Lisa stretched lazily, tilting Eric's chin upward. Seeing the mix of fear and anticipation in his eyes, she couldn't help but laugh softly."Mr. Lorvis, even though I've taken on a new identity, you're still clinging to me. Are you hoping for my forgiveness?"Eric's pupils contracted sharply. "Charlotte, I—"Before he could finish, Lisa covered his mouth and shook her head."I'm a petty person, Mr. Lorvis. You should know that. Emily dared to bully Charlotte because you let her. When she died, do you know how much pain she endured? Do you know how much silent suffering she endured because she couldn't speak? You don't. So let me tell you this, Eric—your love is disgustingly cheap."Tears welled up in Eric's eyes and spilled onto Lisa's hand. He suddenly dropped to his knees, his voice hoarse and desperate."Charlotte, give me a chance, please. Emily's child wasn't mine. I did everything, all of it, just to make you love me more. Charlotte, I only want your forgiveness. Forget the
When Lisa saw the Spencer family's sentencing documents, a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. One term of ten years, two of fifteen, and one life sentence. The thought of the Spencer family spending their futures behind bars brought an unspoken sense of satisfaction.As for Eric, he hadn't fallen into despair. Once he confirmed Lisa's true identity, his relentless pursuit began anew. Every morning at her office, she was greeted with a large bouquet of red roses, each accompanied by his handwritten apologies:"Lisa, I was wrong. Please, give me another chance..."By the time she left work, her desk would be littered with an assortment of milk teas and delicate pastries. At first, her colleagues helped her discard the gifts without a second thought. But as days passed, their resolve wavered. Even the receptionist hesitated, uncertain whether to toss away what might be considered heartfelt gestures.Eric wasn't content with just that. He orchestrated coincidental encounter
After his release from the hospital, Eric took the initiative to approach Lisa. The man who once exuded a steely, aloof demeanor now smiled with a warmth that almost felt genuine, though his muscles betrayed an unnatural stiffness.He began learning to prepare her meals, clumsily navigating the kitchen. With shameless determination, he even visited the Vanderwall home, humbling himself before Meghan for lessons in cooking."Meghan, please teach me," he implored earnestly. "I truly want to apologize to Lisa. She's cooked for me countless times before. I'd like to understand her tastes better."When Meghan first saw him, she was furious—this was the man who had mistreated her sister. But as his visits multiplied, and as she heard of the lengths he went to for Lisa, her anger softened into something more complicated.'What's the use of love that comes too late?' she thought. Lisa had long since let go of regrets.Eric had lived his life as a man of privilege; even boiling porridge se
The voice on the other end of the line drew in a sharp breath. Lisa was startled—was Dr. Jim confessing to her?It was true that he had helped her, but she was clear on one thing: they were just friends."I'm sorry," she said firmly, cutting him off. "I'll pretend I never heard this today. We're still just friends. And tell your cousin I'll cover his medical expenses."With that, she hung up, not giving him a chance to respond. On the other side, Dr. Jim let out a resigned sigh, lowering his head. He had always known Lisa was cold-hearted and distant, yet somewhere along the line, he had fallen for her completely.The next day, Lisa convened a meeting with the senior executives and shareholders of Alvec Holdings. Her proposal was shocking: she intended to acquire and dismantle Eric's company.Her confidence and resolve left no room for doubt, and the others decided to follow her lead. From that point on, Lisa began scrutinizing every business collaboration with Eric's company, e
Nine years ago, Charlotte Green willingly bound herself to a companionship system to save her sister. The system guided her to the side of Eric Lorvis, a man adored by fate and envied by the world. Her role, as dictated, was to pursue him under the guise of being mute.Before long, everyone in their social circle knew of the mute woman who loved Eric with a fervor bordering on madness.At a gathering one evening, he finally relented, though his words were as cold as the winter wind."If you make yourself look like Emily, I'll allow you to stay by my side."Without hesitation, Charlotte borrowed money to undergo plastic surgery. She reshaped herself to resemble Emily Spencer—the woman Eric revered as his untouchable ideal. With painstaking precision, she molded her preferences to match his, learned to cook his favorite dishes, and catered to his every need.Yet to him, she was no more than a housekeeper. He neither hid his disdain nor spared her his indifference. His insults, his co
After hanging up the call, Charlotte saw Eric leaning against the doorframe in a bathrobe, his expression unreadable but heavy with discontent."So, you want a divorce?" His voice carried a quiet menace. "Who's the man you've been eyeing?"He moved closer, his large hand gripping her chin. The sudden force made her flinch, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but he tightened his hold, trapping her in an unrelenting embrace."But then again, I doubt you'd dare," he said, his voice a low drawl. "You weren't even afraid to die just to stay by my side. So, Charlotte, tell me—why do you like me?"This time, it was Charlotte's turn to fall silent.How could she possibly tell him the truth? That she didn't like him at all, that everything she did was for the sake of completing a mission?She hesitated for a moment before typing four words on her phone: Love at first sight.Eric chuckled. He didn't press further and turned away, leaving her alone.The next morning, he was already
"Charlotte, what happened? I heard you fell down the stairs?" Emily's voice carried a saccharine concern as she sat heavily on Charlotte's injured leg.Charlotte clenched her teeth, suppressing a cry of pain."Now that I'm divorced," Emily said, a smug smile curling her lips, "do you really think Eric would still look at you? Using my face to cozy up to him—don't you feel disgusted with yourself?" She tilted her head, her smile as radiant as sunshine piercing through a frozen landscape.Charlotte clenched her teeth tightly, refusing to let a cry of pain escape her throat.Emily suddenly slapped her own face."Charlotte, don't be angry. If you need to hit me to vent, go ahead. I'll even forgive you as long as you forgive Brian. He didn't mean it..." Emily's voice quivered, her eyes glistening with perfect tears that trailed down her cheeks, fragile and pitiable.Before Charlotte could react, the door flew open with a loud crash. In strode Eric, his face a mask of icy fury. He scoo
Brian's smug grin surfaced as he shoved a bag of groceries into Charlotte's arms."What are you standing there for, mute? Get cooking already. Or should I tell Eric you've been slacking off again?"Charlotte glanced at the groceries—mostly seafood and meat, with not a single vegetable in sight. She sighed quietly. She was allergic to seafood and disliked meat; clearly, this meal wouldn't be for her. Still, the thought of the remaining twenty-something days reignited a flicker of determination.Barely half an hour had passed when Emily came rushing into the kitchen."Charlotte, why isn't the food ready yet? Don't tell me you don't want to cook for me?""She wouldn't dare," Brian barked, his voice laced with impatience. "Charlotte, hurry it up! Emily's hungry!"With a resigned breath, Charlotte moved to reheat the broth and adjust the portions. But before she could, Emily suddenly snatched the pot of steaming soup from her hands. In a swift, calculated motion, she pretended to stum
The voice on the other end of the line drew in a sharp breath. Lisa was startled—was Dr. Jim confessing to her?It was true that he had helped her, but she was clear on one thing: they were just friends."I'm sorry," she said firmly, cutting him off. "I'll pretend I never heard this today. We're still just friends. And tell your cousin I'll cover his medical expenses."With that, she hung up, not giving him a chance to respond. On the other side, Dr. Jim let out a resigned sigh, lowering his head. He had always known Lisa was cold-hearted and distant, yet somewhere along the line, he had fallen for her completely.The next day, Lisa convened a meeting with the senior executives and shareholders of Alvec Holdings. Her proposal was shocking: she intended to acquire and dismantle Eric's company.Her confidence and resolve left no room for doubt, and the others decided to follow her lead. From that point on, Lisa began scrutinizing every business collaboration with Eric's company, e
After his release from the hospital, Eric took the initiative to approach Lisa. The man who once exuded a steely, aloof demeanor now smiled with a warmth that almost felt genuine, though his muscles betrayed an unnatural stiffness.He began learning to prepare her meals, clumsily navigating the kitchen. With shameless determination, he even visited the Vanderwall home, humbling himself before Meghan for lessons in cooking."Meghan, please teach me," he implored earnestly. "I truly want to apologize to Lisa. She's cooked for me countless times before. I'd like to understand her tastes better."When Meghan first saw him, she was furious—this was the man who had mistreated her sister. But as his visits multiplied, and as she heard of the lengths he went to for Lisa, her anger softened into something more complicated.'What's the use of love that comes too late?' she thought. Lisa had long since let go of regrets.Eric had lived his life as a man of privilege; even boiling porridge se
When Lisa saw the Spencer family's sentencing documents, a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. One term of ten years, two of fifteen, and one life sentence. The thought of the Spencer family spending their futures behind bars brought an unspoken sense of satisfaction.As for Eric, he hadn't fallen into despair. Once he confirmed Lisa's true identity, his relentless pursuit began anew. Every morning at her office, she was greeted with a large bouquet of red roses, each accompanied by his handwritten apologies:"Lisa, I was wrong. Please, give me another chance..."By the time she left work, her desk would be littered with an assortment of milk teas and delicate pastries. At first, her colleagues helped her discard the gifts without a second thought. But as days passed, their resolve wavered. Even the receptionist hesitated, uncertain whether to toss away what might be considered heartfelt gestures.Eric wasn't content with just that. He orchestrated coincidental encounter
Lisa stretched lazily, tilting Eric's chin upward. Seeing the mix of fear and anticipation in his eyes, she couldn't help but laugh softly."Mr. Lorvis, even though I've taken on a new identity, you're still clinging to me. Are you hoping for my forgiveness?"Eric's pupils contracted sharply. "Charlotte, I—"Before he could finish, Lisa covered his mouth and shook her head."I'm a petty person, Mr. Lorvis. You should know that. Emily dared to bully Charlotte because you let her. When she died, do you know how much pain she endured? Do you know how much silent suffering she endured because she couldn't speak? You don't. So let me tell you this, Eric—your love is disgustingly cheap."Tears welled up in Eric's eyes and spilled onto Lisa's hand. He suddenly dropped to his knees, his voice hoarse and desperate."Charlotte, give me a chance, please. Emily's child wasn't mine. I did everything, all of it, just to make you love me more. Charlotte, I only want your forgiveness. Forget the
Eric's assistant found himself unable to say anything harsh to Lisa as he stared at her face. Yet the resentment in his chest wouldn't subside."Mr. Lorvis is simply slow to express his feelings. He loved his wife deeply. After her death, he fell into despair for a long time. Once the truth was uncovered, he made the Spencer family pay for their actions. He's been trying to make amends ever since. Madam—"Lisa interrupted with a laugh, sharp and dismissive.'His love was always for Emily. To his wife, a glorified housekeeper, he was cold and indifferent. And now, he's so desperate to make amends to a dead person—what's the point?' she thought inwardly.Meanwhile, in the hospital, Eric fought for his life. Pulmonary edema had kept him unconscious for an entire day and night. When Eric finally regained consciousness, her expression haunted him—a gaze so cold, so detached, it carved itself into his memory.When he retrieved the urn, the ashes inside had already dissolved into the sea
Dr. Jim stared, his eyes wide. The urn in his hand slipped from his grip and hit the ground with a heavy thud. For a long time, his voice trembled as he spoke."Charlotte, is it really you?""Yes, it's me. I'm fine. Long time no see."The moment he heard her answer, Dr. Jim's heart trembled uncontrollably. The dead had returned in a new form. It was too strange to believe, but now it was happening to Charlotte, and he found himself unwilling to delve deeper."How do you prove you're really her? What if you're an imposter? And how is it that you can speak now?""Well, if I'm sitting here, doesn't that prove it? As for why I can speak now... that's a secret."Dr. Jim paused, then gave a wry laugh."So this is how it is. Does Eric know? Does he...?""I don't love him. He has nothing to do with me. I'm Lisa, not that mute Charlotte..."Lisa casually cut her steak, winking playfully as she spoke."I actually have an older sister named Meghan. The reason I stayed with Eric was for
This was the first time that Eric visited the orphanage, and to his surprise, the children were chattering and laughing. The atmosphere was extremely lively. He exchanged a quick glance with the person he had planted on the scene, who then raised a hand and shoved a boy named Leslie. Within moments, the two were struggling on the ground, Leslie almost entirely pinned beneath the other.When Lisa saw this, her heart lurched. Everyone around her, on Eric's signal, stood back and did nothing."Mr. Lorvis, you called me here to watch a child being bullied?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief."Of course not. This boy, Leslie, was once very fond of my wife..." Eric began, his words trailing off as Leslie, upon spotting Lisa, burst into tears."Charlotte, save me!" the boy cried, his tear-filled eyes looking up at her as he used sign language. That was their secret signal, a silent code between him and Charlotte.Her heart twisted painfully, and her eyes reddened, the sting of
Lisa tugged at her collar, exposing her neck as if offering an undeniable truth to the man before her."Take a good look," she said, her voice sharp. "Does my scar look anything like your wife's?"Eric's gaze followed her gesture. His eyes landed on a long, faint pink whip mark, its clean precision unmistakably different from the mottled, uneven appearance of a burn scar. The sight instantly extinguished half the hope he'd clung to.She wasn't her.The thought battered him as he stared at the woman who bore such an uncanny resemblance to his late wife. And yet, in this moment, the reality seemed inescapable.Lisa, unmoved, pushed him away with no hesitation, a flicker of relief flashing through her mind. Her foresight had saved her—removing the old scars from her body when she arrived in this world. The whip marks, by contrast, were new, inflicted by family punishment just before her return to the country.But Eric wasn't ready to give up. Doubt gnawed at him, whispering that the
Charlotte lifted her chin, a faint, ironic smile playing on her lips."Mr. Lorvis," she said, her tone light and mocking, "your reputation precedes you, but surely there's no need to investigate me so openly in front of my bodyguards, is there?"Eric felt a flush creep up his face. Her voice was gentle, yet so different from the soft, almost inaudible sounds he remembered from the mute girl of his past. Something inside him trembled—a faint, persistent hope."Charlotte," he began, his voice unsteady, "let's not fight anymore, alright? I know I was wrong before. Come home with me. Trust me, I'll make things right—"But she cut him off sharply. "Mr. Lorvis, I don't know this 'Charlotte' you keep mentioning. As far as I'm concerned, I am Lisa. Yes, you might have some influence here in Havenport, but don't think that scares me. Now, step aside."The bodyguards around them inhaled sharply at her boldness. None of them had expected Lisa to speak to Eric like this. But looking at her fa