Even though Damien offered to cover all my expenses, I couldn't bring myself to quit my part-time job. Working and earning my own money gave me a sense of purpose. I didn't want to feel aimless. Today, I had a shift at the bakery. After work, I planned to visit my mother in the hospital to check on her.The bakery was quiet that day. The owner's wife and child were at the front while I was in the kitchen, asking the baker how to make the bread softer."Hey, Allison, I'm the boss here. No one knows better than me how to bake bread!" The owner nudged the baker aside, who left while rolling her eyes.It was clear why the baker wasn't fond of the owner—his baking skills were lacking."Thanks, but I already know how to bake the bread. I should go help at the counter now." I brushed past the owner, making my way to the cash register.He halted me by grabbing my arm. "Hey, Allison, why the rush? There are hardly any customers out there. Stay here a bit longer."The other staff fe
"You look seductive when you're shy, you know?" Damien teased. "Allison, I'm really looking forward to meeting you." Damien expressed his desire to meet me, which probably meant he wanted to make love to me. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Should I take the initiative to meet him, as his mistress? However, Damien's tone seemed more informative than suggestive. After providing him with the hospital's address and my mother's name, he ended the call.Shortly after, Damien's well-dressed assistant arrived. The nurse, who had been stern with me, quickly changed her demeanor, even asking if she could help him with anything. "Mr. Ravenclaw asked me to cover Ms. Claire's mother's medical expenses. Her name is Elizabeth Claire, and she's currently in the ICU."The nurse's expression soured as she glanced at me approaching the assistant, who greeted me politely. "Ms. Claire, I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I hope everything goes well for her." "Thank you for your
I signaled to Alex that he could leave and then gently knocked on the door of the student affairs office.The door stood ajar, revealing Dr. Martin seated at her desk, adorned with golden-rimmed glasses, wholly engrossed in her computer screen. She occasionally adjusted her glasses, so focused that my knock went unheard. Entering the room, I called out to her once more. This time, she looked up, visibly taken aback as she saw me at the door. "Oh, Allison, long time no see! You've been absent from ballet class for a while. I've missed watching you dance," she remarked, gesturing toward the chair beside her and removing her glasses to focus on me. "I was planning to get in touch with you. I assume you've seen the notice regarding your attendance?" "Yes, I'm truly sorry, Dr. Martin." Guilt washed over me for missing numerous classes.Dr. Martin shook her head, indicating there was no need for apologies. "You've always been a dedicated student in class. I know you wouldn't
Stepping out of the staff office, I spotted Alex by the doorframe, appearing slightly flustered as our eyes met. "Why are you still here?" My tone carried more assertion than inquiry. I did it on purpose—his presence unsettled me, and I needed to make it clear that we weren't right for each other anymore. Alex, perplexed by my demeanor, misunderstood my intentions. "I'm sorry for overhearing your chat with Dr. Martin. I didn't mean to. I just wanted to wait for you." "I don't care about that. Eventually, everyone will know," I stated, proceeding to exit the building and the school. Alex trailed alongside me, resembling a puppy seeking attention, persisting with attempts at conversation. "You look tired... Have you been getting enough rest?" I remained silent."I found a lovely restaurant with delicious desserts, including your favorite tiramisu. Are you hungry? Maybe you'd like to go there with me?"Still, I didn't answer him."I saw that lucky dog again
"I'm so happy you allowed me to take you home," Damien said softly, embracing me. He gently held my hand, intertwining our fingers, and placed a delicate kiss on it. "He seemed really down, but you made the right choice."Damien appeared cheerful, but I couldn't share in his excitement. In my relationship with Alex, I felt like a cruel betrayer. The thought of Alex standing alone filled me with pain, making it hard to breathe. "Maybe... I just need to get some rest at home, Damien. I'm sorry, but I can't..." I fumbled for the right words to convey my emotions. When Damien offered to take me home, I didn't flatter myself by thinking it was out of genuine affection; it might have just been an excuse. However, I was really worn out today. Damien grinned. "Do you know the best way to move on from Alex?" he asked, showing off a luxurious watch on his wrist. The watch appeared expensive, displaying Damien's initials on the face. It seemed to have been specially made.Glancin
Saint Barthelemy indeed looked stunning.During our stay on the island, Damien and I stayed in a villa, while his assistant stayed a bit farther away. Damien suggested we share a room, and though exhausted, I didn't object. Our room boasted a large window offering views of a golden beach and the blue sea. Stepping out, I noticed a bonfire twinkling on a beach in the distance, hinting at lively gatherings. "It's a private beach. You might enjoy a swim or sunbathing later," Damien suggested."That sounds great!" I exclaimed.The assistant would take care of our luggage. In the meantime, we could explore the island, a place I had never been to before. To start, Damien took me to a bar where the bartender, noting Damien's affluence, reintroduced the island. "You might like checking out Gustavia, the island's shopping center. There are numerous jewelry stores that your lady might find appealing," the bartender suggested."Hmm... my little swan might need some jewelry," Damie
I spent a few wonderful days with Damien on Saint Barthelemy.We would stroll along the beach in the evenings, watching the beautiful sunset and enjoying the tranquil moments as well as the gentle sea breeze.We would make love in secluded corners, evading tourists, and he was particularly fond of my panic when I was afraid of being discovered.Damien was extremely generous with his spending. He would surprise me with a set of gorgeous jewelry before dinner, and as night fell, I would wear them nakedly, spending a passionate night with Damien.If this trip didn't end soon, I was afraid all of my fluid would be shed for him.After the trip, we flew back to America together on Damien's private jet.Damien took me back to New York and had his assistant drive me home.After I got out of the car, Damien and I exchanged a fierce kiss.After the kiss, he took an envelope from his assistant and handed it to me.When I opened it, there was a key inside, along with a card with an addres
After that day, Celeste never came to find me again, and I hoped she had given up on Damien.Today, I needed to go to the hospital again because I couldn't afford a nurse. I had to come to take care of her from time to time.On the way, I received a message from Alex.Alex: [Allison, I'm sorry it took me so long to contact you. I have something to say to you. I still believe that I am more suitable for you than Damien. Even though you chose him, I know it's because you needed money to get through a difficult situation. You don't really like Damien... Damien is a despicable person. He forced us apart, and I won't just give up to him. Allison, I believe you still love me. I will grow and become the person you need, replacing Damien to solve all the problems that trouble you. Please wait for me. Love you. From Alex.]Alex's message left me at a loss. He still seemed unwilling to accept the breakup, and his words still revealed his love for me.I couldn't reply to him with any message
Being with Tony was very natural and smooth, and our life together was plain but not dull, with a sense of happiness that belonged to ordinary people.Since we kissed, Tony had let me call him by a nickname. He finally made a bold move, feeling that our relationship was close enough, and made a request to me.Although Tony had no beautiful jewelry to give me, nor did he use his own injuries to make me feel heartache for him, he would still do his best to make me happy.He looked at me with loving eyes while I was teaching the children ballet, watching me surrounded by children. Even when we were together, he never disturbed me, respecting my life and work.He would only present me with a beautiful sunflower during my rest time, then wait for me to give him a smile.It was one he had planted in his own courtyard.Tony said that the sunflower was a flower that grew positively toward the sun, and he hoped that the sunflower he gave me could bring a positive effect to me.After hear
"Allison, perhaps you like Tuscan pine nut candy?" My student handed me a bag of candy, looking at it with some reluctance."I do like it, but if you want to eat it, I think neither Antonio nor I would have minded," I said with a smile, noticing her craving for the candy.I was used to Antonio giving candies to the students to pass on to me, but for these little sweet tooths, it might have been a kind of torment.Antonio's way of expressing his fondness was to give me what he thought would bring happiness, whether it was the candy itself or something on the candy wrapper."No, I can't eat it. There's even a message from Tony for you today!" My student forcefully handed the candy to me. "Allison, you haven't even read it yet. If I just take it away like this, it would be very impolite."Then she reluctantly returned to the group in rehearsal.I held up the bag of candy, and there was a small card attached to the packaging. When I opened the card, Antonio's handwriting was clearly
My first encounter with Antonio left a positive impression on me, but it seemed he was even more taken with me.Every time I visited the training class, I could see him warmly greeting me, his smile genuine and friendly, creating anticipation for a wonderful day.His warm and friendly demeanor was not just toward me but extended to the entire town, which made him quite popular.The children in the training class adored Antonio. They told me that after wrapping up their day's training and walking down the stairs, the most anticipated moment was seeing Antonio's smiling face. He often placed a candy jar on the table by the door during the time the children finished their training, with a sign that read "Free Tasting".The children said it was Antonio's reward for their hard work. When I inquired about it, he just scratched his head shyly and said, "Do they think so? I just thought they might want to replenish some sugar after training. If it motivates their training, that would be gr
"Hey, just trying to make conversation. Don't leave so quickly." The man was still reluctant, rushing over to grab my arm and speaking to the bartender on his own. "Another cocktail for this lady. She's not ready to leave yet.""Take your hands off. Your behavior is extremely rude." I struggled."Come on. Aren't you following the news about wealthy men? I'm a mutual friend of Damien and Alex, just as rich."A mutual friend of Damien and Alex? If Damien and Alex heard this man's lie, their expressions would be as terrifying as if they had swallowed a fly.They didn't have any mutual friends, and even if they did, they wouldn't be here, dressed in cheap clothes and harassing a lady who was about to leave.I saw the bartender's face was difficult but dared not to stop. Perhaps this man was a somewhat famous ruffian.When I was helpless, Antonio Gatti suddenly appeared, standing between me and the man."Please, this is harassment. If you continue to pester, I will call the police."
I accepted Elena's invitation.In Victoria, there were many children who liked ballet, and their eyes were filled with love for it during training.I loved teaching them to dance. As I looked at their smiling faces, I knew why some ballet dancers chose to become teachers.Becoming an excellent ballet dancer was indeed a joy, but discovering more people who loved ballet, teaching them, and watching them aspire to become excellent ballet dancers was also a very fulfilling thing. This was another way of loving ballet.I did my best to teach them the dance techniques I had learned, to adjust their movements for them, and to encourage them when they were tired and sad from training. It made me happy.Looking at the young girls, I thought of Olivia and Daniel every day.Susan would take care of them for me, but that didn't stop me from missing them every day.What were Olivia and Daniel doing now? Had my mother woken up? If she had, would she be disappointed and sad not to see me?Wo
Allison POVAfter Alex started accompanying me, I noticed that he would stealthily check his phone every day and then be lost in thought. Although he always quickly covered it up, I was very familiar with him.I thought he probably got a call or a text from his family.Alex didn't reply to them each time, so the texts and calls kept piling up, almost to the point where he had to turn his phone off when he was with me.He didn't want me to spot it, or to notice that he was troubled by the phone calls and texts.Our journey was full of joy, as we had expected it to be when we were young.But I knew I couldn't keep dwelling on the memories of my youth.I was no longer filled with the simple yearning for love like I was when I was young. When people grow up, they would always think more and have more things on their minds.Like how my younger self might have rejected Damien, holding Alex's hand firmly and standing by him, believing nothing could tear us apart, but now I would choos
Alex POVAs the dawn broke, the first person I laid eyes on was Allison.She awoke in my embrace, her beautiful brown eyes opening to gaze at me, and I couldn't help but kiss her.Allison chose me.This thought had been echoing in my mind ever since we eloped to Iceland, empowering me.Every night, as I closed my eyes, Allison was the only one in my dreams. I was certain that my soul and body were with her around the clock.Allison turned down Damien's shameless engagement threat and left behind the family she deeply cherished. I believed she took a leap of faith, to be with me.I told her to think about herself, and her decision was to leave everything behind and come to this place with me."Good morning, Allison," I said."Good morning, Alex..."Her voice was still drowsy from just waking up. She couldn't resist my kiss but would only let out a soft, confused moan until the kiss lasted too long, and she'd come to her senses, gently pushing me away with her hand on my chest,
In the accompanying photo, Damien's face was expressionless, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.He looked as if he hadn't recovered from my disappearance.Alex had already gotten the takeout. When the door slammed, I switched back to the TV channel we'd been watching.As I ate, I looked at Alex. He was munching on his pizza. It was as if just being with me, even this small thing could make him happy.I nibbled on another piece of pizza and asked Alex, "Alex, is there anything you want to do?"Alex looked up at me, puzzled."The only thing I want to do is be with you. That will satisfy me no matter what I do."After hearing Alex's words, I confirmed one thing. He was actually still the same person. Alex didn't have a more detailed plan for being with me. As he said, he thought that he would be satisfied as long as he was with me.Family, friends, our future, none of them were as important to him as the present.Alex had always been that naive kid.He reminded me of ou
Allison POVAlex had purchased several different tickets for me. Their destinations were arranged in an irregular pattern on the map.Alex proudly said that he had drawn it by lot, so no matter how Damien tried to figure out where we would go when he found those tickets, he would fail.Then he bought a couple of cruise tickets from different parts of the U.S. coastline. They also went to different destinations. Then he gave me the choice.From it, I drew a ticket to Iceland."Did you know that some people call Iceland the end of the world, Allison?" Alex smiled in surprise after I drew this ticket."It's almost as if it's hinting that we'll elope to the end of the world. I like the moral of going against the entire world."Alex said something so innocent that I didn't know how to respond.While Damien busied himself with preparations for our engagement banquet, I had already boarded a ship bound for Iceland with Alex, who had sneaked out. To evade Emily's hired bodyguards, Alex