Kisa's eyes widened. "Jensen?"Peter managed a faint smile."Yeah, surprising, right? Turns out Jensen's been awake for a while now. Mia betrayed you because of him. After all, David is his father."His voice was laced with mixed emotions as he spoke.But Kisa had no energy to dig deeper or feel resentment toward Jensen. Her concern was immediate: "Are they okay?"Peter looked down, chuckled sadly, and finally stood up, speaking softly. "You should focus on yourself first."As he turned to leave, Kisa asked quickly, "Why did you bring me here?"Peter replied, "If you want to keep your unborn child safe, stay here quietly."And with that, he was gone.Though Kisa was baffled by Peter's actions, her main worry was for Gilbert and Madalyn's safety. David, who had protected her and Madalyn in the end, had shown his true colors.She wondered why Jensen had pretended to be in a vegetative state for so long.As she recovered, Kisa's body remained weak, especially her arms, which ha
Just then, Jolina's younger brother, Joshua Wayne, came sprinting over, his face etched with panic."Sis, something terrible happened!" he exclaimed, anxiously grabbing Jolina's hand."Peter fell into the river!"During springtime, fresh grass sprouted on the field ridges, and the villagers prepared to sow seeds. The fields needed water, so Peter and Jolina's father decided to divert water from a nearby river into the fields. Apparently, while setting up the water pipes near the riverbank, Peter had slipped and plunged into the water.Although Peter was a strong swimmer, the river's rapid currents, fueled by water diversion from neighboring villages, swept him away. Jolina's father paced the riverbank, guilt consuming him."This is all my fault. I should've been the one setting up the pipes. Peter insisted on doing it so I could rest. What are we going to do now?"Jolina's eyes reddened as she stared at the turbulent river, her tense posture betraying her anxiety and concern. Kis
After their sibling connection came to light, Peter felt a bit awkward around Kisa. However, Kisa's open-hearted nature and genuine concern for his injuries helped bridge the gap. She began sharing stories about their mother with him.Peter eagerly absorbed every detail, craving the maternal love he'd missed out on. He bombarded Kisa with questions about their mother, asking if she was kind, if she treated Kisa well, and if she'd ever mentioned him. Kisa shared all her memories and told Peter about a photo album of their mother, promising to show it to him once they returned home.Three days later, Kisa planned to leave the village. During that time, Jolina had taken care of Peter, and his misfortune had surprisingly brought them closer together. Peter initially intended to leave with Kisa, but his injured leg forced him to stay and recover.On departure day, Jolina and Peter accompanied Kisa to the village entrance to catch a ride.Peter, concerned, said, "Can't you wait for me? W
"How dare you come here?" The voice belonged to Kelvin.He marched toward Kisa, his face brimming with intense animosity, "You've already caused Mrs. Kooper Sr.'s death, and now you want to harm Gilbert too? Have you no conscience? Get out, now!"Kelvin shooed her away, stopping just short of using force. Kisa knew she had committed grave wrongs and didn't argue. Instead, she pleaded with Kelvin, "Please, let me see him.""See him? You mean to torment him? Get out now!"Kisa was chased all the way to the courtyard entrance by Kelvin when suddenly, Sara's voice echoed from a second-floor window."Let her come up."Kisa furrowed her brow, surprised to find that Sara was there too.In the room, Gilbert sat emotionless in a chair, his eyes devoid of any warmth or vitality. Sara was the first to approach Kisa."Kisa, I'm so glad you're okay. It's hard to believe that you survived such a dangerous explosion."Kisa responded sarcastically, "Well, you survived too."Sara suddenly bec
Gilbert averted his gaze, unwilling to look at her or respond to her question. His cold, sorrowful expression already provided the answer she dreaded. Trembling, she tried to steady her breath and said, "Hate me all you want, but be cautious of Sara; she's not who you think she is.""Get out!" he barked.Kisa's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at him, only to find coldness and rejection in his expression. Holding back a sob, she turned and walked toward the exit. Kelvin waited for her downstairs and, without a shred of courtesy, flung the door open. "Get out."Kisa slowly approached him. "C-Can I stay here?""Don't even think about it. Just get out," Kelvin retorted.Kisa hung her head but didn't move. Just as Kelvin was about to lose his patience, Kisa suddenly weakened and crumpled to the floor. When she came to, it was Sara standing beside her."You're awake?" Sara's expression was smug, a complete departure from her usual gentle demeanor. "Kelvin told me you wanted to st
Sara's words were like a match igniting the flames of anger within Kisa, who could not help but snarl at her. But Sara feigned a frightened and pitiful look, acting remorseful."Kisa, you're still pregnant. Don't get angry; it's not good for the baby. If I said something wrong, just tell me, and I will apologize."Kisa clenched her hand at her side, taking deep breaths and desperately reminding herself not to lose control. Sara was deliberately putting on an act in front of Gilbert, and if Kisa lost her cool, she would be painted as the irrational villain. With forced calm, Kisa said, "You didn't say anything wrong.""Kisa, don't be like that," Sara suddenly grabbed her arm, feigning a gentle and kind demeanor."We all know each other well. If I said something wrong, just tell me. Don't keep your frustrations bottled up; it's really not good for the baby."Kisa closed her eyes, struggling to maintain her composure as her anger simmered beneath the surface. Gilbert didn't look at h
But, when Kisa touched Sara's back, her hand came away slick with blood. It was real."It is all fake! This has to be her ploy, playing the victim. It must be—" Kisa's words were abruptly cut off as a strong hand violently gripped her jaw.Gilbert's eyes seethed with menace as he snarled, "I told you, get out!"Suddenly, it felt as if something shattered into a million pieces, the fragments echoing with intensity. A suffocating pain radiated from her heart, engulfing her entire body. Kisa's vision blurred, but she stood defiantly straight, refusing to collapse. Gilbert, without sparing her a glance, coldly shoved her away.She staggered back, leaning against a cabinet, her voice filled with despair."Fine... I'll go." She turned and walked toward the door, her heart bleeding with every agonizing step. The room seemed to plunge into darkness, yet she did not falter, finally making her way through the door.Kelvin looked anxious. "Gilbert, maybe you should bring her back. After all
Upon hearing that his godfather intended to capture his mother, he swore to remain by his side, poised to rescue his mother at a moment's notice. He acknowledged that his godfather had transformed, morphing into a darker, more terrifying figure, but he was steadfast in his mission to protect his mother. As Blake's passionate words filled the air, Kisa's heartache began to subside, replaced by a sense of comfort.Throughout her life, Kisa had faced immense pain and adversity, but she drew strength from the fact that her three children were still alive – a reality she had once deemed unimaginable.Springtime breathed new life into the world, yet amidst the thriving green courtyard, David sat, a hollow shell of a man, confined to a wheelchair.Jensen diligently attended to David, preparing a basin of warm water. He wrung out a towel, tenderly grasped David's hand, and meticulously wiped it clean.Kisa observed the poignant scene from a distance, her heart heavy with conflicting emotio
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