Gilbert raised his hand to knock, then hesitated and lowered it, caught in a loop of uncertainty. After the third time, he steeled himself and knocked softly. Silence answered him. His eyes brimmed with a somber darkness, heavy with sorrow."I know you're not asleep yet; you just can't bear to face me."At this late hour, Kisa lay wide awake. Insomnia had become her frequent companion, and he was all too aware of it. As the darkness in his eyes deepened, any lingering light vanished. A quiet, bitter laugh escaped his lips, and he began to turn away. Just then, the door cracked open ever so slightly.Kisa concealed herself in the shadows, her heart aching with grief, confusion, and helplessness. Yet, redemption seemed out of reach. The night was eerily silent, their breaths the only sound echoing in the darkness.Gilbert wrapped her in a tender, protective embrace. They lay entwined, bodies pressed close, yet it felt like an abyss separated them. She seemed to be walling herself off
A bustling silhouette reflected on the kitchen's glass door. Intrigued, Gilbert walked over and slid it open.Sara instantly greeted him with a radiant, tender smile. "You're awake! I made breakfast, so go freshen up and we can eat." Her hands moved with practiced grace as she prepared the meal.Gilbert could not take his eyes off her, and for a fleeting moment, she morphed into Kisa in his mind. Now, even the simplest scene seemed beyond his reach.Suddenly, a pair of delicate hands encircled his arm. Sara gazed at him with worry. "Gilbert, what's wrong? Did you not sleep well?"With stoic composure, Gilbert gently pulled his arm away."It was Kisa who asked you to stay," he said quietly.Sara's lips tightened, her head lowered, appearing both vulnerable and blameless."I know. None of you ever welcomed me. From the start, I've always been an unwanted presence.""What is it that you want?" Gilbert inquired, a hint of detachment in his voice. "Aside from love, I can give you an
The more tenderly he treated her, the more she was haunted by the memory of his parents' deaths and her role as the transgressor. She had stolen their lives, shattering his once-blissful childhood. Yet he never broached the subject of his parents' demise in her presence, fearing it would distress her. They both avoided the topic, but that did not mean it ceased to exist.April's embrace graced the park, casting vibrant scenery and rejuvenating air all around.As Gilbert held her hand, guiding her along the cobblestone path with few passersby, she felt a wave of comfort she had once yearned for but believed unattainable. Now that she had it, her heart could never return to the innocence it once knew. She had grown reticent, often relying on Gilbert to initiate conversations. He would ask, and she would respond. He never found it tiresome and treated her with the same delicate attention as one would a first love.As twilight enveloped them and a cool breeze kissed their skin, Gilbert
After a long, intensely passionate moment, Kisa finally found a deep slumber in the latter part of the night. Gilbert tenderly held her delicate hand in his, marveling at the daintiness of her fingers. He could not believe that this was the woman he had adored since their youth. Despite the many trials and tribulations they had faced, he could not help but feel grateful that fate had brought them back together.He pulled her closer, her body enveloped in his warm embrace. Softly, he whispered into her ear, "Together, we will find true happiness."She seemed to have heard him, murmuring a gentle "Mm," like a content kitten snuggled in his arms.The next morning, Kisa awoke to find Gilbert gazing at her with a look filled with passion and intensity.Startled, she asked, "What's going on?"Gilbert flashed a playful grin."Nothing, just admiring how angelic you look when you are asleep."Kisa looked away, not responding. Lately, she had become more introverted; in the past, she woul
"Can you believe it? Miss Mitchell's been in there for over an hour. What on earth could they be doing?""Your guess is as good as mine. But remember, Miss Mitchell was Mr. Kooper's first love. Talk about a blast from the past.""No kidding. She was his moon and stars, the one who drove him wild. What do you think they're up to, all alone in there for so long? Wink, wink."A few gossipy employees snickered and shot glances her way, making sure she caught every word. Kisa held her head high, ignoring them as she marched forward. Just as she reached the CEO's office door, someone blocked her path."Excuse me, ma'am. Mr. Kooper is currently tied up. Please wait a moment."Kisa replied coolly, "Then please inform him that I'm here."The assistant appeared uneasy. "Mr. Kooper doesn't like to be disturbed when he is busy. It's best if you wait for a while."From behind her, the snide remarks and smirks resumed."Looks like Mr. Kooper's first love is back in town. Time for someone to
Upon seeing her frozen in place, Gilbert's eyes widened as he grasped the situation. Gripping her arm, he asked with urgency in his voice, "You don't think I'm involved with her again, do you?""No," Kisa replied, her gaze fixated on the food. "I just can't eat here."A spark of intrigue flashed across Gilbert's face as he scanned their surroundings. "Where would you like to eat, then?"It was quite a rare occurrence for Kisa to express a preference. His heart swelled with excitement, and he carefully covered the food, his eyes never leaving her."I want to eat in the employee cafeteria," Kisa said, her lips pressed together.Gilbert's eyebrow arched in surprise, and he chuckled. "What made you suddenly want to eat there? I thought you usually despised crowded places?"As he spoke, he stood up, balancing the food container in one hand and guiding her with the other as they made their way outside.Kisa remained silent; her eyes cast downward. In reality, the gossip she had overhe
Sara laughed sarcastically. "Well, I guess I didn't give you enough credit. But do you honestly think that Gilbert's love for you guarantees a happily ever after?"With a tinge of jealousy in her eyes, she scoffed coldly. "You truly believe he will forget his parents' tragic end? Don't kid yourself. You're both living a lie. Sooner or later, your problems will resurface. You will forever be his enemy, and your peaceful life together is just a fantasy."She lowered her voice, ensuring only Kisa could hear.For Kisa, Gilbert's parents' untimely death weighed heavily on her heart. Whenever it was brought up, she felt overwhelming despair and sorrow. She could not change this brutal reality, but in Sara's presence, she hid her heartache.Remaining composed, even wearing a faint smile, she retorted, "So what? Even if we can't be together in peace, you won't stand a chance."Sara's eyes narrowed malevolently. "You think I care? If his love is out of reach, I'll take something else."Ki
"No way!" Kisa blurted out, trying to stand up and escape.But Gilbert pulled her back in an instant, even positioning her provocatively on his lap. This pose might have been fine at home, but at the office, it felt incredibly awkward. If someone walked in, she would be mortified.Squirming to get up, she pleaded. "Gilbert, quit it! I want to go home.""I just need your help."Kisa hesitated, momentarily forgetting her attempts to break free. "Help with what?""I have loads of documents that need organizing. Help me out, and then we'll head home together."Kisa's brow furrowed instinctively. "Why not let your Miss Mitchell assist you?"Gilbert's face darkened. Feigning annoyance, he flicked her forehead. "I don't like her hanging around.""If you don't want her here, then why did you hire her as your secretary? Watch out; she might try to uncover your company's secrets."Kisa deliberately shared this concern, hoping he would remain cautious.He scoffed disdainfully. "She's no