Cline released Luana with a hint of despair, staggering back a step.
His bloodshot eyes locked onto hers as he asked, "Never at all?"
Luana's lashes fluttered, her composure unwavering as she shook her head again.
The smile on Cline's lips deepened with bitterness. "What about these, then?"
He pulled out a letter he'd carried always, holding it before her. His voice cracked, his eyes red as he repeated, "What do these mean?"
Luana's gaze fell on the perfectly preserved letter, and her expression froze—a chord struck deep within.
She wondered when exactly she'd lost all hope in him.
Her thoughts drifted back to that night when he held her close, their intimacy shattered by his cold words, "Don't delude yourself into thinking I'll love you."
She'd felt like ice, realizing she was nothing to him but a vessel for his emotions. Yet now...
Luana slowly lifted her eyes to Cline, his composure completely undone.
Whe
Clarissa noticed Albion's eyes filled with shame and knew what he was thinking.She quickly said, "Albion, I'll prepare some gifts and go to thank Cline on your behalf. Don't overthink the rest..."Albion forced a bitter smile.How could expensive gifts ever repay someone for saving his life?He raised his red eyes and looked at Luana, who was standing nearby.He was well aware that Cline had always wanted only her.But it was the same for him. If he chose to let go, what would he do?Luana pushed down the heavy feeling in her heart and said to Albion, "I promised to take care of you for life. I won't change that easily. So Albion, don't overthink..."Clarissa looked at Luana in surprise. She hadn't expected her to make such a promise to Albion.Albion pressed his numb legs hard with his slender fingers. The collapse in his heart made him unable to face them anymore.He turned to Vivian and said, "I'm tired. Take
She felt a pang of regret and heartache. "If only you had listened to me that day..."Albion had always been stubborn, never heeding anyone's advice once his mind was made up.Now, with his legs gone, how would he endure the long journey of life ahead?But Albion didn't seem to mind. He curled the corners of his lips into a faint, indifferent smile.Clarissa knew better than to argue with him further. Wiping away her tears, she turned to Luana."Luana, the Moon Goddess must have heard my prayers and returned my two loved ones to me..."Before Albion could speak, Clarissa interjected, "You just rest there. Who told you not to listen to me?"This remark drew a chuckle from Vivian. "Mr. Preston, I thought no one could rein you in. Seems these two lovely ladies are your match."Albion responded with a gentle smile. "Fortunate I am to be kept in check by them."Vivian, having learned bits and pieces about their story from Sta
Luana snapped back to reality, looked up at Dorian, and stared at him without a word.Dorian bent down, half-squatting in front of her, and glanced at her indifferently."Let me warn you, it's fine to play with Cline, but don't get serious. He's not your true love."Luana sensed there was more to his words, as if he was hinting at something.But she didn't bother to ask. Dorian wouldn't tell her anyway.Dorian didn't plan to say more. After a brief reminder, he stood up and left.Watching the luxury car speed away, Luana felt a heavy sense of relief.She knew Dorian would come back, but for now, she had a brief taste of freedom.But as soon as she thought of the three billion dollars, her body tensed again.Squatting there, lost in thought, she received a call from Clarissa, asking why she hadn't arrived yet.Luana shook off her jumbled thoughts, replied, "I'm on my way," and drove to Clarissa's villa.Clar
Dorian had planned to return to the UK regardless of the agreement. If she refused to sign, he would leave anyway. Why should she bother signing?Dorian appeared indifferent. "Suit yourself. It's not my business if it's someone else's child."His implication was clear—if she didn't sign, he wouldn't leave and would continue to restrict her freedom.Her resolve wavered. "Are you sure you won't make me do anything conscience-shocking?"Dorian's patience seemed to wear thin. "I enjoy doing conscience-shocking things. Feel free to join in if you like."Luana's face paled. She felt Dorian was too unstable. Staying with him might lead to her demise.After a moment of hesitation, she picked up the pen and signed Dorothy's name at the end of the document.Dorian shook his head. "Sign your own name."Luana was puzzled. "Since I'm acting as Dorothy, of course, I should sign her name."Dorian snorted. "Cline could help you re
That night, he held her in his arms as they lay on the sofa, doing nothing but falling asleep like a couple.The next morning, he woke up and maintained the same pose, reluctant to let her go.Recalling these moments, Luana suddenly sensed his love.But for her now, it was all too late.She put away her memories, intending to call Clarissa.Before she could dial, George called. "Miss Hammond, haven't you taken your medicine?"Luana sighed, "Dorian didn't give me the medicine for fear I'd run away."George fell silent for a few seconds, then said through gritted teeth, "I'll deal with him."Luana wanted to ask if the medicine was available domestically, but George hung up before she could.Immediately after, Clarissa called. "Luana, why was your phone off?"Last night, after leaving the nightclub in the early hours, Clarissa had seen Luana's missed call and tried to return it, only to find it off.Worried, s
Dorian cast a faint glance at Luana as she felt her way to lift the quilt. Only then did he turn and leave the bedroom.The next day, upon waking, Luana opened her eyes and, after confirming the color of the ceiling above, breathed a sigh of relief.Thankfully, her temporary blindness had subsided; otherwise, she would be forever shrouded in darkness.After getting out of bed and freshening up, she picked up her smashed phone and pressed the power button. It wouldn't turn on.She had thought only the screen was broken, but apparently, the phone was completely damaged.Recalling that her old phone supported dual SIM cards, she quickly retrieved the sealed bag, took out the phone, and inserted the new SIM card.Once the card was in place, she powered on the device and opened her messages.A flood of texts poured in.There were annual condolences from her colleague Sabrina.Others wished her peace in the afterlife, free fro