Laura's voice trembled. "You lied. You and Hailey never broke up. You… You're already talking about marriage."Simon paused. "I didn't lie. But my mom likes her, and I can't ignore her feelings."Laura nodded and smiled bitterly. "So… I'm just supposed to please you? I don't even have the right to know that you're about to get married, is that it?"Simon caressed her cheek. "Who said I'm getting married?""But you and Hailey…" Laura couldn't finish her sentence.Simon's gaze lingered on her. "I promise I'll let you go if I really do get married someday."Laura's heart sank and she swallowed her sorrows. She forced a smile. "I'll remember that, and I hope you keep your word."Simon studied her, his breath growing heavier. Suddenly, he swept her off her feet and carried her toward the bedroom.Laura was docile in his arms, her hands awkwardly clutching his collar. Simon felt like he had become addicted to her body. His body felt hot every time he touched her. That was why he coul
Simon couldn't bear to think about the "what-ifs". It would only fuel his hatred and regret over his father's death.Fiona placed the flowers on her husband's tombstone. "Anthony, don't worry. Our son has grown into a remarkable man and has avenged you. He sent that asshole, Harry, to prison and tormented his daughter in every possible way. We won't give them peace, so your spirit can finally rest."Simon's expression darkened at this, and a wave of guilt and conflicting feelings washed over him.He once kept Laura by his side and took every opportunity to torment and humiliate her in the name of avenging his father. And he felt accomplished by doing so. The more Laura and Harry suffered, the stronger his sense of vengeance grew.He used to enjoy making Laura suffer. But slowly, he began to dislike seeing her cry. And couldn't help but be kind and protect her.Simon felt an overwhelming sense of shame as he stood over the tombstone. It served as a warning bell, reminding him that
Simon sent Fiona back home. Before leaving, he reminded her, "Mom, don't tell Hailey about our family's past. Also, I don't want the Brooks family to know why I keep Laura around. It'll only complicate things."Fiona was puzzled. "But wouldn't telling Hailey stop her from misunderstanding you? After all, you're just taking revenge on Laura, but Hailey doesn't see it that way."Simon's expression hardened. "I don't care what she thinks. I've discovered new clues about what happened with Dad. I don't want anyone else interfering.""New clues?" Fiona was intrigued. "Was Harry not the only one behind what happened?"Simon's gaze was unreadable. "Maybe he wasn't the only one."After all, Miguel had started revealing his true colors, and Simon could now follow the trail to uncover more.Simon reassured Fiona, "Mom, you're still recovering. Stay home and rest. Don't worry about these things. The best way you can help is by not causing me any trouble.""Alright, then I… I won't say anyt
Fiona was filled with doubt and unease, and her hatred for Laura grew.After Hailey left, she immediately asked the driver to take her to the studio.Meanwhile, Laura had just returned from a party. Her task today was to interview the entrepreneur hosting the event.When she returned to her office, the guard said, "Ms. Scott, a lady came to see you earlier. She's been waiting in the lounge for about ten minutes.""Alright, thank you." Laura assumed it was Jennifer and entered the lounge with a smile.Unexpectedly, the person waiting was Fiona.Laura closed the door and stood near the entrance, not daring to approach.Looking at the gloomy Fiona, Laura suppressed her nervousness and asked, "Is there something you need?"Fiona scoffed. "Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to see how shameless a woman could be. You're still sticking around my son after taking my money."Laura did feel guilty. After all, she had accepted the money and agreed to Fiona's request. But Simon knew about th
Laura could no longer maintain her composure. Her heart dropped and she couldn't help but tremble even though she knew Simon would never say such things to Fiona. Laura believed Simon wouldn't feel that way.To avoid showing weakness in front of Fiona, she took a deep breath and said, "I have work to do. Please leave."Fiona huffed. "Stop pretending! Do you think I believe you care about this measly job and its salary when you're clinging to Simon? Listen, if you're going to be someone's mistress, you need to act the part. You have to be good to the man and his family. Especially to the Brooks family. It's only because they tolerate you that you're allowed to stay by Simon's side."Fiona was satisfied when she saw Laura's pale face. Her son's method was brilliant! Keeping the daughter of his enemy by his side to humiliate her was far more satisfying than killing her.Fiona could tell from Laura's reaction that she had fallen in love with Simon. After all, she could easily see throu
After trying to open the door without success, Simon had no choice but to knock."Laura, open the door." His voice was calm and cold. "I know you're inside."Laura snapped, "Don't look for me again! You have your own home, don't you? This place isn't your home. A run-down apartment like this can't hold someone as noble as you!"Silence met her. A few minutes later, Laura peered through the peephole and saw Simon was gone.Laura sighed, though she couldn't tell whether it was relief or disappointment she was feeling.With Simon's proud and stubborn personality, there was no way he would tolerate her acting out.Laura muttered to herself, "It's better if he never comes again."With that, she began cooking some soup and went to take a shower. By the time she finished, the soup would be ready to eat.However, when Laura emerged from the bathroom, she was shocked by what she saw.The lock on her door was shaking as if someone was tampering with it, and it was clear that someone was
Simon finally understood the situation. He sighed, walked over to Laura, and gently wiped the tears off her face. His voice softened as he asked, "Did my mother come to see you?"But he knew the answer even without Laura answering. Fiona must have said something hurtful to upset Laura. After all, no one knew better than Simon how strong-willed and prideful Laura was.However, he also knew his mother. At the very least, she hadn't mentioned anything about the past. "I'm sorry if my mother said anything that hurt you, I apologize on her behalf." Simon pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair gently to soothe her anger and frustration.Laura's voice was low and tinged with disappointment, "Even though her words were harsh, I know everything she said was true."Simon hummed. "What exactly did she say to you?"Laura lifted her tear-streaked face and said softly, "You said you'd let me go if you got married. But you've gone back to your hometown with Hailey, and you ignored me for
After listening to Simon's explanation, Laura looked at him with a serious expression, surprise, and curiosity flickering in her eyes.She was surprised because the Simon she knew wouldn't have been so patient, nor would he explain himself. With the nature of their relationship, he didn't have to explain anything to her.Yet the more he behaved this way, the more Laura's heart swelled, making her deceive herself and sink into this tangled web.She buried herself into his chest and hugged his waist tightly, her head resting against his heart.Her voice was barely above a whisper. "You didn't reply to my messages these past few days. I didn't know what I did wrong. You should at least tell me if you're getting married. I won't cling to you. But I don't like not knowing where you are."Guilt struck Simon. He gently held Laura and murmured, "You didn't do anything wrong. My absence the past few days… was my fault."The truth was, he still hadn't figured out what to do with Laura. Eve
After visiting Harry, Simon left the prison with a heavy heart.He drove along a mountain road, letting the cool air blow against his face. He smoked a few cigarettes to clear his mind before finally heading home.It was late when he got back. Laura was in the kitchen trying to make something to eat. Simon sighed and walked over. "Go rest. I'll handle this."He took the ladle from her and began cooking.Laura didn't leave. Instead, she stood to the side, lost in thought. When had Simon started becoming this gentle? He used to be so distant and untouchable.She had been with him for five years, yet she had never known he could cook.Deep down, Laura wished he stayed the same cold and unreachable figure. At least then, she could keep her feelings in check.Simon asked, "Why aren't you resting?""I… I've been lying down all day. I just wanted to stand for a bit." She came up with an excuse. After a brief pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did you smoke?"Simon only then noticed the
Harry finally realized Simon had orchestrated everything. He had believed the Jensens were the mastermind behind this.Suddenly, thoughts of his daughter flooded his mind. He tried to stand up and confront Simon, but the handcuffs and shackles restrained him, forcing him to remain seated.Harry glared at Simon. "What have you done to my daughter? Tell me! What exactly have you done to her?"Simon smirked. "Nothing much. I simply taught her how to serve me, please me, and keep me happy."Harry's heart dropped. The thought of his daughter, whom he had lovingly raised and cherished, reduced to Simon's plaything after his imprisonment, tore his heart to pieces.It was a fate worse than death. "You! What happened to your father back then was my fault! I take full responsibility!" Harry's voice trembled, "But Laura is innocent. I beg you, let her go. Don't hurt her! You can kill me if you want. I'm begging you. Please, let Laura go!" Simon gazed at the desperate man before him. Ye
It was as if Simon blamed Laura for always asking stubborn questions.Their relationship was far from normal. He didn't understand why she insisted on getting to the bottom of everything.Laura's heart dropped. She returned to the bedroom, feeling utterly lost. Her heart ached. Simon was the most ruthless, selfish, and self-serving man she had ever met.Everything she had endured last night seemed insignificant to him. What mattered to him was that his mother hadn't caused her death, sparing him from any trouble.Around noon, Simon entered the bedroom.Laura was sitting on the rocking chair by the window, staring outside. The once-proud Laura now carried a sense of melancholy.Simon's heart tightened seeing her pale face. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't his strong suit. He was too prideful for that.Still, he walked over to her and stroked her hair. "Don't take what I said to my mother earlier to heart. It wasn't aimed at you. Laura, you've been with me for five years. I thoug
Simon's words comforted Laura.After finishing the soup, she burrowed back under the covers. She peeked out to gaze at Simon, who was working on the couch. She could never get enough of him no matter how long she looked.Even though she knew she was being pathetic, she couldn't help herself. She was charmed by Simon. Every move he made exuded the poise and charisma of a mature man. Especially when he was focused on his work, it always stirred a sense of admiration in her.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep again. She wasn't sure how long she slept. But later, she groggily heard Simon's voice as he spoke on the phone.Simon was on the balcony, talking to Fiona. Fiona feigned innocence. "How would I know she was on the balcony? I just noticed it was about to rain and wanted to close the balcony door for you."Simon's tone sharpened. "Mom, there's no point in making these excuses. We're mother and son. I can see right through you. If you pull another st
Laura understood Simon was technically still single since he wasn't married yet. She could still deceive herself and live in denial. But he would become someone else's husband once he married. Would she want to be his mistress?If it came to that, even she would despise herself.Simon hummed. "You can decide for yourself when that time comes. You can leave if you don't want to stay with me. But my promise will be void. You'd better believe me when I say, only I can save your father."Looking at Simon's emotionless face, Laura suddenly realized how cruel and cold-hearted he truly was. The feelings she thought they shared, the love and devotion she had poured her heart and youth into, were but a transaction in his eyes.Laura nodded. "Then let's set a deadline. I'll give you one year. If, after one year, my father's case remains unchanged, then we'll… cut ties."Simon replied calmly, "Fine, as you wish. Now get some rest."Only then did Laura close her eyes and stop resisting his t
Simon didn't give Laura any chance to react. He took a sip and then lowered his head before capturing her lips.Laura's eyes widened as Simon forced her to swallow the soup. She pounded on his shoulders before Simon let her go.He demanded, "I'll have no choice but to feed you like this if you don't drink the soup and take your medicine."Laura glared at him, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the bowl and downed the soup in one go. Then, she took the cold medicine he handed her.Simon finally relaxed and tucked her in. "Sleep."But how could Laura possibly fall asleep? Especially when Simon lay down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She gritted her teeth. "Can you not touch me? I'm begging you. Don't touch me!"Simon didn't respond. He held her tightly, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her pajamas.Later, he noticed Laura was trembling and thought she was cold.When he turned her to face him, he realized her eyes were red, an
A sharp pain pierced Simon's chest. In the next instant, he held Laura tightly, as though trying to shield her from the cold. But still, she trembled uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he rushed to fill the bathtub with warm water and slowly placed her into it.Simon stroked Laura's pale face, then gently instructed, "Stay in the bath for a while. I'll make you some peppermint tea. If you start running a fever later, we might need to go to the hospital."Having said that, he turned to leave the bathroom. But as soon as he closed the door, he heard her crying.Simon froze in his tracks, then turned and rushed back in. He quickly undressed and stepped into the tub before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Laurie. I'm so sorry I came home so late," he apologized in a hoarse voice. "I-I didn't know they would—""Go away! Don't touch me!"Laura shoved him away with all her strength. Her voice broke as she screamed, "While you were happily spending time with your family, I was
As soon as Simon finished speaking, he froze. He had repeated what Laura had told him that day, almost exactly.He was a lawyer. Yet, his response was far from professional. Laura's words and actions had crept into his thoughts without him even realizing it. The realization unsettled him, leaving him feeling irritated.Meanwhile, William avoided Simon's gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Why are you bringing this up again? I've already told you. Those people came from some poor countryside. They don't deserve one million dollars."Besides, who in the right mind would complain about having too much money? If I can settle this with 200 thousand dollars, why should I pay a million? Didn't you say you found evidence to clear Brooks Group of most of the responsibility?"Simon had indeed found such evidence. That crucial piece meant Nick's family couldn't demand much compensation. Yet, a tightness gripped his chest, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. For some reaso
Fiona fixed her gaze on Simon, then replied, "Tell me honestly. Do you really only see Laura as the daughter of our enemy? If so, why do you keep putting off your engagement to Hailey?"Is there something else on your mind? Let me warn you. If you've developed any sympathy for that bitch, I'll end my life right in front of you!"Simon's heart sank as he heard that. He could clearly see the unwavering determination in her eyes. He would never doubt Fiona's words. After all, it was Harry who had caused Anthony's death, and that had shattered her life completely.The humiliation and torment Fiona had once endured flooded Simon's mind. He clenched his fists, unwilling to dwell on it any longer.He knew that Fiona would never accept Laura. The incident was something Fiona could never get over. Suddenly, she became agitated and grabbed Simon's arm tightly. Her voice was desperate as she demanded, "Tell me now. Do you have feelings for that bitch? Answer me!""Mom, calm down. I promi