Shayne jumped to his feet, exclaiming, "That's impossible!""So much has happened these past few days." I locked eyes with him. "First, Zach has firmly chosen Luna..."Shayne, always calm and restrained, now spoke with a fearful tremor in his voice. "That's just him being immature, honey. I've never crossed any lines with her. You can be angry at Zach or blame me, but you can't leave me."By the end of his sentence, he was almost pleading.But again, he shifted the responsibility onto Zach, seemingly unaware that all the hurt I endured stemmed from his silent acquiescence and indulgence. He couldn't see how, after all these years, the love I had for him disappeared entirely the moment I fell down the stairs."And then," I continued, "even though you promised me you wouldn't keep in contact with her, it turned out that you two are still in touch."Shayne opened his mouth, but no words came out. It was obvious he hadn't expected me to know about what he was doing behind my back. He
Holding his tongue, Shayne eventually left the room with Zach.…Not long after they left, I received a call from the nurse. She asked about how we should handle the remains of the child that had never fully formed. They knew my condition wasn't good. Since they were worried it would upset me, they called my husband first. But when they couldn't reach him, they had no choice but to contact me directly, asking me to come in and sign the necessary documents.After explaining everything, they asked when I could head over.My health wasn't great. I really shouldn't be moving around. But this would be my first and last time seeing the child I would never have. If I delayed this any longer, my baby might feel hurt...And so, I told them I would go right now.I signed some documents when I arrived. After a long wait, they handed me a small box. With the tiny box in my hands, I took a taxi to the cemetery, bought a plot for the child, and buried the child there.I should have left aft
Shayne cautiously asked, "Honey, you don't mind, do you?""Oh, she made your 'honey' fall down the stairs and miscarry, but you're worried about her getting beaten by her ex-husband!" I scoffed, "You're a saint, really.""Honey!" Shayne stood up in anger. "I know you're upset about losing the baby. However, you need to understand that Zach was the one who called you to the stairwell, and you slipped. It had nothing to do with Luna. Her life is in danger. As a woman, you're making snide remarks instead of sympathizing with her." He shook his head. "I misjudged you! Anyway, whether you agree or not, Luna is moving into our house."With that, Shayne stormed out.See?This was Shayne. No matter how much I was hurt or trampled on, even if I didn't retaliate and only vented a little, he always thought I was in the wrong. I used to love him, and I would compromise for him.But not this time.I turned my cold gaze away and quietly lay on the hospital bed, staring at the pale ceiling.I stayed
"If they really get married, will Zach still have a good life? Aralyn, even if you don't think about yourself, you have to think about Zach. He's your flesh and blood. Can you bear to see him suffer?"My past self definitely couldn't.I prioritized him in everything for fear he would suffer even a little.But what did I get in return?He would hurt himself and me just to make me, as his mother, step aside!I didn't feel the urge to explain; I only mentioned briefly, "The mistress treats him well."My mother was dissatisfied with my rebuttal. "Can anyone treat him better than his mother?"I sneered. "Probably, since he now calls the mistress 'Mom'."My mother furrowed her brows, clearly not expecting Zach could act so outrageous. Not knowing what to say, she held my hand in silence.At this moment, I felt the urge to confide. "Shayne and Zach like the mistress. In this family, I have long been an outsider. Since that's the case, I don't want this kind of family anymore.""Sill
I finally got a good look at the man in front of me.His features were handsome enough to rival a star, but his demeanor was cold.Just standing there, he exuded an air of superiority that kept others at a distance.If I had known him, I would definitely remember his face.But after thinking hard, I still couldn't recall where I might have seen such a face. "Do I know you?" I asked.The man, fearing I might misunderstand, proactively explained, "You fell down the stairs the day before yesterday. We took you to the emergency room."Before he told me this, I had always thought Shayne who was right behind me saved me after hearing the sound of my fall.I lowered my gaze.So, it wasn't Shayne…I looked at the man in front of me. "Thank you for saving my life."This was no small matter.Of course, a simple verbal thank-you wouldn't suffice. "I don't know how I can repay you."A smile appeared in his eyes. "Actually, I happen to need your help with something."Since giving bir
As if afraid I would misunderstand, Julian quickly added, "Of course, I'll pay you a salary."But I was not divorced yet. If I were to leave Shayne and Zach abruptly to take care of a stranger's child, it might negatively affect Julian.I wasn't sure how to respond."I understand your situation..." Julian mentioned as he handed me a sleek, black business card embossed in gold. "And I know you'll need time to think it over, so there's no need to rush to give me an answer."After I absentmindedly took the card, Julian got to his feet."I'll take my leave now," he said.As I watched him as he turned to leave, I bit my lip.I didn't have money or a place to stay. After the divorce, I might end up homeless.But now, this incredible opportunity had landed in my lap.I had to seize it. "One week," I suddenly announced, prompting Julian to pause and look back at me in confusion.I quickly explained, "I just need one week to finalize the divorce. After that, I'll come to your house
Luna thanked everyone as she accepted the gifts. In the end, she was so overwhelmed that tears of joy began to fall. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "I never thought my dream would come true. I've actually become a real family with all of you. I'm so happy.""Don't say that," Shayne clumsily comforted her, seemingly couldn't bear to see her tears. "Let's eat first. The food will get cold otherwise."In high spirits, everyone was about to head to the dining room when Shayne suddenly stopped. He turned around, and that was when he saw me standing at the door. The smile on his face froze instantly. When he stopped, the others also turned to look. Their faces turned sour when they realized that I had come home.I looked at them, a fire of uncontrollable anger igniting within me. It hadn't even been seven days since I lost my child… The very people who caused my miscarriage weren't feeling any guilt at all. Instead, they were gathered here, enjoying themselves as if nothing had happen
Tired of compromising, I countered coldly, "I don't think I've done anything wrong."Hearing this, Shayne immediately stood up.I ignored him and turned to head back to the bedroom."Aralyn!" Luna suddenly called out to me at that moment.I turned to look at her.Luna was a beautiful woman. Even with just light makeup and her hair casually tied up, she was still stunning.Seeing that I didn't answer her, she hurriedly informed me, "I only made breakfast for four today… Sorry. They used to go to my house for breakfast in the mornings. I forgot that this isn't my house…"Luna's eyes were downcast as she spoke, her tear-filled gaze making her look pitiful and lovable."You didn't do anything wrong!" Shayne couldn't stand to see Luna cry. "There's no need to apologize to her."Tears as big as pearls began to fall, and Luna lamented, "But Aralyn doesn't like me. If I don't seek her forgiveness, I'm afraid she'll blame me. She already took my room last night. Today…She shot a quic
Mark continued, "The solution her family came up with was to marry her off. They would then ask for money from her husband to treat her mother. She does want her mother to get better, but she doesn't want to sell herself. "She heard that our company was recruiting employees for overseas training and there would be a high allowance. As such, she volunteered."Mark didn't have the chance to share this earlier. Besides, when Serena was present, he felt it was inappropriate to discuss it in front of her. He thus waited until now to fill us in.He continued, "As for the allowance, the company has already disbursed it to her. She used it to pay the hospital fees for her mother and then lied to her family, saying it was money from her fiance. However, said fiance wanted her to move in with him immediately."She wanted to test her family's reaction. In the end, they told her to go and not upset him. When she saw that her family didn't care about her situation and showed no concern for her
Mark continued, "Ever since I found out how much money foreign markets make from merchandise every year, I started researching the types of merchandise they offer and how they operate and generate profits. "In the end, I discovered that their product range is more extensive than ours. Unlike us… We mostly produce flashy but impractical knickknacks, but they even have everyday items. So, since they have such advanced experience, there's no need for us to reinvent the wheel."My plan is to send someone from our company abroad to learn. That way, when they return, we can expand our merchandise to include more everyday items. That way, we can have higher sales and make more money. What do you think?"Julian didn't expect Mark to be working so hard in private. He looked at Mark and said sincerely, "That's a good idea, but I'm not the person concerned."He then looked at me and asked, "What do you think?""You're both doing this to help me earn more money," I said. Since working with J
Mark answered methodically, "Didn't we completely retract our collaboration with the Wilson family a few days ago?"Julian nodded. "That's right."Mark handed a folder to Julian. "I reached out to a new company to collaborate with. I had just contacted them, and they pulled me into their factory to show me their latest products. They also mentioned that they've just made a breakthrough in their technology. "However, the companies they're currently working with can't handle such large orders. They were still worrying about finding a market for their products during their meeting a few days ago. In the end, we extended an olive branch to cooperate." Julian accepted the folder and opened it. "Have you tested their new products? How do they compare to the Wilson family's products?"Mark was full of praise. "So much better, Mr. Hughes..."He then praised their product immensely.Julian skimmed through the product brochure. Mark continued, "These past few days, I've been thankfu
Pamela heard Willow's voice. She turned around and immediately ran to her upon seeing her.They held hands, happily chatting for a while before heading into school fully satisfied.…I sat in the car and watched the two of them. I couldn't help but feel happy.Pamela was Willow's only friend. If it was possible, I hoped their friendship could last a long time.The two girls walked into their classroom.I looked away and happened to catch sight of Shayne who was nearby. This caused my expression to darken uncontrollably.Julian was seated beside me. He noticed the change in my expression and asked, "Did you see him?""Yeah," I replied calmly. "Didn't he already abandon Zach? Why is he here at the kindergarten?"Julian speculated casually, "Maybe he wants to mend his relationship with Zach?"I shook my head. "He and his mother prioritize Luna, and not long ago, they were obviously preparing to give up on Zach. I had assumed he would treat the child Luna is carrying as his futur
"If others don't bother us, we certainly shouldn't go looking for trouble or bullying anyone else. However, if someone bullies us, we must find a way to fight back. Understand?"My expression was unusually serious.Willow replied earnestly, "Got it, Mommy. Ever since Mason left our class, all the other kids in my class have been genuinely nice to me."I smiled. "I know. I decided to remind you since we just so happen to be on this topic. I hope you can be happy every day and not be affected by others' moods."Willow answered seriously, "I'll remember that."She then added, "Don't worry, Mommy. I won't let anyone bully me!"I continued to remind her, "If you ever encounter a problem you can't solve on your own, don't force yourself to handle it. Always let your parents know. We'll help you solve these problems, okay?"Willow looked at me. The love in her gaze grew gradually. "Okay."As I looked at her, I suddenly recalled the times before I gave up on Zach. Whenever he faced any
Maisy's cooking was almost the same as Aralyn's. It was delicious. Zach smiled faintly.Although he had made mistakes in the past, at least he still had family by his side even though his parents no longer wanted him.…Shayne woke up. He glanced at the time and reached out to the side of the bed, only to find that it was already cold.Had Aralyn gotten up already?He got up and walked to the kitchen, asking impatiently, "Aralyn, is breakfast ready?"The kitchen was empty.Only then did Shayne remember that they were divorced.He dejectedly returned to the dining table and sat down. He buried his hands in his hair, overwhelmed with regret.Why couldn't he remember they were divorced? Perhaps it was because his recent dreams were about his time together with Aralyn. This caused him to be confused about his dreams and reality.When Shayne regained clarity, he turned to look in the direction of the kitchen. It was still empty.He couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse. Had
Unfortunately, I gave birth to a son. This meant that the skills I had learned couldn't be used.Now, I had a daughter. I could tie her hair beautifully every day.I braided Willow's hair into a bun. She then looked in the mirror and saw her hair all tied up, revealing her cute and round face. She blinked and exclaimed, "Who's kid is this? She's too cute!" My mood couldn't help but become better upon seeing her compliment herself. I played along and said, "Probably our family's, right?"Willow turned to look at me. "You must be really lucky then."I had no idea where she picked it up, but her tone was like that of an adult. Even so, it had that childishness unique to children. It was especially cute.I couldn't resist and pinched her little cheeks. "That's right. People are definitely envious of me for having such a wonderful daughter."Willow nodded. "And all the other kids must be jealous of me too, for having such an amazing mom like you."She then added, "I love you, Mommy
Luna's eyes were filled with longing. If she managed to win Julian's heart, would he treat her that well? Would he protect her unconditionally? Would he...Luna bit her lip shyly.Would he spend all his money on her?...Once I returned to my bedroom, I turned on the desk lamp and sat at my desk. I drew for some time and only stopped once I was a little tired.I reached up to pull back the curtain. It was pitch black outside the window. The sound of insects came and went. The silence was comforting.I stood up and leaned against the window, taking in the view outside.I had been constantly harassed lately, and I couldn't help but feel irritable. However, when I forced myself to face these things, I suddenly realized something. The more annoyed I was, the more it proved that they had succeeded, right? As such, what I needed to do now was find a way to free myself from their influence. I started relaxing gradually.I now had a child who loved me and a husband who was willing
Logically, Luna should be asleep by now. Yet, she was still chatting energetically with Julian. However, Rowan was the one using Julian's account.Luna had been sowing discord between Julian and Aralyn right under his nose the whole time. Through the difference between Luna's attitudes toward him and Julian, he easily saw her true nature.Rowan turned off the screen. Even so, he had to admit that Luna was brilliant and knew how to play the long game. Although he had no money left, she was still willing to take the time and effort to deal with him.He had once naively believed that the reason Luna was willing to stay in touch with him was because she loved him and couldn't let go of him. That was why she kept reaching out to him on and off. Perhaps he was more important than money in her heart.Rowan chuckled. Pain welled up within him, making it hard to breathe. However, the truth was that Luna was only willing to spend time interacting with him because she wanted to secure the m