At this moment, the sound of water suddenly came from the bathroom, and Gilbert breathed a sigh of relief.He walked to the bathroom. As he looked on solemnly at the door, his long fingers brushing gently against the door handle.A moment later, he leaned against a wall and lit a cigarette. When he finished the cigarette, the sound in the bathroom gradually stopped as well.Gilbert looked down at his toes, and his thoughts went back to their first night together."It hurts...""Kisa, relax.... Yes, just like that..."Although he knew Kisa had set him up for that night, he still treated her like she was a treasure and gave him all of his gentleness and patience. While, she, too, still remembered the tenderness that night.As the memories of the past swirled in his mind, that scene of that night appeared in his mind.A self-deprecating smile then appeared at the corners of his lips. 'That night, her eyes were deep as she looked at him and played along with me. Did she take me for
It sounded like a demon from hell.The strength exerted on her neck increased and she gradually found it more and more difficult to breathe.Just as she thought she was about to suffocate to death, her body was suddenly shaken with force."Kisa, wake up! Kisa..."Kisa suddenly woke up, and beneath the dim light, she saw Gilbert looking at her anxiously.At this moment, she had forgotten about all of her grievances against him as that lingering fear still gripped her heart.She threw herself into his arms, trembling all over."There's a shadow, a black shadow... a black shadow..."Gilbert hugged her tight and said, "No, you were just dreaming. That shadow is just the fear hidden in your heart."Kisa shook her head, her body trembling.Gilbert did not say anything as he just stroke her back again and again.After a while, Kisa's trembling lessened somewhat.Gilbert gently pushed her away, and noticing the abnormal blush on her face, he inwardly spat.He then raised his hand
Gilbert stroked her wet and cold hair as he said with a somewhat admonishing tone, "Why didn't you sleep only after drying your hair? Be careful of catching a headache."As he said that, he plugged the hair dryer in, lifting her hair up as he blow-dried her hair.Kisa did not say a word but her fingers held onto the quilt tightly.She really thought he had left just now.'If he hadn't come back just now, was I going to die from that asphyxiating fear just now?'Thinking of that dream earlier, she could not help but to shudder and feeling colder all over.Gilbert patiently blew her hair dry. No one spoke as the only the sound of the hair dryer echoed across the room.After a while, his long fingers easily passed through her hair. Only when it was clear to him that every strand of her hair was dry, did he turn the hair dryer off.As he put it aside, he held his hand out and pushed the stray strands of her on her face to the back of her ear as he asked, "Are you tired? Want to sle
Gilbert acquiesced. He put the medicine away and then sat quietly beside her.Kisa did not say anything. She only gave him a glance before closing her eyes.After ten plus minutes, Gilbert gave the wounds on a leg a careful inspection. After seeing that the medicine had already dried, he put the quilt over her leg.However, when he did that, the woman did not react all.'Has she fallen asleep?'As he thought of that, he came before her and called out to her.She did not respond.He could not help but to chuckle a little.'You're so exhausted and yet you said you don't want to sleep.'But what he did not know was, the reason she could sleep so soundly was because he was by her side.He gently held her body and laid her down.After putting the quilt over here, he stood up and wanted to go to the sofa to sleep. But just as he got up, the woman grabbed his hand.She looked at him with misty eyes, her hoarse voice sorrowful and helpless."Don't go..."Gilbert looked at her daz
There was nobody besides Kisa, and the entire house was silent.Kisa raised her arm and put it on her forehead. She stared blankly at the ceiling. The chaotic and ambiguous scenes from last night appeared in her mind. She felt a little irritable.'Both of us are mortal enemies. Things that happened last night mean nothing. Although I was unconscious last night, I could also deeply feel his gentleness and patience. He obviously hates me so much. But why did he treat me so well last night? Is it because I'm pitiful? Or he deliberately disguised deep love to make me lose my heart purposely?'The more Kisa guessed, the more irritable she was.She shook her head to shake off those disturbing thoughts. Then, she sat up with her weak body.'At this time, the kids should have gone to school, and he should have gone to the company.'Kisa endured the dizziness in her head, got out of bed, and walked out slowly. She skipped dinner last night and had been sick. She was excessive fatigue and
Kisa stopped eating. She rejected the invitation. "You can go by yourself. Why do I have to go?"Gilbert felt annoyed that she never took the initiative to care for their children. But on second thought, she did not know the children belonged to her. It was reasonable that she did not care so much about them.The anger in his heart dissipated instantly without a trace when thinking of this.He said to her in an injured tone, "I barely slept last night. I was afraid of accidents by driving out like this, so I asked you to go together."The bits and pieces of Gilbert taking care of her last night came to Kisa's mind again.Kisa's mind was complicated, but she still said, "Ask Davian to go with you.""Davian has to work. He has to handle everything when I'm not in the company."Kisa was about to say something else. Gilbert sighed suddenly, "It's almost the end of autumn, and the weather is getting colder. The children's clothes are not ready for the season, especially Blake's. He h
Gilbert panicked suddenly upon seeing the seat next to him was empty. He hurriedly got out of the car and looked around. This is a parking lot next to a department store.'Is it that she went shopping for the children herself as she saw me fall asleep?'With that thought, Gilbert quickly took out his phone and called her.There was no answer to the first call, and her phone was off for the second call.He gritted his teeth bitterly.'Terrible! It's fine if she doesn't want to go shopping with me. Is it necessary to forget him in the car? She doesn't even answer the call and deliberately turns the phone off now.'Gilbert suppressed the resentment in his mind and walked into the mall angrily.Kisa walked into a famous brand of children's clothing store. A staff quickly greeted her with enthusiasm."Miss, are you buying clothes for your child? How old is your child?"Kisa looked around the store and said, "Five years old.""Is that a boy or a girl?""I want both boy and girl cl
A familiar cold voice suddenly came from above Kisa's head before she could react."Who... are you saying have no money?"The staff were stunned. They stared at him with joy and awe."M-Mr. Kooper!"Gilbert looked at them with a chuckle. "Who are you saying has no money just now?"The staff who pushed Kisa said quickly, "It was this sneaky woman. She picked a bunch of clothes, but she has no money to pay for them. I think she must have just escaped from the mental hospital."Suddenly, Gilbert took Kisa in his arms as soon as the female staff finished.The few staff instantly widened their eyes and looked at him in horror."M-Mr. Kooper, what are you doing? I-Isn't she crazy?"Gilbert chuckled coldly. "I never know my woman was someone penniless or even mentally-ill. You are amazing!"The chuckle made all the staff in the store so frightened that their legs went weak.The staff said quickly, "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Kooper. We didn't know she was your woman. Every month, there would
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