"That's good then," Shayne said to Luna. He liked how they were maintaining a distance between each other right now."I still have some work to deal with. Why don't you head home?"Luna placed the gift box into her bag, her face full of unconcealed joy. "Alright."Shayne watched Luna's retreating figure. His brows knitted tighter and tighter.Wasn't it commonly said that people spent money on those they liked? He had spent so much money on Luna, so he should like Luna. However, he was averse to having any intimate interactions with her.Shayne rubbed the diamond ring in his hand. He couldn't understand the reason.…I returned to the office after lunch. Alice was already awake. While I was eating, I thought about how to draw what happened today in a way that maintains the storyline while making it seem more interesting.As such, I planned to continue drawing once I sat back down on the couch."Don't work yet," Alice said, hugging my arm and leaning her entire body against mi
Julian didn't answer me directly. He merely asked, "She doesn't seem to treat you well either. Are you really willing to be friends with her?""She hasn't really been malicious toward me," I replied. After careful consideration, I continued, "Mainly, I suddenly realized that I don't seem to have any friends in this city. Alice is the first friend I've made."Julian raised a brow."You probably don't know this, but I came to this unfamiliar city for Shayne. Then I married him. Before I even had a chance to work or make any friends, I had a child. After that, I became like any other housewife, pouring all my energy into taking care of the baby and managing the household. I didn't have any free time," I calmly explained.With all of my time consumed, I naturally didn't have the mood to think of anything else. I looked at Julian and concluded, "So, I'm very happy that Alice is willing to be my friend."…As Julian listened to her, he suddenly thought Aralyn was like a modern-day R
Willow's expression was incredibly serious. She looked like a little adult.Julian pinched her cheeks, holding back his laughter. "But you're not a two or three-year-old kid anymore."Willow was still young after all, so she couldn't think of a retort even after she thought about it for a long time. She thus looked at me for help.I lifted her onto my lap and said, "But she's still going to kindergarten!"Willow nodded firmly as she agreed, "Mommy is right!"…When Shayne arrived to pick Zach up, he noticed Luna was there as well.He looked at her from afar. Half of her hair was tied back. She stood quietly, exuding an air of tranquility.In an instant, Shayne felt as if he had been transported back to a time before his divorce from Aralyn. Back then, he would drop Zach off when he went to work and pick him up once he was done working. Luna did the same as well. Inevitably, he'd have some interactions with Luna. Over time, the resentment from the past faded, and they grew clo
Although Shayne had never shared any intimate contact with Luna, she could sense that Shayne's feelings for her were gradually rekindling.Back then, she had confidently believed that as long as Shayne became single again, their relationship would experience rapid growth due to the lack of moral and social constraints.They would quickly fall deeply in love and be inseparable. Shayne would also only have eyes for her.However, after using every means at her disposal to facilitate the breakdown of Shayne and Aralyn's marriage, she realized that reality was completely different from what she had imagined.Luna furrowed her brows. Every time she wanted to take their relationship to the next step, Shayne would reject it. Only when she reverted back to just being a friend or even someone more distant did Shayne feel comfortable.She gently massaged her temples.She even started wondering if everything would've been better if she had been more patient back then and waited for Shayne
How many adults found themselves trapped in various predicaments? Yet, Willow, a little child, understood that simply running away would never solve anything. As long as one had the determination to step out of one's comfort zone and persevere, one could overcome difficulties and welcome a new life.My gaze gradually softened.Willow finished her practice for the day and walked over to me. Her spirits were low. "Mom, am I a bad kid?"I knew she was a sensitive child who was especially considerate of others. So, I smiled and asked, "Why do you say that?""Because people are willing to be my friend…" Willow said as she stretched her arms toward me. I picked her up.She rested her head on my shoulder and continued pitifully, "But I can't even talk to them.""That's just because you haven't overcome your mutism yet. It's not like you're ignoring her on purpose, right?" I asked her gently.Willow hummed softly in agreement.I continued, "Once you're able to talk with people normally
"Hmm?" Shayne asked absentmindedly.Luna had noticed Shayne's recent change in behavior. She could somewhat sense Shayne's wish to gradually distance himself from her until they became strangers once more.However, she hadn't gotten enough money from him yet, so she naturally couldn't allow that to happen.Luna needed him to dispel any thoughts of leaving her. Her tone was nostalgic as she said, "This park has been here since we were in college."Shayne felt as if the weight on his chest had been momentarily lifted when he recalled those youthful and naive days.Shayne smiled faintly and replied, "Yeah, back then, we were just broke students with no money for outings, so everyone always came to the park."Seeing him respond well to her statement, Luna continued, "Every time we walked side by side, our friends would tease us. They'd say we were a match made in heaven, so we should be together. They even worked hard to pair us together."Luna tilted her head back to look at the sk
Shayne said nothing.Luna sobbed softly. "Do you still blame me?"Shayne shook his head. "No."Tears clung to Luna's long lashes. "But you're always so guarded around me.""I don't know why either, Luna," Shayne responded honestly. "Every time I'm close to you, I feel very upset."It felt as if he betrayed someone.Luna blinked. The tears slid down her smooth cheeks. She wiped them away but remained silent.If she was foolish enough to help him analyze his words, then it wouldn't take long before he realized that the person he truly loved was Aralyn. This would hinder her from making money off him. She had to remain silent.…Willow woke up even earlier than she did yesterday.When I went to her bedroom, she had already finished her practice of speaking to the mirror and was now holding a book, pretending to read.Her crisp, youthful voice carried the unique energy and liveliness of a child. She was retelling the story I read to her last night.I watched her from the doorwa
"Willow, I know you love me and care about my health. But for me, helping you learn is like resting. Do you understand? So, you don't need to worry about me being too tired. I'm not that fragile," I said to Willow.She still didn't believe me. "Really?"I nodded. "Of course."Only then did she feel reassured. She firmly took my hand and pulled me into the yard to jog with her.Meanwhile, Julian followed us. His usually cold eyes softened with a hint of a smile....After finishing training and cleaning up, we took Willow to kindergarten.She entered the kindergarten but didn't immediately head straight toward the classroom building. Instead, she stood at the entrance, seemingly waiting for someone.About three or four minutes later, a girl with pigtails got out of the car.Willow immediately ran over to her.The two little girls held hands and skipped around. The girl was very chatty and talked to Willow non-stop.Willow nodded and shook her head in response.Seeing that Wi
He knew lying wasn't right, but if he told Shayne the truth, he wouldn't be able to move everything out.If that happened, the shops and savings Aralyn left him would all slip through his fingers."I need to stay on an IV drip today," he added calmly.Shayne quickly asked, "Do you need me to come take care of you?"Zach refused, "No need. Noah and Mr. Sanderson are looking after me. You don't have to worry."After chatting briefly with Shayne, Zach found an excuse to end the call.Noah and Lewis helped load everything into the car.Zach's desk was placed in his bedroom. Once they finished packing up everything, Zach went into his bedroom and closed the door.He opened a hidden compartment, revealing a stash of gold bars.Beneath the gold bars were property deeds, including two or three residential properties and more than ten commercial properties.The rental income from these properties was deposited into a bank account every year.There was also a bank card with a signific
I looked at her in surprise.Kids these days typically didn't like studying. But Willow was willing to learn."I want to study ahead of time so that when I start elementary school, I won't have to worry about falling behind," she stated calmly."Alright." Since she loved learning, I, of course, fully supported her. "I'll go to the bookstore tomorrow and see if they have the textbooks you need."Willow agreed cheerfully.Julian, who had been listening on the side, was also surprised. Something seemed to occur to him as he stood up and said to Willow, "Come with me."Though confused, Willow still followed him.Julian stopped on the third floor and opened a door.Willow's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the room filled with toys piled all over the floor."I bought these for you a few days ago but forgot to tell you," Julian said, unusually gentle.Crouching down, he added, "Take the time to enjoy them now.""All of these are for me?" Willow was still in shock. "Y
Willow nodded firmly. "Okay."…Zach stood off to the side, watching Aralyn's departing figure from a distance longingly.But this time, he held back the impulse to follow her.There were more important matters for Shayne to attend to. Zach got into the car and instructed Noah, "Take me to my dad's villa."Noah was a bit puzzled. "You're not going to follow your mom today?"Could it be that he was tired of her? If that were the case, then good for Zach."Because if Dad wants to control me, he definitely won't let me take my belongings with me. So, we have to act on it before he does. We'll move everything out. That way, by the time he tries to stop us, it'll already be too late."Zach reluctantly looked away. "Once we're done today, I can be with Mom again tomorrow.""But after breaking ties with your dad, what will you do if you run out of money?" Noah asked."My mom bought me some commercial properties. The annual rent is more than enough to support me and you guys, so you
"About four to five hundred thousand, I think?" Julian answered without hesitation.I frowned. "That's expensive. Don't you think it's wasteful to wear it just once?"Julian lifted his head to look into my eyes. "My girlfriend wore this dress on our first day together while attending a banquet with me. It's worth keeping this dress for the sentimental value."I stared at him for a long time before replying, "You've got a sense of humor."Julian stood up and walked to me. "I know when you were with Shayne, you were probably afraid to spend too much because he was starting his business and under financial pressure. You worried it might affect his company's operations, so you were always frugal.""But my company is much larger now, Lyn. Even if you spend more, I can afford to take care of you. You don't have to save money for me."As he spoke, he held my hand."But we're not actually a couple."Julian maintained his composure. "If we want others to believe we're dating, then our i
What Luna said was somewhat reasonable.Though still frustrated, he said to Luna, "I misunderstood you. I'm sorry."Luna acted as if she were strong. "It's okay. As long as you understand my feelings, I'm satisfied," she responded, smiling.She looked as though she was hurt by Shayne's misunderstanding but was trying hard to hold it in.Although Shayne still didn't like her, seeing her silently give so much for him moved him.He looked at Luna and said seriously, "After your child is born, I will not only pay for the child's support, but I'll also cover part of your expenses."Luna looked at Shayne in surprise. He was willing to support her child and take care of her as well?It seemed her acting wasn't in vain.Luna was very pleased with today's outcome.After finishing the conversation with Luna, Shayne found a seat and sat down, watching Aralyn from a distance.Julian was sitting next to her, and it was clear that Julian's love for Aralyn was deep.In business, he was alw
Hearing this, I couldn't help but laugh. "Using love as an excuse makes it okay to hurt others?""It's not an excuse. He really loves you!" Luna exclaimed.Only then did I understand—Luna wanted to tie Shayne to me somehow. "Even though I've repeatedly made it clear that I don't want to see him, he still comes to bother me. Is this what you call love? It feels more like harassment to me."Luna looked as though she had just heard the most absurd thing. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Is this how worthless someone who loves you is to you? If others who like you found out how heartless you are, how upset do you think they'd be?"As she spoke, she glanced at Julian.Her words nearly made me laugh out of anger. "If Shayne knew how eager you are to get rid of him, do you think he'll still be willing to spend money on you?"Luna froze.At that moment, Julian spoke up in disdain. "You're saying all of this in front of me to try and sow discord between Aralyn and me, aren't you? "I've
I scoffed. "This has nothing to do with gender, Shayne. My life principle has always been to hold onto the right person when I meet them."Julian looked down at me, his eyes exceptionally tender.Shayne was silent for a moment. "You weren't like this before.""Yeah, I used to always listen to you, and what did that get me?"Shayne stayed silent."If being sensible doesn't lead to the results I want, then of course I'm going to make an effort to change."Finding something to counter with, Shayne asked, "But Aralyn, before you did this, did you think about our child? Can he accept him as his new father?""When you cheated during our marriage, involved our child with your mistress, and even encouraged him to call her 'Mom,' did you think about him then? And now, you have the audacity to lecture me?"I gave him a disdainful look. "Don't you forget one thing—whether it's him or you, I've already given up on both of you. So, don't bother bringing him up to guilt-trip me."With that,
Alice puffed out her chest, proudly declaring, "I'm Aralyn's friend. Her business is my business! If you make her unhappy, I'm stepping in!"…When Julian saw me, he quickened his pace and stopped in front of me.Taking my hand, he looked at me in concern as if I were truly his lover. His voice was full of care. "What's wrong?""First, Luna came to find me, and then Shayne came. He said the two of us aren't really in a relationship," I complained.Once Julian confirmed it wasn't a serious issue, he let out a sigh of relief. "It's fine. They'll come to believe it over time."As he spoke, he pulled me into his arms.I tilted my head in surprise, looking at him.Julian lowered his voice and explained, "Let your ex-husband see just how great we are together."Hearing this, I hugged Julian back and buried my face in his chest, stifling a laugh."What are you laughing about?""I just think it's amusing that we're acting so seriously when we're only pretending to be in a relationsh
"But the more you do that, the more I'll talk about it. Luna, from now on, every time I see something about you two, I'll bring it up."I didn't want to waste more time on Luna. "If you keep staying in front of me and ruining my mood, I'll grab a microphone and tell everyone here exactly what you've done."Luna's expression twisted as she quickly looked around. After ensuring no one was paying attention to her, she finally left.Not long after she left, Alice came over to me. She was holding a plate of delicious food and sat down next to me, immediately complaining, "My dad just dragged me around to greet everyone."I laughed at her frustrated expression. "That must have been annoying, huh?"Alice grabbed my hand. "Yeah! They look at me and make small talk, saying things like, 'I held you when you were a baby.' How could I possibly remember something from back then? I would seem rude if I didn't respond, so I just nodded." She aggressively picked up a piece of meat with her uten