Holly's mind was in a mess. She replied hoarsely, "Abelin is… He's Abel Larsen. He used to save my life—"Bryce asked, "So? Are you planning to choose him over me?"Holly's eyes reddened. "No! I'm not choosing him over you. I just can't keep him at arm's length. To me, he's my savior and my family. I just consider him an older brother!"Despite the pain in his heart, Bryce snorted a laugh. "You think of him as an older brother, but does he think of you as his younger sister? He didn't! He likes you and treats you like a lover!"Holly remained silent. She was beyond conflicted. She wanted to keep her distance from Abelin, but he was the one who saved her life.Back then, she had married Bryce because his eyes resembled Abel's. She only developed feelings for him over time after that.Bryce insisted, "You can only choose one of us—it's either him or me."Holly's heart felt as if it were torn apart.It was truly a dilemma—on one side was someone she loved dearly, while on the othe
Holly's heart started beating erratically. Her eyes stung with tears that threatened to fall.She gripped Bryce's hand and said in a pleading tone, "You're drunk. Please don't make hasty decisions, okay?"Bryce smirked coldly and said, "I'm not being hasty at all. I've had enough of tolerating you for the past three years.""You… You've been tolerating me for the past three years?" Holly was in disbelief.Bryce looked cold and composed. It wasn't a decision made out of spite, but one of careful consideration.Holly's heart went cold. She forced herself to smile and asked, "Do I make you suffer that much?""Yes." Bryce's tone was indifferent, yet his heart was bleeding.Holly lowered her head and struggled to keep her tears at bay. Her gaze landed on his hand. Due to the dim lighting, she only realized now that his knuckles were injured, with a deep red scab already forming.Heartbroken, she hurriedly opened her handbag and took out the tiny jar of garnet cream.Holly took Bryc
The crescent moon hung in solitude in the late-night sky. Everyone in the neighborhood was deep asleep, leaving only the chirps and buzzes of various insects.Holly dismissed her bodyguards to bed, but they dared not sleep when she refused to return home. As such, they hid behind discreet corners of the wall to protect her in secret.Holly sat quietly, her thoughts all jumbled up. A strange kind of sadness was spreading within her—quiet yet powerful—causing her body to stiffen.After a long while, a tall figure approached her. The figure was dressed in a black shirt and pants, looking handsome with a crew cut. It was Abelin.Holly's listless eyes shone as she asked in surprise, "Why are you here, Abel?"Abelin walked over to sit beside her. His strong tone softened as he said, "It's already late. Why are you out here daydreaming instead of sleeping at home?"Holly laughed bitterly. "I can't sleep."Abelin asked, "Did something happen?"Holly shook her head and replied, "It's
Tobin replied respectfully, "Got it, Mr. Gabelman. Please get back safely."Bryce bid his goodbyes to the bunch of men, who were reeling in their lusts, before walking out. His strides were large and unsteady, and his body swayed around. His bodyguards, who were standing guard outside, hurriedly helped him once he was out of the private room.Bryce reached out to push them away and stubbornly said, "I can walk on my own."His bodyguards exchanged glances with each other before stepping back slightly to give him space.Bryce exited The Palace under the escort of his bodyguards. Simon was already waiting in the car at the entrance.Just as Bryce was about ten feet away from his car, the door of the pale green sports car parked beside him suddenly opened. A young woman came out of the car.She was dressed in a Dior haute couture dress, with jewelry adorning her ears, wrists, and neck. It was Samantha.She blocked Bryce's way and exclaimed in surprise, "It really is you, Bryce
Samantha looked at the disappearing car and shouted out of spite, "I'll win you over someday and make you pay for everything you did!"Such was her "never-say-never" spirit that kept her going until this day. What others might deem shameless was just sheer determination, resilience, and perseverance for her.Samantha opened the door and entered the car angrily.Quirina eyed her and said, "Just give up. You should go on a blind date this weekend."Samantha turned away and said, "I'm not going!"Quirina said, "Since when did you become so stubborn? You'll surely regret not listening to me. There are plenty more fish in the sea. You're so young and beautiful. You can attract any man you like. Why must you insist on having Bryce?"Samantha pursed her lips and said, "I missed out on Bryce all because I've listened to you in the past. I wouldn't have ended up pregnant with Levi's baby if it wasn't for your meddling. "You've turned my life into a mess! From now on, I'll take control o
But now, Holly and Bryce were no longer together.Abelin saw the way she was zoning out. He asked, "Are you thinking of him?"Holly smiled bitterly and said, "Having a great memory is not always a good thing. I can't forget things easily, even if I wanted to."Abelin replied, "You should go and find him again if you really can't forget him."Holly shook her head and said nothing else. She turned her attention to the stage and focused on the representative's speech.Once the representatives were done with their speeches, the host went onto the stage with his microphone.He started listing out the names of the recipients of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Talents award. "Mr. Bryce Gabelman, CEO of the Gabelman Group. Ms. Holly Sinclair, cultural relic restorer. Mr. Connor Scott, neurosurgeon—"Holly was momentarily stunned. She then smiled, her eyes growing wet for some reason. She felt a pang in her heart.She wasn't expecting to meet him on such an occasion. She covered her mout
Bryce's expression was composed and serious as his posture remained upright.After the photography session, everyone got off the stage one after another. Holly carefully descended the stage in her high heels.She was extremely uncomfortable since she wasn't used to wearing high heels. Her feet slipped as she stepped down the steps, catching her by surprise while she stumbled forward.Just as Holly thought she was about to fall to the floor, someone pulled her by the arm in a split second. That person's grip was strong enough to steady her body.Her heart was beating rapidly at the near miss. She turned to thank the person behind her. "Thank you."It was Bryce.His lips were pursed tight. He didn't respond to her, as if he didn't hear her. However, his grip on her arm remained.He only let go of Holly when she reached the flat ground. His face remained icy and devoid of any expression.Holly walked back to her seat and sat down. Abelin softly asked, "Did you sprain your ankle?
Holly's answer seemed to be within expectations.The light in Abelin's eyes dimmed as he smiled. "Fair enough. You've lived here for such a long time. It's normal for you to be reluctant to leave."He concealed his disappointment well from Holly.…After the awards ceremony had concluded, Holly grabbed her handbag and went to wait for Bryce at the exit.Previously, Tobin was the one who would answer her calls, giving the excuse that Bryce was busy. Now that the opportunity presented itself today, she wanted to return some important things to him.After waiting for over ten minutes, Bryce walked out under the escort of Tobin and his bodyguards.His appearance was exceptionally striking, looking tall and graceful in a tailored haute couture suit.The passersby couldn't help but glance at him as he walked down the road. It was especially so for the young women passing by—their eyes were gleaming with admiration.With the way he looked, Bryce was effortlessly captivating.Holly b