started to choke and cough non-stop as her stomach began to churn. She then bent over and started to hurl. However, nothing came out of her. She caressed her own chest while she suffered.'F*ck me. This man must think I was only pretending to throw up all this while, huh?'Just as she expected, the man took a few steps back and looked at her with a sneer. "Didn't you say you can't drink it? Why were you able to down it without any issues then?"Kisa's face was red, making her pale face look livelier. She held onto the ar
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