"Fine, I'll just treat his wounds first!"Just as Renee was going to send him to the hospital, Isaac shook his head. "We don't need to go to the hospital. It's not that serious. Just send me back home so I can rest for a couple of days."Renee figured she'd be able to send this clingy man away this way, and at that point, would have done everything she could to help. She'd be able to leave him without feeling any guilt then. "Okay, I'll take you home."Isaac's place was just nearby, and it was a single-story house with only one bedroom inside. The furnishings were rather minimalistic, which didn't seem to match his seductive appearance."Alright, I got you home. Get some rest, okay? It's getting late, so I'll be leaving now." Renee was wary of heading in, as it was quite inappropriate for her to enter a man's home in the middle of the night. On the other hand, Isaac's tall figure felt immensely fragile without her support; it looked as if he was going to fall unconscious if she l
"It's inside that shelf over there, at the doorway. I'm so sorry for all this trouble," Stefan said while panting softly, as if he was so frail that he couldn't do anything himself. He had truly mastered the art of being a knight in distress.Renee found the first aid kit, which contained bandages, antiseptic cream, and some basic essentials.As she got to the sofa, she stared at the man's perfect facial structure, along with his beautifully sculpted body and frosty aura. The woman thought to herself, 'What eye candy! He's like a damn incubus!'"Take your shirt off," Renee ordered, looming over him like an experienced maneater.'Oh my god, she's so bold!'This time, Stefan was the one who felt quite bashful and covered his chest with both arms, asking, "Why? I can't do much in my current state… But if you insist, I'll still try and do my best to please you."Renee's cheeks turned red as she clenched her jaw. "What are you thinking? I was going to apply medicine for you! How am
Stefan seemed serious. "On the surface, I'm just an escort, but I'm actually a therapist too. I can provide professional therapy, and I am skilled in hypnosis as well. Your best friend mentioned that you have a lot of unhappiness suppressed, so I hope you can open up to me. If you trust me, I can help you come out of that darkness.""A professional therapist?" Renee was quite surprised. She really thought the man's bread and butter was his looks."What's with that look?" Stefan smiled lightly, brushing her hair to the back with his long fingers. "Do you not believe me? Or do you feel disappointed… Well, I can still actually pay special attention to your body too, if you want me to.""No thanks!" Renee's face turned red, and she pushed the man away forcefully as she sat up straight. Her tone was frosty as she said, "Of course I don't believe you! You've been flirting with me the whole night! How could you be a professional therapist?!"Professional therapists need to possess a lot o
Renee huffed and smiled, thinking to herself, 'He sure knows how to put up an act. I really wonder what you're going to come up with!'"Looks like what your best friend said was true. You've repressed a lot of emotions in your heart. You'll be past your limit soon… If you keep this up, you'd be at risk for depression…""Don't make me laugh, I'm enjoying life to the fullest, and I'm in great shape! What would I even be depressed about?""You can lie to me, but your drawings can't…" Stefan furrowed his brows. "People would normally draw a house with a chimney. Even if they didn't, they'd have a door, or maybe windows… All of these symbolize an exit for their emotions.""But your house has no chimney, doors, or windows… it's a completely closed-off space. This indicates that you have purposefully isolated yourself and are unwilling to show anyone your true emotions…"Renee was speechless, clenching her fists as she was unable to come up with a reply. Sure enough, this proved the man
However, the woman still chose to reject his offer. "Maybe some other day. I'm getting tired, so I'll go get some rest."Despite believing the man's occupation, she still chose to lock these secrets away. There were just some things she'd rather hide than face…Stefan didn't push her any further but was still quite devastated. He wasn't sure if Renee was depressed over his 'death', but he knew for a fact that she wasn't as happy as she seemed on the outside.It was as if she was an onion, wrapping herself in layers upon layers to turn herself into someone everyone would like. "The past few years weren't kind to you, were they?" Stefan asked in a deep and solemn voice.Renee smiled bitterly, being completely honest with him. "Yeah."The only people in the room were herself, and this escort, who was merely an acquaintance. Without her loved ones and rivals around, she no longer wanted to play pretend. Pretending to be depressed might be easy, but trying to fake happiness was just…
"What are you even saying? I literally just had a good night's sleep. Nothing else." Renee said as she placed the sunflowers into a glass vase.The yellow sunflowers looked golden under the gentle sunlight, giving off a soft scent. These flowers were just right, as it wasn't too sharp, like a rose, nor was it too simple, like an orchid."You know, I didn't expect this at all. I guess this is what they mean by 'don't judge a book by its cover', but that little escort is a professional therapist!""He was able to come up with an accurate analysis with just one drawing! He's also a master hypnotist too! I just… feel really secure and comfortable with him."Just then, Aiden opened his bedroom door with a fuzzy teddy bear in his arms, walking out to the living room groggily."Mommy, you're finally back… I heard from Aunt Lei that you were very busy and had to work overtime. You must be tired…"The little one then gave Renee a big hug, patting her on the head as if she was the child no
Renee turned around and found that the person speaking was one of her ex in-laws, Stefan's cousin, Charlotte. Back then, Charlotte was the one and only beloved princess of many, and she would always view Renee as a thorn in her flesh. Hence, she naturally never treated her with respect. However, ever since Renee got a divorce, she no longer tolerated this so-called princess' behavior and taught her a few lessons as a result. Thus, Charlotte started restraining herself as well.It had been four years since the two saw each other, so bumping into each other now felt quite unfortunate."It really is you! And here I thought I was hallucinating!" Charlotte exclaimed. She was wearing extremely expensive attire, consisting of Chanel clothing, with a pink Hermes purse that likely cost thousands, and a pair of beige colored heels, which were limited-edition Givenchy. It was as if she was deliberately trying to flaunt her wealth to the world.Renee looked the woman up and down. She foun
"You'll have to check your abilities before you try to attack me. If you dare to act rudely again, you'll be sorry!" Renee warned as she loomed over the woman, her expression as frosty as ice. Charlotte instantly deflated, lying on the ground a mess silently. She thought to herself, 'How is this woman even cockier than before?! It's been four years, so hasn't she learned to tone down a little?! It's like I can't afford to offend her at all!'Could it be that her lover gave her the ability to act so recklessly?'"You wicked lady! How dare you bully my mommy? I'll bite you!" Charlotte's son, Casey, immediately lunged over crazily, opening his mouth wide open as he grabbed onto Renee's arm."Let go of my mommy, you mad dog!" Aiden was not an easy target either, as he angrily pushed Casey to the ground, then sat on top of him."How dare you bite my beloved mommy?! I'd say you don't treasure your teeth, so let me pluck them all out for you!""Wahhhh, Mommy! Mommy, save me!" Casey wa
Then, Stefan calmly placed the crab leg on the plate in front of Leia. Leia was flabbergasted. She did not dare to move. She wondered what he was doing, and if he wanted to sacrifice her."Why aren't you eating it?" Stefan looked at Leia, sounding composed. Yet, he was full of the dominance that could burn anyone.Leia swallowed and gnashed her teeth, asking Stefan, "How could you peel the crab for me? Isn't it inappropriate?" She was the most cowardly person. Usually, she looked fierce and indignant as if she wanted to punish Stefan severely. But when he came to her and looked at her, she would be very frightened. She would not dare to do anything."Why not? Someone said women shouldn't peel the prawns or crabs themselves. I'm just being a gentleman. It's nothing serious. It's just peeling the crab!" Stefan said. It was rare to see him speak so much. It was incompatible with his contradictory identity. However, it was clear that he was mocking Justin and saying how ridiculo
Both Stefan and Justin mocked each other, which made the atmosphere more awkward. Although Liam and Leia were simply watching the fun, they felt awkward, too. It made them restless.Renee was having a hard time, too. She smacked the table and said to Stefan and Justin, "You'd better stop eating. Go out and fight. The food got cold because of your endless fight."When she spoke, she sounded like a class teacher with absolute authority. Although both Stefan and Justin were dissatisfied, they fell silent and did not dare to say more. Everyone started enjoying the great food, but said nothing. It seemed a little gloomy.Renee was about to get a prawn, but Justin had already peeled it nicely for her. He dipped it in some sauce and put it in Renee's bowl. "I know you love prawns the best. I've peeled it for you. Of course, women can't peel the prawns themselves.""Oh, Mr. Baldwin. You're considerate. You're a role model among the men. Anyone who marries you will be very happy!" Le
Justin smiled and described the children's experiences, acting like a stepfather. When he talked about the children, he made it sound like they were his biological children. Stefan didn't look so good. He felt that the glass of wine was getting bitter."Well, I'm sure kids will find everything new and exciting when they go to a new place. But they'll get bored with it when time passes. They'll love their real home better." Stefan had wanted to act relaxed and casual, but he could not stop himself from refuting when he heard Justin's provocative words. "Mm?" Leia sat beside Liam and leaned against his arm, and whispered, "What are they doing? This is weird. Are they going to fight?""It's just a competition between men. They won't get into a fight." Liam kept eating and watching the fun. He merely found it amusing. As expected, Renee was greatly admired. Although she remained silent, she would always be in the limelight. Liam was amused to see people like Stefan or Justin
"How dare you!"Stefan's words instantly made Leia speechless. She had wanted to rebuke him, but he snatched the chance from her and struck her dumb.In short, he was an utter scumbag.After a moment, Leia finally managed to comment, "How shameless!" Justin had kept silent all the while. He looked at Stefan with a scrutinizing and mocking gaze. "Mr. Hunt, I admire your honesty and self-awareness. If that's the case, let's stop being reserved and have fun together!""Yes, let's have fun together. I'm shameless, too!" Liam joined in the effort to mock Stefan. He swayed his glass of wine and faked a smile. "I've known her a long time, so of course I know what shameless things Mr. Hunt has done. I think I'd better grab this chance to tell you all of them since everyone is here today."Standing at the door, Renee was worried that Liam might say more indecent things. She hurriedly stopped him. "Pipe down, Liam!" "Got it." Liam shrugged helplessly but obeyed her.Although he yea
"Do you want to leave?" Stefan saw Renee. He was calm, indifferent, and distant. His behavior stung Renee. Renee could easily recall their lovey-dovey memories. They had both risked their lives for each other and vowed to be together forever. They had two children, too. Yet, they ended up as strangers.Although Renee was heartbroken, she became competitive. She smoothed her hair and said in a similarly cold manner, "I'm going to the washroom." "Okay." Stefan did not have anything to say. He nodded and walked past Renee before heading to the dining table. "Hmph! I didn't expect you to come so boldly," Quinton sneered.At the sight of Stefan, Quinton subconsciously clenched his fists, acting like he was about to fight Stefan. On the surface, he wouldn't act aggressively because he knew Renee would stop him. "It's not easy for the few great families to get together. It's good and meaningful for us. If I refused to come, it would make me seem heartless."Stefan kept his co
Having said that, Renee lowered her head, about to leave. She didn't even have the time to bother about Adie and Abby, and told Quinton to take them home later. Her strange behavior filled Quinton with displeasure. He blocked Renee and said solemnly, "Are you afraid? Do you want to run away? People might think that you're guilty and have cheated on your husband!""No, I'm not!" Renee refuted him loudly, then explained seriously, "I'm busy. I need to handle something right away. Plus, I'm not guilty. I did nothing wrong. There's no reason for me to feel guilty." Quinton went straight to the point. "What are you afraid of since you know you're not guilty? Why do you want to run away? He should be afraid instead!""I told you. I'm not afraid of him. I'm just…" "What?" Quinton crossed his arms and looked at Renee coldly. He wanted to get to the bottom of it.Renee came up with a ridiculous yet normal excuse. "I… I recalled that the dessert shop that I want to head to is about to
Jovan called Stefan to sound the latter out. Anyway, it would be convenient for Stefan to rush over since they were both at the same spot. "I'll be right there," Stefan said. Then, he hung up.For a moment, silence washed over everyone, as if something terrible was about to happen.After taking in the new information, Leia said indignantly, "What's going on? Why does he want to come? Isn't he too shameless? How dare he come?" Although everything wasn't discussed openly, everyone knew why Stefan and Renee broke up all of a sudden, despite how lovey-dovey they were. The reason was that Stefan had cheated on Renee.Even if the adultery was faked, it was still the cause of their breakup. If Stefan were shameful or guilty, he wouldn't have agreed to come. He was going to face Renee there with their friends and family around. Certainly, it was embarrassing. "Hmph! Why not? He impersonated me, seized my business, and snatched away my woman. Plus, he led a steady life, got married
Jovan's words made the atmosphere quiet and bizarre. "Are you out of your mind, Jovan? It's already very annoying to have someone like you here. Do you have to get another annoying guy?" Leia frowned, crossing her arms. She kept scolding him.Initially, the atmosphere was considered harmonious. It was still considered fine even if there was an annoying person like Jovan. Unexpectedly, he wanted to call another, more terrible person to come here. Things would certainly go wrong. "Ms. Osborne, you're famous for talking harshly, too. You're just like me. I love it." However, Jovan was not mad at all. He grinned while waiting for Stefan to answer the call. Generally, Stefan would not answer Jovan's call. Surprisingly, he picked it up that time."What's the matter?" Jovan purposely put it on speaker mode. Stefan sounded aloof and emotionless.Jovan sounded wicked as he calmly asked Stefan, "Do you want to join a gathering, Stefan?""I'm going to hang up if you don't say anythi
In the past, Jovan had always regarded Stefan as a coward. Stefan couldn't forget about Renee, but he kept pushing Renee to another man. It seemed like Justin was more responsible, considerate, and gentle. Of course, Renee would lead a very happy, steady, and comfortable life with such a man. At the very least, Jovan felt that he could not be that meticulous and considerate. He would only drive Renee mad just to get her attention. "Hmph! Are you trying to humiliate me or yourself?" Justin didn't find that a compliment. Instead, it sounded like smockery. Jovan made it sound like Justin was a nice guy, but would not be picked by Renee. Usually, people like that had to suffer and would not end up well."I'm praising you." Jovan was helpless because of his reputation as the villain. Although he had said a lot of annoying things, he did want to compliment Justin. His love was probably as deep as Justin's, but his and Stefan's ways of loving Renee were much inferior to Justin's.