"Yeah. I had this wine stored here from a client event because we didn't finish it," Jasper said. Then, he picked up the wine in front of him. He glanced at it and set it down again.He continued, "I'm not used to this kind of wine."Devin sneered as he mocked, "You're not used to a wine that's worth 20 thousand? You must have had too much cider, right?"He thought Jasper was bluffing, so he was awaiting his downfall. Meanwhile, others were also snickering quietly. Just then, the hotel manager appeared, pushing a cart with a bottle of wine.With everyone's attention fixed on him, the manager carefully presented the bottle to Jasper.The manager asked, "Mr. Asher, shall I open it?" Jasper nodded. The manager expertly opened the bottle, creating a sense of ceremony. Everyone in the room was taken aback, staring wide-eyed at the bottle in the manager's hands.Imogen didn't drink alcohol and was unfamiliar with wine, so she didn't know its price. The only thing she knew was that th
"Mr. Asher, which sales office do you work at?"However, Jasper refused them all without hesitation. "I don't discuss business after hours. Sorry."A salesman refusing to add contacts and not talking business after work? Everyone was stunned, and even Imogen found it strange.But then she thought, maybe he was just standing up for her, not wanting to do business with her tactless old classmates. How admirable!Jasper took Imogen's hand and stood up. He said, "We live far away, so I'll take Imogen home to rest now. Enjoy yourselves."After that, he picked up her bag, slung it over his shoulder, and led her out. As he walked past the manager, he took the expensive wine with him.Some still couldn't believe what they had seen, so they followed them out. They confirmed that Jasper and Imogen indeed left with the 70 thousand dollar bottle of wine.To verify the discount, Devin quickly went to pay the bill. Unexpectedly, the hotel really did give them a 50% discount just as Jasper ins
Imogen knew that she was Jasper's wife, so holding hands with him was perfectly normal. Yet, she didn't understand why her heart was racing, leaving her flustered. She also instinctively pulled her hand away.To Jasper, her reaction was a blow to his pride. Jasper didn't say anything but slowly retracted his hand. He placed his hand on his thigh as he gazed out the window.Imogen lowered her head without saying anything because she was trying to calm her restless emotions.Back at home, Imogen walked in front of Jasper. After climbing to the eighth floor, they went inside the house to greet Imogen's parents.Imogen placed the bottle of wine in a corner before heading to her room.Jasper sat on the couch, loosened his tie, and watched Imogen move in and out of the room until she finally went into the bathroom to shower.Gregory walked out of his room in his pajamas."Dad," Jasper greeted politely as he sat up straight.Gregory sat down next to Jasper. He said, "You're back late
"Have you met that woman before?" Jasper asked. "We haven't seen her in person. Her parents handled the negotiations," Gregory answered.Jasper nodded in understanding upon hearing this. "Dad, everything is settled now. You should take some rest.""Okay, you should get to bed early too."With that, Gregory retreated to his room, leaving Jasper slumped on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest.Meanwhile, Imogen emerged from the bathroom and found Jasper reclined on the sofa, apparently asleep.Approaching quietly, she leaned down and whispered, "Ash, don't sleep here, you—"Before she could finish, Jasper opened his eyes.Imogen stood frozen, her eyes locked onto Jasper's profound gaze.His eyes shimmered with mystery and depth, their intensity captivating as he gazed into hers.Imogen nervously cleared her throat before advising, "You shouldn't stay here; you might catch a cold. Take a shower before heading to your room to sleep.""Imogen.""Yes?""Do you have any regrets?"
Imogen certainly couldn't say it in this manner."I've been considering looking for a job," she said."Don't worry about it. Take your time. If you have any thoughts, feel free to discuss them with me. I have many friends who might be able to help," Jasper offered.Imogen's pride kicked in as she quickly refused, "You don't have to trouble yourself. I can handle it on my own.""I'm your husband. How could it possibly be a bother?""That's not what I meant. I'm just confident that I'll find a job soon.""I see.""And what about you?""I've also been thinking about work.""Don't dwell on it too much. Try to get some sleep," Imogen suggested, blinking as she looked at Jasper lying beside her in the dim light.Even in the darkness, his silhouette exuded a striking allure."Okay, goodnight," Jasper said."Goodnight," Imogen whispered in return.With that, Jasper closed his eyes, his breathing gradually calming.However, Imogen still found herself unable to fall asleep. As she
Imogen felt her strength draining in Jasper's comforting embrace, her body softening like a puddle. Despite her nervousness, she closed her eyes, eagerly awaiting his next move.At that moment, her heart swelled with anticipation.As moments drifted by, Jasper kept her in his arms, his body radiating warmth akin to a furnace. Finally, he whispered in her ear, "You can rest a little longer. There's no rush to get up so early."Upon hearing this, Imogen was left speechless.In a heartbeat, the comforting warmth of his embrace dissipated.Jasper stepped back, gently draping a blanket over her. Afterward, he changed into fresh clothes.Imogen couldn't resist stealing a glance at him, her heart brimming with curiosity.Jasper discarded his pajamas and slipped into a button-up shirt.As Imogen caught a glimpse of Jasper's strong back muscles, a slight warmth spread across her cheeks.Settling back onto the bed, she subconsciously gripped the blanket, her mind racing with questions.
Imogen felt unfamiliar with Ethan's current demeanor. She couldn't bear to see the man she had once loved behave so repulsively.Ethan tried to explain, "Imogen, I was drunk and confused. You've always been the one I loved. I—""Enough, Ethan," Imogen interjected sharply. "I'm married now, and Scarlett is pregnant. Please treat her and your unborn child with respect. There's no point in saying things that will only lead to more trouble."With those words, Imogen walked away from him.Suddenly, Ethan forcefully seized her arm, his face contorted with anger. "Imogen, did you marry some random guy just to get back at me?""No! Let go of me," Imogen shot back sharply.Despite her plea, Ethan persisted, pulling her closer and gripping both her arms firmly.Imogen found herself uncomfortably close to Ethan, struggling against his tight grip. "Let go," she demanded firmly.Losing his composure, Ethan growled in frustration, "You're only doing this to spite me, right? Deep down, you ca
Jasper's overwhelming presence loomed large over Ethan.Ethan couldn't help but falter in response to Jasper's imposing demeanor.Imogen picked up on Ethan's tension and anxiety. Trying to diffuse the tension, she said, "It was just a minor disagreement, nothing serious."Jasper frowned, his expression darkening further.Imogen nervously swallowed as she glanced at Ethan. "Weren't you supposed to be bringing breakfast home to Scarlett?"Ethan nodded hurriedly. "Yes, that's right. I should get going."With those words, he turned and hurried away.Jasper let out a cold scoff as he watched Ethan leave, his frustration mounting. He felt as though he was on the brink of losing his sanity.In their childhood, Imogen felt no affection for Jasper. Now, as adults, her heart belonged to someone else.Jasper couldn't understand why he kept subjecting himself to such anguish.Why did he ever have to meet her?Just then, Imogen cautiously approached Jasper, asking, "Are you angry?"Jasp