Kisa was feeling nervous as she waited for her first prenatal examination. Memories of her previous pregnancy flooded her mind, but they were not pleasant. Gilbert, her partner at the time, had been unsupportive and uncaring. She had no idea what to do, so she spent most of her time resting at home and never bothered to go for a checkup. She did not even know if she was carrying one or two babies.As she sat in the waiting room, Kisa watched the other pregnant women with their husbands and felt envious. She wished Gilbert were there with her too. Finally, it was her turn for the ultrasound, and she handed the report to the doctor. To her relief, the doctor said her baby was developing very well.She mentioned that she occasionally experienced pain in her belly. The doctor advised her to avoid strenuous exercise and to rest more. Kisa could not help but think of Gilbert's crazy behavior the night before and shuddered. She was grateful that the baby was okay.Kisa looked carefully at
Kisa stared at Madalyn in disbelief. "You used to like me too. I just can't wrap my head around why you're treating me like this."Madalyn sneered, "If you can't figure it out, then don't bother trying. Just remember to stay away from my grandson and stop causing him any more trouble.""I don't understand what I've done wrong."Madalyn's face darkened. "You have no right to know. Just be smart and have the child, then get out of here!" With that, she stormed into the house, leaving Kisa standing alone in the yard.After settling Adrien's affairs, Kisa realized she still had to find a way to break down Madalyn's walls. 'But what is Madalyn hiding? And why is she so guarded about the past?'Gilbert was truly heartless. He had not shown his face to her for a whole week. Madalyn blamed Kisa for driving him away, so Kisa kept things to herself, staying in her room and avoiding any unnecessary confrontation.Christopher's fate hung in the balance as he remained locked up in the detenti
Adrien held the phone to his ear, the other hand clenching a cigarette. Smoke swirled around him, enveloping his brooding and complex expression. He smirked, a sardonic glint in his eye. "Well, I haven't been a father, so I can't answer your question."Kisa sighed, resigned. "Never mind. Maybe he never saw me as his daughter. He accused me of scheming against him, but when I asked who that 'someone' was, he couldn't provide an answer. It was all just his paranoid delusion."Adrien flicked ash from his cigarette, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Maybe you're right.""Let's not talk about him. Honestly, he's not much of a father to me. You are kind and good to me, and sometimes I wish you were my father instead."Adrien's smoking hand paused mid-air. His thoughts drifted as smoke filled the air, mingling with his memories."If only we had a daughter, our son would have a sister.""I love daughters too, so you have to give me another one."Adrien's mind returned to the present.'
Carolyn's eyes brightened as she heard Adrien's words. "Wait, did I hear that right?" she asked.Adrien chuckled, his smile looking a little too forced. "If you don't want me to contact her, then we'll drop the matter. We already have The Case Group, and my family's business is more than enough to support you and Sharon. We don't need the Kooper family's GK."Carolyn's tone turned urgent. "What are you talking about? GK is a big deal in the media industry. The Case Group doesn't even come close to it. Adrien, did you mean what you just said? If you can really get GK, then I won't interfere with you contacting that little... girl."Adrien's lips curled in amusement. "Don't worry. Everything is under my control. Just wait for me to give you GK as a dowry."Carolyn's face lit up with a smile, and she looked like a young woman again, full of happiness and excitement, which did not quite match her age. But she did not notice the sneer and coldness in Adrien's eyes.After a few more day
Gilbert's dark eyes glistened with a hint of coldness and self-mockery. He took a heavy drag of his cigarette and his lips curved into a sad smile. In the video footage, Kisa made a copy of a document and put the original back in the safe. It was only when she left the room that Gilbert finally looked away.He tilted his head to the ceiling and a faint chuckle escaped his lips, filled with self-derision.He knew that Kisa's presence in the Kooper residence was to take him down, but he had foolishly believed that she would not be so heartless. Now he had no choice but to face the truth.He seemed like he could do nothing about it, and he was not even willing to put a stop to it. He was like a hopeless, dying man waiting for her to finish him off.Davian walked in with the takeout with snowflakes covering his shoulders.Gilbert gazed at his shoulders and muttered, "It is snowing?""Yeah, it's not heavy, but it is freezing out there." Davian walked over as he brushed his shoulders.
Gilbert let out a derisive laugh and continued smoking without saying a word. The whole office was filled with a thick cloud of smoke.Kisa opened the window and walked over to his desk. He squinted his eyes and looked at her with a hint of mockery. Ignoring his icy demeanor and taunts, Kisa placed a thermos in front of him. "Here's soup and some side dishes I cooked especially for you. Eat it while it's still warm."There was also some takeout food on the table, which looked like it had not been touched and had gone cold. Kisa knew the man either did not eat or ate cold food. It would be strange if he did not have stomach problems. She had even bought some stomach medicine on her way to the office.She placed the medicine on the table and said to him with concern, "You can keep this box of medicine in your drawer. If your stomach hurts, you can take it anytime."Gilbert continued to look at her with a mocking expression. The cigarette between his fingers had just been lit and had
Gilbert pulled out a pack of cigarettes and shook one out. He instinctively reached for his lighter, but as he glanced at the woman's belly, he suppressed the urge to smoke. The cigarette dangled between his fingers as he casually observed the woman in front of him, his tone icy."Why aren't you leaving yet?"Kisa tucked away her thermos and whispered to him, "I'm leaving now. Rest early and take care of yourself."She gave him a deep glance before walking out the door.As soon as she left, Gilbert suddenly grabbed the lamp and penholder from his desk, hurling them to the ground with a sharp motion of his hand. He stood up, hands on hips, his unexplainable fury growing stronger. He did not know what was wrong with him. When he saw the woman, he was thrilled, but when she appeared before him, he was agitated. However, after driving the woman away, he was even more annoyed. These conflicting feelings felt like a kind of disease that could not be cured.Walking to the window, he look
Kisa pursed her lips.'What a load of nonsense to be busy with! Davian has already said that the company has been quiet lately. Obviously, he just doesn't want to sleep with me.'But she supposed it was kind of him to let her use the lounge and even invite her up."Well then, I'll go to sleep first. You should rest early too, don't stay up too late," Kisa said before walking toward the neatly arranged lounge.The room was spotless with white sheets that were neatly folded at the foot of the bed. Kisa touched the bedding, and it was so thin that it felt like she was lying on an air-conditioned blanket. She took off her outer clothes and lay down, quickly covering herself with the sheets. But even with the heater on full blast, the open window made the room freezing cold. Kisa curled up, hoping Gilbert would hurry and come to warm her up.After tossing and turning for what felt like hours, she finally called out to Gilbert at the door, "Gilbert, aren't you going to sleep?""No, I'm
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