Deirdre's chest burned with warmth from Brendan's caring behavior, strengthening her belief that he might regain his memory. Overwhelmed with emotions, she stood on tiptoes and gently wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a shy and sweet kiss on his lips.Although Brendan's gaze grew colder, he didn't resist her kiss.Not being experienced in kissing, Deirdre intended to take the lead after planting two soft kisses on his thin lips. However, she was taken aback when Brendan pinned her against the closet, catching her by surprise.Brendan tucked the loose hair on her forehead behind her ear to look at her shy face closely. His chest was burning with desire, yet another type of coldness inhibited him."Who taught you to kiss like this?" he asked.Deirdre was stunned. She then experienced Brendan's so-called kiss.He wished that he could swallow her and take her apart. He kissed so ferociously as if he wanted to suck out all the air in her lungs until she clung to him weakly li
Deirdre's smile deepened while Brendan's dark eyes were dimming.'She took me to meet a dog for the purpose of causing my death from anaphylaxis, just as I had expected.'Brendan looked at Deirdre's affectionate gaze and the smile on her lips. He took a stride and walked inside as if he was doing it willingly. "Mr. Brighthall!" the owner called out to him. Brendan turned around and found the owner searching everywhere. "Please hold on. We're not fully prepared yet. Please don't go in yet.""Prepare?" Brendan appeared confused. "What else do you need to prepare for?"Deirdre looked at him with her head tilted. "Don't you know that you're allergic to pet fur?"Brendan was stunned and stared straight at her."I know," he answered but had no idea why Deirdre would say that.Deirdre furrowed her eyebrows and said, "If you're aware of that, how can you enter the place without taking any safety precautions? There's dog fur all over the inside. What will you do if you have an allerg
Bliss immediately approached Deirdre with its tail wagging. It rubbed against Deirdre's face with its snout to greet her enthusiastically. Deirdre petted its short fur and played with it.Brendan stood by the side and felt peculiar as he witnessed the scene.It was strange that he could not recognize the dog, but he felt like he was connected to it somehow.‘Bliss… What a familiar name…’Still, he could not remember clearly.He turned his head to ask the owner, "You claimed that the dog recognizes me. Has it seen me before?"Unaware of Brendan's amnesia, the owner casually assumed that he had forgotten due to his busy life. She gently reminded him, "Mr. Brighthall, do you remember? You brought Bliss to our pet shop a little over a year ago."She explained, "Back then, our pet shop was struggling financially, on the brink of bankruptcy. You generously provided us with financial support under the condition that we would take good care of Bliss and ensure its happiness as it grew u
Brendan fell silent. Since Deirdre was so certain, the reality seemed to have deviated from his memory to a certain extent.Deirdre alone would not be able to affect his investigation result. Could it be that Charlene was not the pure, kind person that he remembered?Brendan suddenly felt like his train of thought was a mess. After Bliss drank some water, it began to go around Brendan while whining. It nuzzled against his thigh, seeking his affectionate touch. Brendan paused momentarily before extending his hand to stroke Bliss' head. Though he couldn't feel the texture of its fur through the protective suit, an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart.Bliss responded by enthusiastically licking his hand.The owner approached with a bowl of dog food and couldn't help but remark, "It seems that Bliss misses you and Ms. McKinnon very much. Normally, it doesn't pay much attention to the shop's customers and prefers to nap in its bed. But it's eager to cuddle with both of yo
Brendan glanced at Deirdre and noticed the strain in her smile, sensing the deep sadness she carried within. He turned his head away, unable to meet her gaze directly."If what you say is true, then the memories I've lost aren't necessarily painful. It's just that I've forgotten what I never wanted to forget the most."Deirdre lifted her head in surprise, her eyes searching his face for answers.Brendan deliberately avoided her gaze, his actions betraying his true feelings.He couldn't deny the subtle joy he felt when he was with Deirdre. Deep down, he knew his heart longed for those forgotten memories.He resolved to do everything in his power to regain the lost fragments of his past.Before they left, the owner gave them a bag on purpose and said smilingly, "Both of you are very busy. It's possible that you don't see Bliss more than three times a year. This bag contains all the photos and information of Bliss for the past year."You may take a look if you have time. Keep them
"Would you like to go inside?" asked Brendan.Deirdre shook her head and remembered something. "We can go inside, but we don't have much time. We'll just have one ride and go."Brendan took out his money to get tickets while Deirdre made her way to the Ferris wheel, following her memory of this place. She stopped walking, and Brendan raised his head to look in confusion at the rotating Ferris wheel. "Would you like to get on this ride?"Deirdre nodded. Brendan did not comment further and joined her in the queue.They were a beautiful couple and drew the attention of many people. The people in the surroundings were having a discussion, and someone could not refrain from approaching them to inquire about their relationship status."Are you boyfriend and girlfriend, or are you married?"In the past, Deirdre would have been too shy to answer a question like that. But now, she responded naturally and casually, "We're boyfriend and girlfriend, and we'll be married."Brendan lowered hi
Deirdre was stunned for a moment.Mrs. Wanner looked at Brendan's arm and rolled up his sleeve. "Your arms are covered in rashes too. Are you having an allergic reaction?""Yes, it's an allergic reaction." Brendan pulled back his arm, unbothered. "The allergy medicine is stored in my room's closet drawer. Please bring it to me, Mrs. Wanner.""Alright, alright, alright. I'll grab it right away." Mrs. Wanner went upstairs hastily with swift movements.Brendan walked two steps away before he turned around and saw Deirdre's lowered gaze. Her expression was filled with guilt and uneasiness.Brendan stretched out his hand to her. "What's bothering you?"Deirdre took a step back, vexed. "It's all my fault. You were still fine with the protection when we were at the shop. You wouldn't have gotten an allergic reaction if not because you held my hand. I should have reminded you if I knew…"Brendan gently placed his finger on her chattering lips, his expression showing a hint of displeasur
"How are you so careless that you choke yourself while speaking?"Deirdre blushed and shook her head, her cough subsiding. Brendan wrapped his arms around her, and his gaze fixed on her flushed face. In a moment of distraction, while Mrs. Wanner was serving the soup, he leaned in and lightly kissed Deirdre's soft lips.However, his gentle kiss turned into a passionate one as he began to suck on her lips before finally pulling away. The sound of their lips smacking echoed in the kitchen.Mrs. Wanner was confused. "What's that sound?"Deirdre pursed her lips subconsciously. She was so embarrassed that she wished she could hide herself.Sensing Brendan's blazing hot, passionate gaze that felt like he could swallow her right there and then, Deirdre made up an excuse to get out of the kitchen.She escaped this time, but Brendan held her by her waist after dinner, and they staggered their way into the bedroom before landing on the bed. Brendan lowered his head to kiss her lips, his e
"Where is she?"Brendan stared at him, utterly surprised. Sean's voice trembled a bit, but his eyes held a clear and hopeful gaze.Brendan finally calmed down and looked behind him. "There, that's your mother."This was the first time Sean had spoken. Deirdre felt her mind buzzing. When she snapped back to reality, she extended her hand. "Sean, come here."Sean's eyes held gentle amazement. He was intelligent—perhaps he had sensed it on the way there. Thus, his feelings were a blend of happiness and satisfaction.He felt joy that Deirdre was going to be his mother.Being a kid, he took a few steps but couldn't stop his tears, holding onto Deirdre firmly.Deirdre suppressed her own urge to cry and crouched down, wiping away his tears. "Do you... hate mom for not being there and not recognizing you?"Sean shook his head frantically. "As long as you're here… That's enough…"Deirdre hugged him tightly, and Brendan approached, wrapping them both in his embrace.When they brought S
"I was too young back then, still sulking with my father," Brendan replied after recalling his childhood.Arthur chuckled. "Kids will be kids, after all. Besides, your father was an excellent businessman, and you've followed in his footsteps. I've heard about your impressive success with the business in Neve. You're truly talented. With the Parkers under your control, I can finally relax." Brendan thought it was just praise from an elder. He was about to give a humble response when he got surprised by the rest of the statement. This made him freeze in place."The Parkers?" Deirdre was equally surprised."What's wrong?" Arthur beamed. "Don't you both already have children? Although you've divorced, your relationship is still strong. Don't tell me there's no thought of remarriage?""Remarriage? It's not the right time yet." Deirdre blushed from the teasing."It'll come eventually. If that's the case, then you are both part of the Parkers now. You're my only daughter, and he's my s
Beneath the envelope lay the evidence. Deirdre stared at it for a long time, with Brendan by her side, offering silent support.The next day, they boarded a plane back to Southedge. Within three days, news of the top political figure's downfall due to corruption spread like wildfire throughout Southedge, even captivating the interest of other cities.Upon learning the full story in his study, Arthur's aging face was stained with tears of regret. "If only I had known sooner... I wouldn't have let your mother leave like that."Deirdre lowered her gaze and handed the letter to Arthur. "My mother explains in the letter that her departure was a voluntary sacrifice to protect everyone. She never blamed you."Arthur gazed at the letter, struggling to find the right words.Deirdre left silently, shutting the door.-Ryker was also brought to the police station. Under Sterling's methods, he confessed to the murders. Emily faced the same outcome.All of them waited for their trials.-
The distance from Southedge to Village Alnwick was immense, yet Brendan displayed unwavering resolve."Then let's depart today," he said.As Deirdre bid farewell to Arthur, an unexpected glimmer of sadness flickered in his eyes. "Visiting your mother's grave, huh? Okay, go ahead. Take care of yourself, don't overexert.""Yes," Deirdre replied. Faced with Arthur's hesitant gaze, she felt compelled to add, "Dad, I'll be back."Arthur met Deirdre's gaze, hope rekindling in his eyes.Deirdre softly sighed. "You're my father, my family. Of course, I'll return." "Really? You mean it?" Arthur's excitement made his hands tremble slightly. He held onto Deirdre as if wanting to convey something, but all that emerged was a murmur, "Then please return early... Come back as soon as you can...""Sure. I have a friend coming over later today. Take care of him. Oh, and my boyfriend is here, too. Don't worry about the specifics. I'll explain everything upon my return."As she stepped out, Bren
"Brendan Brighthall?" Ryker wiped away his own nosebleed. "How did you manage to come from Neve? Didn't I ask Emily to keep an eye on you? That useless fool who can't even accomplish simple tasks.""Choosing to control minds with drugs all along, you should have anticipated this outcome." Brendan acted roughly. As he got up, he took the key from Ryker and placed Ryker on a chair.Deirdre clenched Brendan's sleeve tightly. Sensing her tension, Brendan embraced her to calm her down."It's okay. I'm sorry for coming back so late, making you go through this.""It's not your fault. Your timely arrival saved me from further trouble. It's my own foolishness... I let him find something to use against me," Deirdre said, shaking her head weakly.Brendan frowned, cupping Deirdre's face. "He wasn't someone easily deceived, to begin with. You've done well. I'm the one who brought you into this danger, which is unforgivable."Brendan's dark eyes were filled with intense emotions. He had arrive
Deirdre hugged Ryker, resting her head on his chest as he patted her back. "By the way, you're not curious about where I went after I left early this morning?"Deirdre realized the hidden meaning behind Ryker's words, retreated from Ryker's embrace little by little, and looked at him.Ryker's eyes, as enigmatic as ever, held a clarity that seemed to pierce through everything. "I went to the hospital."He didn't wait for Deirdre to respond. "Because I was curious why I was so sleepy last night for no reason. Any ordinary person might chalk it up to exhaustion. But I know my body too well. You drugged me."Deirdre felt a sudden chill running down her spine.Ryker took a step forward casually, but his eyes were full of killing intent. "I underestimated you, Deirdre. Your acting skills are far more impressive than I imagined. You nearly had me fooled. You deserve an Oscar. What a pity that you're now in my hands."Deirdre retreated abruptly, but she found a cold wall barring her esca
Deirdre was momentarily stunned as she watched Arthur search around the study. Eventually, he uncovered a rusty key from a drawer.Arthur raised the key. "Is this what your mother desired?"Deirdre's mind raced, thoughts swirling. "Is this from my mother?"A hint of disappointment shadowed Arthur's eyes as he nodded. "This is the only thing she left me before she departed. She didn't explain why. She just made me promise to keep this key and never search for her."Although I agreed, the thought of it weighed heavily on me. So, I hid the key in a corner of the drawer instead of treating it like any other possession. In hindsight, I shouldn't have made that promise. I shouldn't have let her go alone."Deirdre's voice wavered, confusion evident. But as realization dawned, her heart raced. "Can you give me the key?"Arthur earnestly nodded, his expression solemn. "This belongs to your mother. I'm willing to give it to you whenever you're ready. To be honest, I'm relieved to pass it o
The butler nodded and guided Deirdre to the study's door. Gathering her emotions, she pushed it open.Arthur's attention was on some documents, but the door's creak made him look up. He met Deirdre's gaze, causing a subtle flicker of surprise and uncertainty in his eyes."Deirdre..." He set aside the file. "Did you just wake up? Hungry? I'll have the kitchen prepare something."Deirdre shook her head, closing the door gently."Not hungry. I came to talk.""Everything okay?" Concern colored Arthur's expression. Though he seemed worried she might leave, he tried to hide it. "Go ahead. I'm with you."Deirdre found his reaction slightly amusing. "I'm not leaving."A spark returned to Arthur's eyes. "Then what's up?"As Deirdre grew more serious, she said, "I came to Southedge not just for a visit. I want to know if my mother left something with you before she passed. Something significant.""Left something?" Arthur was puzzled. "She left several things. Which one do you mean?"De
Brendan's eyes held a hint of pity as he spoke hesitantly. "Your mother took that item away."He gently touched Deirdre's face. "That man kidnapped your mother years ago. I don't know what happened during that time. Maybe he hurt your mother and wanted to keep her forcibly. Eventually, your mother found a chance to escape back to your father with the man's item."She left suddenly while pregnant with you, not out of hatred for your father, but to protect you. Now, that person is unsure if your mother or Arthur has the item. Thus, he aimed to kidnap both you and your father, taking his time to retrieve them."Deirdre's mind was overwhelmed, flooded with information that threatened to drown her. This unexpected revelation left her in disbelief.'My mother left my father because of me? And the mastermind behind Ryker is responsible for my mother's kidnapping?'"So that item holds significant importance for this person, enough to bring him down, right?" Deirdre forced herself to calm