Chapter 67 After breakfast, Caroline received a text from Gwen. “Carol! Did you really announce your marriage at Mr. Morrison Senior’s birthday banquet?” Caroline replied with a “Yes.” The second she sent it, Gwen called. On the phone, Gwen sounded excited. “Oh my God! Carol, you’re so brave. Was Mr. Morrison Senior mad? Are you […]
Caroline’s heart skipped a beat when Kirk looked at her that way. She angled her head to one side to escape his gaze. “Did you hear everything Grandpa said?” Kirk stared at Caroline quietly. *If you don’t want to see him, I can cancel it.” Caroline gripped the edge of her clothes in nervousness. Jude was really important to her. He was the closest family she had in this world. If she could get Jude’s blessing … “Do you want me to go?” There was a complicated look in Kirk’s eyes. Caroline lowered her head. Red traveled up her pale neck. “Yes …” Her voice was soft and moving. Kirk swallowed. He reached out to brush her hair behind her ear. “Really?” Kirk’s husky voice was seductive. Caroline’s face was red as a tomato now. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and she was so nervous that her body was tightly wound. She was afraid that Kirk could hear the pounding of her heart. “Of …” Before she could finish speaking, Kirk kissed her. He was in such a frenzy that Caroline’s lips quickly became red and swollen. “Kirk …” Kirk’s knuckles turned white. The desire he had been resisting all night was bursting forth now. A ripping sound rang out. Even though she seemed skinny, her figure was full under her clothes. She was slim but had generous curves. Kirk’s gaze was possessive. It made Caroline go red. She wanted to cover herself, but Kirk held her back. Kirk seemed to notice Caroline’s awkwardness. He bent over and kissed her collarbones, “You’re so beautiful.” With this kiss, he could hold back no longer. It was as if he’d tasted the sweetest fruit and couldn’t stop until he’d devoured it, Caroline couldn’t resist either, and her gaze clouded over. Suddenly, Caroline felt a stinging pain, bringing her back down to earth. She gave a shrill cry from the pain in her ankle, Kirk restrained himself despite his lust. He asked, worried, “What is it?” “My ankle hurts …” Although the desire was about to consume him, Kirk got up. “Where does it hurt?” “Where I twisted my ankle. I think I have a cramp.” Kirk took a deep break. He applied some medication to Caroline’s ankle and rubbed it in. As he did, Caroline kept stealing looks at him. A bead of sweat slipped down his nose as he concentrated on his work. He was patient, and the sweat didn’t interrupt him. A feeling of sweetness rose in Caroline’s heart. Chapter 65 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?” 7m 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.” Nan laughed. “I knew it would be fine as long as you were handling it. Right, when are you bringing your wife over?” van finally got to the point. Kirk looked in the direction of Caroline’s room. “After a while, probably.” Ivan’s tone changed as he said, “Didn’t you say you’re coming back next month? Kirk, don’t tell me you didn’t get married at all?” She sprained her ankle. I’ll go when she’s
e 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 cked 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 aside. He mocked, “Still trying to throw yourself at me?” Caroline’s emotions were heavy, and she didn’t want to get into a fight with Eddy. She emotionlessly circled Eddy and walked off. However, Eddy pulled her to a stop after only a few steps. “Caroline, you have to stop playing hard to get!” Caroline reacted as if his touch were a snake bite and shook him off immediately. She glared at him. “Eddy, don’t act so arrogantly. I admit that I used to love you, but the person I loved was only an illusion. Wealthy, educated, and a talented businessman. However, after getting married, I realized that you’re nothing compared to my husband.” Although Kirk didn’t have much money or business acumen, he was still much better than Eddy! Even if their marriage was a contractual one, Kirk still did his duty as a husband. He gave her the best of everything. But what about Eddy? Caroline had cared for him for eight years. It was eight whole years. Eddy had never given her a smile, much less a gift. “What did you say?” Angered, Eddy took hold of Caroline’s neck. When he saw her bright eyes, his animal instincts took over. It was only after a moment that he calmed down. He scoffed. “He’s nobody. He doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as me. Caroline, you’ll really do anything to get a rise out of me. Too bad! I won’t fall for it!” Caroline gave him a forced smile and tried to avoid him again. She felt like talking to him was a waste of her precious time. She stepped forward, but Eddy stopped her again. This time, Caroline didn’t manage to get a solid foothold. Her a
aroline’s heart skipped a beat when Kirk looked at her that way. She angled her head to one side to escape his gaze. “Did you hear everything Grandpa said?” Kirk stared at Caroline quietly. *If you don’t want to see him, I can cancel it.” Caroline gripped the edge of her clothes in nervousness. Jude was really important to her. He was the closest family she had in this world. If she could get Jude’s blessing … “Do you want me to go?” There was a complicated look in Kirk’s eyes. Caroline lowered her head. Red traveled up her pale neck. “Yes …” Her voice was soft and moving. Kirk swallowed. He reached out to brush her hair behind her ear. “Really?” Kirk’s husky voice was seductive. Caroline’s face was red as a tomato now. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and she was so nervous that her body was tightly wound. She was afraid that Kirk could hear the pounding of her heart. “Of …” Before she could finish speaking, Kirk kissed her. He was in such a frenzy that Caroline’s lips quickly became red and swollen. “Kirk …” Kirk’s knuckles turned white. The desire he had been resisting all night was bursting forth now. A ripping sound rang out. Even though she seemed skinny, her figure was full under her clothes. She was slim but had generous curves. Kirk’s gaze was possessive. It made Caroline go red. She wanted to cover herself, but Kirk held her back. Kirk seemed to notice Caroline’s awkwardness. He bent over and kissed her collarbones, “You’re so beautiful.” With this kiss, he could hold back no longer. It was as if he’d tasted the sweetest fruit and couldn’t stop until he’d devoured it, Caroline couldn’t resist either, and her gaze clouded over. Suddenly, Caroline felt a stinging pain, bringing her back down to earth. She gave a shrill cry from the pain in her ankle, Kirk restrained himself despite his lust. He asked, worried, “What is it?” “My ankle hurts …” Although the desire was about to consume him, Kirk got up. “Where does it hurt?” “Where I twisted my ankle. I think I have a cramp.” Kirk took a deep break. He applied some medication to Caroline’s ankle and rubbed it in. As he did, Caroline kept stealing looks at him. A bead of sweat slipped down his nose as he concentrated on his work. He was patient, and the sweat didn’t interrupt him. A feeling of sweetness rose in Caroline’s heart. Chapter 65 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?” 7m 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.” Nan laughed. “I knew it would be fine as long as you were handling it. Right, when are you bringing your wife over?” van finally got to the point. Kirk looked in the direction of Caroline’s room. “After a while, probably.” Ivan’s tone changed as he said, “Didn’t you say you’re coming back next month? Kirk, don’t tell me you didn’t get married at all?” She sprained her ankle. I’ll go when she’s
Caroline’s heart skipped a beat when Kirk looked at her that way. She angled her head to one side to escape his gaze. “Did you hear everything Grandpa said?” Kirk stared at Caroline quietly. *If you don’t want to see him, I can cancel it.” Caroline gripped the edge of her clothes in nervousness. Jude was really important to her. He was the closest family she had in this world. If she could get Jude’s blessing … “Do you want me to go?” There was a complicated look in Kirk’s eyes. Caroline lowered her head. Red traveled up her pale neck. “Yes …” Her voice was soft and moving. Kirk swallowed. He reached out to brush her hair behind her ear. “Really?” Kirk’s husky voice was seductive. Caroline’s face was red as a tomato now. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and she was so nervous that her body was tightly wound. She was afraid that Kirk could hear the pounding of her heart. “Of …” Before she could finish speaking, Kirk kissed her. He was in such a frenzy that Caroline’s lips quickly became red and swollen. “Kirk …” Kirk’s knuckles turned white. The desire he had been resisting all night was bursting forth now. A ripping sound rang out. Even though she seemed skinny, her figure was full under her clothes. She was slim but had generous curves. Kirk’s gaze was possessive. It made Caroline go red. She wanted to cover herself, but Kirk held her back. Kirk seemed to notice Caroline’s awkwardness. He bent over and kissed her collarbones, “You’re so beautiful.” With this kiss, he could hold back no longer. It was as if he’d tasted the sweetest fruit and couldn’t stop until he’d devoured it, Caroline couldn’t resist either, and her gaze clouded over. Suddenly, Caroline felt a stinging pain, bringing her back down to earth. She gave a shrill cry from the pain in her ankle, Kirk restrained himself despite his lust. He asked, worried, “What is it?” “My ankle hurts …” Although the desire was about to consume him, Kirk got up. “Where does it hurt?” “Where I twisted my ankle. I think I have a cramp.” Kirk took a deep break. He applied some medication to Caroline’s ankle and rubbed it in. As he did, Caroline kept stealing looks at him. A bead of sweat slipped down his nose as he concentrated on his work. He was patient, and the sweat didn’t interrupt him. A feeling of sweetness rose in Caroline’s heart. Chapter 65 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?” 7m 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.” Nan laughed. “I knew it would be fine as long as you were handling it. Right, when are you bringing your wife over?” van finally got to the point. Kirk looked in the direction of Caroline’s room. “After a while, probably.” Ivan’s tone changed as he said, “Didn’t you say you’re coming back next month? Kirk, don’t tell me you didn’t get married at all?” She sprained her ankle. I’ll go when she’s
CNY 62 Ne Mis heart had been hit by a hammer. He tightened his fists. Jude askest Carine again, “Does that man really treat you well?” Caroline aimed 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. “DAY” Tromas quickly went forward to support Jude’s back. He patted Jude’s back to soothe him. Caroline scooted closer, “Grandpa *** Jade’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 act your hea 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 her mouth. “What don’t you want to tell me?” “It’s not that Grandpa.” Caroline stared at the ground. Shy, she said, “I was thinking I should ask him before making a decision.” A complicated look flashed in Jude’s eyes as he looked at Caroline. He then laughed and said, “Yes, you should ask him first. Maybe he doesn’t want to meet an old man like me.” Sarah and Dan hadn’t expected that Jude would react this way. After all, he’d always wanted Caroline and Eddy to end up together. Seeing this, they both panicked. “Mr. Morrison Senior, don’t listen to Caroline’s nonsense! We’ve met the man. He’s a proper sort, but he’s just some guy! Caroline is the granddaughter–in–law you want. Isn’t it a joke for her to marry some random person?” Sarah added. “That’s right, Mr. Morrison Senior, Caroline’s just a child. As adults, how can we just let them do whatever they want?” Jude answered. “In our eyes, they might still be children, but we can’t ignore that they’re all properly grown up. If I meet Caroline’s husband and find him questionable, I won’t agree to them staying together.” “Mr. Morrison Senior —* “Alright, that’s enough.” Tired. Jude got up. “Eddy, give me a hand.” Eddy was stunned and rooted to the spot. It was only when Thomas nudged him that he reacted. Looking torn, he helped Jude outside. Before they crossed the threshold, Eddy looked back to glance at Caroline. Caroline was still on the ground, her expression demure. He’d always hated her looking like that. Now, though, he had complicated feelings about it. The other members of the Morrison family followed Jude and left the banquet hall. Sarah looked at Caroline and raised a hand to slap her. She vented all her rage on Caroline. “You useless little-!” Caroline’s ankle was hurt. After spending so much time on the floor, her reflexes were slow. Just as the slap was about to land, Caroline closed her eyes. However, the tight slap never landed on her cheek. Instead, a howl rang out. When she opened her eyes. Caroline saw someone standing before her. Warmth flooded her heart. “You! You again! Canty St Layi seda KK colours, as she did, he brushed past het. She’s heare Sarah complain numerous times before. Sarah hat talked about Caroline’s heat being mundeer to nang an odditare SON THIS Layi hat thought that the man was uoh and DOD., Who would have thought that he was even more impressive than Eday? Lava clenched to SS tehty, and her nails cut into her fish. Only after that di neremy Susie But what so were tools Caroline’s husband was still usta door man! KIK carred Caroline into the car before setting her down.. Caroline ket stealing glances at him. She noticed that his las were user into a thim ine. He was pintada Dol -caseza bt Of Houde? Sased on the Dian, Caroline was supposed to announce her manage to Sony Yet when she been on stage, she remembered the vila Kirk had bought her and Sean says her kave led to gree Thinking of all ms. Caroline tant about all the probens it would cause. All she wanted was a home.
V Chapter 61 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! I have someone to thank Caroline once again looked over at Eddy. When Kirk saw this, he tightened his fists. His knuckles were white. 10 “He showed me that the world is a warm place. He showed me that kindness doesn’t always have an ulterior motive. He’s like a light, brightening up my life The crowd was touched by her honest confession. Even Eddy was affected by her words. Even if he knew that Caroline was only exaggerating… The next second, Eddy’s eyes narrowed. He looked at Kirk, who’d appeared on stage. He was wearing a dark expression. Kirk was shrouded in darkness, and he looked like a demon. He glared sharply over at Eddy. Eddy could feel the look cut him. Kirk was standing in a secluded spot. Besides, everyone was focusing on Caroline. Thus, no one noticed him there. His gaze was cold. He walked slowly toward Caroline, who was bathed in light. It was like darkness trying to consume a flame. Eddy was taken aback. He wanted to shout for Kirk to stop, but he couldn’t even manage a word. Not a sound came from his mouth. Caroline saw that Kirk was almost out of the shadows and would be revealed to everyone soon. Her tone changed completely. “To me, he’s very, very important. So I think it’s unfair and cruel to him that I keep some things unsaid.” Caroline paused. She smiled with all her might. “What I want to announce today is=” Everyone held their breath. From their table at the back, Sarah and Dan eagerly anticipated what was coming. Sitting in her wheelchair, Layla had a cruel and confident smile. Caroline’s gaze traveled over everyone’s faces. She memorized each of their expressions. When she looked away, she found Kirk standing to the side. She was stunned, but she shot him a dazzling smile. That look shocked Kirk with its beauty.
Chapter 60 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 people won’t understand what she’s thinking. Maybe she finally sees how bad I have it.” Thinking of Caroline saying that he didn’t deserve her, Eddy couldn’t agree with Layla, Layla was pressing her nails into her flesh to force more tears down her face. “So I hope you and Caroline can get married. I’ve already sworn that I’ll never marry you. Since my health is getting worse, I don’t think I will be able to live much longer. I only want to see you happy before I die.” “Stop taking nonsense. I’ll never marry Caroline Evans!” Layla finally relaxed when she saw the same hatred in Eddy’s eyes that she’d seen before. She said weakly. “No, you have to marry her. I’ll only rest in peace knowing that you and Caroline are together.” “I won’t let you die” Eddy clutched Layla’s hand in his. After some struggling, he finally made a painful decision. “Okay, I’ll marry Caroline. But after we many, I’ll arrange your surgery immediately! I won’t wait for Uncle Kirk. I need you to live a healthy life!” When Layla heard this, she finally relaxed completely. She smiled in satisfaction. Caroline was dead for sure now! In the banquet hall, Caroline had just taken a seat when Sarah came over. Then, she dragged Caroline into a comer. There, she lamented, “Where did you go? I was looking all over for you!” Caroline leaned on her good foot and supported herself on a chair. Pushing down the pain, she said, “I went out for some air.” “It’s almost time. You have to go onstage and announce your marriage with Eddy soon!” Caroline took a sharp look at Sarat. “And if I don’t? Sarah’s expression changed. “Care, you promised us. If you don’t do it, we’ll be done for.” Caroline didn’t get upset. Instead, she laughed. When she smiled, the glittering lights made her made–up face stunningly beautiful. “Did Layla teach you to threaten me? Sarah was enraged by Caroline’s stare. “What threat? As your parents, we only want what’s best for you!” Again with what was best for her. Caroline didn’t want to say anything more. She turned around and stumbled back over to her seat. it was then that Sarah noticed Caroline’s injured foot. Yet since the announcement was coming soon, she went back to her seat too. She didn’t want more trouble. Instead, she waited excitedly for Caroline’s announcement. Caroline sat next to Jude. 1/2 so long?” All that had happened tonight flashed in Caroline’s mind like a reel. She was exhausted. “Grandpa, do you remember when you asked me what reward I wanted?” Jude answered. “Of course I do.” Caroline smiled wider. She pushed herself up from her seat. “Grandpa, I want you to give your blessing.” As she said this. Eddy was pushing Layla back into the room. Jude’s gaze fell on Eddy. He frowned slightly but still smiled. He said, “Sure. What do you want me to give my blessing for?”
Chapter 59 Nol 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 aside. He mocked, “Still trying to throw yourself at me?” Caroline’s emotions were heavy, and she didn’t want to get into a fight with Eddy. She emotionlessly circled Eddy and walked off. However, Eddy pulled her to a stop after only a few steps. “Caroline, you have to stop playing hard to get!” Caroline reacted as if his touch were a snake bite and shook him off immediately. She glared at him. “Eddy, don’t act so arrogantly. I admit that I used to love you, but the person I loved was only an illusion. Wealthy, educated, and a talented businessman. However, after getting married, I realized that you’re nothing compared to my husband.” Although Kirk didn’t have much money or business acumen, he was still much better than Eddy! Even if their marriage was a contractual one, Kirk still did his duty as a husband. He gave her the best of everything. But what about Eddy? Caroline had cared for him for eight years. It was eight whole years. Eddy had never given her a smile, much less a gift. “What did you say?” Angered, Eddy took hold of Caroline’s neck. When he saw her bright eyes, his animal instincts took over. It was only after a moment that he calmed down. He scoffed. “He’s nobody. He doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as me. Caroline, you’ll really do anything to get a rise out of me. Too bad! I won’t fall for it!” Caroline gave him a forced smile and tried to avoid him again. She felt like talking to him was a waste of her precious time. She stepped forward, but Eddy stopped her again. This time, Caroline didn’t manage to get a solid foothold. Her ankle twisted, and pain shot through her leg. Caroline bit her lip. In pain, she looked up. Eddy didn’t notice this. He frowned. “Stop pretending. This trick won’t work on me. Don’t you know that? But-” Eddy folded his arms and approached with a wicked smile. “I see you’re good at getting on my family’s good side. Why don’t you try getting on mine?” His words
Chapter 58 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 contractually married. Caroline’s ears turned red at his words. She said incoherently, “I–I didn’t mean that. I wasn’t saying money on a whim.” … Oh, anyway, you shouldn’t spend Kirk held Caroline’s hand and squeezed slightly. He was overjoyed, but his tone remained calm. “It wasn’t a lot of money.” Caroline knew that he had to be lying. He’d bought the villa just to make her happy. She was very thankful, but she knew that this wasn’t right. “Kirk, I’m very glad that you bought me a villa. You even put my name on the deed! But I can’t accept this gift.* Kirk’s expression shifted. His tone was stiff as he said, “Why not?” “You worked hard to earn this money. I don’t know how you put together the deposit. But I know this means you’ll have to spend your life working to pay off the bank loan. I hope you won’t waste the rest of your life just to afford a house. This villa is too much of a burden to you.” Kirk looked at her deeply. Was she … concerned for him? His heart felt filled with some unknown emotion. Even his eyes were smiling. “What if I told you that this money means nothing to me?” Kirk had no clue what a deposit was, and he definitely didn’t understand this bank loan thing. To him, a villa was just another number on the list of his properties. “Stop lying to me already. Even if you’re a higher–up at Morrison Corporation, it takes a lot of hard work to make enough to buy a villa in Osbury. Besides, you’re only middle management.” The only reason Caroline’s parents could still stay in Hectafleur after the fall of the Evans family was the Morrison family. They had been helping in secret all this time. The Evans family couldn’t even afford the expensive fees for annual upkeep. Kirk became impatient. “Alright, it seems I can’t keep it from you. Actually, I Caroline listened intently and looked at Kirk with solemn focus. “I bought it at a low price. I heard that the villa is haunted. The place is impossible to sell” Caroline asked, “Really?” Kirk nodded. He asked back, “You aren’t scared?”