Kisa was transfixed for a second and then said with an awkward expression, "Why are you talking about that all of a sudden? You can quit if you like. I don't care, and I don't want to care."Gilbert suddenly stopped talking and just smoked in silence. Smoke lingered around, and the side of his face looked a little sad.Kisa wrung her fingers and said softly, "Smoking too much is not good. It is bad for your health and the people around you. If you can quit, then quit it. It is also for your own good."Gilbert just smiled and said nothing. Kisa pursed her lips and accompanied him in silence. She felt like he took forever to smoke this cigarette, especially in this silent atmosphere. After a long while, he finally finished the cigarette and tossed the cigarette butt into the fire with the flick of his fingers. He then put his hands on his knees, looking worried, as if something was on his mind. Kisa felt he was not in a good mood, so she kept quiet.Gilbert kept his head low in silen
Gilbert could not help but chuckle. "How do I get up there? Step on your shoulders?""I...""I could crush your shoulders if I step on them. Besides, are you sure you can stand up, carrying me on your shoulders?"What he said left Kisa speechless. She knew now that she could never bear the weight of a man like him. But what he just said panicked her, and she was not sure if she could pull him up once she was up there. Regardless of how many grudges they had between them, it was absolutely impossible for her to leave him alone in this cave at this moment."Gilbert, is there another way to get up there, preferably a way we can go up together?""No, this is the only way." Gilbert looked at her with a serious look in his eyes, and when he saw her worried face and hesitation, he could not help but laugh. "Are you so afraid that I won't be able to go up there and you will miss me?""Yes." Kisa nodded without hesitation.Gilbert was moved, and he could not help but draw her into his ar
Perhaps because of stepping on another fellow human, Kisa felt sorry and almost went weak at the knees, as if she would fall at any time.Gilbert held her ankles and said to her, "Don't stand up yet. After I get to my feet, you can stand up slowly. This way, you won't fall easily."Kisa nodded subconsciously, then uttered an acknowledgment when she realized he could not see her. Gilbert slowly rose to his feet. Still gripping her ankles, he got up slowly and steadily. Kisa looked at his thick hair; somehow, her eyes welled up, and she felt a lump in her throat.She took a deep breath and said to him again, "Don't you lie to me, Gilbert. You can definitely go up there too, right?""Yeah, as long as you are up there, I will have a chance to get up there, too.""Are there really vines around here?""Yeah.""You really saw it?""Yeah.""You're lying to me?""I'm not."Kisa pursed her lips and believed him for the time being. She thought he was right; this was the only way they c
"Because I lied. There are no vines around here at all."Kisa stiffened in place. She shook her head stiffly and giggled. "Stop kidding. You just clearly said you didn't lie to me.""But I really lied to you." Gilbert stood on the stone and looked up at her expressionlessly. He did not look like he was joking. Kisa's heart sank, and she kept shaking her head. "What do you mean? You said you would come up, and there were vines around here. You said you wouldn't lie to me. Gilbert, why are you always like this? You never keep your word. I really hate you. I hate you so much." Kisa's eyes reddened, her voice choked with grief and aggrievement.Gilbert quietly looked at her sad face and suddenly chuckled. "If I didn't lie to you, would you be willing to get up there? Weren't you afraid I would die here and couldn't take you out of here? Now you are out of this cave. Follow the direction where you rolled down earlier, and you can find the way back. So, you shouldn't be crying. You should
"When we return, we will investigate and find the perpetrator together. The main thing now is to bring you up." Kisa stood up. "I will follow the direction from where I fell. If I see vines, I will come back for you. If I don't see any, I will speed up to get help.""Listen to me—go now and don't look for any vines," Gilbert spoke in a low voice, sounding sad and powerless as if he had suddenly lost any hope.Kisa frowned at him. "Why, Gilbert? Don't you want to come up?""I do, but... Even if I go up, I won't survive. So, don't waste your energy. Go back by yourself." The headache was getting increasingly intense. His body was getting sorer and weaker. Gilbert even had difficulty speaking. He almost exhausted all his strength when he helped her escape the cave. Mustering all his remaining strength, he looked up at Kisa just to see her for one last time. He saw her eyes wide open, her pale face, her lips shivering as she repeatedly shook her head as if she could not believe somethin
Kisa went to the huge tree and clenched a bundle of vines. The tree trunk was so thick even an adult could not wrap his hands around it. The countless vines, growing from the branches to the treetop, stacking on top of each other, were strong and sturdy.Kisa tried hard to pull the vines off the tree until they hurt her hands, but none were torn off. Satisfied with the sturdiness of the strong vines, which could carry a lot of weight, Kisa grabbed the vines tighter and started to climb up the tree with the help of the vines.The vines on the upper part of the tree were less thick than the ones at the bottom.After climbing up toward those vines, Kisa balanced herself, clenching onto the vines single-handedly while stepping on them. She grabbed a bunch of ten vines with her other hand and started biting on them. Biting off the vines, one at a time, Kisa slowly unraveled them from the tree. Finishing the task, she free-falls into the thick and soft snow underneath her, exhausted, crea
Gilbert's body felt so cold that Kisa flustered after feeling his body temperature. She grabbed Gilbert's hand and said, trembling, "Gilbert, wake up. I found the vines. I'll get you out of here now. You're going to be just fine. Can you open your eyes and look at me? I beg you, Gilbert, please open your eyes."Kisa kept talking to Gilbert, but he would not wake up. Still panicking, she wiped her tears off and said in a determined yet choked voice, "You're not going to die. I haven't gotten you back for how you treated me previously. It's unfair to me if you die like this. Gilbert, I'm not going to let you die. I'm going to save you no matter what."As she said that, she grabbed the rope on the ground hurriedly, tied the rope around Gilbert three times, and ascended out of the cave. Climbing up the rope was harder than descending as Kisa's arms were swollen and numb, feeling a burning sensation in her palms. Kisa took her time to climb out of the cave, grabbing the rope and trying to
Afraid that it was just her hallucination, Kisa did not even dare to blink. "Gilbert..." She called out to Gilbert in a trembling voice, sounding weak and listless as if she would pass out anytime. Finally, Gilbert slowly opened his eyes, which got Kisa so agitated she almost stopped breathing."Y-You're awake?" She cried with happy tears, and her messy face looked a little hilarious though Gilbert thought she looked very beautiful in that way. He arduously lifted his hand and touched Kisa's choppy hair that was dampened by the snow, saying softly, "You really got me out of there."Kisa nodded hard, "I'm pretty impressive, huh?" Her lips were cracked and colorless, matching her pale, ghastly face as she smiled. Gilbert's heart broke at the sight of her chapped lips. He mumbled, "Yes. You're the best."A joyous smile appeared on Kisa's face as she snuggled into his arms weakly, not feeling like moving at all. Gilbert held her tight in his arms but hastily lifted and looked straight a
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