Kelvin could hear Sharon's cries when he arrived at the front room door. He furrowed his eyebrows in disgust, turned his back, and was ready to leave. Carolyn quickly grabbed him and said, "You can't leave. You must treat Sharon's face today no matter what!" Kelvin had always hated people who were full of themselves. He snorted, "What can you do to me if I refuse to treat her? Let me get this straight. I'm only here because of Gilbert. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here." "Why you—" "Kelvin…"Just as Carolyn was about to lose her temper, Sharon came out running. Kelvin was shocked to see her face. "You looked like a ghost!"His words triggered Sharon to bawl. "My face! Arghhh! My face is ruined. How am I supposed to go out now? Waaaaaah! My face..."Kelvin thought that he might get deaf from her high-pitched cries. He felt pity looking at her crying miserably. They were childhood friends after all. For old times' sake, he informs, "I know a really good plastic surge
"Look, she'll only have this peaceful smile when Jensen is with her. She has always been close with Jensen, maybe they're the only ones who understand each other."Kelvin's unintentional remarks made Gilbert's face darken. He sneered soon after, "So what? She'll always be my woman." Kelvin was shocked. "Didn't you sign the divorce papers?"Gilbert remained silent, he fixed his eyes on Kisa, then he turned around and left. She has no desire to see him, so he will not appear in front of her. Kelvin sighed staring at his backside and walked into the courtyard. The smile on Kisa's face was long gone after spotting him. Kelvin snickers, "It can't be, am I unwelcome here?" "Don't be ridiculous, Kelvin. Please, have a seat."Jensen pull up a chair for Kelvin, and his sight landed on his medical kit. "Are you here for Kisa's medical condition?"Kelvin nodded. He no longer had his usual cheerful nature, and his word solemn. "Until now I didn't have confidence that I could handle Kisa'
Kisa frowned looking in the direction exactly when Sharon was supporting Madalyn at the door. The scars on Sharon's face had formed scabs. She was wearing a mask but the scars could still be seen. It was rather terrifying to look at, as it was like a centipede on her face.Madalyn was looking a lot better than before. But the affection toward Kisa on her face could never be found again. Kisa has mixed feelings facing Madalyn again, she was even ill at ease in her presence. Kisa could be mean to Sharon, but she could never say anything harsh to Madalyn. Besides her mother, this was the only person who was nice to her. Kisa stood up and greeted Madalyn. "What brings you here grandma? Have you had your breakfast?" The unfamiliar and formal tone was in sharp contrast to the fondness long ago. Kisa felt heartbroken upon the change. "Hmph. Keep quiet, you have no right to call me grandma," Madalyn had the same old hatred toward Kisa. Kisa subconsciously clutched the table corner.
Kisa clenched her fists and felt her whole body tense up.Meanwhile, Madalyn stood unmoved with her cane. She looked at Kisa with a hateful expression and bellowed, "Since you want to know so badly, I'll let you know! It's because you're Emilia Becker's daughter! Your mother was a shameless tramp!""No! My mother wasn't like that!" Kisa retorted loudly.Kisa was overcome with emotions and started trembling uncontrollably.She continued, "My mother was the best person in the world. You said so yourself! You said my mother was a good person and that you liked me because I looked like her. You...""That's because I misjudged her! I was blind; I got fooled by the innocent and harmless facade that your mother had put on. Your mother was a wench that seduced every single man she saw!"Kisa shook her head in disbelief, "No... That's not true! My mother wasn't like that!""She was!" Madalyn drew closer to Kisa.She continued with disgust, "Back then, she didn't know her place despite
"What did you all do to her?" the person roared.Sharon was roughly shoved to the ground.She hastily got up and saw Gilbert holding Kisa while glaring at her with bloodshot eyes."No... It... It wasn't me! I didn't do anything to her. It was Mrs. Kooper Sr...""Hmm?" Madalyn promptly glared at her icily.Sharon instantly clammed up. She did not dare to say another word."I won't forgive you if anything happens to her!" Gilbert spat icily.Then, he rushed out with Kisa in his arms."It wasn't me! I really didn't do anything to her. Gilbert! Gilbert!" Sharon shouted hurriedly behind him.She did not even notice her face mask fall off.Madalyn glanced at her disgustedly and walked out of the room.Sharon quickly grabbed her arm and cried out, "Mrs. Kooper Sr., why didn't you explain the situation just now? Why did you let Gilbert get the wrong idea? I don't care if that woman dies, but what if Gilbert blames me for her death?" She began wailing desperately.Madalyn scoffed, "
The sound of things being hurled could be heard from the room.Gilbert paled and rushed into the room.Medical products were scattered about the room.Meanwhile, Kelvin was anxiously stopping Kisa from ripping the IV off her arm, "Have you gone mad? Do you not want to live anymore?""You're right. I don't want to live anymore," Kisa laughed maniacally.She turned to Gilbert with bloodshot eyes."Who is he to let me die when he wants me to die and let me live when he wants me to? Who is he to do so?""Why are you being so stubborn when you're in this state?" Kelvin asked.Then, he turned to Gilbert helplessly and continued, "Say something."Gilbert peered at Kisa through bloodshot eyes. His entire body was tense.Moments later, he trudged to her. He radiated a suffocating aura.Then, he sat by Kisa's bed and gripped her shoulders."You're asking who I am? Alright, I'll tell you. You owe me. You owe me so so much, and you haven't paid any of it back yet. You have no right to
Gracie turned to Kelvin in shock.Kelvin pursed his lips and turned to Kisa sadly, "Kisa, don't be like that. It's true that Gilbert did all that, but he...""You'll be willing to accept his treatment as long as I get down on my knees and beg you?" Gilbert gazed at Kisa deeply.His expression was so earnest Kisa could not stop her heart from skipping a beat.'He's really going to get on his knees and beg me? No! That's not possible! How could someone as insufferable and arrogant as him be down on his knees to beg me? What's more, he despises me! He must be playing a lovesick puppy to gain my trust! Once Kelvin has treated me, he'll definitely exact his revenge on me tenfold. That must be it! That must certainly be it!' thought Kisa."Alright. I'll kneel down and beg you, as long as you can live on healthily. I'll even trade my life for it."This was Gilbert's first time facing his true feelings and saying how he truly felt about her.Ironically, and sadly, Kisa did not believe a
Kisa was already weak to begin with, so the impact of Madalyn's slap made her fall right onto her pillow.Kisa felt her head spin. All she could hear was the echo of Madalyn's words, "Your existence was a mistake. That's why you owe my grandson everything."'Hah... Why is everyone saying that I owe Gilbert? Gilbert himself said so, Mrs. Kooper Sr. said so, and even my late mother said something similar. Somebody tell me what exactly it is that I owe him. If it's my life, I can return it to him now. Did they have to bully, hurt, and push me over the edge?' thought Kisa."Kisa?!" Kelvin called out worriedly when he saw her remain still.Gilbert's stared as Kisa's figure lay motionlessly on the pillow. He felt himself drowning in a surge of fear. He reached out to touch her with a trembling hand.However, Kisa started giggling all of a sudden. It sounded cold, sorrowful, sardonic, and was mingled with a hint of... eeriness.Sharon hid behind Madalyn a little fearfully, "Kisa's g
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