Prompted by his words, Caroline opened the bag. Instantly, she saw a property deed inside. When she flipped to the first page, she found her name printed boldly on it.Excited, she quickly read further. The deed was for 103 Bishop Street in Hectafleur, the same neighborhood of villas where Caroline's parents lived. This was the very same unit they'd visited the other day."Are you mad?" Caroline shot upright. "You actually bought it? How much did you spend? Where did you get that kind of money?"Kirk grinned. He rubbed circles on the back of Caroline's hand. "Didn't you like the villa?"Caroline got annoyed by his haughtiness. However, she softened her tone. "Yes. But even if I like it, you can't spend money like it's nothing. Every aspect of marrying and living together costs money."Kirk laughed. "And you have a married life with me?"These words sounded great to Kirk. It was completely different from the other day. It had upset him when Caroline had said that they were only
No! There was a voice screaming in Caroline's mind. She would have to announce her marriage to Eddy soon. She couldn't accept such an expensive gift now.But …Caroline ducked her head and looked at the proof of Kirk's sincerity. She looked up again and regarded Kirk's features. Her thoughts were all a mess. Her eyes filled with tears yet again."What is it?" Kirk tilted Caroline's head up. His tone was filled with affection but also a slight irritation. "You're such a crybaby."After saying that, Kirk kissed Caroline lightly on the temple. The feeling of being treasured made Caroline's heart sing. "I'm not …" Caroline pushed Kirk away and stepped backward. She was trying hard not to be seduced by him. "I should head back. If I stay too long, Grandpa will look for me."Kirk watched Caroline leave and stared at the discarded property deed. He frowned.…Caroline was unsettled. Her footsteps were so rushed that she nearly crashed into Eddy as he walked over.Eddy ducked as
Eddy's body shuddered violently with anger. He looked at Caroline as she stumbled away. Suddenly, he felt that the distance between them was getting larger. It felt like they were worlds apart.He felt a strange sense of panic. Instinctively, he wanted to run after her."Eddy …" Layla's voice made him stop. She rushed to push her wheelchair forward from where she'd hidden and listened to them.Eddy turned around. He saw Layla's swollen left cheek. It was then that he remembered he'd wanted to get back at Caroline for it."Sorry, I …"Layla cut him off. It seemed like she was trying to hide something. "Eddy, can I … Can I ask you for a favor?"Eddy was feeling guilty for forgetting about getting justice for Layla. When he heard this, he nodded quickly. "Tell me.""Caroline said she wants to announce your marriage at the birthday banquet. She said it was a surprise for Grandpa."Eddy frowned. "What does she mean by that?"Layla shook her head. There were tears in her eyes. "Most
Instead of answering, Caroline kept Jude guessing. She lifted a wine glass and clinked it several times. The room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at Caroline.Caroline dragged herself to the stage despite her injured foot. She said into the microphone, "Everyone, I would like to use the opportunity of Grandpa's birthday to announce some good news."As she said this, she shot a glance at Eddy. Everyone in the audience noticed this action. They got the message immediately. Excited, they encouraged Caroline to make her announcement.The people who'd be affected by the marriage each wore a different expression. In the lounge, Kirk's face was as black as thunder as he watched the surveillance footage.He felt close to losing his cool."This matter is very important to me." Caroline smiled warmly. It looked as though she was thinking about the past. "I've been waiting for this day ever since I was a little girl. I even thought I wouldn't make it to this day. But it's here now!
The moment Caroline said this, the crowd burst into an uproar."What? Is Caroline really married? And she didn't marry Eddy?""Is she really giving up on the chance to become Eddy Morrison's wife? How can this be? Everyone wants that position. Is she really that foolish?""There were rumors that Caroline married an average Joe. Could it really be true?"All this gossip spread across the venue.Across the distance between them, Kirk stared at Caroline, who stood under the lights. He wanted to go up and hug her. The urge was stronger than what he'd felt before. Yet he couldn't do it because he was also a member of the Morrison family.Below the stage, everyone was still discussing the matter in a raging flurry. Their chattering didn't stop.Caroline raised a hand, signaling them to quiet down. She confessed honestly, "My husband is just an average guy. He's not from one of the four great families, and he's not from a rich family either. "Since we're already married, we want to
Eddy felt like his heart had been hit by a hammer. He tightened his fists.Jude asked Caroline again, "Does that man really treat you well?"Caroline affirmed it and lowered her head. Her fair skin reddened as she blushed.Jude had once been in love himself. When he saw her reaction, he swayed. His breathing came faster."Dad!" Thomas quickly went forward to support Jude's back. He patted Jude's back to soothe him.Caroline scooted closer. "Grandpa …"Jude's breathing slowly steadied. He lifted a hand and caressed Caroline's cheek with it. "I'm fine … Just fine …"Caroline's eyes went red with tears. "Grandpa, I didn't mean it. You can hit me or scold me. You can do anything. Just don't get mad and affect your health."Jude chuckled and said, "Silly girl. I'm happy that you told me about this. But I care about you the most. I'm just so worried because I don't know what kind of man you married. Can I meet him?"Caroline was overjoyed. She was about to answer, but then she shut
Layla stared at Kirk's cold figure. As she did, he brushed past her.She'd heard Sarah complain numerous times before. Sarah had talked about Caroline's head being muddled for marrying an ordinary person. Thus, Layla had thought that the man was ugly and poor. Who would have thought that he was even more impressive than Eddy?Layla clenched her fists tightly, and her nails cut into her flesh. Only after that did her envy subside. But what good were looks? Caroline's husband was still just a poor man!…Kirk carried Caroline into the car before setting her down.Caroline kept stealing glances at him. She noticed that his lips were pursed into a thin line. He was probably mad, so she said warily, "Did I … cause you a lot of trouble?"Based on the plan, Caroline was supposed to announce her marriage to Eddy.Yet, when she'd been on stage, she remembered the villa Kirk had bought her and Sean saying that Kirk wanted to give her a home. Thinking of all this, Caroline forgot about
Caroline finally fell asleep late in the night.Kirk went to the bathroom to take a cold shower. It was only after two hours under the water that the desire was washed away.When he came out, he saw Caroline sleeping on the bed. Only her face was above the covers. In sleep, she wasn't like she usually was when awake. She frowned instead of smiling. It was as if she had some difficult problem she couldn't solve.Kirk couldn't help but kiss her forehead.When he straightened, he found himself aroused again. Annoyed, he went downstairs and stood in the cool breeze.Kirk's phone rang as he reached downstairs.Seeing the caller ID on the screen, his expression darkened. "Dad.""I knew you wouldn't be asleep yet," Ivan Morrison said. "How's business in Easton?""I'm buying several large makeup companies." Kirk's voice was cool. "I think they'll be settled next month. After that, I'll proceed to the next target."Ivan laughed. "I knew it would be fine as long as you were handling it.