"As you said, it's just a rumor. I'm sure the elders just said it to scare people. Only fools like you would believe it," Jeffrey scoffed. He had heard of that rumor, but didn't believe it. For the past ten years, the villagers had told stories of a sea witch that lived in the depths of the sea and survived by sucking the blood of men. Many fishermen had apparently been harmed by the sea witch. Usually, the men would end up dead, but sometimes, the sea witch would bewitch the whole family and make them kill each other. The sea witch would go to different places along the shore every year, and this year, her place was supposedly Joyner Village."My mom said the sea witch looks pretty, and they'll always pick the strongest and most handsome man in the village to be their victim. Jeff, in our village, that's you! If she comes to our village, she'll start with you." Daisy clenched her fists and stared at Renee's room on the second floor, full of hostility. "I think she's the reincarnati
Huffing, Jeffrey went back to his house. "She's just in love and angered by some jerk. She'll come back around in a few days and everything will be back to normal again." Then, ignoring everything that Daisy had said, he closed the door firmly. After a while, Ava came back. "Jeffrey, where's Ren? Did you cook her nice food and spend some time with her?" Ava had been concerned about Renee. After putting away the fishing net, she hurried home to welcome her family's benefactor. "I cooked her some food, and she's resting now. Mom, don't disturb her." Jeffrey hurriedly stopped Ava just as she was about to go upstairs."Oh, she's resting..." Ava heaved a sigh. "She must be upset over something since she went to the beach alone in the middle of the night. She even locked herself up in broad daylight, and doesn't look energetic at all. How pitiful!"Jeffrey's doubts grew when he heard that. Renee went out at night instead of the day, and looked frail and distant... It really did seem li
"Ren, you're awake? Did you have a good rest?" Ava awkwardly waved at Renee, feeling embarrassed. She hated gossiping about others behind their backs, but the one time she had done it, the person involved had heard her!"Renee!" Jeffrey turned around, his face pale and expression guilty."Ren, don't be mad. My son says stupid things sometimes, so don't take it to heart." Ava assumed that Renee had heard everything, so she tried to defend Jeffrey.Renee descended the stairs calmly and said bitterly, "It's okay. I wish I was possessed so I could get an expert to help me get rid of the demon, but unfortunately... that won't help me this time." "Don't say such things. I know you're upset. You can tell me anything. I'll give you some advice." Ava treated Renee like a daughter and led her to sit in the living room on the first floor."It's nothing much. I'm just being a fool in love. It isn't a big deal," Renee admitted openly. She was afraid that they'd assume a demon had possessed he
"Mom, don't say that..." Jeffrey frowned and looked embarrassed. "You make it sound like I'm an idiot. I'm not that weak. I choose to stay here to take care of you both and help you. If I go out to make a living, I'm sure I can adapt to it." Jeffrey didn't want Renee to regard him as a useless idiot, so he quickly tried to defend himself."Well, have you been away from the village or to the city? Do you know how to fly on a plane, ride a train, or use the subway? What can you do other than fishing?" Ava didn't realize Jeffrey was trying to impress Renee, and was upset that her obedient son was opposing her."I… I don't, but I can learn. You both didn't allow me to go out of the village because you didn't want me to meet bad people. You both are the ones who didn't give me a chance to see the world!" Jeffrey protested stubbornly, rebelling against his parents for the first time. Renee hurriedly tried to mediate the situation when she noticed that they were about to get into a fight.
Renee spent a few more days at Joyner Village, and it was the most relaxing time she'd had lately. She woke up early to watch the sunrise and enjoyed the sunset too. She even went out to the sea with Ava and her family sometimes, and if she was lucky, she could see dolphins and swim with them. After a while, her injured heart started to heal, and eventually, the pain had almost faded completely.One day, she was chatting with the villagers, and heard the legend of the sea witch again. They would always mention the horrible story of an adopted son killing his entire foster family whenever they mentioned the sea witch, and Renee always wondered if the boy in the story was Quinton, her brother. Curious, she decided to go to the village her brother had stayed at because she wanted to know more about her brother's past. However, she wasn't familiar with the area, so Jeffrey readily agreed to go with her when he found out her plan. When Cole and Ava heard that, they chose to support her eve
Renee wondered if the fisherman's family had adopted Quinton willingly or been forced to. Maybe they knew something about Quinton's family background. There was no point in listening to rumours—she had to go there and find out herself."Your brother?" Ava tilted her head, looking puzzled. "Shouldn't your brother be living with you? Why would he live in Garcia Village? Did you live there when you were young? I'm sure you would have mentioned it if you did.""It's a long story. I'll tell you in detail when we're free." Renee didn't say much because she herself didn't know why Quinton had ended up in Garcia Village. She had to find out the truth on her own.After a while, Jeffrey finally finished cooking the seafood and kept everything in a cooler box. "Let's go, Renee. I've made enough food for several meals for the both of us." Jeffrey smiled brightly, looking like an eager child going out to play. However, Ava looked worried and could not stop sighing. "Son, you must be careful wh
"It's… you?" Renee's eyes widened in surprise when she turned around and came face-to-face with Daisy."Ah, I'm sorry, Miss..." Daisy ducked her head awkwardly. "I overheard that you both were going to Garcia Village, so I hid on the boat early so I could follow. I didn't scare you, did I?" Renee was speechless. "Why did you follow us?""Garcia Village is infamous for being dangerous, but you both decided to come here for an adventure. I also wanted to come here, but the most important thing is..." Daisy shoved Renee's hands away and said righteously, "I have to keep an eye on you so you don't harm Jeff!" She firmly believed that the sea witch had possessed Renee and that Renee would harm Jeffrey, so she felt that she had to watch Renee at all times. "How could you...".Renee smacked her forehead and complained, "Your imagination certainly runs wild. Don't you have to go to school?" "I stopped going to school ages ago. My mom said I'll marry Jeff when I'm eighteen years old, so
Delighted, Renee hurried toward the house, but abruptly stopped as she got closer. A chill ran down her spine. "Renee, the lights are on in this house, so someone should be living here, right?" Jeffrey had been walking beside Daisy during the journey, but hurried to catch up with Renee. When he and Daisy arrived at the door of that house, they gasped, the blood draining from their faces."Umm... Isn't that a coffin? There are candles around it too… Did… someone die here?" Daisy grabbed Jeffrey's arm and stammered."What bad luck! We should leave." Renee had been through a lot already, and knew she couldn't afford any more bad luck if she offended any spirits in the house."Yeah, let's... look for another house." Jeffrey swallowed in fear. The three of them turned around to leave, but Renee bumped into something the moment she turned around. Renee was shocked to see an old woman with gray hair and dark clothes standing behind her. They hadn't even seen her or heard her approach!
Liam felt that his situation at the fort was almost the same as Renee's current situation. He had thought that the marriage was just for show. If he was unhappy, he could get a divorce. Even then, things were not that easy when he wanted to get out of that mess. If Amber had not protected him, Benjamin would have long gotten him killed. He knew better than anyone else how unfair it was for the other party when one tolerated and went through with the marriage.Amber was naive and was willing to be treated unfairly, but Justin was no fool. He would not be able to take it if it lasted for a long time. It was easy to imagine what Renee would face when Justin stopped taking her side."Let's go! I'm not afraid. You don't have to be afraid, either." Liam made up his mind to support Renee, who was standing behind him.Renee bit her lips and started to waver; not because she did not want to be with Justin, but simply because she was not confident in herself. She was afraid she would neve
"Liam, what are you doing?" Leia looked at Liam, unable to understand his sudden excitement."I'm going to meet Austin or Justin. I want them to cancel this engagement ceremony." Liam held Renee's wrist and tried to drag her out of the suite.He was certain Renee didn't want to marry Justin, so it was very likely that she would regret it in the future. It would be hard to settle if she regretted it after the engagement party. Liam felt that he had to try his best to put everything under control while he still could. Feeling helpless, Leia complained, "Stop making a scene… This is Ren's marriage. You can't make all this fuss!""You don't know. I'm doing this for her. I want the best for her." Liam knew the consequences of resisting Austin, given the man's position. He was also ready to be punished by them. Even though he would be beaten up vigorously, he would not hesitate as long as he could stop the ceremony and help Renee avoid such risks. "If you want the best for her, just
Leia felt so awkward that she wanted to run away. "Hey, can you stop flattering yourself? You haven't settled your messy romance, so please don't get Ren involved. You shouldn't joke like that!"Similarly, Liam found his joke impudent and admitted to his mistake. "Yeah, I was wrong. Don't take my joke seriously."Both Renee and Leia were amused. It helped relieve their tension. "But have you thought it through? After this ceremony, you'll be a part of the Baldwin family. You can't regret it by then," Liam said; he was worried about Renee. Everyone knew the Baldwin family's style. They had such a grand ceremony today. If anything went wrong, the Everheart family might be ruined for the second time. Although nobody knew who would win the battle, the trouble could be avoided. Liam was clueless as to why Renee wanted to take such a risk."Yes, I have." Renee nodded and added firmly, "I'd thought it through the moment I boarded the plane with Justin to fly here."It was the last c
Renee was done getting ready. As her closest friend, Leia came to North City with Liam immediately.The engagement ceremony was held in a magnificent hall of a top hotel. The guests arrived one by one and chatted among themselves. It was a luxurious and grand scene. "Ren, I'm sorry I'm late!" Leia arrived at the hotel suite where Renee was waiting. She put her hands together to express her apology. "It's Liam's fault! He was out of his mind and insisted on not coming here, but I forced him to and took some time. Please don't be mad at me!""Silly, I won't be mad at you. Plus, this ceremony doesn't carry much meaning. The Baldwin family just needs this as an assurance. It doesn't matter even if you're absent."Renee looked indifferent and was not at all happy and eager like a bride-to-be. The engagement ceremony was held to announce to the world about the relationship between her and Renee. In all honesty, Renee was resistant to it. She did not want her family or friends to at
Margaret decided to be frank since Renee had said so. "I can tell that you don't sincerely love Mr. Baldwin. Your marriage is just a way to avoid reality. Why are you so harsh on yourself if that's the case? Now, you're making such a big fuss about moving here. If you fail to get along with him and have to return to Beach City in the future, many people will gossip about you. They'll say nasty things about you. Why do you have to put yourself in such a condition?""Margaret, you don't understand…" Renee looked at herself in the mirror. She looked very charming, like a bride in ancient paintings. Everyone would be charmed by her—including herself. She knew very well that she was the one taking the lead in her romance with Justin. They could go on forever as long as she didn't end it. She was just afraid she could not hold on and wanted to stop, and the only reason that she wanted to stop was probably because of Stefan. "If I stay in Beach City, I'll come across Stefan. I know t
Time passed by. It was soon the day for the engagement ceremony between Justin and Renee.The Baldwin family held a grand ceremony while adhering to tradition. It was both traditional and romantic.Renee put on a red slim-fit silk gown with intricate black and gold embroidery. Her long hair was delicately pinned up, showing off her fair and slender neck. She looked elegant."How pretty!" Margaret stood in front of the vanity table and looked at Renee, whose face was dolled with exquisite makeup. She looked gratified, as though she were looking at her daughter."If your parents saw how pretty and elegant you were, they would be very happy." Margaret gently placed her hands on Renee's shoulders and commented, "You married Mr. Hunt when I wasn't around. You must have suffered a lot. But things will get better now… I'll stay with you and protect you forever. I'll be your strongest support."Back then, Renee was left alone when her family was ruined. She married Stefan without anyo
Alexander and Francine were already old. It was fine even if others criticized them or took violent revenge on them. But they were worried that the younger generation, especially Adie and Abby, would have a hard time handling it."You're right. I wasn't thinking straight…" Francine became teary and sobbed. "I just wanted to relieve my guilt and failed to consider the kids. We brought this upon ourselves. I'll probably have to suffer this pain for the rest of my life.""Stop thinking about that. It's all over. It's useless to regret or dwell on it." Alexander walked over and hugged her shoulders. He whispered some consoling words, "No one can tell who was right or wrong about that affair. We're already punished. Just act like everything is gone…"Is it? You're just trying to make yourself feel better." Francine leaned against Alexander's shoulders, full of melancholy. "Don't you think the kids are suffering the consequences of our actions? They love and understand each other bu
"No, I'm not going to snatch away the bride." Stefan put his fork down and stood up. He added calmly, "Plus, I'm going to give them a huge wedding gift."Flabbergasted and shocked, Francine's face stiffened. "I'm full. Just enjoy your meal." Stefan went past Francine and headed upstairs to his room. Francine and Alexander watched Stefan's upright but desolate back for a long time, unable to snap back to reality."Alexander, is there something wrong with him? Should we get an exorcist? He's acting weird!"Francine could not accept to see Stefan that generous all of a sudden. His woman was snatched away, but he wasn't angry at all. Instead, he wanted to buy the couple a big wedding gift. She couldn't come up with any other possibility except that Stefan was crazy or possessed. "I can understand him." Suddenly, Alexander became sad as if he recalled his past. He looked gloomy as he added, "Sometimes, letting go is a kind of happiness. Helping the others to be together is true l
"How could you!" For a moment, Timothy was rendered speechless. After all, his anxiety was useless since Stefan was calm. "Forget it. I'm not eating. It's annoying! I'm going upstairs." Timothy did not want to argue with Stefan since Stefan was already an adult. He could not force Stefan to do anything. Instead, he chose to get away from such annoyance to not ruin the harmony of the New Year. After he got up and left, Francine braced herself to mediate the situation."Your grandpa isn't very healthy. He should rest early. Let's eat. We should enjoy our meal happily no matter how unhappy things are." Alexander soon gave his cooperation as well when he heard that. He put some food on Stefan's plate and smiled. "Yes, we can't force things in life. Let's enjoy our meal first." "Dad, Mom, I'm sorry you guys are worried about me. Happy New Year."Stefan quietly ate and raised his wine glass, toasting to his parents. He looked normal and calm, and was warmer toward them.However,