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The Billionaire’s Flash Marriage: Baby I’m Sorry - Chapter 34



Chapter 34


Kane groaned, leaning closer to Lani, deliberately lowering his voice.

"Saying it like that, what's wrong? Can't I call you 'my wife'?" Kane emphasized the words "my wife," making Lani's face even redder.

She lowered her head. She bit her lip, finding it difficult to rebut Kane's teasing whenever she was around him.

"Enough, don't be shy anymore. Let's go home," Kane said, leading Lani forward. The doctor had applied some medicine, and Kane was feeling better now. He walked ahead, and Lani followed, her face still flushed and unabated.

When they arrived home, concerned about Kane moving too much, Lani decided to take over cooking duties from now on. Kane, however, didn't want Lani to take on these tasks and assured her that he could still handle cooking and she need not worry.

After a while of discussion, they decided that Kane would continue to cook, but Lani would stand by to assist whenever he needed something.

Despite the unpleasant events of the evening, the two went to bed together. Perhaps due to the fear, Lani found it harder than usual to sleep. She rolled back and forth on the bed, unable to sleep.

Kane turned, his arms enveloping Lani in the darkness, his voice gentle as if soothing.

"Sleep, there's nothing to worry about or be uncomfortable with. None of this is your fault; it's all because of Hebe's cruelty and desire to harm others."

"Everything is fine now, so just relax and have a good night's sleep," Kane added, lightly kissing Lani's forehead for comfort. Lani nodded, embracing Kane's waist, burying herself in his shoulder, gradually drifting off.

Unbeknownst to Lani, as she slept soundly, the person beside her quietly opened their eyes, took the phone off the bedside table, and stepped out onto the balcony to make a call.

Leaning against the wall, Kane calmly tapped on the railing, speaking quietly to the person on the other end.

"Recently, Derek's company seems quite stable, so his daughter has time to bother my wife, huh? Well, let's give them a little financial trouble, so he and Hebe won't have time to disturb my wife's life anymore."

Kane spoke nonchalantly. The person on the phone acknowledged understanding before hanging up. Afterward, Kane stood outside the balcony, his gaze looking into the distance as if contemplating something.

After a while, Kane returned to the bedroom, holding Lani close to sleep together.

The next day, as usual, Kane woke up before Lani, carefully getting out of bed to avoid waking her. However, as soon as his feet touched the floor, Lani stirred.

"You're awake? Wait a moment. I'll join you in making breakfast."

Lani genuinely believed that Kane's sprain was a severe matter. She even wanted him to stay in bed a day without getting up. Kane nodded, slowly getting up, brushing his teeth, and heading to the kitchen. Just as he took a slice of bread out of the bag, Lani came running down, excitedly saying,

"Let me do it for you."

Taking the bag of bread from Kane's hand, Lani set it aside. She proactively helped Kane gather bacon, eggs, and sausages to make sandwiches. Kane stood still, cooking, while Lani happily ran around, grabbing plates, pouring milk, and placing the food on the table.

Although Kane felt somewhat helpless about Lani treating him like a helpless invalid, he also found it incredibly heartwarming. After all, being cared for so attentively by Lani made Kane feel the depth of her love for him.

After they finished breakfast together, Lani enthusiastically cleaned up the table and placed the dishes in the dishwasher. She thoughtfully prepared a plate of cherries and strawberries for Kane. Setting the plate on the table, she sat on the sofa where Kane was, offering him a plump strawberry.

Kane was slightly surprised but obediently opened his mouth to eat, smiling and gently patting Lani's head. The morning for both of them flowed harmoniously.

"Are you not going out today?" At noon, seeing Lani still leisurely in her pajamas watching TV, Kane couldn't help but ask. After all, Lani has been busy with work these days, so seeing her so relaxed like this was unusual for him.

As for the reason Kane stayed at home, it was straightforward. Lani was worried that if he went to the company, he would have to move around a lot, making his leg pain worse and feeling uncomfortable. Besides, Kane was just an ordinary employee, and whether he was present didn't affect the company's operations, so she suggested Kane take a day off.

However, there was something Lani didn't know, which was that on the day Kane didn't go to the other company, the entire company was surprised. Why would the workaholic CEO request a day off? Someone who has never stayed home, even when sick, suddenly not showing up – it was a hot topic for everyone to discuss while gathering for lunch.

As the evening descended, Lani and Kane sat on the sofa, engrossed in a movie. Kane, naturally, wasn't too keen on this activity.

He stood up a few times, wanting to move around for more comfort, but Lani wouldn't allow it. She was adhering to the doctor's advice, instructing Kane not to move too much.

"I just have a sprained ankle, not a broken leg, so there's no need to worry," Kane explained in frustration multiple times, but Lani remained unyielding. Indeed, he felt helpless.

This situation only fueled his growing resentment towards Hebe. If not for Hebe, he wouldn't have to sit still like this. A few days later, Lani postponed a few jobs to stay home and look after Kane, adjusting the shooting schedule for some advertisements. Meanwhile, a film Lani shot a year ago started airing on television. They watched it together every day after dinner.

It was a romantic film, and Lani starred alongside an actor named Eric.

In the film, Lani takes on the role of a highly skilled but aloof secretary, focused solely on her work and indifferent to love. After two and a half years without any boyfriend, she earned the nickname "the iron-hearted girl" from everyone around her.

On the other hand, Eric is the CEO of a leading technology company in the country and Lani's boss. He is handsome, talented, wealthy, and has been pursued by many girls since childhood. 

Despite the numerous admirers, Eric shows no interest until he falls for Lani at first sight.

The film narrates the journey of the CEO pursuing his secretary until the two happily marry. 

Throughout this process, Lani initially remains cold and indifferent. She pays little attention to Eric's actions, rejecting dinner invitations or rides without much thought. However, as time goes on, Eric's gallantry, kindness, and romance gradually captivate Lani.

It was a typical romantic film but featured a few kissing scenes between Lani and Eric. During the filming, Lani didn't think much of it. Even when she invited Kane to watch a film she starred in at home, she never considered that Kane might feel jealous.

After the first kissing scene between Lani and Eric aired on TV, Lani suddenly felt uneasy, glancing at Kane as if he had discovered her having an affair.

She noticed Kane furrow his brows, his initially warm gaze turning somewhat icy. He stared straight at the TV, his hand clenching slightly. Lani dared not breathe loudly, sitting up straight and forcing a natural smile.





Chapter 35

"I suddenly remember that this film isn't that remarkable. The plot is dull, and my acting isn't that great. How about we watch another film?" Lani suggested. Kane understood the reason behind her words, so he just shook his head, arching an eyebrow and looking at her with a playful smile.


"I think you did great, especially those kissing scenes with Eric. Your eyes were filled with passion and affection as if Eric had truly become your husband," he remarked.


Lani choked up, unsure how to continue explaining. She awkwardly laughed, saying these were roles in a film and Kane shouldn't take them seriously. In reality, she and Eric weren't that close; they didn't stay in touch much after finishing the film.


The movie continued, and Kane and Lani kept watching. Lani discreetly observed Kane's expressions after each on-screen kiss. After the second kissing scene, Kane's face tensed, and it seemed like he was gritting his teeth out of jealousy. After the third kiss between Lani and Eric, Kane's eyebrows furrowed, and his gaze showed signs of envy. After the fourth kissing scene, it seemed Kane couldn't bear it any longer. He decisively grabbed the remote, turned off the TV, swiftly laid Lani on the sofa, and kissed her.


The unexpected kiss caught Lani off guard. She could only innocently part her lips and respond to Kane's kiss. Kane's kiss gradually shifted from gentle to deep, and Lani's lips began to numb, losing sensation. Whenever Lani needed to catch her breath, Kane would lingeringly release her lips, waiting for her to adjust her breathing before resuming the kiss.


Lani was kissed to the point where she felt the world spinning. Her eyes gradually glazed over, sparkling with moisture, appearing adorable.


After Kane's prolonged kiss, he gently caressed Lani's crimson lips, his eyes filled with tenderness. He aware that the kissing scenes, the sweet glances Lani directed at Eric, and her happy smiles with him were all acts. Yet, seeing Lani passionately kissing someone else, Kane couldn't bear it.


The feeling of jealousy weighed heavily on his heart, causing pain as if he were witnessing Lani loving someone other than him. That's why he acted impulsively, kissing Lani until she couldn't breathe.


"It's just a movie, Kane. Outside of it, I don't love Eric. I only have you as my husband. I will always love you, and my gentle gaze or affection is reserved only for you," Lani reassured, embracing Kane and burying her face in his shoulder, her voice soft and soothing blossom.


Kane's discomfort when watching the kissing scenes between Lani and Eric was quite normal. After all, even when he was still in love with Amory, every time one of Lani's films aired with a kissing scene involving someone else, they would engage in arguments.


Amory accused Lani of being an adulterer and would get angry, demanding that Lani should not take roles with kissing scenes with other male actors in the future. Meanwhile, Lani felt that Amory's jealousy was excessive and didn't respect her profession.


For an actor who refuses to perform kiss scenes, they would likely be limited to minor roles with less significance in films. However, Lani's ambition was always to play leading female roles.


After the surge of jealousy passed, Kane began to regret his actions. After all, it was Lani's job, and those scenes were shot when they weren't married and hadn't even met each other. Therefore, Kane had no right to complain about it. Conversely, Lani behaved obediently, comforting him like a child and making him feel embarrassed.


"Sorry, every time I see you smile or kiss someone else, I can't help but feel uncomfortable and upset. I'll try to adjust my emotions in the future," Kane quietly explained, embracing Lani and gently patting her shoulder for reassurance, his voice both remorseful and warm.


Kane's low, soothing voice echoed in Lani's ear was quite seductive, and the kiss was passionate and mesmerizing, making Lani fond of it.


"Despite Kane being normally mature and composed, his sudden loss of composure and the passionate kiss that made Lani's lips swell felt very unfamiliar. She buried her head in Kane's shoulder, gently patting his back, and added with a playful tone, "It's okay. Being uncomfortable is normal. Moreover, the decisive way you kissed me just now was charming."


Kane's demeanor during the recent kiss, simultaneously assertive and gentle, made Lani both fond of and infatuated with him. Kane's actions just now made her think he would be more suitable for the role of a domineering CEO than Eric in the film.


"Do you like it? Shall we continue?'"


Lani looked bewildered, her eyes wide open. Kane burst into laughter at Lani's adorable reaction, playfully tapping her nose.


"Alright, teasing you a bit. Let's skip this movie, or I'm afraid I won't be able to control my emotions and might end up wanting to punch that actor," Kane said with a grin.


Lani nodded, refraining from saying anything more, fearing Kane might continue teasing her. Kane picked another movie and sat down to watch with Lani, and the initially disrupted atmosphere gradually returned to harmony.


Unbeknownst to Lani, not far away at a nearby shopping center, when Hebe emerged with her shopping bag, an unfortunate incident occurred. Just as she stepped onto the street, a person dressed in black, wearing a hat pulled down low, deliberately brushed against Hebe. The impact forced Hebe to step back, losing her balance and falling to the ground. Her bag spilled its contents onto the pavement.


Naturally, Hebe was furious. Glaring at the man, she shouted, "Are you blind? Intentionally bumping into me and not even apologizing. Do you even know I'm a famous actress?"


Hebe directed her scolding gaze at the man, arrogantly lifted her chin, stood defiantly, and spoke with a resonant voice. A few onlookers turned their heads, but Hebe paid no attention, continuing to berate the man.


"Quickly apologize to me. If not, I'll reveal this incident, and my fans will surely curse you to the point where you won't dare to show your face in public," Hebe demanded.


The man patiently stood, listening to Hebe's words. Only now did he slowly lower the sunglasses on his eyes, squinting as he looked at Hebe.


"A famous actress? Does someone as ugly, short, and chubby as you have fans? They must be blind," he sneered.


"Moreover, is this your road? How I walk is my business. If you can't avoid it and collide with me, it's your poor reflexes. I haven't insulted you, and it's your fault for bumping into my shoulder. Do you dare say I wasn't looking at the road?"


"Talking so much gives me a headache. I usually don't hit women, but for you, I think I can make an exception." He finished speaking, raising his fist, his face menacingly staring at Hebe. Now, Hebe could observe the man's face. When he wasn't smiling, he looked both cold and fierce. His lazy squint added impatience to his expression.


It seemed like if Hebe provoked him a bit more, he could hit her. At this point, Hebe was scared to the point of stepping back, forcing a nervous smile, picking up her shopping bag from the ground, and apologizing.


"Apologies, it's just my hot temper. I couldn't control my anger, and it's my fault for bumping into you," Hebe said.


Hebe was also someone who knew how to handle things. Realizing she couldn't continue with the insults, she adopted a completely soft attitude, smiling and bowing her head to apologize sincerely. The man coldly chuckled, his eyes becoming more sinister as he watched Hebe tidy up her things, preparing to leave.





Chapter 36

"Hold on. Have I permitted you to leave?" The man's voice suddenly turned icy, catching Hebe off guard. She dared not express anger as before, fearing he might hit her. So, she cautiously asked, "Is there still an issue?"


The man stood defiantly, arrogantly lifting his chin as Hebe had done earlier, his voice steady.


"Earlier, your bag fell on my shoes and dirtied them. Now, you should bend down and clean my shoes for me."


Hebe's mouth gaped open wide enough to fit an egg. She never expected there could be someone so audacious in the world. However, she couldn't deny that when she collided with him earlier, her shopping bag had fallen and made a mess on his shoes.


Hebe wanted to say something more, but as she opened her mouth, she saw the man tightening his grip on his fist, calmly looking at her.


"Don't want to clean my shoes, huh? Easy. Let me punch you three times to vent my frustration. 


Consider it payback for today's unfortunate encounter," he said as if deliberately picking a fight with Hebe. 


However, she was alone this time, with no one by her side, and obviously couldn't fight back against a tall man. Hebe pursed her lips, hesitating for a long time before finally bending down, using the hem of her shirt to wipe his shoes.


Today, Hebe wore a long-sleeved white shirt, so the stains on her clothes became more noticeable. But she didn't dare to complain even half a word. The man only seemed satisfied now, nodding as he looked at Hebe.


"A little troublesome matter. Make sure I don't run into you next time; you're annoying and unlucky."


Despite her frustration, Hebe gritted her teeth and left, enduring the humiliation.


Not long after Hebe left, the man pulled out his phone from his pocket and made a call. Now, his face no longer displayed the fierce and sinister expression from earlier; instead, it radiated extreme friendliness. He curved his lips into a smile as he spoke to the person on the other end of the line.


"Kane, it seems I just encountered Hebe today. That woman is truly both ugly and short, not to mention her cruel and arrogant demeanor. Today, I intentionally bumped into her, made her fall, and even made her clean my shoes," he shared.


"Before, during a live broadcast, she spoke ill of Lani, your wife, and even wanted to crash her car into Lani. Today, consider it my revenge on behalf of your wife. Remember to invite me for a meal later," he added.


The person on the other end of the line, Kane, was sitting on the bed, waiting for Lani to finish bathing. Kane smiled broadly, seemingly pleased with the man's actions, nodding cheerfully.


"Yeah, pick a restaurant later. I'll treat you to a meal. Dylan, I appreciate it," Kane said.


Dylan waved his hand, his voice now lighthearted and friendly, in contrast to his earlier menacing demeanor.


"No worries, we're best friends. If Hebe causes any trouble for Lani in the future, just let me know. I'll personally deal with her to make her even more embarrassed," Dylan said.


Kane's unnecessary statement implied that he had already taken matters into his own hands to punish Hebe on behalf of Lani. Today might be the last day Hebe could indulge in a shopping spree, as there might be no more opportunities for her to spend free time once she returned home.


As Kane had predicted, in the days that followed, Hebe's family no longer came to look for her, and the lives of the two eventually returned to peace. In recent days, Kane's foot gradually healed, with only slight swelling and redness remaining, but Lani remained as cautious as ever, not allowing him to move around too much.


So, these recent days, the two spent most of their time lying on the sofa, watching TV, and embracing each other for rest. Director Lee's film had started filming, so occasionally, Lani would go to the set to shoot, while most of the remaining time was spent with Kane.


Thus, every time Lani went to film, Kane would return to his home to tidy up a bit. He felt that his relationship with Lani had gradually stabilized, and now Lani wouldn't go so far as to divorce him if she found out his true identity.


Therefore, Kane decided to tell the truth to Lani soon. In these days, Kane had ordered a ring that Hebe had designed during their time together, and it would be ready by the beginning of next month.


With about ten days to go, Kane planned to clean up his home and Lani's room in preparation for her moving in. Previously, he had pretended to be poor, so living at Lani's house was understandable. 


However, he wanted to be sincere with Lani after receiving the designed ring and bring her to live with him.


Compared to Lani's current home, Kane's house was more spacious and well-equipped. Ever since Kane knew that Lani loved him, he had already arranged for a maid to clean up a room so that Lani could store her expensive clothes and handbags in the future.


Various dresses, outfits, jewelry, and handbags from the most luxurious brands adorned Lani's wardrobe, all purchased by Kane and neatly organized. He wanted the day he brought Lani here to be a pleasant surprise for her.


Just thinking about Lani's happy reaction when she saw everything brought a great sense of joy to Kane.


Today, Kane returned to rearrange the bedroom for both of them. Of course, he wanted to share a room with Lani, so he went to the mall to buy matching pillows and a couple's pajamas.


Additionally, Kane bought quite a few items for his home. Regardless, Kane wanted their home fully equipped, allowing Lani to move in immediately, so he prepared meticulously.


Furthermore, he also asked the maid, Uri, to plant and take care of a rose garden in the backyard. He noticed that Lani loved roses, so he wanted to create a garden full of her favorite flowers, making her feel happy and more in love with life whenever she saw them.


Once the tidying was complete and he returned, Kane reverted to being a seemingly impoverished husband. He went to the kitchen to prepare an apple pie for Lani to eat upon her return. As he poured a glass of milk, he saw Lani entering.


Lani seemed very excited. When she saw Kane returning, she enthusiastically shook a box and said to him, "Look at what I brought for you. Tacos from the 'Sixty' store. Try them out."


Kane smiled, placing the plate of apple pie, and the glass of milk on the table. He spoke to Lani, "Sure, you sit down and eat. I just finished baking the apple pie. We can enjoy both the tacos and the pie together."


Lani didn't hesitate to sit down, offering a beef taco. The two sat facing each other, savoring their meal.


Taking a sip of milk, Lani suddenly remembered something and spoke to Kane with a hesitant tone, "Kane, there's something I want to tell you."


While Lani was cheerful a moment ago, her serious expression now caught Kane off guard. He looked at her, somewhat suspicious, and asked, "What's going on? Are you in trouble? Did Hebe bother you again?"


Lani shook her head, lips pursed as she spoke.





Chapter 37


"Perhaps in the new film I'm telling you about, Director Lee's film will have some kissing scenes. I am the female lead, and this role is important to me, so I can't refuse to film kissing scenes."


After the incident where Kane lost control while watching a kissing scene between her and Eric, Lani still felt somewhat uncomfortable looking at Kane. It was as if she had cheated on him. 


Moreover, now she was Kane's wife, so engaging in kissing scenes with another man should still be limited.


Nevertheless, she couldn't help feeling jealous when she saw another woman holding hands or hugging Kane. Kane, too, would undoubtedly be uncomfortable seeing her kissing another man. Otherwise, a usually calm person like Kane wouldn't lose his composure.


Kane initially thought there was some serious issue, but after hearing Lani's explanation, he found it somewhat amusing. Perhaps Kane's kiss that day had genuinely frightened Lani, so now she had worried about kissing scenes in films.


Kane took a sip of water, giving Lani a knowing look, eyes filled with affection.


"Lani, it's okay. I've said it before, that time was my mistake for not controlling my emotions. Your profession is acting, so filming kiss scenes is normal—it's just a regular part of your job."


"So, even if you shoot a kiss scene everyday, I can understand. It's okay, as long as I know you love me. I will always support you in anything you want to do, and I will always protect and love you."


Hearing these words made Lani feel incredibly sweet. She arched her eyes in a smile, took another sip of milk, and coquettishly said, "Kane, you're a perfect husband. I'm so happy to have you as my husband."


Kane chuckled, suddenly wanting to tease Lani.


"So, remember what you just said. Tonight if I kiss you, you can't escape like you did yesterday."


Reminded of yesterday, Lani blushed. The night before going to bed, Kane had kissed her for a very long time, moving from one kiss to another, making her lips swollen, and he didn't stop. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Lani hid under the blanket, and it wasn't until later that Kane finally ended those dense kisses.


Pretending not to hear, Lani tilted her head, hiding her reddened ear. Kane chuckled in a low voice, deciding not to tease Lani further.


The latest film directed by Lee has commenced filming steadily. As a result, Lani finds herself occupied. This development coincides with Kane having ample time to refurbish his home in preparation for her arrival. The vibrant rose garden that Lani adores is already in place, and he has even hired someone to install a swing in the garden so that Lani can enjoy the refreshing breeze whenever she pleases.


Moreover, given Lani's fondness for the jewelry from the brand "J," Kane has gone the extra mile by acquiring the entire recent collection released by the brand.


It includes even some previously auctioned, exorbitantly priced pieces. With the assistance of a housekeeper, he has neatly arranged them in a small cabinet, intending for this to be a delightful surprise for Kane when she visits.


Kane's mother, Maris, is aware of Kane's deception regarding his identity. Since the beginning, she has consistently chastised Kane as someone lacking sincerity, questioning his worthiness to be with a good-hearted girl like Lani.


Upon learning that Kane intends to be truthful and move in with Lani, Maris is overjoyed. She continually reminds Kane that when they move to his home, he must inform Lani so that she can visit, taking the opportunity to meet her daughter-in-law.


Since Lani and Kane tied the knot, Maris has never met Lani in person. She has only glimpsed her through the photos Kane sends. Kane claims that Maris can instantly discern the demeanor of a wealthy and educated woman, fearing that Lani might realize Kane's deception and leave. As a result, he adamantly refuses to let Maris meet Lani.


Although this reasoning may sound flimsy, Kane is genuinely concerned and resolute in preventing the meeting between Maris and Lani. There seems to be no alternative solution in his mind despite the seemingly irrational nature of his apprehensions.


Kane finds himself immersed in the blissful anticipation of soon being able to live comfortably with Lani without hiding anything. Since realizing his intense love for Lani, he has been concerned about the potential exposure of his true identity. 


He fears that if Lani discovers he is not just an ordinary office worker or senses any deception, she might angrily cast him out of her life, never to be contacted again. Thus, every moment spent with Lani feels tinged with anxiety.


"Mom, in two days, I'll pretend to go on a business trip to E country to get the ring and propose to Lani again. After that, you can come and meet Lani face to face."


On a day when Kane is at home organizing things, Maris arrives to offer her assistance. The two sit on the sofa, engaged in conversation, and every time Kane mentions Lani, his eyes sparkle with a gentle warmth.


"Really? That's great. Tell me, what should I give Lani as a meeting gift? I've prepared for her a three-story apartment in the city center, a brand-new Lamborghini that just hit the market, a diamond jewelry set from the 'Alven' brand. Oh, and there's also a limited edition diamond-studded watch, only two of which exist globally. You once mentioned that Lani likes watches, didn't you?"


"Is what I'm giving her enough? Or should I buy something more to give her?" Maris questions.


It is the sole reason why Kane hesitates to let Maris meet Lani. Maris has a penchant for buying extravagant gifts for others, and present comes with a hefty price tag. Furthermore, Lani is known for her generosity. At the moment, Kane is pretending to be a person of modest means. If Lani were to meet Maris and hear about these lavish gifts, she would likely suspect Kane of deception.


Therefore, Kane firmly believes that delaying Maris's meeting with Lani is the wisest decision he has ever made. In this intricate dance of secrets and revelations, Kane navigates the delicate balance between the two women in his life, each with her expectations and perceptions.


However, Kane is no longer concealing his identity from Lani, so these gifts don't seem overly ostentatious. Kane nods in agreement. Moreover, Maris's excited and anticipatory gaze leaves Kane unable to deny the appropriateness of the offerings, realizing that they may not make Lani uncomfortable upon receipt.


Before the meeting with Maris, Kane plans to forewarn Lani to prevent any shock during the encounter.


"Also, on that day, if I were to approach and warmly hug her, would that make her uneasy? I've watched the films she's been in — great acting, beautiful, and a good personality. I like this daughter-in-law," Maris adds.


However, this is something Kane cannot approve of. "You should keep calm and appear composed. Lani is shy and easily embarrassed. If you approach her with an overly familiar hug, she might feel uncomfortable."


Maris lowers her head, pouting slightly, and reluctantly nods in agreement. Kane decides to leave the prospect of warm hugs later when Lani and Maris become closer.


"What about your plan to propose to Lani again with that new diamond ring? Do you need any assistance? Like helping you book a table at a five-star hotel and decorating it romantically, having a cellist playing beside you to create a warm atmosphere?"


"Or should I buy you another yacht? When you and Lani go yachting, suddenly proposing to her would be surprising and romantic. Lani will surely love it."


Kane shakes his head, refusing all these suggestions. Such grand gestures would undoubtedly overwhelm Lani, and the expensive venues pose a challenge considering their financial portrayal. These ideas are impractical.





Chapter 38


After the conversation with Maris, Kane returned to Lani's home. Lani hadn't returned yet. Kane remembered that she mentioned participating in a new game show broadcast this morning. In haste, Kane grabbed his iPad and opened the live-streaming page.


The game show featured celebrities experiencing the life of ordinary people. Apart from Lani, there were four other female actors whose names Kane didn't know. The show seemed to have just begun as the staff was starting to explain the rules for today's challenge.


Today's challenge for the five participants was to work as employees at a bubble tea shop for two hours. They had to wear masks to ensure fans wouldn't recognize them, and the winner would be determined by who sold the most bubble teas. The person bringing in the highest revenue for the tea shop would be declared the victor, while the loser would face a penalty – drinking an entire large cup of lemon concentrate.


Kane furrowed his brows as he gazed at the large cup of lemon concentrate on the screen. Knowing that Lani had a sweet tooth and a strong aversion to anything sour, it was evident that drinking that cup would be a dreadful ordeal.


At this moment, the broadcast screen showed the five actors in their changed attire, acting as employees in the bubble tea shop alongside another staff member. They were assigned to five different bubble tea stores, all relatively well-known in the city.


Today, Lani seemed to be a bit challenging for Lani's luck. While the other four actresses had sold over twenty bubble teas each in just half an hour, she had only sold ten cups. Perhaps feeling the pressure, Lani appeared visibly tense, frequently biting her lip, and her smiles toward the camera seemed somewhat forced.


Watching from the sofa, Kane involuntarily furrowed his brows, eager to do something to help Lani. He attentively studied the bubble tea shop Lani was in, attempting to find the address printed on the menu as the camera casually panned across.


Once he had the address, Kane leaned back on the sofa, retrieved his phone from his pocket, and made a call.


"Ryan, today I'm treating the whole company to bubble tea. Can you buy bubble tea for everyone in that bubble tea shop? I'll send you the address."


After sending the address, Kane promptly transferred the money to Ryan before ending the call, leaving Ryan in a state of astonishment, taking a moment to react.


On that day, the employees of Kane's entire company were pleasantly surprised by their boss's generosity. Everyone was excited to order bubble tea, eagerly anticipating Ryan's arrival at the tea shop where Lani was working. It took about twenty minutes for Ryan to show up.


Encountering Ryan here, Lani was so surprised. She had met Ryan a few times before, so when she saw him coming to order bubble tea, she greeted him with a smile.


"Hello, would you like to order how many cups of bubble tea?" Lani asked, her hand poised over the screen, ready to assist Ryan in placing the order. Initially, Lani thought Ryan might be ordering just one cup for himself or buying on behalf of his colleagues. However, when she heard Ryan say he wanted to order bubble tea for over a hundred people, Lani's hand trembled slightly.


"That many?" Ryan noticed Lani's presence here and immediately understood the reason behind Kane's decision to buy bubble tea for the whole company. So, he was quick to offer words of praise.


"That's right. My boss is both generous and kind, so occasionally, he treats the entire company to bubble tea or orders dinner for us when we have overtime."


Lani didn't dwell on it too much; she marveled silently at Ryan's boss's kindness and diligently noted down the various bubble tea flavors he ordered. While she handled the orders, the female staff next to her would make the bubble tea, allowing Lani to talk with Ryan.


"Why are you here working as a staff member? Is it part of the show's challenge?" Ryan asked curiously, glancing at the cameraman and a few cameras capturing Lani. He could deduce that she was participating in some reality show.


Lani nodded, providing further explanation. "Yes, I'm part of a game show, and the challenge is to sell as many bubble teas at this shop as possible to win. Thanks to your order today, I might secure the top position."


Lani chatted comfortably, unaware of the fleeting stiffness in Ryan's smile. So, that was the case – no wonder Kane urged him to order bubble tea quickly.


Once the bubble teas were made, the staff helped Ryan carefully place them into a thermal bag and a small box for easy transportation in the car trunk. Ryan waved to Lani and departed. Shortly after, Lani's two-hour challenge also came to an end.


As anticipated, the bubble tea shop where Lani worked achieved the highest revenue during the two hours of her shift. The number of bubble teas she sold was three times more than the second-ranking contestant, Floral. Her prize was an elegant silver bracelet with a small charm featuring the show's logo, a delicate and beautiful token.


Perhaps due to her victory in the game show, Lani was in high spirits. Upon returning home, she even bought two more bubble teas from the shop where she worked that afternoon—one for herself and one for Kane.


Seating on the sofa, Lani recounted the magical turn of events to Kane.


"At first, I thought I was losing and would have to drink that cup of lemon concentrate. But unexpectedly, a friend of Aurora's came and bought over a hundred bubble teas. That's how I suddenly became the winner."


"What a coincidence, and how lucky for you," Kane remarked, watching Lani's eyes sparkle. His mood was also jubilant. He took a sip of bubble tea, gently looked at Lani, and sighed in agreement, 


"Indeed, that's truly fortunate."


In the evening, Kane talked to Lani about his upcoming business trip to country L, scheduled for two days later. The business trip to country L was real, but Kane chose not to disclose his intention of conveniently obtaining an engagement ring for Lani while there.


Rarely did they find themselves leisurely together like this upon learning that Kane would be away on business for three consecutive days. She narrowed her eyes, embracing Kane and burying her petite face in the comfort of his chest, displaying a demeanor.


"Do you have to be away for so long? Then, I'll miss you terribly."


Even though they currently shared their days at home, Lani had grown accustomed to having Kane around. The thought of Kane being absent for three days left her somewhat disheartened.


"I haven't left yet, you know. It's a bit early to talk about missing me. Save that line for when I'm at the airport; I like hearing it.’’


Kane tightened his embrace around Lani, his hand resting on her shoulder, gently patting. The sweet fragrance emanating from Lani lingered, making him reluctant to let go, even for a step.


If this business trip weren't so crucial, and Kane didn't propose to Lani during this journey, he would have delegated the task to his deputy and stayed home to enjoy a peaceful married life with Lani. However, life rarely unfolds as planned.


Perhaps knowing that Kane would be away for a few days made Lani cling to him more than usual. She was like a tail following Kane around—when Kane went to get a drink, she would stand up and follow him. When Kane lay on the sofa to watch TV, she would draw near and lie beside him.


Lani's endearing behavior melted Kane's heart. Unable to resist, he lifted Lani's chin and planted a gentle, careful kiss with sweet love. When the kiss ended, Lani buried her head in the crook of Kane's shoulder, breathing heavily, silently adjusting her breath.


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