"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
Mark laughed when he heard that and replied excitedly, "Of course! I'll inform them of the great news right away!""Tell them to just focus on doing their jobs well. They don't need to take on extra tasks. Also, after deducting operational costs, I plan to take a large portion of the profits and distribute them among everyone. This way, their monthly salaries will increase significantly compared to before."Honestly, when I first saw such a large sum of money flowing into my account, I was extremely excited.But after thinking it through, I gradually became more rational.If I hoarded all the money just because I was earning more while my employees continued to struggle, then how would I be any different from an ordinary boss?Back when I worked for others, the thing I hated most was this kind of employer.Once I figured that out, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.It was strange. I had been a boss before, but I had never thought this way.Why was it d
"Obviously. Your family's company is huge, which could help Donald climb a few levels. Plus, you're handsome, and you treat your woman well. It's enough to make a lot of women fall for you," I responded.Even if most men didn't have Julian's wealth but had his looks and personality, they would probably be more willing to settle down in marriage.Julian just didn't realize how great he was.I showed him another video.Julian watched it and was speechless. "They're being so blatantly obvious. Are they trying to make you notice?""Who knows?" I shrugged."By the way, do you have any events to attend?"If he stayed in the company all the time, Yasmin wouldn't even have a chance to meet him.Julian thought carefully and said, "There's a banquet tonight."Then, he quickly reassured me, "Don't worry. There's no way I'd be interested in other women."I didn't think much of it. "Feeling attracted to someone is normal. After all, she does look a little like me."As much as I disliked
"Aralyn and I were about to reconcile, but then you went online and said all that nonsense. Now she's angry and doesn't want to work with me anymore," Donald said.Hearing this, Luna could more or less guess what had happened. She cautiously asked, "Do you want me to clarify things online?""It's no use."Her willingness to admit her mistake was so good that Donald didn't even know what to say. After a long silence, he finally said, "She's not an idiot. Forget it. I'll figure something out. But watch what you say from now on. If you dare to run your mouth again, don't blame me for not being polite."Luna laughed. "Alright."…On my way back, I passed by a coffee shop and bought a cup of coffee for Julian.But I was actually thinking about how Donald was helping both Luna and Yasmin steal my husband.Did he really think I was stupid?Even after everything he did to me, did he think I would still be willing to give to him unconditionally?Did he really believe that the little b
"No," I replied, shaking my head."I've already been speaking to you nicely. How else do you want me to change? Do you want me to grovel before you to make you satisfied?"I handed my phone to Donald. "If you really want to grovel, I won't stop you."Donald took the phone and glanced at it, his face darkening."What, you want to work with my husband and have me help support your son, yet this is how you treat me?" I questioned.Donald wanted to close his eyes, but Luna's bragging voice kept playing from the phone."Yeah, Aralyn is just so annoying. Otherwise, why would her own father rather invest in me than in her? I think you need to think carefully about this. There's a reason for everything."Donald never expected Luna to be this stupid.He had just talked to Luna about something, and she was already making a scene online.I chuckled and said, "You knew she stole my husband, yet you still invested in her. And after that, you come to me, saying you want to work together. Do
So, Donald really was two-faced.I smiled in disdain. "Oh?"Donald began his performance in front of me. "I was just thinking that I'm getting older. Even though I still have some strength now, I probably won't be able to work for many more years. By then, what will happen to my son?"I lowered my gaze.The child hadn't even been born yet, and he was already certain it would be a boy.Donald continued, "I don't want him to be without family and with no one to take care of him. And I can't rely on anyone else. You're the only one I can count on."He looked straight at me, and I didn't disappoint him.Right in front of him, I nodded and said, "Alright."Donald found it unbelievable. Given the deep grudge between us, he couldn't believe that I actually agreed without needing to persuade me.He even suspected that I was setting a trap for him.But in the end, he didn't say it out loud. "Why are you suddenly so easy to talk to?"I smiled politely, lowering his guard. "I'm your da
"Think about it. Would you be with a man you couldn't even communicate with?" asked DonaldThat question completely stumped Yasmin. She had to admit that he had a point."Is the issue my intelligence right now? The issue now is that even if I became smart, I still can't meet Julian!"Seeing that she was genuinely interested in Julian, Donald finally felt relaxed. "Just follow my instructions, and you'll have an opportunity soon."Yasmin immediately became interested. "What do you want me to do?""There's a banquet," Donald said, deliberately slowing his speech as if worried Yasmin wouldn't understand if he spoke too quickly. "Julian will be attending. When the time comes, just pretend that you're being bullied in front of him. No matter how strong a man is, he'll always have a bit of a hero complex, so he'll definitely help you."Donald's voice carried a hint of smug satisfaction. "Then, you can use gratitude as an excuse to move into his house. The more time you spend together
Luna had never had the opportunity to share these thoughts with anyone before. Although the man sitting across from her was far from a good person, he gave her the chance to voice her feelings. After all, even if Donald went and told others about her thoughts, no one would believe him.Luna sighed and said, "In the end, I still have to rely on myself. Fortunately, I have decent skills. I can still rely on myself to make a lot of money."Donald finished reading the proposal before responding, "I do have connections with a few animation companies. If you're interested, I can introduce you to them."Luna's main reason for seeking out a partner was because she didn't want to fork out the money."Help me with the connections and provide me funds, and I'll give you a share of the profits."In the past, she used to take on all the costs herself. But later, she realized she was only willing to pay the cost if the cost was small and she could make a big return. She wasn't so willing to put
Luna answered without hesitation, "Otherwise, people will definitely know the purpose of our meeting."Donald did not agree with Luna's reasoning. "A crucial part of my current plan is to reconcile with Aralyn. If I really do as you say, then everyone will know that I intend to go against her. How am I supposed to explain that to her?"Luna scoffed in disdain. "Do you take me for a fool? If you were truly sincere about reconciling with Aralyn, then you wouldn't have agreed to meet with me. Besides…"Luna deliberately slowed her speech. Her tone showed that she reveled in his suffering as she continued, "I think what you did back then was far too excessive. Aralyn will never forgive you."In other words, she wanted him to give up on that idea.Donald was a seasoned manipulator, so he was naturally unfazed by a few words. With an amused yet shallow smile, he said, "You're not Aralyn. How could you possibly know what she's thinking?"Luna spread her hands and sneered. "At the very
Willow thought about it carefully. It did make sense. However, tears still lingered in her eyes.She said pitifully, "If you two sleep together again tonight, you have to call me!" "No problem." Julian actually felt a little sorry for Willow. Ever since she was very young, after her parents passed away, she rarely had the chance to sleep with an adult. She always slept alone at night.Julian said, "But Mommy and I will be working late. Won't that affect your sleep?"Willow immediately shook her head. "It won't! I fall asleep really fast, and I sleep soundly! Even if you play music in the room, it won't bother me."Only then did Julian feel reassured. "That's good to know."Willow was still a little worried, so she wiped away her tears and looked at me.I smiled and said, "I promise I'll let you know."Only then did Willow feel at ease.I continued, "Actually, we don't have to wait until tonight. We can decide that we'll be sleeping together tonight right now. Do you want to j