Sienna felt a heavy sadness in her heart, making her feel a bit suffocated. Seeing that it was already 10:30 pm, she didn't want to worry Shelly, so she reluctantly gathered her things and left.Before heading home, she sent a message to Daniel."Daniel, I made dinner for you, but you didn't come back to eat it. If you're hungry when you get home tonight, just heat it and have it as a late-night snack. I'm heading home now. Let's meet when you're free."Sienna rode her electric scooter home. When she got back, Daniel still hadn't replied to her.She felt a bit hurt. But she consoled herself by reminding herself to understand he was just busy with his work.Two weeks flew by. Daniel hadn't reached out to Sienna, nor had he come to see her.She often sent him messages, and although he occasionally replied, it was usually just to say he was busy before ending the conversation.Sienna also tried calling him, but he always cut the calls short, claiming he was swamped with work. She c
Daniel no longer asked about Sienna's well-being, showed any concern, or affectionately called her Sisi. He had become noticeably indifferent toward her over the past 20 days."What?" Sienna reached for the documents and flipped through them. She found a property transfer agreement. Continuing to flip through the papers, she stumbled upon a check for 20 million dollars.Confused, she asked, "Daniel, what are these for?"Daniel stayed composed, his demeanor as calm as water. "They're for you.""Why are you giving me money and a house?" Sienna's mind refused to entertain the possibilities. She trembled as she set the documents down on the table with care.Daniel reclined on the couch with his eyes fixed on Sienna, a depth of emotion within them. He couldn't bear to continue speaking.Though unsure if Sienna would feel heartbroken, he couldn't ignore the heavy burden of his heartache, which made finding the right words incredibly challenging.After a moment of silence, Daniel doubl
"Sienna, please don't feel that way. I've never seen you as greedy or vain. Keeping this money is also a way to ensure your future," Daniel reassured her.Sienna managed a small smile through her tears and shook her head. Her eyes held a softness and affection as she looked at him. She felt reluctant to say goodbye.Yet, Sienna wouldn't hold it against Daniel regardless of his reasons for ending their relationship. She believed that spending those few months with him had been worth it."Daniel, I hope you find happiness." Sienna managed a strained smile. "Let's not see each other again."After saying that, Sienna couldn't hold back anymore. Her heartache was so intense it felt like it was going to cripple her. She quickly turned away. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a dam breaking as she walked off.As Daniel watched Sienna walk away, his fists clenched so tightly they trembled. He struggled to contain the overwhelming urge and sadness welling up inside him.His eyes were r
Sienna experienced heartbreak twice with her first love. She was surprised by how much it hurt.Every night, when the quiet settled in, thoughts of Daniel would overwhelm her. And she'd find herself crying until she fell asleep.A few days later, Sienna gathered all the gifts Daniel had given her and arranged for them to be sent back to him through a courier service. However, they were returned to her.It turned out that the address was no longer occupied. That was when Sienna realized that their relationship had finally ended.She tucked away the gifts Daniel had given her and buried the memories of their relationship deep within her heart. Only she understood the depth of her love for Daniel.Sienna harbored no resentment toward him. Instead, her heart overflowed with wishes for his happiness, peace, and joy."What's happening between you and Captain Morrison, Sienna? I heard he got transferred. What's going on?" Felix asked.Looking detached and uninterested, Sienna replied c
"I'm okay, really," Shelly snapped. The idea of spending so much money on medical care stressed her out.She insisted, "I'll be okay. I'll slowly start feeling better, and I won't cry anymore. Just ask the doctor to prescribe some sleeping pills for me."Sienna held Shelly's hand and said, "Mom, you're already suffering from severe depression. Why are you only telling us now?"Shelly lowered her head and remained silent.Ever since her husband died, she had been feeling down. She often struggled to sleep and had vivid dreams. Worry consumed her; she was afraid of losing her children and saw no hope for the future."Does my mother need to be hospitalized, doctor?" Sienna asked.Shelly tensed up, feeling the weight of the expenses. "I don't want to be hospitalized. Just give me some medication. I can take pills, but I won't stay in the hospital."The doctor, feeling helpless, could only prescribe medication for Shelly's severe depression.On the way back, Felix received a phone c
Sienna used up all her savings, and Shelly did the same. Shelly went even further by selling their corner store and borrowing money from relatives.Together, they gathered 250 thousand dollars to pay off the injured man.After that, their house turned bleak and lonely; a heavy sadness hung in the air. Shelly's illness got worse, and she stopped caring about anything.Busy from looking after Shelly and working to make ends meet, Sienna felt exhausted and drained. As time passed, she found herself unable to spare any time or energy for thoughts of Daniel. Meanwhile, Shelly was engulfed by severe depression. Her appetite vanished, sleep eluded her, and tears flowed daily as she lay in bed, devoid of motivation.She withdrew from the outside world, finding solace only in the memories captured in photos of her husband and son. She often spent hours huddled in a corner, weeping.Sienna dutifully sent a few hundred dollars to the prison monthly to ensure Felix had better meals. On visi
Sienna set out on an adventure. She followed the train routes, stopping at every destination along the way.During her journey, she penned books while immersing herself in the beauty of summer seas, autumnal grasslands, and snow-covered mountains in winter.She camped by the roadside, walking alongside herds of cattle and sheep. She also savored the tartness of wild fruits and quenched her thirst with fresh, sweet water from streams.Sienna traversed more than a dozen cities, meeting a diverse array of people, each with their own compelling lives and stories.Despite their differences, they all shared a deep passion for life and hopeful dreams for the future.Through these encounters, Sienna gradually overcame her sense of aimlessness. She embraced the opportunity to find stability, release past grievances, and fully appreciate the present moment.…Time flew by, and a year passed swiftly. Spring arrived once again. Sienna had reached Phoenicia for her next destination and had t
Bumping into Daniel unexpectedly caught Sienna off guard. Her heart started racing, feeling nervous and a bit overwhelmed. She smiled warmly and nodded hello as she met Daniel's intense gaze.Daniel froze, his hands automatically tightening into fists. Seeing Sienna after a year made his heart race uncontrollably.She still looked as charming and vibrant as ever. However, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, suggesting a newfound maturity. It was like she was the same, yet somehow different.Her smile was calm and serene, with a hint of detachment."Sienna," Mila called out with delight. She hurried over and hugged Sienna warmly.Sienna returned the hug. "Wanda, it's been ages.""It really has." Mila stepped back and eyed Sienna up and down. "You've gotten lovelier."Sienna shyly lowered her head with a smile and remained silent.Daniel approached Sienna cautiously, his voice gentle as he greeted her, "Sienna, it's been a while."Sienna didn't meet his gaze. She hung her h
Jasper became concerned as Imogen placed her hand over her heart. He asked, "Are you experiencing any chest pains? Have you consulted a doctor? I can take you for a check-up."Imogen reassured him, gently holding his arm. "Jasper, I'm fine. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance my future family and career."Jasper smiled knowingly, gently patting her head before pulling her into an embrace. He recognized her uniqueness—her drive to pursue her career and showcase her skills and talents. The thought of being a stay-at-home mother or merely a trophy wife held no appeal for her whatsoever.Holding her close, Jasper murmured, "Imogen, have you forgotten about your husband's financial prowess?"Imogen couldn't suppress a chuckle.Jasper reassured her of his commitment, "As long as you're on board, I can arrange a driver to drive you to work, an assistant to handle all your tasks, and you won't have to worry about anything. When you return home, there will be maids and me to ens
After returning from her journey across the globe, Imogen headed straight to the hospital. During her travels, she started noticing subtle changes in her body—nausea, fatigue, and a stronger need for rest. Her hunch was confirmed when tests revealed she was pregnant.She felt a blend of anticipation and apprehension. The idea of being pregnant raised thoughts of focusing on family life and raising children. Yet, she valued her career and was steadily demonstrating her skills. She wasn't ready to give it up just yet.When Imogen arrived home and stepped through the front door, she found Gregory and Carol were there. They had just returned from their trip as well, bringing back gifts. "Hi, Mom, Dad," Imogen greeted them.Still excited about their travels, Gregory and Carol eagerly recounted their adventures to Jasper.When Jasper heard Imogen's voice, he quickly stood and walked over to her, taking her hand. "Imogen, I woke up early and didn't see you around. Where did you go?"
Jasper thought the idea was brilliant and agreed, "Let's plan our route and leave next week."Imogen gently pushed him back, her hands on his chest. "Sure, but let me get up first. We'll map out our journey, set a schedule, and go on a trip for our wedding."Jasper took her wrists and lifted them above the pillow. "Let's discuss this tomorrow. I have some pressing matters to attend to at the moment."Imogen was about to respond when Jasper leaned in and kissed her deeply. Their lips intertwined with passion.…A week later, Imogen received another call from Yulia's lawyer, who conveyed Yulia's apologies and expressed her desire for Imogen's forgiveness. Yulia also requested Imogen to intervene with Nathan on her behalf.Imogen decided to ignore the request. She believed in the fairness of the law. It reminded her of Zoey, who had fraudulently claimed her degree and ended up in prison at Jasper's behest.As for Yulia, she had orchestrated attacks on Gregory, caused Carol to lose
Imogen's heart raced as she slowly hugged Jasper, her voice bashful yet resolute. "Jasper, you'll always have a place in my heart."Jasper tensed slightly, his senses on high alert. He met her eyes. A glint of anticipation sparked in his gaze as he eagerly murmured, "Say it one more time. Say it—""I love you, Jasper," Imogen said gently.Jasper's eyes immediately filled with tears as he held Imogen tightly, his body shaking. Overwhelmed by emotion, he could only whisper her name into her ear. "Imogen… Imogen…""Do you love me?" Imogen asked, her voice tinged with shyness.Jasper frowned. "I do love you. Haven't you always known?""I still want to hear it," Imogen said."I love you. I love you with all my heart," Jasper declared, gazing at her with intense passion and unwavering resolve.Feeling a bit stiff from his tight hug, Imogen gently pushed him away. "I love you, too, but I must get up and go to work.""Not today," Jasper responded, scooping and carrying her back to bed
"If it's a gift, why not accept it?" Mila whispered.Gregory quickly took the check, looking unsure of his next move.Once his money was accepted, Oakley assumed the issue was settled. He took Yulia's hand and began to leave the ward, saying, "Well, I'll leave with Yulia for now."Still feeling resentful, Yulia glanced back and shot Imogen a glare as they departed.The ward fell silent. Feeling uneasy, Gregory and Carol exchanged anxious glances."Nate, we can't go easy on them," Mila whispered.Nathan smiled knowingly. He took Mila's hand, gently caressed it, and said quietly, "Don't worry. I'll ensure our in-laws get the justice they deserve."Mila nodded, feeling reassured. Gregory and Carol, who were listening nearby, felt deeply moved and grateful.Since Gregory was injured and confined to bed, the meeting between Jasper's and Imogen's parents ended earlier than expected. After saying goodbye to their parents, Jasper and Imogen headed home. On their way home, Jasper felt
Yulia was renowned for her boldness and strong-willed nature. Aware of Oakley's wealth, influence, and dual reputation in legal and illicit circles, she feared no one and held a contemptuous attitude toward others, including senior military figures."You need to apologize to Ms. Imogen immediately," Oakley whispered urgently.Pointing at Imogen, Yulia muttered irritably, "Her? Oh, please! If anyone owes an apology, it's her to me."Oakley wiped his forehead nervously, trembling with anxiety. Everyone's expressions around them darkened visibly. Jasper suppressed his anger; his hands clenched into fists.Before he could speak, Yulia grumbled, "Jay, you blocked me before understanding everything, and then you terminated our contract. That's just too much."Mila couldn't shake her worry for Jasper. If he couldn't manage his relationship with Yulia appropriately, it could severely impact his marriage. Concerned that he might not handle it well, Mila intervened. "Ms. Gibson, please resp
Carol no longer believed the portrayal of wealthy women on television.Jasper took Imogen's hand, and they sat down on the couch together, feeling anxious. It was their parents' first meeting, and the hospital setting added to the tension. If things went wrong and their relationship soured, their future would look bleak.Imogen was particularly anxious. Her palms were growing clammy. Jasper pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her palms before reassuringly saying, "There's no need to be nervous. My parents are easygoing."Offering an awkward smile, Imogen teased him, whispering, "You seem more nervous than I am, don't you think?"Jasper chuckled but offered no reply. Dealing with Gregory and Carol was sure to be a bit daunting.Typically reserved around strangers, Nathan found it difficult to start a conversation at that moment. Meanwhile, Gregory and Carol felt apprehensive and cautious, worried that any misstep could upset the Morrisons and cause problems for Imogen.Sensing th
Mila approached them with a bouquet, smiling. "Yes, we're in the right place. We've come to visit you, our in-laws."The term "in-laws" caught Gregory off guard as he lay in the bed. Despite his injuries, he quickly propped himself up, struggling to sit upright. Carol, equally surprised, cautiously accepted the gift from Nathan's outstretched hands.Jasper and Imogen took the next elevator, so they hadn't reached the ward yet.Nathan quickly set his things down and hurried over, gently placing a reassuring hand on Gregory's shoulder. "You're injured. Don't get up. Just lie down and rest.""General Morrison, I…" Gregory's voice faltered in distress.Carol's hands trembled uncontrollably as she glanced nervously at Mila, worried that Mila and Nathan had overheard her argument with Gregory.Nathan spoke in a gentle tone, "Please, don't call me General Morrison. It sounds too formal. You both are older than me. Just call me Nathan, and I'll call you two by name in return."Mila came
In the hospital ward, Gregory had been asleep for over an hour when the nurse woke him to change his medication.After the change, Carol peeled an orange for him to eat. They shared the segments, chatting idly."Imogen really picked a good husband. Even these oranges he bought are unusually sweet," Carol said, marveling at the oranges. Gregory glanced at the orange and said, "They must be expensive.""Yes, they're sold by the piece in big supermarkets. Also, they're more expensive than beef and lamb," Carol said before eating another sweet segment.Gregory pondered for a moment. Then he curiously asked, "Someone ruined our house's floor. Do you think Jasper would help us repair it?"Carol shot him a look and replied, "Listen, don't burden Imogen with this. Don't even bring it up.""Why would it burden Imogen? With Jasper's wealth, this is nothing.""Enough," Carol snapped. "That's his business. No matter how poor we are, we shouldn't ask for what isn't ours." "You're too stu