Alanna was under the impression that Hades wouldn't return that night. After all, Melanie was waiting for his comfort.Unexpectedly, he came back in the evening."Mr. Florentine, you're back," Margaret said.Hades nodded and then asked, "How is she? Has she eaten?""Yes. Ms. Jacinto ate quite a bit."Hades nodded again and went to the bedroom. He found Alanna sitting up in the bed and reading a book.Alanna looked up at the noise, meeting his gaze.Silently, Hades approached the bedside and took the book from her. "You shouldn't be reading. Focus on resting for now.""Okay," said Alanna after a short pause. Her voice was extremely indifferent, still conveying that detachment.Hades looked at her for a moment but chose not to say anything. Slowly, he unbuttoned his shirt and headed into the bathroom with his sleepwear.After washing up, he went to the study.A while later, he returned with a document in hand. "Take a look. If you have no objections, sign your name."Alanna t
Hades would ask, "Why are you making desserts again?"Back then, Alanna still had hopes and expectations for their relationship. Whenever he asked, she would always answer with a hint of anticipation, "Because I like sweet stuff."However, the next time Hades saw desserts on the table, he would repeat the same question.Later, Alanna stopped making desserts altogether, and even the new dishes she learned were tailored to Hades' taste.Now, three years later, he had asked yet again.Hades glanced at her. "You have to express your likes. Otherwise, others won't know."Alanna smiled stiffly.Expressing likes was only effective for those who meant something to another. For those who didn't matter, there was no point in saying anything.Alanna wordlessly concentrated on eating.Hades didn't speak again either. It seemed like it was a casual remark.After finishing the meal, he said, "I've arranged a temporary replacement for your position. Take a month off to recover before return
Hades had a powerful legal team. If he refused to let her resign, his lawyers could make it very difficult for her.Alanna felt irritated and asked, "Why are you doing this?"She couldn't understand why he insisted on keeping her by his side.Hades had a dark and unclear expression as he responded solemnly, "I don't like to be defied, Ms. Jacinto. Have you forgotten?"Alanna tightly pressed her lips. Of course, she hadn't forgotten.Hades was domineering and ruthless, never caring about others' feelings. He disliked being defied, so when she proposed to break up, he'd forced her to stay.Now, when she wanted to resign, he'd rejected without hesitation.Finally understanding the true reason, Alanna smiled bitterly. "Okay, I understand now.""Good."Then, Hades said to her, "Come, eat some more."Alanna had no appetite, but she knew that resisting was futile against this man.Therefore, she sat back at the dining table and reluctantly ate another serving while Hades silently w
Hades raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alanna.Alanna's lips twitch. Before she could say anything, Melanie's voice came from the entrance. "Hades."Hades walked toward the door. "Why are you here? Aren't you afraid of being seen?"His voice was unusually gentle as he spoke. No matter how many times Alanna heard it, it aroused uneasiness in her."Can't I visit a friend? Besides, I'm not here to see you. I came specifically to see Ms. Jacinto."While saying that, Melanie entered the apartment without waiting for an invitation."Ms. Jacinto, are you alright? I thought about it after I went home yesterday. I felt that I should come over to formally apologize to you. So, I took the liberty to visit. I hope you don't mind."Alanna let out a bitter laugh; she was in no mood to entertain Melanie's pretentious act. "Just say that you're sorry. I don't need to hear such grandiose phrases."Melanie instantly looked aggrieved. However, this time, she surprisingly didn't say much and proceed
Terrence was taken aback by Hades' comment.Arching an eyebrow, he looked at Hades with interest, then glanced at Alanna. "Hades, are you feeling bad for her?"Melanie's eyes were slightly red as she looked at Hades, feeling a bit aggrieved.Hades exuded a chilling aura as he replied, "Mr. Abbott, you've misunderstood. I'm just stating the facts."After concluding the subject, he turned his attention to Melanie. "How's your arm?"Instantly, Melanie broke into sobs. While wiping her tears, she looked at him with a mix of frustration and sadness. "You finally thought about me now?"Hades wasn't in the best mood. When he noticed Alanna's face had turned pale, he felt distressed. Thus, facing Melanie's immature behavior, he responded in annoyance, "Since when do I not care about you?"Melanie was stunned, not expecting Hades to speak to her in that tone. Her tears fell rapidly as she quavered, "I just wish you would care about me a little more. That's all I meant."Melanie loved to
Melanie's harsh words touched a nerve in Alanna.Yes, she had lost her baby. But even if the baby had survived, Hades wouldn't allowed her to keep it anyway.The realization hurt so much that she felt suffocated.Melanie, however, wasn't satisfied. She leaned in close to Alanna's ear and continued, "Alanna, don't you understand by now? You were just a fuck buddy. Do you really think you can rise in status by having his child?"With a sneer, she added, "Guess what would happen if it were me who got pregnant instead?"If it were Melanie, Alanna knew without a doubt that Hades would be extremely caring.Alanna's hands clenched tightly, her pale fingertips trembling slightly. She raised her head to meet Melanie's gaze, wearing a smile and making her tone seem indifferent as she responded, "Well, Ms. Smith, you have your work cut out for you."Even after all this time you've been back, Hades hasn't shown any intention of reconciling with you. You still have a long way to go before ge
Alanna Jacinto couldn't help but find humor in the situation after speaking. Staying to care for her was a duty for Hades Florentine. It was not a choice. He preferred to accompany Melanie Smith to the hospital for her dressing change.Alanna had thought she would never use responsibility as a chain to bind someone. It reminded her of the time she found out she was pregnant and didn't want to trap him with so-called responsibilities. Yet, here she was, using it. She didn't want to watch Hades leave with Melanie. It was probably just to spite Melanie.Hades squinted at her, then laughed after a long silence. "You didn't want me to stay before, did you, Ms. Jacinto? What changed your mind?"Alanna met his mocking gaze. Her lips paled slightly as she replied, "Mr. Florentine, you said it yourself. Taking care of me is your responsibility, isn't it?"Hades chuckled lightly and let go of her. "Don't worry, Ms. Jacinto. I won't leave you behind. I'll be back after changing Melanie's
The call connected after two rings. "Mr. Florentine, I'm currently..." Before Alanna could finish, Terrence Abbott's voice interrupted. His tone carried lazy sarcasm. "Ms. Jacinto? Hades went to pick up Melanie. He left in a hurry and forgot his phone. Do you need something?"Alanna's grip on her phone tightened. Her knuckles turned white. She ended the call abruptly and resumed her attempt to hail a ride through her phone app.When she finally got a ride and arrived at the hospital, an hour had passed. Chelsey Soltz greeted Alanna with a concerned frown upon seeing her drenched in the rain. "Do you realize you shouldn't be getting wet in the rain at a time like this?"A weak smile appeared on Alanna's pale lips. "Okay, I get it. Don't be angry. I'm feeling really awful right now. Can you not be angry for my sake?"Chelsey's expression was a mix of anger and heartbreak. She glared at Alanna before reluctantly accompanying her for a check-up. "You've got a bit of an infection. L