LOGINIan raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t drunk last night. I was completely sober.“Sweetheart, I knew exactly what I was doing. I have been aware of my feelings for you for a long time. I just kept holding them back. But last night, when you hired those male escorts and leaned into that man’s arms, I could
Mia’s expression hardened. “Ian, what kind of thing is that to say? Who I date is none of your business.”“Fine.” Ian gave a short, cold laugh. “None of my business.”His face remained dark as he walked out. From that day on, he never returned to the Quinton estate.Mia did not see him for more than
Mia’s relationship with Ian had changed completely. Somewhere along the way, she had become the one doing the bullying.If she was upset, she would pinch or swat him without hesitation, and Ian would only grin and call her “Little Princess” or “Miss Trouble,” never once fighting back.Later, Mia was
By the time Ian was eighteen and in his senior year, his life was too busy with schoolwork to waste time picking on his stepsister. It had been a long time since he had teased Mia.The high school and middle school buildings were close to each other. That afternoon, he and a few classmates walked to
Lester was often away from home.In the beginning, whenever Mia was bullied by Ian, she would run to her mother, Sharon, in tears. But as a stepmother, Sharon felt she had no authority to discipline Ian. For the sake of keeping the household peaceful, she chose to turn a blind eye and never told Le
The first time Mia met Ian, she was only nine years old.Her mother, Sharon, held her hand and smiled brightly. “Say hello to your new brother.”The little girl tilted her head up at the tall boy in front of her, pressed her lips together, and obediently said, “Hi, brother.”The boy didn’t look the
The days slipped by in a stretch of gentle autumn rain. Then finally, on the day of the engagement ceremony, the sky clouded for days and cleared at last.Today was Charlotte’s big day, and the entire Riley household had been up since dawn. Even little Jodie, who usually loved to sleep in, had g
Meanwhile, Sean was playing cards with a few of his close friends.Ian casually drew a card, a cigarette dangling from his lips, and smirked. “Well, well… the sun must’ve risen in the west. What’s this? Sean actually has time to hang out with us? Shouldn’t you be picking up your precious Charlotte f
“Yes, Mrs. Jasper,” Charlotte replied.Lillian turned to Sean. “Did you eat enough? I brought all your favorites. Do you want a little more?”Sean shook his head with a soft smile. “No need. Lottie made lunch herself. It was perfect and I finished every bite.”Lillian’s face lit up with a warm, moth
As soon as Charlotte sat down at the restaurant, Zac followed and took the table right next to hers.That table had just been seated—a young couple who had also just walked in and were about to place their order.Zac walked up to the man and said, “Would you mind giving me your table? I can pay for







