"No, my girlfriend has a good fashion sense," Gilbert said, and took the sets of clothes to the fitting room.Kisa sat bored on the couch and waited for him, getting more and more restless. 'It is a matter of course to pick out clothes for the children, but what is he doing here all of a sudden?'When she picked up a magazine and had just flipped through a couple of pages, the shop assistant suddenly said to her with a jealous look on her face, "Miss, you are lucky to have such a VIP like Mr. Kooper as your boyfriend, but there must be a limit to petulance. Mr. Kooper is so nice; you must not take it for granted."Kisa smiled and said nothing. 'I'm not only Gilbert's "girlfriend," I'm also his rightful wife. But is this really a good thing?'At this moment, the door of the fitting room opened, and Gilbert came out of it wearing a smoky gray shirt and black suit pants. When Kisa picked out the clothes, she just did it randomly and casually checked the size. But Gilbert was in shape
Gilbert nodded and started the car straight away.Kisa held the newly bought phone and felt strange and unbelievable, wondering why she and Gilbert could spend the afternoon shopping together with no problems considering the longstanding feud between them. What she felt even more incredible was that she even picked out clothes for Gilbert and he bought her a cell phone. She shook her head and thought, 'Forget it. It is just for today. I will forget all the hatred today, but tomorrow we will still be enemies.'Gilbert saw her remain silent in the car for a long while and could not help but ask, "Something bothers you? Or are you tired?"Kisa shook her head, staring at the new phone in her hand, and said, "I will pay you back for the clothes I picked out for the three children and the money for the phone when I get back."Gilbert frowned instantly. 'Why does she have to be so antagonistic?' He gripped the steering wheel tightly and said nothing.Kisa ignored him again, just bending
Not long after walking into the school compound, she heard a familiar child's cry. It sounded aggravated and exasperated. "Who says I don't have a mommy? My mommy is the best.""That is funny. Where is your mommy? You say your mommy is the best, then how come she has never come to pick you up?""My daddy said that you and your brother are children without a mommy.""My daddy also said that you are all illegitimate children. You might not even be the children of the Kooper family.""Haha, a child without a mommy is pathetic. Ada, you are so pathetic. Haha."Kisa followed the voice and saw a few mischievous little boys mock Ada, who gritted her teeth and clenched her fists in exasperation. She glared at the boys, her eyes red, but still holding back her tears. Kisa felt a pang of pain inside her upon seeing this. She subconsciously looked over at Gilbert, who was standing still with his hands digging into his pockets. So she grunted in anger, "Why don't you intervene when your dau
As the woman's voice was sharp and savage, Ada hid behind Kisa in fright.Kisa looked coldly at the woman. "It was your son who bullied my daughter first. Only then did my daughter push him. Besides, she pushed my daughter, too.""Your daughter?" The boy's mother sneered as she stared at Kisa.Kisa stood upright, unflappably. She was not afraid of the woman's gaze anyway, as she was so tightly wrapped. The woman sized Kisa up and snickered, "It is common knowledge that Mr. Kooper's two children have no mother. And where are you from? How dare you claim to be the mother of this child?"At this moment, several more female parents came over. The female parent, who self-proclaimed to be the wife of the "Lord of Calthon," pulled at those female parents and sneered at her. "Hey, hey, hey, look at this woman. She claims to be Ada's mother. Can you believe it?""Huh? Is that true? Haha, of course not. Everyone in town knows that Ada and Andrew don't have a mother. I don't believe they can
Gilbert smirked and looked nonchalantly at the "Lady of Calthon".At first, the "Lady of Calthon" was still arrogant, but after being stared at, she started to lose courage. But as a person of status, she could not lose face in front of the other female parents. Otherwise, she could not face the people in the parent group and elite circle next time. She smiled at Gilbert. "Mr. Kooper, what do you mean by that?""Literally. Don't you understand?"The "Lady of Calthon" deliberately played dumb. "I really don't understand."Gilbert chuckled. "Really? I didn't know that the 'Lady of Calthon' was so illiterate that she couldn't understand such simple words.""You!" The "Lady of Calthon" was enraged. The other female parents tried hard not to laugh. Embarrassed, the "Lady of Calthon" quickly turned to Kisa. "Oh, Mr. Kooper. I forgot to tell you that this crazy woman from nowhere impersonated the mother of your daughter.""Really? She isn't impersonating the mother of my daughter; she i
"Mr. Kooper, there's no need for you to blow things out of proportion. How could you call it bullying? It's merely banter among children.""Since you don't think it's a serious matter, you should apologize to my wife. You should also get your son to apologize to my daughter."The "Lady of Calthon" was defiant. She glared at Gilbert, "My husband is Calthon's...""Mhm, the mayor of Calthon was elected by the Chamber of Commerce," Gilbert said while patting Ada's head.He continued coolly, "It's been three years now, hasn't it? It seems like we'll be needing a new mayor for Calthon."The "Lady of Calthon's" expression instantly paled upon hearing his words."You... Stop running your mouth. My husband...""Back then, your husband stood in front of my doorstep and begged me many times. I pitied him, so I nominated him to the Chamber of Commerce. But now, it seems like he's been making a fool of me behind my back. He's been living too comfortably for the past three years, hasn't he?"
"Hehe..."Ada quickly hugged Kisa's waist before she and Gilbert finished their conversation.She said happily, "Mommy! I really have a mom now! Ma'am's actually become my mommy. This is amazing! I'm so happy."Kisa felt a mixture of emotions seeing Ada's beaming face.She patted Ada's head and said lowly, "I was backing you up; that's why I lied about being your mummy. You should continue calling me Ma'am in the future."Ada's smile fell instantly. She pouted and said aggrievedly, "Why don't you want to be my mommy? Do you not like me?""Certainly not," Kisa smiled while wiping away the tears on Ada's face. She said softly, "Of course I like you. It's just that I can't be your mom.""Why is that?" Ada frowned at her. She could not understand why Kisa refused to be her mom if she liked her.Kisa felt resigned and said, "Because I'm not the person who birthed and raised you. What'll happen to your real mom when she returns? Wouldn't she be sad when she finds out that you're call
Gilbert snorted sardonically, "You call that swearing an oath?"Kisa glared at him, "Then you tell me, what exactly is swearing? Do I have to swear that I'll die a thousand deaths to qualify it as an oath?"'How heartless of this man. He knows that I was coaxing his daughter, yet he's still being so persistent,' she thought.Ada quickly shook her head and hugged Kisa's leg, "I don't want you to die. Don't swear an oath like that."Kisa took a deep breath and suppressed the anger she felt within.'If it weren't for Ada, I really would've flipped out in front of him,' she thought.Gilbert crossed his arms across his chest and said casually, "Swear on Jensen if you have the guts."Kisa frowned deeply."Why do I have to bring Jensen into my oath? You're truly a cruel person. You're always taking every opportunity to hurt Jensen."Gilbert huffed coldly, "I'd hurt anyone but him!""Then why'd you ask me to swear on Jensen's name?""It didn't mean anything. I just wanted to see if
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