The driver shot a discrete look at Julian before looking away. He couldn't help but feel amused when he saw Julian's eyes had never once left Aralyn. "Alright."…When we arrived at the printing factory, the publisher company's staff were already waiting for us at the entrance. The second they saw us approaching, they didn't hesitate to take the initiative to lead us to a nearby warehouse.The building was filled with books. Most of them were already flipped open, making it convenient for me to sign them.I inhaled deeply, sat down at the desk, and began to sign my name.Once I was done, the person standing next to me promptly removed that book while another placed a new book before me.I looked at them in surprise.They returned my gaze with one of confusion. "Why aren't you signing?""This is just my first time receiving such treatment." They had handled all the miscellaneous things and all I had to do was sign the books.Frankly, I was feeling rather flattered.I added, "I
Julian was afraid someone would overhear him. So, he explained in a low murmur, "I just wanted to keep your company, even if it's only for a few minutes."I never considered that Julian would be a clingy boyfriend. Still, I patted his arm gently and asked, "Have you had lunch?"Julian froze.I handed him my cutlery and urged, "You should eat too. Don't you starve yourself.""Okay."Julian had clearly forgotten that he hadn't eaten, so he only brought a set of cutlery. Thus, I took a couple of bites before passing them to him. That way, he could have some food to fill his belly too.Once we were finished with our meal, Julian packed the thermos away and gently began to massage my hand. "You've been signing away for the entire morning. Your hand must be sore."If this question was posed to me before my divorce… Or if the man across me were Shayne, then I'd definitely insist that I wasn't tired.That was because I knew that Shayne wouldn't care even if I claimed that I was tired.
My lips curled into a smile.It was true that no two individuals were the same.I didn't have to spend a dime when I was babysitting the child at Julian's place. I was even paid a high salary for my services.In fact, the monthly wage he paid me was far more than the two years of living expenses that Shayne had provided me.Yet, Julian still felt that I wasn't earning enough and insisted on helping me find a part-time job.Under such circumstances, even if I weren't in a romantic relationship with Julian and was merely his employee, I would still choose to live at Julian's home. There would be no hesitation on my part.I might have compromised and forced myself to endure back when I didn't know any better.My decision to do so was mainly fueled by the fear that I wouldn't be able to find anything better if I left Shayne.Now that I knew just what a good life felt like… Well, there was no way I would ever deign to return to that god-awful life ever again.…Julian only left wh
Rowan had his pride and temper.Although Rowan loved her… Luna had a feeling that Rowan might not forgive her.Luna hung up the phone and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Her eyes landed on the trees beyond the window, but her mind was filled with nothing but Rowan.Frankly, out of all the men she had met… If there had been one who had truly fallen for her, then that man would definitely be Rowan.Therefore, she was certain that even if she went for another man, Rowan would still return to her side as long as she coaxed him with sweet nothings.That was why she was willing to spare some of her time to talk to Rowan.Luna sat on the chair nearby and gently massaged her temples.She couldn't understand why she did what she did. She had clearly decided to keep Rowan as her fallback option. So, what possessed her to impulsively say all those things to Rowan?Now, how was she going to explain things away in order for Rowan to forgive her?…Julian efficiently skimmed through
If that were the case, Julian just had to set up more nuisances for Luna. That way, Luna would be too busy with her own affairs to cause any trouble for Aralyn.…Julian was jerked out of his scheming when he heard someone knocking on the door. He schooled his face into an expressionless look before saying, "Enter."Alice pushed the office door open and skipped toward the cubicle. When she saw that Aralyn was absent, she asked with confusion, "Where's Aralyn?""She went to the printing factory to sign her books," Julian replied without any intention of hiding the truth.Alice huffed, somewhat dissatisfied. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"Julian countered with a question of his own, asking, "Would you have believed me if I told you earlier?"Alice shook her head without a second thought. "Of course not."Julian questioned blandly, "Then, why should I bother?"Alice thought over his question and eventually conceded that he had a point. Nonetheless, she pouted at him to express
"This isn't my style," Julian said, slowing his speech and speaking in a calm, measured tone. "Since we're going to invest, there must be a more important part in their plan."Mark looked at Julian, bewildered, not understanding what he meant. He voiced his confusion. "What?"Julian replied with a faint smile. "What I mean is, we must ensure that we have absolute control over this project."Otherwise, if we hand over the money and they casually produce some garbage movie, claiming it was done based on our requirements, they'll just pocket our investment. And if the box office doesn't do well, wouldn't we take a massive hit?"Hearing this, Mark suddenly realized the significant risk involved. His face immediately turned pale. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hughes. I didn't consider all this initially.""It's fine," Julian said nonchalantly. "We can invest because we don't lack money. But the key is… We can't be taken advantage of.""So, if we invest, we are entitled to oversee the movie's conten
Shayne rubbed his temples, speaking slowly, "Just get to the point."A sudden headache crept in.He couldn't explain why, but ever since his divorce and starting his relationship with Luna, all sorts of chaotic situations seemed to crop up.His mother, who used to avoid drama, now seemed to have an endless supply of complaints.Every few days, she would call to rant, saying this person wasn't good or that person was terrible, as if it never occurred to her that the problem might be her own behavior.Shayne forced himself to suppress his irritation.He found himself reminiscing about the days he spent with Aralyn.It was peaceful and easy.More importantly, he had only recently realized that he truly loved Aralyn.He couldn't even understand how he could have been so foolish at that time, allowing Luna, with her guise of being his first love, to blind him and cause him to abandon Aralyn.Charlotte, reassured by Shayne's response, finally spoke up. "You have no idea how outrage
It seemed like Charlotte had completely forgotten that she had just been caught red-handed by Shayne.Her anger glared even more. "Shayne, I'm your mother! How can a son stand by and watch his own mother be bullied without doing anything?"She was stunned by Shayne's cold-heartedness.Shayne's tone remained steady, with no trace of emotion. "This is all just a guess. So, I guessed it right, didn't I?"Charlotte was at a loss for words.He continued, "Mom, I'm really busy right now. Next time, don't bother me with trivial matters like this."Charlotte wanted to say more, but the call was already disconnected.Staring at the screen, she was seething with anger, but in the end, she had no idea how to release it.…A man hid in the corner, watching Aralyn sit alone in a room, signing some documents. He quietly pulled out his phone and called Luna. "Aralyn's alone!"Luna couldn't contain her excitement. She had been waiting for an opportunity to capture Aralyn and record videos th
Did he have to tell Luna that he wouldn't separate from her and Mason in the future?No.Shayne had already decided he loved Aralyn. He couldn't waver anymore.Remaining silent for a long time, Shayne said, "You're right."Luna hadn't expected Shayne to respond like this. She was momentarily stunned and immediately sat up, staring at him in disbelief."So, should I still take him out tomorrow?" Shayne asked.Luna finally realized that all her previous tactics were useless against Shayne now. "Go ahead, or you'll disappoint him since you've already promised him."Shayne didn't refuse. "Alright."Luna helped Shayne find some clothes and then led him to the master bedroom. "Are you planning to sleep in the same room as me tonight, or…"Shayne shook his head. "I'll stay by myself. If Aralyn finds out, she'll definitely be upset."This was exactly what Luna wanted to hear; she didn't want to sleep with him either."Then, I'll sleep in the guest bedroom tonight. Get some rest."W
"You were by Mason's side, and you treated him well. He was happy."Luna lowered her eyes, her gaze incredibly gentle. "He thinks you're the best dad in the world."Shayne suddenly felt a bit guilty.He hadn't been a good husband and father."But I wasn't good to him," he replied softly.Luna felt it was time for Shayne to bond with Mason. "He doesn't think so. Why don't I call him over? You can ask him."Shayne thought that was a good idea. Kids understood other kids' feelings best. "Then I'll trouble you with that.""Alright." Luna got up and walked forward while holding her belly.Shayne sat where he was, feeling a bit anxious.Luna walked to Mason's bedroom door and knocked. "Mason, Dad's here!"Upon hearing that, Mason was thrilled and rushed out of his room. But when he saw Shayne not far away, his expression froze. Then, he turned to look at Luna.He had thought his biological dad was here.Luna patted Mason's back gently.Mason instantly understood what Luna meant
Thinking it was Yasmin again, Luna grew a bit annoyed. But she still forced a smile. "Why are you here again?"Shayne narrowed his eyes instinctively. "Again? Was someone else here just now?""Yasmin." Luna stepped aside to let Shayne in. Her belly was already quite large, and she had to support her waist while walking."She said she wants to pursue Julian and asked me for some advice."After saying that, she realized her tone toward Shayne had been a bit cold.Hence, she softened her voice and asked, "What are you doing here?""I want to ask you some questions about kids," Shayne answered."Kids? I know a lot about kids." Luna placed her hand on her belly, stroking it gently.As she spoke, she pulled Shayne's arm, making him sit beside her. "But before you ask me anything, come and listen first. Our baby should have a heartbeat by now."Shayne no longer felt love for Luna, but he couldn't deny that he still cared a lot about the baby.It was his baby, after all.He pressed
Maisy stared at Shayne.Shayne remained silent for a long time before saying, "No matter what, he's my son.""So, now you consider him your son? Too late! I'm warning you, the only reason you got to talk to him today is because I didn't notice you in time! If I catch you near Zach again, I won't let you off!" Maisy snapped.For Shayne, Zach was the only connection left between him and Aralyn.If he lost Zach too, then he would truly have nothing.Shayne looked straight at Maisy and said, "But do you have the right to interfere? You're his grandmother. I'm his father. It's already kind enough of me to let him live with you."Maisy almost laughed in anger. "Me? Interfering? First of all, you were the one who gave up custody of Zach. You were also the one who refused to give him a single cent! And now you're telling me this? Do I look like a pushover?"She had managed to carve out her own path after her divorce, despite Donald trying to blacklist her from the industry.That alone
Shayne followed behind Zach into the bedroom, only to discover that the entire room was covered with photos of Aralyn.Every wall was plastered with them.He stood there, stunned.On the desk, a small robot said in Aralyn's uniquely gentle voice, "You're home, sweetheart."Shayne looked over in disbelief.Zach sat in front of the robot, looking at it with a smile. "Yes, Mom, I'm home.""Welcome home," said the robot softly."But there's an unwelcome guest in the house," Zach said.The little robot immediately suggested, "Why don't we call someone else over to kick him out?"Zach looked at Shayne.His longing for Aralyn had only gotten better because of the robot and the countless photos surrounding him.But when he noticed Shayne was also staring at the robot, his expression darkened. "Did you hear that? You're not welcome here. Please leave."Shayne stood there, dazed. "Can I ask who gave you this robot?""No, you can't," Zach replied sternly.Shayne averted his gaze and
Yasmin narrowed her eyes.So, Luna had indeed pursued Julian.Yasmin found it oddly amusing.Since Luna was also interested in Julian, would she really help Yasmin sincerely?Yasmin wasn't sure, but she decided to put it aside for now.Either way, she would just stay vigilant.…Zach returned home, only to see Shayne standing at the door. He merely glanced at Shayne before looking away and pushing the door open to enter the house.Shayne followed behind him.As soon as Zach stepped inside, he intended to close the door.But Shayne stuck his hand in the doorway. "Can we talk?""About what? Last time we met, you hit me. What about this time?" Zach asked coldly.He didn't believe for a second that Shayne had come for anything good.After all, Shayne was an idiot who always believed whatever people told him.There was a high chance that this time, Shayne had been manipulated again and had come looking for trouble."I'm here to talk about your mother," Shayne muttered.At hi
Luna was just that attractive to men.She couldn't stop smiling at the thought."Then what kind of men do you think would like me?" Yasmin asked.Luna was momentarily stumped as she looked Yasmin up and down. Even though Yasmin was the same age as Aralyn, she lacked Aralyn's composure and calmness.Instead, she seemed a bit foolish.Luna found Yasmin somewhat annoying, but she didn't show it.She just smiled faintly and said, "Probably more mature and experienced men."Yasmin pressed her lips together. Those kinds of men were usually older, and she wasn't interested in them.Of course, Luna knew what Yasmin was thinking about but didn't show it. "I think most men aren't worthy of you, of course. Someone like Julian is just right.""That's right!" Yasmin agreed instantly.Luna nodded. "Yeah."Frowning, Yasmin muttered, "But the men who are worthy of me don't like me.""With diligence and persistence, anything is possible," Luna answered patiently.After finishing work, teas
Shayne had no other way to relieve his feelings now.Although drinking could make him forget Aralyn, he would feel like his heart had been hollowed out the very next day. It was unbearably miserable.Hence, he wanted to meet Zach. Zach was one of the few family members he had in this world.Once Shayne made the decision, he drove to Zach's place.…Luna never knew that pregnancy could be so exhausting. The animation project had just ended, but she had to design drafts for trendy toys now. She was dead tired.And now, someone was knocking on the door in the middle of the night.Luna opened the door.The person standing at the door was Yasmin, someone she had seen on TV.Recently, Luna had also learned a bit about Yasmin. Although she was rather fierce and seemed immature, she was about the same age as Aralyn."What are you here for?" Luna asked in surprise."To chat with you."Without even waiting for Luna to invite her in, Yasmin walked straight into the living room and s
Julian walked out, having just finished his shower. When he heard my conversation with Willow, he explained, "Your mommy is even more amazing than you think. Tens of millions is actually just a safe guess."Willow's mouth dropped open in surprise. "Wow, she can make even more?"Julian remained composed. "Yeah, these designer toys are selling really well, and they've also boosted sales of related merchandise and some comic books."Willow looked at me with even more admiration.Smiling, I uttered, "It's all thanks to your daddy."However, Julian was humble. "It's clearly because of your own hard work."I didn't deny it.Julian then asked, "The toys you designed yourself are also making a lot of money, right?""I heard from Mark that their sales are catching up to the designer toys. They've also made a huge profit. When the hype starts dying down, I'll release a new set of dolls. Based on my current inventory, I think I can keep the momentum going for at least another year," I s