Nathan inquired, "What's her family background?" "Imogen's father is disabled, and her mother works as a cleaner. She graduated from technical school but never found a permanent job. After marrying Jasper, he secretly had her join Star Enterprise." Surprised, Nathan blurted, "They're really from different worlds. How did Jasper meet someone from that social class?" Mila shook her head, signaling her lack of knowledge, and sighed once more. Nathan felt equally helpless. Pulling Mila close on the couch, he continued, "Then Jasper should put in more effort to boost her self-esteem and help her gain confidence. Let Imogen know that while society may have its divisions, our family doesn't judge her based on her background." "Yeah, Jasper should help ease her burden of thoughts. She seems burdened by it," Mila nodded thoughtfully. Nathan deeply empathized with Imogen's feelings. After all, with such a vast difference, Imogen must have worried that she and her parents would not f
Imogen lapsed into a brief silence before she asked, "Do you really believe family background isn't important for marriage?" Jasper affirmed confidently, "Yes." "You truly live a different world," commented Imogen with a helpless smile. "It's you who cares too much about it." "I can't help it." "Imogen, I don't want to argue. Can we avoid talking about families?" Imogen pursed her lips and nodded reluctantly, her emotions unsettled. After a moment of silence, she continued, "If not families, then let's discuss our social circles." Jasper remained quiet, grasping her intentions but hesitant to proceed. He knew such discussions often led to discord. Imogen pressed on, "I could never fit into your social circle. I know nothing about fashion, economics, or your lifestyle. The world your friends perceive is different from mine. I've never left Phoenicia all my life, while you've explored the world and accumulated so much knowledge." Imogen lowered her head, her voice sub
Being such an ordinary woman, Imogen wondered by what virtue and grace could she have made such an outstanding man as Jasper, to secretly love her for over a decade, and still hold her in such a fond memory. Imogen took a deep breath, determination settling within her as she turned to Jasper. She declared earnestly, "Jasper, let's give this another try." Jasper gazed at Imogen in astonishment, his eyes shimmering with excitement. When their eyes met, he momentarily lost control and drew her into an embrace. Imogen stiffened, her body tense in his arms. Jasper held her tightly, whispering eagerly in her ear with a trembling voice, "I-Imogen, thank you. I will do everything to make you happy." Imogen gently wrapped her arms around Jasper's waist. Resting her head on his shoulder, she murmured, "I should be the one making the effort. I'll try my best to improve myself, to be someone more worthy of you." Jasper smiled warmly. "Don't be silly. You don't need to change a thing
Jasper's words unsettled Imogen. After a brief hesitation, Imogen asked, "Aren't you concerned they might accuse you of deceiving them? And what about Aunt Eloise? She's fond of Asher and has always wanted me to marry him." Jasper responded calmly, "We'll have to face it eventually." "Okay," Imogen agreed. That night, Jasper was too excited to sleep. He kept talking, sharing words that seemed endless. It wasn't until after Imogen fell asleep that he finally drifted off himself. The next morning, Imogen woke up first, still cradled in Jasper's embrace. Throughout the night, Jasper had held her tightly. Imogen, mindful of potential side leaks, didn't dare move much, and now she felt her waist stiffening. She shifted her body slowly. At that moment, the phone rang twice. Located right by the pillow, Imogen found the sound somewhat jarring, hence she reached over to fetch it. The phone rang twice more. Intrigued, Imogen glanced at the illuminated screen. There wa
Imogen settled into Jasper's car, preparing to visit her parents. Upon calling Carol, she realized that Carol and Gregory had returned to their hometown for a visit. Imogen considered postponing the visit, but Jasper insisted on meeting the Kingsleys today. Thus, they altered their route and set off toward her hometown. Imogen's hometown was a remote and impoverished village, dotted with run-down houses mostly inhabited by elderly residents, women, and children left behind. The roads were muddy and difficult to navigate, adding to the feeling of a laborious journey despite the short distance. As they drove into the village, their arrival seemed to stir up curiosity among the villagers. Local gossiping women emerged to witness the commotion, while children playfully chased after the car. Beneath a large tree, elderly villagers sat, pointing and discussing the arrival of the visitors. Their car halted in front of a dilapidated house, and Imogen felt a pang of unease. She didn't
Throughout the night, Imogen wrestled with unease, her thoughts consumed by Jasper's potential discomfort.Restlessly shifting in bed, she couldn't help but reach for her phone to check on Jasper."Jasper, are you okay? Maybe we should head into town and find a hotel."Jasper responded tersely, "I'm tougher than you give me credit for. If everyone else can sleep, so can I."Imogen pressed on. "But you're not used to staying in such an old room, and the bed is tiny. Besides, my dad snores."Jasper replied with a laughing emoji, its hand covering its mouth. "Dad's already snoring away. But this place isn't bad at all. I'm fine, really—don't worry about me. I can get used to sleeping here."When I was younger, I used to go with my dad on wilderness trips for training. I once slept on the grass in the rain all night and was perfectly fine the next day. It's no big deal."Imogen asked, "Should we reveal your identity to my parents tomorrow?"Jasper queried, "Will those relatives sti
"Will your mom be okay with this?" Jasper asked, his expression tinged with concern.Imogen hesitated, not wanting to spoil the moment so soon. "I don't think she'll mind."A tender smile spread across Jasper's lips against the backdrop of the romantic, tranquil night. Unable to resist, he gently wrapped his arm around Imogen's shoulder and leaned in to kiss her.Imogen closed her eyes nervously, her lips slightly parting in anticipation.Just as Jasper was about to kiss her, his phone suddenly rang.Startled, Imogen opened her eyes.Jasper frowned, impatiently retrieving his phone to glance at the caller ID.Upon seeing Yulia's name, he swiftly declined the call.As Imogen noticed Yulia's name on the screen, a shadow passed over her expression. Despite this, she pretended not to notice, her lips tightening slightly as she looked up at the moon.After rejecting the call, Jasper quickly set his phone down. He had hoped to pick up where they left off, but the romantic mood had s
Jasper ended the call and returned to sit beside Imogen. Letting out a soft sigh, he glanced at her expression.She seemed unconcerned.Jasper didn't dwell on it. After all, it was simply a business matter.He briefly explained, "We have a new artist who recently signed with the company. She's struggling with depression and is quite emotionally unstable."Imogen was aware of Star Enterprise's subsidiary in film and television.Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated an artist under their management becoming involved with Jasper, the prominent CEO.Imogen playfully teased, "You must be quite the busy CEO, managing Star Enterprise with its vast reach across multiple industries. It seems like you're a master multitasker, keeping an eye on every single employee!"Jasper furrowed his brow, gazing at Imogen for a moment before catching the undertone in her words. "Imogen, I sense a hint of sarcasm in your comment."Imogen pursed her lips, forcing a strained smile as she gazed up at the