Liam picked up two glasses and filled them up—one for him, and the other for Stefan."Here… a toast from me to you. Thank you for giving Ren her freedom. It's a new beginning for her, and she's so much more confident than before. You're a living saint!"Liam downed his glass after saying that. He didn't just say that to be polite—he really did mean every word. If Stefan wasn't such a jerk and forced Renee to get divorced, she'd probably just be seen as 'Stefan's wife'.Stefan looked at the glass Liam handed him, emotions whirling in him. Anyone could tell that Liam didn't have good intentions, but deep down, he actually agreed with what Liam said.To everyone's surprise, Stefan accepted the glass from Liam and chuckled. "Indeed… She's changed after leaving me. She's like a fish that's returned to the ocean and a bird that's taken off to the sky. She's found her own haven."I thought a boring woman like her would suffer without the Hunts’ protection, and not many men would like her
Renee once told Liam that Stefan wasn't good at drinking, and that he was like an elementary school kid when it came to drinking games. That was why Liam had prepared a bottle of the strongest vodka he could find. He wanted to play a drinking game with Stefan until he became drunk. Liam would then humiliate Stefan and avenge Renee.Liam felt that Stefan was a proud person. With some encouragement, he would certainly accept the challenge.However, to Liam's surprise, his plan didn't work.Stefan didn't plan on accepting the challenge at all. He stood up and turned to face Christopher and Xavier. "Something came up. I'll catch you later."After that, he turned to Shirley. "Come with me.""Huh. I… Can I?" Shirley's eyes were wide in disbelief. She was an ordinary college student, and it was her first time working in a bar as a part-time dancer. Everything that had happened tonight felt like a dream to her.Stefan didn't answer her and just walked towards the bar's exit."W-Wait for
Stefan looked coldly at Shirley. He didn't answer her.Shirley realized she had overstepped a boundary, and she frantically apologized. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you that. I think you might find me useful in the future, so… can I have your number?"This was the bravest thing that Shirley, who had been naive and conservative for many years, had done.Her careful attitude reminded Stefan of Renee when he met her four years ago, and his heart softened a little. "Give me your phone.""O-Okay!" Shirley quickly handed him her phone.The two stood very close to each other in front of the taxi, and to anyone watching, it seemed like a very intimate scene.At the same time, Renee and Liam walked out and happened to see this.Renee felt her heart ache. She wanted to pretend she didn't see anything and leave right away, but coincidentally, Stefan looked up, and their eyes met.His gaze was cold as usual, but there seemed to be an aura of superiority about him. He didn't feel awkw
Soul Travel was about an unsuccessful pianist who accidentally died just as his dream was about to come true. He met Soul Number 22, who hated life, and they helped each other find the meaning of life. It was a story of mutual redemption…The screen emitted a gentle glow. The graphics were beautiful, and the story was heart-warming.While watching, Renee silently began to weep. It wasn't because the story was particularly touching or that Stefan hurt her… She just felt like crying at that moment.According to the books she read, pregnant women tended to be very emotional due to fluctuating hormones, so it was very easy for them to get upset. Renee believed she was going through this phase, and so, she didn't want to hold it in. She began sobbing profusely…She gently placed her hands on her belly. "Hang in there, my little ones. I'll be able to leave with you very soon!"After crying, Renee felt much better. Her mood lifted significantly.Coincidentally, the movie had also ended.
Seeing how she wasn't replying, Stefan felt slightly annoyed and muttered coldly, "It's fine, I have other things to do anyway.""No! I'm free!" Renee instantly blurted out, then inwardly kicked herself for being too eager. She awkwardly brushed her hair to the side of her face and stammered, "I mean… I'm actually really busy, but it's not like I don't have time for supper..."Stefan felt rather amused with her bashful attitude, smiling to himself as he thought, 'She's actually kind of cute when she's like this.'The two exited the cinema and headed straight to a famous place known for their street food. "What would you like?" Stefan turned around, asking the woman standing behind him."Anything, just make sure it's not too savory.""Did I hear you right?" Stefan frowned. "I thought you used to love savory foods. What changed?"Renee naturally couldn't tell him that she was pregnant and had to monitor her diet, so she replied casually, "People change all the time. What's so w
Stefan looked at Renee and asked casually, "So, what are your plans?"Renee drank another mouthful of soup, then asked, "What plans?""You can't really stay in the business field forever, right? It's a complicated and dangerous world. You won't be able to handle it for long," Stefan explained, as he had experienced the struggles within the industry as well. He figured that a woman like her wouldn't be able to bear the stress of managing a business. Although they were divorced, he didn't wish such an uneasy life on her. "How would you know if I can't handle it?" Renee looked towards the man, a confident smile appearing on her face. "Just look at me now. Aren't I doing well? Azure Group has only been established for a few months, but we were able to secure a big contract! I even became the president of the Electronics Technology Association! Everything is going well as of now, so sorry for not seeing the dangers in this field, I guess.""You're too naive!" The man shook his head,
Stefan lowered his gaze, staring at the hands around his arm with narrowed eyes. "What's wrong?""People! There are so many people!" Renee looked around anxiously, then tried pulling Stefan into the backseat of the car. As she continued to squeeze in, she mumbled under her breath, "There's so many of them! They're coming for us! Oh god, this is so scary… Let's hide in the car!""Many people?" Stefan looked around, the confusion on his face evident. It was midnight by the time they left, and they were the only two in the parking lot at the time. 'What is she talking about?'"Hey, why are you being so stubborn? They're right behind us! Do you have a death wish? Hide in here, quick!" Renee was so panicked that her face was red. She used all her strength to drag Stefan inside as if they didn't have much time.Helpless, Stefan could only listen to her demands, getting into the backseat with her. It was fortunate that there was a lot of space in the back, considering that it was an
Stefan opened his eyes, and yelled furiously at the shocked Renee, "Do you think this is funny?""No, there really are a lot of little people on you, they're crawling around your hair now…" Renee said desperately as she pointed towards his head anxiously. "And there are so many weeds growing out of your head! Let me pluck them out for you…"After saying that, she really did start yanking on Stefan's hair lightly. "Don't worry, I'll pluck them all out for you! One, two, three…""This is getting ridiculous!" Stefan was speechless. Eventually, his anger subsided and was quickly replaced with helplessness. Leaning against the backseat dejectedly, the man allowed Renee to yank on his hair continuously as if he were putting up with a naughty child.'Fine, if she wants to play it this way, she can do whatever the hell she wants! I'd like to see just how long she will keep this act up!'With that thought, the two could be seen pressed against each other in the backseat of the car, as Rene
Jovan awkwardly tried to comfort Renee. However, his words sounded more hurtful and made her cry even louder. "This is all your fault!" Renee raised her head, then pointed at him while bawling loudly. "Did I ever anger you? Why did you frame me? What good did it bring you?""I…" Jovan's heart softened because of how pitiful she looked when she cried profusely. However, he was a pretentious man and would not show that he had gone easy on her. Instead, he tried to provoke her even more. "You can't change anything even if you cry loudly. Austin wants nothing but to kill you and your family now. If I were you, I wouldn't be in the mood to cry. I'll brace myself to manage a funeral for them."Renee was flabbergasted. She didn't expect him to be this inhuman. She was heartbroken, but he kept hurting her. She cried even more profusely."I'll keep on crying. Let me go if you can't take it. If you don't, I'll keep on crying until you can no longer take it!"She cried loudly as if she
A major issue happened to two famous and great families. The entertainment channel and news channel kept reporting about it, let alone the financial channel.Jovan didn't have to turn to a specific channel when he turned on the TV. The screen was showing a scene related to the engagement ceremony."They…" Only then did Renee learn that while she was waiting in the makeup room for her turn to make an entrance, the atmosphere in the hall had turned very tense. Alexander and Francine argued and fought against Justin's parents in a way unsuited to their statuses. Everyone failed to wait until she made an entrance before she went missing. She saw how the situation gradually became worse. She also noticed Justin's disappointment in her and Austin's wrath. Austin finally couldn't control himself, and kidnapped Alexander and Francine. "The Hunt family has yet to make a statement about it. We also have no clue about Mr. Alexander Hunt and his wife's current circumstances. However, we
Renee said seriously, "I would like a plate of pasta with more vegetables and is not spicy. I'm afraid this is my last meal."Jovan was rendered speechless. Although Renee was being sarcastic, he still went to the kitchen to make her a delicious plate of pasta. He added some vegetables and a nice fried egg for a balanced diet. "It's done." Jovan had sent off all the servants of the mansion, leaving Renee with him. Hence, he was the one who cooked the pasta and served it to her. "Wow, you're fast." Renee wanted to get a chance to run away since she had sent him away to cook for her, but she couldn't come up with any trick.In the end, she got hungry when she saw the pasta. It was mouth-watering. She was starving!Jovan was good at cooking pasta, even though he didn't seem reliable. The pasta he made tasted like home-cooked food."Give it a try." Jovan didn't say much. He meticulously blew on the pasta and handed her a fork and spoon. Renee accepted it, eager to start eatin
Jovan watched Renee fall into a deep thought. His gaze deepened, filled with renewed ferocity.Jovan turned his wrist and said slowly, "Okay, stop overthinking. I can tell you the truth if you want to know it." Renee abruptly looked up. Her eyes were teary as she begged him, "What's the truth?" "Listen to me and stay with me." Jovan frowned. After a short contemplation, he grinned and continued, "Stay with me for ten days or half a month. Then, I'll tell you.""That's not possible!"Renee immediately refused him, growing cold. "I have to leave right away. I can't watch the two families get into a fight."If she didn't return to North City immediately to explain things, the Baldwin and Hunt families would get into a big fight. Regardless of her circumstances, she didn't want them to fight. They were good people, and she refused to see them hurt. "Just let them fight. It's just a fight among bad people. Your family can grab this chance to get back to the top. Don't you want tha
Jovan felt that he wasn't as passionate and loving as Stefan."Stop beating around the bush. Why is he trying to hold himself back? You made a scumbag sound like he'd suffered a lot!" Renee snarled.She gnashed her teeth. If her foot was not chained, she would have long beaten Jovan up for being evasive and mysterious."I think he was forced to give up his beloved woman because of his identity. He has suffered a lot." Jovan frowned, his tone laced with sympathy."What about his identity? I've already known about that. Our grandfathers decided on our marriage. What are we, Romeo and Juliet?" Renee had wondered if their families were sworn enemies. It might be the reason why Stefan was in a dilemma.However, her grandfather made the Hunts take care of her when her family was doomed. Her grandfather always wanted the best for her. He held her hand and told her that only Stefan could make her happy, and only the Hunt family could protect her. It seemed unreasonable that Stefan was
Jovan was stunned to hear Renee's words. He was so furious, he laughed."Maybe!" He agreed with her and looked at her wickedly. "Since I can't win him over, I want his beloved woman.""You're out of your mind!" Renee was disgusted as goosebumps gripped her. "I'm not his most beloved woman. He loves Briar the most. You got the wrong person. You should kidnap Briar instead. Then, you can get to him."She was acting out of spite, but she meant what she had said.In the past, she was confident that Stefan loved her the most. After so many things had happened, she was no longer as confident. Stefan eventually broke up with her because of Briar. It was enough to prove her position in his heart."Haha! Do you really think so?" Jovan shook his head, his lips a complicated smile. He seemed to be muttering to himself or hinting at something. "Unfortunately, he can't always do a good job. His romance is a mess. His most beloved woman doesn't understand him. How pathetic!""Stop mumbling!
"You're trying to take revenge on Stefan, aren't you? What did he do? Why do you hate him so much?" Renee demanded.She was particularly clueless.At the very least, she felt that Stefan and Jovan didn't have a grudge even if they couldn't get along. Besides—back then, Stefan survived because of Jovan's blood.In a sense, they should be close to each other. Stefan was able to live on because of Jovan.Yet now, Jovan wanted to ruin the one he had once risked his life to rescue."No, I don't hate him," Jovan answered honestly. "I even admire him, and I'm jealous of him. He's my role model, the pride of my family.""Then, you're envious of him!" Renee went straight to the point. "You can't defeat him, so you tried to make him disappear. When that happens, you'll feel better. No one will block you, and you'll get a chance to shine."Jovan, speechless, slowly stopped smiling. Renee had accurately guessed his innermost thoughts. Since he couldn't defeat Stefan, he would let Stefan b
The thing Renee feared the most was that Jovan's action would infuriate the Baldwins.Quinton, Adie, Abby, and Margaret were still there. If the Baldwin family wanted to do something bad, Renee's family would be in danger. Her happiness was secondary. She just wanted to ensure that her family was safe and sound.It seemed Austin was full of schemes. Though he seemed to have brought her family to live with her, he in truth just wanted hostages to control her…Unfortunately, she couldn't go back in time even though she had seen through his tricks."What's the rush?" Jovan watched Renee with a meaningful smile. "Someone will handle it even if it's a big mess. Your family will be fine. My foolish cousin won't let them be in danger. At most, the two families will fight fiercely."Renee was shocked. She glared at him, and suddenly understood something. "So you did it on purpose! You wanted to watch them fight and get something from it.""That's not my concern. Once, I was more powerf
After all, Jovan was a human being. Such direct physical pain made him shake and groan. Normally, he should get angry and try all means to make her stop biting him.However, he was not an ordinary man. Although he trembled in pain, he maintained his posture and let her bite him as if he wanted to see who would give up first.Renee kept biting him fiercely, as if her teeth would gnaw through his palm. Blood oozed out of the wound. She was full of hatred, wishing to vent her anger. "Just bite me hard as long as you're happy. I'm enjoying myself too!"Jovan looked at her, whose head was lowered as she kept biting his palm fiercely. It was a bloody scene, but his words made everything sound ambiguous. Renee noticed his underlying meaning and was disgusted. She immediately let go of his palm. "Bah! Disgusting! You're sick!"Her lips were still stained with blood. From afar, it looked like a blooming rose from afar. It looked attractive on her. Aroused, Jovan held the back of her