"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Gale, what have you been up to these days? I haven't seen you much, and you don't look too well. You seem a bit worn out," she asked.Gale gave her a rundown of everything that had happened.Summer listened, gaping at the story."It's quite complicated, so I don't really want to get into it. Besides, I'm close to resolving everything. Don't worry about it." Gale smiled."Wait, Gale, your family background and what's happening with the Yarns' are your personal affairs. How you handle it is your business, I support you. But... you've rejected Aurum just like that?""It's impossible for us."Sometimes, fate is a strange thing. If Gale had always been the Yarns' daughter, then she and Aurum would have gotten married. They were inseparable childhood friends.However, Gale disappeared.Not only did she disappear, but she lived with the Warm family and grew up with Sam instead. She was on track to be married to Sam.However, the W
Gale nodded. "That's true."Summer clapped her hands together. "See, I told you! However, Nicole has Shawn's bone marrow and lives with him, so she's probably on his side. Joshua lives in the Lefting family and has witnessed Aurum's devotion to you. He must be on Aurum's side!""Tsk tsk, Gale, what will you do? Your son supports Aurum, but your daughter supports Shawn. You're stuck in the middle, torn between them.""You underestimate Joshua. I've already talked to him. He said he supports all my decisions and will cooperate unconditionally," Gale said.Summer scoffed. "He's too sensible.""You hate Shawn that much? What if he hears you bad-mouthing him and holds a grudge against you..."Summer quickly covered Gale's mouth. "Ugh, don't say that!"She was still afraid of Shawn. After all, he was her boss.The more Summer thought about it, the more anxious she became. Could it be that Shawn was really outside the door?She got up and walked to the door, peering through the crack
She actually noticed that these flowers were meticulously chosen by Joe every day. Unfortunately, Summer was unaware of this and thought he just paid for the florist to do it. However, Joe also did not seize the opportunity to reveal his effort. He could have said it to move Summer. What woman does not like hearing about the effort her man put into romance her?"Mrs. Wood, it's rare to see you so free today. Is your work almost done?" Joe changed the subject."Not yet, but it's getting there.""Your latest series is selling very well in the market. Next month, you'll receive a large bonus. Congratulations. Would you like to treat us?"Gale nodded. "Sure, I'll treat you both."However, Summer quickly waved her hand. "No, no, after this month, except for during work, I don't want to see Joe anymore. I want to be free!""Oh?" Joe looked at her with a smile. "Are you tired of me?""Could you be reasonable, Joe? We've spent too much time together this month!"Summer felt like, apa
Back then, it was Shawn who first expressed his love to her. Gale realized that Joe also had his ways to win a woman's heart. Indeed, he and Shawn were like two peas in a pod, capable of tricks, even goading her to make another bet.It was all up to Summer whether she would take the bait.Once Gale left, Summer looked at Joe."What is this guaranteed win you mentioned? Tell me more," she asked.Although Summer was willing to accept the consequences of her bets, she still felt unsatisfied. If there were a way to turn the tables, she would definitely want to take it. She had been enslaved by Joe that month, but next month, she might have a chance to turn the situation around.Joe approached slowly and stood in front of Summer, his hand resting on her waist. Summer's body tensed for a moment, feeling unnatural, but she did not brush off his touch. She reasoned that a girlfriend should tolerate her boyfriend hugging her.Joe asked, "What do you think? Is there a bet where you'd win f
Joe knew how to push her buttons.Summer really fell for it."Who's scared! I'll play. I'm not scared at all! You promised I'd win for sure, and you can't back out!" Summer said.Joe solemnly answered, "I won't back out."Seeing Summer fall into his trap, he felt pleased. His expression relaxed naturally.Joe collected his fingers, pressing his hand on her waist. "So, have you thought of the bet?"Summer's mind was racing. A bet she would win. She had to ensure her victory, no unexpected surprises, no way Joe would win by sheer luck.Seeing her like this, Joe could not hide his amusement.Intelligent, sharp, and bold, she did not let anyone take advantage of her, whether in work or life. Yet, she could be a bit clueless at times.Joe's suggestion of making another bet was a way to stick around her. This month, Summer played the role of his girlfriend at his every beck and call. Next month, even if she won, he could still be near her whenever he wanted. If Summer did not order
"I bet that I won't fall in love with you within this month!" Summer declared.Joe raised an eyebrow, and a flicker of surprise and intrigue crossed his face. That was the bet she came up with? Summer continued, "If I fall in love with you this month, I lose. If I don't, I win!"The more she talked, the happier she became, feeling like she was the unbeatable genius of the universe.She was sure that she would win this bet because whether or not she loved Joe was solely up to her. Nobody could ever change her mind. As long as she did not admit she had fallen for Joe, she would win. After all, she would never ever fall in love with him. They were enemies. Therefore, she was confident in this bet."What do you say?" She looked at Joe. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you regretting it now? Hey, you said you'd agree to any bet I suggested!"Joe smiled slyly. "You've certainly rigged this to ensure your victory. How could you possibly fall in love with me? You'd take any opportun
Summer could tolerate all of this. However, the sudden kiss caught her completely off guard.Joe's lips were slightly cool and very soft. Wait, what was she thinking?After what felt like ten seconds or so, Summer finally reacted. She reached out to push Joe away, but he was quicker. He held her wrist, placing her hand on his shoulder as he grew bolder.Summer was almost breathless. "You fool. Open your mouth, breathe, inhale," Joe said, his voice low and husky. Her face turned crimson. "Haven't you kissed before?" Joe asked.Summer was at a loss for words. Admitting she had not seemed too embarrassed. She had been single all this time, and that was supposed to be her first kiss. However, she did not want to admit it.She did not know how to respond, but Joe's eyes gleamed even more. He found her innocence captivating.That discovery only fueled Joe's desire, and he became more daring. Summer could barely catch her breath."Mmm... you..." Summer struggled to push him away, f
She was in her early twenties and had not had her first kiss. So what? It only showed that she valued herself, took her feelings seriously, and never rushed into things."Yes!" Summer nodded. "This was my first kiss. You took it away."Joe smiled and asked, "Can I be responsible?""Responsible? How can you be responsible?" Summer questioned. "How do you want me to be responsible?" Joe inquired.Summer was momentarily stunned."I didn't expect this to be your first time. Sorry," Joe said.Huh? Was he apologizing to her because he had taken her first kiss?He continued, "If I had known it was your first kiss, I would have been gentler."Summer was quiet.So, he felt he had been too rough? Well, Summer was not the type to hold grudges. She was disappointed that Joe had stolen her first kiss like that, but what was done was done."Whatever. There's a first for everything. I'll just take it like I got bit by a dog," Summer replied with a bit of force, wiping the corner of her mo