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
Sophie cooled down a bit after Lillian's words. As her longtime friend, she understood Lillian well, knowing she always had a sense of when to advance or retreat. Sophie should have expected this outcome, but it didn't stop her from feeling deeply for her friend.Biting her lip, she asked, "But... are you really okay with this?"Lillian answered softly, "Does it help to be resentful?"Indeed, she was not resigned to her fate, and she had tried to change it. But reality had slapped her hard, telling her not to harbor any illusions."Do you have time tomorrow to accompany me to the hospital?" Lillian paused slightly, smiling faintly, "I don't want to go alone."Sophie nodded emphatically, "Please, I'm your only bestie. Even if I'm busy, I'll make time. You don't even have to ask, just tell me, and I'll go with you."Lillian smiled, then suggested, "Let's eat. After we finish, we should get some rest early."She was remarkably composed, betraying no signs of unhappiness.Sophie looked at