“Here with a friend?” asked Stanley. Xyla nodded. “Yeah.” “Is it the one who fought with you the last time? Or…?” “Yeah.” “Then, don’t stay out too late. Call me if anything happens,” he urged, showing no emotional disturbance in his eyes. Xyla nodded, wondering if this fake husband of hers was being too concerned for her. Why did she get a feeling that he was like her real husband? “Alright. Five Batton, you do know that we’re just pretending, right?” said Xyla as she searched his eyes. “Yeah,” he responded calmly. “That’s good then,” she replied.Saying nothing else, he moved his long legs to head outside. His back profile was more striking and dazzling compared to models. Suddenly remembering something, Xyla quickly jogged after him. The chilly north wind was blowing outside. Having abruptly come out from a warm place, the stark difference in temperature made her shudder before her body got used to the cold. Just then, a black Honda stopped at the entrance of th
“Then, why did you sigh?” he pressed. “I’m just a little worried. You do know what it’ll mean for me if word of our deal gets out, right?”Having said that, Xyla sighed again. Since it wasn’t him who had told on her, but Sebastian who had caught a glimpse of their WeChat messages, she couldn’t blame Five Batton. It was just a case of bad luck. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault.” Stanley looked earnest. “It’s okay. Just be careful next time,” said Xyla pleasantly. Stanley continued to reassure her, “Don’t worry, none of them would dare say a word.” “Okay,” replied Xyla, choosing to believe him. The two were only focused on talking to each other, completely unaware of the expression the three others had inside the Honda. Sebastian, Henry, and Gary all looked like they were questioning their life choices. Henry swallowed hard, turning to Sebastian like he had seen a ghost, then looking at Gary who was seated in the back. He spoke quietly, “Is that person outside really the Old Fift
Henry started singing helplessly, “Fault, fault, fault, it’s all my fault~~~” Sebastian started the car, disdain clear on his face as he drove while complaining, “I say, Old Fifth, I wonder what’s worrying you that you had to buy such a cheap car. The feel of these wheels can’t even compare to those million-dollar cars of yours, okay?” Stanley continued to ignore him. Vrrt, vrrt, vrrt…Just then, Henry’s phone vibrated. Someone named ‘Cute Bunny’ had sent him a voice message on WeChat. Henry simply played it. “Wuu… Hubby, hubby, hug me… Hubby, why aren’t you in-game? Carry me!” Forgetting that his phone was on loudspeaker, Henry was dumbstruck the moment the message played. A typical sweet and babyish voice was lethal when being coquettish. He immediately let out an awkward cough. Everyone else looked nonchalant, like this was something normal. “Henry, are you dating online again?” asked Gary. “One of my friends has invested in a large-scale Three Kingdoms online game ca
From cordyceps and sea cucumbers, to bird’s nest and quality tea leaves, and even expensive red wine, everything was there. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, paired with a black, double-breasted long woolen coat with vertical lines, his coordination made his features look divine. With his lush black hair combed into a natural 3:7 hairstyle, he looked clean-cut. The maids immediately became fans of his face when they saw him. Having completely been entranced by Stanley’s looks, they couldn’t take their eyes off him. Each one started gabbling in hushed voices, praising Stanley’s good looks. “Ahhh! Our young master is really handsome. I can’t breathe.” “Miss has really good taste.” Xyla and Jeremy were drinking tea in the living room when they heard the commotion at the door. Both of them looked over at the same time. Stanley gave Xyla a faint glance before nodding respectfully at Jeremy. Then, he brought the gifts over to the older man. Putting the gifts gently down on the tabl
“I won’t be leaving anymore and I’ll open the hospital soon,” replied Stanley. Xyla’s heart squeezed when she heard that. She had informed Five Batton of every detail, all except this one. Now that he had told her father that he wouldn’t be leaving, and that he would soon start up a traditional hospital, that would mean that they would have to live together. To ingratiate themselves with her father, they would have to be in frequent contact. That wouldn’t be a problem, but the most important issue was the traditional hospital… She had said that her husband returned to the country to open his own traditional hospital. If they didn’t do it after being in the country for so long, her father would definitely suspect them! Five Batton was such a smart person, so why did he have to slip up at a time like this? Even if she forgot to tell him, he should have said that he would soon return to Country Y, so the hospital wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. That would have saved them a l
Xyla was utterly speechless. Mother? Was she worthy of that title? “You’re not worthy,” Jeremy snapped coldly. That one sentence was enough to put Xyla at ease. “Alright then. Stan, we met yesterday. I’m May Conner, Xyla’s stepmother. Welcome to our home,” said May, grinning.She was completely unfazed by Jeremy, unleashing her shamelessness to its full potential. It was impossible to tell that she had been at odds with them just yesterday. Stanley nodded out of courtesy. “Hello.” “If you don’t have any business here, hurry upstairs. Don’t stay here and be an eyesore,” said Jeremy. He sounded aggravated. “That won’t do! It’s Stan’s first time at our house, so I have to personally cook him a feast,” replied May, rolling up the sleeves of her white home clothes. Jeremy remained ice-cold. “Don’t. I’m scared of you spitting into the dishes.” “Honey, what are you saying? I couldn’t possibly do that. If you’re so worried, I’ll let the maids work with me. It’s fine if someone
“I bought that mansion a long time ago, together with this one. It’s been empty this whole time. The renovations and interior layout are very much like this one. What do you guys think?” asked Jeremy. For a moment, Xyla didn’t know how to answer. Because of one minor oversight, many things now had to change. Since Five Batton had said that he would reside in the country permanently, her father would definitely arrange for a house for them to live together. If she kept living at her maternal home like an unmarried young lady, it would be most inappropriate. “It’s okay, Dad. Don’t I have a duplex building under my name in the city center? My husband and I can stay there instead…” she said. She couldn’t possibly agree to stay next door. If she did, that would mean having to spend every single day with Five Batton. If they didn’t stay together, her father would definitely find out. Hence, it was better to say that they would live in the city center. That place was far from home, far
“Xyla, take Stan next door to take a look,” said Jeremy. “Okay…”This was perfect, as she had just wanted to pull Five Batton away on some pretext to talk to him anyway. Stanley leisurely stood up and tipped his head down politely. “Dad, I’ll be back soon.” Jeremy waved them off. “Go on, go on.” Xyla latched onto his arm affectionately as the two left the house. Out the door, Xyla led him to her Maserati. Once the car door was closed, Xyla pinched the bridge of her nose helplessly, her expression a little sullen. “Why did you tell my dad that you’ll be residing in the country permanently? See how everything has spiraled out of control once you said that.” Stanley looked indifferent. “I didn’t think too much.” Xyla put her hands up in defeat. “Forget it… It’s my fault too for not briefing you properly.” Unable to suppress her suspicions, she looked at him and asked, “Did you do it on purpose?” “On purpose? Would that benefit me in any way?” he asked in return, looking n
Xyla quickly reached for Hannah’s hand. “Is that right? Hannah, you’re amazing…! You’re practically on par with Leon!”Hannah laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Not at all.”“Oh, cut it out. If you hadn’t helped me, how could I have improved so quickly?” Leon chuckled.“I guess I’ve lived up to my promise.” Hannah giggled along.Back then, she had promised Leon that she would become someone deserving of him.She claimed that she would grow with Leon.Without a doubt, she had done it.Now, Hannah had become a successful woman many would often speak of. She earned her rightful seat next to Leon as the CEO of Dragon Group.Stanley also turned to look at Hannah. “Yes, Hannah’s very capable. She’s our family pride.”Hannah laughed. “I was lucky to be accepted by your family.”In fact, Hannah genuinely felt grateful toward the Batton family over the years she had spent with them.They had helped her through all the hardship she encountered when she was poor and down on her luck.Aft
“Hannah, I’ve taken the first step for you. Are you willing to walk by my side for the rest of our lives?” Leon asked, serious.“Yes, I am…” Hannah answered without missing a beat.“I’ll protect you. From now on, you don’t have to worry about a single thing.” With that, Leon placed both hands on Hannah’s face and kissed her on the lips.The moment their lips touched, everything felt surreal…Hannah could feel pink, light bubbles floating all around her. It felt as if all the flowers in the world were blossoming at once.In Hannah’s dark, depressing life, Leon was her only salvation.He was a ray of hope that led her out of hell, so she could see light once more.Hannah thought she would never have anything to do with Leon after she quit school.Even until now, she still remembered how sorrowful she was on her last day of school.But now… Not only did she get the opportunity to interact with him once more, but they also became a couple.Their driver sighed to himself while
Over time, Leon’s feelings for Hannah grew deeper, stronger, and more intense.He had grown used to having her with him all the time.Thus, he hoped she would stay by his side for the rest of his life.Upon hearing his words, Hannah’s mind went blank.What did her dream guy just say?Was she dreaming?Hannah quickly pinched her palm at the thought in an attempt to discern between dream and reality.Her palm hurt. That meant this wasn’t a dream. It was real!Hannah felt even more dumbfounded…This meant Leon actually liked her! He was confessing to her, wasn’t he?Did her dream guy actually reciprocate her feelings?Never in her wildest dreams did Hannah imagine she would go through such an experience.Excitement jammed her mind, so much that she was rendered speechless. There were many things she wanted to say, and yet, she couldn’t utter a single word.Her heartbeat increased rapidly, and her entire body began to shake. Sensing her trembling body, Leon tightened his e
Immediately after, the men in black pulled out guns from their pockets, which they aimed at Raymond’s head.Raymond panicked instantly, going pale.He subconsciously retreated a step back. “Who are you? Don’t you know what you’re doing is illegal?”Leon sneered. “You don’t deserve to know my name. In this city, I am the law.”Leon’s domineering words made him seem even more imposing.At this moment, Hannah felt as if he was a guardian angel sent from Heaven to protect her.Something about him seemed oddly sacred and heavenly.“Mr. Batton, do I shoot him in the head?” One of the men dressed in black asked.“Mr. Batton? Are you Stanley Batton’s son?!” Fear was beginning to spread through Raymond. For one to have Batton as his surname and act this arrogantly in Atlantis, he could be none other than a member of the renowned Batton family.“How dare you address our president by name?!” Another man in black leveled Raymond with a chilling glare.Suffice to say, Raymond was terrif
Terrible pain ached at every part of Hannah’s body as she collided with the cold, hard ground.The pain was such that all her bones felt close to breaking. Everywhere hurt badly.At that moment, Hannah felt like a fragile doll made of clay that had been forcefully slammed hard against the ground until it broke into small pieces.Her mind went blank from the stinging agony.She braced herself and looked at the cold eyes staring back at her, filled with terror. Stammering, she asked, “Mr. Gray… What is the meaning of this?” “What’s the meaning of this? Ha! Don’t you know what’s good for you? You dumb b*tch… You’re lucky that I set my sights on you!”“How dare you refuse my feelings! Not just that, but you even made up a story to deceive me!”“Even when you saw me, you tried to trick me again!”“Do you think I’m stupid? That I can’t think? Do you honestly think I’d fall for your lies again and again?” Raymond went, his tone steadily rising into a furious roar.He then got on o
Although the sun had long sunk beneath the horizons and darkness had set in, the lively city wasn’t about to be silent anytime soon. Hannah felt deeply unsettled, so much that she didn’t leave right away.Instead, she waited in front of the bar, filled with hesitance and anxiety.Should she really leave?Would Rihanna truly be able to sort things out?The man was Raymond Gray… Neither Rihanna nor the bar could afford to upset him, lest they face terrible repercussions.Hannah remained standing on the same spot, uncertain. She really didn’t know what to do.Finally, she came to a decision. She took out her phone and tapped open a ride-hailing application on her phone.Yet just as she did that, she instantly closed it. Afterwards, she began pacing back and forth in worried circles, going to and fro aimlessly. Right as she was trapped in her worried musings, a group of people exited the bar. Raymond Gray, dressed in black, sporty attire, led all of them in a flamboyant manner.
A handsome waiter quickly walked in and looked at Rihanna. “Ms. Jensen, Mr. Gray out there insists that Hannah should get on stage to sing another song. I told him that Hannah would only sing three songs today…”“He lost his temper and claimed he’d destroy our bar if Hannah refuses to sing another song…” The waiter added. He was visibly trembling by the end of the sentence.Hannah figured Mr. Gray was probably the only son of the new mayor of Atlantis there weren’t many people with Gray as their surname in Atlantis. There were even less people who were arrogant like him. He was the only one.Hannah had heard about how terrible this person could be. He was known to be a womanizer too.Due to his powerful background, he looked down on everyone else. He didn’t respect women at all… Moreover, he had a relatively cruel personality. One could almost describe him as being a pervert.There was once when an owner of a bar offended a female internet celebrity he was dating. He directly hired
Hannah Roland smiled politely at Lina Cohen. “Nice to meet you… Thank you in advance!”“No problem… Do let me know if there’s anything you don’t like about your makeup too,” Lina said.Hannah nodded. “Okay, sure…”“By the way… Do all the signers here get such good treatment? I’m surprised we’re even assigned our own makeup artists,” Hannah asked carefully as she wasn’t aware about things like these..However, Lina smiled without answering Hannah’s question directly. She held Hannah’s hand casually the next second, “Come here. I’ll start doing your makeup now…”Hannah nodded…Lina was a very professional makeup artist. She took an hour to finish Hannah’s makeup.An hour later, Hannah’s appearance transformed completely.Lina permed Hannah’s long, black hair into natural-looking curls.Hannah had intricate peach-colored makeup on her face which made her appear lively and youthful.Once Lina was done with Hannah’s makeup, she happily retrieved a long, white dress from a clothes
Hannah Roland smiled without saying anything.***Hannah arrived at the bar where she worked at seven o’clock the next evening and walked into Rihanna Jensen’s office.Rihanna was going through paperwork in her office. When she saw Hannah, she immediately stood up and smiled at her. “Hannah, you’re here…”“Here’s the contract…” Rihanna said before pushing a thick stack of paper to the center of the table.Hannah quickly stepped forward and skimmed through the document. She then picked up a pen and signed it…Rihanna smiled upon seeing this. “Okay… I’ll transfer the money into your account tonight… I’ve told our big boss about your situation. He’s fine with my decision to pay your salary in advance. In fact, he even told me I did a good job…”“He said you can sing without worrying about a single thing… If you need any help in the future, do let us know…” Rihanna added.Hannah felt glad when she heard this, and became teary-eyed. “Thank you… Please thank our big boss for me too.