Lucille received a message from Bailey at around 11:00 am. "I'll arrive in Whiteloop City at 3:00 pm, babe. Come and pick me up!"Lucille asked, "Didn't you say you'd be back next Tuesday?"Bailey replied, "There was a change in plans. Gotta go—I need to board the plane. Talk to you later!""Okay."…At noon, Spencer went over to pick Lucille up for lunch at Zaytun Pavilion as usual. It had already become a habit for them, and the speed at which their relationship was progressing made Lucille feel like she was dreaming. Neither of them mentioned last night's kiss."Oh, right. What time are we heading back this evening?" Lucilla asked while eating. She probably wouldn't return to the company after picking Bailey up in the afternoon.Spencer stopped and looked at her tenderly. "We're not in a rush or anything; we can leave around 6:00 pm. What's wrong? Do you have something planned?"He usually didn't speak while eating, but he'd changed his habit for her sake."No, it's nothi
The deafening shout made Lucille frown. She felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest. She'd known things would end up like this, which was why she hadn't said anything in the car.Bailey sat dazedly on the couch after screaming. She looked rather distraught as she clutched her chest and tried to calm herself down. She muttered, "Give me a moment. I need to process this."Lucille didn't say anything. Bailey stared at her and said, "I've only been gone for a month. How'd you get into a shotgun marriage within such a short time?"Before Lucille could say anything, Bailey continued, "I'll let the marriage slide. What I can't believe is that you've married such a bigwig!"Lucille decided to remain silent until Bailey was done processing. The latter's eyes widened in shock, and she asked, "Babe, do you even realize who your husband is?""I didn't know it when we registered our marriage. I only investigated him after," Lucille said obediently.Bailey clutched her chest aga
Spencer watched as Lucille and Bailey whispered among themselves a distance away. He smiled, enjoying Lucille's rare display of liveliness. She'd been rather reserved with him so far.Bailey sneaked a look at Spencer's face before nudging Lucille gently. She smirked and said, "Not bad, babe. Mr. Layton's a good catch! His hot body and good looks make his money and power seem negligible!"Lucille was lost for words. Bailey raised an eyebrow cheekily and said conspiratorially, "Looks like you won't need to worry about not being satisfied. Speaking of which, is he good in bed?"Lucille wanted to crack Bailey's head open to see what was inside. She narrowed her eyes and threatened, "Say one more word, Bailey, and I'll take back the bonus I've promised you!"At that, Bailey immediately clutched Lucille's arms and said, "Wait, don't! That and this are two different matters. As your friend, I'm just worried about your quality of life! Don't you get that?"Lucille said huffily, "No, I don
As soon as the words were out of Lucille's mouth, she saw Spencer's smile grow. He seemed to be very happy. The next thing she knew, her vision darkened as Spencer pressed his lips to hers. He pulled away after a few seconds and said sexily, "That's your reward."Lucille didn't know how to respond to that. Had he rewarded her with a kiss because she said she hadn't had feelings for Harold?Her burning face told her just how shy she felt at the moment.Outside the car, Bailey squealed in excitement. She even stomped her feet. "Oh, my God. My God! They've kissed! Kissed!"She'd still yet to wrap her mind around everything even after Spencer and Lucille left. Even in her wildest dreams, she never would've expected Lucille to win the heart of someone as rich and powerful as Spencer. This was amazing!The Layton family had been around for at least a century. It had businesses and property all over the world, and Spencer was the head of the family. But that wasn't all—he also cont
Spencer held Lucille's hand as they entered the courtyard. They walked along a long corridor before coming to a suite with a redwood plaque above the entrance. The words "Tranquility Court" were carved on it.Spencer explained, "This is where Grandpa stays. There are three suites in Layton Manor. My parents and brother live in one of the others, while the last is mine."Lucille understood now. She asked curiously, "What are the other two called?""Harmony Court and Serenity Court," Spencer answered."They sound so peaceful and poetic," she said."Yeah."She liked the names. As they entered Tranquility Court, they were greeted by an abundance of flora. They provided a soothing view.The butler and a few maids stood in the courtyard. When they saw Spencer and Lucille, the butler called, "Mr. Spencer is back!""This is Arthur Hall, the butler. Hi, Arthur," Spencer said as he looked at Arthur.Lucille greeted, "It's nice to meet you, Arthur."Arthur beamed and nodded vigorously.
Lila's voice rang out before she even showed up. Lucille turned to look behind her and saw an elegant woman in a vintage dress. Beside her was a middle-aged man in a suit.Lila looked youthful despite her age—her skin was smooth and supple, and she looked graceful and poised. Meanwhile, Eric was tall, stately, and gentlemanly. Lucille could see traces of him in Spencer, especially in his eyes. The father and son looked quite similar to each other.Despite being middle-aged, it was easy to tell Eric had been handsome as a young man. It looked like Lila's and Eric's genes had combined in the best way possible to give birth to someone as gorgeous as Spencer.There was no doubt in Lucille's mind that these were Spencer's parents. Spencer confirmed her guess by greeting, "Mom, Dad."Before Lucille could say anything, Lila gave Spencer the stink-eye and said, "Don't tell me you've forgotten about your mother now that you're married, you brat. "I had you in my belly for months and wor
Everyone sat down for dinner, save for Spencer's brother, Seth Layton. He was attending to something abroad and had yet to return.During the meal, Lucille understood why Spencer's table manners were so impeccable. It wasn't just because he'd been well-trained since childhood—it was also because of the environment he'd grown up in.James, Eric, and Lila were quite satisfied with Lucille. She wasn't ingratiating or arrogant, and she was elegant and classy. She met the Layton family's standards for its members.Even though Lucille hailed from a greedy and materialistic family like the Johnsons, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and wasn't afraid to take the path less traveled. These things only made James, Eric, and Lila like her more.After dinner, Lila kept Lucille by her side and chatted with her. She told Lucille everything about Spencer, starting from his childhood up until adulthood. Thanks to Lila, Lucille learned that Spencer had been warm and cheery before the age of
Lucille narrowed her eyes at Lila's words. Lila and Jane knew each other? She'd never heard her mother, Jane Monroe, mention anything about it, though.Lila could tell from the look on Lucille's face that the latter remembered nothing about this. She said, "It's not surprising that you don't remember anything. You were only about two years old at the time."Lucille didn't say anything. She genuinely didn't remember anything that had happened when she was two years old; she probably only knew how to sleep, eat, and cry at the time.Lila pulled an old, yellowing photo album from the drawer beside her. It had been kept in James' suite all these years.Lucille glanced at it curiously and asked, "What's this?"Lila handed it to her. "Take a look for yourself."Lucille took it. When she opened it, the first thing she saw was a chubby little naked boy. He looked adorable. As she kept flipping through the album, the chubby little boy grew into a handsome little kid. His face became vag