"Hey, Ariella!"Just as she said that, Gilbert snatched away her phone.Kisa scowled at him angrily. He was not in a hurry to talk on the phone. Instead, he waited patiently for Ariella to finish ranting on the other side.Gilbert only spoke when she finished ranting."I'm Gilbert Kooper. We suspect your assistant used GK Pictures's reputation for a publicity stunt. We are in the midst of interrogation, but don't worry. I'll arrange for a temporary assistant as a substitute."Ariella was shocked. She was silent for a while before she replied again with a polite voice, "A-Alright Mr. Kooper. I didn't expect you to pick up the phone. I-I was..."Gilbert hung up impatiently.After Gilbert hung up, Kisa said angrily, "What are you doing? You restricting my movements is bad enough, but now you're interfering with my work as well. Who do you think you are, trying to control my life?""I am Gilbert Kooper, your husband.""Heh. My husband?" Kisa found those words very ironic.While t
The warmth in his hands was shockingly hot, and it was obviously not at normal body temperature."Gilbert..."She looked over and noticed that Gilbert's cheeks were unusually red.'Does he have a fever?'At that thought, Kisa quickly pulled her hand back.'What should I do? He's having a fever and it isn't just any normal fever.'"Don't leave me. Don't..."He held on tightly to her hands and kept mumbling the same words. She was not sure if he had mistaken her for someone else.Off the top of her head, she assumed he mistook her as Sara or the mother of his two kids.She had the urge to pull back her hands, but Gilbert's grip was too tight. There was no use fighting it.Fortunately, she noticed his phone on the bedside table.She quickly took it and contacted Kelvin.The first call went to voice message, so she tried calling again.At that point, it was already past ten. She was not sure whether he was already asleep.Then, her call went through.Kelvin sounded annoyed,
"What are you doing?" screamed Kisa while pushing him away.Yet, he overpowered her in terms of physical strength, and although he was sick, she was not strong enough to push him off.Gilbert held her tightly and looked into her eyes with a dark look. Kisa was terrified at his serious expression."Don't leave me anymore, okay?"He spoke with a hoarse voice. His words carried a hint of sadness and loneliness.Kisa only looked at him blankly. She had never seen Gilbert in such a vulnerable state before.Was he thinking of Sara and mistaking her for Sara?Then, a warm breath attacked her.Gilbert kissed her passionately. It carried a sense of his longing and... punishment.Kisa still held on to the thought of being mistaken as Sara. She felt offended.At this, she resisted strongly and yelled, "Gilbert Kooper, look clearly! I'm not Sara Mitchell. I'm Kisa Becker!"But he ignored her words and continued kissing her. He was acting like a stubborn child.Kisa's eyes were brimming
This was the first time Kisa let her guard down. She cried like a child when she confronted Gilbert, "Why are you doing this to me? What did I do wrong? What have I ever done wrong?"But no matter how much she cried, she would never gain pity from the man in front of her. After all, she was not Sara. To him, her tears were just a tool to gain sympathy. His cold, gloomy face did not change in the slightest. Even his eyes were as cold as ice.Kisa saw the indifference on his face and knew that her tears were a joke to him. She could cry in front of anyone and everyone except Gilbert. He was stone cold when it came to Kisa. He would never fall for her tears.Suddenly, Kisa laughed. The look on her face seemed twisted, combined with the tears rolling down her cheeks, "Oh, I forgot, you never fall for my tears. I guess this little trick of mine wouldn't work on you."Gilbert's hands that were holding her slowly tightened, and Kisa could feel his rising anger.All of a sudden, Gilbert y
"I investigated the matter yesterday based on what you told me, and I've found out that there's actually a road near Mrs. Kooper Sr.'s place that leads to a village called Mullenby. There was a girl named Snow Mullen who lived in that village. She died ten years ago. After asking around, I discovered that she was Howard Mullen's younger sister."Davian looked closely at Kisa's face as he said, "It's weird, but the picture of Snow Mullen on her tombstone looks a little like you—skinny."Kisa frowned at the sound of that. 'Could it be? Was Howard telling the truth? Did I get him all wrong? But if he wasn't the one who was behind the news, then who was it?' Kisa could not think of anyone other than Sharon Case and Howard Mullen."Besides that, what else did you learn about the news incident?""Well, I went to the newspaper that first published the news. They insisted that you're the one who said you're the wife of GK Pictures's CEO and that you asked them to stake out in front of Mrs.
"Oh, it seems like I came at the wrong time."As if he was being spied on, Gilbert pushed Kisa away from him instantly. Kisa, concentrating on treating his wound, fell onto the bed, completely stunned and embarrassed.Kelvin, who was standing at the door, saw the scene in front of him and smiled.Gilbert could not contain his anger when he saw his smile, "Do you not know how to knock?!"Kelvin walked into the room with one hand holding a medical kit and the other in his pocket. "Knocking seems unnecessary when the door's wide open.""Who sent you here? I didn't call for you," Gilbert said as he glared at him with a stern face."She did," Kelvin replied while he pouted at Kisa, who was getting up from the bed. "She frantically called me last night and said you had a high fever. She asked me to come over immediately, but I could not, so here I am today."Kisa scoffed at his words, "Me? Frantic? As if."Kelvin ignored her and looked over Gilbert's chest wound. "Tsk, this wound nee
"You came down just in time. I cooked a bowl of noodles for you. You can eat it in the bedroom or in the dining room if you want," said Kisa."I think I'll have it in the bedroom," Kelvin replied with a smile."Alright, here you go," Kisa handed him the bowl of noodles and left.Kelvin stopped her, "Actually, I have a question I've always wanted to ask you."Kisa turned around to look at him and asked, "What is it?""Don't you hate Gilbert? His wound got infected last night which caused the fever, but you didn't have to worry. He could have fended for himself. Why did you—""How can I prove my innocence to him if he dies? How can I have him kneel before me, asking for repentance? How can I have him beg me to accept treatment from you?" Kisa said expressionlessly, as if she no longer had a heart.Kelvin looked at her helplessly, "Are you sure that the time you have left is enough for you to achieve those things?""I'll try my best.""You don't have to be so stubborn; you know.
"Don't we have servants in this house? Why did you cook for him?""I wanted to," sneered Kisa.Gilbert narrowed his eyes and said, "I'm telling you, stop trying to flirt with Kelvin. He has a partner. He'd never fall for you."Kisa laughed angrily as she held the newspaper tightly with both hands, wishing to tear it into pieces. 'Why would he think that I'm flirting with Kelvin? It was just a bowl of noodles,' she thought.After reminding herself that her task right now was to look after Gilbert and his wound, she decided to stay quiet. However, Gilbert mistook her silence as an agreement, and he could not control himself, "Don't even think about flirting with Kelvin. Stop trying to charm him so he can deliver a message to your boy toy. I'm telling you, he has someone he'd give everything for. So stop it."Kisa tried to hold back her anger, but she threw in a few eye rolls here and there. "A man's imagination can really hold a universe,' she thought.Kisa put down the newspaper 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