She pulled the door open and saw Carolyn and Sharon outside.She frowned with a quick dash of annoyance, leaping across her face. "What are you two doing here?"To her surprise, Carolyn and Sharon changed their usual arrogance and bossy attitude, and smiled at her ingratiatingly. "Kisa, I'm relieved that you are okay. Your father and I were worried when we heard you were critically ill."When Kisa thought of Carolyn's previous spitefulness and the humiliation she suffered, all these words sounded so fake to her ears. But she did not expose her. Instead, she played along. "Is that so? Then I really have to thank Auntie Carolyn for your concern. I will treat you to dinner someday.""It is alright. Sharon and I came here today to see you and to bring you your mother's belongings."Kisa's heart skipped a beat when she heard the second half of the sentence, but she calmly said, "In that case, please come in and have a seat. I will make you coffee." She never thought Carolyn and Sharon
She would never have believed that Christopher would miss her. She would never have believed that they really wanted her to go back to the Case residence for dinner. This time, they used her mother's belongings as bait, so they must have come up with another scheme to trap her. She sneered, Do they really think I'm the same old Kisa who was so gullible and an easy target?'The doorbell rang twice; it sounded unhurried. Kisa opened the door.Jensen was standing quietly outside with a gentle smile on her lips and an air of dignity around him. "Carolyn and Sharon were here?"Kisa was startled. "How do you know?""I just saw them downstairs," Jensen said, walking in. "They didn't come to cause problems for you, did they?"Kisa shook her head. "They brought me my mother's belongings.""I didn't know they were so kind." There was a hint of sarcasm and suspicion in Jensen's voice.'Look, even others think that this mother and daughter are sinister.' Kisa snickered as she took out the j
Kisa was surprised. "Your father and Gilbert's father?""You probably didn't know that, did you? My father and Gilbert's father were good friends with your mother back then, so I wondered if some of the things recorded in this book might have something to do with them.""I'm sorry, Jensen. The records in this book are about my mother's privacy, I—""I understand. It was me who was blunt just now."Jensen's voice was so gentle that it made her a little embarrassed. "Actually, if you want to know about their past, you can ask Mr. Kooper Sr. or the Kooper family's older maids." Madalyn had previously cursed her and her mother, saying that her mother had been a woman who had seduced the Kooper family's eldest and second son, who were Jensen's father and Gilbert's father. In fact, she was also eager to know about her mother's past, because she would never believe that her mother would be that kind of person.Jensen shook his head. "I won't get anything out of Grandma, and will only ang
"David." Jensen looked at her. "My father's name is David."Kisa's heart skipped a beat, and she almost dropped the book in her hand.[March 17, East Lake with David. He suddenly confessed his love to me.]'David? David? Oh my God, Jensen's father is David. No wonder the name David sounds familiar. Madalyn used to tell me she had set up the Kooper family's eldest son with my mother. I only thought that they never saw each other again since the match did not work out. But from the records in the book, it seems that David really liked my mother back then.'Jensen suddenly walked up to her and stroked her hair with a smile. "Then take a good look in the book for me to see if there is anything about my father. If there is, then tell me about it.""Okay, okay." Kisa's mind was a muddle. At night, she sat on her bed and could not wait reading the two small books her mother had left behind.[On March 30, David came to visit the set, and I happened to be framed and slapped in the name of
The last page was severely smudged, and the handwriting was distorted, as if the person who wrote it was in great grief. The paper had also bulged a bit, as if liquid had been spilled on it, and the person who wrote it had shed tears on it.[Today was Carolyn's birthday, and we were drinking happily together to celebrate. But why did I wake up in bed with Christopher, and the flashing lights from the reporters at the door pushed me into hell? I was scared and helpless, but no one was there to protect me. I was overwhelmed with gossip and abuse. I don't know why this happened. At Carolyn's birthday party, I had a couple of drinks. Who can tell me what happened? I'm sorry, David. What should I do? Where are you, David? Someone please help me. Someone please help me.]Kisa clutched her chest with one hand and cried out in grief with the other covering her mouth. Even just looking at these words, she could feel her mother's fear and desperation, completely terrified. 'Show business circl
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!After knocking on the door thrice, Kisa waited quietly in front of the door with her head down.Soon after, the door opened.Jensen was dressed in casual clothes. Nevertheless, his relaxed and casual attire did not conceal his air of nobility.He had a cigarette between his fingers. However, he put it out the moment he saw Kisa."What's up, Kisa?" Jensen asked as he turned around to open the windows.Jensen's thoughtfulness and consideration made Kisa feel a mixture of emotions.She had always thought Jensen did not smoke. However, it turned out that he only refrained from smoking in front of her because he was concerned about her health.Suddenly, she thought of how her mother and Jensen's father's relationship was filled with regrets and sorrow. She felt a lump in her throat.Then, she inhaled deeply and smiled at Jensen, "It's alright, Jensen. I'm much better now. A little cigarette smoke is fine.""Better safe than sorry."Jensen poured Kisa a glass
Jensen rushed over to Kisa and knelt down with a look of panic she had never seen before on his face, "I'm sorry, I...""It's fine. It's fine..."Kisa shook her head and continued smiling at him, "Really, it's fine."Jensen frowned deeply.He carefully carried her onto the couch, "Hold on, I'll go get the medical kit.""It's fine. It's just a few minor cuts; I can handle them myself," Kisa said as she frantically prepared to leave.Suddenly, Jensen forcefully sat her on the couch and said, "Don't move!"Kisa stared at Jensen's frantic figure and felt her heart race.'Why did I find Jensen a little terrifying earlier on? As far as I can remember, Jensen has always been a gentleman. Even when he suspected me of having a hidden agenda for getting close to Gilbert, he spoke in the gentlest tone. I've never seen Jensen act this way; what in the world happened? Did he go through something terrible while he was abroad for the past few years, causing him to change his temperament? Or d
Kisa pursed her lips, "Whatever happened just now, don't take it to heart. I'm fine, really."Jensen smiled and did not respond.'The atmosphere today is a little suffocating,' thought Kisa.When she saw the glass shards on the floor, she squatted down to clean them up.However, Jensen swiftly grabbed her arm, "I'll do it. You should go home.""But...""Come on now. Go home and rest."Jensen caressed her swollen eyes and continued, "When you get home, you can do some warm compressions to soothe your eyes. Aren't you going to the Case family's house tomorrow? Don't let them see you in this state.""Alright..."Before leaving, Kisa glanced at the mess on the floor.Jensen suddenly said from behind her, "Don't be scared, Kisa. In the future, I won't ever act this way in front of you again."'What about when I'm not around?' wondered Kisa.It was evident that Jensen had his secrets. However, Kisa did not dare to find out."Dad, mom's sick. Could you...""Stop right there. Wha
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