Lizzie waited until Flora entered the room before she stepped onto the stairs and headed upstairs to her bedroom. Sitting in front of her vanity, she placed the file folder and box on the table. She furrowed her brows, knowing that Flora was unhappy. Ever since their first encounter, Lizzie knew that her mother-in-law didn't like her, even found her annoying. However, on the surface, Flora pretended to be nice to her. In this household, only her father-in-law treated her well. She couldn't understand why and had been pondering this for a long time.She sat there, her gaze lost in thought as she stared at the file folder in front of her. After a while, she placed the leather file folder in the bottom drawer of her vanity and locked it. She wouldn't touch a single thing inside, and she would keep it safe until the day she returned it to him.The spacious room was empty except for Lizzie. She lay on the soft bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep until the early hours of the mor

"Why shouldn't it be me? Could it be that you were just thinking about me? Or you're waiting for another man's call?" Bruno's frivolous voice echoed in her ears."Are you sick? Why would I be thinking of you?" Lizzie's voice trembled slightly with denial. He must be guessing wildly.Bruno lifted an eyebrow, "Really? Then why are you so nervous?""I'm not nervous! I'm definitely not nervous." Lizzie denied vehemently. After all, he was abroad and couldn't see her."Don't think that just because I'm not there, you can lie without blushing or panting." Bruno knew better. How could a girl who liked to show off admit defeat in front of him?Such thoughts made him pause. Since when had he known her so well?"Isn't it past midnight in America now? Do you really have this much free time to call and argue with me?" Lizzie's tone wasn't very friendly, but it was tinged with concern."I called to congratulate you," Bruno spoke with his usual calmness, devoid of significant emotional fluctuations

"Dad, I got it," the call ends and the screen of his laptop shuts down, his hand rubbing his forehead. He wonders if it's really Lizzie's capability or if she can't keep things under control when he's away. Is Jacob really worth all this? Was she so bold to meet him in broad daylight, even though she's known as the young mistress of Kolo family? But since when did Lizzie become the center of attention, or was it Jacob trying to gain her through media publicity?If that's the case, Jacob got it all wrong. Until everything he aims for is his, Lizzie can only be his, Bruno's wife."Sir, look at this mess. Lizzie is such a disgrace to our Kolo family," Flora glared at the magazine showing the two in close proximity.Yelun picked up the magazine from the table, "These gossip magazines are not trustworthy. We should hear from Lizzie first.""Sir, no smoke without fire, don't you get it? If Lizzie didn't meet this man, how could these photos be taken? It's disgraceful! Besides, would Lizzie

"Dad, Mom, I'm sorry." Did Lizzie's explanation even matter anymore?"How did you end up with Jacob?" Yelun finally voiced his question, albeit shaken. He wanted to believe Lizzie, but the truth of what had occurred was of utmost importance.Lizzie glanced at Bruno who was engrossed in a magazine and didn't meet her gaze. As she was about to explain, Bruno intercepted, "Dad, the truth is rather simple. Lizzie and Jacob barely know each other. They met by chance on the street, Lizzie turned her ankle, and Jacob kindly helped her. Unfortunately, someone snapped a photo. That's all there is to it."Lizzie listened to Bruno's explanation and marveled at how effortlessly he lied."Is that true?" Flora questioned, skeptical of their seemingly rehearsed statement. She felt the situation was far from simple."Bruno calmly countered, "Mom, do you doubt it? The media is simply grasping at straws. It's a desperate attempt for a story when they have nothing substantial to report."The room fell s

Lizzie cast her luminous eyes down and turned around, preparing to stride towards her apartment."Lizzie." Jacob emerged from around a corner, his face a portrait of desolation. New stubble sprouted from his face, his usually crisp shirt now crumpled and reeking of alcohol."What happened to you?" Lizzie was taken aback. Jacob, always immaculate, was now a disheveled shadow of his former self, a sight she hadn't fathomed."I—I'm fine." Jacob tried to steady his swaying body, belching. "And you? Are you okay? I've been worried about you. You went to the Kolo's this morning, didn't you? Did anyone from the Kolo family give you a hard time?" He had been camping out under her apartment since leaving the bar in the wee hours, watching until daybreak as Bruno's Cayenne sped out of the garage. He had waited, downing can after can of beer, until Lizzie finally returned.Lizzie shook her head. "No, they understood.""Good, that's good." Jacob let out a bitter smile, his head nodding nonstop."