On the way back, after a day of fun, the three children were exhausted and fell asleep in the car. Gilbert had Davian drop the children off at the Kooper residence while he and Kisa got out halfway.In early summer, the evening breeze was refreshingly cool. Gilbert held Kisa's hand as they strolled along the sidewalk."Tired?" he asked, glancing at her. "If you're tired, we can just take a cab back to the apartment."Kisa had lost her child at the Kooper residence, and Gilbert, fearing it would upset her, had not dared to let her return there. Instead, they had been staying together at an apartment.Kisa shook her head. "I'm not tired."A walk like this was actually quite nice. Not far ahead was the riverbank. Under the streetlights, the sparse silhouettes of people created a peaceful atmosphere.Thinking about the day's events, Kisa could not help but worry. "I wonder if Gracie and Kelvin will reconcile.""Don't worry." He reassured her. "Gracie turning the tables on Sara at th
Gracie strode in, ignoring Kelvin's presence as she set the bowl of steaming chicken soup on the desk with a deliberate thud.Kelvin's eyes flicked back and forth between her icy stare and the aromatic bowl of soup. He could not help but grumble."If you are not here for a heartfelt apology, don't even bother."Today had been nothing short of infuriating.'How could this woman so casually mention divorce and utter words like, "it doesn't matter whether I'm around or not"? What did she make of our love, our sacred union?'As Kelvin's frustration simmered beneath the surface, Gracie suddenly picked up the chicken soup and downed it in one go. His eyes widened in disbelief. 'Isn't that soup meant for me?'Gracie licked her lips, smirking at him. "Don't get it twisted. I'm not here to apologize. I'm just bored and needed a good book to read." With a flourish, she turned her attention to the bookshelf.Kelvin's rage reached a boiling point, his piercing gaze fixed on her with resentm
With a final burst of rage, he slammed the door shut once again, signaling his anger.Gracie rolled her eyes. 'So immature.'Despite storming out earlier, when Kelvin returned, he brought her favorite cheesecake. By this time, Gracie's anger had completely evaporated. Silently, he placed the cheesecake on the bedside table and turned to leave. Gracie hurriedly called out to him."Hey, you bought such a huge cake, there's no way I can eat it all by myself.""Throw it away if you can't finish it," Kelvin replied dismissively, without turning his head.Gracie pouted. "It's not as fun eating it alone."He stopped in his tracks, and Gracie thought he would stay to eat with her. Instead, he muttered, "If you think it is no fun eating alone, then go find a few people to share it with." He said this and continued walking out without looking back.Gracie panicked, quickly threw off the covers, and rushed to embrace him from behind."Are you still mad?" Gracie asked, with a tilted head a
"Why did you suddenly stop, we were just...""Damn it! You've just given birth not long ago, what else could I do? If it wasn't for your health, do you think I would be able to hold back? And you still have the nerve to doubt me."Gracie's face blushed at his words, and she yelled, "You dare to try yelling at me again!""You still dare to doubt me? I've been putting you first, and all you do is doubt me. It's driving me insane." Kelvin retorted before storming into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.Gracie felt a mix of anger, embarrassment, and amusement. She buried her face in the blanket, letting out a muffled cry before getting up to nonchalantly enjoy her cheesecake.The crowd strolling by the river gradually dispersed. A cool breeze blew across the water, bringing a touch of chill. Gilbert removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The woman leaned quietly against him. At this moment, even without speaking or doing anything, he felt content, a sense o
"What did it feel like to listen to them having such a good time while you hid in the shadows?"The man was obviously teasing her.Kisa glared at his mischievous smile, expressionlessly spat out a word. "Boring."'He's still so hopeless. I was talking to him about serious matters, and he was focused on teasing me.'Gilbert caught up with her, cradling her small hand in his, gently laughing. "No more anger. Let's go back."Kisa did not speak but let him lead her. After a while, she could not help but ask, "What do you plan to do about Sara?"Gilbert did not care about Sara; he casually said, "She can't steal any secrets from GK. You really think she's like you?"The last sentence was said casually, but Kisa knew what it meant—only she could steal GK's secrets. It was not because she had any special abilities, but because Gilbert had allowed it. She looked at the hand gripping hers, following the arm, looking at his profile. Under the moonlight, his profile was elegant and soft, n
[Did you like the gift I sent you yesterday?] the mysterious text read.Kisa frowned deeply, her heart pounding as a suspicion formed in her mind. Hesitantly, she replied: [Is this Shaun?][Heh, the recording yesterday was just a taste of my sincerity. Today's gift is something much grander. Have you got the guts to come?]Kisa's heart raced, as she realized Shaun knew she had recorded his conversation with Sara. He quickly sent her an address and a time. Kisa struggled to understand Shaun's intentions.She hastily typed a message, her fingers trembling: [What do you want?]But Shaun did not reply. Kisa stared at the address, her thoughts racing. It was a hotel address, even including the room number.Gilbert had not seen the content of her messages. Perhaps he wanted to respect her privacy, so he did not ask any questions and quietly ate his meal. Noticing that she had not touched her food for a while, he placed a Swedish meatball on her plate, his voice gentle."Eat up; it's g
A chilling aura emanated from Gilbert's entire being. Kisa suddenly grasped Shaun's true intentions – he had deliberately baited Sara to expose her vicious nature for Gilbert to see. It seemed Shaun had experienced a moment of conscience, doing something good for a change.Shaun continued to goad Sara with his biting words. "Even if Kisa were to die, there's no guarantee Gilbert would have chosen you. Don't forget about Sharon who came before.""Ha! That fool is nothing." Sara scoffed. "If it hadn't been for the stubborn old Kooper hag forcing Kisa on Gilbert, he would've married me instead. That wretched witch is to blame. I only regret not pushing her down the stairs with more force back then, allowing her a few more years to live. Dying in that explosion was too merciful for her."Kisa's heart raced. 'What's going on here? I thought Sharon pushed Mrs. Kooper Sr. down the stairs? How did it become Sara? Did the two conspire together, with Sara fleeing the scene first?'As Kisa mu
Gilbert did not even bother to look at Sara.Kisa was suddenly reminded of her own desperate pleas for Gilbert's trust in the past, clinging to his sleeve. It was evident that Gilbert treated her differently from Sara. When he had looked at her back then, his eyes were filled with anger, disappointment, and a hidden layer of heartache. Now, as he gazed at Sara, his expression was calm and detached, as if she were nothing more than a stranger.Gilbert's indifference seemed to drive Sara into a fit of crazed laughter. She locked her eyes on Kisa, taunting. "So what if he's seen who I really am and learned about his grandma's death? You're the one responsible for his parents' deaths, and that's an undeniable fact. You'll forever be a sinner in his eyes, always! Neither of you will ever find happiness, never!"Gilbert's eyes turned ice-cold, but just in time, the police arrived and dragged Sara away. Kisa stood silently at the doorway; her hand held tightly by Gilbert as he smiled softl
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