Serena stomped her feet angrily upon hearing the way Michael talked about her kindness and selfless sacrifice. She had put in a lot of effort to become his fiancée, yet he had just effortlessly broken off all ties between them.She wished he had not stepped forward to defend her name, and would rather be insulted by the public than cut off ties with him.Serena yelled angrily at Sophia. “Didn’t you say this is a perfect plan? Didn’t you promise Michael will surely be with me? Look at how things turned out. What should I do now?”Sophia was also enraged upon seeing her daughter getting all hysterical. “Calm down. We’ll think of something else.”“How can I calm down?” There was no way she could do that. “It’s all your fault to insist on doing this way. Now Michael’s trying to steer clear from me. It’s you who got me into this position…”“I’m only doing this for your own good!” Sophia flew off the handle for being yelled at by her daughter. “Michael wouldn’t have thrown a glance at y
“Alright then, Mom, I’m going to be honest with you. Christina is the only woman I want in my life. If I can’t marry her, I’ll never lay my hand on another woman either. Our family heritage will have to stop here then.” “That’s because you haven’t found the right person!” “If I haven’t met anyone in three years, then I probably won't meet anyone else for the rest of my life. Mom, you’ve introduced me to so many different women in the past three years and I never laid my hands on any of them. Isn’t that right?” “Serena counts. Aren’t the two of you getting along just right? If you don’t like Serena, I can accept that lover of yours named Suzy too!” “There’s no feeling between Serena and I. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have dragged on for three years without getting married. As for Suzy, she’s just a student I helped before. There’s nothing going on between us.” “You… What’s so great about that woman?” Heather was so angry she could not speak coherently. “I can’t help it. Christina
Christina pretended to not see a thing. “What do you want?” she asked calmly. “I want to talk to you.” “Sure!” Michael did not expect her to behave so calmly. He thought she would be mad at him for defending Serena. He worried she would be furious on the way here. However, a feeling of disappointment washed over him when she acted unperturbed. Did she truly not care about him anymore? He drove all the way back to Oak Lake Villa. Christina had an ulterior motive hence she did not refuse. She cooperated all the way into the villa. She did not want to listen to any explanation, only hoping he would quickly push her against the bed to finish the important task. Not only was she not going to resist, she actually wished he would ravish her tonight. However, he seemed to have a change of attitude. Instead of forcing himself on her, he poured her a glass of water and sat down on the couch. “Christina, did you watch the television this afternoon?” She replied with a nod. A smi
Christina was astonished. “That’s not possible?” “My mom kept forcing me to divorce you at that time. In order to save our marriage, I had to agree to her idea of surrogating. I asked a favor from a friend of mine in the hospital to collect another sperm sample from the cryobank.” “This is impossible! I don’t believe you!” She was baffled. “Michael, you must be lying. This happened so long ago, not to mention Serena’s pregnancy didn’t go smoothly as well. There’s no way to prove you’re telling the truth!” “Christina, I’m not lying to you.” He grabbed her hand. “I didn’t lay a finger on Serena. My mom threatened to take her own life if I didn’t divorce you. I deliberately drafted the harsh terms hoping you’d refuse but you didn’t even hesitate for a moment…” She was stunned into silence, unable to process any of this. A long time later, she flung his hand away. “You’re lying! Michael, stop wasting your breath because I won't believe a word you say!” The ex-husband that she w
Michael was over the moon to hear Christina’s willingness to start over with him. He grabbed her hands firmly. Deep down, she resisted this but she did not forget the purpose of this trip. There was nothing she could not endure for Travis. Christina had been hospitalized before the news went viral online, not to mention John was then hospitalized for coughing up blood. Too many things happened at once. She did not have time to phone Travis and she wondered how the boy was doing. She was still lost in her own thoughts when Michael embraced and kissed her. He savored her lips, eager to release the sexual tension he had built up for years. She sat there quietly to accept his passion before closing her eyes eventually. Out of sight, out of mind. Michael, who was drowning in happiness, took no notice of her unusual behavior. The kissing became more aggressive. Soon, she was running out of breath. She went along with everything he tried. Itching to get on with it, he took her sub
Sophia was deeply worried after hanging up the call. John was still hospitalized and her daughter almost had a nervous breakdown. Christina was the root of all these problems hence she would never let that cursed woman off the hook. Christina should not be allowed to get back with Michael even if he refused to marry Serena!The following morning, Serena woke up to see Sophia by her bedside. Tears glistened in her eyes instantly. “Mom, I’m sorry for making you worry.” Sophia comforted her daughter. “We overcame numerous obstacles during the years we spent in Hoover Alley. Are you going to let this small stepping stone crush you?” Serena was more emotionally stable after a night of rest. “Mom, I’ll toughen up instead of abandoning myself to despair.” “That’s my girl!” “Go look after your father starting today. Do not meet up with Michael if he asks to see you. At least wait until this is over.” “Mom, I’ll listen to everything you say,” Serena replied. She visited John at t
“How’s Uncle John feeling?” “Still going through regular checkups. The doctors will know more after closer observation.” “Alright then. Take care and don’t tire out yourself. I’ll call again.” Serena clenched her teeth in frustration. Michael had never been so anxious to meet her. It must be to talk about breaking up. Fortunately, her mother anticipated this and told her to avoid him by staying in the hospital. He wished to clear the air between them but that was the last thing she wanted. Doing so meant there would be nothing left between them. There might still be a sliver of hope if she avoided having the conversation. No matter how eager he was, there was no way he would talk things out with her in John’s hospital room. This was a pretty useful shield. Winona went looking for Heather the following day after she spoke with Sophia on the phone. Heather was sulking on the couch. She heaved a heavy sigh, looking sickly. “What should I do now? My reputation is ruined. How am
“Not yet!” Heather heaved a sigh. “John is hospitalized after coughing up blood and that’s keeping Sophia occupied. The Garcias themselves are in a hot mess. They don’t have the time to sort out Michael and Serena’s affairs.” She did not wish to burden the Garcia family even more at this time. “You’re right. This has to wait until John is discharged from the hospital.” “Stop always agreeing with me and come up with an idea already! Christina’s able to conceive now and Michael gushes about her all day. What should I do if she’s pregnant with his child? It’s too late for me to intervene if that happens!” Heather was yearning to have grandchildren but not one delivered by Christina. “Speaking of children, hear this out.” Winona considered briefly. “Michael’s a responsible person. He’s not going to abandon Serena if she’s conceived his child.” “It’s easier said than done. Do you think I haven’t given this a go?” Heather shook her head. “Serena’s a decent young lady and she’s to