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
In the southern city, a hospital room held an atmosphere of tentative joy."Congratulations, you're pregnant and the baby is very healthy," announced the doctor.Lillian Shen clutched the pregnancy report with a startled expression, her mind racing. Pregnant? The mix of shock and delight was almost too much to believe."You'll need to come in for regular check-ups. Where's the father? Call him in, I have some advice for him."Lillian snapped back to reality with a sheepish smile, "My husband couldn't make it today.""Men, always busy. He should make time for his wife and child."Stepping out of the hospital, a gentle drizzle began to fall. Lillian caressed her belly where a new life was taking root—hers and Oliver Qin's.Her phone vibrated, a message from her husband: "It's raining. Bring an umbrella to this address."The address was for the XX Clubhouse. What was this place? Wasn't he supposed to be in a meeting?Without much hesitation, Lillian had the Qin family driver take her the
Oliver Qin left her in the bathroom and exited the room.Lillian remained silent, head down, waiting until his departure before she slowly lifted her gaze and wiped away her tears. Moments passed. With the door locked behind her, she pulled the pregnancy report from her pocket. The rain had blurred the ink, the words now indistinct. She had intended to surprise him with the news, but now it seemed utterly pointless. Having shared Oliver's life for two years, she knew him well—his phone was an extension of himself. He wouldn't have carelessly sent that message, asking her to come and then to leave. Someone must have used his phone to play a cruel joke, making her stand outside like a fool for all to laugh at.After staring at the report for what felt like an eternity, Lillian scoffed and slowly tore it to pieces.Half an hour later, she emerged from the bathroom, composed. Oliver sat on the sofa, legs propped up, laptop open—still working. He gestured toward a bowl of ginger soup b
The next dayLillian awoke feeling under the weather. She reached for the cold medicine in her drawer and poured herself a glass of warm water. Just as the pill hit her tongue, something clicked, and her face paled. She rushed to the bathroom to spit it out, bending over the sink to rinse away the bitter taste."What's the matter? You seem flustered. Feeling unwell?" The crisp voice of Oliver startled her as he appeared at the doorway.Their eyes met for a split second before Lillian quickly looked away. "Nothing, just took the wrong medicine," she said, dabbing the water from her lips and exiting the bathroom.Oliver watched her leave, his brows furrowed in thought. Something about her had been off since last night.After breakfast, the couple prepared to leave the house together."Want to ride with me?" Oliver asked, noting Lillian's pallor.She was about to agree when his phone rang. It was Serena. As he moved aside to take the call, Lillian instinctively walked away. Though marrie
Lillian sighed, exasperated, "It was just a little rain; I'm fine."After speaking, she stepped forward and placed the previous day's work summary on the desk."Here's the summary of the work from yesterday. I've sorted everything out. I won't keep you from catching up with each other," Lillian said, glancing towards Serena who immediately returned a warm smile.Once Lillian left, Oliver's brows knitted together in concern."Oliver?" Serena called out to him, snapping him out of his reverie.Seeing Oliver's expression, Serena, with soft concern, advised, "I see Lillian isn't feeling well. She might be your secretary now, but she was once the dignified Miss of the Shen family. Please don't be too harsh on her."Harsh? Oliver scoffed to himself. Who would dare to be harsh to that family deity? But he kept his thoughts to himself and simply grunted in acknowledgment.Lillian returned to her office, feeling heavy and listless. She barely sat down before giving in to the urge to rest her h
She couldn't go to the hospital.If she did, her secret would be exposed. It was almost laughable—she didn't want anyone to know about the baby because she wanted to hold on to the last shreds of her dignity. Despite knowing that her so-called dignity had been non-existent since the day she agreed to a sham marriage with Oliver.Now, in front of him, in front of the woman he cherished, what dignity did she have left?But still...Lillian lowered her gaze, unable to lay bare all the humiliating truths.Upon hearing her refusal, Oliver's brow furrowed deeply, and he abruptly pulled the car over to the side of the road. Lillian thought he intended for her to get out and reached for the door handle.Click—The car doors locked at once.Oliver's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, unreadable. "Why won't you go to the hospital?"Ever since she came back from the rain last night, she'd been acting strangely.Lillian maintained her composure, "If I'm not feeling well, I can see a doctor on
Pretentious?Lillian paused, a scoff rising silently in her heart. "Surely, I can't compare to your understanding Serena."The words slipped out before she could stop them.Oliver froze.Lillian froze too.What was she saying?While Lillian was regretting her misplaced words, Oliver had already tilted her chin up, forcing her gaze into his deep, ink-like eyes.His eyes narrowed like a hawk zeroing in on its prey. "Are you jealous of her?"Lillian's brow twitched with a mix of alarm and annoyance as she tried to push his hand away."What nonsense are you talking about?"But her attempt was feeble, her strength failing her.Oliver quirked an eyebrow at her weak resistance, a smirk playing on his lips as he caught her wrist. "This weak?""Weak your head," Lillian retorted, yanking her hand back so fiercely she toppled backwards into the couch, unable to get up again.No strength left.Oliver stood over her, his eyes a complex mosaic of emotions, before he dropped a stoic "Wait here," and
Her words were blunt—not at all like Serena's tactful manner.Serena appeared slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean that."Lillian wasn't interested in interpreting her meaning.Before she left, Derek had prescribed some medicine, instructing Serena, "Even though your friend is reluctant, if she can drink the medicine, she should. It's a herbal concoction; it won't harm her body. A few doses should do.""Okay," Serena took the herbal medicine.The trio left the clinic and returned to the Qin residence.Qin ResidenceThe car door opened, and Lillian, fighting discomfort, stepped out, eager to go upstairs and sleep.But as she alighted from the car, she stumbled, nearly falling forward, caught just in time by Oliver who had stepped out behind her.His brows furrowed as he looked at her, "Still refusing medicine and injections when you're like this... you really are something."Serena, following them out of the car, hastened to Lillian's side and took her from Oliver."Oliver, let me help
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