William thought she had woken up. He was just about to remind her to change into something more comfortable when— Before he could say a word, Kaylee’s eyes fluttered closed again. Her breathing quickly evened out. He called her name twice, just to be sure. No response. She had already drifted back into sleep. With a helpless sigh, he stood up, grabbed his phone, and stepped out to make a call. That night, William dreamed of her. They were back in the boutique. Hidden inside the narrow fitting room, their bodies pressed too close together. He had one hand easily pinning both of hers above her head, locking them in place. His other hand— His thumb was caught between her teeth, muffling any sound she might make. The back zipper of her gown was undone completely, leaving her skin exposed beneath his lips. He bent down— Teeth grazing the delicate ridge of her spine, pressing soft red marks into every inch of skin he could reach. When he wok
"I won’t have the baby." Kaylee didn’t hesitate. Not even for a second. "Why?" William hadn’t expected such a firm, immediate answer. "Mr. Morgan, you and I are completely different. I don’t have the luxury of being reckless." Her gaze dropped slightly, voice calm but resolute. "I have no family. I spent twenty years studying and have only been working for a year. I still owe my friend thousands of dollars. If I had a baby, I wouldn’t even be able to afford a nanny." William frowned. "Are you assuming I wouldn’t take responsibility? When did I ever give you that impression?" Kaylee exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "I know you’re a good and responsible person. If I had the baby, even if you got married in the future, you probably wouldn’t abandon your child." She looked him in the eye. "But I can’t build my life around probably. If my child’s well-being depends entirely on your kindness, then I’m putting myself in an incredibly passive position." W
"Mr. Morgan," Kaylee said quickly, "Since I said it, I’ll keep my word—whether I was drunk or sober. I promised you." Her voice was firm, steady. William should have been pleased. Instead, a strange sense of guilt surfaced in his chest. "You don’t have to answer right away," he said. "Think about it first. If you have any conditions, financial or otherwise, let me know. I’ll have my lawyer draft a formal agreement to protect your rights." His tone was calm, businesslike. Kaylee thought for a moment before asking, "What exactly does pretending to be your fiancée involve?" "You’ll need to keep living here with me, like you do now," William explained. "We’ll go about daily life together. I might pick you up from work sometimes. There will be social events where I’ll need you by my side." "Alright." To Kaylee, it didn’t sound that different from their current arrangement. William added, "My mother is sharp. She’s not easy to fool. She likely has people watchin
"Susanne, that’s not necessary," Kaylee said firmly, pushing the jewelry box back toward her. "I told you—your family doesn’t owe me anything. I lent you the money because I could, and I should." She couldn’t accept this gift. But Susanne made no move to take the box back. Instead, she sighed. "Kaylee, I know you’ve already accepted gifts from William—like that thirty-million-dollar watch—so I guess my little gift must seem insignificant in comparison." Kaylee froze. "What thirty-million-dollar watch?" Her first instinct was that Susanne must have heard some wild rumor. There was no way she had accepted a watch worth thirty million! Susanne studied her expression, then added, "The watch you wore last night—it’s a Patek Philippe antique. A few years ago, it sold at auction for thirty-three million." She hesitated before asking, "You… didn’t know?" Kaylee's mind went blank for a second. "The watch I wore last night?" "Thirty-three… million?" That
Susanne carefully studied Kaylee’s expression. And there it was. The emotion she had been waiting to see. "Kaylee," she said, her voice soft but insistent. "I may not be your birth mother, but I was the one who raised you." She took the jewelry box and forced it into Kaylee’s hands. "I know Alex isn’t a good man. If he ends up miserable in the future, that’s his own fault. But you…"I want you to marry someone who truly loves you."William doesn’t."He’s no different from Alex." Kaylee exhaled slowly. "Susanne, thank you… but I can’t accept this. "As for William, our relationship isn’t what you think it is." She didn’t bother explaining further. Susanne studied her for a moment, then finally let out a small sigh. "That’s good, then."But if you ever change your mind… I can help you find someone who’s truly right for you." Kaylee shook her head. "There’s no need. I don’t plan on dating or marrying anyone. "I just want to focus on my work. T
"Really? I can go?" Kaylee felt like she'd just won the lottery. Medical conferences like this were usually reserved for the top doctors at the hospital, who would sometimes bring along their protégés. But since she was still relatively new, she'd never been picked before. "You can," Dr. Henderson nodded. "But the flight is at ten tonight. If you're going, wrap up your work, head home to pack, and then get to the airport." He paused before adding, "You'll be back the day after tomorrow." "I'm in!" She had plenty of reasons to go. A conference like this was a goldmine of knowledge. But more importantly, it meant she wouldn't have to stay at William’s place tonight. She’d have some space to clear her head. Dr. Henderson nodded. "Good. I’ve got a surgery to get to, so handle your work and get ready." As soon as he left, Kaylee instinctively reached for her phone to tell William about the trip. But just as she was about to type the message, Susanne’s words surfaced
A wave of guilt and hesitation washed over Kaylee. Even if William’s kindness had started because of Lynn, at this moment, he was simply being thoughtful. She stood there for a long time, unmoving. The call remained silent. Just as she assumed he had already hung up—and was about to call back to explain—she realized the call was still connected. "Mr. Morgan," she spoke quickly. "Sorry, I thought the call had ended." "I figured we should at least say goodbye before hanging up," William replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Alright then, see you in Brookshire.” "...Yeah, see you in Brookshire,” Kaylee paused for half a second before adding, "Safe travels to you too." This time, the call ended. Kaylee headed home to pack. For a two-day trip, she didn’t need much. Even after finishing, her 20-inch suitcase was still only half full. Then, she went into the walk-in closet to grab a shirt and tie for William. The jewelry from the engagement banquet, in
Kaylee hurried to the check-in counter, scanning the area to make sure Dr. Henderson hadn’t arrived yet. Once she confirmed he wasn’t there, she finally relaxed. She hated being late. Whenever she had an appointment, she always left herself plenty of extra time. About half an hour later, Dr. Henderson arrived, and they boarded the plane together. After a four-hour flight, they landed at Brookshire Airport. As Kaylee made her way to baggage claim, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around to find Emma grinning at her. “You just got off that flight too?” Emma looped her arm around Kaylee’s. “Wait, are you here for the AI-Driven Medical Conference?” Kaylee nodded. “Yeah. I came with my supervisor, but he was in first class, and I was in economy, so he probably left already.” “Ugh, same! I thought private hospitals like yours would at least put you guys in first class.” “My rank’s too low for that.” “Then we gotta work hard! Give it three to five y
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