Gilbert just took a shower. His body was still warm, and his hair was wet, messy, and sexy.Kisa stared blankly at the two shadows imprinted on the window. A man embraced a woman in his arms from behind. The intimate appearance seemed like a lovey-dovey couple.However, living in this room again, especially with this man, all that was in Kisa's mind was full of bitterness from when they were just married.'I think time is a cycle. I ended up coming back here. Unlike in the past, this man's attitude toward me has completely changed. Thinking back to his ruthlessness, neglect, cruelty, and humiliation back then, I always felt his affection and consideration for me at this moment to be quite ironic.'Kisa withdrew slightly from the man behind her. She turned and looked at him, "Do you remember when we first got married?"Gilbert was at a loss as he pursed his lips and remained silent."I look forward to you coming back and sleeping next to me every night when we were just married. T
"I think we're a real couple now."Kisa's back was stiff, and she said nothing.Gilbert hugged her tightly, "I wish we could continue to be this way."Kisa stared blankly at the curtains, not saying a word.'Love that blossomed too late is even cheaper than grass. These words made a lot more sense now.'Gilbert did nothing to her that night. He just hugged her and fell asleep peacefully.At night, Kisa had a nightmare. She dreamed of her mother and the blood-red birthmark. She was lying in her mom's arms, touching her mom's birthmark as she did when she was a child. But the birthmark suddenly turned into blood and kept on flowing. She hurriedly looked at her mom and only saw her mom yelling at her in disgust, "Why do you exist in this world? Go to hell! Go to hell!"Kisa was immediately awakened by the nightmare. Her forehead was covered with sweat, and her heart was heavy. With a click, the wall lamp at the head of the bed suddenly lit up.Gilbert pulled her into his arms quic
Kisa's sudden switch in the subject caused Gilbert to pause momentarily before he nodded. "Yeah. Why?""Can I go with you?"She still could not find any information about her mother's bracelet.However, she felt something peculiar about the birthmark on Peter's chest. She suspected that Peter might be the child that her mother gave birth to back then though her assumption may be bold and absurd. She still did not want to eliminate any possibility, so she wanted to personally look it up.Gilbert looked at her strangely, "Why do you want to go to Oceanville?""I just want to be with you all the time. Why? Do you not want me to follow you?"She had almost forgotten about her nightmare just now.Kisa sat up from Gilbert's arm. "Do you remember when I messed up your documents that day? I accidentally noticed that there were a few contracts involving the Webb family from Oceanville. I figured that you've got to sign the contracts with them again since the previous ones were stained, r
"Who is this?""It's Shaun. I'm standing right outside of the Kooper residence now. I have something to tell you. Could you come down?"'Shaun?'Kisa knitted her brows.'Didn't Shaun get very mad and leave on the day J & K Film Group merged with GK Pictures? What is it that he wants to tell me?'Kisa did not refuse to see him, considering that he was the most loyal man around Jensen. "Give me a minute," she replied.Kisa hurriedly rushed to the bathroom, freshened herself up, got changed, and ran outside.Gilbert had woken up way before her. Before this, Kisa touched the empty space on her bed, not feeling the warmth, and wondered if Gilbert had already returned to the office.It was still early in the morning, and the living room was silent. Kisa made her way out of the front yard and saw a big man smoking while leaning on the wall outside."Ms. Becker!" Shaun stood upright as soon as he saw her, sounding more respectful than before.Kisa looked at him, confused. "What is th
Kisa walked to the staircase and was about to return to her room upstairs when she suddenly saw Gilbert coming out of the kitchen.Gilbert wore an apron while holding the breakfast in his hands. He looked just like a gentle family man.Kisa paused and looked at him for a few seconds before saying, "You're home?"Gilbert immediately lifted his head after hearing Kisa's voice, "You're awake? Why are you downstairs?"Kisa stopped going up the stairs and yawned while walking toward Gilbert, "Yeah. I'm going to the set later.""Come over and have some breakfast, then. I'm going to the office later, and I can give you a ride."The man turned around and went back into the kitchen as he spoke. Kisa felt strange, asking Gilbert, "Where are the maids? Why are you making breakfast yourself?""I wanted to cook for you personally."Gilbert came out again while they were talking. This time, he had a few pieces of buns and sandwiches in his hands, her favorite food.Other than that, there wa
Madalyn reached for her phone hurriedly and showed it to Gilbert as she spoke.Kisa looked at her silently, and she felt embarrassed for her. She was just talking with Shaun, yet Madalyn made it look like she caught Kisa cheating on Gilbert.Madalyn searched for the photos in her phone before she handed them to Gilbert. "Look, she was plotting something with that man early in the morning. You've got to beware of her. I'm sure that she's up to something by getting back together with you this time."Gilbert looked at the photos without saying anything. He saw Kisa talking with a man in the photos, and he could remember that man being Jensen's assistant, Shaun.He put Madalyn's phone away and said to her with a smile on his face, "Grandma, you misunderstood Kisa. That man is just an employee.""Quit defending her. Why didn't that man look for you instead if he's really from your company? He even came here early just to talk to her." Madalyn glared at Kisa disgustedly as she said that
Gilbert spoke very seriously, yet his eyes looked gentle and affectionate.Kisa was stunned as she stared into his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat.She looked away anxiously before trying to catch her breath, smiling faintly at him. "I was just joking with you. I didn't expect your joke to be even better than mine!"Gilbert was about to say something, but Kisa already opened the door and got out of the car. She bent down and smiled cheekily at the man sitting inside the car. "Remember to pick me up later."She walked into the set while carrying her bag after saying that. Gilbert stared at her slim back as a sarcastic smile appeared on his face.'Is my credibility really this terrible now? I genuinely meant what I said, yet she thought that it was a joke!'Gilbert shook his head in resignation. He needed to stop thinking too deeply about it, or it would upset him again. He only made a U-turn and drove in his office's direction after Kisa disappeared from his sight.Kisa hid at the
Jolina ignored Peter and continued looking at Kisa worriedly.Kisa patted her hand. Then, she smiled and said reassuringly, "It'll be fine. You can go back first; he won't do anything to me."However, Jolina was still worried.'This man is vile and shameless; I witnessed it firsthand. He must've lost interest in me and has shifted his target onto Kisa,' she thought.When she thought of this, she felt even more panicked. She turned to Peter and warned him icily, "Kisa is one of Mr. Kooper's people, so you better not mess around with her. Otherwise, Mr. Kooper won't spare you!"Peter felt jealousy swimming in his chest when he heard her describe Gilbert's greatness.He glared at Jolina and snorted icily, "You think I'm afraid of Gilbert Kooper? I'd still dare to hit on his woman even if he were around!""Then you can give it a try!"Right after Peter spoke, a cold voice came from the door.Kisa froze and quickly turned around. Then, she saw Gilbert walking toward them.His dark
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