I had just turned the doorknob when he grabbed the collar of my clothes from behind, his voice dark and malicious. "You little bitch! You dare deceive me, huh? Damn it, I'll show you!""No, please..."But no matter how I struggled, that one moment had drained all my strength, and I could only let him drag me towards the bed."Listen, is someone arguing in there?"Suddenly, a refined middle-aged man's voice came from the corridor outside."Oh... Dad, they've booked a room at the hotel, it's normal for young couples to argue. Let's go quickly, I just informed the restaurant to prepare our meal..."The man holding onto me instantly turned menacing, realizing I had unlocked the door.He threw me to the ground and reached to close the door, but someone pushed it open from outside!A pair of gleaming gentleman's shoes appeared in front of my eyes, then the gaze moved slightly upward to a pair of long legs clad in trousers.Thinking it was the middle-aged man who had spoken just now,
"He is Jessica's ex-husband." Ryan understood what I meant and explained softly, "This time, it's time for her to learn her lesson."At his words, I understood.Previously, due to my grandpa's dislike, Jessica had relied on brazenness to attend family banquets at the Frost family's old mansion, so I had never met Jessica's ex-husband.Now, treating her the way she treated others, even if it caused a scene, others would only think they were having a lover's spat.I believed in the principle of not offending others unless provoked, but if she wished me dead, I wouldn't show mercy either.Seeing me lost in thought, Ryan rubbed my head gently. "Are you hurt?"I shook my head. "No."Thinking back to the scene in the room, I still felt a lingering fear, and my hands were trembling slightly.Ryan's eyes darkened, and unexpectedly, I sensed a tinge of concern from him.He patiently held me, gently rubbing my back, softly reassuring, "It's okay now. You're safe, I'm here."After a whi
I didn't hear everything clearly, but I understood clearly what he was trying to express.A part of me that had been calm for a long time almost collapsed again.Nails scraped across the palm.A subtle pain awakened a hint of rationality. "Is it dry now?"Ryan seriously ran his fingers through my hair a few times. "Yeah, it's almost done."The sound of the hairdryer disappeared, leaving the room quiet.I nodded. "Okay... thank you."Suddenly, he hugged me from behind, his lips against my ear, cautiously and ambiguously probing, "Did you hear what I said, even a little?"A proud man like him might have been apologizing like this for the first time.Different from the casually insincere "I'm sorry" in the past, this time, he had truly let go of his dignity.I wanted to surrender at this moment, but I was too afraid, afraid of repeating the same mistakes, afraid of being like a moth to a flame.Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, prompted by reason, I said, "I heard. But, R
I had grown to love what he loves.How could I feel forced?Ryan's dark eyes glittered, compelling. "Then I’m not forcing myself either. Come on, eat."I couldn't bear it. "Your stomach can’t take it.""You've been doing this for three years, can't I do it even once? You're underestimating me too much," he spoke earnestly.I lowered my eyes. "Then do as you wish."After dinner, he took the initiative to wash the dishes, and I continued to work without guilt.Unlike Jack, I would feel embarrassed if Jack washed dishes, after all, we were just ordinary friends.But him, I had taken care of him for three years. Now, if he cooked and washed the dishes, it wasn't too much."Do you have any stomach medicine?"While I was studying the style of the company's first batch of new products, Ryan rubbed his stomach and settled into the nearby sofa.I couldn't help but want to laugh. I poured a cup of medicine and placed it in front of him. "Didn't you say I was underestimating you?"His
Immediately, the house fell into a silence so profound you could hear a pin drop.Ryan's obsidian-like eyes stared at me unblinkingly, churning with unresolved emotions.The indifferent demeanor he once had towards everything seemed unsustainable now.The atmosphere became tense and oppressive.After what seemed like an eternity, he slowly got up, meticulously folding the blanket, grabbing the coat on the single sofa, draping it over his elbow, his voice low. "Sorry for disturbing you last night, I'll leave now."Unconsciously, I picked at my fingers and asked again, "The divorce certificate...""Let's talk about it later."Avoiding my gaze, Ryan's long lashes partially concealed his emotions. "Gary just called, you heard it too. I need to rush back to the company for a meeting."With those words, almost without giving me a chance to respond, he strode away with his long legs.As if afraid I would refuse him.I looked down at the floor, faintly hearing the sound of the elevat
Mrs. Shaw pulled out a chair and sat down, chin raised as she eyed me, exuding the aura of a wealthy person to its fullest."The current predicament of the Frost family, once news of cooperation with the Shaw family gets out, will naturally be resolved. But your obstruction will only hold Ryan back.""Yes, he indeed ranks among the best—appearance, family background, capability, character—there are few in Jelaston, or even nationwide, who can be compared to him. It's normal for you to hold onto him tightly.""However, you should consider if you're worthy. You, someone without even a supportive family, what do you have to secure the position of Mrs. Frost?"She spoke as if making idle chatter, but each word cut deep into my heart.I pinched my fingers and calmly replied, "Mrs. Shaw, I respect your seniority, but if you're going to blur the lines between right and wrong just for your daughter, don't blame me for being blunt."To hear her advocating displacing the original wife so b
Such a grand gesture.My gaze shifted to that cheque, where I saw a number starting with '5' and a long string of zeros. Never had I imagined that the melodramatic plots from novels would one day play out in my life. No, this was even more melodramatic than in novels. In novels, at least it was the male lead's mother who showed up with a cheque to kick out the female lead. What was happening to me?I found it utterly ridiculous. "Are you determined to get your way today?"She was determined to clear the obstacle that I represented for her beloved daughter.Mrs. Shaw remained cold and unyielding, her eyes devoid of warmth as she stared at me. "What do you think?"I picked up the check. Under her approving gaze, I tore it into pieces, dropped them lightly to the floor, and smiled. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. I don't buy into your threats and temptations!"People who had nothing left were the most frightening. The Shaw family might need to consider their reputation, but as for me,
"Sure, it's been a while. Thanks, Miss Greenwood." Mentioning that old shop made my mouth water too. It served traditional bone broth with a touch of chili and vinegar, a specialty far different from the soup bases at chain restaurants, which often included sesame paste or milk.Just as we got into the car, the real estate agent came running after us, panting. "Ms. Wilson, Miss Greenwood, please wait! The owner of the property you viewed yesterday morning has responded. They are willing to lower the rent.""Which property?" asked Jane."The one next door, the office space across the street." The agent pointed to a tall building just across the road. The rent there was higher than this one, and while Jane and I were satisfied, we hadn't seriously considered taking it.After exchanging glances, Jane spoke up, declining, "Forget it. Even if they lower it, we don't have that much capital to invest in rent right now.""They're willing to lower it to this amount." The agent held up a fe
Whitney had nothing to say.Even if Caleb's accusations were unreasonable, even if he was deliberately making things difficult, she still had to go along with it—and endure it."I'll keep that in mind."Caleb didn't feel any joy at her answer, but he still asked, "What exactly will you keep in mind?"Whitney replied obediently, "If the same thing happens again, I'll either send you a text or call you."Beneath his large palm was her small, soft hand. He brushed his thumb slowly across her skin and asked, "If I'm not home by six in the evening, what will you do?"Whitney answered with surprising seriousness, "Does a traffic jam count?"Caleb took a deep breath. "No. Let's say it's a normal day, I should be home on time, but I don't show up.""Oh..." Whitney nodded thoughtfully. "Then I'll call you and ask why you haven't come home."‘Good enough.’This topic could be put to rest.He released her hand and said, "I'm thirsty."Whitney immediately got up to pour him a glass of
"Perfect."Caleb was rendered speechless.Half an hour later, Whitney arrived at the hospital room.It was clear she had rushed over—she was still breathing heavily, chest rising and falling with each gulp of air.Caleb felt a pang of guilt for tricking her like this. He was just about to sit up when his mother pressed him back down.Janet's eyes reddened instantly, tears threatening to fall at will.Business was like war—and in war, sometimes a bit of acting was essential.After all, his mother had spent years navigating the cutthroat world of commerce. Her acting skills were easily on par with half the entertainment industry."Darling..."Whitney still looked confused. She stepped closer and saw Caleb's lips pale and bloodless.He had been perfectly fine just last night—how had it come to this so suddenly?And he hadn't even drunk that much at the Hilton family dinner.Far less than what he had consumed at their wedding, in fact."Mom, please don't cry..." Whitney helped
Since they got married, this had never happened before.Though Caleb was a busy man, his parents hadn't completely stepped back from the family business yet, so he didn't need to clock in every day.He only went in for important matters, or meetings he couldn't avoid.But at night, he was always home.In the morning, he always got up at the same time as her.She had early classes at eight in the morning.Still, she didn't overthink it, assuming something urgent had come up at the last minute.Caleb was indeed at the office that morning.But there was absolutely nothing on the schedule.No one could understand why the he had shown up so early, sitting alone at his desk doing nothing.Philip pushed open the door to his office and found Caleb slouched lazily on the sofa.He raised his hand to stop the secretary from reporting anything.The secretary quickly nodded, stepped out, and shut the door behind her."Had an argument?"Philip didn't think that was likely.After all,
There was no rush.Whitney deeply admired Dianne's way of living—a strong mind, never anxious, never consumed by internal battles.Whatever came her way, she simply found a way to deal with it.She believed there were always more solutions than problems."Are you tired?"Caleb sat down beside her. "Do you want to go back and rest?"They had just flown back from an island.When they got off the plane, Whitney had barely been able to walk on her own.If not for this dinner with the Hilton family—one they truly couldn't skip—she would have preferred to go straight home and sleep.But since no one had left, she couldn't excuse herself either, and had just waited quietly.Now that Caleb asked, she hesitated, then nodded.He took her hand and helped her up, then said to the rest of the family, "We're heading back first. Just got back from out of town, and we're both exhausted."Lia nodded. "Come by more often."Whitney nodded politely.Caleb led her to the entryway to change th
The man who had just sat down was Caleb's younger cousin, Blake Hilton.He was a police officer.His parents had died in the line of duty. The Hilton family had originally not wanted him to follow the same path.But he had chosen it anyway, without hesitation.Whether it was because of his profession, or the fact that his own parents were no longer around — even though the Hilton family was tightly bonded — he remained quiet and reserved.Whitney wasn't much of a talker either, so she had barely exchanged more than a few words with him.Besides, every time the family had a meal, he was always the last to arrive.She had long since gotten used to it, never questioning why.Lately, though, she had heard rumors that he had fallen for someone.She had noticed the slap mark on his face at the last family gathering. And this time, his aunt had used the word "again".Blake said nothing.The others understood without needing to say a word, but Dianne had always been the type to spea
She really hadn't expected that someone could ask their parents for pocket money so brazenly.She had never seen it before.It truly opened her eyes."Are you okay?" Janet quickly patted her back to help her catch her breath, while Caleb pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her mouth.Whitney, embarrassed, said, "I'm sorry, I...""What are you apologizing for?" Caleb casually wiped the table as well. "It's nothing. Everyone chokes on water now and then.""Exactly," Millie chimed in cheerfully. "I choked on water just yesterday.""Alright, enough talking. Bring out the dishes and let's eat!" Lia called out, setting a plate of food in front of Whitney. "Try this and see if you like it."Whitney had always felt that, to the Hilton family, she was an outsider.So every time she came over, she couldn't help but feel nervous and constrained.Especially facing so many elders, she was neither sweet-tongued nor good at small talk.Every time, it was Caleb who managed all the social i
Whitney quickly stood up and called out, "Aunt Stephanie."Stephanie curved her lips into a smile and nodded."Stephanie!" Lia said as she came out of the kitchen. "How come you’re here by yourself? Where's Steve?"Steve Hilton was Lia’s eldest son and also Stephanie’s husband."He had something to take care of and will be a bit late. We can start eating first."She looked at Millie and asked, "Millie, what were you saying about me?"Millie immediately tattled, saying that Gilbert had bullied her.Stephanie didn't even ask for details, she just swung her fist and punched Gilbert.She had trained before, so the punch was solid and strong.But Gilbert had also trained, and he had grown up. Otherwise, if it had been when he was little, he wouldn't have been able to take it.This kind of situation had often happened when Millie was young — as long as the little girl cried and complained, he would get beaten by his own mother."I don’t think she’s your daughter-in-law. I think sh
Whitney wanted to thank Georgina through Millie, but Georgina said there was no need.However, simply having a meal together was acceptable.Up to now, they had only eaten together once.She wasn't very good at interpersonal interactions.On top of that, she had been busy with work early on and had gone on a business trip for a while, and almost all of her remaining time had been taken up by Caleb."Whitney, if you have time, I'd like to ask Georgina out for a meal. Sorry to trouble you.""No problem. Georgina told me that she’s missed you as well."Whitney didn't know what to say, so she could only force a smile.Millie already knew her personality and didn't mind, continuing to talk about amusing things on her own.She even asked how the wedding had gone for her this time.Whitney said, "It was great. I got along really well with Mrs. Howard and her two sisters. They're all wonderful people. I'll introduce them to you sometime.""That's great. I like making friends. The mo
The guard at the door saluted and let Caleb's car pass.As soon as Whitney got out of the car, she saw the Lia waiting at the door."Whitney!"She paused for a moment before being pulled inside.When she had first married Caleb, the Hilton family hadn't been this warm toward her.Caleb rarely took her back to the Hilton family's residence, except for the mandatory monthly family dinners.Sometimes, if a family member hosted a dinner that couldn't be refused, they would eat together.The Hilton family had been polite to her, and it was quite decent.But this time, she felt something was different.She didn't know what to say, so she gave a stiff smile.Caleb followed behind at a slow pace, breaking the awkwardness. "It's so cold outside. Why not wait inside?""The air inside’s quite dry due to the heating," said Lia. "I felt short of breath, so I came out to get some fresh air."Caleb asked in concern, "Did you do your regular checkup?"Lia replied, "I've done it. Stop nagg