In fact, one might even describe it as water under the bridge.After all, Jessica had invested a fortune on Noel, so there was no way she would just let Noel enjoy all the perks for free.In fact, the moment Noel accepted Jessica's grace was the moment her nightmare began!Nonetheless, Cordy felt no sympathy as she lowered her phone.Suddenly, a dark shadow appeared over my head.She recognized who it was coupled with that scent—John had been staying with her for days, staying just next door.Despite the announcement of his wedding date, the man was staying away from his fiancee.Cordy could scarcely imagine how mad Jessica was right about now."It's lunch time," John told her mildly.Surprisingly, they had been getting along well over the last few days—no confrontations, but no flirting either.They were just friends, with neither crossing the line.Cordy followed John through the living room and had lunch with him.Through it all, his phone was ringing repeatedly."You s
Cordy only spared it a single glance before putting down her phone, along with her fork."Do you not like the dish, Ms. Sachs?" the chef asked nervously just then."No, I just feel a little sick," Cordy smiled faintly—the food was not bad at all, but the psychosomatic effect had already kicked in."Should I ask the doctor to give you another checkup?" the chef suggested."No, it's fine."The doctor had left days ago, since she was healthy aside from her broken leg."Then…""Just go about your usual work. Don't mind me," Cordy said, rising to her feet and heading out of the mansion on her crutches.In the end, she was feeling annoyed. There were times when one could lie to everyone, but not themselves. Her phone suddenly started to ring just then, and upon seeing who it was, she took a deep breath and forced a smile as she greeted, "Zoe.""Are you still in Rocktown?" Zoe asked."Yeah. Is something the matter?" "No, I was just thinking about inviting you and Quinn over to
Cordy was actually supportive of Zoe's relationship with Bob, though she also held out a little hope on Jay in a corner of her heart.Maybe, just maybe…Even then, Cordy found that part of her conflicting. "You mean we should be doing it already?" Zoe asked."I actually thought that you two were hitting it off," Cordy replied. "I'm actually surprised that you're that conservative.""Not really, it's just that things haven't really gotten that far… but he caught me watching an adult video a while ago," Zoe confessed awkwardly."You were watching what?" Cordy laughed. "Don't start. I was just checking it out since Quinn asked for help, but Bob somehow stumbled upon me browsing! To be honest, we almost did it right then… if Bob didn't suddenly have to leave for some thingamajig.""And then? Was there no other opportunities?" Cordy asked. "I never knew you were that shy.""I'm a girl too, woman," Zoe snapped. "I can't exactly just take the lead! Also, Bob may look like a playboy
As Cordy turned around, John wrapped his arms around her from behind.A pungent alcoholic sent filled her nostrils right then—he had definitely been drinking too much."Don't go," he whispered, holding her fast while his lips inched closer to her nape, greedily inhaling her distinctly fresh scent. It really made him lose his mind.His arms tightened around her, and his lips pressed flirtatiously against her nape."Two-timing feels really good, huh?" Cordy suddenly asked, unusually cold toward his affection.John tensed up, while Cordy continued to scoff, "Between Jessica and I, which of us feels better to hug?"John clearly stiffened right then.Cordy then added, "I'm sorry, but I really hate jasmine-scented perfume."She clearly picked up the scent of Jessica's perfume on his body, after all.John's arms clearly eased around her, and she just had to shrug a little to free herself.She shut the door tightly behind herself, as if shutting her heart from him as well.With th
As they ate, one of the servants walked up to John and asked respectfully, "Mr. Levine, you were saying to throw away that set of formal wear last night?"He was probably uncertain since John's clothing was worth a fortune, and they would never afford to pay the compensation if they were to throw it away by mistake."Yeah." John nodded.The servant certainly had more to say, but considering that they did not know what it was like to be rich, he replied politely, "Yes, Mr. Levine."With that, he left.Cordy watched as he left before glancing at John."Actually, you could just send me back to North City," Cordy suddenly said, since she did not believe that he was happier with her around.Being sandwiched between two women would only make one infuriated.Nonetheless, John refused her immediately. "I'd be more at ease with you beside me.""And how long do you intend to keep me here?""We'll see." John refused to give a definitive answer.Cordy bit her lip but ultimately refraine
Bob was about to argue with Sam when Jay suddenly said, "I do. I believe Bob."Bob naturally knew that Sam wanted to goad him into bringing Zoe along to meet them.They had been dating for months, but he never brought her along to meet his best friends.There were times when Sam pressured him so much he would give in, but Zoe would say no whenever he asked.He knew Zoe did not feel safe after the trouble between her and the Levines, and no one was aware that they were dating, save for Zoe's best friends Cordy and Quinn. Moreover, Zoe was worried that the Levines would harass Bob if too many people knew, and she definitely did not want that, insisting that she knew Nancy Levine too well. It would take some time for Nancy's rage to ease, until she would not go out of her way to harass Zoe—only then could they be together without any issues.Naturally, Bob respected Zoe's decision, though it was more apt to say that Zoe mattered more to him than his friends.That was why he would
Cora appeared a little shy. "Hello."It had been months since she was brought to the Levine family, but she still could not get used to life in high society. She was always apprehensive about everything, which made her appear confident.Like right now—after greeting Bob, she said nothing else, leaving an awkwardness in the air."Oh, you." Yulia smartly tried to smooth things over. "Aren't you usually talkative? You're mute as soon as you see a pretty face, huh?"Bob was going to argue, but Nancy already spoke. "Sorry. I've been overprotective of Cora and haven't brought her out of the house much. I guess that made her a little shy.""Oh, just bring her along whenever. Bob's never busy, so he can hang out with her.""What do you mean, I'm never busy? I'm always busy, y'know," Bob argued."Busy with what? Drinking yourself silly?" Yulia snapped, denying him even dignity.Since there was no chance of Bob arguing in front of so many people, Nancy quickly said, "Well, Bobby, I'm cou
After dinner, Bob hurriedly left with Sam and Jay. He had always celebrated his birthday that way—he would accompany his parents and elders at home and eat with them in the morning, while it was his time after dinner. They were about to leave Davis Villa when Yulia suddenly stopped him. "Bob," Yulia said. "Bring Cora along." "How can I enjoy myself if I bring her along?" Bob became quite displeased. "You can have a great time just the same. She can join you." "But we're all men…" "So, I asked Cora to keep an eye on you," Yulia said overbearingly. "In short, I'll leave her in your care." "Why me?" Bob was infuriated. "Jay is the closest to her among the three of us. He's her uncle. You should leave her in Jay's care instead." Jay glanced at Bob—the latter was good at shirking his responsibility. "I don't care who's in charge. In short, you guys have to take care of her. Nancy and I want to play poker at home, so you've got to keep an eye on her. If anything happens,
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