Adeline stood in front of the long table, holding a small plate with a piece of cream cake on it. She stood there in a daze, but her eyes were fixed on Lizzie sitting at the piano. Though Lizzie was only wearing a simple and elegant white dress, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and a faint smile on her lips, her eyes slightly lowered, her fair face devoid of any makeup, in the light, she appeared even more delicate and porcelain-like.Adeline couldn't help but feel jealous of Lizzie's understated beauty. She reached up to touch the diamond earrings on her ears, then set down the plate and walked towards the restroom. Standing in front of the mirror, she took out a compact from her bag and touched up her makeup, applying a light pink lip gloss. Looking at her flawless face in the mirror, the slightly upturned corners of her lips, and the chilling cunningness emanating from her beautiful eyes, she delicately removed one of the earrings and waved it in front of her eyes.

Lizzie turned her head, glancing at him. Her lips barely curved upward, but the faint smile was there. Jacob knew that this was her way of telling him that she was okay. She was doing just fine.As he watched her white figure move into the elevator, he knew she was anything but okay. Why did she always have to be like this, protecting others before herself? It was the same a year ago, and it was no different now. When he wasn't there for her, how much pain had she endured? How much humiliation had she swallowed?Regret gnawed at him. He should not have left her behind at his mother's request. But could he still change things now?She was avoiding him, always maintaining a distance. How could he make it right again?After apologizing to Manager Chen, Lizzie left the luxurious hotel. The night wind was surprisingly cold, and she realized that she had left her jacket in the banquet hall. Rubbing her arms to warm herself, she began to walk down the dimly lit street.She trudged along for

Suddenly a chill enveloped her, Lizzie pushed him away forcefully, wrapping her arms around her chest. However, she couldn't ward off his penetrating gaze. Bruno's large hand held her slightly trembling one, using just a bit of strength, she had already fallen into his arms."Unbutton," he placed her hand on his chest.Lizzie pursed her lips, glanced up at him. Now, she wished she could find a hole to crawl into. In this brightly lit room, she was almost bare; his scorching gaze never left her.Her hand shaking, she unbuttoned his shirt. The sight of his bronzed skin entered her vision, she managed to unfasten all the buttons of his shirt.Just as Lizzie withdrew her hand, he grabbed it again, "Unprofessional," he said blandly, gripping her small hand forcefully."I..." she looked up at him.Bruno had already pulled her closer, "Who told you to leave work half-done, hmm?" His warm breath caressed her neck.She understood his meaning, but she couldn't follow through."Why silent?" He l

Ruoya was deeply in love with Jacob, a fact Lizzie was well aware of. Lizzie had known ever since they returned home together, back to their mansion."But how could he treat you like this? He doesn't care about you at all! Why do you still stay by his side?" Jacob touched her face, his voice filled with anguish, "You've lost weight.""Jacob, don't be so kind to me. I don't deserve your kindness anymore." Lizzie shook her head.Time changes everything, and some people, some things, could never go back to the way they were."No, you are always worth it!" Jacob held her tightly, "Lizzie, I've missed you terribly this past year. I know I was wrong. I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"Lizzie struggled, "Jacob, don't..." Her beautiful eyes shimmered with unshed tears.Jacob held her even tighter, allowing her to lean on him, "Lizzie, why do you insist on torturing yourself? Why must you endure so much pain?" He understood her; he always did.At that moment, Lizzie couldn't hold back her tears anymore. H

As Lizzie stepped into the hotel, Manager Chen rushed up to her. "Lizzie.""Manager Chen, what's up?" Lizzie smiled."The boss has made arrangements. Your part-time hours are now down to two. It's still early, so why don't you head to the dining room and have dinner?" Manager Chen suggested, leading Lizzie towards the dining room.Unlike before, Lizzie usually dined with the restaurant staff in the cafeteria. But today, Manager Chen brought Lizzie to a spacious private room. "Manager Chen, what is this about?""Lizzie, I'm just following the boss's orders. From now on, you'll be having your dinner here." Manager Chen smiled.Looking around the luxurious dining room, Lizzie said, "Manager Chen, you really don't have to go through all this trouble. A simple meal in the cafeteria will do.""Lizzie, since the boss personally called and instructed, I can't just change things on a whim." As Manager Chen finished, the waitstaff brought in the prepared dishes."But I feel..." Lizzie hesitated