Indeed, Bella had already boarded the plane. There were a total of eight people on this trip, four men and four women. Because it was a business trip with a tourism element, everyone was in a good mood. Sitting beside Bella was a girl named Bonnie, who was getting married soon and was particularly looking forward to the trip to Thailand. She mentioned planning to go to Thailand to take wedding photos, so this trip was a perfect opportunity to check it out. Bella felt a bit envious; although she had spent a lot on her wedding photos, Calvin hadn't smiled once throughout the process, behaving like a mere prop. Upon hearing their conversation, Devon glanced over and said with a smile, "If you want to take photos, just let Oliver do it." Oliver was their colleague responsible for photography. Upon hearing Mr. Devon's words, Oliver immediately agreed, "Leave it to me. I'll make sure you all look stunning from head to toe." Bonnie leaned forward, "Deal. I'll have you take a set of portrai
Listening to the noisy knocking and conversation on the other end of the phone, as well as Bella's hurried responses, he quickly gave her a few instructions and let her go. Bella really didn't have time to talk on the phone at the moment. When she went out, she saw Devon wearing a T-shirt and beach shorts, chatting with Bonnie in the room. When he saw Bella coming out, he smiled and said, "Get ready. We're going swimming." Bella was a bit dumbfounded. It seemed that this business trip had more leisure activities than she had expected. Whatever, if the boss said to go swimming, why would she worry about work? She hurriedly rummaged through her suitcase for her swimsuit, and heard Devon ask, "Do you guys know how to swim?" None of them knew how to swim, and Devon seemed a bit helpless. He smiled and said, "Looks like we need to give you all a crash course in swimming." Bella didn't even lift her head, thinking that Devon might be treating this trip to Thailand as a vacation, feeling
Bella frowned tightly, what did he mean? Could he help her? Help her for no reason at all? She might not have ambitions, but she wasn't stupid. The messages he implied both directly and indirectly, along with his previous actions, made her unable to help but think in that direction. Unwritten rules? How could he have the nerve to blatantly make such a request? Did he think she was that kind of person? Or did he think she simply couldn't and wouldn't refuse? Devon didn't say anything more, casually ending the conversation and telling her not to overthink it and rest well. Bella felt nauseous, sitting alone afterward, replaying the sequence of events in her mind. Where did it all start? When he inexplicably called her to the office that day, saying some ambiguous things, did he start setting traps for her from that moment? Unwritten rules like this happening to her, if she mentioned it to Fiona, Fiona would definitely laugh at her for being delusional. How could a married woman like h
The next day, Bonnie and Flora were startled by Bella's swollen eyes. How did she end up like this overnight? Bella didn't need a mirror to know her eyes must look terrible. Faced with their concern, she could only attribute it to drinking too much water and not sleeping well the night before. In a rush in the morning, she quickly applied cold compress and headed out again. As expected, her haggard appearance prompted everyone to inquire about what happened. Devon was skeptical of her explanation and joked, "I thought you cried all night. We worked hard yesterday, let's finish early today." Everyone agreed, even starting to plan the evening's activities. Bella forced a smile, eating her breakfast like wax, hoping this disastrous trip would end soon. Suddenly, Devon pushed something towards her. She looked at him puzzled. Wasn't this the phone he offered her yesterday? She had declined. Devon calmly said, "There's no time to buy a new phone now. Use this one for now, and return it t
Women always have more going on than men, just like now, where Devon and the others chatted away, but there were still hardly any women coming down. Since there was no rush, everyone displayed unusual patience. Oliver was discussing the post-processing effects of today's photos,when suddenly, a person silently took a seat on the left single sofa. Oliver stopped talking, looking at the newcomer with confusion. Although the sofa was public, the fact that they were all sitting together indicated they knew each other. So, even if there was an empty sofa, most people wouldn't sit there. However, looking around the entire lobby, this was the only place to rest, so perhaps this person was just tired? After the newcomer sat down, he immediately attracted attention, but he didn't seem uncomfortable at all. He sat leisurely, surveying the huge decorative painting in the lobby. Devon and the others exchanged glances; this person was quite interesting. Oliver couldn't help but keep glancing at
There's no doubt that Calvin is assertive, yet at the same time, he's also restrained. However, when facing Bella, apart from their intimate encounters, he has never been forceful with her. Even during their divorce, he patiently handed over the initiative to her, but now it seems like they won't be divorcing anymore; he can't seem to find a reason to. Life suddenly became interesting, or perhaps Bella suddenly reverted to the blushing Bella he once knew. Ultimately, he still enjoys the almost worshipful look in her eyes. Bella was kissed until she was breathless, and she pushed back slightly, leaning against his lips, her breath unstable. "Calvin, it's really nice that you're here." Her short sentences were interrupted by his pecking, and the stubble that had just emerged made her feel itchy and numb, laughing as she tried to dodge. "It's prickly, stop it." Her pleading didn't stop his affectionate gestures, Calvin deliberately using the stubble to gently brush against her cheek, l
As Bella had anticipated, the barbecue dinner was a bit challenging. Her colleagues tried hard to find lively topics to create an atmosphere, but Calvin always remained detached from the group, only occasionally responding with a word or two. For example, someone told a joke, and everyone at the table burst into laughter, except for him, who remained unaffected. Bella couldn't bear watching this; even if he didn't find it funny, couldn't he at least relax his expression a bit? Under Bella's gaze, he finally nodded and said it was quite interesting, but this only made the atmosphere even more awkward. Except for Devon, everyone else felt as if the boss was eavesdropping on their casual conversation. Calvin's demeanor at the barbecue stall was more like listening to a subordinate's report than enjoying barbecue. Fortunately, his attention was all on Bella, which made people feel that he was just an ordinary man who cared for his wife. But in the eyes of the women present, such care fo
"No! Who would touch their chin to seduce someone?" Bella answered decisively. This man was truly split; serious and composed in public but mischievous behind closed doors. He wasn't like this before. She suddenly drifted off, when did he start to change like this? She wasn't sure, but honestly, she liked this version of him.In the past, he would still prioritize her matters, but that sense of being the top priority always felt like a duty. She was a task he had to prioritize, unrelated to love. Perhaps, since she asked him to say "I love you," they truly began to love each other? It's hard to say, but now they were filled with happiness.Her waist tightened, and he pulled her into his arms. Calvin chuckled, "Touching your chin doesn't count, then you can touch other places."Bella's face turned red, Pushing his chest to leave. As she pushed against his chest to leave, she noticed that he was a bit more talkative now, but his words made her feel shy to respond. What other places was
"Absolutely not!""Dream on!"Two voices rang out simultaneously as Jex and Fiona locked eyes, engaging in a silent battle of wills. Jex was the first to turn his gaze back to the computer, remarking, "Wives are the most ungrateful creatures. They promise to give themselves to you, but once they do, they demand more. They’ll take half your savings, hold your assets hostage, and put their names on your house and car. Ask them to have a child, and they wail about their lack of human rights, claiming they aren’t baby-making machines. Damn it, even if I, Jex, had a fortune, you’d still have to give me a son!"Fiona retorted coolly, "Yes, some men think so highly of themselves. They assume women marry them for their money, while simultaneously saying 'I love you, everything of mine is yours,' and insisting on a prenuptial agreement. Not only that, but they also eye their wife's dowry. 'The house is mine; you just pay for the renovation and the car. Don't know how to drive? No worries, I do
Bella has been feeling a bit anxious lately, the kind of anxiety you feel when your crush discovers a little secret of yours—nervousness tinged with embarrassment. She’s been waiting for Calvin’s reaction, but he hasn’t shown any sign of noticing that she turned their recent experiences into a novel. She feels both relieved and a bit disappointed. Why doesn’t he say something? Like maybe he doesn’t like it, or he doesn’t mind. What does saying nothing mean? She’s made countless guesses but never thought Calvin might enjoy seeing her troubled by guessing his thoughts.She’s even consoled herself like an ostrich, thinking maybe he hasn’t read the novel at all. After all, the plan was just proposed, and the story isn’t even finished yet. All future plans are empty talk until the script is completed. With that in mind, his lack of reaction seems reasonable.Now that "Like Wolves and Tigers" has finished airing, she has nothing more to do with the company. Her daily routine consists of wri
Calvin had retrieved his car from repairs, but perhaps out of guilt, he found it increasingly unsatisfactory. Rather than driving something that displeased him, he decided it was better to buy a new one. Jex, learning of this, insisted on accompanying him. The old BMW X5 had been completely sidelined; Calvin would rather take a taxi than drive it. Jex jokingly called him heartless and ungrateful, lamenting that the loyal X5 had been abandoned despite its hard work. "What did it do wrong?" "It knows too much," Calvin said nonchalantly, fastening his seatbelt as he got into Jex's car."Knows too much?" It didn’t want to, either. It played along with your ruse, and this is how you repay it? Jex started the car and drove out of the parking lot. "Cars can't talk, you know. They're like mute illiterates—no matter how much they know, they can't express it."Calvin didn't respond. The car might not talk, but the passengers could ask questions. It's just easier to replace it. Shortly after th
Bella watched Calvin close the door and couldn't help but laugh. Despite being a bit annoying, it was indeed a coincidence that they ran into Jessica again. Disrupted by her presence, they lost the mood for shopping and just bought a pair of rings before heading back. Bella leaned back on the sofa, holding up her hand to inspect the ring. Hmm, it didn't sparkle as much away from the display lights. Seeing Calvin's figure, she waved him over.Calvin sat next to her, glanced at the ring, and smiled without saying a word. She grabbed his hand to place the rings side by side. With the right lighting, the rings regained their brilliance. She smiled foolishly, leaning her head on his shoulder. Apart from their wedding ring, he had never given her any jewelry before. This was probably the first time. Women have an inexplicable fondness for rings and flowers.“Do you like it?”“I love it!” She smiled and gave him a light kiss on the lips. The peck was far from enough to satisfy him. He reache
After finally getting into a taxi, Bella looked back at the photographers far behind, still snapping away, visibly shaken. Calvin seemed relieved as well. It was strange—why were there media outside the hospital? Few people knew about his hospitalization. How did the media find out? It was probably Jex’s doing.The call to Jex went through quickly. Jex was still talking to someone, haggling with a real estate agent by the sound of it. After finishing his conversation, he finally put the phone to his ear. "Calvin? I won’t be coming by this morning. Hold on until the afternoon, and I’ll help you to the bathroom."“I’ve been discharged.”Jex was a bit surprised. "Regained your sight?" He didn’t think it would happen so soon. "Stay a few more days. I can handle things at the company."“What’s with the reporters at the hospital entrance?”Jex laughed on the other end, pretending to complain. "How can we play happily if you pretend you don’t know it’s my arrangement? What’s the deal? Natura
"Blind man feeling an elephant?" She remembered the trick they played in the hot tub in Thailand, and it really fit the current situation. But she really couldn't handle this position, struggling futilely, "Mm... not like this, it's so embarrassing!" Being positioned like this and having him play with her was really too shameful, wasn't it?"I can't see," Calvin said, his fingers drawing circles there, getting increasingly slick, his head slightly tilted as his lips pressed against the delicate skin on the inside of her thigh. The tender and gentle kisses mixed with his breath made her whole body tremble. She shrank back, begging, "I'm ticklish, stop it." The light touches were the worst; she was really on the verge of tears with nowhere to escape.As if to tickle her, his nose rubbed back and forth on the spot he had just kissed with a bit more force, then a warm, moist tongue slid over it, followed by his teeth nibbling on the delicate flesh, bringing a slight sting. Bella couldn't
Calvin moved her hand away once more. "It's uncomfortable to sleep while holding you." Now Bella felt genuinely hurt. She had apologized, but he still refused her. Stiffening behind him, she debated whether to turn away herself. After a long while, she reached out again, hesitant to touch him. What if he rejected her again? She sighed softly, deciding to try once more. Snuggling closer, she hugged him again and said in a muffled voice, "I want to sleep while holding you." She felt his hand grip her wrist and her nose stung with tears. Was he really so firm? Pulling back, she felt a lump in her throat, "I need a drink of water," she muttered, getting out of bed and walking away quickly. She didn't turn on the lights. Calvin heard the sound of water being poured and the cup being set down, followed by her footsteps returning. She paused outside the curtain before quietly coming back to bed. This time, she stayed far from him, not even covering herself with the blanket, curling up an
Calvin's minor injury had scabbed over by the third day in the hospital. During the doctor's rounds, Dr. Jason kept a straight face while making notes. He could sense that this patient was in a good mood today and was becoming more adept at acting blind. When asked about his eyesight, Calvin still claimed he couldn't see. Dr. Jason made notes in the medical record without any comment.When Jex arrived, he found the room lively. Calvin was pretending to be blind, Dr. Jason was expressionless, and Bella looked worried. Jex smiled, feeling that he had come at the right time. He glanced at the medical record in Dr. Jason's hand. It seemed that private hospitals were going all out, not only providing medical services but also playing along with the patient's act. What was written in the medical record? A script?Dr. Jason closed the medical record discreetly, advised Calvin to rest more, and then left the room."How are you feeling today?" Jex asked.Calvin didn't answer, but Bella, with a
When Calvin’s wound got wet, Bella anxiously called a nurse to change the dressing. As the bandage was removed, the wound appeared pale, making Bella frown in concern. How could such a grown man be so careless? All this fuss only caused him more suffering. The nurse repeatedly emphasized that the wound should avoid water, but Calvin lay there with his eyes closed, showing no sign of listening. The nurse then turned to Bella with a tone of reproach, implying how poorly Bella was taking care of the patient.Bella felt frustrated; it wasn't intentional on her part. After the nurse left, she turned to Calvin to complain, "Did you hear that? The wound mustn't get wet! If you keep this up, you won't be allowed to bathe at all!" After all, they were in an air-conditioned room, and he wouldn’t sweat.Calvin lazily acknowledged her, feeling rather moody since he hadn't been able to have his way. Bella busied herself with organizing the wardrobe. Jex and Fiona had delivered her luggage from the