Hannah did not move. Instead, she just stood there staring at him intensely, trying to decipher his thoughts.With her like this, Ralph did not dare to move any closer and remained where he was. He was afraid that her mood would suddenly change, and she would try to make a move on him. He couldn't suffer another attack. He looked up and realized that her complexion seemed much better after putting on some makeup. She wasn't as pale as before and seemed to have recovered a lot."Heather, are you okay? Are your injuries better?" He asked cautiously, showing his concern. This should be the right move. It would not anger her, right?However, Ralph was wrong! Hannah's heart was restless as she continued to look at him. She had not seen him for days. She had lost the chance to meet him since her sister moved into the Russell Estate a few days ago. Her heart yearned for him, and it grew stronger as days passed.She had never experienced how it felt to miss someone like this. She had
He glanced toward the door and decided it was not too far away. He could get up and run if she wanted to make a move. If he spilled the coffee, it would buy him some time. Thinking of this, he looked down at the coffee in his hand and stopped drinking it. Instead, he just sat there with the cup in his hand.Seeing how he had moved further away, Hannah's mood worsened as she snapped sarcastically, "Do you hate me that much?""Huh? Uhโฆ" Ralph was taken aback by her sudden question and quickly shook his head. "No! How can I hate you? I have nothing but love for you. W-Why would you ask such a question? โI'm just worried about your well-being, so I stopped by to see you if you feel any pain or discomfort. That's what I asked you. Youโฆy-y-youโฆ" He began to stutter as he watched this terrifying woman striding toward him. Was she going to do it again? He began to panic, thinking about what he had said wrong. He had no idea!"I-I suddenly remembered something!" He pretended to hold t
Ralphโs kiss sent Hanny into a faze, and she did not push him away even after returning to her senses. It was probably because this was what she yearned for. She missed this man crazily, and all she wanted was to be with him. Therefore, she did not refuse Ralphโs kiss and even leaned in to kiss him back.When Ralph felt her response, happiness washed over him. She was not as rough and brutal as she was before. This time, her kisses were shy, like any woman. In an instant, he had forgotten all his fears and picked her up, pressing her on the sofa.Hannah felt her head spin. Their kiss felt wonderful, and she had never experienced anything like it. While Ralph had forgotten his fears, Hannah had let go of all her troubles. She allowed him to kiss her lips, face, and neck, then even let him put his hands into her clothes.However, Hannah snapped back into reality and pushed him away as soon as his fingers touched her skin."Ouch!" Ralph was unprepared as Hannah threw him off, causing
โFrom now on, don't call me Heather!โ Hannah yelled."Oh? Why? Do you not like it? What should I call you then?" Ralph blinked and asked in confusion.However, she did not answer himโinstead, she continued to look at him as if she was testing him. Ralph thought about it carefully before he suddenly remembered what she had said. "Annie?""Mhm." Hannah's expression softened when she heard Ralph call her by her nickname, and a twinkle appeared in her eyes. Her whole body seemed to have softened as well. She liked it when he called her by that name. It had a better ring than "Heather."Then something popped up in her mind, and she asked, "Have you called me that before?""Before? What do you mean?" Ralph looked bewildered.โDoes she not know if Iโve called her by her nickname before? Why is she asking me that?โHannah thought for a moment and quickly rephrased her words, "I mean when I stayed at your house the past few days. I don't recall whether you've called me that before."Ral
Ralph drove the car while Hannah stayed awake and looked out the window wide-eyed.Ralph focused on driving but stole glances at her once in a while. He noticed her greedily taking in the scenery like a child, almost like it was the first time she had seen the outside world.Unbeknownst to him, Hannah could only wish to see the outside world. She had to return immediately after completing her task every time she left home. She could not wander around.Therefore, she went shopping, bought the jewelry she liked, pierced her ears, and tried hugging and kissing during her time with Ralph. Everything was so new and wonderful that she dared not close her eyes, fearing she would lose everything.She did not want to lose these things because they made her happy, the happiest she had been for over 20 years.Although Ralph could not understand her, seeing that she had become so quiet and approachable, he was satisfied with how they interacted with each other now. โAs long as she remains lik
The final time Ralph came to the table, he brought a gorgeous bouquet of fiery red roses.โHeather!โ Hannah was taken aback when Ralph got down on one knee while holding the bouquet.A violin player came over to play some music while other patrons looked over at them.โHeather, although weโre engaged, I feel I owe you a proper marriage proposal. If you say yes, Iโll ensure you live happily ever after. Will you marry me?โ He opened a small brocade box, revealing a ring with a sizable, dazzling diamond.Stupefied by his seemingly echoing voice, Hannah murmured, โHappily ever afterโฆโShe was enticed by the promise, despite knowing it was unrealistic. She wanted to live happily ever after but knew she was not qualified to enjoy such happiness with anyone. She struggled deep down. Ralph could only observe as she remained silent because he had no idea what she was thinking. He could never figure her out. He was unsure if he had offended her. โCould I have upset her by proposing to h
Hannah was finally satisfied. She did not care who he thought she was. The important thing was that he was calling her by her nickname and not her sisterโs. She would just pretend that he was proposing to her and not her sister. โSay it one more time.โ It was still not enough for her! She was greedy. She wanted to hear him call her name and hear his sweet talk. She had no idea how many times she could still hear it. To her, every single word was something she could only wish for. Ralph could not believe it. โIs this woman sick? Itโs such a nuisance having to say it over and over again!โ He resented it, but he had no choice. He knew he had to stomach it for the sake of his goal.Licking his lips, he raised his voice. โAnnie, I love you. Please marry me!โRecognizing him, the onlookers fished out their phones to take pictures, while some started to cheer her on. โMarry him! Marry him!โ Hannah had never felt so satisfied before. Proclaiming his love loudly and s
Not expecting him to kiss her in front of so many people, Hannah blushed. She got to her feet and ran out, worrying that her photos might be taken.With little preparation for this, Ralph merely stared after her.โHey, your fiancรฉe got shy. Go after her!โ Someone yelled at him. Catching himself, he smiled. โYou bet I will!โHe strode after Hannah. Having prepared the suite upstairs, there was no way he would just let her go.Unfamiliar with the surroundings, Hannah ran to the lift and stopped. Pressing the button, she waited there.Having contradictory thoughts, she kept glancing over her shoulder in the direction of the restaurant. She wished he would come after her, but she had no idea what to do if he did. She had to leave, despite herself. Even if she did not want to, her sister would send someone to bring her back. It was not meant to be. No matter how pretty a bubble appeared, it would burst. She understood it perfectly but could not bear to leave and wanted to spend
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, โThereโs something I find strange.โโWhat is it?โ Mike asked after comforting his son.โInstead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldnโt we reach him?โAfter some thought, Mike answered, โThere are two possibilities. Itโs probably due to poor signals, or he doesnโt want us to contact him.โThe two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.โWhy canโt we contact Ross? Is he planning something?โโฆThree days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queenโs leg and looked up at her, saying, โYou should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, itโll take some time before you can stand.โSuddenly, Lily chuckled.โWhy are you laughing?โ Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, โOf course, you wouldnโt.โโThatโsโฆ quite a pity,โ the queen murmured thoughtfully.โWell, thereโs a price to pay for everything. Thatโs how the world balances itself,โ Lily continued, โI canโt stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I wonโt witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isnโt something youโll regret.โLily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasminโs legs. โYour Majesty, those needlesโโThe queen waved dismissively. โItโs okay. Lily will remove them later.โEven so, Rick was wary. โYouโre being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that womanโโโShe wouldnโt,โ Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.โTell me. What do you want?โ The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lilyโs request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you donโt punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasnโt sure if youโd blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didnโt you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.โThatโs it?!โ Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.โI havenโt felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldnโt mind waiting for three more days.โโAre you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?โ Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, โI canโt guarantee that youโll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you havenโt used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, youโll recover slowly.โYasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
โBecause only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""Iโฆ don't trust anyone." Yasminโs expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? Youโve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Arenโt you tired of living a lonely life?โLily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasminโs back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, โSightsee, huh? Iโve forgotten what thatโs like.โYasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lilyโs suggestion.Lily asked, โWhat if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldnโt bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father whoโs willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against youโ Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.โHowever, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""Youโฆ" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, โBring Lily over. Iโd like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.โ"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must youโ"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, โHer Majesty wants to see you.โLily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. โYou stay.โ"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesnโt wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queenโs attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, โIf any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They wonโt do that to me. Itโs natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. Iโm the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.โAfter a short silence, Lily said, โYouโre right.โ She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, โMe too.โDominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, โThanks, you guys!โ"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and donโt be rash like you promised," Aust