In Merika State, the two of them lay close together on the hotel bed. As their passion grew, Justin Yates’s husky voice, filled with allure, murmured, “Em, how about having a child with me?”Caught up in the moment, Emily Yates replied without thinking. It wasn’t until they were lying together afterward that she remembered what he had said.“A child?” she repeated, a trace of intimacy lingering in her eyes.The look stirred Justin’s desire again. She was a constant temptation to him. Pushing those thoughts aside, he pulled out a ring and slipped it onto her left hand.“Are you proposing to me?” she asked.“Yes.”“Can I finally have your child now?” Justin asked, smiling. His eyes were warm, but there was no love in them, as if he were gazing past her, waiting for someone else’s answer.“I’ll give you plenty,” she replied, momentarily surprised. Proposing in bed wasn’t exactly romantic or formal, but she didn’t mind. She had waited three years for this moment, and it was worth it
Tears had fallen without her noticing, smudging the fresh makeup around her eyes. Emily glanced down at the diamond ring on her left hand, a sense of foreboding spreading through her. The sudden appearance of this woman might shatter the happiness she had been waiting for. She couldn’t just stand here. She had to know who this woman was. After a moment to gather herself, she headed back to the hotel.The plane flew from Merika State back to Haven State. At Lichfield Hospital, Emily stood at the door of a hospital room, arms crossed, trying to see inside through the window. Justin’s friend, Zac White, the director of Lichfield Hospital, along with other doctors, were examining the restless woman on the hospital bed. Two female nurses held her steady as they conducted their checks.On the plane, her face had already been cleaned, and she had been given fresh clothes.“Emma Xander? Hasn’t she... disappeared for the past four years?” Zac was shocked. Where had Justin found her?
In the hospital’s back garden, the spring night was still a bit chilly, and a cold wind stirred, adding a bite to the air. The flick of a lighter sounded, and two glowing points of light appeared as smoke drifted, blurring their vision.“So, Emma Xander’s back. What are you going to do?” Zac asked, breaking the silence. He didn’t mention Emily, but they both knew what he meant.One woman was the college sweetheart, the first love who had once saved Justin’s life. The other was the girlfriend who had been with him for three years, sharing his most intimate moments, and now, his fiancée.After a long pause, Justin replied, his voice cold and detached. “She was just a stand-in. She could never compare to Emma.”He went on, his tone utterly indifferent, as if he hadn’t been the one to propose to Emily in Merika State. “The role of Mrs. Yates will never be hers. It can only belong to Emma.”In a way, Emily had saved him the trouble of saying it himself when she had brought up their mar
Emily found the remote to turn on the lights, then looked for something handy to snuff out each candle one by one. Afterward, she retrieved her nightgown from the closet and headed for a shower. As she walked into the bathroom, she noticed the ring still on her left hand. She slipped it off and tossed it into the corner of her jewelry box. When she returned to the bedroom, she brushed all the rose petals off the bed and settled under the covers, pulling them over her head.She instinctively lay on the left side of the bed, where she was used to sleeping. Justin would always hold her close, gradually shifting over to the left with her until they were practically glued together. Now, the right side of the bed was glaringly empty. To fill the space, she scooted to the center, tossing the extra pillow onto the floor, finally feeling comfortable.She turned off the lights and went to sleep.Two days passed without any word from Justin. He was likely at the hospital with Emma or busy wi
People said billionaires were cold and indifferent in their personal lives, switching women as easily as they changed clothes. For the past three years, Mr. Yates had only been with Miss Yates, making him seem like a devoted man. But it looked like he could move on in an instant. Who knew how long Miss Xander would last by his side?Sam had joined the company three years ago, right when Justin took over RC Corporation, so he wasn’t familiar with the complicated history between Emma and Justin.Inside TC Mall, Emily was browsing through clothes, each piece a far cry from her usual sweet and innocent style.“Babe, switching things up?” Helen asked, watching as Emily picked up a long black dress with a sexy, slitted hem. It would look stunning on Emily’s curves.Emily held the dress up to herself in the mirror, unfazed. “Yep, time for a change. Do you think this would look better with a shawl or a jacket?”She turned to give Helen a look.“A shawl, definitely. It’ll highlight your
Emily took out her phone and sent Justin a message. “Stop by Villa One when you have a moment. Let’s settle things between us so you can go back to your precious first love.”After hitting send, she prepared to leave the hospital.“Miss Yates, may I speak with you for a moment?” Suddenly, Emma was beside her, having wheeled herself over without Justin in sight.“We don’t really know each other,” Emily replied, feeling awkward.“Miss Yates, I’ve just been away from Justin for three years. I wanted to ask you how he’s been and if he’s been eating and sleeping well. He couldn’t find me, so I’m sure he must’ve been terribly sad,” Emma said, her frail voice laced with a hint of smugness, as if she was savoring her importance to him.“If you want to know, ask Justin directly.”“He won’t tell me. He’s worried it would make me anxious.”Emily saw no point in continuing the conversation and turned to leave. Suddenly, behind her, Emma’s voice rose in a frantic shout, her tears streaming
Emily gripped the contract tightly, her anger burning inside her.Justin leaned back in his chair, his thin lips parting slightly as he spoke. His voice was cold and dripping with arrogance, as if he were granting her a favor. “These past three years have been hard on you. You’re an orphan, with no family or place to go. I’m willing to support you financially with sixty million a year.”He continued, “We’ll renew the contract every three years. If you behave and stay out of my and Emma’s way, I’ll keep you until you’re old. You can stay in this villa, but you’re not to show yourself in front of Emma again. I won’t be coming here anymore, and I won’t be with you.“As for what happened at the hospital today, I don’t care who was right or wrong. I don’t want a repeat of it.”His tone was cold and dismissive, as if her thoughts and dignity didn’t matter at all.By the time he finished, Emily’s anger was so intense it felt like a physical pain. Where did he get the nerve to think she w
Along with the bank transfer, a reminder popped up about a beachside villa trip she had booked. Emily had almost forgotten about it. She had planned a three-day, two-night getaway, hoping for some time with Justin by the sea. Back then, he had been so busy with work that he barely had any free time, and she had to sweet-talk him into agreeing. She had even picked a local spot to make it easier for him. But now, all the things she had prepared for that trip were gone and tossed out when she cleared her closet recently.Pulling herself out of her thoughts, Emily realized she didn’t need Justin to go. She could still enjoy the trip with Helen. Life would go on without him. “Helen, I’ve got a trip booked for a beachside villa. It’s three days, two nights, right here in the city. Wanna go?” Emily asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she stood there in her nightgown.“A trip?” Helen’s face lit up. “Absolutely! I’ll just skip a few classes,” she replied excitedly. “I mean, I’ll ask for
Helen’s face started turning red, and she gave him a light slap. “Be serious, we’re in the hallway.” “Oww!” The moment she touched him, Zac doubled over, groaning dramatically as if he were on the verge of tears. Helen didn’t buy it. “Oh, come on. It wasn’t that bad.” She had barely tapped him! “It really hurts! If you don’t believe me, take a look.” As he spoke, he shamelessly started unbuttoning his white coat right there in the hallway, determined to show her his "injury." Helen panicked and quickly reached out to stop him, pressing his coat closed. The two of them wrestled—one trying to undo buttons, the other trying to fasten them back. “We’re in public! If you really want me to check, wait until we’re home tonight.” She was in a rush to pick up the kids and had no time to argue with him here. “Nope. You have to look now. It’s probably bruised, and you need to help me apply medicine.” “Medicine? You’re a grown man! Can you stop acting so fragile?”
“Are Chase and Alex with you?” Evelyn asked.Haley glanced down at the two children in her arms and replied calmly, “Yes, they’re here with me.” “Is Justin at the hospital? Did he see them?” Evelyn asked. Haley hesitated for a moment, her eyes drifting toward Justin, who was standing not far from her. Then, she lied to her mother. “No, he’s not here. I heard he went to meet with a business partner this afternoon.” “Good. I’ll have Helen go pick up the kids.” “Okay.” After hanging up, Haley tossed her phone onto the bed without sparing Justin a second glance. She didn’t explain her plans for the children to him, nor did she feel the need to. Justin wanted to ask, but with Chase and Alex present, he held back. Haley lifted Alex from her lap, wiping away the tears on his cheeks before continuing her lecture. “Do you know who just called?” Alex sniffled. “Grandma…” “That’s right! You two snuck out without telling anyone. Do you know how worried she was?” She
This was the first time Alex had ever seen Mommy this angry. She had never been like this before. He was so scared! “I don’t want Uncle Justin anymore… Mommy~~ hic… hic.”Alex cried so hard that he started hiccupping uncontrollably. No matter how angry Haley was, seeing her little son in such distress broke her heart. She pulled him into her arms, gently patting his back to help him catch his breath. At the same time, she scolded sternly, “I’m calling home right now. Someone will come and take you both back!” Justin had more bodyguards stationed at the hospital than she did. She didn’t trust him. The only way she could feel at ease was by keeping the children safe at home, surrounded by family. Justin and Chase both wanted to speak, but Chase beat him to it. “Mommy, sneaking to the hospital was my idea. This has nothing to do with Alex. If you want to discipline someone, discipline me.” Justin wanted to step closer but hesitated. He watched as the three of them
Justin pulled Alex back from the doorway and spoke gently, “The medicine is out? Just press the nurse call button, and someone will bring more.” “Oh, okay.” Alex nodded obediently, looking up at him. He tugged on Justin’s hand, prompting him to bend down. Then, in a hushed whisper, Alex leaned in close and asked, “Uncle Justin, do you think my mommy is pretty? How about I introduce her to you as your girlfriend?” His question struck Justin right in the heart. Alex wanted to introduce Haley to him as his girlfriend! A blind date? If this was a setup, then this time, he was more than happy to be matched. He liked this "match"—very much. Justin’s eyes softened with warmth and joy as he gazed at Alex. He nodded and whispered back in the same quiet tone, “Okay! I like her a lot!” Hearing that, Alex broke into a delighted smile. Uncle Justin liked his mommy. He and Chase liked Uncle Justin too. Now, all that was left was for Mommy to like Uncle Justin! If she di
“I want to stay with you, Mommy… Chase and I both do…” The more Alex spoke, the more pitiful he sounded. Thinking about the past few days without his mom made him even sadder, and tears welled up in his eyes before rolling down his cheeks. “Oh, Alex, don’t cry.” Haley’s heart ached at the sight of her youngest son crying. She pulled him into her arms, hugging him tightly to comfort him. She didn’t want to live separately from her children either. It was all Justin’s fault—stubbornly staying here and refusing to leave. If not for him, she wouldn’t have to feel so anxious just to see her sons. As usual, Zac was making his rounds, checking on the VIP patients. When he reached Haley’s room, he saw Justin standing alone at the door, with no bodyguards in sight. “Where is everyone?” he asked. Justin pressed his index finger against his lips, signaling Zac to stay quiet. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed him, making it clear that there was no need to check this room
Laughter filled the hospital room, echoing into the hallway where Justin stood motionless, listening. His eyes stung, turning red at the corners. He heard it. He really heard it. Alex had just called Haley Mommy. And then—another name. Chase. His mind reeled. The first child he met at the elevator was Alex. The second was Chase. Twins. Two identical little boys. His breathing quickened. Chase had recognized him instantly. But why? There was no hesitation in the boy’s reaction. No shyness, no wariness. That wasn’t how a child acted when meeting someone for the first time. Justin stood frozen outside the hospital room, his mind racing.That day at the amusement park—when he had taken Alex out for the day…Something had felt off.That Alex had been quieter, less playful, not as energetic.Because it hadn’t been Alex at all.There had been two of them.They had been taking turns to visit him.Switching places right under his nose.How had
Justin knew that the moment he pushed open this door, every doubt he had—all the questions swirling in his mind—would finally have an answer. And yet, he hesitated. He couldn’t bring himself to open it. The bodyguard standing at the door, noticing his hesitation, reached for the handle to open it for him. Justin instinctively raised a hand to stop him, then motioned for them to step aside. The bodyguards exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to follow his command. After a brief pause, they finally stepped away from the door. Justin had been at the hospital long enough. They knew he meant no harm to Haley. Inside the room, Chase carefully placed the fruit basket and bouquet on the bedside table, then pulled a tissue from his pocket. He wrapped the strands of hair he had collected and tucked them securely into his backpack. Alex had already set his things down. Now, he stood quietly by the bed, watching his mom sleep. Chase walked over, and Alex turned
Justin glanced back down the hallway. Hadn’t Alex just walked away? Then who was this? Chase blinked, recalling how Alex usually reacted when he saw an adult he liked. Got it. With his arms full—a bouquet in one hand, a fruit basket in the other, and a backpack strapped to his back—he launched himself forward like a little cannonball, sprinting toward Justin. “Uncle Justin!” he called out in an enthusiastic, high-pitched voice, deliberately mimicking Alex’s tone. Justin crouched down to catch him, his arms wrapping around the small boy. He didn’t lift him up, though—Chase was carrying too many things. His sharp gaze swept over ‘Alex’ from head to toe. Same outfit. Same backpack. The only difference? This ‘Alex’ had his hands full. “Alex, what are you doing at the hospital? Did you come here alone?” The same question, asked twice in one day. ‘Alex’ shook his head, giving almost the same answer. “Nope, I came with Mommy.” “Oh…” Justin responded, waiting f
Justin walked up to the elevator and pressed the button for the upper floors, waiting as the numbers on the display steadily climbed.The elevator ascended floor by floor, the digits flickering until it reached the VIP inpatient ward.With a soft ding, the doors slid open.Inside, a small figure stood patiently, a backpack neatly strapped to his back.As soon as the doors parted, Alex stepped out first.Justin was about to step in when—Wait.Alex looked up. Then up again.His tiny hands rubbed his eyes as if making sure he wasn’t seeing things.“Uncle Justin!”His face lit up with excitement as he threw his arms wide and practically launched himself into Justin’s embrace. “Uncle Justin, what are you doing here?” Justin had already crouched down the second the doors opened, instinctively ready to catch him. “Alex?”Alex wrapped his arms around Justin’s neck, nuzzling against him like a kitten. “I missed you so much!”For Alex, coming to see his mom and running into