"But if you keep pushing yourself like this, you could wreck your body, and it might even jeopardize your ability to have kids later on." Jensen warned, his words blunt but honest. He knew that women should not be exposed to cold water during their period, especially not ice-cold water.Mia bit her lip, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and bewilderment. The idea of having children felt so far out of reach. People like them might never marry or have a family, let alone children. The relentless training had already ravaged her body, and her period had never been regular. But until now, she had been lucky enough to dodge the "ice bath" training sessions during her period. This time, however, her luck had run out. Her stomach throbbed with pain, and her face grew paler by the minute.Jensen studied her concernedly before offering. "I could try to get you out of this.""No!" Mia quickly grasped his arm. "It won't work. Just forget it.""What are you two gossiping about? Get
Hayes' smile was unrelenting, but it sent a shiver down one's spine. Jensen fixed his gaze on him, his voice steady. "She is just my friend—nothing romantic. I would do the same for any of my friends.""So, you still don't have feelings for her?" Hayes sneered, casting a sly glance at Mia. Her eyes filled with tears, and his smile grew colder."If you don't care for her, then you have no right to take her place in training.""I didn't need his help anyway." Mia choked back tears and confronted Hayes. "He's just butting in. I can handle an exercise like this on my own. I don't need him stepping in."Hayes lowered his eyes, smirking without saying a word. Mia inhaled sharply, pain evident, and turned to walk toward the water. Jensen's lips tightened, and he pleaded with Hayes. "Can she at least get a few days off? She's not well.""Jensen!" Mia interrupted before Hayes could reply. Frustration and resentment in her eyes, she glared at him. "My well-being is none of your concern. Eve
The person who jumped in was none other than Hayes. Jensen's eyes darkened as he watched the man approaching, his heart tightening. It seemed his suspicion had been right – Hayes had feelings for Mia.Suddenly, Mia vanished from Jensen's arms. Hayes cradled her protectively, carrying her horizontally. He looked back at Jensen with a mocking smile. "You wanted to take her place, didn't you? Well, you can stay in the water a little longer."Jensen pressed his lips together, holding back any response. Everyone stared in shock at the scene unfolding before them: the usually aloof and unapproachable man carrying a woman ashore as if she were his most precious treasure.Whispers and murmurs filled the air, the tension palpable as everyone tried to process the unexpected sight. The supervisor on the shore, noticing the commotion, barked, "What are you little runts gossiping about? Get back in line! Anyone who can't hold on any longer, get out and head to the Velvet Vagabonds."Silence fel
The feeling dissipated in an instant as he heard her murmur a name. He gazed intensely at the woman in his arms, his deep eyes clouded with a dark, chilling aura. 'She was whispering... Jensen's name. Ah, so she is that fond of Jensen? What a shame, the man doesn't share her affection.' He suddenly released her, looking down upon her with contempt. His eyes no longer held the depth of emotion they once did; all that remained was a cold, mocking sneer. He retreated to the window to smoke. A cool breeze blew in, dispelling the heat that had built up within him. On the expansive bed, the woman curled into a small, frail ball, pitiable and weak. He leaned back in his chair, silently observing her, his face expressionless.Mia slept fitfully. When she awoke, the sky was already dark, the room shrouded in pitch black. However, her years of training quickly alerted her to another presence in the room. As she hastily sat up and scanned her surroundings, she caught sight of a tiny ember near t
"Is that so?" Hayes smiled at her. "I can make your life very comfortable. Would you be willing to become my woman?"Mia stared at him in shock. 'This isn't the first time he's asked me such a question. But why...'Hayes approached her. Smoke from his cigarette swirled around his wrist, obscuring his face and making his expression unreadable. He smiled faintly. "People have told you that you have a pretty face, haven't they? Yes, I like your face, and I like your body."Mia instinctively stepped back, but suddenly, there was a hand around her waist. Hayes pulled her forcefully against him."Become my woman, and I can make you the most powerful woman in the McCray family. No more enduring harsh training, no more daily duels with others, no more injuries."Mia shook her head frantically."Hayes, please don't do this."His words frightened her. She had always thought that the McCray family's heir was a man devoid of desires, especially with no interest in women. His sudden words to
Fear was etched deeply on Mia's face.Hayes lifted his hand, his slender fingers gently wiping away the tears from her face. He chuckled softly, his voice as tender as if he were comforting a child. "Why are you crying? Are you that afraid of me? You should know that of all people, I would never harm you. I just want you to be my woman and accompany me, that's all."Mia leaned against his chest, her voice trembling and fragile. She said, "I already have someone I like.""Jensen, right?" Mia did not respond. Hayes suddenly laughed mockingly. "Your devotion to him is quite evident. Do you think he can't see your feelings for him? The reason he hasn't reciprocated is simply that he doesn't like you."It was ironic. The woman he liked was in love with another man, and that man did not even like her.Mia bit her lip gently, a pang of pain shooting through her heart.'Though Hayes's words are cruel, they are true. Jensen doesn't like me. What can I do? Once I fall for someone, I'm stub
Just like them, Jensen was a trainee here. Yet, there was an innate air of nobility about him. The sight of his stern face held an intimidating power. The women dared not speak. Jensen stood beside Mia, casting a faint smile in their direction."Has any of you seen Hayes worry about a woman? Has any of you seen Hayes embrace a woman? Even if she were truly sent away by Hayes, she would still hold a place in his heart. If you want to remain unscathed in the McCray family's backyard, you'd better not provoke her. She's not someone you can afford to mess with."Although the women were reluctant to accept it, they knew Jensen spoke the truth. Of course, they understood Hayes treated this woman differently, but they were jealous and wanted to bully her.Seeing the women still glaring at Mia with resentment, Jensen chuckled and snapped, "Leave, now!"The women gritted their teeth in anger, but they only looked at each other without daring to be arrogant anymore."Hmph, we'll go. What's
Jensen's body stiffened, his expression a mix of emotions as he looked at her. "You..."Mia took a deep breath, choking back tears. "The doctor said I can't have children in this lifetime. Do you... do you despise me for it?"Jensen shook his head instinctively, his voice growing softer. "Don't overthink it. Your health can still be improved."Mia smiled, lowering her eyes."See, you clearly don't like me, yet you still comfort me so gently. You make it so easy for me to misunderstand and to...fall for you," she said, slowly walking toward him."Jensen..." She called his name, her hands resting on his shoulders, "Hayes said that if I became his woman, he'd make me the most powerful woman in the McCray family." Jensen looked at her calmly, not saying a word. Mia smiled sadly. "But I didn't agree. Even if he gave me a hundred chances, I wouldn't agree.""You really are a fool," Jensen murmured.Mia shook her head with a smile. "Yes, I am a fool. I can't be with him while you're in
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