Levi stepped out of the car first and extended his hand toward Renee.Renee shifted in her seat, gripping the edge of the car door. “I can manage on my own.”Levi didn’t lower his hand. “Have you forgotten? Today, you’re my date.”Hearing that, Renee hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his. After all, she’d already signed the million-dollar contract. When Mandy found out, she’d even doubled her bonus, so Renee felt compelled to take her role seriously.She stepped out of the car slowly, but her new high heels felt unsteady. She wobbled, and before she knew it, she stumbled toward Levi.He caught her waist effortlessly. “I’ll have Joe buy you some flats. You’re tall enough; no need to torture yourself with these.”“Thank you,” Renee said, flashing a grateful smile.Just then, a familiar voice called out from across the driveway.“Levi? Renee?”Renee froze, her body stiffening. She turned slowly, almost dreading what she’d see.There they were—Ruby, arm in arm with Carl
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
Levi stepped out of the car first and extended his hand toward Renee.Renee shifted in her seat, gripping the edge of the car door. “I can manage on my own.”Levi didn’t lower his hand. “Have you forgotten? Today, you’re my date.”Hearing that, Renee hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his. After all, she’d already signed the million-dollar contract. When Mandy found out, she’d even doubled her bonus, so Renee felt compelled to take her role seriously.She stepped out of the car slowly, but her new high heels felt unsteady. She wobbled, and before she knew it, she stumbled toward Levi.He caught her waist effortlessly. “I’ll have Joe buy you some flats. You’re tall enough; no need to torture yourself with these.”“Thank you,” Renee said, flashing a grateful smile.Just then, a familiar voice called out from across the driveway.“Levi? Renee?”Renee froze, her body stiffening. She turned slowly, almost dreading what she’d see.There they were—Ruby, arm in arm with Carl
At the very least, his future partner should be prettier than Renee, right? But, that would be a tough find.After exchanging phone numbers with Levi, Renee stood to leave.Levi, ever the gentleman, offered, “Shall I give you a ride?”Renee smiled politely. “You’re my client. It wouldn’t be appropriate. I’ll grab a cab. Take care.”Watching her walk away, Levi chuckled softly. She was intriguing.His phone buzzed.“Levi, how did the blind date go?” came his sister's teasing voice.“Which one?” Levi asked, his smile widening as he thought of Renee.“You’re smiling, aren’t you? Looks like it worked out.”“You’ll find out tomorrow.”“Promise me one thing,” his sister continued, her tone turning serious. “Don’t make things difficult for them. I don’t want to use my situation to guilt anyone.”Levi’s gaze turned cold momentarily, but he softened for his sister’s sake. “I understand.”The next morning, Renee woke early to get ready. She took extra care with her appearance, her ex
The table fell silent for a moment.Renee stared at the man in front of her, trying to gauge if he was joking. Before she could respond, the manager hurried over.“Apologies, the server mixed up the table numbers. This is actually table 26.”Renee turned to look at the man seated at table 27, who was clearly waiting. Feeling embarrassed, she glanced back at the man across from her. “Sorry about the confusion. Best of luck with your blind date.”The man’s tailored suit and expensive demeanor screamed wealth—someone she couldn’t afford to offend. Without waiting for a response, Renee quickly got up and moved to the correct table.She apologized to her client before settling in.Meanwhile, a woman dressed in the latest runway fashion took Renee’s former seat at table 26. As soon as she sat down, she began talking.“You look decent, but plenty of wealthy men chase after me. Let’s cut to the chase: unless you’re buying a million dollar house under my name, I’m not interested.”Renee
Ruby’s message pinged on Renee’s phone:"You don’t know either? Back in college, so many girls pursued him, but he ignored everyone. After the car accident, he suddenly changed, claiming he liked someone. I was still recovering in the hospital then and felt heartbroken when I heard that."That person must be you.Renee typed the response but deleted it immediately. It wasn’t her place to conclude such things. If Carl wanted to express his feelings, that should be his decision.Instead, she replied honestly:"You know how things were between my mom and my uncle. I didn’t move into the Grey family home until after Carl returned from college. I really don’t know.""I forgot about that—sorry.""No worries, I need to get back to work now.""Alright."Renee set her phone aside and stared blankly at her computer screen. Despite sitting there for ages, her design sketch wasn’t coming together.Her thoughts were interrupted when Mandy walked in. She gently tapped Renee on the shoulder,
Carl responded distractedly with a brief hum before walking away.Through the car window, Ruby watched his figure grow smaller, an unsettling emptiness welling in her chest. She suddenly clutched her chest and began to cough.Jackson, sitting in the driver’s seat, quickly handed her a bottle of water. “Miss Sanders, are you alright?”“I’m fine, just caught a chill,” Ruby replied, nervously fiddling with the bottle cap. “Mr. Chancer, did I say something wrong just now?”Jackson remained composed as ever. “Not at all. Mr. Grey is just always busy with work.”“I see,” Ruby murmured, though her worry lingered.After dropping Ruby off, Jackson returned to Carl’s downtown penthouse. While sorting through some company files, he heard the door open. When Carl walked in, Jackson’s eyes widened in disbelief.“Mr. Grey… is that…?”Carl shot him a cold glance and handed over a bag.“Send it for dry clean.”“Yes, sir.”Mandy’s new product launch was a resounding success, even drawing co
Patrick’s face grew solemn after hearing Renee’s words. He understood the unspoken meaning behind them: from now on, they wouldn’t even count as family—no ties, no obligations.“Renee, I’m sorry.”“Uncle, please take care of my mom,” Renee said with a smile, entrusting him with the task.Susanne wanted to scold her daughter, but the memory of the three of them huddled in the kitchen eating earlier in the day stopped her. She finally realized it was her own presence that had made life so difficult for Renee, forcing her to endure humiliation again and again.Susanne mustered a smile. “Take care of yourself.”“I will.” Renee slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out without looking back.Moments later, the butler entered the kitchen.“Mr. Patrick, Madam Susanne, Miss Sanders is leaving.”“Understood. We’ll come right away.” Patrick straightened his clothes and took Susanne’s hand as they walked out together.The butler quickly added, “Master requested Miss Lacey to join in
Carl’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with a piercing coldness. “Renee,” he said, his voice low but sharp.Renee met his gaze head-on. “You really didn’t notice what Michael did today? Watching my mom and me struggle pointlessly—is that entertaining to you? I’m tired of playing these games with you. That night was long over, Uncle Carl.”Her words carried a finality. Between them, there would always be only that polite “Uncle Carl.”A glint of ice flickered in Carl’s eyes before he turned and strode toward the trash bin.Renee watched his retreating figure, her emotions a tangled mess. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him to retrieve the bag or to just leave it there. But with each step he took toward the trash bin, her heart clenched tighter.Just as Carl was about to stop the maid from disposing of the trash, a sharp cry echoed from the garden path.He turned toward the sound, and so did Renee.Ruby, wearing her prosthetic leg, had tripped over a stone slab and fallen to
Ruby looked at Carl and quickly shook her head. “I didn’t save Carl expecting anything in return. Back then, it wouldn’t have mattered who was in that car—I’d have done the same.”Her tone was sincere, without a hint of pretense.Michael observed her with approval and nodded. “Ruby, it’s Carl’s fortune to have someone like you in his life.”“Mr. Grey, with praise like that, I don’t even know how to respond,” Ruby said, blushing slightly as she instinctively leaned closer to Carl’s side.Her feelings for him were obvious to everyone at the table, and no one objected.Even with her disability, Ruby was seen as a symbol of virtue—she had sacrificed herself for Carl, and bringing her into the family would be a gesture of honor for the Greys. Add her prestigious family background to the equation, and the match seemed perfect.Ruby glanced at Carl’s chiseled profile, her gaze filled with anticipation, hoping he might say something in response.But Carl merely picked up the fruit platt
Renee washed her hands and rolled up her sleeves, ready to help Susanne in the kitchen. But just as she was about to start, Patrick walked in, shrugging off his coat."Alright, you two, go eat. I'll take care of things here," he said."Thank you, darling," Susanne replied with a smile that made her eyes crinkle."Thanks, Uncle," Renee chimed in before taking two bowls of soup and sitting down at the small table to eat.The soup was unlike anything she’d had before—rich and comforting.Susanne and Patrick exchanged a few affectionate words before joining her. As soon as Susanne sat down, she snatched Renee’s bowl and gulped down the rest of the soup."I'm parched! Anyway, I found out everything you wanted to know," Susanne said, her tone playful."Found out what? Mom, when did I ask you to investigate anything?" Renee looked at her in confusion."About Ruby," Susanne said, lowering her voice as if sharing a juicy secret.Intrigued, Renee stayed silent, letting her continue."R