Cordy was actually confident.Having built a partnership with Gareth Bryant, he naturally had to defer to her. As such, he was basically going through the motions when he showed up here.Moreover, she had looked into the competition as well, but the only side that might compete was Gareth, and no one else had any chance of winning.That was why her confidence showed during her presentation.Two hours later, after everyone presented their proposals, the results were announced on the spot.To no surprise, Cordy retained the best spot in KPW Shopping Center, extending the contract for ten years this time.That basically meant she did not have to worry about her flagship outlet in the immediate future.Still, John politely offered a handshake after agreeing to the partnership. "Congratulations, Ms. Sachs. Here's to a fruitful partnership."Cordy merely stared at his hand hesitantly and did not take it.John did not seem to feel embarrassed by that and simply lowered his hand.Nod
Cordy brought Richard along as she headed to Zoe and Jay's apartment right after she left work.Zoe was excited to see her. "Welcome, Cordy! Come in, Dicky—Yelena's waiting to play with you."Richard had not actually met Yelena on that many occasions, but it was clear that the little girl liked him.And in spite of Richard's haughty nature, he was surprisingly patient with Yelena.Blood relations were a funny thing, no?In fact, just as Cordy and Richard entered, Yelena already came and pulled Richard away."Isn't Quinn coming?" Cordy asked, since it was always the three of them whenever they gather."She's going to be gone for two weeks. She has a lawsuit to deal with," Zoe said regrettably.Cordy nodded, feeling the same way.The three of them had been too busy to gather lately."Where's Jay?" Cordy asked just then, since she only saw Clara working in the kitchen and greeted her."He'll probably be back soon," Zoe replied. As she spoke, the door opened.Cordy turned to
"Of course," Zoe replied.Wendy promptly opened her camera app and took a selfie with Zoe before suddenly calling out to Cordy too. "How about we take another one together?"Cordy was left staring at Wendy, wondering how carefree that woman could be."Come on," Wendy kept urging nonetheless.Cordy joined them in the end, since she did not want things to get awkward.However, after taking the selfie, Wendy was muttering, "Oh, it's not surprising that Dicky is that handsome—he really got some good genes from his parents. I wonder if Johnny and my kids would look that good.""Wait, you guys are getting married?" Zoe was a little agitated at the prospect."Not that soon—we just met a while ago," Wendy smiled, chagrined, though she soon added meekly, "But if Johnny proposes, I think I'll say yes…"As she spoke, she glanced at John, who did not answer directly and said instead, "Time to eat. Go wash your hands."Wendy stuck her tongue out at him. "You're coming with me."John did n
"Cordy?" Zoe had to call out to her several times before she came to her senses and realized that she had been spacing out."What's with you tonight?" Zoe asked, perplexed. "You're looking at Yelena one second, and then at John and Wendy the next.""Was I? I was just thinking, not really looking," Cordy replied half-heartedly."Then what were you thinking?" Zoe pressed relentlessly."I was just thinking… Yelena is really cute," Cordy hastily came up with an excuse, giving in to Zoe just then. "So you want a daughter too?" Zoe asked.Cordy frowned—so it was a trick question!"Can't I just like Yelena?" she snapped grumpily."I like you too, Godmother!" Yelena quickly exclaimed loudly. "Well, your daughter would definitely be very beautiful," Zoe pressed on nonetheless."I refuse," Cordy said flatly. "Dicky is enough.""You can do it," Richard suddenly said. "I want a younger sister too.""Me too!" Yelena promptly raised her little hand since Richard had spoken."Ask your
Before Cordy could speak, Zoe was already excited and asked, "Is John impotent?"Cordy was speechless.Did Zoe really just ask John's ex—right in front of John's current girlfriend—about how he was in bed?!She thought to herself then that Jay had really been pampering Zoe to no end."Shouldn't you ask Wendy about that instead?" she asked.Zoe came to her senses and turned toward Wendy."Of course we are compatible." Wendy smiled gingerly. "I mean… John is such a stud."Zoe was actually a little embarrassed just then.The young really did not watch their language these days, did they?She then turned to find Cordy looking perfectly calm."Sorry, I need the ladies' room." Wendy excused herself right then, worried that the topic was spiraling out of control.After she left, Zoe kept staring at Cordy.Cordy was speechless again. "What are you staring at me for?""No, I wasn't." Zoe denied it. "I just thought it's nice being young."Cordy knew that Zoe was deliberately messin
Tilting his little head just then, Richard asked, "Mommy, do you not like having Wendy around?""I'm fine with her," Cordy said generously. "Oh," Richard replied with a tinge of disappointment.Cordy did not dwell on it, simply dismissing it as John's issue that had nothing to do with her.-Saturday morning soon arrived, and Cordy only woke up when it was already 10 AM.She had been working late on Friday and came home so late it was long past midnight when she got into bed. She decided to sleep in, considering that she did not have work tomorrow. When she finally woke up, she stretched her back and headed downstairs in her pajamas, wondering if Richard had any arrangements for the day. She was still yawning just as she arrived downstairs, where she found Richard and John in the kitchen, with John cooking and Richard filming with his phone.Cordy was stunned for a while before remembering Richard's school project—the family vlog."You're up, Mommy!" Richard exclaimed as
"Okay."Cordy picked up her knife and fork and started eating slowly.She was going to argue but noticed upon a closer look that the food really were all her favorites. "You didn't have to make my favorites exclusively," she said, seemingly offhandedly. "I'm not picky with food…""I feel guilty imposing on you today, so take this as a token of gratitude."Cordy said nothing else at that and treated it as an actual polite gesture."By the way, didn't Wendy say she was coming? Why isn't she here?" Richard asked.Cordy looked up at Richard just then—her son really liked Wendy, did he not?"She always sleeps in. Leave her be—don't disturb her now," John said flatly.Cordy somehow thought she heard a tinge of tenderness in his tone."Okay." Richard nodded. "What about the afternoon?""That depends if she has other arrangements. She'll be here if there aren't any.""Okay."And with that, they finished brunch, with Richard and John conversing intermittently, while Cordy remained
Cordy quickly said, "No, it's not made for me."She could understand that Richard meant no harm since he was still a child.But with Wendy around, saying something like that was inevitably inappropriate."No, it really was made for you," Wendy said bluntly then. "I told Johnny to make it for you, since Dicky said you like it. Why don't you have a taste?"Cordy pursed her lips, surprised that Wendy was that magnanimous.In contrast, she felt petty.Nonetheless, she opened her mouth and ate the slice.It was much softer than those purchased, and its sweetness melted in her mouth right away.In fact, Cordy had not been feeling an appetite, but she was suddenly seized by an impulse to start gluttoning."It's good, right?" Wendy asked her expectantly."Yeah.""That's what I've been saying," Wendy said sweetly. "I'm so lucky to have met Johnny. He's rich, handsome, kind, and a good cook. He's just so perfect…"Cordy was going to tell her that she did not have to go that far just
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a