"I looked into Kenneth Forger and found a name that seems familiar to me. I think…" Lucian started.He frowned and tried his best to remember. However, he couldn't recall any relevant clues. "I think I knew her."Calista wasn't surprised to hear that he had investigated Kenneth. The Forgers were well-known political figures. It was normal for their social circles to overlap."Who are you talking about?""Cailyn Webster. This name sounds somewhat familiar."Calista stiffened, but she quickly recomposed herself. She stared at the menu and tried her best to keep a straight face."I don't remember you knowing anyone by that name. If it sounds familiar, it's probably because it's a common name."Lucian stared at her. There seemed to be a lot going on in his mind. She couldn't tell if he believed her or not."I see…" The topic was quickly passed over with neither bringing it up again. However, Calista felt nervous and was absent-minded throughout the meal. Kenneth knew Cailyn? Sh
Calista's words gave Lucian the confidence boost he needed. He leveled a frown at Selena."Stop trying to sow discord between me and Callie, Mom. We're married. We'll support each other through thick and thin. We won't give up on each other no matter what happens."Selena glared at him in disapproval. "Look at you acting all innocent. You're lucky to have found Callie. Any other person would've swindled you for all you're worth."She placed herself next to Calista, indicating her disdain for him through her actions. "Ignore him, Callie. Let's pick out an invitation."Calista rubbed the back of her neck. She had buried her head in work these past few days, leaving her feeling drowsy all day long."Okay."When Lucian noticed her tiredness, he immediately gave her a massage with the right amount of force. It soothed the ache in her neck. Even her dizziness had been eased.Selena eagerly opened the album. "These are a few of the invitation designs I previously selected. Take a look,
After Timothy received his shot, they left the hospital. Yara yawned. "You should take a taxi home on your own. I'm so tired. I just want to go home and sleep."Fortunately, she had been smart enough to drive herself when she left. Otherwise, she would've had to return with Timothy.As she opened the car door and bent down to get in, Timothy grabbed her. "I just got an injection, and it's not easy to find a taxi this late at night. Are you planning to just leave me here?"Yara leveled him with a bewildered stare. "You're a man. Why are you the one concerned about being attacked?"Timothy looked at her in silence. Even though he said nothing, Yara caved. The two were stuck in a stalemate on the deserted street. After a while, she opened the car door with a frustrated look. "Let's go. I'll drop you off. Just my luck to get myself involved in this mess."He heard her sarcastic quip despite her muttering under her breath. A smirk played on his lips as he got into the passenger seat.
Timothy let out a helpless sigh at Yara's apparent cluelessness. She failed to grasp what he was trying to say. He took her hand and led her upstairs.Although was still winter, his palm was unusually warm. Yara felt as if she had dipped her cold hand into lava. It was such a comfortable feeling that she couldn't help but extend her other hand as well. She gave Timothy a look, signaling for him to grab it.He smiled at her pushiness. He took her outstretched hand and immediately broke into a frown. "Why are you so cold?"Many women had cold hands and feet in winter. Yara didn't think it was something worth fussing over. "Sir, it's winter."Timothy, however, wasn't as indifferent as she was. "I know a renowned doctor who practices holistic medicine. I'm setting up an appointment for you.""I don't want to."Medicinal herbs were usually bitter. If she were to undergo treatment, it would take at least two weeks. Yara wasn't keen on putting herself through that suffering. Her hands a
That weekend, Lucian set up an appointment with the staff from the bridal studio and brought Calista along. She was going to be picking how the venue would be styled.The consultant first showed them several sets of photos of the site layout featuring various styles of decor. "Take a look. See if there are any that catch your eye."As Lucian studied the video with bouquets everywhere, a familiar scene flashed in his mind. It was in a place just like it with flowers piled up everywhere. He was wearing a black suit and holding up a dark ring box as he repeatedly rehearsed the proposal to himself.He was awkwardly down on one knee. Although he didn't stumble over his words, every word that came out of his mouth sounded wrong. He repeated the lines over and over again like an inexperienced teenager. He closed his eyes. The place looked like a restaurant.But Lucian couldn't remember ever doing such a thing. He and Calista were already married when he still had his memories. There wou
Hector was accustomed to military life. When he got excited, he treated Calista like one of his soldiers, which led to his arm around her shoulder out of habit."Listen to me… Ouch…"He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his knuckles from someone's bone-crushing grip. He gasped and turned to look back with a grimace. Hector was met with Lucian's cold gaze as the latter slowly peeled the former's hand off of Calista's shoulder."You can talk all you want, but keep your hands to yourself."Hector was at a loss for words.If Lucian hadn't twisted his hand, he wouldn't have noticed at all. In any case, wasn't it normal to casually drape an arm around someone's shoulder in today's society?However, if any man were to put his arm around his wife the way he was doing, he wouldn't be pleased either. But, he wasn't going to admit that to Lucian. Otherwise, there was no telling how smug Lucian was going to be."We're as close as siblings. What's wrong with me putting my arm around her?"Despi
Lucian was still conflicted because of Calista's evasive response. "I don't know. I forgot," he answered placidly.He then recalled the information relating to Cade he had previously seen. It prompted him to add, "Don't get too close to her.""Why?" Calista asked. His warning only piqued her curiosity about Cameron. This wasn't the first time he had cautioned her this way. Lucian frowned. It took him a moment to come up with an appropriate descriptor for Cameron. "She's a fearsome woman who isn't afraid to raise her hand." Calista was at a loss for words.Lucian remained downcast throughout their journey home. When Calista asked questions, he would answer. If she didn't speak, he remained silent. When they got back to the Everglade Manor, he immediately went to the study on the second floor. His despondent behavior left her confused. How could his mood change so unpredictably? Women were one thing. Did men also suffer for a few days every month?Meanwhile, Lucian went through t
Calista's words dispelled the gloom that had plagued him. That night, Lucian had a dreamless slumber.The next day, he opened his eyes to the sight of Calista's serene countenance still lax with sleep. Her slightly curled hair was scattered messily on the pillow. A few strands of hair stuck to her face. The warmth had tinted her cheeks pink, and even her lips were a rosy shade.Lucian leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her lips. However, Calista was deeply asleep and showed no signs of waking up. So, he kissed her again. After several attempts, her long, curled lashes fluttered. She wrinkled her brows as she struggled to open her eyes. Her voice was still raspy with sleep. "What time is it?"Lucian reached for the phone on the bedside table. The screen unlocked immediately after the device scanned his face. He checked the time and said, "9:30 a.m."After answering her question, he tapped on the notification informing him of a new message on WhatsApp. After a quick glance, his
With Cade covering Cameron's mouth, there was no chance for her pointed words to offend anyone in the room. His palm was cool to the touch. It was a sensation she disliked. So, she couldn't help but tilt her head.When Cade noticed her movements, he gently stroked her cheek as if he were calming a child who was throwing a tantrum.Victor spent years in a position of authority, giving him an air of unspoken authority. His gaze hardened, and his lips pressed into a firm line as he watched Cade. "Cade, don't jeopardize the long-standing relationship between our families over a woman.""If that's how you see it." Cade glanced at the door. "Aren't you doing the same for a woman?"Victor snorted contemptuously. "How can a cheap girl who was merely adopted be worth anything compared to Mirabelle?""How is my daughter, a Yorksworth, worth any less than yours?" Blaire stood at the doorway as she took in the occupants of the home with her sharp gaze. She had been feeling restless ever sin
Mirabelle frowned. "Excuse me?"As soon as she finished speaking, Cameron walked up to her, grabbed her by her hair, and forcefully bent her over.Cameron held up the guest list Monica had sent her and shoved it in Mirabelle's face. "Call them. Tell them to be there by 3:00 p.m., or else…"She tightened her grip threateningly. "You can kiss this head of hair goodbye."Mirabelle pressed down on her scalp where it had been pulled, her voice distorted with pain when she spoke."Let go, Cameron! Are you out of your mind?""Didn't I tell you not to involve anyone else in our feud?""Can't take it anymore?"Mirabelle endured the pain of turning her head to flash a disdainful sneer at Cameron."This is just the appetizer. If you go against me, you'll eventually crawl out of Capeton with your tail between your legs. I'll call your business partner right now and pin the catastrophic failure of this event on you…"Seeing Mirabelle's condescending expression brought Cameron back to the
The kiss lifted the dark cloud that hung over Cade's mood over the past few days.The next day, as Fabian brought in documents for him to sign, Cade asked, "When is Cameron's show?"Fabian was taken aback for a split second but quickly replied. Fortunately, he was well-prepared and kept track of Cameron's events for the year in advance."Has the invitation been delivered?"Fabian swallowed, almost wanting to laugh to mock Cade. Given Cade's strained relationship with his wife, Cameron would sooner invite a dog than have him around. However, all Fabian could do was revel in Cade's misery in his mind while keeping a businesslike facade."It was probably already delivered. The front desk brought in a stack of mail yesterday. I haven't sorted it out yet."He had already sorted out the mail this morning. Everything had gone straight to the trash."Clear my schedule for the day. Make reservations at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.""Yes, sir."On the day of the show, Monica
That was obviously an excuse to get Cade out of the picture. Knowing what Mirabelle had done to Cameron in the past, leaving the two of them alone was out of the question. Besides, it wasn't convenient for him to move the car, so he refused without a second thought."Get the attendant—"However, Cameron cut him off before he could finish."Ms. Ackerman is a guest. You should fulfill her requests if she has any."Cade cast her a cold glance. "Shut up." Why should he dance to Mirabelle's tune?Cameron stared at him. "Run along."He gritted his teeth as rage crossed his face. After a brief pause, he sneered and turned to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Mirabelle's calm expression slipped. "Did you make me come here just to show off how much you two love each other?""You call that love? I think we have different definitions of what 'love' is then. He's nothing more than…" Cameron's fingers lightly traced the cup's rim as she smirked and said, "A lap dog.""You fu
Cameron crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bouquet in Cade's hands a nonchalant glance."What are you trying to pull, Mr. Carter?""Fabian said it was Women's Day today.""So what?"There was silence all around. The sound of soothing music could be heard through the door. Cade was silent for a while. "We're not getting a divorce, Cameron."It was the same old topic that Cameron had grown too weary of. She turned around and felt for the cigarette box on the table. There was already a layer of cigarette butts in the ashtray next to it. Judging by the color of the lipstick marks, more than half of them were hers.Cade frowned. He clearly disapproved of her smoking but kept himself from stopping her.Smoke curled from between her lips. The flickering embers of the cigarette reflected in her eyes, softening her indifferent gaze. Through the thin haze, Cameron's lips curled into a wide, unrestrained smile. Every time she smiled in this way, it always filled Cade with a
Cade began unbuckling his belt as he spoke. When it came to this sort of thing, men often had a strong sense of competition, especially in the presence of a woman they were interested in."Such a dark atmosphere isn't right for our situation."Cameron didn't like him to begin. In such a dark atmosphere, there was no telling what kind of grotesque creature she might imagine him to be. It would be strange if she felt attraction for him.She leveled a steady stare at him. Cade's shirt was half undone, showing his tense muscles underneath. Under the influence of alcohol, his skin took on a faint reddish hue. There was a heart-pounding tension in the air as if something was about to ignite. Occasionally, his slightly heavy breaths could be heard."You haven't been working out recently, have you?" Cameron asked.Cade was confused.Cameron pressed her hand against his chest, right below his ribs, and gave it a little push. After a moment, she commented, "Your muscles are a little soft
Cade tossed his phone onto the table in frustration when he saw who entered. He pressed his hand against his brow."Leave. You should see Diane for a work uniform.""Are you feeling unwell, Mr. Carter?" Rosalia approached the desk with a glass of milk in hand. "I learned how to give massages. Why don't I…" "Get out."Cade abruptly got to his feet and avoided Rosalia's outstretched hand, causing the milk to spill all over him. He glanced down at his now-stained shirt with a dark expression and pressed his lips tightly together. After a long pause, he asked through clenched teeth, "Did my wife ask you to send this up?" Every syllable was pronounced with the gnashing of teeth.Rosalia froze under his piercing gaze."It really was Mrs. Carter who asked me to bring it to you, sir," she stammered."Leave. From now on, you will not enter my study unless you have permission."Rosalia had come to work as a housekeeper to land herself a wealthy husband. She had even bribed the manager
On the next day, Cameron was discussing the fashion show with Monica when she suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind. "Cammie…" It was Blaire.Although Monica didn't fully know about Cameron's past, she didn't like Blaire at all. What kind of mother wouldn't protect their own child, after all?However, it wasn't appropriate for her to intervene as much even though she was Cameron's close friend. After all, it was Cameron's family matter.Monica stood up with her notebook in hand and said, "Well, I just remembered that there's still a few more invitations to send, so I'll go and take care of that. Let's discuss more about the fashion show later."After saying that, she glanced at Blaire and left without even greeting her.Cameron got up and nodded at Blaire. "Is something the matter?"She thought that her distant attitude last night had made it clear enough that she didn't want any more involvement with the Yorksworth family. She didn't expect that Blaire would come and loo
Cameron pushed the door open. She looked tired as she laid down her bag. As she changed her shoes, she caught sight of the food on the dining table out of the corner of her eye."Diane, didn't I tell you I wasn't coming back for dinner? Why did you make so much food?"Diane glanced upstairs. "It's for Mr. Carter. He hasn't eaten yet."The moment Cade was mentioned, Cameron dropped the topic. She rubbed her sore shoulder as she headed upstairs. "I see.""Madam…" Diane called out hesitantly, looking troubled. "Mr. Carter asked you to call him down for dinner when you got home.""Me? Call him down for dinner?" Cameron stopped in her tracks and turned around in confusion. "Why?""Mr. Carter seems to be upset. Did you two have another fight?""So If he's in a bad mood, I'm supposed to go upstairs and invite him down to eat? Should I also say 'Your meal is ready, my liege!' while I'm at it?" Cameron scoffed. Her sarcastic smirk quickly faded. "He can eat if he wants. If he doesn't,