Like everyone else, Jared had felt Zoey was in an irreparable situation back then. His last bit of hope crumbled at the funeral happened.Now, a glass door separated him from her. It was like the hustle and bustle around him went silent. He studied her features and wondered if he was dreaming. He felt seeing her in such perfect condition was only possible in a dream.Jared had climbed up the ladder in his career. Five years had passed, and he no longer looked as youthful or innocent. He was the head of his department and had excellent leadership skills.Zoey never thought she would bump into him, either. After losing contact for five years, she blocked out any news associated with the people she used to know."It's been a while," she greeted him.Her gentle voice convinced Jared she was real. He took two slow steps toward her. His movements were cautious. Then, his hand shot forward to pull her into a hug. Jared behaved like the same passionate boy with an unshakeable will he used

Laurence put aside his emotions as Zoey appeared wary, building up walls of defense against him. She was nervous, uneasy, and drained as if every second of the day was excruciating to her. He ignored her reaction, pretending that she was there of her own accord. All that mattered to him was that she was within his reach."Aren't you hungry? Let's have dinner." The household staff at the villa had prepared dinner in advance, and the rest of the people on the property had been dismissed.Zoey thought she had almost forgotten everything that had happened in the villa. She kept telling herself to forget, but the memory was seared into her mind. Standing there, she felt suffocated by the familiarity that washed over her.She had never met a more challenging person than Laurence. She felt exhausted every time she had to deal with him. "I want to eat at home." Laurence stared calmly at Zoey, his eyes dark and unreadable. He knew why she had asked to have dinner at home—she despised h

Laurence held Zoey close to him, even in a deep sleep. Zoey was sweaty and restless in the middle of the night. She was mumbling in her sleep, and it sounded like she was having a nightmare.Laurence woke up and saw tears streaming down her face. She was trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up. Laurence gently called Zoey's name in her ear, but she didn't respond.Fortunately, her whimpers eventually subsided. The nightmare must have finally left her. Laurence was relieved. He crept out of bed and went to the bathroom to grab a clean towel. He wiped away the cold sweat on her forehead, wondering what she had dreamed about. She didn't really have nightmares in the past. She barely moved when she slept, curling up in his arms. Only during the cold winters would she cling to him for warmth. Zoey was probably afraid of him at the time. Maybe she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. She would always be terrified to wake up in his arms, her face red from sleep or embarrass

Zoey watched two episodes of a soap opera to kill time. She found that watching unrealistic soap operas was a great way to boost her mood. At least, it was better than dealing or interacting with Laurence. The man sat beside her, sinking into the soft sofa. Surprisingly, he could tolerate the nonsensical school-themed soap opera she was watching.Zoey was watching the soap opera intently. Laurence wondered if he should worry about Zoey crushing on the youthful leading man.Among all the topics Laurence could have chosen to discuss, he commented, "The leading man is a newly signed rookie. He comes from money. "He has the right resources to reach stardom quickly. He's been secretly dating a manager in the entertainment industry for two years."Laurence suddenly became talkative, even though he sat indifferently next to Zoey. His legs were crossed, and his hands rested on his lap.Zoey didn't care for what he had to say. Regardless, Laurence pressed on, "He looks innocent, but he'

Lydia couldn't let it go. She believed that she was no less than Zoey. Yet, Zoey always acted like she was better than everyone else."Really?" Lydia smirked and smiled in the direction Zoey left. "I'll be the judge of that." The feud at the workplace could be cruel. Lydia knew she would never have a chance for a promotion if her superior didn't leave. No one enjoyed working at the bottom. Lydia was no exception. She had her sights set on Zoey's position.Not long after Zoey left the restroom, she gave an excuse to leave the welcoming party early. Lydia didn't want to let her off so easily. "Why are you leaving early? Do you have a date?" She clearly had no good intentions. Her words could easily give others the wrong idea. Zoey replied indifferently, "I don't have a date. I'm just tired." "I won't insist you stay then. Go home and get some rest." Lydia smiled and tried to mislead others. "I thought you were going out on a date." She assumed it was with someone important.