Liesel had long since stopped longing for Jeffrey's love.She knew clearly that there were things Jeffrey wouldn't save her from. He would only push her deeper into the abyss. The only one who could save her was herself."My dad only has one daughter, doesn't he?" Liesel's lips curled into a smile, but it was shallow and cold. It carried no emotion.Jeffrey couldn't find the words to respond. He couldn't even remember when he had given Liesel that plush toy.At that moment, he found himself resenting Natalie. Why did she have to provoke Liesel now? They had called Liesel back here to placate her, not to stir her emotions!A twisted smile appeared on Jeffrey's face as he shot a vicious glare at Natalie, but she merely smiled back, as if completely unfazed by his anger.Perhaps she was ignoring him intentionally."Don't talk nonsense, Lili. You're my first daughter, a gift from heaven. Of course, I care about you," Jeffrey said. His voice was shaky as he spouted a lie he knew was
Jeffrey stood frozen in shock. He had no idea Natalie had taken Heather's belongings to auction them off in Bromwich. "You took Heather's possessions without my permission?"Natalie folded her arms. Her stance was defiant. "So what if I did? It's not like you've been generous with my allowance." She sneered. "You let Dash swindle a billion from you, but I take one measly dress, and you're ready to lose your mind? Or maybe it's because you're still hung up on Heather? Don't forget that Heather betrayed you! She ran off and had Xavier with another man!" Her words made Jeffrey's blood boil. The father and daughter squared off as Liesel coldly watched. The bickering dragged on until it wore thin. Elijah's eyes never left Liesel. He reached out and massaged her temples. "Getting tired?"Liesel gave a small nod. "A bit too much noise for my liking." Without a word, Elijah clapped his hands. The door to the room swung open, and a group of black-suited bodyguards marched
"Your malice runs so deep that you'd push him into the abyss just to satisfy your sick revenge. You knew Xavier would be condemned to a lifetime of shame when you forced him to take someone else's exam. "She took a step closer. "You smiled at me and promised to let him go, but you never meant it."Her hands curled into fists at her sides. She loathed the man before her, not just for his actions but for the depths of cruelty he had harbored for years.Liesel spoke through clenched teeth. Jeffrey's face contorted with fury. Even as the guard pinned him to the ground, he thrashed violently. "What did I do wrong? Tell me, Liesel! Heather was the one who betrayed me! You don't know how much she meant to me!""Jeffrey, you were the one who cheated on her and had Natalie. You destroyed my mother's life." Liesel stared at Jeffrey in disgust."You think I betrayed Heather? You really believe that nonsense?" His body shook as he clenched his fists tighter. "Heather never wanted to marry me
Liesel felt dizzy. She could hardly keep her balance. Elijah instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders as his eyes grew a tone darker.Heather's name carried weight, not just domestically but globally. Even after her death, stories about her brilliance and defiance lingered in certain circles. Back then, the holographic industry in Draskia had just begun to rise, but Heather had already proposed to start holographic research through reverse engineering, becoming the first in the country to do so.She founded her own luxury brand and before her death, impulsively shut it down. The dresses she created had long become limited editions. She had participated in overseas art festivals, won awards, and had even been called a treasure by some prince.She was beautiful, elegant, and graceful, but also wilful and wild. All of those traits combined to create the unique Heather.There had been rumors in the industry that if Heather were still alive, the most powerful capital in the
Jeffrey had lost his mind. It was impossible to communicate with him.Liesel stared at him for a while before turning to leave. As she passed by Natalie, who was still standing there in a daze, Liesel scoffed. "Natalie, did you hear that? Your mother was just a toy for my mother. What you thought was real was all just an act."Heather died on his birthday, and it was all for a prank. A bloody joke. Jeffrey had loved her to the point of madness."Natalie shook with anger. She glared at Liesel with fury.Liesel's gaze darkened as she continued walking. Just as she reached the door, Jeffrey's weary voice echoed through the room."Liesel. She's definitely still alive. She's watching you."Liesel paused. "Jeffrey, I think you've really lost it. Heather is dead. Didn't you see her body?"Her voice was cold. She didn't want to keep talking to a madman."It's fake," Jeffrey laughed eerily, his voice chilling. "The body was fake. No one noticed, but I did. Heather ran away. She got bo
Natalie was aware of the urgency of the situation. She nodded and began to formulate a plan in her mind, considering how to approach Jacob for help.The hall was now empty, save for Jeffrey. He sat on the floor, feeling lost and dejected.Though he wasn't young anymore, he had maintained his exercise regimen over the years and, except for social events, rarely indulged in smoking or drinking. He was good-looking, even in his fifties.With one hand on the ground, Jeffrey struggled to rise. His steps were unsteady. He leaned on the staircase railing as he slowly made his way up to the top. He retrieved a key to open a door.His hands trembled as he unlocked the door.The room was covered in dust. With each step, dust fell around him, and he began to cough from the airborne particles.He had avoided opening the door for years, fearing what he might find. The room had been Heather's true sanctuary.He had loved her deeply, and the room was designed specifically for Heather. It conta
The notes weren't written in Heather's diary. They were in a collection of scattered work logs she had kept over the years. Jeffrey couldn't bring himself to do anything more than make a copy of them.At first, he thought that "Jay" was referring to him.But when he read the line, "Dying for love is noble, but I'd live for you," it hit him all at once. He had been fooling himself all along. Heather had never loved him. Her heart had long since been claimed by someone else.She had chosen him only because he resembled that man—because his name was similar to his. He was nothing more than a replacement for Heather.Was Heather selfish? Yes, she was. She was selfish in a way that she couldn't spare even the smallest piece of her love for him. She reserved them all for another man.That man's name was Jay.Jeffrey had deluded himself into believing that Heather would stay with him because he looked like him. He grew more obsessed with his appearance and body. He wasn't the man Heat
Liesel still felt unsettled after leaving the Sharp residence. It felt as though a belief she had held onto for so long had just been completely shattered.She had despised Jeffrey for so long because of Heather's actions, but now she was being told that Jeffrey was the true victim of their relationship. It was absurd."Is she really still alive?" Liesel asked almost to herself.Elijah's gaze darkened, and after a brief pause, he spoke, "Lili, do you know why she started researching holograms? Why, all those years ago, after just attending a lecture, she became obsessed with it?"She wondered if it was just because Heather saw the immense potential of holography and its benefits, or if there was something else."If Jeffrey isn't lying, then Ms. Mallone might have studied holography to connect with her lover in another world. But think about it—if Heather truly longed for love all her life, and after finally perfecting holography, she could link her mind to see the person she yearn
Edward chuckled quietly in her ear. "Where do you want to go tomorrow, Ophelia? Should I take you on an overseas getaway? Or perhaps, we could take a stroll nearby and watch a movie.""I can't go overseas; I'm not on break yet. Let's go watch a movie," Ophelia replied. "I've only watched a movie with you as my brother. This time, I want to try watching a movie with you as my boyfriend."Although Edward was still the same person, his identity had changed.She could now touch Edward openly. She could hold his hand, hug him, and kiss him.It was… really great."Alright, get some rest today. I'll come pick you up tomorrow," Edward said.Ophelia nodded and walked him to the door. As soon as she shut the door, she pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heart thudding rapidly from the kiss earlier.She hopped into bed and rolled from side to side.After Edward got into his car, he finally let out a loud laugh. He pressed his fingers to his lips, reminiscing about the aftertaste sh
As their tongues intertwined, Edward could taste a sweet and sour flavor on Ophelia's tongue. It tasted like she just had a piece of strawberry candy that made her entire mouth taste sweet.Even her breath smelled like this refreshing and saccharine fruity scent. It was as if she was enticing him to take a bite of her and swallow her.The more they kissed, the more forceful Edward got. The air around them felt syrupy and intimate."Are you sure you really have never dated before? Am I really your first? If I am… then why are you so good at kissing?" she asked like it was an interrogation.She didn't know how to kiss and was very inexperienced. However, Edward had practically conquered her. He kissed her until her knees went weak.At the thought of Edward doing this to another woman, her chest began to ache terribly.Edward played with her hair, which had become messy from the kissing. "Like I said, you're all I dream about. I don't even know how many times I've kissed you in my d
"How would you know that I also didn't have the same kind of thoughts when you secretly kissed me all those years ago?"You said that I was born in a tall tower, but I didn't get to choose my background. Meanwhile, you have climbed your way up to where I am to be with me."In ancient times, we would have been innocent and carefree childhood sweethearts. We would've been considered a match made in heaven."Edward, what I'm saying is the truth." Ophelia said each word solemnly. She stared unblinkingly at Edward as she spoke. "While you were struggling with these emotions, who said I was not struggling too?"However, I just couldn't forget you. I couldn't accept a future without you. What I wanted was to have you by my side. I wish you were my lover, and I want to be with you, Edward Ford."Her response was firm and resolute. It echoed with conviction.At the same time, she seemed to be giving her answer to the Edward who had been hiding his feelings in fear and panic for many y
"If you're ever unhappy, you can come find me anytime. I'll always be here for you."This was Edward's promise.These were the moments when Ophelia had seen Edward smoking. Each time, it seemed to have something to do with her.She recalled the past. The way Edward always looked at her became even clearer in her mind. Back then, she might not have understood the struggle and yearning in his eyes.But now, she thought she understood.Her mind was filled with too many thoughts, and their embrace had lasted far too long.She wanted to push him away, but at that moment, he suddenly whispered in her ear, "Your first kiss wasn't him. It was me."What?Ophelia was stunned. She even thought that she'd heard wrong.When had she ever kissed Edward? How come she never knew about it?She pushed him away. Her doe eyes widened."You're lying. E-except just now, we've never kissed before!""The night before I left the country, you held onto my shirt and refused to let me leave. After you
Ophelia still remembered the melancholy and confusion that she'd seen in Edward's eyes. He had looked like a young boy who couldn't find his way home.The moment Edward saw her, he stubbed out his cigarette. Holding her hand, he led the bleary-eyed Ophelia back to the bedroom.Worried that she'd catch a cold from the freezing winds, he made her a cup of hot chamomile tea. She didn't like the taste, so he had to try his hardest to coax her into drinking it.Upset, she said to him accusingly, "Edward, I feel I'm turning into a chamomile plant."Edward laughed.He was handsome. Even when he laughed, he looked attractive. Amusement bloomed on his charming and elegant face.She complimented him dazedly, "Edward, you're really good-looking."Even though she was still mad that she'd been coaxed into drinking a whole mug of chamomile tea, she still found herself lost in his handsomeness. Edward's eyes were curved from his broad grin, and he reached out to rub her head."You're very goo
"So it is because of Stanley.""Well, I'm much older than you. Stanley is young so there wouldn't be a generation gap between you two. You must like someone younger."That's not all. Stanley has excellent grades. I naturally understand that you'd choose him. After all, he's the first guy you've ever called your boyfriend."You don't have to say anything; I understand. I'm not up to standard. Stanley will definitely achieve greater things than me in the future, so I shouldn't keep clinging to you…" I must have put you in a difficult position. If I had known that you had picked Stanley, I wouldn't have come back and disturbed you. I've disturbed the peace in your life."Every single word Edward said felt like a stab in Ophelia's heart.Was he crazy? Why was he talking about Stanley in every sentence?Ophelia tried her hardest to bite her tongue, but in the end, she failed to hold her anger in."You keep talking about Stanley, but didn't I already tell you that we've broken up? A
Ophelia snatched the junk food box in a huff to fill the gift boxes with snacks."You! Stop causing trouble!""Okay, okay! I'll stop messing around." With that, Joseph muttered, "It was just a few sweets…"Ophelia glared at him. Joseph immediately cleared his throat and no longer uttered a word. Instead of teasing her, he also began helping her pack the boxes. Not trusting him, Ophelia intentionally inspected each box. She only felt assured to hand him the boxes once she was certain none of the chocolates or snacks were missing.Not long after Joseph started packing, he began looking around absentmindedly. He looked down and noticed many private messages on Ophelia's phone. Those still part of Yvonne's fandom had sent those messages. They were scolding Ophelia.Ophelia merely glanced at the messages before nonchalantly turning off the phone screen. Not only were she and Joseph done wrapping the boxes, but Edward had finished preparing breakfast as well. Edward prepared all of
"Oh!" Joseph exclaimed. He whirled around and took a step back before patting Edward's palm. "Shouldn't you give me something in return for my advice? A present or something, right?"Edward came off as rather domineering as he asked icily, "Tell me which car you want. What model and series? When do you want it?"Yes, Edward had brought up cars. Joseph's eyes lit up. "I want the latest SUV from Land Rover within the next three days."It wasn't as if Joseph couldn't afford the car. He simply liked messing with his friends. After all, free things were the best. "Sure." Joseph continued flatteringly, "Bro, this is how it works. Women are usually more soft-hearted, especially someone like Ophelia at her age. You should give in sometimes."Be shameless if she ever tries to drive you away. Hug her and act pitiful by saying that you don't want to leave her. Say that you can't sleep or will have nightmares if you don't see her. You can even be more dramatic."Joseph was quick-witted enou
Ophelia was left dumbfounded after hearing Joseph's advice. What nonsense was he talking about? He was supposed to be on her side, not sabotage her. Edward shoved Ophelia out of the kitchen. "Something's wrong with his brain, so just ignore him. Go and rest."Ophelia was still perplexed as Edward pushed her out of the kitchen. However, she didn't probe further since she refused to speak to him for now. Once Ophelia was gone, Joseph immediately cursed. "You're such a beast. 28cm, 28cm. Why don't you cut off that thing of yours? Did you think your sweetheart is someone who appears in those adult films?" Edward's eyes twitched. He finally understood what Joseph had been blabbering about. Joseph was such a pervert through and through. Edward slammed the knife onto the chopping board. "I'm talking about my age. What's gotten into you?""Oh, it's your age." Joseph sighed in relief. He had been worried about how Draskia could have such a pervert like Edward.After a while, Joseph e