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
Luna smiled at me. "We're coming home for dinner tonight, though. Please prepare food for us then, Aralyn."She was blatantly taunting me, thinking that she could crush me by doing this. Yet, I ignored them and strode toward the living room.Shayne explained on my behalf, "She's probably still a little upset, but don't worry. She'll come around by the time we come back."Zach chimed in, "That's right. She may be an annoying person, but her cooking skills are excellent. You'll get to enjoy a feast tonight!"Luna asked delightedly, "Really? I'm so excited!"These people seemed to think that I was still in love with Shayne. They assumed I would prepare a huge spread for dinner despite being in a weakened condition just to earn Shayne's forgiveness.Yet, none of them noticed how I was staring at Shayne as though I was looking at a stranger who obviously had something wrong with his head.After they left, I went to the storeroom and found my suitcase. I brought it to my bedroom and o
I got up and headed for the bedroom while responding coldly, "Report it to the authorities, then. Why are you telling me?"Shayne moved to block my way. "It's Luna's ex-husband who's kidnapped Zach."I took one step to the side and moved past him. My voice hardened. "Then, you should be talking to Luna."Shayne caught up with me again and completely blocked my path. "He's very angry because he thinks Luna and I have slept together. He said that he would only let Zach go if you spend a night with him."Shayne sounded torn and helpless. "Honey…"He had not finished what he wanted to say, but I could tell what Shayne was getting at. I was shaking with rage as I slapped him hard across the face."Shayne Pearce! Do you really consider yourself a man?""Honey, Zach is your son! You can't possibly turn your back against him when he's in danger!"He swiftly produced a spray bottle, which he had kept hidden by holding it against his back, and sprayed something onto my face several times