“But I am Tyler’s woman now. Besides, we are engaged. Please leave me alone.” Kelsey’s distant gaze spoke volumes of her intention to cut ties.Cooper was shocked. He reminded her solemnly, “I’m your boyfriend, Kels.” Kelsey’s eyes reflected a cold detachment. “Not anymore.” Cooper widened his eyes in disbelief. “Are you breaking up with me?” Kelsey responded by stepping into the ward and slamming the door shut with a thud. Her answer was pretty clear. She wanted to end things with Cooper and disassociate herself from him. Kelsey no longer wanted to be fooled or used by him anymore. Cooper grimaced from the cold shoulder. He could not believe that Kelsey would split up with him. The nerve of Kelsey to dump him when she slept with Tyler. Cooper had not even gotten back at her for that. Well, Kelsey would not be able to get rid of him that easily. Cooper was not somebody she could dump as she pleased. Turning the doorknob to the ward, Cooper walked in. Kelsey
Kelsey turned to face Cooper. “Are you kicking my mom out of the hospital?” It was more of a statement than a question. Kelsey had a good idea of the type of person Cooper was. Given his behavior, he was capable of using her mother to keep Kelsey in the relationship. “I would never.” Cooper put his arm around her shoulders. “Because you and I are together, our mom can stay as long as she likes.” His words may sound sweet, but it did not change the fact that he was using his mother as leverage. The deceptively soft tone veiled the underlying menace.Kelsey furrowed her brows in resentment and broke free from his embrace. “Leave. I don’t want to see you now,” fighting back the urge to slap him, Kelsey said while turning her back toward him. Cooper’s gaze fell on her. “Kels—” Before he could say anything more, Kelsey shouted angrily, “Get out!” Cooper narrowed his eyes dangerously. It never occurred to him that Kelsey had the nerve to throw a tantrum at him. K
It was a shame Kelsey had seen through Cooper’s manipulation now that she was reborn. Cooper was delusional to think he could use Kelsey against Tyler. … Tyler returned to the Lang family home from the hospital. His grandmother suddenly fell ill, but she was doing well now due to the prompt medical attention. “Mr. Lang is expecting you upstairs, sir,” Callum, the butler, said to Tyler. Tyler nodded and took the stairs to his adoptive father’s study. “You wanted to see me, Dylan?” Tyler opened the door and asked respectfully. Dylan had his back facing Tyler as he stood at a window. The grizzle-haired man, dressed in black, smoked a pipe. Despite his advanced age, the man had a commanding presence. Dylan Lang was Tyler’s adoptive father and uncle. Back in his younger days, Dylan was active in organized crime. He never married or had children. After the death of Tyler’s father, Dylan returned home to inherit the family business. Tyler’s grandparents made the cal
Tyler left the Lang family home on a sour note. After taking a call, Shawn came to report to Tyler, “Mr. Lang, I just received word from the group sent to keep an eye on Ms. Young.” Shawn paused and glanced at Tyler. His glum expression made Shawn hesitant to speak. Tyler looked sternly at him. “What did they say?” Shawn braced himself. “They informed me that Ms. Young met up with Cooper in the hospital.” Tyler grimaced. “Which hospital?” Tyler pressed. Shawn replied, “It’s a hospital owned by the Lyons. I believe Ms. Young’s mother is receiving medical attention there.” Anger flashed in Tyler’s eyes, a dangerous tension radiating from him.Sure enough, Kelsey was still involved with Cooper. Tyler put too much faith in Kelsey once more. He assumed Kelsey would break things off with Cooper since he and Kelsey had connected on an intimate level. It slipped Tyler’s mind that Kelsey’s mother was in Cooper’s hands. There was a lot at stake for Kelsey to separate fr
Yvonne waved her arm. “Don’t be a stranger to me.” Kelsey looked up and asked earnestly, “Did you tell Adam that you are lending me $200,000?”Adam Witham was Yvonne’s husband. He had remarkable grades back in school, but he came from a poor family. Back when Adam and Yvonne were going out, Yvonne would foot the bill for their dates. However, Yvonne loved Adam for who he was and never made a fuss about money. She even supplemented Adam’s living expenses. Yvonne’s parents were against their marriage because of Adam’s upbringing and tasteless behavior. Swept off her feet, Yvonne was hell-bent on marrying Adam. She went as far as to fall out with her parents for Adam. In the end, Adam could not even give her a wedding or a ring. They got married at city hall, starting their married life without a house or a car, which fueled arguments about money.Born into a life of privilege, Yvonne was quite the big spender. To make Adam happy, Yvonne changed her splurging ways
Kelsey pressed her lips together. “I don’t intend to ask for his help or borrow his money.” She wanted to be an equal partner to Tyler instead of depending on him for every little thing. Her issue with her mother was her own to solve.“But where are you going to get several million dollars from? Who would help you? Your dad?” Yvonne grilled. Kelsey needed money to transfer her mother to another hospital for treatment. It was a costly affair too. As Hailey was in a coma, the bill rang high for the drugs, nursing care, recovery, and so on. The $200,000 from Yvonne only covered a small fraction of the cost. The charge for the hospital transfer and best care would be a million dollars, at the minimum. Kelsey’s gaze was dark and deep. “I have not thought that far, but I know I can’t count on my father.” Charlie was preoccupied with remarrying his old flame. Megan and Josephine had him wrapped around their little finger, so the last thing on Charlie’s mind was Hailey. Fra
Despite that, the media interpreted it as him tacitly agreeing to break off the engagement, making them suspect he was dissatisfied with taking Kelsey Young as his fiancée.The media had always liked reporting baseless gossip about wealthy households. Furthermore, the marriage between the Youngs and the Langs was a popular subject. Therefore, the news attracted a lot of attention.A few ladies near Kelsey applauded the moment they saw the news broadcast on the screen at the square.“Mr. Lang finally saw reason and called off his engagement with that girl from the Youngs! I told you that this Kelsey girl doesn’t deserve to be with someone as excellent as him!”The other girls expressed the same sentiment.Kelsey looked up at the news broadcast on the giant advertising screen and found herself frowning.Yvonne, who was with her, seemed taken aback too, “Kelsey, why did the Langs suddenly announce they’re breaking off the engagement? Didn’t you say you were going to be with Tyler?”
Kelsey had never recalled her past with Tyler in such detail. Looking back, she realized how long they had been tangled in this mess together.Over the years, the only thing she had absolute confidence in was that Tyler loved her. Yet, now that she had decided to accept him and start anew, why would he suddenly choose to give up?Why did he publicly announce that he was breaking off the engagement with her? Had he become so thoroughly disappointed with her that he decided to find a new lover?The more Kelsey thought about it, the sadder she became. Her emotions were especially intensified since she had been drinking that night.A gust of wind blew past, and she shuddered from the cold. She lowered her head and huddled up. After some time, her heavy eyelids began to droop… When Tyler returned to Hampville, he noticed Kelsey’s figure from a distance. The light-yellow dress on her was particularly eye-catching under the streetlight.Her curly hair was all messed up from the wind, a
Worried, Kelsey followed Tyler in case he hurt himself or fell off the stairs. He was not in a conscious state after all. Kelsey would not be so abrupt as to wake him from his sleepwalking. She was aware that waking a sleepwalker could lead to shock or other health problems.Kelsey stuck close behind Tyler and made sure he got up the stairs safely. Tyler returned to their bedroom and lay on the bed. Kelsey drew close for a look. The soft moonlight streamed through the French windows, casting a hazy glow over his defined face.Tyler lay there motionlessly, his eyes closed.Kelsey watched him sleep tenderly. For a moment, she drooled over him. However, she quickly frowned at the smell of alcohol on Tyler. Kelsey went to open the window to let in some airflow, dispersing the fumes of liquor. She then picked out a fresh pair of pajamas from the closet for Tyler.Tyler would need a change of briefs too. However, Kelsey’s cheeks burned when she pulled his brief draw
Kelsey returned to the villa she shared with Tyler. She intended to tell Tyler how her day with her best friend had gone. Charles was somehow caught in the crossfire. Yvonne’s mother-in-law accused her of having an affair with Charles which did a number to his reputation. Kelsey wanted to ask Tyler about his opinion on returning Charles’ favor. Since Charles was Tyler’s childhood friend, Tyler must know him best. However, Tyler had business plans to attend to, so he would not be home for dinner.Kelsey was alone in the upstairs bedroom, occupied with all related matters involving her new business venture. Since Kelsey and Rosette were going to audition to design costumes for Adrienne’s new film, Kelsey felt it was essential to study the genre of the new film and Adrienne’s past fashion choices. Time passed. By the time Kelsey shut her laptop, it was eleven at night. Rising to her feet, she stretched and walked out of the bedroom. Kelsey was on her way downstairs
“I’m sorry, Kelsey. I’m sorry to ruin lunch,” Yvonne murmured. Kelsey put her arm around her shoulder. “Why are you apologizing to me? Charles told me what he needed me for. It’s okay to skip lunch.” She paused and looked at Yvonne, her head tilted. “But Yvonne, you seem to have changed.” “How so?” Yvonne asked with a raised brow. “You’ve become composed and cunning now.” Kelsey said with admiration, “But it’s a good thing. I don’t want you to be Adam and his family’s doormat. You didn’t marry him to be his slave.” Yvonne curled her lips. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve learned a lot too. I had to learn from my mistakes.” She used to walk on eggshells around her husband and mother-in-law. She gave them too much leeway, and they walked all over her. In the future, Yvonne would not be so dumb as to let others hurt her again. She needed to stand up for herself. … Kelsey dropped Yvonne back home. Before, Yvonne would cry to Kelsey for hours after Agatha humiliated
“Didn’t you hear what Yvonne said? She’ll go ahead with the divorce. She doesn’t want to stick around until you take everything from her.” Kelsey snapped an angry look at Agatha. “Your son is the one with an affair. Don’t put this on Yvonne. Save your breath for your son. Yvonne is the victim. Who are you to accuse her?” Kelsey could not stand Agatha. Agatha placed herself above others and used Yvonne as a punching bag. Charles tipped the restaurant manager the wink. The restaurant manager led a security team to Agatha. “This is a public place, not your playground. Please leave now.” Agatha was humiliated to be thrown out of the premises. Instead of breaking down and apologizing, Yvonne calmly agreed to the divorce. Agatha did not see it coming. She needed to talk to her son. Clearly, Agatha had to find new ways to keep Yvonne in line. “Hmph! In that case, I should ask your parents if they know about their daughter filing for divorce,” Agatha said. In Agatha’s opi
Agatha’s son, Adam, was the one who had an affair. Yet, Agatha made Adam out to be the victim instead. Yvonne became the wicked woman who cheated on Adam. Kelsey racked her brain to think of ways to prove Yvonne’s innocence. Yvonne broke her silence.“Tell me. What are you trying to achieve?” Agatha’s big fuss was met with Yvonne’s nonchalant reply. For a moment, Agatha was in a daze. In the past, Agatha often berated Yvonne until the latter had no choice but to apologize. Agatha had always kept Yvonne in line through aggressive methods. Yet now, Yvonne asked her what she wanted to do. Instead of having a meltdown, Yvonne carried herself with ease. Agatha narrowed her eyes and said bitterly, “We pride ourselves on our decency. We can’t put up with your cheating. Just finalize the divorce and get out of my family. I don’t want to carry your shame.” She glared at Yvonne in disdain. “Fine.” Yvonne readily agreed. Yvonne understood that Agatha was a pro at throwi
Many patrons turned their heads to Yvonne and Charles’ table. The incident sparked a lot of chatter. Kelsey rushed over and explained to Agatha. “You’re mistaken. Yvonne and I are grabbing lunch after a day of shopping. Charles and Yvonne don’t know each other.” Agatha did not expect to see Kelsey there. However, she could not take back what she had said. Besides, Yvonne and Adam were getting a divorce. If Agatha could nail infidelity on Yvonne, Adam would get off the divorce with more. “Oh, your best friend can’t save you out of this, Yvonne. Don’t try to hide the fact that you’re with another man now.” Agatha was determined to accuse Yvonne. Charles was not having it. “Ma’am…” he said disgruntledly in an attempt to clear the air. “Shut up!” Agatha snapped and criticized him too. “Why are you flirting with a married woman? I get a bad vibe from you.” Charles was speechless. He was a gentleman. There was no way he would be caught dead hitting on a married woman.
Sensing Yvonne’s blues, Kelsey wanted her to eat well and divert her attention elsewhere. Yvonne ordered a variety. In truth, she had no appetite. Kelsey added a few more dishes.Not satisfied with the order, Charles told the server to bring up all the chef’s recommendations. “Won’t we have too much food, Charles?” Kelsey said. Charles smiled without a care. “It’s okay. You can’t have too much food.” While the food was being prepared, Kelsey asked, “What’s the favor you need?” “Oh, yeah. Tyler said that you have established an office with Rosette,” Charles uttered. “Yes.” Kelsey nodded. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Charles asked earnestly. Kelsey understood that Charles had feelings for Rosette. “Nothing as of yet,” she responded with a raised brow. Charles was a little late as Cleo had helped them a lot in setting up the business. “Let me know if you ever need any help,” Charles said. Kelsey smiled with intrigue. “Are you pursuing Rosette, Charles?
On the way out of the private detective agency, Yvonne kept to herself. “What’s wrong, Yvonne?” sensing Yvonne’s crestfallen mood, Kelsey cocked her head and asked.“I thought Adam was having a child with another woman, but the baby is not his,” Yvonne expressed sarcastically. “What goes around comes around.” Kelsey sneered. She did not feel sorry for Adam at all. The man was so heartless to abandon a good wife like Yvonne. He had it coming to be deceived by his lover. Adam had himself to blame if Tobias went after him. Yvonne sniffled. “I’m glad I have evidence of Adam’s infidelity. He can’t take our house away now. I can go ahead with the divorce.” “Congratulations on getting rid of the cheating bastard!” Kelsey patted Yvonne’s shoulder. In Kelsey’s past life, Adam and his family drained the life out of Yvonne, and she lost everything. Yvonne had nothing to live for. It was a good thing that Yvonne was able to divorce Adam and get a new lease on life in this life.
It was impossible. Surely, Tobias would not allow Rachel to cheat on him if he had known Rachel and Adam were more than friends. Sam spilled the beans. “Tobias made his fortune thanks to his wife’s family. He may look like he gets all the women, but he’s terrified of his wife. While his wife went overseas to accompany their son on his studies, Tobias saw his chance to have an affair. But she’s back and keeping a close eye on him now. Tobias is desperate to cover his tracks.” Kelsey narrowed her eyes. “So Adam is just Tobias’ smokescreen?” Sam raised a brow. “To avoid his wife’s suspicion, Tobias set up his lover with another man. He went as far as to hook them up to mislead his wife. This was why I was able to capture photos of Adam and Rachel on dates.” Tobias wanted these photos to be taken. Kelsey understood why Rachel was so bold to cheat on her sugar daddy. “Who’s the father of Rachel’s baby?” Yvonne asked. Sam smirked. “Tobias, of course.” The answer did not co