Kisa strolled about for a long time before finally hailing a cab home.When she arrived at the Kooper residence, it was already ten o'clock at night.Madalyn and the children had gone to sleep long ago.Kisa stood in the courtyard and looked around. The house was pitch black, so she was unsure if they had locked the gate in the courtyard.'If the courtyard's gate is locked, I'll go back to my own place,' she thought.She reached out and pushed the gate, and it actually opened with a single push.It turned out the gate in the courtyard was ajar.She quietly walked into the courtyard and scanned the area.'Gilbert's cars are all here, so he must be home,' she thought.Kisa turned around and locked the door. Then, she started walking toward the door.The door was also ajar as if someone had left it open for her on purpose.Kisa did not think much about it and tip-toed into the house.It was pitch black inside, so Kisa switched on the flashlight on her phone. Then, she looked a
The box went in a circle on the ground and bounced open as an expensive, refined men's watch dropped out of it. Kisa stared at the gift in astonishment. She pursed her lips and stayed quiet. She had picked a watch that suited Gilbert's noble temperament. But, he just threw it to the ground as if it was nothing, which reminded Kisa of the past where he dismissed her kindness every time, mercilessly throwing it to the ground. She used to feel sad about it, but there was nothing to feel sad about since she was no longer as sincere as she was before.Instead, a smile appeared on her face. "Look at you. I bought a gift just to coax you, and you're still mad. You're so hard to please!"Gilbert stared at her deeply. "Did I say I want a gift? How dare you leave me like that in public and have dinner with another man! Don't I deserve an explanation?"'An explanation? Hah. He never believed me every time I tried to explain myself in the past. So, I didn't think there was a need to explain mys
Gilbert's kiss was painful. Kisa could not help but hit him, but the man forcefully grabbed her wrists and pinned her down on the coffee table. There were several magazines on the table. Kisa's back hurt badly as Gilbert pressed her against the opened magazines. Kisa frowned and stared at the man. "What are you doing?!" she screamed. "I'm doing what married couples do!" Gilbert replied. As he said that, he stretched out his arm to close the curtain.Before Kisa returned to her senses, she heard the sound of a tear. Gilbert had torn her dress apart. She realized what the man was going to do and hurriedly covered her breasts as she smiled at him and said, "Please don't. I'm a little tired today. I want to wash up and head to bed early."Gilbert pursed his lips and sneered, "I didn't hear you complaining that you were tired when you went out with that man.""Gilbert, please. I've already explained myself. I was just trying to ask him... Ah!" She scrunched her face, and her eyes filled
Kisa looked at the time on her phone and saw that it was already past three o'clock in the morning. It was the time when people were asleep. The whole place was quiet. Kisa stood blankly at the door for some time and turned to walk toward the stairs. When she was married for the first time, she lived alone in the villa for almost a year. However, she was only in her room and the hall downstairs most of the time. She had not been to the other rooms in the villa.At that time, she did not know about the grievances between her mother and David Kooper. She also did not realize that Carolyn had a crush on Damon. So, she did not pay much attention to them during her time here. 'If only I had my hands on mom's diary earlier, I would have turned the villa upside down when I was living here. Maybe I could have found something about David and Damon then, and I wouldn't need to be so sneaky.''Everyone lives on the second floor. However, David and Damon were like a taboo to Gilbert, so there mu
"What are you up to?" Kisa froze with fright. When she realized that it was Gilbert's voice, she held her breath slightly and hid the wire up her sleeve. She then turned around to look at the man with a faint smile on her face. The man frowned, and His dark eyes sized her up as he said, "What are you doing on the third floor in the middle of the night?""I'm not doing anything. I couldn't sleep, and I was a little curious. So, I came up to have a look," Kisa said calmly. In the end, she walked to Gilbert, who had a gloomy and tense look on his face, with a smile and said, "I've received your punishment earlier. Have you calmed down now?"Gilbert did not respond. His suspecting gaze fell onto the door. 'If I'm correct, the woman seemed to be struggling to open the door just now. What's behind the door that is worth exploring in the middle of the night?' Gilbert pushed Kisa away and walked toward the door.Kisa frowned subconsciously. "What are you doing, Gilbert? I told you I couldn'
It was surprising that Gilbert did not try to choke her or yell at her. Kisa was also shocked that he did not force her to tell him the truth. She found that his affectionate and patient appearance looked quite authentic."I am telling the truth. You're the one who doesn't believe me," Kisa laughed. Gilbert looked hard at her brows and the curvature of her lips, not letting go of any minor tweak in her facial expression. After a long time, he took a light breath. "Come on!" He said as he let go of her hand and walked downstairs.Kisa stared at his tall figure in disdain, and a strange feeling of guilt appeared inside of her once again. She quickly shook her head to get rid of the guilt as she warned herself, 'That lost and sad look he has on his face is just an act so that I will feel guilty and foolishly tell him everything. It is just another one of his psychological tactics. It's what he is best at.'Kisa maintained the calmness in her eyes and followed the man down the stairs. "
Kisa screamed and reflexively closed her eyes, thinking that she would fall and crack her head.But, unexpectedly, a strong arm caught her by the waist, and the man quickly picked her up and steadied her beside him.Kisa patted her chest and was still in shock, as a slightly admonishing voice rang out above her head. "What's wrong? Did you forget how to go down the stairs?"She rolled her eyes at him as she internally cursed, 'If it weren't for you suddenly pushing me against the wall to teach me a lesson and then suddenly letting go, I wouldn't have lost my balance.'However, looking at the man's sullen face, she did not want to be calculative with him. So, she instead smiled at him and said, "Thank you. You're pretty good, pulling me back just like that."Gilbert said nothing as he walked downstairs with an icy look on his face.Kisa sneered inwardly.'This man sure is difficult to please. Even praising him doesn't make him happy.'When she returned to the second floor, Kisa
"Kisa, why aren't you at the set yet? Everyone is waiting for you."Kisa panicked and immediately said, "Tell the director I'm coming over right now."As she said that, Kisa took a glance at her alarm clock.'What the hell, who turned my alarm off? I remember I set the alarm for 7.30am.'Without any time to think, she rushed off into the bathroom for a simple wash-up.After changing her clothes, she grabbed her bag and went out.When she got downstairs, she felt a sharp and cold glance looking her way.Peering over, she saw Gilbert and Mrs. Kooper Sr. sitting at the dining table.And, Mrs. Kooper Sr. was staring at her with a gloomy and disgusted look.Kisa shrugged helplessly, not knowing what she did to cross the old woman this time.'Even though she hates me a lot, she didn't have to look at me like she wished she could stare me to death.'Kisa ignored her, nor did she look at Gilbert as she grabbed the strap of her bag and walked toward the door."Hold it right there!"
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