Share

Chapter 18

Author: Lila Ray
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
When Michelle saw the transfer notification, she thought to herself, "Truly a friend of the wealthy businesswoman." It seemed they shared the same demeanor, not hesitating to send money without so much as a discussion. Was it because they feared she'd learn of a hidden snag and change her mind? Michelle hesitated. She truly feared that they might be setting a trap for her. But she was exhausted from constantly writing, not wanting to continue ghostwriting novel drafts any longer. Moreover, she had set her price high and they had accepted it. It'd be rather unjust to refuse now, wouldn't it?

After a moment of indecision, Michelle clicked on the confirmation to accept the payment.

Then came the demands. The client described to her an incomplete world view, narrating yet-to-be-fleshed-out character relations. They wanted Michelle to draft detailed character designs. These were to encompass everything from appearance and orientation to past experiences and character evolution—everything
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 19

    As Alex descended the staircase after changing his clothes, he was caught off guard by Michelle's words. He hesitated mid-step for a moment. Michelle had said he took good care of them. And he did. But was there really any conflict between taking care of them and Michelle returning to the family home? Keeping a straight face, Alex reached the tea table and took a seat, openly joining their nostalgic conversation. He lifted a teacup and took a sip. Noticing the sudden silence, he glanced at the two women and inquired, "What's wrong?" Michelle silently averted her gaze, signaling that it was nothing. She couldn't help but wonder, why was Alex, known for his relentless work ethic, wasting time with them today? On most days when he returned home, wouldn't he seclude himself in his study to continue his work? The more she pondered, the more uneasy she became, suspecting Alex and Eleanor might have some ulterior motive. Michelle pondered internally, "Could I make a run for it now?" Elean

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 20

    Michelle really didn't feel like taking Lizzy out to play. However, when even Mr. Alex, known workaholic that he was, said such a thing, she, a mere freelance professional, found no ground to refuse. Alex, after all, was someone who dealt with multi-million-dollar businesses. Every minute he spent was potentially worth millions. If he believed that spending time with a child was more important than work, how could her drafts, possibly deemed worthless, ever compare to the importance of a child? Michelle had on more than one occasion asked Alex to spend more time with Lizzy. Now, the roles seemed to be reversed. If she declined now, she suspected Alex would have a reason to rebut her in the future. Reluctantly, Michelle agreed. However, she made it clear to Alex that she had commitments in the afternoon. She could only join them for a morning outing. Alex had no objections; he had plans to return to his office in the afternoon to attend to some matters. The two novice parents, as i

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 21

    Michelle stared at the earnest-faced man in front of her, expressionless. In her mind, she muttered a curse. "How could someone so handsome be so... off?" she mused internally. "Such a waste of good looks." She locked eyes with the man for a moment, then with a serene and gentle smile, suggested, "Shall we get back to discussing Lizzy?" Meeting her gaze, Alex's eyes and tone were as gentle as possible. After all, he had unintentionally frightened her to tears during their last interaction. He didn't want a repeat of that episode. "I've always felt that you're evading things," he began, "Whether it's about Lizzy or about you." At his words, Michelle paused, then looked up, her gaze searching. "Have I?" she questioned. Alex nodded. "You've always seemed... elusive to me." Michelle met Alex's eyes, a playful glint in her own. "Maybe it's because your brain doesn't function well." He watched her, noting her feigned composure, as if she had no secrets to hide. He felt a hint of amuse

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 22

    Michelle sent her draft to someone named "Bald but not stronger". Perhaps the recipient was busy, as there was no response. After waiting for ten minutes, exhaustion overwhelmed Michelle, and she decided not to wait any longer. In a drowsy haze, she shut down her computer and went to bed. The instant she closed her eyes, sleep swept over her. As she drifted into unconsciousness, there was a vague feeling that she'd forgotten something crucial. However, she was too tired to think straight. Her brain felt like it had gone on strike. ...Whatever it was, she'd deal with it after waking up. Today, Lizzy was in low spirits and somewhat upset because no one came to pick her up after school. She sat on a small bench and waited for what seemed like forever. Most of her classmates had left, and she was the only child remaining. Neither her mother nor her father was in sight. Recently, Lizzy had quickly forged a bond with Sophie. To keep Lizzy company, Sophie had even stayed a little longer a

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 23

    Regarding the decision of whether or not to continue funding NexRealm Studios, Alex needed some time to deliberate. He didn't provide Derek with any instructions or hints, simply asking him to get back to work. Derek, relieved not to receive a reprimand, sensed Alex's foul mood and hastily left to attend to his duties. Among all the companies under Alex's purview, NexRealm Studios had been the biggest money pit. Alex had considered letting go of the gaming firm for some time. But the decision to ax NexRealm Studios wasn't solely his to make. He had to take into account the wishes of his nostalgic friend, his moody cousin Brandon, who had abandoned the project halfway, and Eleanor, who seemed to take pleasure in seeing him squirm. Years earlier, Eleanor had acquired an online literature company. With the backing of both the Ye and Su families, she was flush with resources. She then invested heavily, hiring top-tier online novelists to drive traffic to her platform. The once-dying web

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 24

    Alex often seemed lost in thought, appearing as if he was pondering over something deep. His demeanor always gave off an air of "Will I bother to acknowledge you or not?" Michelle wasn't sure if Alex was truly lost in his thoughts. She usually wouldn't initiate a conversation with him. She was afraid of interrupting him, and even more afraid that he would ignore her. In such cases, she'd be the only one left feeling embarrassed. Michelle watched children fly kites in the plaza, letting her mind wander. She was reminded of some matters she had pushed aside for some time. She was currently living in a place that was previously rented under her name. It was an old one-bedroom apartment with inconvenient transportation. She had long wanted to move out but had been too busy writing to look for a new place. She wanted a bigger, more comfortable home. Living in an old house was taking a toll on her mood and quality of life. With this thought, she pulled out her phone and downloaded a prope

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 25

    Michelle's refusal to "Leonard," who had a quirky username, was influenced by two primary factors. First, she was hesitant to leave Lizzy behind. Alex was known for his workaholic tendencies, and Michelle wasn't far behind. She dreaded coming home to a sobbing child, knowing the onus of comfort would fall on her. Such a scenario was emotionally taxing. Secondly, Michelle disliked complications. A structured job was too restrictive for her taste. She cherished the freedom to manage her own time. However, Leonard persisted even after her initial refusal, continuing to send messages. Leonard: "If you prefer working from home, that's an option. Just ensure tasks are completed on schedule." Leonard: "As for the compensation, we can offer you this amount." He sent a screenshot of a lucrative figure. The sum tempted Michelle; she realized it was equivalent to half a month's pay for just a few assignments. Noting her hesitation, Leonard sensed an opportunity. Leonard: "Take your time and

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 26

    Upon hearing Michelle's words, Alex's first instinct was: Is Michelle short on money? Why wouldn't she ask him for it? Almost immediately, he felt ashamed for thinking that way. Michelle wasn't that type of person. She never seemed to want to gain any benefit from him. Well, unless you counted using him as a ride for picking up and dropping off Lizzy at school. In the past, when Alex had offered to buy her a house, she'd declined without even thinking about it. With her character, how could she possibly ask him for money? Thus, Alex fell silent. After a brief pause, he inquired, "What exactly is the job you're considering?" If Michelle wished to work, he could arrange a position within his company. He had so many businesses under his control; there was bound to be a vacant role somewhere. However, Michelle looked at him with an innocent expression and replied, "I don't know yet. I'll find out during the interview." Thinking about how easily Lizzy got swindled and realizing that s

Latest chapter

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 94 Story afterwards

    Alex Ye had once imagined that their baby might be like Lizzy: soft, sweet, and utterly adorable, like a heart-melting marshmallow. However, their baby and Lizzy, the marshmallow, were nothing alike.Ella was not the type of baby who craved affection. Even before she could talk or walk, she rarely smiled or showed interest when adults tried to play with her. If Michelle tried to engage her, she'd give a minimal reaction. But if it was Alex or Lizzy, she'd simply close her eyes and pretend to sleep.In front of a baby, not everyone is treated equally.Thus, both Alex and Lizzy felt a bit defeated.Eleanor Ye, however, was quite surprised by Ella's demeanor. She remarked to Alex, "You were just like this as a baby. When your dad and I tried to play with you, you wouldn't even look at us."So, Alex realized that the baby's temperament was inherited from him; he was the root cause of it all.Even though Ella wasn't particularly sociable, it didn't stop Alex and Lizzy from showering her wi

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 93 Story afterwards

    Lizzy Xia was deeply troubled by the birth of her younger sister. She had often heard adults say that younger sisters were delicate, needing constant pampering, love, and affection. They shouldn't be scolded or disciplined. So, with a little sister in tow, what was she supposed to do?This dilemma haunted Lizzy daily, distracting her so much that she even forgot her routine of seeking affection from her mom.One day, after returning from kindergarten, Lizzy's first instinct was to check on her baby sister, bypassing her usual routine of seeking affection from Michelle. It had been quite some time since she had shown her mother her typical, childlike affection, and Michelle couldn't help but feel puzzled.She asked her husband, "Do you think Lizzy doesn't like me anymore? Why doesn't she come to me for cuddles anymore?"Alex, taken aback by the change in Lizzy's behavior, hadn't expected Lizzy's affection for her sister to surpass her love for Michelle. He had previously assumed that

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 92 Story afterwards

    Lizzy Xia suddenly didn't like her "little brother" that much, because he was bullying her mommy!Her naughty "brother", even though he was still in her mommy's tummy, already knew how to kick!He's such a little rascal!Since the mischievous "brother" was still in her mommy's belly, Lizzy dared not voice these complaints in front of her mother. She was afraid that the naughty “brother” would hear and continue to tease her mother.Thus, Lizzy decided to confide in her father.She scurried with her short little legs into the study to find Mr. Ye, who was once again working overtime.She pouted, looking quite upset, and told him, “Daddy! Little brother is being naughty. He keeps bullying mommy!”Hearing the slightly aggrieved childish tone, Mr. Ye couldn't help but set aside his work and sighed.Alex Ye lifted his daughter onto his lap, his voice gentle, “What did the little brother do?”In reality, they didn't know whether Michelle Xia was expecting a boy or a girl. But, in Lizzy's min

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 91 Story afterwards

    While Alex Ye pondered how he might explain the situation to his little girl, Lizzy Xia interjected with visible concern, “Mommy is sick. We need to take her to the doctor!”“Not only that, she’ll need shots and medicine! Last time I was sick, I had to get shots and take medicine. So Mommy will need the same!”Hearing the urgency in Lizzy’s voice, Alex paused before reassuring her, “Don’t worry, Lizzy. Mommy isn't sick.”Relieved, Lizzy thought to herself, "Good, as long as Mommy isn’t sick." However, with her round, inquisitive eyes fixed on Alex, she pressed, “Then why is Mommy always sleeping?”She recalled that, in the past, whenever she returned from kindergarten, her mother, Michelle Xia, would be hard at work writing, always available for a cuddle. Now, it seemed all Michelle did was sleep, depriving Lizzy of her cherished snuggles.Pondering her question, Alex seemed momentarily at a loss. “I honestly don’t know,” he finally admitted.Disappointed in her father’s response, Li

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 90 Story afterwards

    That same night, Michelle Xia was sleeping alongside Lizzy Xia. Lizzy was a well-behaved child when she slept, barely moving when nestled in Michelle's arms, which made it quite a comfortable experience for Michelle. Of course, sleeping next to Mr. Ye was also comfortable, but it could sometimes be exhausting. Moreover, Mr. Ye always woke up early and would occasionally playfully disturb her sleep.Michelle strongly believed that part of her recent fatigue was because she was waking up too early in the morning. She had hoped that by sleeping with Lizzy, she could catch a few more moments of sleep since Lizzy wasn’t an early riser like Alex Ye.However, the next morning, a blaring alarm startled Michelle from her sleep. The sudden loud noise made her heart jump, thinking for a moment she might be having a heart attack.Lizzy, still groggy from sleep, slowly climbed out of bed. She found the source of the noise and turned off the alarm. As she did, realization dawned on her. She had hi

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 89 Story afterwards

    Shortly after the birth of her baby brother, whom they affectionately called "Liam", Lizzy Xia would frequently pester Michelle Xia to let her visit him. It was evident that Lizzy adored her little brother immensely.One day, Michelle curiously asked her daughter whether she would prefer a younger brother or sister. Without hesitation, Lizzy solemnly replied, "I don't want Mommy to be in pain. I don't need a brother or a sister." Michelle was momentarily stunned by the child's sincere expression, then laughed softly, ruffling Lizzy's hair. How could her child be so endearingly considerate at such a young age, empathizing with her mother's discomfort?Michelle had a vague intuition that something might be amiss when she realized her menstrual cycle was off. Recalling the past, it dawned upon her that it had been a while since her last period. Upon mentioning her suspicion to Alex Ye, he looked at her with an "I thought you'd never notice" expression. Alex commented, "I was expecting y

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 88 Story afterwards

    Michelle Xia woke up to find something warm and soft tucked into her embrace, providing an added comfort. Without a second thought, she knew it was her sticky little daughter, Lizzy, who must have sneaked into her bed for some shared slumber. Even though she was now awake, Michelle was in no hurry to rise, especially with a snuggly little one in her arms. The desire to stay in bed was even stronger. Lizzy, despite being an early riser unlike her mother, was half-awake. Sensing Michelle's alertness, Lizzy too came to full consciousness.Lizzy Xia's voice was soft and sweet as she cooed to Michelle Xia, wanting kisses, cuddles, and to nuzzle against her cheek. Yet, she carefully avoided mentioning why she was on her mother's bed.Michelle playfully asked the little one, "Lizzy, how did you end up on mommy's bed?"With wide innocent eyes, Lizzy feigned innocence, saying, "Because mommy wanted Lizzy to sleep with her, so Lizzy appeared on mommy's bed!"Michelle tried to stifle her laugh

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 87 Story afterwards

    Recently, Michelle Xia's temperament and personality had shifted. According to her, it was because of the pressure of writing. In addition to that, some of her previous employers would incessantly chat with her, hindering her progress and adding to her agitation.However, when facing Lizzy Xia, Michelle was as gentle and patient as ever.Even when Lizzy became overly clingy or seemed bothersome, Michelle did her best to maintain a calm demeanor. In reality, Michelle was never a fan of children. But when confronted with the sweet softness of Lizzy, it was nearly impossible for her to stay mad. Especially since Lizzy resembled her so much and had an irresistible charm. Every pout or plea from Lizzy rendered Michelle helpless.One Saturday, after Lizzy and Sophie Ye had finished their painting class at a graffiti museum, Lizzy rushed home to show Michelle her creation. Lizzy was genuinely gifted in drawing, and with time, she had learned to convey her thoughts through lines and colors. A

  • Become a mother in one night   Chapter 86 Story afterwards

    Lizzy Xia promised to give her unicorn toy to Liam, and when she made promises, especially to kids, she kept them. Though parting with her toy was painful for her, the thought of little Liam, who was afraid of the dark and would cry when awakened by nightmares, tugged at her heart. She couldn't bear the idea of him being scared. The next day after kindergarten, Lizzy hurried home. Clutching her unicorn toy, she entered Michelle Xia's room. Approaching Michelle's computer desk, Lizzy gently tugged at the hem of her mother's skirt. Lizzy noticed that her mom had been wearing skirts a lot lately. Before, Michelle had always favored long pants, especially those unattractive blue-gray jeans. Lizzy caressed the skirt's fabric, thinking about how pretty it looked. Michelle had been engrossed in her writing. An old employer had reached out, and she'd been chatting with him. But now, this little clingy bundle of joy had caught her attention. After sending a message to her former boss, Michel

DMCA.com Protection Status