Gilbert snorted as he looked down at her. The smoke he exhaled loomed above her head, with a nicotine smell drifting into her nostrils, irritating her. "I can't believe you have such a high opinion of yourself, thinking I came to the hospital on purpose to create a chance encounter with you," Gilbert said, bending downward slightly, and said with a low, bitter voice, "I no longer have feelings for you since you stabbed me that day. Creating a chance encounter? Do you even think it is possible?"His sarcastic chuckle made her feel as if she was the one who was making a fool of herself. She clutched the wheelchair's armrest in anger and nervousness. Her hands were red from the cold, her slender fingers looking fragile in the wind.Gilbert glanced at her hands indifferently and sneered, "Look, playing the pity card is only your own undoing. Had you stopped pretending and gotten on your feet, you would have gotten into the car in no time. Why are you still freezing here?"Kisa gritted h
'He'd better not go,' Kisa thought.Gilbert looked at Kisa with a cigarette in his mouth, and after a while, he puffed out a ring of smoke and said indolently, "Let's see how it goes.""Okay, then Kisa and I will go back first. It is cold. You also don't stay out too long."Gilbert said nothing. Neither did Jensen anymore as he pushed Kisa toward the parking lot.After walking some distance, Kisa could not help but look back. She saw Gilbert still standing in the snow, smoking. 'He seems to be getting increasingly fond of smoking, to the point of being addicted to it. Every time I saw him, he had a cigarette between his fingers.' The snow was getting heavier and heavier, and his black coat was quickly covered in a layer of snow. Kisa withdrew her eyes and looked ahead with a faint expression.The car park was full of cars, and Jensen pushed her around to the last row, where Mia was leaning against the car, smoking. Kisa sometimes wondered what the benefit of smoking was and why th
After scanning her eyes around the house once, Kisa spotted a long rectangular paper box next to the living room cabinet. She slowly hopped over and ripped open the box, inside which was a wood-grained walking stick.Lately, Gilbert had been calling her pretentious, and she had thought about it and thought it was indeed catching too much attention to be in a wheelchair. As she was going to the spa today, it looked like quite a few people would be there, so she felt inconvenienced and was particularly eye-catching using a wheelchair. Kisa thought she had better go with a cane, and Mia had a cane, anyway. This was a cane she asked Lea to buy. It had been two days since she bought it, but she had yet to use it and almost forgot about it. She took it out, tried it, and thought it was quite good and more convenient than using a wheelchair.The redness and swelling in her ankle had almost gone, but the doctor said she had also injured the bones and asked her to rest for a little longer. Wh
A week was neither long nor short, so Kisa brought some daily necessities and a few sets of clothes for Blake. Winter clothes took up space, and a few pieces stuffed the luggage. Mia looked at her with disdain when she asked Jensen to help her bring out the massive purple luggage."It's just a week, and everything is pre-prepared on the hill. Do you have to pack so many things as if you are moving house?"Kisa laughed. "Better be prepared than sorry. They will come in handy. Who knows?"Mia scoffed and took the lead in getting into the car. And this time, she sat in the front passenger seat while Kisa, Lea, and Blake were in the back.Lea tugged at Kisa's sleeve and glanced at Mia, whispering to Kisa, "Who is she? Why did she speak like that?""A friend with a good heart. You will know after getting to know her.""Oh." Lea had a fleeting sense of sadness and guilt in her eyes.The place Mr. Tanner invited them to was Kerrona Hill, which was famous in this area because of a natur
"There are several hot springs on the hill, and the steam from them warm the surrounding.""Ohhh..." Lea responded, only half grasping what the driver said and could not imagine what it looked like.The tour van had two rows of seats facing each other, with Kisa and Lea in one row, Blake in the middle, and Jensen and Mia in the opposite, but they had little to say. It was the driver who broke the silence. "There are many fun things on the hill. You will know when you get there. As long as you are near a hot spring, you can feel the warm ground by just sitting down.""So amazing?" Lea was a little excited.Kisa smiled and patted Lea's shoulder. "Let's go check it out later.""Yeah, yeah." Lea nodded vigorously and turned to look out the window at the night scene.The trail was quiet at night, with only tour vans plying the route. There was a streetlight every 30 feet on both sides of the road, which led directly to the top of the hill. But even with the streetlights, it was imposs
Mia, still leaning back in the seat, scoffed at the sight.Lea saw Jensen extend his hand and smiled in embarrassment. She hurriedly pulled her hand back, but Kisa suddenly tugged on it. "What are you pulling back your hand? Help me out of the van."Lea was transfixed for a second before she reached out to help her. "Be careful."Kisa jumped out of the van with her cane in one hand and Lea's support in the other.Jensen watched with a disappointed look as Kisa got off and stood steadily on the ground, his outstretched hand finally turning to Mia.Mia grumbled and swatted his hand away. "Pretentious! Do I need help with such a low vehicle? Do you really think I'm a cripple?" She said, jumping off the van with her crutches. As the ground was wet, she slipped when her foot hit the ground. Kisa's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously reached out to grab her but only touched a corner of Mia's clothes. Mia fell with her body still in the car, and her legs bent on the ground.Kis
Thinking back, ten minutes have passed since they got out of the car and walked. Fortunately, this was a hot spring area. They would have frozen walking at night on the hill otherwise."As the VIP area that Mr. Tanner has reserved is the furthest in, where the environment is quiet, so we have to walk for a while, but we are almost there. Don't worry," the driver said.Mia grunted in annoyance but complained no more. They followed the driver through several areas, occasionally hearing a burst of laughter, but no one was in sight."It is a shared hot spring over there, so there are more people," the driver explained.Kisa pulled back her eyes and thought, 'I had better take a walk around only during the day. I can't really see anything now.'Bursts of laughter could still be heard occasionally.After walking for about ten minutes, a guffaw suddenly came. Kisa looked up and saw Adrien coming this way with a cigarette in his mouth."Mr. Tanner, here they are. I have brought them to
Kisa was flabbergasted and quickly shook her head. "No. Jensen did not mean that. I sprained my ankle because of my carelessness. It has nothing to do with you. Jensen didn't mean to offend you. He has driven for hours and must be exhausted."Adrien smiled. "Don't worry. I was just joking with him."Kisa pursed her lips. She had felt something was not quite right with Jensen today. 'By all rights, Adrien is Jensen's business partner, and his attitude really shouldn't be like this. Besides, Jensen always knows what should and should not be done and said. There must be a reason for him to act this way.'Mia looked at Adrien and then at Jensen anxiously. After a while, she changed the subject and asked, "I'm starving. When will dinner be ready?"Adrien checked his watch. "Mr. Kooper and others should be here soon. The dinner will start as soon as they arrive.""That is hard," Mia said with a half-smile. Feeling bored, she smoked again.Kisa, worried that Jensen might repeat somethin
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