Even though she hadn't paid for the ingredients, she had done the cooking."I didn't invite you here to be a housekeeper," William helped open the chili sauce. "I'll tell you if I need anything. Don't put yourself in such a lowly position - here, we're equals."William always spoke these words in a neutral tone.Without excessive emotion or warmth.But Kaylee could feel his respect for her.He wasn't treating her as a housekeeper's daughter, or as a housekeeper.But as an equal member of the household.Kaylee used her spoon to take some chili from the sauce and put it in her bowl, then pushed the bottle toward him."No need." William shook his head. "The doctor said I can't eat spicy food for now.""Pfft..."Kaylee couldn't help but laugh.It was the first time someone had said this to her so seriously.She screwed the lid back on and asked, "Is your arm okay after helping me move the books yesterday?"William replied matter-of-factly, “I don't know.""I'll check it when
Alex felt a pang of guilt.He thought his actions had misled his uncle, making him willing to accept a loss just to let him marry Lucy."Actually, I...""Don't like Lucy?"William put down what he was holding to look at Alex, his dark eyes like deep wells, revealing no emotion.But Alex felt a chill down his spine. "Well, it's not exactly that.""If you don't like her, why live with her? It shows that deep down, you accept her," William paused, then continued. "I think you two are quite suitable. Having a partner who admires and depends on you is important for you - that's the kind of partner you need."Although William wasn't particularly close to Alex, he could see certain personality traits in how Alex handled company matters.William had his own people in Alex's company.At work, Alex loved being flattered and pampered.He hated opposition to any of his decisions.Even when a decision was wrong, he insisted to let time and results prove it rather than have some self-proc
He felt unsure.William opened his office door, handed the jacket to his secretary outside, then turned to Alex, "Anything else? If not, you should go - I have a flight to catch.""Ah, okay."Alex knew not to delay his uncle's work.The pair took the elevator down together, heading to the underground parking lot.Alex walked William to his car.As he watched his uncle's car leave, he sensed something.Had his uncle seemed unusually happy since leaving the office?Was he going to meet someone?-During lunch, Kaylee received a message from Emma.Emma: [Kaylee, next month is the school anniversary. The class president and I planned a one-year graduation reunion. Can you come?]Kaylee immediately replied she could come as long as there wasn't emergency work.Emma called her immediately.Once connected, she started complaining, "You're so decisive! I just contacted our classmates - many are abroad, and several others in different cities say they can't make it. Don't know how man
"I was waiting for you."Just four ordinary words.Yet they felt like deer prancing through Kaylee's heart.Throughout her life, she had almost always been the one waiting for others, rarely having others wait for her.Once, when her alarm died and she was a few minutes late to meet Alex for tennis practice.Alex sat on the table, pointing at her, "Our family took you in, and this is how you repay us - by sleeping in? Next time you're late, you can sleep on the streets."In truth, Alex had no right to make Kaylee sleep on the streets.But Kaylee, just a child then, didn't know that.She was terrified.She thought the Morgan family would really throw her out over this.From then on, she never dared to be late.Never dared to keep others waiting.Kaylee quickly composed herself, checked her phone's clock and her sent message, then said earnestly, "I sent you a message before going into surgery. Did you see it? I'm sorry... I was in a hurry and didn't confirm if you received i
"Alright, everything on it?" the vendor asked.Seeing William talking to the vendor, Kaylee hurried over.He turned to her, "The vendor's asking if we want everything - what does that mean?""She's asking about dietary restrictions," Kaylee quickly explained. "It comes with cilantro, onions, minced meat, chili, eggs, and such. We can leave out anything you don't eat.""I'll have everything," William said, then asked Kaylee, "And you?""I... I'll have the same."Kaylee followed his lead, still confused.After preparing and packaging both orders, the vendor turned to hand them to William when she caught sight of Kaylee.The vendor looked at Kaylee more carefully and asked, "Miss, didn't you used to order without chili? I added it this time - is that okay?""Oh, it's fine, I eat spicy food," Kaylee explained.During her years with Alex, she'd gotten used to ordering without chili.The vendor had a good memory and always remembered her preference for no chili.This time, Willia
"Oh, okay."Kaylee quickly opened her phone to scan his contact info.His profile soon appeared on her screen.Once they were connected, Kaylee immediately sent him eight bucks.She bought from there often and knew the price by heart."Money sent.""Got it."William tilted his chin, gesturing for her to get in the car.After a moment's hesitation, Kaylee climbed in.She had barely shifted over when William got in beside her.They were briefly close before Kaylee quickly moved further aside, making sure to leave him plenty of room.She was just getting a ride - she shouldn't crowd the car's owner.William seemed not to notice her reaction and handed her one portion of the tacos. "You couldn't take your eyes off this stand when we drove past earlier.""I'm sorry, I...""Kaylee, you don't need to be so formal with me. No need for 'Mr. Morgan' or such polite language. We might be around each other for a long time, and being so respectful only makes me wonder if I've done some
Kaylee had remembered about this while at the hospital.She'd picked up gauze, cotton swabs, and iodine from the pharmacy.As he was changing into slippers, without looking up, he replied, "Good, get everything ready and come to my room."Kaylee went to her room first.She changed into clean clothes and thoroughly washed her hands using the seven-step method before gathering her supplies to head to William's room.Standing in the living room, she realized a problem.Having just moved in yesterday, she'd only been to the study besides the common areas.Where was William's room?She didn't know.Holding her supplies, she walked down the hallway on the other side, passing the familiar study before continuing forward.She saw a door slightly ajar.She pushed it open and peeked in.William stood sideways near the door, completely shirtless, his belt undone and pants hanging low, held up only by his fit physique.Kaylee froze for a second, her face instantly flushing red. "I'm s
Kaylee had heard about extortion cases in the news.Small amounts usually meant lighter sentences.But knowing Andrew's nature, he'd definitely demand an outrageous sum."He probably... wouldn't dare extort the Morgan family, or you. He'd only come after me..."Kaylee knew Andrew would do crazy things for money.But he'd never be crazy enough to directly provoke the Morgans - he'd only pressure her.He wouldn't try to fight a battle he couldn't win."He might not be capable himself, but his creditors have been tracking you for their money. It would be simple to make him try to extort me - just let him believe you're my girlfriend."William turned to look at her, his tone and expression particularly serious.Kaylee had already been trying to avoid looking around, focusing only on his face.Hearing his words, she stared at him in disbelief. "Even if I told everyone, nobody would believe it.""I'll protect you. I'll arrange bodyguards at the hospital, drive you to and from work
What a coincidence... The day before Lynn returned to the country, William had asked Kaylee to stay by his side as his girlfriend. The next day, he flew to South City.If Susanne wasn't lying, then Lynn had arrived in South City that very same day. Susanne sighed, "Your mother and I were very close back in the day. I truly want you to be happy. Unfortunately, I didn't raise my son well, and he hurt you. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me."Kaylee watched as Susanne left. William had arranged a car to pick her up—it was parked right outside the hospital. But instead of leaving, she found a shaded bench and sat down.Taking out her phone, she searched for "Lynn Watson" on social media. Soon, she found a barely noticeable news article—famous jewelry designer Lynn Watson had returned to the country. The accompanying photo, taken at the airport, was posted on Tuesday.Judging by the background, it was exactly the kind of commercial building that Dr. Henderson had m
"Susanne, I performed two surgeries overnight yesterday, standing for over ten hours. I'm really exhausted right now," Kaylee explained seriously. "My work keeps me incredibly busy—I really don't have the time or energy to think about these things.""Oh, no matter how busy you are, you can't neglect your lifelong happiness. This young man is truly outstanding—he's around your age, good-looking, academically excellent, and even studied abroad. I've heard he's never had a girlfriend before."As Susanne mentioned that last detail, her tone lifted slightly.Never had a girlfriend before.To Kaylee, that was a red flag—there was a good chance this guy simply didn’t like women.She had a friend in college who was tricked into a marriage like that. The man had an impeccable background—successful, attractive, and in his thirties, yet he'd never dated anyone before. At the time, her friend thought she had found the perfect husband, a blessing from the heavens.Only after marriage did she
In some remote mountainous areas, tents were still necessary, and taking a bath was even more challenging."It was his own request. He said that after so many years abroad, he wanted to start by applying what he had learned to small tasks within his ability."The director of the medical department spoke these words with obvious pride. Kaylee had yet to meet Mason, but she already had a good impression of him.After the director left, Kaylee changed her clothes, preparing to go off duty. As she passed through the outpatient hall, curiosity got the better of her. She went upstairs to check Lucy's examination results in the system.According to the doctor's report, the baby was indeed slightly larger than average, and a fetal heartbeat was already present. However, the size difference was not significant.Kaylee curiously asked, "For a gestational sac of this size, what is the normal gestational age?"The doctor replied, "It varies for each person. Normally, a fetal heartbeat appear
The scene from yesterday flashed through Kaylee's mind. Ignoring Lucy's gaze, she sincerely congratulated Alex, "Congratulations, Mr. Morgan.""Thank you.""I won't disturb you two any longer. I'll get back to work now." With a slight nod, Kaylee turned and left.She had been by Alex's side for twenty years, four of which she spent as his girlfriend. She had cared for him meticulously—staying up all night to bring down his fever when he was sick, changing his clothes and sheets when he drank too much and vomited all over his bed.Beyond the gratitude she owed to the Morgan family, she had genuine feelings for Alex as a person.And yet, she had watched him lie to her face time and time again. Now, he was engaged, and his fiancée was pregnant. The most ridiculous part? The child wasn't even his. She wondered if this counted as karma.Kaylee went to the cafeteria for lunch. When she took the elevator up to the sixth floor, she ran into Alex again. He was holding a stack of rec
"No need, I'll just stay in my room."Kaylee quickly interrupted him, breaking free from his embrace as she spoke.William didn’t stop her. Instead, he stood up with her and said, "Alright, I'll walk you to the door."Kaylee practically ran back to her room.In the bathroom, she removed her makeup meticulously. Even after washing her face, her reflection in the mirror showed her cheeks still burning as if she had a fever.The next day.That evening, after returning to North City, Kaylee realized William had not come home.Only then did she fully understand—he wasn't joking.He was truly giving her a week to decide.Two days later, while working a night shift, Kaylee wanted to review her meeting notes from a few days ago. Only then did she remember that she had left her notebook in Emma’s room while doing her makeup.After contacting Emma, they arranged for Kaylee to pick it up at the hospital after her shift.Since Emma was also working, they didn’t chat much. Kaylee grabbed
Kaylee's face burned so hotly it felt like she had a fever. She shook her head lightly. "No, Alex is just used to having me around to take care of him. I... I and he..."Before she could finish,William suddenly sat up, placing a firm hand under her legs and lifting her directly into his arms!His clothing was thin—so thin that she could clearly sense his "raging emotions" in that moment."I'll give you one week."William's hand hovered lightly around her waist as he spoke.Kaylee dared not move, allowing him to hold her. The strong scent of alcohol surrounded her, and her heart raced. Even though she hadn't touched a drop, she felt as if she were intoxicated."You will stay by my side as my girlfriend for one year. If after that time you still think I'm deceiving you, treating you as someone else's substitute, you may leave. I won't stop you."As he spoke, his gaze remained locked on her, carefully observing her reaction.His actions had already crossed a boundary in their rela
Kaylee remained seated where she was, not moving. W’illiams clothes were too thin, and coupled with the strong scent of alcohol - although some of it had been splashed on his clothes, he had indeed been drinking.The two of them were alone in the room, and one of them had been drinking..."I've said before, I'm not so immoral as to force anyone," William interlaced his fingers, a gesture indicating his stance on the matter.Of course, Kaylee knew he wouldn't force her. What she feared was... losing control herself.Everything about William was perfect - his physique, personality, intellect, sense of responsibility. He embodied all the qualities of her ideal partner.She was afraid that if she got too close to him, she would abandon all her principles. She would indulge in foolish fantasies...Seeing that she hadn't budged an inch, William got up slightly and leaned over towards her. If she wasn't coming to him, then he would go to her.The smell of alcohol on him was intense.
"Mr. Morgan,” Kaylee met William’s dark eyes, "I didn't abandon you, I...""What, I remember you weren't good at lying, but I never thought you'd even practice your lying skills in front of me..." William's obsidian gaze studied the woman before him intently. "Then use that skill on me, trick me, for example...""Mr. Morgan!” Kaylee couldn't take it anymore and finally interrupted him.She even felt sorry for William. She bit her lip hard, taking a long time before saying, "Mr. Morgan, look at me. I'm Kaylee Lawson, not Lynn Watson.”When she mentioned Lynn’s name, William's hand that had been gripping her chin abruptly let go. The hint of drunkenness on his face vanished completely as he leisurely started putting his robe back on.Kaylee was a bit confused. What did this mean? Was William upset because she brought up Lynn? Well, that made sense... Lynn was probably the one thing he couldn't bear to talk about...Just as Kaylee was about to apologize..."Just as I thought, it wa
Kaylee only then noticed the strong scent of alcohol permeating the entire room. William seemed to be drinking liquor at the moment, the aroma in the room was the typical fragrance of red wine...It appeared that during this time, he must have consumed more than one type of alcohol in the room. Or perhaps... someone else had been here recently, drinking with him.Kaylee tried her best to view the situation with a normal mindset. Given William's status and appearance, as long as he was willing, countless women would eagerly jump into his bed without him even having to ask.And for someone of his stature to be willing to pretend to be her boyfriend to help her out - that was something she could only dream of. Moreover, with Andrew’s situation... she really had no better way to resolve it."What are you standing there for?" William rubbed his temples. "If you think it's not suitable here, then let's go to the bed.""No need, here is fine," Kaylee hurriedly interjected. "Your wound ha