Yara nodded in agreement with Calista's sentiment. While she had considered making some sarcastic remarks initially, she chose to refrain from doing so in the presence of Paul.She didn't want to ridicule his friend while he was around, so she kept her comments to herself. Yara handed Calista a gift and explained, "My mom brought this souvenir for you from her trip. It's some food items. She was worried they might spoil, so she asked me to bring them to you." Calista accepted the gift with gratitude and replied, "Please thank your mom for me." Changing the topic, Yara inquired, "Oh, how did you handle that vase from the last time? The employer is getting impatient because they're about to travel abroad and asked if they could have it early." Calista assured her, "I took care of it. I'll go get it for you now." Yara had access to Calista's place with a spare key, but she recognized Calista's eagerness to leave the hospital and did not mention it.All Calista wanted at that m
Paul furrowed his brow and shook his head."I'm sorry, but I had no idea that Calista came to see me that night. The staff possibly took the money but didn't follow through." After all, Calista was rather timid back then, and the staff may have taken advantage of that. Yara remained unconvinced, no matter what Paul said."If it weren't for your customized, one-of-a-kind watch, Calista wouldn't have mistaken you for Lucian ..." Calista wouldn't have ended up in the wrong bed and forced into marrying Lucian. She was nervous and had accidentally consumed too many drinks while waiting for Paul that night. She had dozed off, and when a man helped her from her seat, her blurry state prevented her from seeing his face. However, she distinctly noticed the unique watch the man was wearing. Paul had mentioned that his watch was custom-made, one of a kind in the world. Calista believed that tipping the waiter to convey a message to Paul had worked. Furthermore, the man exuded a famili
Paul wasn't one to readily accept responsibility. He usually maintained a friendly but emotionally distant demeanor, making it hard for others to connect with him. However, this time, he couldn't avoid feeling personally involved. His emotions were a complex mix of anger, regret, and even a hint of sympathy. Lucian replied, "Yes." Lucian had been sober that night, fully aware that Calista had gone with him under the mistaken belief that he was Paul. Their subsequent intimate encounter had not been consensual. Paul clenched his fist without hesitation and swung it toward Lucian's face. While Paul wasn't used to having fights, he had received training since childhood due to potential threats from his family's background. His punch packed a considerable amount of force. Lucian quickly stepped back, using his hand to block Paul's attack and simultaneously attempting to land a kick on Paul's knee. The room was small and poorly soundproofed, causing the commotion to reach the h
Lucian and Paul continued to throw punches at each other relentlessly. Calista's voice quivered with anxiety, "Lucian ..." However, her plea failed to deter the enraged and uncontrollable man. Instead, they only fueled his fury, intensifying his assault on Paul. Paul, who wasn't used to physical altercations, was visibly outmatched. Calista tried to restrain Lucian, but a man consumed by anger was beyond reason. He nearly flung her aside in his blind rage. As Lucian attempted to lay another punch at Paul, she clung to his arm, using her body weight to hold him down. Despite Lucian's strength, he couldn't break free from her grip. Lucian gradually came to his senses, but his anger and desire for destruction grew stronger.His expression remained impassive as he questioned, "Calista, are you protecting him?" Lucian remembered the time he had fought with Hector, and Calista had walked away, showing no interest in the altercation.She had been detained by apartment security b
No one had stepped foot in Room 507 since the morning Lucian chased the nurse out. Lucian sat in the same attire, the wound on his hand now scabbed over. The daylight outside gradually dimmed until it was completely dark. Lucian's position remained unchanged. Except for the occasional blink of his eyes, he seemed like a lifeless statue. The ward had poor sound insulation, allowing the clear voices and footsteps from outside to penetrate. The hushed whispers outside made Lucian appear even more lonely. As night fell, the noises disappeared, leaving only silence. Click. Suddenly, the doorknob's pressing sound resonated loudly in the quiet ward.Lucian's eyes remained shut as he coldly ordered, "Get out." But the intruder ignored him and entered the room. Bam. A loud crash followed as a chair blocking the door was kicked aside. After several thuds and kicks, the footsteps finally ceased when they reached the bedside. Lucian opened his eyes and looked at the person befor
Lily couldn't tolerate Calista's indifference and replied coldly, "Don't jump to conclusions about Lucian and me. We're just friends. Who are you to care for Paul anyway?" Lily learned about the incident's details when she passed by the nurse's station. She had gained insight into what had happened. Lily glanced at Calista's bag and continued, "This restaurant isn't near the hospital. You do seem quite considerate. I wonder if you bought something for Lucian, too?" Just as Calista was about to respond, Lucian exited the room. His injuries had been attended to, and he was wrapped in white bandages. Calista couldn't help but remember Lucian's words from earlier in the day, and the urge to argue suddenly vanished."Instead of hovering around me like a fly, you should focus on how to keep him once our divorce is final and secure the title of Mrs. Northwood." Lucian approached Lily and said, "Let's go. I'll drive you back." "Alright."Lily cast a superior and disdainful glance
Calista couldn't believe her eyes. The guard had already turned around, pretending to inspect the view of the garden. Lily wasn't wearing any clothes! "Mrs. Northwood, there must be a misunderstanding here. Mr. Northwood was completely passed out when I left," the guard quickly explained. Calista struggled to grasp her phone securely, her hand trembling as she reached for it in her bag. The guard was visibly anxious. His eyes darted between Calista and the garden. Surprisingly, Calista didn't leave. Instead, she entered the house with her phone.Puzzled, he asked, "Mrs. Northwood, what are you ..." Calista switched on the lights in the living room, flooding the area with harsh illumination. The revealing light exposed the chaotic state of the two people on the sofa. Calista aimed her phone at them and began taking photos. Lily's hand had been on Lucian's shirt. She was wearing a black off-shoulder sweater, and the sofa's backrest had partially covered her, leading Calista
Lucian silently watched Calista, but his gaze appeared extended beyond her, fixating on another girl with a radiant smile. The radiance in that girl's eyes surpassed even the sun's brightness in the sky, starkly contrasting with Calista's current dim and despairing gaze. Calista had never looked so tired and disappointed, not even during her days of hiding from loan sharks.Back then, she had managed to maintain a glimmer of hope for a brighter future, even amid her dire circumstances. Her emotions were vivid, ranging from hatred to joy, anxiety to fear. However, in just three years, everything had transformed. "Do you seek a divorce because you've grown tired of this marriage, or is it because Paul's affection for you has swayed your decision?" Lucian inquired in a low, husky tone."So, you're eager to have a love affair with him?" Calista fell silent for a while.She smiled faintly and replied hoarsely, "Lucian, we're married, for better or worse. Do you seriously want t