"You've been rather quiet lately, like you've become a proper lady," Stefan teased lightly. Although he had not spent much time with the woman, her incessant chattering had long made an impression on him. However, for the past few days, she had been unusually quiet. Most times, they merely sat together in silence, not saying a word to each other. Her voice was starting to sound quite weak as well, as if she were a willow in the breeze.'This is odd. Almost too odd!'"That's because I am a proper lady," Renee replied, her voice exceedingly soft."Mmm, a proper lady who knows how to fight a bear. Now I'm really curious as to what you look like." Stefan smirked, his expression plastered with a hint of affection that he himself didn't realize just yet.For some reason, despite having no memories of her, the days he spent with her became rather natural, as if they had known each other for a long time. Such comfort and ease made him feel happier than when he was with Seraphina.If he ha
As she continued grinding the coffee bit by bit, Renee felt satisfied, but also frowned deeply due to the pain in her wrist.Just then, footsteps could be heard behind her. It was Yulia, and she screamed as soon as she noticed the wounds on Renee's wrist. "Ren, what are you doing? Just look at your hands! Let the staff do this for you!""I'm alright, Mrs. Walker, I'm not that fragile." Renee smiled weakly and proceeded."No, you're not. You're already bleeding through the gauze! Do you not cherish your own life?" Despite her usual gentleness, Yulia couldn't help but feel angered by Renee's recklessness.She then snatched the grinder out of her hands and sighed. "Oh child, you're just so foolish. How could you use your own blood for his medicine? If your mother knew that you hurt yourself over a man, she would be devastated!""She won't," Renee replied softly. "I believe Mom would use her own blood if she knew Dad needed it to survive. And you would too, if Mr. Walker needed it, ri
"That year..." Yulia hesitated, looking reluctant to bring up the incident. "It happened ages ago, so let's not talk about it. The most important thing is that we should live in the moment." "No!" Renee shook her head and clenched her fists tightly. Looking pained, she said determinedly, "The Everheart family used to be the head of The Great Eight of Beach City, but we were nearly taken out. Our family went through such pain, and I always wanted to take revenge for my parents, but Grandpa made me vow not to take revenge before he passed away. So, I laid low and didn't do anything about it, but it didn't change anything. I always had nightmares of my parents falling down the stairs, bloody and mutilated, for years. When I think about how my enemies are still living freely while my parents died so cruelly, I get so upset that I can't sleep all night. To make it worse, my brother went through hell after being kidnapped. That's why I have to uncover the truth and take revenge for my fami
There was a shrewd gleam in Renee's eyes, and it was obvious her mind was racing to make sense of all the information Yulia had given her. "You can’t say that. Both the Hunt and Everheart families were developing in Beach City and both families always helped each other. There weren't any big conflicts of interest. Even if they became distant because of your brother's incident, they never meddled in each other's business. I think that the Hunt family's rapid development was mainly caused by their own efforts." "That's true." Renee's gaze softened. "After all, the Hunt family were the only ones who helped my family when they went bankrupt that year. Besides, Grandpa arranged a marriage between Stefan and I because he believed that the Hunt family were the only ones who could truly take care of me. If they really were my parents' murderers, Grandpa would have never let me marry into the family." Renee did suspect the Hunt family that year, but she quickly eliminated that option beca
"What do you think?" Renee looked at the man eagerly."This is the most delicious coffee I've ever had. It reminds me of… an old friend." Stefan said softly, then closed his eyes and took another sip, savouring the smooth and rich flavour. Even though he was an extremely picky person, this cup of coffee was indeed impeccable. It was so perfect that he was sure he had become addicted to it. "That's for sure. This is my masterpiece." Renee grinned, lifting her chin proudly. She learned how to brew coffee for Stefan's sake. She became more motivated when she saw how much he enjoyed it, and it made her feel that all her efforts were worthwhile. Stefan drank more coffee, and his muddled mind felt clearer. Scenes of a familiar woman flashed in his mind, but he could never see who she was. Whenever he tried, his head started to ache. "Damn it!" Stefan groaned, his eyebrows knit tightly as he rested his head in his hands. He looked pained, and a thin layer of sweat had appeared on hi
Renee gritted her teeth, trying to drown out the pain. Stefan tightened his grip on her hand and growled menacingly, "I can't wait until I can see again. Tell me now—what kind of past did we have? The person I love the most is Seraphina, so what kind of witchcraft are you using to confuse me?" He wanted to know the truth because he couldn't stand the pain of trying to remember. Everytime he tried to recall something, it felt like someone was taking a scalpel to his brain, and the pain was enough to drive anyone mad. "I... Ah!" Renee whimpered in pain, unable to hold it back any longer."What's wrong?" Stefan immediately released her hand."Nothing. It's just that your grip was too strong and it hurt me." Renee inhaled deeply as she adjusted the bandage on her wrist. Blood was oozing out of the wound, staining the bandages red.Renee thought bitterly, 'How pathetic. Just a bit of force and I bleed this much. If an enemy comes after me now, I'll be doomed.' Renee tried to calm
Before anyone could say anything, the trouble Margaret mentioned burst onto the scene.It was none other than Jovan. "My dear cousin, that's not very cool of you..." Jovan was dressed smartly in a suit with his hair slicked back, and he walked towards them gracefully. His lips curved upwards into a smirk, and he said teasingly, "I heard you had a little accident, cousin of mine. The Hunts and the Murphys are doing all they can to look for you, but here you are, clinging to a woman you can't seem to leave. You certainly know how to enjoy life.""Jovan, what are you doing here?" Renee stood in front of Stefan protectively, and glared at Jovan like he was a monster. "Trying to be the knight in shining armour, Renee? I don't think your 'damsel in distress' would appreciate it." Jovan scoffed, staring at Renee and Stefan shrewdly. "Woman, do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused?" However, Renee ignored Jovan and turned to Margaret. "Margaret, get Stefan out of here. I'll
Jovan held his hands out, looking remorseful. "Well, you know the rules of Hunt Enterprise..."Renee frowned and asked quickly, "What rules?""You're close to Stefan, so I'm surprised you don't know this. There's a rule in Hunt Enterprise stating that whoever takes over the company must be physically healthy and have full civil power. If not, a new leader will be selected from the legal heirs.""So, you did all this to prove that he doesn't have full civil power so you can replace him as the legal heir of Hunt Enterprise?" Renee sneered."No need to paint me as a villain, Renee. I'm just worried about my dear cousin's health. As for whether I have to replace him as the head of Hunt Enterprise, it depends on the board of directors. I am just a pawn in their hands." Jovan shrugged casually, his eyes glinting."Yes, clearly you're innocent in all this," Renee scoffed sarcastically, infuriated by Jovan's words.On the contrary, Stefan was very calm. He said expressionlessly, "That is
The Lotso bear was a villain in the movie, but it was a pitiful villain because it was abandoned by its owner. It used various means and encountered a lot of hardships to return to Daisy, its owner. In the end, it found that its owner had long gained new toys.After getting hurt, it no longer wanted to be kind. It was used to act cunningly as a form of disguise. But honestly, it was a dear baby who needed love. Of course, it was not a villain at all. Renee liked it because she saw herself as well as others in it. Everyone was gloomy in some way. People got hurt and slowly became gloomy. Instead of criticizing such a thing, Renee felt more compassion and sorry for such a situation. "But you still don't want it and want to throw it away." Stefan was gripped with complicated feelings after listening to Renee's explanation. He sounded sad."Yes, I like it. But I still want to throw it away. It's better to stop in time." Renee laughed and stopped shaking her legs. She was her usual
A week later, Renee recovered because she listened to the doctor and underwent treatment. She could be discharged from the hospital.In the meantime, Stefan stayed outside the ward and did not enter the ward.On the contrary, Jovan kept entering the ward from time to time. Renee would either scold or drive him away. Stefan entered the ward on the day Renee was leaving the hospital. He quietly helped Renee pack up her things. Generally, a caretaker could do that. However, Stefan acted like he wanted to repent and felt better when he took it upon himself. "Do you still need this?" Stefan pointed at a Lotso bear toy at the head of the bed and asked Renee calmly.During the one-week hospitalization, Renee got bored. Stefan would give her some blind boxes as entertainment. Renee found Rubik's cubes, stickers, and keychains when she opened the boxes. She would always throw them away because she was not interested in them. When she unpacked a rather large Lotso bear toy, she became
Jovan had kidnapped Renee, but he risked his life for her though he appeared like a cunning and selfish man. Renee felt that she did not deserve his love. She had wronged both Jovan and Justin, but she could not love them back. On the other hand, the one she wanted to love kept pushing her away cruelly…She slapped herself fiercely. Her action frightened the nurse. "Ms. Everheart, we can talk things out! Why did you hurt yourself? You can't…" "Don't worry. I'll get better and won't harm myself again." Renee was teary and laughed at herself. "I slapped myself because I recalled the things I'd done. I was very stupid, and I wanted to knock some sense into myself." "Okay, I'm glad to hear that." The nurse heaved a sigh of relief, but she was afraid to see Renee keep acting crazily. After she was done bandaging Renee's wound, she left hurriedly.When Stefan saw the nurse exit the ward, he walked in nervously and inquired about Renee. "How she's doing?" "She's already feeling be
Having said that, Justin turned to leave. He knew that if he stayed, he would only look more of a fool. "Tsk! What a pity!" Jovan watched him leave, shrugging and sighing. "He's sincere and loyal. Too bad he pales in comparison to the scumbag!""Get out!" Renee was overcome with sadness and pushed Jovan away fiercely. "Get out! I don't want to see anyone!" Knowing that she had harmed Justin again, she was filled with guilt. She just wanted to be left alone."Rest well. I'll be with you until you're recovered and discharged from the hospital," Stefan said calmly before exiting the ward.In a while, a nurse came to tend to the bandages that Renee had removed. She advised Renee, "Ms. Everheart, you have to be careful. You're weak now. You can't get angry, or it might be life-threatening.""I don't care. My life is so messy, I'd rather die."Thinking of the recent events and the men around her, a severe headache hit her. She wanted to keep being unconscious."Please don't say tha
"Do you still want to marry me?" Justin asked Renee."I…" Renee could talk nonsense with Jovan, but she couldn't joke with Justin. She had harmed him many times and couldn't keep hurting him. Honestly, she didn't want to marry him or anyone else. She did not want to rely on anyone. She knew she could rely on a man and lead a steady life if there was love. But without love, it would be very hard to rely on a man.However, she knew that Justin liked her and wanted to marry her. If she promised to marry him, the impulsive Jovan would get the staff of the City Hall here. If she turned Justin down at that time, she would harm him again."Fine. You don't have to feel stressed. I know the answer." Justin was no fool. Renee's hesitation told him what she wanted. "When I begged you to marry me, you forced yourself to say yes. You just wanted to repay me for saving your life.""No, you're wrong!" Seeing Justin hurt pained her more than when she was hurt. She hurriedly explained, "I reall
"What is it?" Renee looked at Justin curiously.Renee, Stefan, and Jovan were curious about what was on Justin's mind."If my family starts fighting the Hunt family, which side will you take?" Justin went straight to the point. He had been curious about that as he made wild guesses about Renee's mind. Since Renee was right before him, he wanted to get the answer from her before he could give up."Hmph! I thought it was something serious. Why did you make it sound that serious…" Jovan burst into laughter, finding Justin a loyal man. "Isn't that obvious? If she wants to take your side, you guys would be married by now. There wouldn't be so many shitty things either!""Shut up, Jovan!" Renee glared at Jovan. If she was stronger, she would beat him up. She said coldly, "Did you forget how you took me away?""Yes, I used some cunning means to take you away, but let's be frank. If I didn't come that day, would you marry him?"Jovan had long gotten used to Renee's fierceness. On the c
Similarly, Renee used an iron wire to cut her wrist just to meet Stefan."Am I right? You did so many things just to see him. Now you finally met him. Are you happy and satisfied now? But you look worse than before." Jovan teased Renee. He found her pitiful, but at the same time, he felt that it served her right. It seemed everybody was a joke in their romance with others. Only those who never loved could be at the top of the food chain. They would laugh at those who gave up their hearts to others and could not understand those people's bizarre actions."Stop gloating. It's none of your business! Let go of me, or I'll make you feel sorry for yourself."Renee had just escaped death and was weak. Had it not been for that, Jovan wouldn't be able to stop her or watch her make a fool of herself. Still, she would be fine with losing blood again just to torment him if he kept on talking nonsense. Then, he would watch his tongue."Tell me, Phoenix. Is he telling the truth?" Justin
The loud noises in the ward naturally alerted Justin and Jovan."What's going on?" Justin became very nervous and kicked the door of the ward open. He saw that Renee had woken up and was crazily tearing at the bandages."Uh…" Justin was struck dumb. He had thought of the possibility of Stefan waking Renee up, but he did not expect it to be that effective. Renee ended up becoming a maniac who had lost control of herself. "You're awake?" Jovan was stunned too. He instantly understood the whole incident and gave Renee a thumbs-up. "You're great!"Renee looked coldly at them and ordered them, "Get out, you two! I haven't settled things with him!" Although she was fine with the way they regarded her, she did not want them to see her as a maniac. Besides, their presence would affect her and stop her from being crazy."I won't get out."Jovan turned Renee down. He rushed over and hugged her, stopping her from hurting herself."What are you doing? Let go of me!"Renee was still ha
After a long pause, Stefan finally admitted honestly, "That wasn't a lie." He turned to look at Renee. He knew what he had to do, and heaved a long sigh."But life isn't just about love.""Why not?" Renee became teary as she stared at him like a child who failed to get what she wanted. "To me, that's already enough. As long as we love each other, we can conquer everything. Without love, it'll be hopeless.""If loving each other is already enough, there wouldn't be the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Didn't they love each other deeply? They loved each other a lot, but they ended up dead!" Stefan shot back.He could not stop himself from getting impulsive. Heartbroken, he turned around to look into Renee's eyes. "Compared to love, I'd rather you lead a steady and happy life. But I'm not the one who can give you that. I'll only bring you pain and death!""Romeo and Juliet?" Renee found that preposterous and bizarre. "What a lousy excuse! Did I kill your parents, or did you kill my p