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The Billionaire’s Flash Marriage: Baby I’m Sorry - Chapter 24



Chapter 24


‘’Look down on someone? Running a lap is too ordinary for me. Right now, I could easily run ten more laps."

Kane laughed, his eyes shining like a crescent moon as he gently stroked Lani's head.

"Alright, let's keep running. If you get tired, just let me know."

Lani didn't bother to reply, arrogantly running ahead. Kane quickly followed, deliberately slowing down to run behind Lani for a stretch.

In reality, Lani's stamina was indeed weak. Just as they reached the fourth lap, she bent over, hands on her knees, breathing heavily.

"What happened? Didn't you say you could run ten more laps?"

Kane ran over, carefully using a towel to wipe the sweat off Lani, unable to resist teasing. Lani pursed her lips, looking at him with blame, her voice becoming tired.

"It's just because I haven't exercised in a while. Let's go back; if we continue, I won't even have the strength to breathe."

As soon as Lani finished speaking, she continued to pant, exhausted to the point where she just wanted to lie down and rest. Kane bent down carefully, turning his back toward Lani, speaking in a low, indulgent tone.

"Let me carry you back."

Lani instinctively took a step back, shaking her head.

"No, it's not allowed. I'm all sweaty."

Kane continued to reach his hand towards her.

"It's okay; I'm sweaty too. You said you're tired. Let me carry you back; I'm not tired."

When Kane sweetened his tone, it made Lani waver, and she couldn't find a way to refuse. She carefully climbed onto his shoulders, and Kane slowly stood up, confidently walking forward.

The streetlights had been on for a while, adding a touch of romance to the scene. Kane strolled, and Lani leaned quietly against his shoulder.

"How much longer until we get home? It looks quite far."

Kane estimated before answering, "Maybe about fifteen more minutes on foot. We've run quite a distance."

Lani nodded, suddenly feeling that the current moment was very peaceful. Kane carried her with each step, the two of them close together without any distance. Lani could feel Kane's warmth enveloping her.

This feeling was so comfortable that Lani wished it could last forever.

"Now I truly feel that I have a small family of my own."

Lani's mother passed away early, and Derek, her father, was cold and indifferent, so she rarely felt love from him. Especially after he married Doris and had Hebe, they lived happily together as a family, leaving Lani feeling like the odd one out.

For a long time, Lani had felt lonely, thinking that she didn't have a family of her own. She longed for sweet and pure love, and when she loved Amory, she gave her all, only to be betrayed in the end.

Fortunately, Kane appeared, making her feel warmth and experiencing what it was like to be loved.

"In the future, we will like that, Lani. I will always be by your side, protecting and pampering you. We will always be a family, relying on each other."

Kane could vaguely sense Lani's emotions as he spoke these words, and he comforted her. He continued to walk steadily ahead, under the warm streetlight, making Lani feel the sweet warmth in her heart.

"Alright, you promise then. If you betray and love someone else in the future or deceive me, I'll leave."

Lani reminded him in a low voice. She had experienced the pain of betrayal once. So she didn't want to go through it again.

Kane continued to walk forward slowly, holding Lani securely as if he were carefully embracing the whole world.

"I promise."

When the two arrived home, it was a little while later. Initially, when Kane carried Lani, she felt a bit sleepy, but perhaps the cool autumn breeze dispelled her drowsiness. Now, she was awake.

After showering, Lani left the bathroom and comfortably lay on the bed for Kane to blow-dry her hair. Kane stood behind Lani, carefully running his fingers through her soft, pleasantly scented hair, using the hairdryer to dry her hair. Lani blissfully narrowed her eyes.

Her voice was soft, like a kitten purring.

"It feels so comfortable. I should have asked you to do this earlier."

Kane laughed, putting the hairdryer down and then hugging Lani from behind.

"Are you still sleepy? If not, I can carry you to the living room to continue watching the movie."

As Lani was about to respond, she remembered something, awkwardly running her fingers through her hair and smiling.

"Can we go to the kitchen and eat something? I'm feeling a bit hungry."

Because she was about to film for Director Lee soon, Lani had been conscious of maintaining her figure lately. Each evening, she would only eat a plate of salad.

Usually, it was fine, but today, after running for an hour, she had already burned off the calories from that salad and now felt hungry.

"Wait a moment, but I shouldn't eat. I'm trying to lose weight. If I eat now, won't all the effort of running this evening go to waste?"

Lani kept shaking her head, her expression gradually revealing a sense of confusion.

"No, I have to go to bed. Once I'm asleep, I won't feel hungry anymore.’’

As soon as Lani finished speaking, without hesitation, she quickly lay down, pulled the blanket up to cover half of her face, and reached out to pull Kane's hand.

"What are you waiting for, Kane? Let's go to bed."

Lani's lightning-fast action made Kane unable to suppress a laugh. He held Lani's hand, gently pulling her up from under the blanket, sitting her up, and fixing her tousled hair.

"It's okay; it's just the first day of training. You should eat a bit more to have the energy for weight loss."

"Besides, I'm a bit hungry too, and I want to have some spaghetti with minced beef sauce. Can you sit and eat with me to avoid feeling lonely?"

Kane blinked slightly, revealing a pitiful look. 

Lani bit her lip, hesitated for three seconds, and then nodded. However, she still crossed her arms and added.

"I'm eating with you to keep you company, not because I want to eat, okay?"

The retort made Kane have to suppress a laugh, nodding continuously.

"Right, you're kind to want to have dinner with me. Let's go downstairs."

After saying that, Kane, as usual, lifted Lani, went downstairs, and then let her sit on the sofa. Kane smoothly placed the remote in Lani's hand, instructing her.

"You stay here and wait for the movie. I'll cook in about half an hour."

Lani obediently hugged a pillow, searching for a new movie to watch. When Kane stepped out again, he saw Lani enthusiastically looking at the screen, hearing her excited voice.

"Wook is so handsome and cool."

Kane instinctively raised an eyebrow, frowning as he looked at the TV screen. On the screen, a guy dressed in leather, leather pants, and black sunglasses was comfortably sitting on a sofa, crossing his legs, holding a glass of wine. His wine-red hair stood out in the crowd, and his expression revealed indifference and carelessness. He embodies the rebellious and cool image of a man in the imagination of many girls.

Kane stepped in front of Lani, blocking her view, quickly planting a light kiss on her lips. Then, in front of Lani's wide-eyed gaze, he smiled playfully, holding the remote in her hand, and turned off the TV.

"Don't praise other handsome men, Lani; your husband might get jealous."

Lani's heart thumped as if it wanted to leap out of her chest. Kane's bold and decisive actions just now made him look even more handsome than Wook in the film she had just watched.

Carried by Kane, Lani entered the kitchen still in a dreamy state, immersed in the afterglow of the recent kiss.

Kane carefully placed Lani on the dining table, gently bopping her nose.

 




Chapter 25


‘’Still thinking about Wook, huh? Eat quickly; it won't be tasty when it gets cold."


Lani nodded, picking up a fork and bowing her head to eat. The Italian pasta, seasoned perfectly by Kane, paired with the sweet and tangy tomatoes and just-right beef, was a delightful combination. Lani quickly finished half of the plate. Only then did she raise her head to look at Kane.


"Even though the effort of running tonight has been wasted, I have no regrets after enjoying such delicious pasta."


Kane lifted his head to meet Lani's gaze, responding.


"You're getting better at flattering. It's okay; tomorrow night. I'll run with you again."


After eating, Lani and Kane were watching the film again, but certainly not the one Lani had been watching earlier, which left her dissatisfied. Kane chose a simple romantic movie featuring actors who were no longer young, so Lani couldn't casually praise any of them for being handsome or cool.


By the time they finished the movie, Lani was feeling sleepy. Lazily covering a yawn, she leaned her head on Kane's shoulder.


"So sleepy. Carry me to bed, please."


Kane lifted Lani so she wouldn't fall onto the sofa and bent down, cradling her legs and shoulders to carry her. When he placed Lani on the bed, she contentedly narrowed her eyes, about to say something more, but it was by the interrupted ringtone of her phone.


"Kane, help me get my phone."


Kane turned around, picked up Lani's phone from the dressing table, and handed it to her. Lani pressed to answer, wondering why Aurora was calling her this late. However, she only heard Aurora's excited voice before the call abruptly ended.


"Lani, check the hotsearch online! The current situation is extraordinary; you'll regret not seeing it. It's half a lifetime's worth!"


Aurora spoke fast and then hung up, leaving Lani staring at her phone, not understanding what was happening.


Similar to the afternoon when she was informed about Hebe speaking ill of her during the live broadcast, Aurora called to announce some news related to her. Like a fleeting gust of wind, before Lani could know what had happened, Aurora had ended the call.


A while later, Lani still had her eyes wide open, looking around in bewilderment.


"What happened? Did Hebe spread nasty rumors about you?"


Seeing the innocence in Lani's eyes, Kane worriedly stroked her hair and pulled her into a comforting embrace.


"Don't worry. Whatever happens, let's stay calm. You and I will figure out how to handle it together."


"Don't care much about what other people say. You are great, and you are the most perfect girl in this world, Lani. I promise."


Now slightly more alert, Lani looked at Kane and spoke uncertainly, "It seems there's another hot topic about me. But it seems positive, as Aurora's voice sounded cheerful."


Lani grabbed her phone and opened today's hot searches. She quickly found the trending topic about her with the headline "Lani's Rumors Denied by Directors – Hebe's Smear Unfounded?"


Curious, she clicked to read and took a while to grasp the unfolding situation.


The morning rumors not only smeared her but also affected the reputation of directors who collaborated with her before. In response, each director who had worked with Lani in her films recorded some videos, vehemently denying Hebe's allegations. 


Furthermore, they presented evidence proving that Lani had never exchanged private messages with them, let alone the absurd claims of staying in hotels together, as Hebe had claimed.


Initially, fans heavily criticized Lani, but public opinion quickly shifted towards blaming Hebe. After all, the purpose of the news was clear, Hebe had mentioned during the broadcast. It was fueled by jealousy and hatred towards Lani, intending to tarnish her reputation.


Reading a long line of comments condemning Hebe for fabricating false information to manipulate public opinion against Lani, Lani's mood improved. She smiled, her eyes sparkling, then suddenly leaned towards Kane, embracing him.


"Let's go to sleep. Tonight, I think I'll sleep very well. Hebe had to pay for her mistake."


Kane hugged Lani, grabbed a pillow, covered her with a blanket, and smoothly turned off the lights, holding her as they drifted off. Lani's mood seemed so good that even in the darkness, she hummed a few lines of a song, leaning her head on Kane's shoulder and giggling.


The next day, when Lani woke up, everything had changed dramatically. Previously, she had only a few hundred followers on her social media account, as she was a relatively unknown artist. But overnight, the number of followers had reached a million.


Moreover, her fans even crafted a video compilation featuring scenes of Lani from the recent gameshow, showcasing her expressions of amazement, innocence, charm, or frustration—making it vividly dynamic.


The fans added adorable background music that resonated well with Lani's followers. And they share and make the video go viral so quickly.


Just this morning, several online entertainment news outlets published articles praising Lani's intelligence, gentleness, and grace, debunking Hebe's baseless rumors. It was the first time Lani received such widespread admiration. It also left Lani feeling a bit shy, and when Aurora called to congratulate her, it still felt surreal.


Later, Lani found herself lying on the sofa, following news related to Hebe. After one night, Hebe had become the target of criticism, and her social media followers had significantly dropped, with a slew of insults beneath her posts. Lani observed this unfold with a sense of satisfaction.


While engrossed in her phone, Lani received a message from an unfamiliar number.


"Don't get too cocky too soon. Just wait; I'm sure you'll get cursed by everyone."


The tone, sharp and malicious, immediately revealed to Lani that the message was from Hebe. Lani had previously blocked Hebe's phone number, so now, Hebe had to use this new number to reach her. Lani paid little attention, responding casually.


"Sure, I'll wait, but don't keep me waiting too long."


Afterward, Lani proceeded to block this number, not wanting to be too bothered by unrelated people. After all, Hebe was now just a stranger to her, someone she found annoying and detested.


The following days for Lani were relatively smooth, as she didn't have an overwhelming schedule. Occasionally, there were photo shoots for magazines or morning shoots for commercials.


Getting ready to join the crew for a new film, Lani needed to buy some clothes. Kane often didn't have time to go with her, so she invited Aurora.


The two strolled through the shopping center in the afternoon, chatting as they walked.


"Hey, I think pursuing Ryan has been going quite well. Before, his replies were curt and cold, always just 'Ah,' 'Uh,' 'Huh,' making me wonder how to continue texting."


"Now his messages are longer, and sometimes he even takes the initiative to reach out and chat with me."


Aurora's face revealed a happy smile, a bit flushed as she shared this story with Lani. Lani, looking at clothes in the store, responded cheerfully.


"That's great to hear. Kane also told me that Ryan is a good boyfriend and will take good care of you in the future. Besides, I think Kane's friends are all perfect like him."


Thinking of Kane, Lani's lips unconsciously curved upwards, her face softened, and her voice became gentle and pleasant, like the sound of a silver bell, making it easy for people to listen. Aurora squinted, staring at Lani to observe every expression on her face, then rubbed her chin and concluded.


"Lani, you truly love Kane a lot. Just mentioning him makes your eyes light up like car headlights."


"It's true. The girl who used to be strong, cold, and indifferent has become softer and more adorable."


While Aurora's comparison seemed somewhat exaggerated, it did make Lani blush and lower her head. 


She thought that Kane was perfect and that loving him was only natural. Since their marriage, Kane had treated her exceptionally well, always making her feel warm, safe, and free from worries or sadness.




Chapter 26


At this boutique, Lani chose a short, cream-colored dress with two buttons on each shoulder, artistically tailored with a two-tiered skirt that flowed like a princess gown, creating a delicate and gentle appearance with each step. The dress suited Lani's style, and the square neckline elegantly showcased her sculpted collarbone.


Aurora also found a light gray knitted sweater. With the arrival of autumn and the gradual cooling weather, she wanted to buy some more clothes for future meetings with Ryan.


"Oh, speaking of which, I saw his boss from a distance last time when I brought lunch to Ryan. Although I only saw his back, I have to admit that he looked quite similar to Kane. They have the same height and seem to share a similar aura."


At that time, Aurora hurried to find Ryan to deliver lunch, so she didn't pay too much attention. Upon reflection, she realized that Kane and Ryan's boss had somewhat similar figures now.


Lani nodded, expressing her amazement.


"It's probably just a coincidence. Besides, who knows if Kane and Ryan's boss only resemble each other from the back? If you get closer to examine Ryan's boss and find out he's not as handsome as my husband, what then? Haha."


Lani finished speaking and playfully chuckled, prompting Aurora to side-eye her and pout.


"You're so in love with your husband that whenever someone mentions anything, you only think of your husband."


After their conversation, they continued shopping. Lani and Aurora bought a few long-sleeved outfits suitable for the autumn weather, and Lani also picked up some warm clothes for Kane.


"Hey, what should I get for Ryan? A tie or a wallet?"


Aurora stood hesitantly in the store, looking at Lani with a puzzled expression.


"Get him a wallet. When he takes it out to pay for something he'll think about you unconsciously."


After giving her advice, Lani winked mischievously, making Aurora blush and lower her head, saying teasingly.


"You're not serious, just teasing me."


In the end, Aurora still followed Lani's advice and bought Ryan a wallet, the latest design from a luxury brand. After shopping, they enjoyed a relaxed dinner before heading home. Lani, happily putting away her purchases, jumped onto the sofa to rest.


In these peaceful days, she had almost forgotten about Hebe's existence. However, now Hebe reappeared as a warning, a reminder not to be too joyful too soon.


Just as Hebe had warned in her previous threat, she had no intention of letting Lani live peacefully or comfortably. After the unsuccessful attempt to tarnish Lani's reputation, Hebe had become more careful. Instead of making random statements on live television, she now posted carefully crafted messages with enough evidence to build trust among her fans.


Lani casually clicked open the post where Hebe was condemning her for seducing Amory, who was Lani's current boyfriend. Hebe even claimed they had arranged to meet privately outside at night. 


Hebe posted a photo to verify the authenticity of her claims.


Lani furrowed her brows, her eyes betraying impatience as she enlarged the photo to examine it closely. It was a shot from a distance, showing her and Amory standing in the darkness. Although they stood far apart and showed no intimate gestures, Hebe's accusations made it seem as if they were secretly meeting and having an affair while Amory was publicly dating Hebe.


Lani recognized the moment Hebe took this photo. It was when she went out to buy food at the convenience store next to her house and coincidentally encountered Amory. Perhaps because Lani had been living happily lately and was in a better mood, her face looked more beautiful. Therefore, when Amory saw Lani, his eyes widened in surprise, and he approached her, seemingly wanting to start a conversation. 


However, Lani noticed Amory and glared at him, quickly leaving.


This photo was taken and manipulated by Hebe with a deliberate intention to smear Lani. If Hebe took the photo truthfully, one would see that Lani was still carrying a bag of snacks, giving no impression of sneaking out for a secret meeting with Amory. However, Hebe intentionally edited the photo to make Lani receive criticism.


Furthermore, Hebe mentioned in the post the reason behind smearing Lani earlier. She claimed to have known for a long time that Lani was trying to seduce her boyfriend, causing her pain, sadness, and jealousy. Therefore, Hebe intentionally spoke ill of Lani to vent her anger but later expressed regret.


It caused many of Hebe's fans to console her and harshly criticize Lani with hurtful words.


Lani tightened her grip on her hand, letting out a cold laugh. She hadn't expected Hebe to be so shameless. Previously, when Hebe accused Lani of seducing her boyfriend, Lani paid it no mind. To be cursed for seducing Amory surprised Lani with the level of foolishness.


Lani took a moment to regulate her breathing to stabilize her emotions, then called Aurora. In less than a second, Aurora answered, her voice sounding anxious.


"You've read the news? I was just about to tell you."


"Recently, Hebe and Amory are constantly trying to interfere in our lives, and it makes me sick. 


Suppose you provide me the recordings or the pictures you took of Hebe seducing Amory when he was your boyfriend. In that case, I guarantee it will make those two get criticized by fans that they can't go out," Aurora said, her last words almost growling with frustration, feeling indignant for Lani facing such situations.


But Lani's emotions were now stable. She leaned back into the sofa, responding casually.


"Let me post a clarification tomorrow. Just let Hebe bask in her arrogance."


"Previously, it was good that those directors clarified things on their own before we reached out to them. But this time, I will post on my own to make Hebe reveal her disgusting and nauseating personality."


Aurora, reassured by Lani's determination, reminded her to take care of her health and to call if she needed any support.


Now Lani remembered that Kane could also read this post and might misunderstand her relationship with Amory. She suddenly became anxious and hurriedly called Kane.


Within two seconds, Kane picked up the phone, his voice revealing surprise. After all, Lani rarely called him, usually just sending messages to update him on her schedule and assure him of her safety.


"What's going on, Lani?"


Kane had just finished an important meeting and hadn't checked the news, unaware of Hebe's post. Lani bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and decided to inform Kane before he discovered it himself.


"Are you at the company? I want to talk to you about something."


Kane was still at the company, and before he could find an excuse to avoid it, Lani told him to wait and that she would come to him. Kane stared at his phone screen, his heart pounding. If Lani came here now, wouldn't she know his true identity? 


Would she be furious and demand a divorce for the deception? Whatever the outcome, it made Kane feel weak in the knees.


He had to find a way to continue covering up this lie, not letting Lani know that he was the company's boss.



 


Chapter 27


As Lani arrived at Kane's company, she spotted him sitting in the lobby on the first floor, engrossed in recent entertainment news. Since getting to know Lani, Kane had developed a keener interest in the world of entertainment, even having seen Hebe's recent post a while ago.


He could sense the urgency in Lani's call and her immediate need to find him. "Kane, don't bother with that news. It's not true."


Lani rushed over, speaking as if she had just covered a long distance. Her face was flushed, strands of sweat-soaked hair clinging to her forehead. Kane stood up, gently wiping the sweat from Lani's face, his voice soothing. "Alright, I won't look anymore. I don't believe it anyway."


Lani seemed surprised at Kane's trust, willingly nestling into his embrace. "You're so good, Kane. I love you more than anything in the world."


Kane chuckled softly, embracing Lani and enveloping her in a warm hug. Since Lani had turned towards the wall, she was unaware that behind her, two receptionists were watching with a mix of astonishment and awe as the two shared an intimate embrace.


It was the first time they had seen their boss smile so gently, displaying such a tender gesture towards a woman rather than the usual cold indifference. Consequently, their mouths opened wide enough to fit a chicken egg. It wasn't until Kane shot them a stern look of a verbal warning that they awkwardly chuckled, using both hands to cover their mouths, indicating they wouldn't disclose anything to their colleagues.


"We'll talk about it at home. I've finished my tasks for the afternoon, so the department head let me leave early," Kane said as he pulled Lani's hand, wanting to leave together. After all, he was the boss, and no one dared to object to his leaving whenever he pleased. Moreover, he had already completed his work for the day, giving him time to spend with Lani.


As the two reached the company's entrance, they encountered an employee entering from outside. Seeing Kane, the employee momentarily froze, bowing in greeting.


"Hi, b-."


Before the word "boss" could escape their lips, Kane gave him a warning look. They flinched slightly, glancing at Lani beside him. It was only then that they understood something, offering a cheerful greeting.


"Hi, bro, your girlfriend, right?"


At this moment, Kane felt satisfied, letting out a light sigh before responding, "Yeah. She is my wife."


The employee discreetly observed Kane's expression, feeling reassured when they saw that he appeared normal, and hastily said, "So, I'll head back to the office first. I still have a few things to take care of."


Glancing at the hurried retreat of the employee as if he wanted to escape, Lani was genuinely puzzled. She reached out and touched Kane, asking in bewilderment, "Is it normal for you and your colleagues to call each other 'bro' so intimately?"


Kane's eyes briefly revealed a guarded expression. He cleared his throat, trying to appear composed as he nodded. "Yeah. Calling each other that way feels more comfortable and friendly.’’


Lani nodded in understanding, finding it somewhat peculiar but refraining from further inquiry. She held Kane's hand as they walked away together. 


While Kane drove them home, Lani recapped the events of that day and Kane's fabricated social media post. Worried that Kane might be upset or misunderstood, she hurriedly spoke.


"Kane, I just happened to run into Amory that day; there was no prior arrangement. And at that time, I was already fed up and didn't want to talk to him. Since we broke up, I've blocked his phone number and haven't contacted him since then."


Being ambiguous with an ex-lover was shameless and Lani didn't want Kane to misconstrue her as that kind of person, so she explained in great detail. Kane listened attentively and, after a pause, spoke.


"So, have you thought of a way to get revenge yet? Hebe has spread lies and tarnished your image multiple times, causing fans to scold you. You shouldn't let her live comfortably like that."


Lani chuckled, playfully poking Kane's arm and leaning in closer, almost whispering,


"You truly deserve the title of my husband, understanding me so well. Don't worry, I've planned everything. Tomorrow, I'll make Hebe the target of everyone's criticism."


Kane trusted Lani, so he didn't inquire too deeply about her plans. Instead, he silently instructed Ryan to pay attention to Lani's strategy and assist her when needed, ensuring that Hebe would regret hurting Lani.


Upon returning home, Kane, as usual, went for a shower, and then he and Lani sat on the sofa, scrolling through their phones. Lani was engrossed in entertainment news, lying on Kane's chest while scrolling through their phones. Occasionally, she showed Kane some funny pictures that her friends had posted.


The harmonious atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by Lani's outraged scream.


"That wretched Amory! How dare he take advantage of Hebe's smear post against me and post something authentic about me seducing him as if it's true! It's outrageous."


"He truly has no shame. And he didn't even think if there was anything for me to give up my husband to pursue him. A man who is both short, ugly, and foolish, greedy for money. I was foolish before to value someone like that."


Lani gritted her teeth, cursing angrily, her frustration evident as she tossed her phone onto the sofa. She hugged Kane, a pitiful expression on her face, lowering her voice as if coaxing.


"Tomorrow, I must make sure that Hebe and Amory can't operate in showbiz anymore."


Lani's soft hair cascaded onto Kane's chest, emitting a sweet lavender scent. Occasionally, she shifted slightly, hugging Kane tighter, causing her hair to tickle his skin. When Lani looked up at him, her bright yet angry eyes were enticing, making Kane grip her hand tightly, suppressing the desire to kiss her.


She's too seductive, Kane thought silently.


"Alright, let's leave tomorrow's business for tomorrow. Now, what do you want to eat? I'll cook for you, and only after eating can you have the strength for revenge."


Recently, Lani had been training with a personal fitness coach, and her eating habits had changed to eat healthier and lower in calories to maintain her figure before starting a film shoot. Lani pondered for a moment, wanting to eat a variety of dishes but hesitating when considering their calorie content.


To indulge in a plate of garlic butter lobster or apple pie without gaining weight, Lani would have to exercise diligently for an entire hour. The trade-off felt significant to her.


"Maybe I should just go for the grilled chicken salad. Eating too much food will give me a chubby look in future film roles. I don't want my fans to see my chubby and unattractive appearance," Lani mused. She realized that those high-calorie dishes might not be as appealing anymore.


Hearing her reasoning, Kane gently sat up, brushing his fingers lightly across Lani's forehead.


"Don't worry. Whether you're chubby or thin, I will always love you."


Though she felt so shy at such a sweet declaration, Lani still nodded, pursing her lips slightly.


"Don't tempt me. I love you, but I want my fans to continue loving and supporting me. I still want to maintain the image of a slender and beautiful woman on television."


After dinner, Lani and Kane decided to go to bed early. Lani needed to be in a good mental sate for the next day to post a clarification. The troubles caused by Hebe seemed to have exhausted her, as Lani quickly nestled into Kane's arms, her petite face buried in the soft, smooth pillow, appearing both cute and beautiful.


Kane opened his eyes and gently touched Lani's soft face, sighing deeply. At this moment, he regrets initially deceiving Lani by claiming to be just an office worker.


This regret prevented him from comfortably telling Lani that she should leave everything to him and continue pretending to be clueless, using meaningless words to console her.


Kane's hand tightened the urge to do something to help Lani conflicting with the frustration of his inability to act. However, he also knew now was not the time to reveal the truth to Lani.


Their relationship, although stable, had not lasted long. If Lani were to discover the deception at this point, their marital bond would likely end. 


Kane sighed, gently stroking Lani's hair, sensing the sweet fragrance on her that made his heart uneasy. That night, Kane could only manage a few short hours of sleep.


The next day, Kane had to continue pretending to be an ordinary powerless employee, heading to work early without saying goodbye to Lani. Before leaving, he kissed her and instructed her to call him if anything happened. Lani was half-asleep, casually nodding a few times before continuing to doze off.


 


Chapter 28


Without a morning schedule, Lani slept until nine o'clock. The first thing she did was to post the prepared article on social media. She had already shown this post to Aurora, and since there were no issues, she could go ahead and publish it.


There were messages and selfies of Lani and Amory taken during their time together when they were still a couple. It also has a clear timeline to prove that she and Amory had been in a relationship for three years. Lani also attached the amount of money she had transferred to Amory to help him successfully enter the entertainment industry and become a celebrity as he is now.


Finally, she included an audio recording from the moment Lani discovered Amory cheating with Hebe, capturing Hebe's challenge and pride in seducing Amory. The evidence was clear, leaving Amory and Hebe with no room for denial.


After posting, Lani lazily stretched, gently massaging her slightly sore shoulders before heading to brush her teeth, indifferent to how the public was harshly criticizing Amory and Hebe.


When Lani emerged from the bathroom, phone in hand again, everything unfolded as she had expected.


This time, Hebe not only failed in tarnishing Lani's image but also faced even more severe backlash from the fans for betraying their trust. Some people scolded Hebe for seducing Lani's boyfriend and shamelessly posting negative comments about Lani. Others criticized Amory for taking money from Lani to enter the entertainment industry and then lacking morality by cheating.


Some expressed sympathy for Lani, pointing out how she had loved Amory for three years without publicly acknowledging their relationship, making others think she was still single. The day their relationship became public was also the day they had long broken up.


In any case, this time Hebe and Amory received intense criticism, to the point that they had to cancel all their upcoming schedules, not daring to go out or face the public. Lani could only feel that they were facing the consequences of their wrongdoing.


At this moment, Aurora also called, her first words filled with excitement,


"Lani, perfect. Hebe and Amory are now leading the lives of the turtles hiding in their shells. It's fantastic; you should have done this earlier."


Aurora was thrilled with the outcome. Ever since learning about Amory and Lani's breakup due to his affair with Hebe, she had been furious and genuinely advised Lani to post and expose their despicable actions. However, because she still considered Hebe as family or perhaps due to her kind and gentle nature, Lani hadn't taken any action.


Lani had treated Hebe and Amory very courteously, but they showed no gratitude and wanted to see Lani criticized and cursed. In that case, Lani shouldn't continue to compromise.


In the previous game show they participated in, the ratings were very high and well-received by the audience. The director had plans to shoot a few more episodes. However, given the current situation, Lani could guess that Hebe and Amory wouldn't appear in the upcoming episodes.


Regardless, they were substitute guests for 


previously busy participants. Their unfavorable behavior and rude insults towards Lani made them out of this show, and the director asked two more obedient and pleasant replacement guests to take part in the show.


At this point, Lani received a message from an unknown number.


"Lani, I may have betrayed you, but I truly loved you before. During our time I treated you well and was good to you. How could you be so ruthless after our breakup?"


"Don't act like a heartless woman, Lani. We had good times when we were in love. If you help me and Hebe explain, I will transfer money to you, okay? How much do you want? Just let me know."


"I heard from Hebe that you married a poor and untalented husband. Life must be tough. How about this? I'll give you two hundred thousand dollars, and you help me make a video explaining that everything was just a misunderstanding, okay?"


Lani sighed in annoyance. Hebe and Amory were a perfect couple, always knowing how to make people disgusted and nauseous. They could portray themselves as sincere and kind. Amory was a good actor, Lani thought.


However, now that Lani had presented the evidence, and wouldn't give in. She smirked, eyes coldly staring at the screen as she composed a message.


"No need for money, as I don't have the responsibility to clarify any rumors."


"If you have extra cash, buy some books or take courses on how to be a better person. With a rotten personality like yours, aren't you afraid of being criticized for lack of education?"


After venting her frustration through insults, Lani quietly blocked this unknown number. The world returned to tranquility.


When Kane returned home in the afternoon, Lani happily recounted the story to him.


"Amory even wanted to use the money to buy me off. He dared to belittle you for being poor, thinking I must be struggling to support you, so I lack money."


"He's truly ignorant. He has no idea what it's like to spend money on a husband who is both handsome and a good cook, like you."


Lani joyfully spoke while nibbling on the strawberries that Kane handed to her. When she was with Kane, eating fruit didn't have to use her hands. Lani felt genuinely happy.


"Are you shooting the game show again tomorrow? Didn't you say earlier that the show was filming only two episodes?"


After Lani announced her schedule, Kane wanted to plan a weekend date, going to the movies or simply strolling together. However, with the schedule change, his plans were canceled.


"Yeah, the game show has high ratings, so the director wants to shoot a few more episodes. But I'm more comfortable being a guest now, as Hebe and Amory's spots have been taken by two other actors."


The news of the change in guest participants from the organizers was the most pleasing information for Lani that day. Every time she encountered those two, she felt irritated.


While contemplating, Lani felt a cold touch on her neck. She slowly lowered her head, seeing a sparkling necklace that Kane had just put around her neck. It was a delicate chain with a small key-shaped charm, looking elegant and sophisticated. The beautiful necklace wasn't too flashy, perfect for daily wear, and it accentuated Lani's slender and lovely neck.


"Do you like it? I just received my salary this month. So I bought it for you."


Kane hugged Lani from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and speaking softly. Since pretending to be poor, he couldn't comfortably buy expensive things for her. Therefore, at the end of the month, he used the excuse of receiving his salary to purchase this necklace for Lani.


It was a specially designed piece from a famous international brand, so the price wasn't cheap. However, the brand didn't display logos or unique designs, making it look like an ordinary necklace.


Lani thought the same way. However, she still loved the necklace dearly, embracing Kane tightly in gratitude.


"I love it. I'll wear it every day from now on."


Kane, embraced by Lani, felt great, silently planning to find excuses in the future to buy more gifts for her. Lani's excited and surprised expression made him feel happy.


Their evening was peaceful, with a romantic dinner under the warm light of the dining room. However, their nighttime routine underwent a small change. After taking a shower, Lani, feeling proactive, approached Kane, wrapped her arms around his neck, and leaned in to kiss him.


What started as a gentle kiss gradually escalated. Kane held her chin with one hand, the other supporting Lani's waist to deepen the kiss. He gently caressed Lani's back, helping her relax. Lani got lost in the kiss, her eyes entranced, and her legs slowly giving way until she couldn't stand on her own.


When the kiss ended, Lani had to lean on Kane's shoulder to stand upright. She nestled her head into Kane's shoulder, breathing heavily, and kissed Kane's neck. The warm breath on his shoulder made Kane's heartbeat gradually intensify.


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