"You're the most beautiful," he said, looking down at her, "the most beautiful bride.""Um... so beautiful, give me a kiss!""Kiss! Kiss!" The crowd began to chant.Standing among them, Mrs. Lesli tugged on Ryo's sleeve, "I want a kiss too.""Okay, one kiss," Ryo said, leaning down to give her a loud, affectionate kiss, stealing the spotlight from the newlyweds.By the time everyone had their fill of fun, the bride and groom had already slipped away.Weren't they supposed to have a lively wedding night?It seemed like Ryo and Lesli's kiss might have distracted everyone just enough for the couple to escape.Halley looked displeased. "Hey, what now?"Lesli, nestled in her husband's arms, laughed brightly. "How about you and my brother kiss again? You need to be more enthusiastic.""It's late. Go to bed," Ryo, not in the mood for banter, guided his wife away.*****Back in their meticulously decorated bridal room, Monica sat at the dressing table, slowly removing the jewelry she had worn
After dinner, they sat on the balcony, eating fruit and stargazing, talking about anything and everything—his work, her childhood interests, their university days...Their sweet, leisurely island life continued until a call from Lucia Coes, warning that if he didn't return to work, she would quit.Before Lucia's call, they had already packed to return to Paris, as Monica was confirmed pregnant.Three days later, they arrived in Paris.Caesar went to the company that afternoon, didn't return for dinner, but called his wife to say he had to work late.With the boss back, Lucia Coes, the hardworking vice president, could finally clock out on time, taking her daughter to Caesar's city center apartment for dinner.Despite her pregnancy, Monica's health was good, so she cooked herself.The apartment was just right for their family of three, but with a housekeeper, it became crowded. In the later months of her pregnancy, she wouldn't be able to manage the household and their daughter, so Cae
She left the kitchen to give them some space to sort things out.But clearly, Monica had overestimated them."You do it yourself." Lucia, not skilled in the kitchen, was no exception tonight.If he was hungry, he could cook for himself; she didn't want to be a hindrance.Fine, he would cook. Logan entered the kitchen, irritated.Mio, knowing her father was here to pick her up, rushed into the kitchen, chatting nonstop.Lucia, sitting on the sofa with her tea, found it hard to believe how quickly the bond between father and daughter had deepened. Was it due to their blood relation?Meanwhile, it seemed she and Leona were back to their constant bickering phase. No, this wasn't even bickering; it was a cold war.Initially, it was just him giving her the cold shoulder, but she soon lost patience and reciprocated, leading to the current tense situation.If not for their daughter, would they even..."Mom, I want to eat steak with Dad."Mio happily announced from the kitchen.Usually, after
She saw his efforts but his hot-and-cold attitude wore her out.She knew she wasn't the type to sweet-talk or cater to men, and he was used to being pampered by women. Sooner or later, he'd have enough.If he couldn't stand it, it was better to end things before they hurt each other deeply.She was used to handling things alone, but after he had made her rely on him, his coldness made her feel insecure.How had she gotten used to having someone else by her side so quickly?If the time dragged on longer, wouldn’t he completely infiltrate her private world? Once you get used to having someone around, losing them becomes terrifying to even think about."So, what do you think would be appropriate? Like your brother Lucas?"Her eyes widened, not understanding why he suddenly brought up Lucas.Her surprise was interpreted by him as guilt, causing his heart to chill. "I know in your heart, I can never compare to Lucas, but don’t even think about divorce."He abruptly withdrew his hand and le
"So what if I did?" Now that he had admitted it, he didn’t care. "You’re my wife, always thinking about another man, and ignoring your husband. Shouldn't I be mad?""And the girls constantly calling you out? Shouldn’t I be mad too?" She bit her lip, glaring at him."If you’re mad about that, I’d be happy. It means you care.""So you used those girls to test me?""No!" Hearing the sharpness in her voice, he quickly explained. "Lucia Coes, I never intended that. I changed my personal number. Anyone wanting to contact me professionally goes through Xiao Cao. I’ve decided not to take any more commercial photo shoots.""Including model features?" She pouted."Yes. I’ll only shoot landscapes and things that interest me.""You don’t need to change for me.""I want to change for you," he said firmly. "Lucia Coes, I love you. I’ve had many women, but never truly loved any of them. I don’t know how to love or please someone I like. I feel like nothing I do is right for you. And you and Lucas..
It was a straightforward transaction: money for pleasure. If the clients didn’t like them, the girls couldn’t pursue them further or secretly meet them without her permission. Violating this rule meant being kicked out of the club and likely never working in this industry again.Mrs. Eleanor had powerful connections and unmatched methods. She could elevate or ruin someone with a flick of her wrist.Many of the girls under her tutelage hoped to use the opportunity to latch onto a wealthy patron, aspiring to step into the world of the rich, whether as a wife or a mistress.Over two months ago, he had arranged for Coco, but she didn’t show up due to illness, calling to say she’d be late.He usually didn’t care to investigate the whereabouts of girls like Coco, and having drunk a bit much that night, he had just gone to bed.Until today, when Mrs. Eleanor personally called to apologize, explaining why Coco hadn’t shown up and hoping he wouldn’t be angry with her tonight.She didn’t come,
"Colleagues here have all graduated from prestigious universities and been professionally trained. Surely you understand the phrase ‘know when to stop’?"Phaimary’s cold voice cut in from the doorway.The male employee quickly excused himself, leaving just as Arbesa returned to her desk, head lowered.****After lunch, Arbesa leaned on the sink, dry heaving.Her pale face reflected in the restroom mirror.She was pregnant...Staring at herself, she acknowledged the reality.Yes, she was pregnant!She would be twelve weeks along next week.Over a month ago, when she bought the pregnancy tests, each result was a clear positive, telling her this wasn’t a dream.Initially, she had felt joy.But how to handle this "souvenir" of a night of indulgence? She had no experience, no one to ask for advice.Orphaned at 15, her parents had died in an accident, leaving her a house, enough savings for her education, and insurance and compensation money.Living alone since then, she had become increasi
"Unhappy with your superiors?""No.""Unhappy with me?""No, I wouldn’t dare." Realizing she had been trapped, she quickly added, "Boss, I…""Not daring to complain doesn’t mean you’re not dissatisfied. Have I ever scolded you?""No.""Harassed you?""No." Her heart skipped a beat, her face burning."Then why avoid me?"Cornering her against the wall, he pressed for an answer.Logan, doesn’t this count as workplace harassment?"Boss, I haven’t been avoiding you." She couldn’t meet his eyes, feeling dizzy, either from lack of oxygen or his proximity.Realizing his actions were inappropriate, Logan finally stepped back.Relieved, Arbesa’s legs almost gave way, but his intense gaze made her stand firm. Luckily, the elevator dinged, opening to save her..."Logan, I… I’ll go ahead." She practically fled.Logan stuffed his hands in his pockets, watching her retreating figure thoughtfully.****Arbesa barely remembered how she got home, only that her legs gave out as she shut the door.The m