Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Abby smiled warmly. "Sister, stop teasing me. Evan doesn't eat spicy food-eating that many peppers at once could kill him. I'm heading back to work today. I can't stay at the hospital every day to take care of him. Just because he ate peppers once doesn't mean I'm

going to give in to him."

Adalee nodded in agreement. "That's right. Don't let Evan use this situation to win you over."

"Sister, he didn't plan this to manipulate me. He genuinely got sick from eating peppers-fever, cough, sore throat-the works. His voice is still hoarse." Despite herself, Abby couldn't help defending Evan.

Adalee sighed. "Look at you. I barely say anything about him, and you're already protecting him. Abby, remember this: in love, the person who falls first loses. Listen to me before Evan truly loves the real you, don't give too much of yourself. Don't let him control the dynamic. You're so strong in every other aspect of your life, yet you melt the moment it comes to Evan."

Abby stuck out her tongue sheepishly. "I get it, Sister. I'll control my emotions and make sure Evan doesn't think I'm falling deeper than he is."

Adalee gently tapped Abby's forehead. "I don't quite believe you. Thankfully, Evan loves you, and the York family has a solid reputation. I doubt he'd stray from their values. But no matter what, you must love yourself first. Give him 50 or 60 percent of your love-never all of it. You need to train your man. All the great men out there? Their partners trained them."

Adalee spoke from experience. Her fiancé had been a playboy, but after falling for her, he gradually changed into the devoted man he was today. She had shaped him into someone reliable.

is his personality, his commitment. He's already the kind of man who loves with his whole heart. I don't

Evan for who he was now. Changing him would mean losing the

Whether or not you need to change anything is up to you. I won't meddle as long as Evan doesn't hurt you. But if

hugged Adalee tightly. "You're

gently pushed

out for you. Who else

takes

family Now, go run a couple of laps to warm up, then

freezing out here."

helped. Abby jogged alongside Adalee, the crisp morning air invigorating

they parted ways and returned to their

Abby instructed the butler to deliver a meal to Evan before heading to the office. Her workday was packed, leaving her with only a brief lunch break to