Jeff felt a pang of sorrow seeing her so calm and composed.
"Just tell me—whatever you want, I'll agree to it!"
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Marcia's lips.
"First, you cannot tell Eli about my pregnancy. Not a word. He can't know. I don't want him to be disappointed. I know too well what it feels like to fall from heaven to the depths of despair. I'll bear that burden alone—there's no need to share it with him."
Jeff gazed at her for a long moment before giving a solemn nod.
"Understood."
"And the second thing—delay the surgery for a few days. Eli is still home, recovering from his injuries. I need to take care of him. I've been out too long today; if I don't go back soon, he'll start to suspect something. I'll contact you myself to set the exact date."
"No! I told you—the sooner we do the procedure, the better…"
"If you don't agree, I'll find another hospital to perform it. It's just a
Elijah quickly returned to his room, changed his clothes, and as he was heading out, he ran into Marcia, who had just gotten home."Elijah, where are you going? Weren't we supposed to have dinner together?" Marcia asked, surprised as she looked at him.Elijah pulled her into a hug and led her into the elevator. "I need to step out for a bit. You should contact Claire. I have something to discuss with her."Marcia froze, then nervously asked, "Is Claire in trouble?"Elijah gently patted her head. "No, I'm looking for Myron. I couldn't get through to him, so I think his mom must have locked him up. It's fine."Marcia looked confused. "Locked up? What did he do wrong?" She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Claire's number.The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.Marcia grew more anxious. "Why isn't she picking up? What's going on?"Elijah started the car, his voice low. "Yesterday, Fidel went to see Claire, and
As soon as Kevin arrived downstairs at Myron's building, he received a call from Hayden. He cursed under his breath and immediately turned his car around, heading to Elijah's apartment.Upon seeing Marcia, he couldn't help but grab her shoulder excitedly and sigh, "I'm so relieved you're okay! Yesterday really scared us all to death!""I'm sorry. I feel bad for making you go to Hong Kong,"Marcia apologized.Kevin patted her shoulder, signaling it was no big deal. After exchanging a few words, he headed straight to the side hall and casually sat next to Hayden."What's going on with Myron?"Hayden handed him a glass of champagne and shook his head. "No news yet. Eli should be arriving soon!"Kevin drank the wine in one go and let out a soft sigh. "Ever since I got here, I feel like I'm going to work myself to death!"Hayden poured him another glass of wine, laughing lightly. "Shouldn't it be a heart attack instead?"Kevin
Claire froze in place, her mind spinning with confusion. From Marcia's reaction, it was clearly a sign of pregnancy, but why? While doubts clouded her thoughts, Marcia had already retched until there was nothing left. Her face pale as a sheet, she clung to Kevin for support.His expression was tense with worry. "Is your stomach bothering you? Should I take you to the hospital? Are you feeling really sick?"Marcia shook her head weakly. "No need. I'm fine. I'll feel better now that I've thrown up.""Absolutely not! I have to take you to the hospital!" Kevin insisted firmly. "With Eli away, I'm responsible for looking after you. If anything happens, how could I ever explain it to him?"He moved to lift Marcia into his arms, but she shrieked in alarm. "No! I don't want to go to the hospital!"She absolutely couldn't go to a hospital. If she did, her secret would surely be exposed…Her panicked cry was so sharp it startled Kevin into free
"I just arrived in Calderstones and am about to visit the White family. Is Hayden still with you?"Elijah's gentle voice made Marcia's eyes sting with tears. They hadn't been apart for long, yet she already missed him terribly."He had to leave for something urgent. Kevin is still here," Marcia whispered, sniffing."What's wrong? Are you crying? Did something happen?"Even across the distance, through the phone, Marcia could tell Elijah was frowning with concern.She let out a soft laugh. "No, I just burned my mouth drinking water. Why would I be crying? You worry too much."Elijah sighed in relief and teased her gently, "Well, can you blame me? It still haunts me. And besides, worrying about my wife is my duty! It's my job to make you smile and keep you happy. If you shed even a single tear, I'd be a sinner for life! Isn't that right, my queen?"Marcia's tears fell even harder. She bit her lip to keep from making a sound.She
As Jeff slowly approached her, lying on the operating table, Marcia couldn't help but clench her fists tightly."Don't worry. In an hour, you'll wake up. Everything will be fine—there's nothing to fear."Jeff smiled at Marcia with an unexpected gentleness.The staff in the operating room were momentarily stunned. This was the first time they'd seen this usually cold and aloof doctor smile so warmly. And for a termination procedure? Jeff was the most renowned doctor in the hospital, and he hadn't handled this type of operation in years. Yet this time, he not only scheduled the procedure personally but also chose to perform it himself. Who was this woman?Only the older nurse who had accompanied Marcia for her ultrasound wasn't too surprised. Instead, she glanced at Marcia with a hint of pity.Marcia didn't cry, but the tears she forced back, combined with her facade of strength, made the nurse's heart ache even more.The nurse stepped for
Elijah leisurely sipped his tea, his legs crossed casually, exuding an air of calm indifference. Not a trace of worry could be seen on his face.In stark contrast, Roy was visibly agitated, wiping the sweat off his forehead in frustration."I really don't know where Myron is!" Roy exclaimed."Roy, you've misunderstood. I'm here to discuss a collaboration," Elijah replied calmly. "I recall you mentioning an investment opportunity last time?"Roy's eyes lit up with excitement. "You're agreeing to it?"Elijah didn't answer directly. His lips curved slightly as he said, "That depends on your sincerity."Without hesitation, Roy picked up his cup and gulped down the tea, scalding himself in the process. He winced but managed to force a smile."I've got it!" he declared suddenly, slamming the cup down and standing up.Elijah remained seated, his expression unchanged, prompting Roy to glance nervously at the tightly shut office door. H
"Make him shut up! I've already decided—wedding in three days. No more nonsense!"Gloria slammed her hand on the table, shouting up the stairs with a hoarse voice.Her lips were pale, her body barely holding steady as she leaned on the stair railing for support.The people gathered in the room froze, not daring to make a sound.From upstairs came the muffled voice of Myron, his tone filled with defiance. "Mom, if you want me to marry Nancy, you might as well let me die! I can agree to anything else, but marrying her? Never! You'd have to kill me first!""She's not good enough for you? Are you insane? Do you insist on marrying some country bumpkin pregnant with another man's child? How could I have such a disappointing son? You're a complete failure! If I had known, I would've left everything to Roy—at least he listens!"Myron muttered something in response, but Gloria couldn't make it out. Her vision blurred, and she stumbled back
Myron feigned annoyance and grumbled, "Hah! Does my mom think calling you here to talk to me will make me obedient? Let me make this clear—if she keeps forcing me to get married, I'll never come back to this house again!"He then leaned closer to Elijah and whispered, "Seriously, what are you here for? Did you come to rescue me?"Elijah patted his shoulder lightly and replied, "I'm just here to hang out.""Are you insane, Elijah?"Myron glared at him in exasperation and whispered, "Get me out of here! My mom isn't joking this time! Even when I said I'd go on a hunger strike, she ignored me! I admit the thing with Claire was my fault, but faking an illness to lure me back home and then locking me up? Who does that? What kind of tyrannical, unreasonable mother is this?"Ignoring Myron's fury, Elijah seemed lost in thought. His brows were tightly knit, his expression conflicted.Elijah glanced once more at the photo frame on the shelf, sighed
Elijah frowned. "Impossible?" He couldn't understand. "But then... how could you? No, we're going to the hospital right now! The doctors I know are far more reliable than him. I've always found him suspicious. Let's get you checked first, then we can talk about this.""Are you not happy that I can conceive?"Elijah shook his head. "How could I not be happy? But I don't trust him. Let's go to the hospital, okay?"He was overwhelmed with joy, but beneath that joy lay deep concern. If Jeff was lying, how would Marcia handle it? He could live without a child, but he couldn't bear to see Marcia fall into despair again.He never wanted to see her cry. That pain would be far worse than not having a child."Eli, sit down first." Marcia dared not let him take her to the hospital—if they found out she had recently lost a pregnancy, things would be disastrous."The surgery two years ago... Jeff was actually the lead surgeon." Marcia watched Elijah's expression darken as her voice unconsciously d
Marcia leaned against Elijah's chest, yet a slight unease crept into her heart.She still remembered Jeff's instructions—no intimacy for a month. But when she stole a glance at Elijah, his brows were tightly furrowed, his expression serious. For some reason, her heart softened again and again."Eli, what are you thinking about?"Hearing the slight anxiety in Marcia's voice, Elijah held her tightly, resting his head against her neck. His voice was low and gentle. "Nothing. I just think... it's really good that you're here.""Myron is really getting engaged? To... that Nancy?" Marcia traced her fingers over his firm arm, feeling a growing sense of security.She wished she could rely on him like this forever."Mm." Elijah's response was muffled, carrying a hint of an unspoken heaviness.Marcia thought for a moment. "His family has a rule that a man can only marry one woman in his lifetime, right? Does your family have a rule like that?"Elijah chuckled lightly and ran his fingers through
Elijah let out a soft sigh and gently pulled Marcia behind him. "What are you doing?"Marcia bit her lip, feeling a bit foolish for her reaction. Why did she assume Hayden would actually come to blows with Elijah?Elijah, standing tall and unwavering, met Hayden's gaze head-on, his expression calm. "To bring Myron back to Liverpool.""Back to Liverpool? If he's taking that woman with him, then what's the point? He might as well not come back at all! Damn it!" Hayden raised his fist but ultimately slammed it against the table instead."Hayden, sit down." Myron's voice was deep and hoarse. He seemed exhausted, yet his expression remained resolute. "I chose to marry Nancy on my own. It has nothing to do with my mother or Eli. I appreciate your concern, but enough with the arguments."He glanced at Kevin and chuckled. "What are you scheming now? Think I'm lying?"Kevin cleared his throat awkwardly. "Not at all. If you say so, then it must be true." He had initially suspected this was just
"Patricia, I thought you two would head straight to the second floor!" Hayden teased with a mischievous grin, taking a sip of his orange juice.Marcia ignored him, her eyes immediately landing on Myron, who sat beside Kevin with a face as dark as ink. At the head of the dining table sat a frail, pale-skinned elderly woman who was scrutinizing her with an assessing gaze.Marcia couldn't help but feel nervous."Auntie, this is Patricia. What do you think? Beautiful, right?" Elijah draped an arm over Marcia's shoulder, grinning proudly.Gloria took a sip of water before smiling lightly. "Hmm, she is beautiful. No wonder you've been so restless, eager to come home!""That's not true! I'm also happy to spend more time with you!" Elijah chuckled, then gently nudged Marcia forward. "Cia, come say hello to Auntie."His eyes were filled with warmth, a look that was second nature to him in front of Myron and the others. But for Gloria, it was the first time witnessing this side of him, and she
Marcia and Elijah walked hand in hand toward the villa. Since it was located in the suburbs, the fresh air was a rare luxury.A cool breeze brushed against Marcia's face, making her instinctively shrink her neck."Are you cold?" Elijah asked, his voice tinged with concern as he pulled her into his embrace. "I was worried you'd feel uncomfortable if we stayed in the car for too long. Looks like I miscalculated again!"Marcia shook her head and snuggled against his chest with a soft laugh. "Not at all. The air is refreshing, and the scenery is beautiful. But how did you know I was feeling restless in the car? Do you have some kind of mind-reading power? That would be incredible!"Elijah chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. "Your nose is all red. You look just like a little bunny. Makes me want to eat you up!"As he spoke, he playfully rubbed her cheeks. When Marcia looked up at him with a smile, he couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her cool lips."Aren't they waiting for us inside? Le
Seeing the two of them like this, Marcia couldn't shake the strange feeling growing inside her. She pulled out her phone to check for any messages from Elijah. The last thing on their chat was a simple "Good night" from both of them. A faint smile curved her lips.She casually snapped a photo of the highway scenery outside the car window and sent it to Elijah.Since it was still early, she hadn't expected an immediate response. But to her surprise, he seemed to have been awake all night—his reply came almost instantly."Already on the road? Are you tired? You should get some rest in the car!"Marcia bit her lip lightly and typed back curiously, "Did you not sleep? I'm not tired. I've been resting at home these past few days.""Hmm, I heard about that. Why are you so lazy and always sleeping?" Elijah chuckled, then added, "Even though I feel bad for you, my love, I'm so happy that I'll see you soon."Seeing him call her lazy, Marcia instinctively glanced at Kevin, who was driving. It h
Ever since that terrible experience, Marcia had developed a subtle aversion to "Calderstones."Elijah had been away for five days now. They spoke on the phone daily—sometimes just exchanging a few words, other times lingering as if they couldn't bear to hang up.The distance seemed to intensify their feelings, making them feel like a couple deeply in love.A call in the early morning. The phone was warm in her hand. Though sadness still lingered in her heart, Marcia felt as if Elijah was slowly healing her, piece by piece.Since her surgery, she had become more sensitive—more reliant on Elijah. She wanted him to return, yet at the same time, she hoped he wouldn't come back too soon. She longed for his embrace but also feared the warmth he brought.Torn between these emotions, her longing for him only grew stronger.Sometimes, as she lay in her empty bed, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if he were beside her&md
"He's just a wolf in sheep's clothing," Hayden remarked leisurely, pouring himself a cup of hot water. Watching the steam rise, he smiled faintly and casually asked, "Patricia, did you already know Myron was fine? Otherwise, how could you be in the mood to come out for a meal?"Marcia was momentarily stunned. After a brief silence, she chuckled. "I contacted Eli. Besides, there wasn't much to eat at home. Everyone's had a tough day—it's only right that we treat ourselves to a meal. Why? Do you think there's something wrong with that?"Hayden smirked. "Not at all. Just a funny coincidence." He blew on his cup, took a small sip, and added, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you hadn't been home at all."Shirley shot him a glare. "Hayden, your mindset is all wrong!""Oh?" Hayden raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.Shirley shook her head dramatically and said with an air of seriousness, "Have you been spending too much time with Demon? You've picked up the nasty habit of
"Did she ask you anything? Or did she want you to do something?" Marcia sat up straight, her tone cold and sharp.Jeff snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "She was curious if you were pregnant. Oh, that reminds me, was she the one at Calderstones that time...?"Before he could finish, he paused, realization dawning on his face. "No wonder!"Marcia stared at him intently. "What did you tell her? Did you take her money? What about Alan? Was he there too?"Jeff shot her a glare. "I'm a doctor. What do you take me for? She's pregnant, and Alan? Oh, you mean that man? No, I didn't see him."Pregnant? A sharp pain struck Marcia's heart. Kate was pregnant again, while she… she had lost her child.Fate was truly laughable. The heavens remained as unfair as ever.Perhaps sensing her hatred too clearly, Jeff coughed lightly and continued, "Alright, stop glaring at me. I'm on your side."Marcia eyed him suspiciously but said nothing.Jeff sighed. "I refused to be her private doctor,