"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 daring move, Sara had slipped away from the guards when they were distracted and broken free from the detention center. Burning with vengeance against Gilbert and Kisa, she had stormed into Ada's school brandishing a knife and taken her hostage.Gilbert had already taken off alone in pursuit of Sara when Davian's call reached Kisa.Panic surged through Kisa as she hung up and rushed out of the bar. Earlier, the weather had been merely hot and sticky, but now, a torrential downpour unleashed its fury. The heavy curtain of rain only heightened Kisa's sense of dread. She jumped into her car and raced off in the direction Davian had described.The memory of Sara's cruelty and insanity sent shivers down Kisa's spine. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to Ada and Gilbert.As Kisa navigated a lonely stretch of road, a horrifying sight came into view: a car, twisted and overturned from a violent crash. Shattered glass littered the ground while thick, white smoke billo
Kisa tenderly wiped away the mud and grime from Gilbert's hands and face with a warm, damp towel. Finishing her task, she held his hand tightly and whispered, "It's over now. Everything's going to be okay. Ada's safe too. If you're exhausted, just close your eyes and rest. I'll be here, watching over you."Gilbert remained silent, but he dutifully closed his eyes. She placed a gentle kiss on his forehead and left the room, her heart heavy with concern for her shaken daughter.Davian and George were comforting the children when she entered the room. Davian, anxiety etched on his face, asked, "Is Mr. Kooper alright?"Kisa shook her head. "His injuries aren't life-threatening, but he hasn't uttered a word." George's lips tightened, as if sensing something deeper. Kisa cast her gaze downward, asking, "When his parents were taken from him, was the scene anything like this?"Outside, a torrential downpour raged on, the thunder's roar and lightning's flash heightening the palpable unease.
Kisa's heart plummeted, recognizing that Gilbert was trapped in a childhood nightmare. Desperate to help him, she called out, "Gilbert, please wake up! Gilbert!" He thrashed about, sweat drenching his forehead, his face twisted in agony and terror. Kisa clung to his hand, urgently whispering, "Gilbert, wake up. These are just dreams. You'll be okay once you wake up. Please, wake up!""Mom!" Gilbert suddenly screamed, bolting upright in bed. Heaving for breath, his muscular frame quivered. Kisa's heart shattered as she reached out to soothe him. "It's okay. Everything's okay now—""Don't touch me!" Gilbert snarled; his voice raw with emotion. His fiery eyes bore into her, seething with hatred. Kisa froze, her hand hovering in the air, fear gripping her as she did not dare touch him. Her heart bled, but she could not blame him. 'It's my fault; my very existence has stolen his parents. He has every reason to despise me.' She told herself in her mind.Suddenly, Gilbert appeared to snap
Gilbert's eyes remained open, locked on her throughout the night, only succumbing to sleep as dawn broke.As his breathing finally steadied, she cautiously opened her eyes. In silence, she studied the striking face forever etched in her heart, her slender fingers delicately tracing the contours of his features in the air. After an eternity, she gently disentangled herself from his embrace and gingerly rose from the bed. As she opened the door, she could not help but steal one last glance at the man lying in bed. His slumbering face still bore a tormented expression, a shadow of anguish furrowed between his brows.'Perhaps, once I'm gone, his life will gradually find light,' she mused, her eyes brimming with heart-wrenching longing and sorrow.'May happiness find you for the rest of your life,' she whispered in her mind. Then, with a faint, trembling smile in his direction, she turned and silently left the room.She went to the children's room to check on them. The morning was still
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