Her ankles still hurt till she broke a cold sweat. Now that she crouched down with her whole weight pressed onto it. It made her pained till she gasped for cold air. She picked up the reports that were scattered piece by piece. Then she hobbled and limped to the side of her wheelchair. Then she steadied her wheelchair to sit back on it.Even though her ankles relaxed, her pain still did not alleviate for a long while. She placed the reports piece by piece, arranged them nicely, and then put them inside the file case. Even though she suffered from the ridicule of Madalyn and Sharon, she still went to the forensics department. That way, she could truly move on.She calmed her emotions and then pushed her wheelchair slowly to the forensics department. In front of a second-floor window, Gilbert was smoking his cigarette. His gaze was obscured as he stared at the frail figure downstairs.After a while, until that figure entered the forensics department, he spoke calmly, " You tell me, wh
Kisa froze and hurriedly wiped her tears. Then, she wheeled herself to the corner and tried to minimize her presence.She felt awful just now, so she purposefully hid at the fifth floor's stairwell to recompose herself.Most people did not use the stairwell, let alone the fifth floor's stairwell.Kisa figured the person causing the sounds of the footsteps was in a hurry to go upstairs but could not get into an escalator, so they took the stairs instead.She had her back against the staircase while her face toward the wall. She even quieted her breathing a little.The sight of Kisa facing the wall was enough to frighten someone at night.However, it was strange because the footsteps behind her had stopped.She frowned in confusion.'Was the person going to the fifth floor? But if they're going to the fifth floor, why aren't they coming over to push the fire door open?' she wondered.She scrunched her brows and listened quietly.'The footsteps are really gone,' she thought.Sh
"Kisa Becker. Do you know that you look really ridiculous right now? It's an ugly sight."Kisa was feeling down because of the DNA test. After she heard Gilbert's words of ridicule, she started laughing out of anger.She wheeled herself to face him.She peered at the man's contemptuous and frosty expression and forced a smile, "You're right. I particularly enjoy acting pitiful in front of him because it works really well on him."Gilbert took out another cigarette and lit it.He took a deep puff and snorted sarcastically."Then why are you using a wheelchair in front of me right now?" he said as he looked at her.Then, he chuckled and sneered, "This act doesn't work on me at all."Kisa gripped the armrest on her wheelchair and did not respond.Suddenly, Gilbert walked toward her and peered down at her.His contemptuous gaze drifted up and down her injured leg.Kisa wore a pair of loose-fitting sweatpants today. The hem of her pants was also loose and completely covered her a
Gilbert stood up and gazed down at her contemptuously."Even if I were sick, I'm not as sick as you. At the very least, I don't act pitiful."He took a few steps back and smiled lightly, "Aren't you always acting so arrogantly? Stand up if you have what it takes."Kisa gripped her pant leg tightly.This time, she truly could not stand up.Her ankle was numb from the pain, while her tailbone was throbbing in pain from the fall just now.Seeing how she did not move for a long time, Gilbert revealed a scornful look."I've told you that acting pitiful in front of me is useless. If you're that tough, then stand up!"It was as if the man in front of her was purposefully making things hard for her.'What's wrong with him again? Him treating me coldly and indifferently like a stranger was good; I could stay out of pain and disaster that way. Why is he trapping me here today and making things difficult for me? Is he angry because I did a DNA test with Ada and Andrew without his permiss
"See? You can still walk."Kisa had almost torn the sides of her pant legs open. The spot where she gripped was drenched in sweat.Kisa peered at him stubbornly and hatefully with her dark eyes, "You... Are you satisfied now?"'I can walk. But does he know how much pain I have to endure and the price I have to pay just to take these few steps?' she thought.Kisa forced herself to stand up straight.She stared at his smiling face and gritted her teeth, waiting for him to leave quickly.Meanwhile, Gilbert calmly stuck his cigarette back into the cigarette packet before stuffing it into his pant pocket.Then, he tucked one of his hands into his pockets while the other gently caressed the hair strands on Kisa's shoulder.He leaned to her ear and revealed a ghostly smile, "Don't use a wheelchair if you can walk. Your acting is disgusting.""If you find it disgusting, then don't look!""I don't want to. Unfortunately, I don't know if it's a man-made coincidence; I'm always running
When Kisa woke up, her head felt fuzzy.The room was dimly lit with a yellow light.She could not remember where she was right now.From the corner of her eye, she saw a figure moving around.She turned her head slightly.It was Jensen.After Kisa saw the room decor, she realized that she was in her own room.Suddenly, her memories came flooding back to her. She remembered that she had lost consciousness in the stairwell of the hospital.'Judging from the situation, Jensen saved me again,' she thought.Jensen walked to Kisa.He did not seem well-rested and had bloodshot eyes.His tired face was expressionless."Try moving and see if you feel pain anymore," Jensen said.His voice was a little hoarse but still sounded gentle.Kisa tried to sit up from her bet. To her surprise, her tailbone did not hurt anymore. However, the pain in her ankle was not alleviated at all."Are you hungry?"Kisa shook her head."Then I'll get you a glass of water. Hold on."The man said and
Kisa looked at him in shock, "How do you know my tailbone is injured?""When I hugged you while you fainted, you were dazedly clutching that place, saying it hurts." Jensen's tone, carrying a touch of anger, "Kisa, you must be very painful at that time."Kisa lowered her eyes and stayed silent. 'It is as painful as a cramp.'"The doctor took an X-ray of you. The bone wasn't injured, and the hard fall caused the pain.""... Oh," Kisa responded softly, feeling remorseful that her injury was causing trouble for Jensen. She was at a loss and kept blaming herself for her injury in front of Jensen."Although your bone wasn't fractured, you held the place and said it hurts a few times dazedly. In the end, the doctor had to give you medicine, the painkiller that has a strong dependence, normally used for surgery. You shouldn't use it frequently. I just rubbed the medicine on you. How do you feel now?""No, it doesn't hurt at all."Kisa was wondering why the place that hurt like a cramp
"Oh, is it because she's useful or you're being soft toward the pretty girl, so you don't allow me to do anything to her?" asked Sharon."I'm tender toward every girl. Do you want to give it a try?" said Anthony, leaning over and kissing Sharon's neck.Sharon frowned in disgust.Anthony disdained. He turned around and kissed the woman on the other side.Lea could not stand it. She shakily asked Anthony, "C-Can I go?""Get out!" Anthony spoke the two words in annoyance.Lea frantically escaped outside as if fleeing for her life.Anthony stared at her flustered back for a long time. Suddenly, a sneer appeared on the corner of his lips.A cool breeze blew in when Lea came out of the club, which made her shiver. She folded her arms and walked across the road with her head down.Her rented room was nearby. More precisely, Anthony paid for the rent, but it was registered under her name.It was windy at night, and there were only a few people. The cars on the road whizzed by non-sto
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