After Oliver left, Lillian spent a moment in a daze before resuming her work. Some choices were hers alone to bear, willingly undertaken.Her phone rang, and Lillian glanced at the screen—it was a call from Nolan. She steadied her emotions before answering."What's up?""Lillian, did the vice secretary from Lin Group call you?"Lillian, having just located the email she needed, clicked into it while nodding, "Yes, they did. What about it?""Let me handle that work for you; I'll take care of it."At his words, Lillian paused, confusion clear in her tone, "Huh?""I heard from Yolanda that you're sick. Why didn't you tell me?" Nolan's voice was incredibly soft, almost sighing with concern, "You should rest when you're not well. Why not set your phone to 'Do Not Disturb'? Do you think your body's made of steel?"Before the Shen family's downfall, Nolan had worked at Shen Corporation, Oliver's most prized assistant. He was destined for greatness, but the abrupt bankruptcy changed everythin
Sophie had initially felt Lillian's reaction was too calm to be natural. But the mention of Serena's name had struck her silent, left speechless as if frozen.It took a while for her to process the information. "I... I thought she wasn't coming back."There was silence between them. Sophie, as Lillian's confidant, knew the high society well enough and was familiar with the public’s admiration for Serena's heroic save of Oliver—a handsome man and a beautiful woman made for a good narrative. But as Lillian’s best friend, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for her.It was a sad truth that unrequited loves often faded into oblivion.Sophie bit her lip, indignant on her friend’s behalf. "Actually, what does it matter if she's back now? If I were you, I wouldn’t let go so easily. After all, she and Oliver aren't a couple, and you are married to him, with a child on the way. I refuse to believe that Oliver will make you have an abortion!"Lillian, who had been quiet, finally looked
The moment the message sent, a tranquility settled over Lillian. She had done her part. Now, she only needed to wait for a reply.Oliver didn’t respond immediately. Glancing at the clock, Lillian reasoned that he might be at work, possibly in a meeting, entertaining clients, or his phone was on silent. He would see the message once his work was over.Time crawled agonizingly slow, so she decided to sleep it off.Lillian efficiently changed into her pajamas, drew the curtains shut, and the room fell into stillness. She climbed into bed and closed her eyes.Ding—Meanwhile, within a high-rise building of Qin Corporation, in a certain office, Serena, previously calm, was now gripped with agitation, her eyelashes fluttering uncontrollably. She was fixated on the text message on her phone. It was a simple message but with profound implications: "I'm pregnant."Initially, Serena had mistaken the incoming text as a work-related message for Oliver or some spam. It hadn't occurred to her that
Lillian waited from dawn to dusk, but a reply from Oliver never came. Her phone lay silent, as if cut off from the world. She used to wish for such quiet when she was busy working, longing for a moment of peace. But now...As twilight deepened, her phone finally chimed—a message. Startled, she grabbed it, only to feel a sinking disappointment. It was Sophie asking, "How are you holding up? Did you come clean to him?"Lillian stared at her phone, a hollow laugh escaping her. It was laced with self-mockery. She had known the outcome, hadn't she? Yet why couldn't she let go? Why expose her wounds for all to see, only to be disregarded?How was she supposed to face him now?Leaning against the bed, Lillian lay back, eyes closed. Where was he now? What was he doing? How had he reacted to knowing she was pregnant? Would he tell Serena? How would Serena see her now?In an instant, Lillian felt every ounce of strength drain from her limbs.That night, Lillian could only stomach a few sips of
At the mention of abortion, Sophie was taken aback but quickly recovered. "Why? Why would you do that?""What other reason could there be?" Lillian replied."But..." Sophie sounded reluctant, "You've been with him for two years. Doesn't he have any sentiment for you? And the child isn't someone else's; that's Oliver's own flesh and blood. As a husband and father, doesn't he feel any compassion?"Lillian remained silent. If she had harbored any illusions about Oliver before sending the message, they were now unmistakably dead.What was that saying that circulated online? Oh, right...Your child is only considered a child if he loves you. When he doesn't, not only is the child nothing, but you're nothing too.Sophie continued, "Even without these two years, you grew up together. Doesn't the bond of childhood sweethearts mean anything? Lillian, are you sure you explained things clearly to him? Otherwise...""Sophie," Lillian interrupted calmly, "let's not talk about it anymore."Discussi
"Wow, now that you mention it, it does seem plausible.""It's always been the case. Since when do the wealthy elite work as secretaries in a company?""But I don't get it, why a sham marriage?""There must be a reason. I've heard Ms. Shen and Mr. Qin grew up together. When the Shen family went bankrupt, Mr. Qin stayed by her side, probably as a way to lend a helping hand. Look at her now, nobody dares to bully her.""So, our Mr. Qin is quite the hero.""I also heard Mr. Qin has been waiting for Serena to return from abroad. A man who is both loyal and passionate, tsk, that's our Mr. Qin for you."As people chattered, Lillian stood behind them, listening without avoidance. Her expression was calm, as if she wasn’t the subject of their gossip.Until Nolan's car stopped in front of everyone, the window rolled down to reveal his handsome face, "Get in."Lillian got into Nolan's car under the watchful eyes of everyone.Only after the car had driven a good distance did those who had been di
Nolan's mind returned from its wandering. He glanced at the girl in front of him. Dressed simply, her shoulder-length hair was casually tucked behind her ears. Without makeup today, she exuded a sickly beauty that naturally evoked sympathy.Nolan knew his place. He was aware he couldn’t compare to Oliver, nor did he deserve to.When the Shen family fell from grace, he had run around trying to help, but his influence was too insignificant. One company CEO even told him bluntly."Nolan, you're a capable man, and I do see potential in you. But now that the Shen family is out, a smart person knows how to choose. You're welcome to join my company."Many didn't just refrain from helping; they even tried to poach him."The Shen family won’t rise again. Even if someone wants to help now, they’ll never regain their former glory.""So think about your future. You're not part of the Shen family, nor their son-in-law. No need to wear yourself out."Nolan felt a chill in his heart. On his way back
Confronted with his piercing gaze, Lillian felt at a loss. Moreover, hadn't he come to the office with Serena at noon? Why wasn't Serena in the office now?As she pondered, Nolan asked her something, and Lillian snapped back to reality, hastily responding. After the work report concluded, Nolan prepared to leave, and Oliver nodded indifferently.Once Nolan stepped away, Oliver's gaze fell unforgivingly upon Lillian. Earlier, standing behind Nolan had offered her some shield.Now, there was nowhere to hide.As Nolan neared the office door, he suddenly turned back, looking at Lillian, "Lillian, shall I continue to pick you up tomorrow at noon?"Hearing this, Lillian tensed. Oliver seemed to catch onto something, his eyebrows lifting."Mr. Qin, would you mind if I spoke to Ms. Shen for a moment?"Lillian furrowed her brows. What was he trying to do?Before she could react, Oliver coldly replied, "It's best if you didn't. After all, we’re within working hours.""Oh?" Nolan seemed surprise
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Mrs. Qin's embrace carried a refreshing scent of lemon, creating a relaxing atmosphere that made Kartika reciprocate the hug with warmth. Female elders always held a special place in Kartika's heart.Mrs. Qin noticed Kartika's affection and playfully tapped her nose. "Are you missing your mom?"Kartika was momentarily stunned by the reference to "mom" but then nodded in acknowledgment after regaining her composure. "Yes, I have missed you all.""Ah, sweet girl, we've missed you too," Mrs. Qin said, then pinched Kartika’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. She grasped it a few more times before turning to Mr. Qin, "Did you bring the gifts for Kartika that we talked about?"Mr. Qin rummaged through his pocket and pulled out two small boxes. "I did."Mrs. Qin took the boxes and handed them over to Kartika. "Here, these are gifts from us on this trip."Kartika had always received gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Qin, even before marrying Farhan, and they had always been quite valuable. Mrs. Qin wo
After Kartika fell asleep, her breathing gradually became even and deep. Farhan moved to the other side of the bed, where she lay turned away from him, and discovered she was indeed sound asleep—not just asleep, but in a peaceful, deep slumber.Touching the cheek that Kartika had slapped earlier, Farhan's expression was somewhere between reality and doubt—was it not for a faint soreness, he would have thought the previous uproar was a mere illusion. After all, who falls asleep in one moment, deeply and without care, straight after being furious?Kartika's recent changes were so significant that Farhan felt he barely knew her. His heart was unsettled, his emotions with no outlet, yet as he watched her serene sleep, he found himself rendered speechless. When he finally left the bedside, he did so with an almost lighter step.Settling on the sofa outside, Farhan couldn't deny the wakefulness of his mind despite the late hour; Ji Qingbei's parting words at the bar repeated themselves in h
With these thoughts, Kartika let out a mocking laugh, her eyes looking at him with a cold intensity. "If you have needs, go to Lestari."Farhan's eyes darkened with a shadow of anger as he bit down hard. "I want you, no one else."Despite Kartika slapping him and telling him to leave, Farhan’s grip on her wrist tightened as he raised his voice in frustration. "Angry? Weren't you playing the role of the dutiful wife quite well these past days? Why stop acting now?"Furiously struggling against his grasp, Kartika no longer had any desire to reason with Farhan, her sole focus was to free herself.As he watched Kartika's vehement resistance, Farhan felt both irritated and pity. Recalling the recent conversations with Ji Qingbei and Mrs. Qin, he gripped her wrist tighter. "These were your own words before, so why are you angry now? Shen Nuonuo, what are you angry about?"He was trying to confirm something with his intense gaze. "Are you upset because I said you’re just a physiological need
Gu Yanxi stormed off in a huff, leaving only Farhan and Ji Qingbei at the bar. Ji Qingbei glanced at Farhan, who seemed lost in thought, and thus refrained from initiating further conversation.After a short silence, Farhan asked in a low voice, "What did you mean by what you said just now?"Ji Qingbei's lips curved up slightly, "Don't you already know the answer?"Farhan looked up, his gaze heavy and dark, seeking clarification."What answer?""Farhan, do you remember the last time we were here I asked you if, after all these years, you still hadn't figured out what you really want?"Farhan paused, recalling that Ji Qingbei had indeed inquired the same. The question felt familiar from earlier in the evening with his grandmother. However, when Ji Qingbei had asked previously, Farhan didn't give it much thought and disregarded the remark.Observing Farhan's silence, Ji Qingbei sighed softly, "You've watched her grow up, you've seen her through every mood and phase, and you know her ins
The night was cool and calm as Gu Yanxi and Ji Qingbei made their way through the crowd towards the bar counter, following yet another call from Farhan in the dead of night.To their surprise, they expected to find a drunken Farhan but instead arrived to see him completely sober and immaculately dressed, sitting at the bar with a drink before him that had not been touched."What's going on? Didn't you call us here for a drink?" Gu Yanxi asked, puzzled.Approaching Farhan, Gu greeted him: "Farhan, what's up with you? Not a single sip yet?"Hearing the familiar voice, Farhan snapped back to reality, his eyes finding Gu Yanxi before turning questioningly towards Ji Qingbei as if to ask: Why did you bring him along?Ji Qingbei caught the look and quickly realized the situation. It seemed that Farhan had only summoned him, not Gu Yanxi, but by then it was too late to rectify the mistake. Both men, understanding the circumstance, chose not to comment any further.Gu Yanxi, ever the carefree