Embrace New Love

On the day Greg Burton's beloved woman, Rena Cooper, returned to the country, he dumped Eileen Wright and gave her five million.

She left without saying anything.

Seven years later, they met again when Eileen had lost weight from 75 kilograms to 45 kilograms. She even changed her name. So her ex-boyfriend, Greg, didn't recognize her at all.

He was critically ill and needed her blood to survive.

Eileen refused the million-dollar reward and made one request: that Greg act as Lottie's father for a month. Lottie was Eileen's daughter.

Greg agreed without hesitation.

But he soon abandoned their plans of having fun in the amusement park due to Rena.

He missed the parent-child sports event, and all the students mocked Lottie because she claimed to have a father who never showed up.

When Eileen confronted Greg, he dismissively handed her a check. "Lottie isn't my daughter. We're just in a fake marriage. Why should I waste my time on her?"

Greg didn't know that Lottie was indeed his daughter.

Perhaps it was not a bad thing.

Once the surgery was over, Eileen planned to disappear from his world forever with her daughter.

...

"Miss Shane, Mr. Burton needs your rare blood type for his surgery. You can name your conditions," Greg's secretary, Kole Walsh, said.

Eileen was momentarily stunned. Then she said, "Can I marry him?"

Kole was about to refuse, but Greg waved him off. "Fine. We'll divorce after the surgery in a month."

Eileen looked at Greg, who didn't know her at that moment. She had lost weight from 75 kilograms to 40 kilograms and changed her name to Irene Shane.

So he didn't recognize her.

She said, "Alright. But you have to be Lottie's father for a month." She has dreamed of having a handsome father who loved her dearly since she was a little girl."

Greg didn't know she had given birth to his daughter.

He was the rich young man of Bexwell, and everyone in his circle knew that he had dated a poor, overweight woman for two years.

Greg had been so harsh to her. He even had his people break her leg just to force her to leave.

Eileen left Bexwell in disgrace and thought she would never cross paths with Greg again.

Yet now, he needed her blood to survive.

She was worried that Lottie might blame her for not saving her father after she knew the truth.

Otherwise, Eileen would never agree to save him.

Greg secretly looked at her and felt inexplicably familiar. "I'm very busy, but I'll try to make time."

After Eileen left, Kole asked, "Mr. Burton, why did you agree to such a strange request? Irene is clearly trying to get close to you to seduce you."

"She's putting herself at risk being a backup blood donor."

Greg furrowed his eyebrows and stared at Eileen downstairs. "It's about two lives. It's okay that I hold back for a month and spend a bit more money."

What he didn't say was that he felt strangely familiar with that woman.

He had once despised her, but he found himself madly yearning for her in countless sleepless nights.

How could the slender, limping Irene be similar to Eileen, who was chubby?

Perhaps he had been sick for too long and had hallucinations.

The next day, Greg didn't show up at City Hall.

Kole said with a cold expression, "Go ahead and complete the process. Mr. Burton has arranged everything."

Eileen didn't know how she and Greg would get married when he didn't show up.

Yet Kole led her into the director's office, and within five minutes, the procedure was finished.

They used the photo of her and Greg that was photoshopped.

Indeed, the power and influence of the Burton family were unrivaled. Nothing was too difficult for Greg.

As Eileen left, she caught a glimpse of the news about Greg on the TV in the hall.

"Greg Burton appears at the airport and is suspected of receiving his fiancée, the internationally renowned pianist, back home."

Kole watched the news as well. "Miss Shane, you know that without your blood, you'd never have contact with Mr. Burton."

Eileen forced a bitter smile.

Indeed, she was a country girl from a poor area and could never be a good match for Greg.

On the TV, Rena stood beside Greg. She was elegantly dressed in a bespoke outfit.

They looked like a perfect match.

Eileen couldn't help but recall what happened seven years ago.

At that time, she was 75 kilograms and stood out in the crowd.

Greg had a quarrel with his girlfriend, Rena, because she wanted to go abroad to further learn piano.

In a fit of anger, he randomly pointed at Eileen in the corner and said, "If you want to go, then go. I have another girlfriend now. It's her."

Everyone was shocked, and their gaze darted between Greg's handsome face and Eileen's plump figure.

Later, Eileen cornered Greg under a tree.

He leaned against the trunk, and his legs were stretched out casually. He looked casual yet noble and arrogant.

The light and shadow outlined his perfect jawline. His charming appearance stirred the hearts of every young woman who saw him.

Greg said to Eileen, "Let's make a deal. You act as my girlfriend, and I'll cover your tuition and living expenses."

Eileen was a poor student relying on loans and part-time jobs. It was hard for her to refuse such an offer.

Eileen knew she was just a tool for his momentary anger.

But she was an ordinary young woman and had dreamed of having an outstanding boyfriend like Greg.

And so, an absurd agreement began.

In the beginning, Eileen was fearful and worried about being exposed.

Yet Greg surprisingly fulfilled the role of her boyfriend earnestly.

In the cafeteria, others pointed at her and mocked her. "Look at that fat woman. She eats like a pig."

Greg slammed his tray on the table, and the loud noise silenced everyone.

He lazily stretched out his arm and pulled her into his embrace. "My girlfriend has a good appetite. It's a good thing. She is so cute. I love her type. Do you have a problem?"

His imposing presence shocked others, and they prompted quick apologies.

That day, Eileen felt that she could be cherished and loved for the first time, although she was ordinary and unattractive.

There was another time at the basketball court. After the game, Greg was surrounded by others, but he immediately spotted her holding a bottle of water at the sidelines.

He pushed through the crowd and walked straight to her. Then he took the bottle of water from her hands and drank it.

His friend cornered him in the locker room and said, "Greg, even if you want to make Rena angry, you can't pick a fat girl. Right?"

Greg slammed his friend against the wall and said, "Her name is Eileen. She's my girlfriend. If you say anything like that, I will get annoyed at you."

What Greg brought her was warmth and light she never dared to hope for.

But she knew deep down that she was not worthy of the affection that made her heart tremble because she was just an ordinary woman.

Later, she became useful. Rena came back to the country repeatedly and even got pregnant with Greg's baby.

But she didn't know why Greg hadn't married Rena yet.

"Miss Shane, the car is ready. Mr. Burton asked me to drive you home." Kole's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Eileen stopped recalling and smiled bitterly.

She returned home and said, "Lottie, there's a man who gets sick. We'll be his supportive companions and keep him company for a month. Okay? Just think you're spending this month with Daddy."

Lottie's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Is he handsome?"

"Yes. He looks better than many celebrities." Eileen took out her phone and showed Lottie a picture.

"Oh my gosh, Daddy is so cool!" Lottie said with excitement, "I want Daddy to wear silver hair and a uniform and be in a photo with me!"

"Okay, I will buy them right away." Eileen didn't plan to tell Lottie the truth.

Greg would eventually marry Rena and have other children.

So it was merely a game that lasted thirty days.

After it ended, she would leave with Lottie forever.

It was evening at Greg's place.

As soon as Lottie saw Greg, she broke free from Eileen's hand and dashed over like a little rocket. "Wow! Dad, you're even more handsome than in the photo. Your eyes are so charming, like stars."

She wrapped her arms around Greg's leg, and her eyes were filled with pure admiration and delight.

Greg wasn't fond of close contact, but Lottie's smile was like sunshine, which warmed even the coldest heart in the world.

Greg softened instantly.

Kole was following behind and blurted out upon seeing Lottie's delicate face. "She looks quite a bit like you, Mr. Burton."

Greg's gentle expression vanished in an instant. "Don't talk nonsense."

Eileen felt a pang as she saw Lottie's disappointment.

She quickly handed Greg a colorful list. "This is what Lottie wants to do with her dad."

Greg took the list, which was decorated with crayon drawings. It included telling bedtime stories, going to the amusement park, baking a cake together, watching movies...

He looked down at Lottie's eyes, which resembled his own.

He swallowed back the words of refusal.

Half an hour later, Lottie lay in bed and gazed expectantly at Greg.

"Once upon a time, there was a princess..." Greg stiffly read from the storybook.

After three stories, Lottie hadn't fallen asleep yet. "Dad, when will you take me to the amusement park?"

"Tomorrow."

"Yay! That's awesome! I want to go on the Ferris wheel!" Lottie rolled on the bed in excitement.

Greg continued telling stories and finally managed to lull her to sleep.

As he watched her angelic face, he suddenly recalled Kole's words. "Her features do resemble mine a bit."

Greg's thoughts drifted uncontrollably to five years ago.

He couldn't quite forget those nights he spent with Eileen.

If he and she had a child back then, they would be about Lottie's age now.

He couldn't think that way. Eileen would only use the baby as a tool to make money if she had one.

Greg shook his head and tried not to think about that heartless woman.

The next morning, Lottie woke up early. She put on a pink princess dress and twirled in front of the mirror with excitement. "Mom, I'm extra cute today. Dad will definitely like me more."

Eileen felt a sting in her heart as she watched Lottie's eager face.

In the past, she had had some suitors, but Lottie had never liked any of them like this.

Blood bonds were amazing.

At nine o'clock, Eileen and Lottie waited in the living room.

Lottie sat on the edge of the sofa, and her legs swung. She cast glances upstairs now and then. "Mom, why isn't Dad coming down yet?"

"Let's wait a bit longer. Maybe he's still sleeping."

Ten o'clock, eleven o'clock...

Lottie's smile gradually faded.

Eileen had no choice but to call Greg.

It rang for a long time before he answered it. "I have pressing business today. We'll go to the amusement park another time. Explain to Lottie for me."

A woman's cough could be faintly heard in the background.

"Or you can take her there yourself. I'll cover all expenses."

She hadn't uttered a word before the call was abruptly ended.

So Greg had already gone out?

Eileen instinctively opened Rena's social media updates.

Half an hour ago, Rena posted a photo of Greg's back. He was busy in the kitchen.

It was captioned, "It's nice to be cared for when I catch a cold."

The comments were filled with envy.

Eileen turned off her phone and gently stroked Lottie's face. "Lottie, Dad had an urgent matter to deal with."

Lottie lowered her head and clutched her skirt. "But a dad never breaks a promise to his daughter."

She sniffled softly and said, "Doesn't Dad love me?"

Eileen's heart ached. The question was all too familiar.

Seven years ago, she had asked herself the same question countless times.

Something never changed.

Just like back then, as soon as Rena showed up, Greg would forget about Eileen.

Even when they were passionately having sex in bed, Greg would leave late at night for Rena.

"Not that, sweetheart. He is just too busy." Eileen tilted her head high to keep her tears from falling. "How about I take you to the amusement park today? I used to work at the amusement park, and I am quite the amusement park pro."

Lottie nodded and forced a smile, but she was still disappointed.

Eileen took Lottie's hand and led her out. She felt so much pain at that time.

Did she make a mistake? Maybe she shouldn't let Lottie get close to Greg.

Eileen and Lottie returned from the amusement park. As soon as they entered the room, they saw various toys piling up in the living room.

There was a teddy bear taller than Lottie, a delicate Barbie doll set, an electric toy car, and an entire Lego castle.

"Mr. Burton especially asked me to buy these toys," Kole said.

Lottie stood in front of the toys and had no joy on her face. "Where's Dad?"

"Mr. Burton is busy with other matters."

Lottie twisted the hem of her skirt with her fingers and said, "I just want Dad to be with me."

Eileen tried to comfort her. "Lottie, Dad cares about you, so he bought you these gifts. How about we start unpacking while we wait for him?"

She thought Greg was concerned about their feelings since he sent those gifts.

But he brought Rena back with him in the evening.

Lottie was drawing on the sofa when she saw Greg and immediately dropped her pencil and ran over. "Dad!"

She hugged Greg's leg tightly and raised her face with adoration.

Rena gazed at Eileen, who looked elegant, and Lottie, the beautifully cute girl.

They were exceptionally striking.

Even though she knew Greg kept them only for their blood, she felt like she was facing a formidable enemy.

She feigned friendliness and bent down. "What a cute little girl! Where's your real dad?"

Real dad?

So Lottie remembered that Greg was just pretending to be her father for a month.

Lottie's face instantly turned pale, and she subconsciously let go of Greg.

Greg noticed the change in Lottie's expression and felt an inexplicable irritation.

He patted Lottie's head to change the subject. "This lady is a friend of Dad's. She's not well and needs care, so she'll be staying here for a few days."

"Greg, I'm feeling faint." Rena suddenly clutched her forehead and leaned sideways.

"I'll take you upstairs to rest," Greg said, picking her up and striding toward the stairs.

Watching their retreating figures, Eileen pressed her lips tightly together.

She and Greg were in a contractual marriage, but they were indeed married.

Yet he brought Rena before them and let Lottie witness her father caring for another woman.

Eileen quickly looked at Lottie, who stood there still, and tears streamed down her face silently.

It was nine o'clock, time for a bedtime story.

Lottie lay on the bed, and her eyes were fixed on the doorway.

Half an hour passed, but Greg did not come in.

Seeing Lottie's completely dimmed expression, Eileen felt heartbroken. "Lottie, why don't we go back home?"

Lottie stubbornly shook her head and said, "No, Mom. I really like Dad. I want him to pick me up from kindergarten. Molly's dad is a police officer. He picks her up in uniform every day. It's so cool." Lottie said in a small voice, "I want other kids to see how handsome my dad is."

Eileen's tears suddenly flowed.

She knew how much Lottie longed for a father's love.

"Lottie, I'm sorry. It's my fault," Eileen said inwardly.

"How about I tell you a story?"

Lottie hugged the pillow, and her eyes were red. "The family sports day is in a few days. Will Dad be there with me?"

"He will," Eileen said firmly.

If he let them down again, she would leave with Lottie ahead of time.

She gently patted Lottie until the latter fell asleep.

Watching Lottie's furrowed brow even in sleep, Eileen got up to see Greg.

Eileen went to the study, and she noticed a wooden music box on the shelf.

It was the birthday gift she had bought for Greg back then, after she worked part-time for three months, handing out flyers in winter. Her hands were covered in frostbite.

Had he really kept it all the time?

Just then, Rena and Greg entered the study.

Following Eileen's gaze, Rena also noticed the music box. It seemed out of place in the study.

Over the years, besides Rena, only Eileen had dated Greg.

Rena clenched her fingers and said, "Greg, this couldn't be from Eileen, could it?"

"No," Greg said, picking up the music box. After a pause, he threw it into the trash.

The sound felt like it hit Eileen's heart.

She recalled that night. It was his birthday, and he had kissed her for the first time.

Eileen still remembered the heat of his lips and the fervent sex they had had.

In the passion, Greg had whispered her name and said he loved her.

Despite countless reminders that their relationship was only transactional, Eileen had fallen for him.

She thought she was like Cinderella and had one of her legs badly injured for that.

But now, Greg could discard her heartfelt gift without hesitation to prevent Rena from having any misunderstanding.

"What did you want to see me about?" Greg asked impatiently.

"It is the family sports day at kindergarten the day after tomorrow. Please be there on time," Eileen said, then left.

"Greg, it will be your last chance," Eileen said in her mind.

...

At four in the morning, Greg tossed and turned, and his mind echoed with Eileen's passionate whispers.

He felt restless, so he got up and went to the study. He retrieved the music box from the trash can.

"Eileen, you abandoned me for five million dollars. How foolish can you be?" Greg muttered, winding the music box.

"After my surgery next month, look into Eileen's situation over the years." He sent a text to Kole and then lay back on the sofa.

Listening to the piano melody he'd heard for five years, Greg gradually drifted off to sleep.