Back then, it was Shawn who first expressed his love to her. Gale realized that Joe also had his ways to win a woman's heart. Indeed, he and Shawn were like two peas in a pod, capable of tricks, even goading her to make another bet.It was all up to Summer whether she would take the bait.Once Gale left, Summer looked at Joe."What is this guaranteed win you mentioned? Tell me more," she asked.Although Summer was willing to accept the consequences of her bets, she still felt unsatisfied. If there were a way to turn the tables, she would definitely want to take it. She had been enslaved by Joe that month, but next month, she might have a chance to turn the situation around.Joe approached slowly and stood in front of Summer, his hand resting on her waist. Summer's body tensed for a moment, feeling unnatural, but she did not brush off his touch. She reasoned that a girlfriend should tolerate her boyfriend hugging her.Joe asked, "What do you think? Is there a bet where you'd win f

"I bet that I won't fall in love with you within this month!" Summer declared.Joe raised an eyebrow, and a flicker of surprise and intrigue crossed his face. That was the bet she came up with? Summer continued, "If I fall in love with you this month, I lose. If I don't, I win!"The more she talked, the happier she became, feeling like she was the unbeatable genius of the universe.She was sure that she would win this bet because whether or not she loved Joe was solely up to her. Nobody could ever change her mind. As long as she did not admit she had fallen for Joe, she would win. After all, she would never ever fall in love with him. They were enemies. Therefore, she was confident in this bet."What do you say?" She looked at Joe. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you regretting it now? Hey, you said you'd agree to any bet I suggested!"Joe smiled slyly. "You've certainly rigged this to ensure your victory. How could you possibly fall in love with me? You'd take any opportun

She was in her early twenties and had not had her first kiss. So what? It only showed that she valued herself, took her feelings seriously, and never rushed into things."Yes!" Summer nodded. "This was my first kiss. You took it away."Joe smiled and asked, "Can I be responsible?""Responsible? How can you be responsible?" Summer questioned. "How do you want me to be responsible?" Joe inquired.Summer was momentarily stunned."I didn't expect this to be your first time. Sorry," Joe said.Huh? Was he apologizing to her because he had taken her first kiss?He continued, "If I had known it was your first kiss, I would have been gentler."Summer was quiet.So, he felt he had been too rough? Well, Summer was not the type to hold grudges. She was disappointed that Joe had stolen her first kiss like that, but what was done was done."Whatever. There's a first for everything. I'll just take it like I got bit by a dog," Summer replied with a bit of force, wiping the corner of her mo

The secretary got a little excited but continued to act calm and dutifully report to her. "Alright, understood." Summer nodded. "I will review and sign these documents and then submit them to Mr. Winter for approval.""Yes, Ms. Summer. I'll take my leave.""Alright."Summer made an effort to appear normal. She had no idea that her secretary had already figured out the truth. However, the secretary chose not to say anything. Summer was inexperienced in these matters and did not realize that it would be so physically obvious that she just had a passionate romp.As time passed, the office gradually grew quiet. Summer found herself alone. She stared at the documents in her hand. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the image of Joe's face up close, along with the kiss."Stop it!" Summer closed her eyes, shook her head vigorously, and tried to banish these images and sensations from her mind. "What are you thinking? Wake up! How long have you known Joe for?"However, she had to admit t

"Exactly. This is our house. This is the lawn. The sun is high up. There are birds flying. There are flowers. This tall one is Daddy, this is you, Mommy. This one is me," Nicole explained.Gale pointed at the blank space next to Nicole in the painting. "So why is there an empty spot here? Haven't you finished the painting?""No, Mommy. This is for my brother."Gale was momentarily puzzled.Nicole raised her painting high and said, "Let's stop here for today, and when I can paint my big brother, we can frame it up. Mommy, is that okay?""Nicole, you can paint your big brother now," she replied.Nicole hesitated for several seconds. "Really? Can I?""You can. Your big brother is also a part of our family. We are a family of four, and he shouldn't be excluded."With Gale's approval, Nicole immediately picked up her paintbrush.Watching her daughter's happy and serious strokes as she painted Joshua, Gale smiled softly. She had no more interest in working on the design draft; she j