She looked at me, utterly helpless. I knew she genuinely loved this man."But if you decide to give up without even talking to him, that’s a big problem, Ivanna. Do you understand?""But... This is too embarrassing!""You’re just two people in love who’ll have a child of your own. How is that embarrassing?" I asked.When I saw that she wasn’t arguing, I continued, "Jared can also judge your character based on this incident and your actions. He might choose not to be with you because you’re too self-centered or irrational. Do you understand? You’re torturing us."When she heard me say that, she suddenly became nervous and started glancing at me.She shook my shoulder and said, "Alright, don't be mad. I was wrong. Can't you forgive me? I’m just so frustrated! I feel like he doesn't care about me, and I'm afraid to ask for his opinion."She lowered her gaze and continued, "But when I was on the operating table, I couldn't bear to go through with the procedure. I want to keep this c
I couldn't help but glance at Oliver. I thought he was the kind of man who only realized what he was missing after he lost his partner. He probably wanted Lauren right now."What are we supposed to do now that you’re weak and sick? Why do you do this to yourself?" Lauren walked in briskly, pulled Ivanna along with her and said, "Hurry upstairs and lie down."I sniffed disapprovingly and said to Lauren, "There’s no need to blame me for this. Ask her about it yourself."Then, I turned to Oliver and said, "Please come in, Oliver. Why are you…”Before I could finish my sentence, Lauren said, "You should go now, Mr. Oliver. There's nothing here for you, and I'm safe. Don't worry. Thank you for escorting me back today. This is about us women, and there’s no need for you to stay. Please leave."Oliver awkwardly nodded and said to me, "Take care of her. I'm leaving."He turned and left. He seemed compliant.Lauren closed the door before the elevator even arrived.I bent down to pick
When Ivanna saw Lauren's dark expression, she nudged her shoulder and said, "Alright, don't be mad anymore. I didn't do anything, and I still have the baby.”With that sentence, Ivanna silenced Lauren completely.Lauren looked at us, her mouth agape in shock. Then she asked me, "Is that true?"I nodded solemnly. "She didn't go through with it. When she got on the operating table, she regretted it and called it off."Lauren was puzzled and asked me, "Didn't you go to the hospital to ask about this?"“I asked the medical assistant, but she didn't explain things clearly. She just said a patient named Ivanna had come in for an abortion and was done with it. I thought she had done it and had gone back, but the reality is... well, you can see what happened," I explained and chuckled.Lauren collapsed onto the sofa, looking utterly dejected. She lay there staring at the ceiling, seemingly without hope. After a while, she said, "Let's make some food. I haven't eaten all day. Every time I
At the supermarket, we bought a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.I quietly told Lauren, "I asked Atlas to find Jared."Relieved, Lauren nodded and said, "He’s the only one who can give her the answers she wants. It doesn’t matter how hard we try. It will all be in vain if Jared doesn’t come back. We won't be able to overcome this otherwise. Who knows? If she has another mood swing, she might create more trouble."I nodded in agreement and whispered, "Don't tell her about this. Don't give her any hope. It would be best if we could find Jared, but we shouldn’t disappoint her if we can’t. If Jared finds out about this and rushes back, it'll be a pleasant surprise for her."Lauren solemnly agreed.As we talked, we saw Ivanna waving at us. She pointed at a large durian and said, "Let's buy one of these to take home. I really want it."Lauren frowned and asked, "Are you sure you want to buy that? Aren't you afraid it’ll make the room smell?""Let's buy it. It tastes great, and
After our banter, I told Lauren about Liora, leaving her astonished. "Looks like Liora really is pushing her luck. She's reckless; do you think she might have hidden Melanie somewhere, or has she silenced her for good?""It’s not that extreme. Atlas says it's not time to deal with Melanie yet. Anyway, I’m sure she feels like she’s in prison, no matter where she is. Even if she is outside, she wouldn't dare show up anywhere.”Lauren sighed. "She’s made her own bed, and now she has to lie in it. Melanie’s definitely not a good person. She's just as bad as Liora."Talking about Liora reminded me of Stella. I told Lauren about Stella's situation, whispering, "I think Jared isn't with Trinity. But I can't figure out how Trinity got involved with Stella."I was willing to confide in Lauren about certain things, especially since she had considerable influence in Foswood. Knowing some insiders would help me greatly.Lauren looked at me and speculated, "I suspect there must be a business d
Lauren took a deep breath when we stepped out of the door. With a mischievous grin, she remarked, "My mission is finally accomplished! I can finally go home and get a good night's sleep. If I endure this any longer, I might get high blood pressure.""Oh my goodness, a volcano just erupted." I stuck out my tongue in response.Atlas reached for Ava, who widened her eyes in disbelief. She asked Atlas, "Daddy, what happened to Aunt Ivanna? Why is she yelling so loudly? I'm afraid. Is she going crazy?"Her question left us adults trying hard not to burst into laughter. Fortunately, the elevator arrived, and we quickly stepped inside.Ava, still studying Atlas's face, curiously inquired, "Daddy, why is she so angry? Did that man make a mistake?"Atlas smiled at Ava and explained, "Our little sweetheart is brilliant. Yes, that man made a mistake, and Aunt Ivanna doesn't want to forgive him, so she got mad."Ava looked astonished and said, "Will they fight if we leave? What if they keep
Atlas hugged me from behind. "My wife is really busy, huh?"I gave him a sidelong glance. "Tell me, how did you find Jared so quickly? Come clean! Don't try to deceive me."Atlas smirked. He said with pride, "I just used my brain a bit."I rolled my eyes at him disdainfully. "Are you always trying to brush me off? Huh?"His handsome face immediately turned serious. He quickly raised his hand as if taking an oath. "Darling, on my honor, how could I ever brush you off? Finding Jared did involve some thinking, or I wouldn't have had any information about him," he said earnestly. "If you hadn't given me the push, it might not have been so easy to locate him."The more he spoke, the more my curiosity was piqued. I turned around to face him. "Explain."Atlas took my hand, led me to the bed, and carried me onto it. He then crawled in, wrapping his arms around me. "First, I had Dylan check Jared's contacts for the cooperative base with us. Then, I traced his recent whereabouts, and he
I looked at him curiously and asked, "Who?"Atlas pinched my nose and said, "It's Melvern.""Melvern?" I exclaimed.I really didn't expect him to consult Adrian.Could it be related to Matthew's case?I looked at Atlas skeptically and said, "He wouldn't be consulting about Matthew’s case, right? That falls under the confidentiality of this case, doesn't it?""Of course, he wouldn't directly ask that question. He inquired indirectly about equity and economic disputes." Atlas explained."This indicates something. He fears Atticus's release. He wants to protect Liora. At least until he settles the score with Atticus, he doesn't want Liora to interfere with his plans." Atlas analyzed Melvern's intentions.I asked with concern, "Will it affect Matthew's case?"He looked at me, somewhat conflicted, and asked, "Are you worried?"I looked at Atlas seriously and said, "I don't want to keep entangling with this matter endlessly.""For Liora, Matthew is already a losing move. But for u