hapter 45
Excited, Tristan immediately pressed further. “Is Tiana your crush?”
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Before Enoch could reply, Tiana said in disbelief, “Mr. Wilder, did the car accident affect your brain? Enoch and I didn’t even know each other as kids. He couldn’t have liked me for ten years.”
Enoch’s deep blue eyes fixed on Tiana. He clenched his hand on his knee, his raspy voice giving the illusion of deep affection. “Ms. Schneider, do you wish it’s you?*
Tiana frowned and glanced at him. “Enoch, are you crazy? It’s definitely not me. Of course, I won’t wish for that!”
Her past relationship with Simon had already left her battered. She would not easily open her heart to anyone again. If Enoch secretly liked her, it would only overwhelm her with pressure.
In the future, it would be impossible for her to face Enoch as freely as before. For the past six months, their relationship was just about meeting mutual needs. She did not want any emotional entanglement.
Enoch saw the look in her eyes and understood her thoughts. He felt a suffocating discomfort blocking his chest. A few seconds later, he replied to Tristan, “It’s not her.
Tristan frowned. “I never would’ve guessed that beneath your cold appearance lies a soft heart. You’ve been secretly admiring that lady for so many years. But why didn’t you ever tell her?”
A hint of grimness and loneliness flashed through Enoch’s eyes. He pursed his lips for a while, his voice filled with solitude. “She fell for someone else.”
Meanwhile, someone commented: [Mysterious Bodyguard, get a grip! Stop having a crush on someone else. Isn’t Tiana, who’s right next to you, appealing enough?]
One wrote: [Who would’ve thought Mysterious Bodyguard is such a lovesick fool? Even Romeo must step aside!]
Another commented: [Ugh! He has a crush but still flirts with Tiana on the show! What a red flag!]
Tristan did not expect things to turn out this war. He thought, Is my official pairing ending badly?‘
Tristan suddenly came up with an idea. “Before the interview ends, you two should gaze deeply into each other’s eyes for 30 seconds.” He could not believe that a couple this sweet on the show had no real chemistry in private.
Tiana was speechless and thought, Tristan the Fox sure knows how to cause trouble!”
“I’ll count to three, and you two start staring. Tristan cleared his throat. “One, two, three…”
Tiana and Enoch turned and locked eyes.
Tiana had tanned skin and stunning beauty. Her captivating eyes shimmered as if naturally filled with affection, charming people unknowingly. She remained calm and emotionless.
As Enoch’s eyes met her gaze, mixed emotions swirled within them. His jawline was tense, and his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.
After merely three seconds, he looked away and cursed under his breath, “Damn it.” He could not maintain eye contact with her for long.
“Enough. Everyone who ships us can stop now.” To hide his unease, Enoch hurriedly announced that the Tianoch pairing
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Chapter 45
had fizzled out.
Everyone watching the livestream went crazy. They thought they were in for sweet moments, but it turned out to be a fatal surprise.
One commented: [It looks like the entire first episode was scripted for the show! Ahhh, I’m going crazy“]
Another wrote: [I’m never watching dating shows again! Boo–hoot It’s heart–breaking!
Tristan opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, then tugged at his hair in frustration. “You two really had me fooled on the previous episode?
Tiana comforted Tristan for a while before leaving the ward with Enoch. While walking to the garage. Tiana glanced at the unusually quiet Enoch,
Enoch had one hand in his pocket, head down. His sharp, icy profile made him look unhappy
“Enoch, are you okay?” she asked.
Enoch pursed his lips, remaining silent.
Tiana noticed his expression and sighed softly. “Is the girl you have a crush on married to someone else? Do you have no chance at all?”
Enoch suddenly stopped walking, and Tiana was not expecting it. Her face accidentally bumped into his strong back. Her nose hurt from the bump, and she rubbed it with her hand. “Enoch, you seem really upset, huh-” Before Tiana could finish speaking, Enoch turned around and leaned toward her.
She saw the faint flicker of anger in his eyes and instinctively stepped back until she backed into a pillar, leaving her with nowhere to go.
Enoch pinched Tiana’s chin, his voice deep and hoarse. “Ms. Schneider, are you not even a little jealous when you mention my crush?
…*
Tiana blinked. “Why should I be jealous? If you manage to confess successfully, I’ll divorce you right away and even give you my blessing–Mmph!”
Her words were cut off as he pressed his lips against hers. His kiss was strong and rough. It felt as if he was releasing his anger, wanting to consume her completely.
Tiana was hurt by his kiss. To be precise, it was not a kiss at all; it was more like a bite. She tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth. Embarrassed and angered, she pushed him away. “Enoch, you hurt me!”
Enoch ran his fingers over her swollen lips, his eyes filled with suppressed darkness. “Ms. Schneider, if there’s anything you’re not happy with about me, tell me. I’ll change it.”
With furrowed brows, she looked at his tense profile and shook her head. “There are no changes needed. Our current arrangement works. It’s physical, not emotional. A month has passed; five months left, and we’ll part ways”
Enoch let out a cold chuckle and thought, “She is so clear–headed and self–respecting after breaking up with Simon. She has locked her wounded heart away–tight and secure!‘
He knew he had not done enough and needed to do more to win her heart. There was no rushing this. He still had five months left.
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“Ms. Schneider, we’ll do what you want–just physical, no emotions.” Enoch nodded and pulled Tiana into his car. “You’ve stayed at Aurora’s for two days; it’s time to go back tonight,”
Remembering his tricks from last time, Tiana gave him a mixed look of embarrassment and annoyance. “Do you think that after ignoring me for two days, I will just go back with you?”
Enoch pursed his lips. I’ve been to Jadewick these past two days. Do you want to know what I did there?”
Tiana turned her head to look out the car window. “No. Drop me off at the studio. I’m not doing the dating show anymore. I need to coordinate with Elodic on other projects.”
Enoch drove toward the studio co–owned by Tiana and Elodie.
When they reached the studio building. Tiana was about to get out, but Enoch reached over and gently clasped her wrist. “Ms. Schneider, what time do you get off work? I’ll come to pick you up.”
His palm was warm and strong, making her skin tingle slightly at his touch.
“Why?” she asked.
Enoch smirked. ‘Didn’t you say it’s only physical? It’s been two days since we slept together. Aren’t you feeling empty?” Tiana glared at him. “Enoch, do you really think I’m that needy?”
“Well, you might not be needy, but I am,” he responded.
Tiana was amused by his shameless and roguish attitude.
Seeing that she was silent, Enoch suddenly leaned closer, his fingers moving to unbutton his shirt. “How about a quickie in the car?”
As Tiana caught sight of his bare chest, she held her breath and pushed against his shoulder. “Stop it. I’ll call you when I’m done.”
Enoch grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “Good girl.”
As Tiana got out of the car, a pink flush appeared on her arm. She thought, ‘Enoch really drives someone crazy when he flirts!‘
After Tiana left, Enoch did not drive away immediately. He took out a finely crafted velvet box from the glove compartment. He opened the lid, revealing a dazzling, luxurious diamond ring inside.
He personally designed this diamond ring and had traveled to Jadewick recently to oversee the final touches. The ring featured flower–shaped diamonds, incorporating the letters Tand E, intertwined to represent a lifetime together.
Enoch pondered, ‘If I gave her this diamond ring now, it would just scare her, right? She’s still not over her last heartbreak. I can’t be too hasty! He closed his eyes for a moment as he leaned back in the chair, lost in his memories.
Before he turned eight, he had not known his true identity. He was adopted by the Gaston family. His adoptive mother was timid, while his adoptive father drank, gambled, and had a bad temper.
He was exceptionally good–looking as a child. At the age of seven, his adoptive father forced him to wear girls dresses and earn money by performing in front of strangers.
Even after all these years, Enoch still remembered the scene when a man charged at him. He picked up a broken beer bottle and stabbed the man in the chest.
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Warm blood splattered all over Enoch’s face. He dropped the bottle and walked out of the private room expressionlessly. He never returned to the Gaston family and walked alone along the road for a long time. He wandered the streets for three days without eating or drinking.
The wind and rain beat down on him, and his stomach growled with hunger. He was in a sorry state. He curled up under a skyway, and right when he thought he might die there, a white car drove up.
A graceful woman stepped out of the car, holding the hand of a little girl in a princess dress.
The little girl was pretty, her long hair draping over her shoulders like a waterfall. “Hey, why are you here all by yourself? Where are your parents?” She had a sweet and clear voice. Her bright eyes sparkled and Enoch could see the care and worry in them.
His face was covered in mud and blood, leaving only his blue eyes visible, they were cold and empty. He pursed his lips and ignored the little girl. His past experiences taught him not to trust people easily.
Seeing Enoch stay silent, the little girl tugged at her mom’s hand. “Mom, I feel so sorry for this boy. Let’s help him!”
The woman crouched down in front of him, asking gently.
However, he did not respond to anything she said. He was disillusioned, cold, and numb, like a living dead.
Secing he refused to speak, the woman swiftly left with the little girl.
He did not think much of the mother and daughter, assuming he would never see them again. Yet, it was not long before they returned.
The woman was carrying two big bags of food and clothes, while the little girl was holding a beautiful cake.
The little girl even stuffed a pretty doll into his arms. “Hey, soon the people from the shelter will be here. Don’t be scared. You’ll get help soon.”
As the woman and the little girl left, they handed him a stack of cash and a phone number,
As he watched them leave, a glimmer of hope appeared in his cold, broken eyes for the first time.
Enoch snapped back to reality from his memories and looked toward Tiana’s studio. His gaze was full of deep emotion,
Over the years, no one knew about his feelings for her. It was a secret crush he did not dare to voice out, and longing filled his heart.
Simon did not visit Tristan at the hospital.
After much effort, Simon finally topped the downloads charts with “Love Nest Whisper.” He wanted to pair up with Tiana and have some alone time with her. However, the chance was gone, making him upset.
At the company, he saw a livestream of Tiana and Enoch interacting in the ward. When Enoch, who was eating an apple, held Tiana’s fingertip in his mouth, Simon furiously slammed his phone on the floor.
Simon drove to Vivienne’s house. In his memory, Tiana cared the most about Vivienne. If he could win Vivienne’s affection. maybe there was still a chance. He bought a lot of gifts. When he arrived at Vivienne’s house, she was knitting in the yard.
“Mrs. Maple,” Simon greeted with a big smile, carrying the gifts over.
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Chapter 15
Vivienne glanced at Simon, confused. “And who are you?”
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“I’m Simon, Tia’s boyfriend.” He remembered Tiana mentioning his name to Vivienne before.
“Simon? The guy who abandoned my dear Tia at the engagement party? Vivienne thought, frowning. Then, she put her knitting tools and walked into the house.
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“Mrs. Maple, you don’t need to bring me coffee. I’m here to chat with you- Before Simon finished speaking, he noticed Vivienne was not making coffee. Instead, she came back with a mop. His expression changed.
“Mrs. Maple, I’m Simon. Tia must’ve mentioned me, right?” he asked.
Vivienne swung the mop at Simon. “A scum who abandoned Tia has no right to mention her! Also, she broke up with you and found a husband who truly loves her. Don’t come here anymore. We don’t welcome you!”
“W–What? Did she find a husband who loves her?” Simon was stunned and thought, “How’s that possible? In Novavista, who else dares to marry her other than me?”
“Yes! My grandson–in–law is tall, handsome, a great cook, and treats Tia like a queen. You didn’t appreciate her, but someone else surely does!” Vivienne yelled.
Simon’s expression changed. “Who would marry her?”
“Enoch!” she replied.
Boom!
Simon’s ears buzzed as pain shot through his chest. He clenched his fists until his knuckles whitened.
“Simon, I’m married!” Tiana said this to him during the dating show’s first episode.
Back then, he did not listen, as he did not believe Tiana would actually get married
However, now, Vivienne did not seem to be lying.
Enraged and upset, he felt like his world was spinning. He thought, “Tiana really got married to that bodyguard!”
He somehow got back to his car; his eyes filled with cold, bloodthirsty rage. His chest heaved violently, unable to calm down for a long time.
Time flew by. Simon took something out of the car and narrowed his
eyes.
Tiana treasured this item. He planned to give it to her as an apology during the second episode of the dating show. Yet, there was no need for that now. He intended to win her over using it.
After the work discussion with Elodie, Tiana was about to call Enoch for a ride when she got a multimedia message from an unknown number.
Tiana’s pupil shrank upon seeing the item in the photo, Before she could react, another message came from that number. [7 p.m., Room 2116 at Royale Hotel. If you don’t come, I’ll destroy it. Simon.]
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