"Are you not coming back with Lili for dinner tonight? It's odd. Lili would usually be heading back on this day. Did you snatch her away?" Vincent asked.Alex felt a wave of panic wash over him.Liesel wasn't avoiding Ford Manor because of Jacob. It was clear she didn't want to return because they were divorced.Jacob, with his bleary eyes, took a while to respond. "She left.""Left? What do you mean, Lili left? Where did she go?" Vincent fired off three questions in quick succession.Alex broke out in a cold sweat as he hurriedly grabbed the phone from Jacob's hand.He forced an awkward laugh and said, "Jake and Liesel had a fight. He couldn't swallow his pride to apologize, so he came to my place to drink. Liesel just left for some fresh air. It's nothing serious, Mr. Ford Senior. They'll be back to normal by tomorrow."Vincent frowned. "I knew you were the one who took him drinking."For heaven's sake! When did he ever take Jacob drinking? Jacob was here drowning his sorrows
Liesel used to hope that she could be bound to Jacob. But now, being tied to him would only bring her pain.Seeing Jacob made her uncontrollably think of everything that had happened today. She didn't want to and couldn't accept it all.She was a living, breathing person capable of laughing and feeling pain. How could she possibly recover quickly from the way Jacob had treated her and face him calmly again?Liesel forced a bitter smile before slowly speaking. "Can't I just prioritize myself, Alex?"This statement left Alex momentarily speechless.She was right. Why couldn't she do something for herself?She had merely married Jacob, but they were divorced now. Why should she keep bending over backward for a man who had hurt her?"Liesel, you absolutely can, but Jake is drunk right now. I'm just worried that when Mr. Ford Senior arrives, Jake might say something he shouldn't."Mr. Ford Senior looks healthy now, but he's been hospitalized before due to stress. He's getting older.
Alex's gaze fell on the bandage on Liesel's forehead, which looked like it had been changed recently.As he looked closely at Liesel's face, he could clearly see the weakness behind her pale complexion.Of course, she was weak.Who wouldn't look terrible on the anniversary of their mother's passing, especially when they were bullied by their ex-husband and his new partner? The harm Liesel suffered was undoubtedly greater."It's nothing. I bumped into something." Liesel forced a smile as if to divert attention.Alex was momentarily at a loss for words but couldn't take his eyes off Liesel's face. He could sense that she was trying to evade the topic. Perhaps her injury had occurred today.He felt a pang of concern. The words urging her to comfort Jacob got stuck in his throat.Liesel kept pressing her hand against her abdomen as she slowly walked over.Noticing something was off, Denzel pushed the glass of juice he had just ordered to the edge of the table. It was prepared for L
Vincent had arrived.Everyone knew it, and so did Liesel.Frowning, she moved closer to Jacob and took his hand, as if they were cuddling together.Anyone who saw this scene would assume they were a loving couple. But who could have guessed that it was all an act?As Vincent pushed open the door, he froze momentarily at the sight in the corner.Alex quickly stepped forward and smiled as he welcomed him in. "Mr. Ford Senior, I can't believe you actually came! I told you not to worry about Jake. Liesel was nearby. She was way more concerned about Jake than you are."He continued, "They just had a little spat. It's nothing serious."Vincent listened, but no one knew if he believed Alex.He walked over. His aged yet sharp gaze settled on Liesel and Jacob, and he quickly spotted the bandage on Liesel's forehead."How did you get that?" he asked Liesel.She paused for a moment, then raised her hand to casually touch the bandage on her forehead with a smile."I was too emotional wh
Liesel deliberately tried not to think about what had happened today, but she couldn't help it. The thoughts only grew deeper.Rubbing her forehead, she stood up. Her gaze landed on the wedding photos hanging on the walls of the room.In those pictures were Jacob and her.They had been taken three years ago after Vincent insisted Jacob take her for a photoshoot. Even though Jacob had been reluctant at the time, he had no choice but to comply.Vincent had specifically asked Edgar to hang the best shots on the walls.In the photos, Liesel was smiling gently. Though a hint of worry lingered in her eyes, it was overshadowed by a deep longing and hope for the future—a yearning to build a life with Jacob.At that time, she was so innocent. She stepped into marriage without a care for the world and somehow bound herself to it.He didn't love her. No matter what she did, he would never love her. That was a foregone conclusion.A loveless marriage was destined to wither. In the end, eve
Jacob was already dating Natalie. Liesel couldn't bring herself to be intimate with him.After everything that had happened today, how could they possibly connect on that level?If she were to accept his kiss casually after experiencing all this, what would that say about her character?Breathing heavily, Liesel pushed Jacob off her. Her cold gaze was fixed on him as she slowly spoke."We're divorced, Jacob. So please, stop it."For a moment, it seemed like Jacob truly halted in his actions.His gaze lingered on Liesel's face as if he were searching for something or trying to understand the emotions playing across her features.Liesel's lashes trembled as she repeated, "Your girlfriend is Natalie."Not Liesel Sharp.Finally, Jacob released her.Whether it was her words that reached him or because he recognized who she was, he didn't continue further.Liesel lay back on the bed while trembling slightly in the chill of the night.Once she calmed down, she retrieved a blanket f
Just like what Elijah had told her that day. The rising sun symbolized her new beginning.Since it represented a fresh start, she shouldn't dwell on the past with Jacob. They were both set to embark on new lives."Mrs. Ford, why are you up so early?" Edgar, an early riser himself, had planned to take a stroll in the courtyard but found Liesel sitting on the swing, watching the sunrise."I couldn't sleep," Liesel replied with a smile.Edgar didn't pry further. Instead, he changed the topic. "What would you like for breakfast? I remember you love muffins. Should I have the kitchen prepare extra for you to take away?"Liesel shook her head. "It's quite a hassle to make muffins, and I have a lot to deal with. I don't really have the time to wait for them to be ready." She smiled again.Actually, she just didn't want to entangle herself further with the Ford family."Well, Mr. Ford was drunk last night and will probably sleep in today. By the time he leaves, the muffins should be rea
Liesel sat in her office chair. Her black-framed glasses conveniently hid the wound on her forehead.On someone else, they might have looked bookish or stiff.But perhaps it was her striking beauty that made even something as simple as black-framed glasses become a stylish accessory.She adjusted them slightly on her nose. She had cried the day before, so her eyes were still red and slightly puffy despite the cold compress she had applied. The coldness in her gaze seemed to have softened somewhat."I don't have time for these trivial guessing games. If you have something to say, say it. If not, you can leave whenever you want."She was so cold and distant, as she had raised her defenses once again.Even though Elijah had told her he was nothing like Jacob and urged her not to treat him the same, she hadn't taken his words to heart.She refused to be hurt again. As long as she didn't invest her emotions, she wouldn't be vulnerable to pain. That, she knew all too well.So, she di
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
"Ophelia." As soon as Edward spoke, Ophelia glanced at him nonchalantly. "I'm starving."Edward was relieved that she was still willing to talk to him. "I'll prepare breakfast." With that, he cast a glance at Joseph. "Come and help me."Joseph scoffed. He got to his feet before stretching lazily. He hadn't slept for the whole night as he accompanied Ophelia playing video games and doing other things. He was indeed slightly exhausted.But Joseph was well aware that Edward did not want him to be alone with Ophelia. Regardless, Joseph was fine with helping Edward with preparing breakfast. After all, he was there for the drama.Every three days, a housekeeper would drop by Ophelia's condominium and replenish her fridge with all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits. While studying abroad, Edward wasn't used to the local fast food. Hence, he became independent and learned how to prepare meals on his own. Now, he was an excellent cook.However, Edward was still at a loss on how to
Ophelia took a picture of the fan merchandise she had wrapped before posting it on Twitter, where Chelsians were still waiting for the giveaway. No one could be bothered with Yvonne, who was trying to stay relevant.Ophelia was still preparing the fan merchandise when she heard the doorbell ring in the middle of the night. Within the next second, she received a WhatsApp call from Joseph, which she answered."Ophelia, open the door for me."Ophelia was surprised. She wondered what was wrong with Joseph. Shouldn't he be sleeping now? Why had he dropped by in the middle of the night?She was no longer worried, knowing that Joseph was at the door. She opened it and watched Joseph squeeze through the door while holding a large bag of what seemed to be snacks."Shouldn't you be sleeping now? Why are you here?" Ophelia couldn't help but roll her eyes."You're not asleep either." Joseph went through the large bag before finally fishing out a game controller, which was also a limited-edit
Sebastian's face had turned ashen, having understood how grave the situation was. "I'll go and apologize to the Fords tomorrow. This matter mustn't drag down our family."Although Brandon doted on Yvonne, he refused to let her have her own way. "Dad, she should apologize for what she did, so you don't have to go. I'll take her to apologize to the Fords tomorrow to show our sincerity."Veronica refused to give in. She continued protecting Yvonne, feeling rather upset. "No! We should never allow our Yvonne to apologize!"Who did they take Yvonne for? Why should she apologize in person? The Fords are really misusing their power over these small squabbles. "If they want an apology, I'll go! No matter what, Yvonne's not allowed to go! She's a celebrity. If someone takes her picture, her journey to becoming a star is completely ruined!""Her journey to becoming a star is definitely ruined if she doesn't apologize in person! Mom, you need to understand. Without anyone's orders, would pe
"Dad, Mom. Yvonne has always been filming on set this whole time. How could she have offended Chelsea? It probably has nothing to do with Chelsea."As soon as Brandon finished speaking, Sebastian and Veronica thought his words made sense. However, Yvonne became sheepish and didn't say a word.She had sought out Sebastian, Veronica, and Brandon to seek justice for her, yet she felt extremely embarrassed. She continued sobbing, sounding sadder than ever."Yvonne, what's going on? Say something! I won't know what actually happened if you keep crying!" Veronica was so upset that she began tearing up.Yvonne threw herself into Veronica's arms. "Mom! What am I going to do? They're going to blacklist me from the industry. What should I do…"Brandon's eyes twitched. He felt that something wasn't right. He wondered if Yvonne had gone viral after offending someone in the entertainment industry.Brandon's heart raced as he scrolled through the Twitter trends. His heart sank instantly, and h