Hospital room.When Renee woke, Carl was gone.After regaining some strength, she got up for water and noticed movement at the door."Who's there?" she called out.The door creaked open slightly, and Jack's head peeked in."Miss!""Behave," his mother pulled him back, stepping inside. "Miss, thank you so much. I made some food - I hope you don't mind.""Of course not! Thank you, I'm actually hungry," Renee smiled, not wanting to refuse.The mother poured chicken and mushroom soup from a thermos and offered two flatbreads.She carefully packed away the remaining food.Renee asked curiously, "Ma'am, what's that for?""Jack's father is in intensive care. Every bite counts," she replied, eyes welling up.Renee thought for a moment. "Was Jack being thrown in the river connected to his father?"Struck by the truth, tears rolled down the mother's cheeks."Those monsters! They made their own mistakes and now force us to sign papers.""Who are you talking about?""It's..." she b
As per regulations, family members are not allowed to observe the cremation process.Renee Lacey had paid extra to enter the cremation room, her hand tightly gripping the cold metal frame of the gurney.The air felt scorching, with specks of ash floating in the sunlight.Perhaps they were the remains of previous cremations.Soon, her precious child would become just like those specks.Renee wore a black dress, the smallest size barely concealing her emaciated frame.Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, now held an eerie calmness.She reached out to touch the pale, stiff little hand beneath the white sheet, placing two pink origami stars in Sarah's palm."Sarah, wait for mommy."It was time.The staff member gently pulled Renee away and lifted the sheet, revealing Sarah's face.Eight years old, yet still so small and thin, with visible ribs and a sunken area below them.Staring at her daughter's frail body, Renee's tears welled up once again.She had failed to protect Sar
She was back!She had actually returned!Ignoring the confused glances around her, Renee pinched herself hard.The pain that shot through her body instantly brought tears to her eyes!"Why are you crying? It's as if our Grey family has wronged you!"A stern voice came from the front of the room.Renee snapped back to reality and looked up, meeting the disapproving gaze of Carl's father, Michael Grey.She immediately lowered her head, appearing as humble as ever, but her body trembled with uncontrollable excitement.Scornful whispers filled the air around her."So young, yet so ill-behaved. Bold enough to drug Carl and climb into his bed, causing a scandal throughout the city. Clearly trying to force Carl to take responsibility, but now too scared to admit it. I wonder who raised her.""She's not really one of us. Our Grey family would never raise such a shameless person. They've even found her diary online, full of her crush on Carl. How embarrassing! We paid for her college
Annie Simmons, the daughter of a fallen noble family, became the most envied woman in the city when Carl unexpectedly announced their relationship three years ago. Despite objections from Michael, they even held an engagement party.Outsiders viewed Annie as beautiful, kind-hearted, elegant, and noble. However, only Renee knew Annie's true nature. If she weren't a designer, Annie could have been an Oscar-winning actress.With Annie's cunning mind, she surely understood Renee's implication.Her wedding to Carl had already been postponed for three years; she was desperate to marry into the Grey family.Sure enough...Annie immediately stepped forward, standing in Renee's former spot and bowing respectfully."Michael, it was me!" she confessed. "Renee and I have similar figures and somewhat resemble each other, so people misunderstood."However, a voice of doubt from nearby questioned her explanation. "But the internet exposed Renee's secret love diary dating back five or six years
Under Carl's icy gaze, Renee pressed her lips tightly together, trying to stay calm.But the eight years of pain from her past life made her fingers tremble uncontrollably, and she turned her face away forcefully.Carl stopped looking at her, his voice dripping with disdain: "Trying to get pregnant in secret?"Renee frowned deeply, glancing sideways at Susanne.Susanne had bought the pills. Could she still be entertaining the idea of marrying Renee to Carl?But under Carl's cold stare, Susanne was already shaking like a leaf.More than the patriarch, Susanne feared Carl.She wouldn't dare to meddle right under Carl's nose.What was really going on here?Renee looked up, surrounded by gazes from all directions.Among them, one stood out.Annie.Her lips held a half-smile that reminded Renee of unpleasant memories.Sure enough, the next moment.Annie turned her back to the others, grasping Renee's hand, and spoke earnestly: "Renee, I'm sorry, but I can't help you deceive Car
The spacious hall felt suffocating as the air around Carl chilled to an extreme, leaving everyone struggling to breathe.He remained silent.But everyone knew he was angry.He took out a cigarette box, lit one, and took a drag.Exhaling a cloud of smoke that veiled his face, he gazed at Renee through the haze, his expression unreadable."Get out."Michael also waved his hand in displeasure.Susanne helped Renee to her feet.Renee pulled her hand away, standing straight in the center of the hall, her words firm: "Since my presence here is hindering everyone, I'll move out immediately. Mr. Grey, thank you for your care over the years."She would leave with dignity and decisiveness.She would no longer tiptoe around in fear as she had in her past life.With that, Renee turned and left.The gaze that followed her was dangerous and cold....Stepping out of the hall, the side effects of multiple contraceptive pills hit her – dizziness and nausea overwhelmed her.Renee only ma
Last night?Indeed, Renee had said a lot.Unable to bear seeing Carl in such painful restraint, she had given in.In the height of passion, enduring his almost torturous teasing, she had sincerely poured out her heart.She thought then that perhaps Carl would forget everything by morning.But she would remember it all, at least knowing she had once been so close to him."Carl, I like you.""I've liked you for a long time, ever since you came to my defense the day I entered the Grey household. I've been secretly admiring you since then.""I know you won't care about me, but I... really... love you."Renee was sixteen when she entered the Grey family. Susanne had dressed her up like a doll being presented as a gift.Back then, Susanne didn't understand the understated elegance of wealthy women's fashion. She just wanted her daughter to look like a pretty doll entering the Grey household.Instead, Renee became the laughingstock of the entire family.They said she looked like a
She threw up on Carl's pristine suit, making him frown instantly.Eventually, only bile came up and she weakly slumped against the car.Jackson quickly stepped forward, offering his hand. "Mr. Grey, let me help Ms. Lacey."Carl simply shrugged off his jacket. "No need."He gave Renee a disgusted look, but still carried her into the house.Carl took her straight to the bathroom and set her on the counter. He immediately started removing her vomit-stained clothes."No! Stop!"Renee pushed against him, resisting, but in her weakened state, she was no match for him.Carl stripped off her clothes without any expression.The marks from the previous night were fully exposed under the harsh light.Embarrassed, Renee tried to push him away, but he gripped her wrist.Carl's palm was burning hot.Renee looked up, meeting his darkening eyes.Carl gave her no chance to resist, pushing between her knees and pressing close.She trembled instinctively, her whole body rejecting him.Carl
Hospital room.When Renee woke, Carl was gone.After regaining some strength, she got up for water and noticed movement at the door."Who's there?" she called out.The door creaked open slightly, and Jack's head peeked in."Miss!""Behave," his mother pulled him back, stepping inside. "Miss, thank you so much. I made some food - I hope you don't mind.""Of course not! Thank you, I'm actually hungry," Renee smiled, not wanting to refuse.The mother poured chicken and mushroom soup from a thermos and offered two flatbreads.She carefully packed away the remaining food.Renee asked curiously, "Ma'am, what's that for?""Jack's father is in intensive care. Every bite counts," she replied, eyes welling up.Renee thought for a moment. "Was Jack being thrown in the river connected to his father?"Struck by the truth, tears rolled down the mother's cheeks."Those monsters! They made their own mistakes and now force us to sign papers.""Who are you talking about?""It's..." she b
Looking into her eyes, he struggled to hold back his urges.Even her hair falling across his nose tested his restraint.Before Renee could react, he brushed his lips against hers, light as a feather.In an instant, his hand moved from her neck to cradle her head, deepening the kiss possessively.The moment was brief, his clenched fist beside her ear betraying his restraint - she could hear his knuckles crack with tension.Carl stared at her. "Renee, you're something else."Renee didn't understand.He didn't give her a chance to ask, pulling her under the covers."Get some more sleep."After a few futile attempts to move away, she gave up and closed her eyes....Outside.Annie gripped the doorknob, trembling with rage as she watched them sleep embraced.Unable to bring herself to open the door, she turned away, swallowing her anger.At the elevator, a hand covered her mouth, dragging her into the stairwell.In a blur, a man kissed her roughly, breathing heavily.He rele
Renee grabbed Jack's hand just as he began to sink.His little face had turned ghostly white with fear."Don't be scared, I've got you."Renee soothed him while supporting his chin.Though only six or seven, he felt heavy, especially with his water-logged clothes. Even as an adult, she struggled.Fortunately, her light dress allowed her arms to move freely.Despite the cold, she gritted her teeth and pushed through.Renee finally managed to swim to the bank with the child, where his mother reached out tearfully."Miss, give me your hand!""Take the child first."Renee felt her strength failing, unsure how much longer she could hold him.His mother thanked her repeatedly while pulling her frozen child to safety.As she reached back for Renee, a thick branch suddenly floated downstream, striking Renee's shoulder.She grunted in pain, her numbed arm releasing the mother's hand as the branch swept her into the current."Miss! Help!" the mother screamed from the bank.Renee s
As Chris said, most people her age operated at 90% energy levels.She barely managed half.He'd even warned her to preserve what little she had.Perhaps this was the cost of her second chance at life.Renee composed herself, trying to stay focused.Carl gestured forward. "Let's move ahead.""Excellent choice, Mr. Grey. Our rare gemstone collection is there," Mr. Declan said eagerly.Carl nodded, walking past Renee.Suddenly, something warm pressed into her palm, startling her.When the others passed, she opened her hand.A pink hand warmer, about the size of her palm.Why would Carl carry something like this?"Renee." Mr. Declan called from ahead."Coming."Renee clutched the warmer and hurried to catch up.The gemstone gallery was dimly lit, with only display spotlights illuminating the cases, leaving everyone in shadows.Renee stood at the edge, politely applauding Mr. Declan's presentation.Through the shifting crowd, a cool presence approached, warm breath at her
Meanwhile.Mandy stood with Mr. Declan waiting for VIP guests, checking her phone three times without reaching Renee."Miss Xander, where's Renee? Wasn't she joining us?" Mr. Declan asked.Mandy smiled awkwardly. "She..."Suddenly, Annie appeared, positioning herself beside Mr. Declan."Renee said she wasn't feeling well and won't come."Mr. Declan frowned but said nothing, tacitly accepting Annie's presence.Though being stood up by a newcomer clearly displeased him.Annie smirked triumphantly.Just then, Renee's voice came from behind."Who said I wasn't coming?"The crowd parted as Renee appeared in a red high-slit gown, like a flame burning into everyone's vision.The shimmering fabric made her skin look like snow.Uniquely adorned with wide mesh overlay and scattered crystals.Her eyes peeked through, utterly enchanting.Annie's smile twitched.Renee smiled at her. "Miss Simmons, you must have misheard. I said I was coming right over."She edged Annie aside and tu
Luckily, Renee spotted Annie's movement in the mirror and dodged just in time.But Annie grabbed her shoulder strap and slashed.Click, click...Pearls scattered across the floor.The dress, held up by the straps, began to slip.Renee clutched her chest and stumbled backward.Annie lifted her chin proudly, smirking as she tossed the razor in the trash, then switched to a shocked expression."Oh my! Renee, how clumsy! You can't be seen like this. Better rest - don't embarrass Miss Xander. I'll take your place with Mr. Declan."With a raised eyebrow, she walked out smiling.Clutching her dress, Renee realized Annie hadn't meant to hurt her - just ruin her dress to humiliate her.She quickly crouched to gather the pearls, hoping to salvage the situation.But the building was historic, with original stone flooring - many pearls had disappeared into the cracks.She found barely a dozen, not enough for one strap.Hearing footsteps, Renee hurried out, holding her dress.She need
During the drive, Renee noticeably relaxed, feeling those watchful eyes no longer on her.The jewelry exhibition was held in a century-old cultural center on the outskirts of town, perfectly preserved inside and out.To maintain the building's historic charm, they'd skipped the red carpet. Even the press conference was held in an open courtyard.Everyone shivered in the cold while maintaining elegant smiles.Mandy joked it was "suffering for art," though everyone had secretly plastered heat packs under their formal wear.After the press conference, they moved into the warm interior.The theme was "Culture and Nature."Creative pieces lined the entrance.Beyond the standard luxury display cases, jewelry took various artistic forms.Gradient gemstone leaves and flowers, a spectacular diamond necklace designed like fireworks, and jewelry butterflies suspended on fishing lines.As Renee admired the displays, Mandy's voice brought her back.Mandy introduced a man to her and Annie
"Renee, the street food market's near the hotel. You should try the local dishes.”Renee completely lost her appetite.So Carl had gone out late at night to gather food for Annie?And stayed in her room to avoid giving his cold to delicate Annie?Renee found it laughable, yet this was exactly what Carl would do for Annie in her past life.She put down her half-eaten toast and gulped down milk."Miss Xander, I'm full. I'll go prepare for later.""Yes. I should go too - the stylist will arrive soon."Mandy also didn't want to hear Annie's chatter.As they left, Annie smiled behind her coffee cup.At the restaurant entrance, Renee ran into Carl entering with two middle-aged men.They briefly locked eyes before Renee turned away without a second glance.Annie's sweet voice drifted after them."Carl, you're here. I'm not very hungry, but I'll keep you company?""Mm."Carl put his arm around Annie and left with the men....Back in her room.Renee found the AC fixed, the ro
Carl gazed at Renee with dark eyes, like a predator ready to strike.Her breath caught. Her fair skin, flushed from the hot shower, had a rosy tint.Her misty eyes held an alluring gleam.He leaned down slowly, less demanding than usual, almost cautious.Renee stared back, mind blank, forgetting to resist.But just as Carl drew near, her nose twitched, and clarity returned.She pushed him away and turned, sneezing."Achoo!"After sneezing, Renee grabbed a tissue to wipe her nose.When she discarded it, she felt warmth - Carl had covered her with a blanket.Carl lay back, eyes closed, his voice husky. "Sleep."Renee rubbed her nose, curling up carefully at the edge of the bed.She'd make do for now - after such an eventful day, she had no energy left.Renee fell asleep almost instantly, but it was too cold.Especially with the warmth radiating from behind her while her side of the bed remained chilly.The contrast made for restless sleep.As she drifted uncomfortably, a