She felt a twinge in her nose and an indescribable feeling in her chest. No one had unconditionally treated her so well like Luke did. Bianca's long eyelashes fluttered. She picked up the limited edition black credit card. She had read about it in a finance magazine before. The morning sun shone through the wide floor-to-ceiling, into the kitchen, and onto Luke's sculpted, angular side profile. The man was unbelievably perfect! She was only a plain, unremarkable woman, but she was lucky enough to gain his love and pampering. "Thank you…" Bianca was starting to sob when she spoke. The man had given her warmth and companionship at her lowest point. Her father's passing had left her clueless and helpless. That was a huge blow. Fortunately, Luke was by her side. There were her children too. Lanie and Rainie were like angels. They were the proof of her relationship with him. She was unlucky, but at the same time, she was the luckiest woman. Fate had been kind to her. L
Now that she was not living alone, Bianca prepared more food for breakfast. However, she had limited experience in preparing a meal for a family. She prepared many different items so that the children could eat what they wanted. On the big breakfast table were ham sandwiches and scrambled eggs. Next to them was French toast and fresh milk, and also oatmeal seasoned with vanilla and cinnamon. In the middle of the table was a grilled salmon steak. Luke was already dressed neatly in his business suit. He sat cross-legged on the chair, his casual posture giving him a natural air of nobility. His sculpted features were perfect yet distant. Bianca thoroughly appreciated the elegant way Luke ate his breakfast. Lanie and Rainie were well-trained to take their meals without speaking. They sat next to Bianca and operated clumsily with their utensils. When Bianca saw that, her motherly instincts were triggered, and she started to feed them. She picked up a slice of ham with a
Luke let out a gentle sigh. Now that he had successfully cowed the two little ones, he had to take care of the big one. He failed as a father. He stood up helplessly, went to Bianca's side, and gently hugged her delicate body into his steel-like arms. He gently stroked her back and said, "Alright, it's all my fault. Don't be angry, OK? I'm afraid that they might grow up to be picky eaters, and that won't be good for their health. I won't be so harsh on them the next time." Seeing that he was apologizing earnestly, Bianca decided to let the matter rest. "You've made your promise that you won't ever do what you did today. They're children after all." Luke could breathe easier, seeing how Bianca became less angry. God knows how much he cared for her feelings. "…" Lanie and Rainie rested their cheeks on their hands. They could not believe what they saw. Daddy changed a lot ever since Mommy was here. They had nothing but admiration for Mommy for being able to tame the tyrant
Xavier was Bianca's legal husband. He should have been in Luke's position, doing what Luke was doing. That was more than a joke! Xavier walked to Kevin's casket, his heart filled with indignation and grievances. "I'm sorry that you've never met me while you're still alive. I'm Xavier, your son-in-law. It's a pity that Bianca and I didn't hold a grand wedding ceremony before you left. Don't worry. I'll hold the biggest wedding ceremony that the world has ever seen. Bianca shall be my wife and only my wife. I swear that I'll take good care of your two grandchildren too." Xavier turned to look at Luke with an instigative gaze. As expected, the man's eyes flashed with hostility and curiosity. 'It's fine. He can have the upper hand for now.' Xavier felt a little better when he saw that Luke was angry but could not release it. However, fires of anger started burning once again in Xavier's heart when he saw Bianca, in her sorrow, being hugged and comforted by Luke. 'Bear with it.'
In the evening, the mourners who had come to pay Kevin their last respects had left. Only several people remained in the house. The two children were hungry. Wanda brought them away for dinner. Luke received an urgent call. He informed Bianca about it and hurriedly left. Bianca was currently cleaning up the house. The Rayne family house was a simple house with two rooms. She looked around her, finding her surroundings familiar yet foreign. After all, she was only brought there when she was a teenager. Memories of her father surfaced, though they were of somewhere else. That was the time when Jennifer and her daughter had not moved in. Whenever Kevin visited Bianca in the small town, he would carry her on his shoulders and call her "my dearest darling." She remembered that she had a high fever when she was six years old, and she had faded in and out of consciousness. Even the doctor was helpless. She vaguely saw her father kneeling in front of the doctor and beggin
Even the usually docile Rainie was angry when she saw her Mommy bullied. She grabbed a mop that was conveniently nearby and smacked it on Xavier. "Bad Uncle Xavier! You're a bully! I'll kill you!" She screamed out. "Hiss!" Xavier felt the intense pain in his leg and let go of Bianca. Bianca frantically ran away. Her eyes were brimming with hatred, and her lips were swollen and red with hints of blood on them. She looked as though she was more than willing to murder Xavier. Xavier licked his lips. His tongue was hurting. If he did not let go of the woman, she might even have bitten off his tongue. He looked down, and upon seeing that Lanie was still biting him, dragged the little boy away. He rolled up his pants. Lanie seemed to have almost bitten off a piece of flesh from his leg. 'That savage whelp. He's indeed Luke's son!' Xavier glanced at Rainie. She was trembling with fear, but she continued to stand in front of Bianca holding the mop and baring her teeth as th
Jack sized up the man who had claimed his daughter's heart. The man was robust and mature. He looked like a man who had succeeded in life. Furthermore, the man knew that he was the Provincial Committee Secretary but had no intention of sucking up to him. He was polite but kept his distance. Jack nodded in satisfaction. Luke was a man worthy of Leia's affection. If his daughter wanted him, then he would do his best to fulfill her wishes. After Jack introduced Leia to Luke, he asked, "I've heard that the CEO of T Corporation is a man of many talents, and now that I've met you, that seems to be the case. I wonder if you are married?" "I'm not married, but I have two five-year-old children." Every gesture that Luke made caused Leia to swoon. Jack was slightly disappointed when he heard that Luke had two children. However, he did not mind that, seeing how infatuated his daughter was and considering the wealth and influence Luke wielded. If he married Leia, then she could event
Jack placed his wine glass on the table when he heard Luke's words. His face was slightly red from the alcohol. "Don't worry, Luke. I'll get my men on the case. You'll receive the approval tomorrow. Remember, take good care of my daughter." The more Jack looked at Luke, the more satisfied he was. From their conversation, he could understand that Luke was a shrewd and assertive man and would be the perfect son-in-law. Jack had addressed him as "Mr. Crawford" earlier, but it was now "Luke." Everyone who heard that knew that Jack was trying to play matchmaker. Those people looked enviously at Luke. In a mere few sentences, Luke had won the rights to develop the seaside resort worth tens of billions of dollars. However, they knew that they were no match for Luke's handsome looks and sharp business acumen. Even though they might be envious, they knew that Luke deserved it. "Congratulations, Mr. Crawford! With this development project in your bag, T Corporation will be pushed
Lucius was different.He did not care about getting close to anyone, whether man or woman. Even when Hera’s attempts to seduce him were blatantly obvious, he still remained unmoved and even showed signs of rejection.Gerald could not help but marvel at Luca’s sharp observations and incisive remarks. He could not help but clap his hands lightly, genuinely impressed.“Lucius truly is exceptional,” said Gerald.Luca came downstairs.When she took the last step off the stairs, the men in the living room immediately fell silent.They held their breath as they watched the woman in front of them. Her hair was straight, not like their boss' companion.The men's gazes grew intense.Luca’s expression darkened.Gerald stood beside her and said, “See, I told you—you’re like a piece of meat dropped into a pack of wolves. Be careful.”One of the men heard Gerald and asked unhappily, “Hey, kid, what are you saying? What wolves? We’re gentlemen. We’d never dream of doing anything inappropr
When Gerald heard this, his face fell. “Huh? Ms. Craw, you're not cooking anymore?”Luca said nothing. Luke had already left with the others. She turned her gaze back before walking inside.Gerald realized that Luca had only been cooking breakfast because of Lucius. The thought puzzled him. Had they taken a liking to each other from the very start? That did not seem right.In this fast-paced modern world, even if they had, using something as old-fashioned as cooking to win someone over did not add up.Still, the timing was too coincidental to ignore. Luca started cooking for everyone when Lucius arrived, and she stopped as soon as he left. That realization gave Gerald an eerie feeling.Thinking they might have known each other back on the island, it all suddenly made sense. Of course! They must have met before. How else could this all line up so perfectly?With that thought, Gerald quickly caught up with Luca. “Ms. Craw, my cooking is terrible. Why don’t you keep doing it?”
Kassy’s eye donor was Hera, the one Abel had brought over.Even though Hera’s eyes resembled Kassy’s, they did not meet the criteria for a transplant. However, Hera’s blood type matched Kassy’s exactly.Hence, Abel decided to use Hera’s eyes. His belief was that her eyes were specifically meant for Kassy.Shanks knew he would not be able to change Abel’s mind, so he did not try. Abel’s stubbornness was something even Kassy herself could not sway.Luca remained silent for a while, not saying anything further. She understood that using a cadaver was the best option as it would not harm anyone.However, the eyes Abel wanted for Kassy were not from a cadaver. He intended to take them from Hera.Luca certainly would not participate in such a surgery. It was too cruel.“What are you thinking?” Shanks suddenly asked.Luca shook her head. “I’m just thinking about the volunteer’s situation.”“You’re wondering if this solution will be marketed, aren’t you?” Shanks suddenly asked.L
“I’m still a bit worried. Let me take a look in your room and change the dressing while I’m at it.” Luca knew Luke would not want her to worry. Therefore, she needed to see for herself that everything was fine before she could feel at ease.“Alright.” Luke knew she was worried about him, so the two of them headed into the room.He took off his shirt, revealing the bandage wrapped around his torso.Luca could not help but chuckle at the sight. The wrapping was done by Gerald, and it was hilariously sloppy. It was haphazardly bound—overly tight in some places and entirely uneven. It looked like it was just meant to cover the wounds, with no thought for neatness.“Stop laughing.” Luke was clearly rendered speechless by Gerald’s lackluster bandaging skills as well.If it were not for the fact that it was difficult to bandage himself, he would never have let Gerald do it.“With it wrapped like this, how are you supposed to sleep at night?” Luca asked as she began unwrapping the ba
Abel chuckled. His voice was low and gravelly.“Hera, let’s agree on something. Don’t use threats of leaving to manipulate me anymore, or I won’t be happy,” said Abel in a low voice.What might have sounded like a plea or a compromise came across to Hera as a veiled threat.The cool sensation of his fingers brushed against her eyelids, and she could not help but shiver. His touch felt as cold as death itself. She could not feel a trace of warmth.Her hands clenched tightly together. The tension in her grip was the only thing keeping her from trembling further.“Alright,” Hera murmured obediently.Abel withdrew his hand. Hera opened her eyes. A strange unease stirred within her. For reasons she could not quite explain, Abel’s behavior filled her with an unsettling dread…“Will you stay at the hospital with me tonight?” Hera could not help but crave some semblance of comfort.Abel frowned slightly. “Stay here with you? And what about Luca?”“You could just send her home. I onl
Luca's expression was serious, and Hera realized she was not just trying to scare her. Ignoring her warnings had already caused her to suffer once.Unwillingly, Hera sipped on the cereal. Her resentment was evident in every movement.Luca noticed it was not difficult for her to handle. She quietly sat down and ate her own bowl of cereal.Hera did not have much of an appetite.Hera took a couple of bites before growing bored. She glanced at Luca and asked, “How did you end up working for Abel?”Luca did not respond. She calmly blew on her cereal and ate in silence, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.“I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” snapped Hera.Luca lifted her gaze briefly and replied, “You should finish your cereal before it gets cold.”“I’m not even hungry.” Hera really had no appetite and was not planning to eat the cereal.“It’s still better if you eat something. Otherwise, when hunger strikes later, don’t expect me to help you,” said Luca, “I’m only he
Luke had never taken the medicine that could speed up healing, so his recovery was nowhere near as fast as the others from the Island of Despair.Luca did not respond to Gerald’s comment. Her gaze fixed on him with intensity.“No stitches,” said Luke, “I trust you.”Luca bit her lower lip.“But if you don’t stitch it, it might tear open,” insisted Gerald, staring at Luke’s wounds.Luke glanced at his injuries and shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, as though the wounds had nothing to do with Luca.“Stitches will leave scars.”“Are you afraid of scars? What kind of man doesn’t have a few scars on him? Scars are a symbol of manhood,” teased Gerald with a playful tone, “Scars show you’re reliable, that you can protect a woman.”Luke gave him a look as though he were an idiot, then his gaze shifted to Luca. “I don’t want too many scars. I’m worried my future wife might dislike them.”Luca’s heart sank at his words, but his lighthearted remark eased her sadness. Despite the severity
Luca could not help but tremble with heartache. She fought hard to resist the urge to rush forward.Everyone in the room had survived brutal training to make it out of the Island of Despair, and they could not help but shudder when they saw the scene. The sound of the whip felt like it was landing on their own bodies.Gerald closed his eyes, unable to watch any longer. It was too cruel for him to watch.The ten lashes felt like an eternity, stretching on for what seemed like a century.Luca looked at the drenched clothes on Luke. His eyes were red, and his shirt was so soaked that you could wring out the blood from it. Her hands were clenched so tightly into fists that the veins were bulging.Abel tossed the whip aside, looking at Luke’s disheveled state with satisfaction. He enjoyed the thrill of this bloody scene.He turned to Luca, noticing her reddened eyes, and smiled even more devilishly. “Hera is in the hospital now. You’ll go take care of her for the next few da
Luca instantly understood the situation. It was about Hera.Hera was someone Abel valued, possibly as a future corneal donor for Kassy. While Abel might not love Hera now, he certainly took her health seriously.In a calm tone, Luca explained, “She was hospitalized due to inflammation that caused a fever.”Abel furiously flung his half-smoked cigar at her. The glowing embers singed her clothes, leaving a small burn mark.She instinctively stepped aside.Abel roared, “What kind of care is this?! I told you to look after her! Is this how you handle things?”Luca was perplexed. When did he ever tell her to look after Hera?Besides, she did take care of her.”When Ms. Sanchez fainted last night, she already had a low-grade fever. I diagnosed her condition as inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medication. I also emphasized that she needed to take oral anti-inflammatory drugs. She didn’t trust me and threw out Mr. Shanks’ medication, which led to her con