"Kevin, let go of him!" Marcia stood before Alan, her lips curling slightly in a cold smile. "My personal matters are no one else's business," she said, her tone detached as she took a step forward.Her gaze swept the room, and she spoke slowly, emphasizing each word. "If something is a secret, there's no need to announce it publicly. This is basic common sense, Alan, though it seems you don't understand it."Her words caused several people in the room to smile. This woman wasn't even subtly calling Alan a fool for being ignorant.Alan, pretending not to catch her meaning, forced a smile. "You misunderstood me. It was just a joke. Let's not bring up such dull topics anymore! Tonight is about celebrating our cooperation with Azure, so let's not stand on ceremony. Everyone, let's raise a glass!"Kate quickly added, "Alan, what are you talking about? You always talk nonsense when you've had a drink! Um, Patricia, Kevin, I apologize on Alan's behalf!"She raised her glass and took a large
Elijah's words made everyone swallow hard, a hint of regret flashing in their minds.If they had known, they wouldn't have indulged in gossip. Fortunately, none of them had said anything too harsh, because from the look on Elijah's face, it was clear they would have regretted it!"Is she really his wife?" someone whispered.Elijah smiled coolly. "It seems everyone is quite interested in my marriage, so I'll be upfront. The beautiful lady by my side is my legal wife. She's always been low-key and doesn't like to make it public, and I respect that. But it seems that some people have revealed it."His indifferent gaze swept over Alan, causing Alan to freeze in place. He forced a smile. "I..."But Elijah turned away, slightly tilting his body. His gaze was full of tenderness as he looked at Marcia. He spoke softly, "I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce my wife, Patricia Roberts. I first met her two years ago when she joined my company as my secretary, and I fell in love with her
"Hi, what a coincidence!" Nicole greeted the three of them with a smile.Kevin, who didn't seem to know Calvin, whistled lightly and chuckled. "Got yourself a new boyfriend?"For the first time, Nicole blushed at his words but didn't deny it. Kevin almost dropped his jaw in shock, tempted to call Hayden to confirm whether Nicole was possessed by a ghost!Marcia watched Nicole's reaction, a thought crossing her mind.Could Nicole actually like Calvin? But how did they even meet? One had been living in the U.S., and the other had always stayed in the country.Elijah extended his hand toward Calvin. "When did you get back?"Calvin glanced at Marcia, his eyes lingering on the arm she was tightly clutching around Elijah. "Oh, just yesterday."Marcia felt a strange guilt creeping in. She instinctively withdrew her hand, only to catch Elijah giving her a glance that was neither heavy nor light, leaving her unsure how to respond.Calvi
Calvin's face turned pale, and the usual warmth in his gentle eyes was replaced by an unmistakable darkness.Unable to hold back, he grabbed Marcia's arm, his voice low and firm."Cia, you're not suited for him. Elijah is far more complicated than you think!"Marcia lightly placed her hand over his, her expression tinged with a weary smile.Perhaps at this moment, the woman standing before Calvin was the most authentic version of herself—unveiled, confronting her inner turmoil without pretense.She sighed softly."Calvin, listen to me. From the outside, it's obvious that Elijah and I come from completely different worlds. Even if I were still the same Marcia Roberts I once was, I'd never be good enough for him. Honestly, I don't know why he wants to marry me, and I'm even less sure of his feelings. You say he's not simple—who is? Simple, naïve people end up as nothing but pitiful victims."Her gaze deepened as she met
"Hey, where's Eli?"Back in the living room, only Kevin and Nicole were seated on the sofa. Nicole's usual smile was gone.Hearing Marcia's question, she merely sipped her water, her hands trembling slightly. When she noticed the faint smile in Calvin's eyes, her expression grew even more sorrowful.Kevin glanced over, somewhat surprised, and replied to Marcia, "Eli? Oh, there he is! Ask him yourself."Marcia turned and saw Elijah walking towards them silently, his expression cold and distant. For a moment, she felt he might be angry, though she wasn't sure.She cautiously glanced at the clock in the living room. Thankfully, only a minute or two had passed since the five minutes Elijah had mentioned.Surely, he wouldn't be that petty, right? Besides, he knew about her relationship with Calvin—Calvin had even introduced her to the secretary job!Thinking this, Marcia gave Elijah a tentative smile. "Where did you go? I was just as
Elijah tossed the paper bag into the trash bin near the door, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Maybe she was just hungry and couldn't wait to grab a bite."Kevin shook his head. "Patricia called earlier, right? She must've had something important going on. Eli, I think you should trust her.""Trust her about what? That she married me out of love?" Elijah's lips curved into a smile, but it carried no warmth.Kevin opened his mouth, hesitating before muttering, "I just mean... look, they've known each other since childhood. If Patricia really wanted to be with Calvin, would you even have a chance?""You think so?" Elijah's voice was icy."Don't twist my words!" Kevin groaned. "Eli, you're normally the most confident guy around. What's with the mood swings today? You were muttering about starving her, but then ordered a pile of food you didn't let us touch, only to pack it all up for her! No wonder Hayden stormed off in frustration without finishing his
Marcia stood anxiously at the entrance of the emergency room, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.As soon as she entered the neighborhood, someone had rushed over to her. Seeing Marcia, the man called out, "Are you the one living with Claire from Building 3?"Marcia froze for a moment before urgently asking, "Yes, I am. What happened?""She was sent to the hospital! You should hurry and check on her. Honestly, how could you leave her alone so often when you know she's pregnant? If it hadn't been for the water leak from her faucet, no one would've known if something happened to her in there!"The security guard's words left Marcia stunned. She quickly pressed, "How is she? Which hospital?"Hearing the address, Marcia barely had time to respond before Calvin had already started the engine, heading straight for the hospital—a place that had once plunged her into despair.It was the same hospital where she had once undergone an abort
Marcia followed Claire back to the hospital room. Since Claire was still unconscious, Marcia moved a chair to her bedside, gripping her hand tightly and not daring to let go.The nurse smiled at Marcia. "Miss, she won't wake up for a while. Are you planning to stay with her?"Marcia bit her lip and nodded. "I'm afraid she'll wake up and need water or something... um, can I stay the night here?""Of course, Miss. By the way, did you pay her hospitalization fee?" The nurse seemed a bit embarrassed. "Since it was an emergency, you can pay tomorrow morning. She'll need to stay a few more days for some shots—one for fetal protection and another for nutrition.""Yes, I'll pay. Just give me the bill," Marcia replied.She took the bill from the nurse, looked at the amount, and nodded. "I'll go pay right away..."The nurse smiled gently and gave Marcia some final instructions. "Miss, if her temperature rises or drops suddenly, please press the
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,