LOGINStefan didn't argue after hearing that. He simply smiled bitterly."You're right. I'm a coward. I'm used to calculating risks and consequences down to the smallest detail. The dynamic Renee and I have right now is the optimal solution after all my calculations. I just don't dare take another risk."More than anyone else, he knew he had never truly let go of Renee. That was why his pain felt a hundred times clearer than anyone else's.When his emotions surged, he sometimes had the reckless thought that nothing else mattered as long as he could be with her. But that thought usually only lasted for a moment. The instant he lowered his head, logic would take over.Even he didn't know whether that kind of restraint meant he didn't love her or that he loved her too much."Fine. Keep messing things up then. One day when she really runs off with someone else, I won't feel the slightest bit sorry for you. I'll be beating drums and setting off fireworks to celebrate that she finally found s
Stefan sat by the campfire. He nudged a small cluster of flames with a stick. His gaze grew distant as he fell into thought. "Letting her misunderstand me isn't such a bad thing. I'm not exactly a good man anyway. It's much easier for her to hate me than to love me."Although the two of them could now set the past aside and get along peacefully, he knew very well that some feelings were like the sparks flickering in front of him. Give them the slightest chance, and they would flare back into a raging fire.When they burned, the ending would only be destruction.He had worked hard to play the role of the villain perfectly. If he stopped now, all of that effort would be wasted."I don't get you. I seriously don't get you. Sometimes you make me so mad."Xavier plopped down beside Stefan. He grabbed a burning stick from the fire and waved it around irritably."You obviously love her. So why do you keep hurting her? Are you mentally unstable or something?""I never wanted to hurt h
Stefan avoided Renee's gaze. He clenched his fists a little. "I'm not obligated to answer that question."There was nothing going on between him and Briar, but it was true that he had once used Briar to make Renee give up on him.If he explained things too clearly now, all the lies he had told before would fall apart.Given the situation, he had no desire to see the carefully constructed lies he built get exposed. It wouldn't benefit either of them."Well, there you go." Renee spread her hands. "You're not obligated to tell me, and I'm not obligated to tell you."Stefan fell silent.She was right. He no longer had any standing to demand honesty from Renee. Otherwise, it would make him look like a complete hypocrite."I lost. I'll drink."After saying that, Renee picked up a glass and poured the alcohol straight down her throat. Her eyes were full of bitterness.Leia understood Renee's relationship situation better than anyone. She knew Renee shouldn't have to drink that glass,
Leia didn't even need to explain. Everyone present knew that the only man Renee had ever truly been in a relationship with was Stefan.That meant she was technically a winner in this round too.What no one understood was why she'd deliberately claimed she had more than one relationship. Why did she want to turn herself into a loser instead?"You have no idea. I've had more than one relationship. Quite a few, actually. They were just never made known to the public."Even when Leia was trying to defend her, Renee still emphasized that she had more than one relationship.The men exchanged glances. They all seemed very intrigued.Xavier and Steve were fully in spectator mode. Clearly, they hoped Renee would elaborate.Jovan had an amused expression. He was absolutely certain Renee couldn't possibly have had quite a few relationships.If she truly had, he would've been one of them already.Only Stefan seemed to take it seriously. His expression turned cold, and he frowned hard."I
"Not even once? You've got to be kidding me!"Xavier practically jumped to his feet in shock.That revelation was like dropping a torpedo into the lake. It exploded on impact.In everyone's eyes, Jovan was the classic heartthrob. He was lucky in love, smooth with words, and effortlessly charming. Besides, he wasn't exactly young anymore. How could he possibly have zero relationship experience?"What's there to joke about?" Jovan shrugged helplessly. "Do you really think it's a good thing, being my age and never having had a single relationship? Never experiencing the sweetness of love?"He truly sounded resigned.His heart had always brimmed with emotions, and yet he had never once tasted the sweetness of love. The only thing that lingered over the years was that faint bitterness of wanting and never having."That's actually true." Xavier nodded in agreement.Sure, he lost the round, but comparatively speaking, Jovan seemed worse off."Didn't see that coming. You're actually s
As expected, everyone obediently picked up their drinks and gulped it all down.Next, the bottle was spun again and stopped right in front of Leia.Leia clenched her fist. It was obvious she wanted to mess with Xavier a little. After thinking hard for a moment, she suddenly had an idea. "I've never been in more than three relationships."The moment the words left her mouth, both Stefan and Steve raised their hands almost immediately.No one doubted Steve. He and his wife had always been seen as the model couple. Rumor had it they went from campus sweethearts to wedding vows.Whether he'd had anything on the side privately was another matter, but publicly, he'd only ever had one relationship. Technically, he wasn't lying.When it came to Stefan, however, Leia looked skeptical. She narrowed her eyes and began interrogating him."Stefan, you've got to be kidding me. You're telling me you haven't had more than three relationships?"Everyone knew Stefan had a flawless face, endless
“Who dares to make such a bold suggestion?” Austin slammed his fist on the table and scowled at the waiter. “Fine, ask them to come in. It’s been a while since a person this bold appeared in the Baldwins’ territory!”Renee glanced at the door and was instantly curious about this mysterious person. Af
Renee’s voice was flat, and her attitude was far from polite. She looked like she was ready for a fight.She was not the old Renee anymore. She did not have to be considerate of Francine's feelings now. If Francine dared to make a scene, she would definitely retaliate!However, to Renee's astonishment
Renee felt her exhaustion vanish the moment she saw her daughter. She felt all warm and fuzzy inside.“How are you today, Mommy? Abby missed you so much.”Abigail was a sweet girl, and her eyes were big and round.She was holding a homemade phone in her hand. She aimed one end of the phone at the scree
Stefan's grip on Renee's neck tightened as his emotions overwhelmed him. At that moment, he seemed to have lost control of himself. He just wanted an outlet to release his guilt and anger, so his mind wasn't thinking straight. Renee was in too much pain to say anything. She stared at him calmly, but







