After Iliana Carson agreed to marry the man her family picked out for her, her stepbrother Bryson Jefferson suddenly showed up with a bouquet of irises, confessing his love.

He believed that as long as he asked her to stay, Iliana would forgive him for his past mistakes.

But Iliana had long stopped loving him or the irises.

Her husband pulled her into his arms and sneered at Bryson, "She's pregnant. Stop bugging her!"

***

Iliana Carson told her brother that she'd be coming home over the phone.

Gregory Carson immediately replied, "I'm glad you've come to your senses. I never understood why you had to run off to Whiteville after graduation. It's been three years! Mom and Dad were starting to wonder if you had run off with some jerk. Thank goodness that you're finally coming back."

Gregory sounded relieved.

Yeah, it had been three years. Iliana choked up, "Sorry for making you worry. I'll leave my wedding to you."

"Don't worry," Gregory reassured. "The man Mom and Dad picked for you is perfect. You'll like him."

Gregory didn't mention who the groom was. Soon, he changed the subject.

"Oh, right, Iliana, make sure you invite Brys. He's in Whiteville, too. You used to follow him around all the time, remember? Not sure what he's been up to lately, though. We haven't been able to reach him these past few days."

Iliana's family had no idea she'd been dating Bryson Jefferson.

A bitter smile tugged at Iliana's lips.

As for why Gregory couldn't reach him, it was because Bryanna Vaughn came back a month ago.

Lately, he had been busy meeting up with her.

He always seemed happy around Bryanna, while Iliana could never quite make that happen.

After a moment of silence, Iliana whispered, "He probably won't be able to make it to the wedding..."

"What wedding?"

Before the words had fully left her lips, a husky male voice interrupted.

As soon as the door swung open, Iliana ended the call.

Looking up, she saw Bryson putting down his suit jacket, tall and dashing.

He walked over and pulled her into his arms, asking, "Who's getting married?"

With one hand gripping her waist, he buried his head in her neck, sniffing her to put himself at ease.

"A friend of mine," Iliana replied softly.

She didn't need his presence or blessing for her wedding.

Bryson didn't sense anything unusual. He casually yanked off his tie and undid a few shirt buttons, exuding an effortless charm.

"I thought it was you," he teased.

Iliana met his gaze and asked, "What if it is?"

"Stop kidding." Bryson paused for a beat, brushed a strand of hair from her face, and gazed at her. "You're so young. No need to rush."

No rush? Or did he never plan to marry her?

Bitterness filled her heart as Iliana murmured, "Are you really gonna marry me?"

Bryson instinctively wanted to say yes, but hesitation flickered through his eyes.

A moment later, he replied in a soft and reassuring voice, "Of course, Iliana. You followed me all the way to Whiteville. I won't let you down. Once the time is right, we'll get hitched..."

His words melted into a kiss, his cool lips gliding from her lips to her neck.

The tingling sensation made Iliana tremble slightly.

Iliana closed her eyes but didn't push him away.

She knew Bryson would actually get physical with her.

Over the years, there were many times when things had almost gone out of control. But Bryson had always pulled back, never taking that final step.

At first, she was confused. Shyly biting her lip, she had told him she was fine with it.

But Bryson only gently stroked her hair, his gaze tender. "You're still young. We'll do it after we get married."

Back then, she had taken that as Bryson's way of cherishing her, so she had blushed and buried herself in his arms.

When Bryanna returned, Iliana finally learned the truth.

It was a gathering with Bryson's friends. Iliana arrived late. Just before pushing the door open, she overheard someone saying, "Brys, now that your sweetheart's back, when are you gonna dump that substitute Iliana?"

Someone else chimed in, "Yeah. Bryanna hates her guts. If not for her, Bryanna wouldn't have suffered so much."

Bryanna's mom worked as a nanny for the Carsons.

To give her daughter a better life, she swapped Bryanna and Iliana at birth. So they had been living each other's life for fifteen years.

When the truth was out, the Carsons brought Iliana home and returned Bryanna to the Vaughn family, even giving 1.5 million dollars as compensation.

Not long after, Bryanna went abroad and lost touch with the Carsons.

Iliana never expected Bryson's friends to view her as the source of Bryanna's suffering.

In fact, the first 15 years of Iliana's life in the Vaughn's place were far from happy. Even after returning to the Carson family, she and her biological parents had always been distant.

Bryson knew the truth about her and Bryanna better than anyone.

And yet, he didn't bother to explain to his friends at all, just cutting them off with three words, "Don't say that."

At that moment, Iliana finally realized Bryson had never truly loved her.

He wouldn't touch her because he only wanted to do it with Bryanna.

All along, she had only ever been a substitute.

As she snapped back to reality, Bryson's action confirmed her guess.

Even though she could feel his body tense with desire, Bryson still pulled away, holding himself back.

Iliana glanced at her now-empty hands, a wave of sadness overwhelming her.

She and Bryson had practically grown up together.

When she first returned to the Carson family, she was withdrawn and cold. A few of Bryanna's friends made things hard for Iliana, even hiring thugs to corner her in an alley.

It was Bryson who took a knife for her.

The thugs were driven off, but the blade had pierced his chest.

Despite being covered in blood, he smiled and comforted her softly, "I'm fine. Don't be scared, Lia."

From that moment on, she had fallen for him head over heels, even following him to Whiteville and becoming his secretary after graduating college.

She had gone from a naïve, innocent girl to a capable, irreplaceable secretary.

To help him win projects, she once worked nonstop for three days, sleeping only four hours. And still, she managed to cook for him just so he wouldn't get a stomachache.

But her three years of effort ended up in vain. His heart still belonged to Bryanna.

"What are you spacing out for?"

Noticing her absent look, Bryson chuckled and raised a brow. "It was just a kiss. Why are you still not out of it?"

Iliana shook her head with a wry smile.

Usually, after a moment of intimacy, she and Bryson would sleep in separate rooms.

Just when Iliana was about to return to her room, Bryson's phone rang.

He didn't avoid Iliana, just answering it openly, even putting it on speaker.

It was one of Bryson's friends calling.

"Bryson, it's been a while since we last had a drink together. Why don't you come to Glam Club tonight?"

"I'll pass."

Bryson glanced at Iliana, smiling, "I have to keep my sweetheart company. Unless she agrees to come with me, I'm not going anywhere."

Laughter and teasing immediately burst from the phone.

"Iliana, just come with Bryson!"

"Yeah! We rarely get to hang out. Have a drink with us!"

Bryson stood there smiling, his eyes filled with mischief and affection.

He seemed so sincere and considerate, and his friends were enthusiastic.

Yet Iliana felt her heart stung.

Because not long ago, those same people had talked about Bryanna the same way.

Iliana suppressed her emotions and said softly, "Alright, I'll go."

With all of Bryson's friends coaxing her like that, Iliana couldn't find a reason to refuse.

Besides, she was leaving soon.

The time left was the final stretch between her and Bryson.

She might as well treat it as a quiet farewell before parting ways.

Iliana changed her clothes and got ready to head out with Bryson.

After getting in the car, she inadvertently glanced at Bryson's keychain.

It was a pink-and-white bunny keychain.

In an inconspicuous spot, the letters "B.V." were engraved.

Clearly, it had been a gift from Bryanna Vaughn.

Bryson had used it for a long time, yet it was still in pristine condition.

When she hadn't known its origin, Iliana had once jokingly said she wanted that keychain.

Bryson had just smiled and coaxed her, "Lia, this is very important to me. What are you going to trade for it?"

Back then, she hadn't understood why Bryson would be so stingy with a little keychain.

Now she realized this keychain was something precious to him.

"Staring at that keychain again?" Bryson teased with a grin. "If you like it that much, I can have someone make a new one for you."

His eyes sparkled with affection.

Iliana used to love those eyes.

Now, she realized it was probably those very eyes that had given her the illusion that he loved her.

After a long silence, Iliana just shook her head. "No need, Brys. I'm past the age of liking that kind of thing."

She no longer wanted the keychain.

She no longer wanted Bryson's love either.

Bryson only ruffled her hair with a smile, then drove to the club.

By the time they arrived, the place was already buzzing.

The moment the others saw Iliana, the teasing began.

"Only Bryson's girlfriend could've dragged him here, otherwise we'd have been stood up tonight!"

Bryson wrapped an arm around her and guided her to a seat.

In the dimly lit room, Bryson stood out from the crowd.

He was refined, aloof, and effortlessly superior.

He knew Iliana was shy and reserved, so when the jokes around her got too much, Bryson calmly stepped in.

"You've all been drinking. Stay back a little. Don't get your reeking alcohol breath all over Lia."

"Exactly."

Someone chimed in, chuckling. "Iliana doesn't drink, right? Juice or milk? I'll get it sent over."

Bryson rarely let her drink. He gently touched her head and asked in a low voice, "Milk, then?"

His voice was soft, and his eyes were full of affection. It was this gentleness that had drawn her in since her youth.

But at this moment, it felt dull.

She wasn't a child anymore.

Gentleness wasn't the same as love.

"Anything's fine," she replied quietly.

Milk soon arrived.

Everyone was polite and considerate. Even the smokers made sure to avoid Iliana.

And no one made any lewd jokes.

Still, Iliana felt nothing but emptiness.

Bryson noticed and asked gently, "Lia, are you feeling unwell?"

Everyone turned to look, concern in their eyes.

"Iliana, are you okay? We can make a lot of noise sometimes. Did we annoy you?"

Iliana glanced at them and suddenly remembered the intimate way Bryson's friends had talked about Bryanna the other day.

It became very difficult for her to keep up the act.

"I'm fine. It's just a little stuffy in here. I'm going out for some air."

"OK," Bryson smiled, draping his coat over her shoulders. "It's cold outside. Wear this."

Iliana quietly left the room.

The night wind was chilly, and Iliana stared at the starry sky. Memories of her and Bryson played like a slideshow in her mind, but the ache in her chest wouldn't fade.

Bryanna was Bryson's first love.

And Bryson was Iliana's first love.

But Bryson didn't love her back.

Just as Iliana was in a trance, a familiar figure appeared not far off.

It was a woman in a white dress, with elegant features that faintly mirrored Iliana's.

It was Bryanna.

Iliana froze for a moment.

She had thought Bryson wouldn't let her and Bryanna cross paths, but he'd invite Bryanna as well.

Suddenly, she recalled what Bryson had said earlier, "Unless my sweetheart agrees to come with me, I'm not going anywhere."

Was he referring to her or Bryanna?

Iliana clenched her hands, her chest tight. She involuntarily followed.

The door to the private room wasn't fully closed.

Bryanna pushed the door open and walked in, clearly familiar and at ease with Bryson's friends.

As soon as they saw her, everyone beamed and called out cheerfully, "Finally! Brys' been waiting for you!"

"No kidding. Brys wasn't in the mood for anything before you showed up!"

"Stop talking nonsense."

Bryson cut in flatly, but he didn't stop Bryanna from sitting down right next to him.

Iliana watched it all with a strange calmness, numb and hollow.

Sure enough.

Everyone around Bryson knew about Bryanna.

In their eyes, his true love had always been Bryanna.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a text.

Iliana checked the message, and it was from Bryson.

"Don't worry, I will behave myself. I won't touch any other women. Just drinking with the guys."

Attached was a photo of him holding a drink.

Updating each other on their whereabouts was their usual routine.

Iliana was no different from any ordinary girl when in a relationship.

Clingy, possessive, and deeply insecure.

So to ease her mind, Bryson always checked in whenever she wasn't around.

But in the very next second.

Iliana's gaze fell on the hand Bryson had casually draped around Bryanna's shoulder.

They looked intimate, like lovers.

Just moments ago, he promised her he'd behave, but now he was holding the one woman she hated most.

As Iliana stared at them, something inside her died for good.

Maybe it was time to end all this.

She used her phone to book a flight to Baycastle 29 days from now.

That night, Iliana felt her forehead burning.

She figured she was running a fever. Wrapping herself in a coat, Iliana got out of bed to look for a thermometer.

The hallway lights were off. Bryson didn't seem to be back yet.

But just as she passed the guest room, she heard faint voices from inside.

"Brys, will she be upset if she knows you keep me here?"

It was a familiar female voice.

Iliana froze in her tracks.

That voice had haunted her for years. She'd heard it countless times from Bryson's phone.

It was Bryanna.

He actually brought Bryanna here.

This place was supposed to hold only their sweetest memories.

Iliana remembered that snowy day when Bryson held her close and pointed out this very villa to her.

Not a single flake touched her coat because he shielded her from it all.

He'd said, "Lia, this is a gift for you. A place that belongs to us and us only."

And now, Bryanna had stepped right through the door.

Bryson's voice was too muffled to make out clearly.

All Iliana could hear were the soft, intimate sounds of something she didn't want to imagine.

Iliana's heart ached.

Three years of her love still couldn't compete with one month of Bryanna.

She didn't want to hear any more. Iliana turned and fled back to her room.

Her fever made her body burn, yet she felt nothing but cold inside.

By midnight, Iliana was delirious with fever until she fell into a pair of arms scented faintly with perfume.

"Lia... you didn't even know you're burning up?"

The man's voice was as gentle as ever, but laced with a certain chill.

Iliana slowly opened her eyes and met Bryson's charming eyes.

For a second, Iliana was dazed. She caught the scent of jasmine on his clothes.

The same jasmine that Bryanna always wore.

Iliana asked in a hoarse voice, testing him, "Where were you?"

Bryson tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear with practiced ease. "Working late at the office. Otherwise, how could I make money to support you?"

Even now, he still wouldn't tell her the truth.

Iliana felt even colder inside. Exhausted, she turned her head away. "I see. I want to rest now."

"Alright."

Bryson smiled softly.

Maybe it was the fever, but Iliana seemed especially obedient tonight.

Her usual fair skin now carried a faint flush, though her expression was distant and cool.

Under the dim lighting, her features looked unusually delicate.

Bryson leaned in to kiss her forehead, but she tilted her head, avoiding him.

His lips grazed her cheek. Iliana said flatly, "Be careful... You might catch it."

Bryson chuckled and flicked her forehead. "I'd gladly fall sick with you."

She gave a weak smile, concealing her sadness.

In the past, such sweet words would've filled her heart with joy.

But now, they only tasted bitter.

She kept replaying those affectionate images of him and Bryanna in her mind.

Her stomach churned with a sour ache.

"I'm going to sleep now."

Iliana dismissed Bryson.

The door closed. She stared at the ceiling in silence until sleep finally claimed her.

When Iliana opened her eyes again, it was morning.

She picked up a pen and marked a big red X on the calendar.

There were 28 days left before her wedding.

She would marry a man who wasn't Bryson.

Iliana felt her stomach rumbling from hunger, so she headed downstairs, only to see two people at the dining table.

She froze in place, gripping the stair rail, not sure what to do.

It was Bryanna and Bryson.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a soft glow over them.

They looked like a perfect couple.

They were eating breakfast, the air between them tinged with something romantic.

Bryanna noticed Iliana and stood up with ease to greet Iliana, "I made breakfast. Iliana, do you want some?"

It was as if Iliana were the guest here.

Iliana didn't answer, keeping her head down.

When she had just moved in, Iliana had eagerly made breakfast a few times, waiting for Bryson to wake up.

Back then, Bryson had only gently and politely turned her down. "Sorry, Lia, I'm not in the habit of eating breakfast."

Now, Iliana glanced at the plate in front of Bryson. Half the fried egg was already gone.

She forced a smile.

So it wasn't that he didn't like breakfast. He just didn't like the person who made it.

It was only then that Bryson saw her on the stairs. His expression flickered with discomfort.

"Iliana, don't be upset," he said, standing up with a frown and trying to explain gently. "Bryanna had a fight with her family and had nowhere else to go, so..."

Bryson stood between the two girls, shielding Bryanna behind him,

His guarded posture made Iliana give a bitter smile.

So that was how he saw her—spoiled, irrational, always picking fights?

It didn't matter. From now on, she wouldn't fight anymore.

"When did she get here?" Iliana asked.

She moved slowly to sit at the table.

"This morning," Bryson answered.

Iliana gave a silent smile, toying with the cold jade button on her clothes.

He was still lying.

"Iliana, if you don't like me, I'll leave," Bryanna said, wiping her tears. "I didn't mean to hurt your puppy. And those people at school... I didn't know why they were targeting you. I was young back then..."

Bryanna was talking about a few years ago, back when they were still in school. Using the Carson family's guilt, she'd ordered her lackeys to repeatedly bully Iliana.

The puppy that Iliana had kept for five or six years had also died because of Bryanna and her little gang.

Watching her putting on an act, Iliana felt deeply bored.

Iliana looked at Bryson. He seemed indifferent, even guarded toward her.

But there was no trace of surprise in his eyes.

That bitter ache coiled tighter around her chest.

She remembered that the puppy had been a gift from Bryson. At the time, he'd said, "When I can't be with you, it'll keep you company for me."

Later, when the dog died and she told him with tears that it was no accident, Bryson had only patted her head in silence.

So he had known it was Bryanna all along.

That was why he had chosen to do nothing.

Iliana stared at them, wanting to argue. But she felt exhausted.

Eventually, she told herself to forget it.

In 28 days, they'd have nothing more to do with each other.

Bryson had worn down whatever feelings remained between them.

She smiled faintly. "I understand. It's all in the past. Welcome to the house."

Then she turned and walked away.

Bryanna's tearful expression froze.

Staring at Iliana's retreating back, Bryson seemed a bit puzzled.

This quiet, emotionless reaction from Iliana didn't feel right.

He frowned and wanted to chase after her, but Bryanna grabbed his hand tightly. "Bryson, stay with me... please?"

Bryson paused, his beautiful eyes glancing at Iliana's back casually.

Iliana had her back straight and her pace decisive. Soon, she disappeared.

Iliana had always been cold and stubborn.

Thunder growled all of a sudden. Bryson frowned and was about to chase after Iliana when Bryanna said pitifully, "It's going to rain. I will be scared if I'm alone..."

In the end, Bryson didn't chase out.

Bryson knew that Iliana wouldn't go far.

Iliana had no family or friends in this city. She could only rely on Bryson.

Where could Iliana go?

She would come back soon.

Iliana indeed had nowhere to go. As soon as she left the house, the pouring rain started.

Iliana left in a hurry and didn't even bring her phone. She could only hide from the rain at the door of the convenience store in a mess.

Staring at the rain fog, Iliana felt bitter.

It was the rainy season when she arrived in this city three years ago.

One day, it rained, but Iliana and Bryson didn't bring their umbrella.

They were only a few steps away from the car. But Bryson still took off his customized high-end suit to shield her from the rain.

In the car, Iliana felt sorry because Bryson's expensive suit was soaked in the rain and couldn't be worn again. But Bryson smiled and said to her, "It's just a suit. You are way more precious than it."

In the dim car, Bryson's beautiful eyes were shining.

But now, Bryson didn't even want to send over an umbrella.

Iliana smiled bitterly.

Next to Iliana, the glass door of the convenience store was suddenly pushed open. Warm air gushed out as the cashier said, "Thank you." Then, a man with broad shoulders and a thin waist walked out.

"Iliana, take this umbrella." A cold and deep male voice sounded.

Iliana looked back and met the man's long, sharp eyes. Those eyes looked icy cold.

The man looked even more handsome than Bryson.

Iliana was stunned for a while. Then, she realized who he was.

"Maurice?"

Maurice Andrade and Bryson were rivals in the business industry, but Maurice and the Carson family had cooperation.

That was why Iliana had met Maurice a few times. But because of Bryson, Iliana had always been rude to Maurice.

Iliana had complex feelings as she took the umbrella. She hesitated for a while. "Could you...lend me some money?"

Iliana felt embarrassed as she was in a mess, her ears blushing.

Maurice glanced at her faintly. "Had a fight with Bryson?"

"Yes."

"No need to pay me back," Maurice sneered and took a stack of bills out of his wallet. "He leaves his girlfriend here alone when it's raining so hard. Does he really like you?"

With that, Maurice left without waiting for Iliana's response.

Iliana's lips twitched. Subconsciously, she clutched the stack of bills tightly.

Even an outsider could tell that Bryson didn't like her.

But it took Iliana three years to find it out.

That night, Iliana used the money to make do with a shabby motel.

The next day, when Bryson should have gone to work, Iliana went back home to get ready for work.

Although Iliana was Bryson's secretary, she liked her job.

As soon as Iliana arrived home, she heard a cute female voice bossing around. "Kelly, throw these things out as well."

Iliana was stunned. Then, she saw that many things piled up in the living room.

They all belonged to Iliana.

The customized puzzle Iliana had spent half a year putting together for Bryson was also included. She had planned to use it as Bryson's birthday gift.

It was unsealed, so the pieces were everywhere.

Iliana raised her head and saw Bryanna standing on the second floor. Bryanna was instructing Kelly Elmer to throw Iliana's things out.

Seeing Iliana coming back, Bryanna smiled at her and turned around to enter her bedroom.

Iliana went upstairs and saw Bryson.

Seeing Iliana, Bryson felt uneasy for a moment. But he still wrapped his arm around her shoulders like he always did. "Why did you stay the night? I was so worried."

Worried?

Iliana pursed her lips.

Iliana stayed in the motel near home. Bryson could have found her if he had wanted to.

"Why did you move my stuff?" Iliana asked.

Iliana looked at her things in the living room. Many of them were broken.

Bryson sounded casual as his gaze brushed past her. "Bryanna said the shadows of the trees outside the guest room window scared her, so she wanted to switch to another room."

The shadows of the trees?

Because of that, they threw out Iliana's stuff casually without asking for Iliana's permission.

Iliana pursed her lips. Seeing Bryanna's proud expression, she felt tired.

Iliana nodded without saying anything, watching as Bryanna closed the door in front of her.

Iliana had lived in that room for three years. Today, it belonged to someone else.

Iliana probably also needed to give Bryson back to Bryanna.

After all, Iliana was the substitute.

Iliana clutched her fists subconsciously. She lowered her eyes and went downstairs.

Bryson followed Iliana downstairs.

Seeing Iliana's expression, Bryson raised his eyebrows. A smile crept up his handsome face. "Lia, are you angry? Give you room to Bryanna and live with me. What do you say?"

Iliana looked at Bryson quietly.

Bryson was still carrying his casual smile. He probably thought that he had given Iliana a better option.

Bryson thought Iliana should be grateful since he wanted to live with her.

Looking at the scattered puzzle pieces on the ground, Iliana said faintly, "No need. I will take the guest room."

After all, it was Bryson's house, and he could allocate the rooms at will.

After Iliana went back home, she could pick whatever room she liked.

Bryson chuckled and teased Iliana, "Are you shy?"

Bryson put his arm around Iliana's waist, his voice flirting. "I see. Girls are always shy."

With that, Bryson stood up and left.

When Bryson walked past the scattered puzzle pieces on the ground in the living room, he paused for a while. "You had put it together. What a pity. But it's OK. I will put it together with you."

Iliana didn't raise her head, her tone calm. "No need. It's nothing important. Just throw it away."

It was just a puzzle. Iliana would let it go.

Just like her love with Bryson.

Iliana would let it go as well.

Bryson was shocked that Iliana didn't complain. He looked back at her.

"Lia, you've grown up." Bryson curved his thin lips. He walked over and kissed Iliana on the forehead. "Three years ago, you would have started to complain."

Iliana shook her head and dodged Bryson's touch casually.

Iliana would never complain to Bryson again.

After Bryson left, Iliana helped Kelly clean up the guest room.

Kelly was indignant. " Ms. Carson, it took you such a long time to put that puzzle together. You wanted to give it to Mr. Jefferson on his birthday and asked me to keep the secret. But now, the puzzle..."

Iliana smiled, "Just pretend this puzzle never existed."

Iliana would also pretend that she had never liked Bryson.

When Iliana was packing her stuff, her phone vibrated.

A close colleague of Iliana's sent her a text.

"Iliana, hurry up and come to the company!"

Iliana was stunned.

When Kelly was cleaning up the living room, Iliana picked up one piece of clothing from the pile and changed into it.

Suddenly, Iliana realized that she didn't like most of these clothes.

Iliana bought most of these clothes because Bryson liked them. Bryson would only buy her the clothes that he liked.

The clothes Bryson bought her were very similar to Bryanna's clothes.

Iliana changed her clothes and picked a few more from the pile.

Then, Iliana pointed at the remaining things and told Kelly, "Please sell these online."

Iliana didn't want what Bryanna liked.

Iliana put on a simple makeup and rushed to the company.

No one in the company knew about her relationship with Bryson. Bryson said that he didn't want people to think that he was biased toward her at work because of their relationship.

As Bryson's secretary, Iliana pretended that they weren't familiar.

Bryson would lift Iliana onto his desk and intimate with her only when there was no one around.

But Iliana was capable at work and helped Bryson sign many cooperation contracts. So, everyone in the company was nice to Iliana.

They all respected Iliana.

When Iliana arrived at the company, she found everyone was joyful.

Bryanna was wearing a uniform, her eyes shining. She was chatting happily with everyone.

Bryanna's long, curvy hair was stunning. Bryson was standing beside Bryanna. He was tall and straight, his beautiful eyes smiling.

Bryson said, "From today on, Bryanna will join you. Please take care of her."

The boss asked them to take care of a woman in person.

Everyone looked at them with meaningful eyes.

Someone teased Bryson, "Mr. Jefferson, you've never made an exception for anyone. Today..."

Bryanna blushed and looked at Bryson as if she had been angry. "Don't talk nonsense. Mr. Jefferson and I are just friends. Moreover, I'm sure I'm not the only one Mr. Jefferson has taken special care of."

Bryanna looked up at Bryson and asked, "Bryson, what do you say?"

Everyone around laughed.

Iliana stood further, not knowing what to do.

Iliana hadn't thought that Bryson would let Bryanna join the company. Moreover, Bryson took special care of Bryanna.

Iliana pursed her lips and walked over.

Next to Bryson, Iliana said, "Mr. Jefferson."

Bryson looked back and saw Iliana. His calm smile froze for a while.

Someone said, "Iliana, you almost missed it. Mr. Jefferson was introducing a new colleague to us!"

Someone else teased them, "Iliana, Bryanna didn't believe that Mr. Jefferson took special care of her. You've been working with Mr. Jefferson for a long time. Have you seen him taking special care of anyone else?"

Iliana smiled faintly, "No. Bryanna is the only one."

When everyone around left, a young woman who was close to Iliana held Iliana's hand indignantly.

"Iliana, you know what? I don't care if Mr. Jefferson brings someone to join us. But he wants to give her the position that he wanted to give you..."

Iliana was stunned. "What do you mean?"

"Mr. Jefferson let her be the secretary supervisor," the young woman said. "Mr. Jefferson said you wouldn't care about this."

Iliana pursed her lips.

Bryson took Iliana's stuff to flatter Bryanna again.

Iliana cared. She cherished all the outcomes of her hard work.

To get promoted, Iliana always stayed up. When everyone rested, she was still working hard.

Iliana didn't want people to look down on her. She wanted to be Bryson's right-hand man.

Finally, Iliana met the standard and waited for the promotion.

But Bryson said that Iliana wouldn't care.

Iliana smiled bitterly. Then, she thanked the young woman.

After that, Iliana went to Bryson's office.

Bryanna was also there.

They were too close. Bryanna's hair almost touched Bryson's face.

They were reading the same document.

Seeing Iliana walk in, Bryson sat straight.

Bryson told Bryanna, "Go back."

Bryanna nodded and left, closing the door behind her considerately.

The atmosphere in the office was weird.

Iliana stared at the desk and didn't utter a word.

Bryson was handsome in a devilish way. He approached Iliana, grabbed her waist, and lifted her onto the desk. "Missed me?"

Bryson put his chin on Iliana's collarbone and sighed slightly.

They were so intimate, but Iliana felt nothing.

Iliana only felt that the cold, hard desk made her waist hurt. Her eyes were clear when she asked faintly, "Why did you let Bryanna join?"

Bryson let go of Iliana. "She lost her job. As her friend, I pulled some strings for her."

Iliana stared at Bryson silently. When Bryson clicked his tongue impatiently, Iliana finally said coldly, "So, you gave her the position I've been working hard to get? To get this promotion, I..."

Bryson frowned and became cold as he interrupted Iliana.

"Iliana, don't be self-willed." Bryson's voice was cold. "I've never seen you manage to get this position. Why do you have to target Bryanna? You can pick any other position in this company."

It was different.

Iliana felt bitter. She looked at Bryson's indifferent eyes and sighed.

"I see," Iliana said. "Bryanna can have the position."

Bryanna could also have Bryson.

Bryson didn't notice Iliana's abnormal tone. He got closer to her and tidied her hair intimately.

"Lia, don't be upset." Bryson sounded amused. "It's just a position. You will be the wife of the boss one day. You don't need to aim at one simple position."

Iliana stared at Bryson's eyes and suddenly asked, "Are you sure I'll be your wife?"

Not Bryanna?

Bryson was stunned, his eyes deep. "Of course. Who else could it be?

"By the way."

Bryson picked up a document from the table. "I remember that this customer of yours has agreed to cooperate with us. You guys only need to sign the contract, right?"

"Yes."

"Bryanna needs one customer to stay steady in this company," Bryson smiled as he wrapped his arm around Iliana's waist. "What about giving this customer to her, Mrs. Boss?"

Iliana looked at the contract and stayed silent for a long time.

It took Iliana three months to win this customer. To close the deal, she drank so much that her stomach was almost bleeding.

Iliana had gone through many difficulties.

Bryson knew about it.

Even so, Bryson still asked Iliana to give the customer to Bryanna.

Bryson never cared about how much Iliana had sacrificed.

After a long while, Iliana lowered her eyes and nodded, pursing her lips.

"OK," Iliana said.

Bryson smiled. His devilish face looked more handsome.

Bryson approached Iliana and touched her face. He smiled like lilies, and his beautiful eyes were inviting.

"Lia, I like how reasonable you are. I like you more now than I did three years ago."

Iliana smiled abruptly, "Really? I will always be reasonable from now on."

A slight smile broke on Bryson's lips. He leisurely pinched Iliana's fair cheek.

One could hear the joy in his voice as he fluttered his long eyelashes. "OK. I'll like you more in the future."

Iliana forced a smile and turned her head subtly.

Bryson's hand failed to ruffle Iliana's head.

He felt her soft hair on his fingertips, but it slipped away.

The smile froze on his lips. Bryson hid the hard edge well in his gentle voice as he asked, "Lia, are you still upset?"

Yes, she was.

Although Iliana didn't bear hope in the first place, she still felt sad.

She couldn't stay here anymore.

Everyone second felt agonizing.

"No." Iliana lowered her eyes. "We're in the office. It's inappropriate."

Iliana took a step back, her eyes as calm as ever. Bryson tried but he couldn't read her.

He stared at Iliana without a word.

Suddenly, he had a strange feeling that he couldn't explain.

"You're shy?" His gaze darkened. His thin lips curved slightly as he teased, "You were never shy before."

Iliana's eyelashes fluttered for a second.

It reminded her of that day.

When Bryanna first came back, Iliana was so insecure that she cried and asked Bryson to kiss her in the office.

Bryson pushed her away.

He looked polished with a distant smile. "Lia, we're in the office."

Iliana chuckled bitterly and stopped thinking about that day. She said flatly, "I haven't finished the report. Got to get to work."

Before Bryson could react, Iliana walked out in her high heels.

Bryson watched Iliana leave. The amusement faded in his eyes. His gaze darkened for a moment.

Something was happening, but he couldn't tell what.

Iliana returned to her office and was immediately swamped by her coworkers' chattering.

"Ms. Vaughn, you're amazing! You finished the complicated report effortlessly."

"She wouldn't be our supervisor if she wasn't so good. Mr. Jefferson always appreciates a talent."

"Ms. Vaughn, would you help me with this?"

"Also, I noticed Mr. Jefferson look at you differently..."

Bryanna laughed and lowered her head. "Stop."

Her blush was a telltale of her true thought.

Bryanna was surrounded by the staff, enjoying their praises.

It seemed people respected this new supervisor.

But Iliana knew better.

Bryanna was the first person Bryson openly asked the staff to look out for.

Naturally, the staff would treat her well.

But for so long, they never gave Iliana a hand, not when she was up all night to win a partner, not when she threw up from drinking for their projects.

Getting cozy with Bryanna was one thing. But really meaning to be nice to her was another.

Iliana returned to her seat, feeling disappointed again.

She got up and went to the bathroom. Bryanna was retouching her lipstick in front of the mirror.

The elegant white Bryanna wearing was almost identical to the one on Iliana.

Iliana pursed her lips but said nothing.

Her dress was an anniversary gift from Bryson. Still, Iliana believed it was time to throw it out.

"Iliana, I heard that I had taken your position. But Bryson told me that I was the best candidate. You're not angry, are you?"

Bryanna turned and put away her lipstick. She looked at Iliana with a smile.

The old Iliana would put on a show of politeness. But Iliana wouldn't bother that now as the situation had changed.

Iliana said, "I don't care about it."

"You don't?" Bryanna put on a half-smile. "You work hard day and night for the company and this position, no? How could you not care?"

Iliana decided to cut to the chase. "There are only the two of us. Let's be real."

"You're mistaken..."

Iliana cut Bryanna off before she could finish.

"Everything you do, it's well-designed." Iliana looked less tense. "Just like your lipsticks. You always pick the one that fits the occasion. I assume you'll use a brighter one when you're alone with Bryson."

"Iliana, stop it. Mr. Jefferson and I are just..."

Iliana pointed in the direction of the office. "Don't say friends. Even the people outsider won't believe it."

Besides shock, there was a glimmer of defiance in Bryanna's eyes.

However, Iliana had lost interest in reading Bryanna. She turned and left without looking back once.

Iliana couldn't set her mind in the working mood for the rest of the day.

By the end of the day, she didn't finish the report.

There was a loud sound outside.

A series of thunders was followed by lightning.

Iliana saw the downpour after dinner. At that moment, she had the urge to quit right away.

There were still more than 20 days till the end of the month. She just wanted to avoid Bryson and Bryanna altogether.

Iliana thought about what happened that day and finally broke down.

"You forget your umbrella again?"

A deep voice reached Iliana's ear.

She automatically looked in that direction and paused in surprise.

"Maurice?"

Iliana looked at Maurice and found his eyes looked less distant under the warm streetlight.

Still, he felt intimidating as he was towering over her.

Maurice didn't have Bryson's delicate features. Everything about Maurice was sharp, especially his cold eyes.

But he was strikingly handsome.

Scared by Maurice's overwhelming presence, people usually avoid eye contact with him. Therefore, over the years, not many people had complimented Maurice's good looks.

"What brings you here?" Iliana asked. "Thank you for helping me last time. I thought your office was in Baycastle."

"I was just passing by and I'm on a business trip here." Maurice asked calmly, "It's raining heavily. Why not call Bryson to pick you up?"

Because Bryson was probably catching up with Bryanna.

He wouldn't have remembered Iliana.

Iliana lowered her eyes. "I can get home myself. I don't need him."

"It has been days. You're still fighting?" A faint smile appeared on Maurice's face and he snorted, "Any Andrade man can do better than Bryson. We won't let our wives get caught in the rain over and over."

"I'm not his wife," Iliana chuckled bitterly.

"However, I'm getting married." Iliana lowered her eyes casually. "But not to Bryson."

With that said, Iliana strode forward to go around the shop, heading back to the office building.

Heavy rain fell on her. A gust of wind made her feel freezing.

It was late fall. Iliana couldn't help but tremble from the cold.

Maurice grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him right away.

Iliana looked up and could only see his hard jawline.

She had never been this close to Maurice.

"You're gonna get a cold if you walk in the rain in this weather."

Iliana was shocked.

Somehow, Maurice wasn't the man she thought he was and wasn't like the man in the rumors either.

Iliana and Maurice headed to the office building side by side in silence.

Iliana felt pressure from Maurice's intimidating aura.

All she wanted to return to her desk.

In front of the building, Iliana smiled at Maurice, "Thank you."

"There's a lot of rain lately. Pack an umbrella when you go out. You won't be so lucky every day."

Under the umbrella, Maurice looked at Iliana with a straight face. The cold in his eyes was hard to miss.

Iliana felt the impact of his dangerous vibe.

And she got the hidden message.

Maurice was warning her that she wouldn't have a kind person to help her every time she was in trouble.

Before Iliana could form a response, Maurice walked into the rain in long strides.

Iliana watched his tall figure gradually disappear into the night.

She took a glance at her phone.

It was half past eight.

And she must finish the report today as it'd be submitted to Bryson tomorrow afternoon.

Most of the staff were gone when Iliana came back to her office.

The only light was the lamp on the supervisor's desk.

Iliana saw two people behind the semi-transparent glass.

Again, she guessed right.

Bryson was indeed busy catching up with Bryanna.

"Brys, thanks for the coffee. It warmed me up."

Bryanna said softly with a sweet smile.

Every man would be charmed by that smile. And Iliana could never learn to smile like that.

"Sorry that you have to work overtime on your first day." Bryson picked up his jacket on the chair. "Work is important. But so does your health. It's late fall. Keep yourself warm. You don't want to catch a cold."

"Thank you, Brys. You're so sweet."

Iliana saw the smile and felt like she had been stabbed in the heart by a sharp knife.

But she had lost the ability to feel pain.

In the past, Iliana believed Bryson treated her like a perfect gentleman because he loved her. It was his genuine feeling.

Turned out Bryson could be as thoughtful and sweet to another woman too.

Bryanna was indeed Bryson's true love. When he put the jacket on Bryanna, his gaze was softer than ever.

Iliana couldn't watch it anymore and turned around, walking back to her desk.

She hadn't written a single for today's report.

After opening the file, she taped a few letters without realizing it.

When Iliana snapped out of the trace and saw those words, she smiled bitterly.

Resignation Letter.

These two words were on the top of the file.

People just couldn't lie to themselves.

Even her body had instinctively chosen it for her to get her out of this mess.

Iliana's finger moved to the delete button and deleted the two words letter by letter.

But she typed them out again.

She repeated the process as she battled with herself...

"Lia, you're still here?"

A deep voice came from the front and surprised Iliana.

"I'm still working on the report."

Iliana turned off her screen without thinking. When Bryson rounded the desk, he saw a black screen.

Bryson frowned but immediately put on a half-smile. "You are writing a report with your screen turned off."

Iliana didn't know what to say.

Every time, when she got nervous around Bryson, she'd panic and lose it.

But this time was an accident. The repeated disappointments had killed her love for Bryson.

When Iliana kept silent, Bryson lowered his eyes and focused on her thin clothes.

He subconsciously reached out and rubbed Iliana's shoulder. "Why didn't you put on more clothes? It's cold outside because of the rain."

Iliana leaned back and Bryson had to drop his hand.

Bryson acted like it didn't affect him and just took off his jacket to cover Iliana's lap.

Iliana was only in a white dress, so her legs were cold.

Still, Bryson just gave Bryanna this jacket...

Once the jacket landed on Iliana's lap, she jumped immediately.

The jacket fell to the ground.

"Lia, what's wrong?"

Bryson's gentle smile never faltered as he looked at Iliana in confusion.

"Nothing." Iliana shook her head. "I don't feel cold."

"But I remember you hate cold weather. I always give you my coat when we go out in winter."

Yes, he did.

At first, Bryson never gave her his coat when they were out. Iliana earned this right by crying and kicking.

So, when they went out in winter and Iliana wasn't bundled up, Bryson would give her his coat.

However, all Iliana could think about was Bryson giving Bryanna his jacket fondly.

The look on his face then was completely different from the way he was looking at Iliana now.

"I'm not cold. Thanks."

Iliana picked up the jacket and shoved it back to Bryson.

Bryson didn't take it. Instead, he extended his slander hand and pulled Iliana into his arm. "You're acting mischievous today. You keep doing the opposite of what I ask."

"Really?" Iliana took a step back. "You're overthinking it."

With a frown, Bryson stared into Iliana's beautiful eyes.

It seemed he tried to get to the bottom of it through her calm eyes.

Shame that he failed.

As Bryson said nothing, Iliana placed her hand on his chest to create distance between them. "Can I finish the report tomorrow? I feel off today. I don't think I can write a good one."

"OK." Bryson's gaze softened. "You can hand in the report later. But you can't pull away from me."

Iliana paused and looked up at Bryson's eyes.

His gaze was soft. But his smile felt cold to Iliana.

Bryson leaned down to kill Iliana. She turned her head. "We're in the officer. Earlier today, we had this conversation..."

"You have said no to me too many times today." Bryson gripped Iliana's chin with his long fingers, forcing her to make eye contact. "You never acted shy about this. Why do you keep on rejecting me today?"

Iliana stopped throwing herself at Bryson as she realized he didn't love her.

"I'm tired and just want to go home and rest."

"But I remember you said you'd never feel tired when you were with me." Bryson gripped her fair face. "Lia, have you learned to lie to me?"

"I'm not lying. I'm tired."

Iliana tried her hardest to keep calm. She was afraid that she'd push Bryson away forcefully.

A sweet voice came from behind them before Bryson could say anything, surprising both of them. "Brys, I've got the plan you ask for."

Bryson loosened his grip on Iliana's waist right away.

He turned around and faced Bryanna. "Good. Just send it to me."

From where she was standing, Iliana could only see Bryson's profile.

Without seeing his eyes, she sensed his distant attitude and his love for Bryanna.

"Iliana, am I interrupting?"

Bryanna looked innocent.

She was asking Iliana, but her gaze kept shifting to Bryson as he stood next to Iliana.

The look on Bryanna's face could make a man fall for her.

"No. We were just talking."

Bryson's tone was aloof. But in Iliana's mind, it sounded like he was explaining to Bryanna.

He acted like he was caught in the act by his girlfriend.

But, Iliana was his girlfriend.

"Really? I thought you were..."

Bryanna stopped herself, but everyone in the room knew what she wanted to say.

Iliana found the whole thing ridiculous. She didn't show it on her face. "It's late. I'm heading home."

"I'll join you."

Bryson picked up his jacket from Iliana's hand. He was keeping his distance from Iliana and trying to get closer to Bryanna.

"Brys, would you give me a ride?"

"Of course."

Bryson answered without thinking.

Bryanna looked at Iliana. "Iliana hasn't agreed."

Anger piled up in Iliana's mind. She tried her hardest to press it down. "You're going to ride in Mr. Jefferson's car. No need to ask me."

She bolted to the elevator without waiting for their reply.

Iliana could picture the loving look Bryson would give Bryanna.

But it didn't hurt her anymore.

In less than a month, she'd leave Whiteville and go back to Baycastle to marry another man.

Iliana couldn't care less about these little things.

In the parking lot, Iliana opened the door of the passenger's side out of habit.

"Iliana, I got car sick when I sit in the back. Can I ride shotgun?"

Iliana heard Bryanna ask in her sweet voice.

Her hand poised midair as she reached for the door handle.

"Lia, Bryanna has a serious car sick. Just let her take the front seat." Bryson's voice was extremely gentle. "Lia, you won't mind, will you?"

He whispered the second half of the sentence in Iliana's ear.

Bryson even kept his voice low as if he was worried Bryanna would hear him.

Sadness washed over Iliana.

It was hard to describe that feeling.

That front seat was preserved for Iliana before. He never let other women take it.

But when it came to Bryanna, Iliana had to give it up.

It was alright. Iliana was going to give Bryson to Bryanna soon. A seat wasn't a big deal.

Iliana hid her sadness and said aloofly, "OK."

Bryson was taken aback by Iliana's meek attitude.

He expected a fight. But Iliana had agreed without a fuss.

Iliana opened the door of the backseat and got into the car.

The car started. Bryson and Bryanna engaged in a conversation. Although they were merely talking about work, Iliana felt like an outsider.

She was a third wheel.

Bryson and Bryanna were more like a couple.

As the car past a crossroad, a puppy ran out suddenly.

Before she could scream stop, Bryson stomped on the brake.

Because of the rain, the road was slippery. The tires wouldn't bite and kept moving.

Iliana bumped her head on the back of the passenger's seat and felt a sharp pain on her forehead.

She winced and cried out in pain subconsciously.

Iliana covered her forehead with her hand and felt her head spinning.

Finally, the car stopped.

Iliana recovered and looked up. She saw Bryson turn to Bryanna with concern.

"Bryanna, are you alright?"

His voice was so loving that a sour feeling rose in Iliana's heart.

When Iliana got hurt, Bryson never asked about her wellness with so much care.

He never used this gentle tone with her.

"I'm fine." Bryanna surprised Iliana by turning around. "Iliana, are you hurt? I heard you cry out..."

Bryanna even stressed the "cry out" part.

Iliana believed Bryanna was insinuating. Even though Iliana cried out, Bryson asked about Bryanna first.

The caring question was actually a subtle provocation.

"I'm fine."

Iliana said softly, her voice icy.

Bryson finally took his eyes off Bryanna and turned to Iliana. "Lia, you're hurt?"

"I'm good. Just start the car." Iliana said coldly and subconsciously lowered her head.

"Iliana, are you upset? Brys asked about me first because I was sitting closer to him. He didn't mean to ignore you. Please don't take it to heart."

Take it to heart?

Iliana surely wouldn't take it to heart.

She just found the situation ridiculous.

Iliana could clearly sense that Bryanna was trying to rile her. Probably because Bryanna wanted to fuel the tension between Iliana and Bryson.

Iliana smiled and said nothing.

Bryson glanced at Iliana, a glimmer of shock in his eyes.

But he put this detail behind his mind out of instinct...

After they arrived home, Iliana headed toward her room. But Bryson grabbed her by the arm in the hallway.

As Bryson opened his mouth, Bryanna's voice came from her room. "Brys, the faucet in my room is leaking. Would you come over?"

Iliana saw the hesitation on Bryson's face as he paused. Then, she pulled her arm out of his grip.

Iliana returned to her guest room in long strides.

When Iliana closed the door, she saw Bryanna pull Bryson into her room.

What a bold seduction attempt. It was something Bryanna was capable of.

In the past, Iliana would raise hell over this. However, as she decided to give him up, she felt oddly relieved when Bryson got dragged into Bryanna's room.

It didn't matter anymore.

Soon, Iliana would be back in Baycastle. She wouldn't be around to see this kind of thing.

After a shower, Iliana went downstairs for a glass of water.

As Iliana walked past her old room, she heard Bryanna's sweet voice.

"Brys, my wrist hurt from holding the faucet. Would you dry my hair for me?"

Iliana stopped in her tracks.

She had been with Bryson for many years. He had only blown dry her hair twice.

Once, she had to pester him until he did it. As a neat freak, he had done it for few people.

"Sure. Sit down."

"Thank you, Brys. You're so nice."

Iliana's eyelashes couldn't help fluttering when she heard Bryanna's soft voice.

Her fair face now presented a deathly paleness.

She couldn't believe Bryson had agreed so readily.

A bitter smile spread across her face.

Instead of going downstairs, Iliana returned to her room. The sound of the blow dryer came flooding into her ears.

Despite the hallway and two doors, she still could hear it vaguely.

Iliana didn't remember when she fell asleep. When she woke up the next morning, neither Bryanna nor Bryson were home.

One less day to go before her departure.

Yet the desolation in her heart had reduced.

She freshened up quickly and hastened to the company.

Soon after she sat at her desk, she saw Bryanna and Bryson going to the meeting room side by side.

First, they came to work together. Now, they attended the meeting together.

Bryanna took not only Iliana's position but also the place by Bryson's side.

Never mind.

Iliana was getting married, anyway.

"Hey, did you see? Ms. Vaughn and Mr. Jefferson came to work together this morning."

'No kidding? They did?"

"Yeah. I saw it with my own eyes. Mr. Jefferson even bought breakfast for Ms. Vaughn. It seems they're very close."

"She joined the company as a supervisor. Is she Mr. Jefferson's girlfriend? I hear he has a girlfriend, but none of us has seen her. Way to be protective."

The female colleagues gathered to gossip.

They kept their voices low.

But still, Iliana heard everything.

She stood up to make coffee. The gossip bugged her.

When she came back, her coworkers had returned to their respective positions.

Iliana sat down in her seat and concentrated on writing a planning scheme.

She hadn't quit yet.

As long as she was in her position, she'd do her job.

In the afternoon, the scheme was finished. Iliana brought it to Bryson at once.

She knocked and went into his office. He and Bryanna were talking. They were gonna meet a client in the evening.

"Iliana, Bryson wants to teach me business. He's taking me to meet a new client tonight. You don't mind, do you?"

Bryanna was asking her opinion, but the provocation in her eyes didn't escape Iliana's attention.

Before Iliana could respond, Bryson explained, "Lia, Bryanna is new. She isn't familiar with our company's business. It's just an ordinary meeting with a client."

Iliana replied briefly, "Since it's business, do what you see fit."

She didn't care even if he was lying.

"Well, I'm off. Brys, I'll come again when we get off work."

"OK."

As soon as Bryanna was gone, Bryson came to Iliana.

"Lia, that was considerate of you. You've been very understanding lately."

"Wasn't I before?"

She put the scheme on the desk and stepped back a little.

Bryson saw it but didn't take it seriously.

Leaning against the desk, he looked at her with captivating amorous eyes. With a careless smile, he replied, "No, you never let me go to a meeting with a female coworker before."

Iliana thought, "Because I cared. But now, I don't."

"As I said, I'll be more understanding."

Iliana made her way toward the door.

Bryson's eyes dimmed for a moment as he watched her leave.

She had changed a lot lately.

But he couldn't pinpoint how.

It was past 8 p.m. when Iliana got home from work.

She went to bed after a bath. Suddenly, her belly ached. The pain was insufferable.

Iliana thought it was something she had for dinner. She went to the bathroom. But when she came out, she still trembled from pain.

She got changed and went to see a doctor in a cab.

The diagnosis said she had acute enterogastritis.

"It was caused by alcohol. Don't drink anymore. Or it'll get worse."

The doctor reminded her repeatedly. Iliana nodded with a dull look.

She left the doctor's office with the medical bill. The pain made her wanna cry.

She had drunk a lot with clients recently. To win back the client Bryanna stole from her, she had drunk excessively. That was probably when the problem developed.

In the end, she lost the client and her health.

To imagine the irony.

What was worse, she had no money now.

When she paid the bill, she found out there were only several dollars on her bank card.

In the years she was with Bryson, he paid all the daily expenses. So, Iliana offered to cut her salary to one-third of her peers.

She spent some of her pay on a financial management product. The rest was spent on Bryson. So, she had no money to save up every month.

The payment wouldn't be made until two days later. Iliana had thought she could make do. Now, she was stumped.

She opened her contacts and called Gregory.

The phone rang and rang, but he didn't answer.

"Miss, are you ready to pay? There's a line here," the cashier urged her.

"Them first. I'll pay later."

Iliana covered her belly with one hand and held her phone with the other, shivering all over from pain.

She moved aside and found Bryson's number.

Left with no option, she had to call him now.

It was a long while before he answered.

Iliana cut to the chase. "Bryson, I'm having acute enterogastritis. I'm at the hospital, but..."

Before she could finish speaking, Bryson interrupted her, "Lia, you're playing your little trick again. You know I'm meeting a client today. Why are you making trouble for me?"

Iliana froze.

She lowered her voice and said, "This isn't a trick. I mean it."

"Lia, you want my attention. I understand that. But this isn't a good time. The client is waiting. Be good. OK?"

Enduring the pain, Iliana smiled bitterly and said nothing more.

Since she was silent, Bryson continued, "Lia, Bryanna and I came out to meet a client. Be sensible."

He spoke gently, but his words stung.

"All right. I gotta go. I'll be back later."

Then, all Iliana could hear was the hangup beeps.

She was dumbstruck for a moment.

This was ridiculous.

She wanted to borrow some money from him. That was all. But he wouldn't let her finish her sentence and believed she was being unreasonable.

"Miss, the other people have all paid. You're the last one. Are you gonna pay or not?"

Iliana was looking at her phone when the clerk urged her again.

"I'll pay her bill," a throaty voice said before Iliana could reply.

She turned around and saw a frosty face.

Iliana didn't expect to run into him here.

It was Maurice.

After the payment, he looked at Iliana with the bill and asked, "Are you here alone?"

"Yes." Iliana reached out to take the bill. "Thank you. I'll pay you back."

With the bill in his hand, Maurice grabbed her arm and said, "Come with me."

Before Iliana knew it, he had taken her to the injection room.

When she was on a drip, Maurice stood aside and peered at her quietly.

Iliana had been afraid of needles since she was little. The sight of one rattled her.

"If you're afraid, don't look."

Iliana looked up when she heard Maurice's deep voice again.

His gorgeous face was as icy-cold as ever, his eyes dimmer than usual, and his aura ever so oppressive.

The needle pierced into the back of Iliana's hand as soon as Maurice finished speaking.

She trembled a little with pain.

When the needle was pulled out, she felt she was alive again.

"What are you doing in the hospital?"

Iliana turned to Maurice and asked curiously.

"My assistant was injured. I came to visit." He fixed his gaze on her.

After a while, he sneered and said in a sarcastic tone, "You're in a lot of pain, and Bryson let you come alone?"

"He..." Iliana hesitated. In the end, she said, "He has an activity to attend."

"What's more important than his girlfriend's health?" Maurice sneered again, "Even if he didn't come, couldn't he at least give you some money?"

Unwilling to talk about Bryson anymore, Iliana changed the subject. "Thank you for helping me out today. I'll get my salary tomorrow. Can I have your bank account?"

"Give me your phone."

Maurice dropped the bill and extended his hand to her.

After unlocking the screen, Iliana handed her phone to him without hesitation.

Maurice opened her QR code and scanned it.

When he returned her phone, Iliana saw that she had a new contact on WhatsApp.

Maurice reminded her coolly, "Remember to edit the remark."

"OK." Iliana gripped her phone harder. "I feel better now. You don't have to keep me company. Thank you again."

Maurice glanced at her and left the room.

Iliana's heart sank to the bottom as she watched him leave.

It was Bryson's archenemy who helped her again and again when she was in a dilemma. How was that for irony?

And Bryson, who used to be most important to her, only thought she was disturbing his job.

It was 11 p.m. when the IV was over.

Iliana hailed a cab to go home with the several dollars she had.

The minute she entered the house, she saw Bryanna wandering by the swimming pool in the yard.

She seemed drunk. Her cheeks were red.

Iliana looked down, intending to walk past Bryanna silently.

However, Bryanna chuckled, "Iliana, why did you come home so late tonight?"

With a frown, Iliana looked back at her in confusion.

Then, Bryanna grabbed her wrist, looked behind Iliana, and whispered in her ear, "Who do you think Brys will believe?"

The cold from Bryanna's hand made Iliana feel uncomfortable. And enterogastritis weakened her.

She broke free from Bryanna's grip feebly. "What are you up to?"

Suddenly, Bryanna screamed and leaned backward.

She fell into the pool.

Water splashed high.

Iliana was dumbfounded. Just then, hurried footsteps came from behind her.

She looked back to see Bryson stride over anxiously and jump into the water without hesitation.

When his shoulder bumped into Iliana, she staggered and almost fell.

After a moment, saved by Bryson, Bryanna snuggled in his arms pitiably and said with red eyes, "Iliana, why did you push me? I only wanted to talk with you..."

Only then did Bryson look at Iliana as if he had just noticed the person behind him.

His stare was lukewarm. The affection in his eyes was gone.

"Lia, what happened?"

Iliana frowned. "I didn't push her."

Bryson's voice sounded especially calm in the quiet evening. "I saw it with my own eyes. Bryanna is in poor health. I can humor you for fooling around. But you shouldn't have vented your anger on Bryanna."

Iliana was lost for words.

After being together for so many years, he didn't trust her at all.

"Why would I push her?" Iliana looked down. "Bryson, you know I'm not capable of that."

Bryson stood up. His face darkened. The tender expression had vanished.

He spoke in his usual, soft tone. But his words broke Iliana's heart. "You're too willful this time!"

Iliana looked at him, dazed. She opened her mouth to say something but only gave a bitter smile in the end.

Never mind.

In Bryson's eyes, whatever she did was wrong.

Bryanna wept, "It's OK, Brys. I understand that Iliana doesn't like me. You spoil her. It's normal that she's willful."

She approached Bryson slightly and put on a pitiful smile. "She's loved. So, she can be willful. I, however, have nothing and am in poor health. I won't complain if I die young. Forget it, Brys."

Bryson frowned when he heard her words.

He looked up and stared at Iliana sternly.

"Iliana, apologize to Bryanna!"