Edward Sterling examined the photo carefully through his reading glasses. The girl did look nice, no wonder she had caught the attention of his usually reckless grandson. But he wasn't one to be easily fooled. His expression hardened as he asked, "But I heard she was involved with that Hart boy, weren't they a pair?"
Julian's forehead throbbed. He had guessed right; his grandfather probably knew something. It was unwise to hide it from him, as it could backfire, but being too straightforward wasn't good either. As he pondered, Edward pressed, "Why aren't you speaking?"
Taking a deep breath, Julian cautiously replied, "They had a falling out, broke up ages ago. We got together after that. Look, Lily and I are a much better match, aren't we? Dr. Chu has met Lily too. If you don't believe me, you can ask him." Worried about passing this
That night, Julian called Lily Parker again. Her voice over the phone was calm, emotionless. She answered everything he asked, more obedient than ever.Through the cold phone line, he asked her, "Lily, is there nothing else you want to tell me?" He hoped she would mention his mother's visit, express her grievances, either coquettishly or angrily. That would make her seem real to him, not like a puppet, indifferent to him.But she truly didn't understand his feelings, replying coldly, "No."He should have expected it, her complete disappointment, so heartless.He chuckled softly, then burst into loud laughter, laughing at himself. He finally understood the feeling of a one-sided effort, a dull pain that throbbed with
From the day Lily left, Julian Sterling changed. He became very quiet, diligently going to work and coming home, not showing any signs of decay, nor did he argue with his mother. Whenever he had time, he would join his parents for meals and chats in the courtyard. Mrs. Sterling felt secretly relieved, thinking she understood her son better. His so-called seriousness was just a fleeting interest, a three-minute enthusiasm. Now that the two were estranged, he had cooled off. She hadn't heard any complaints from him and thought he had come to his senses, caring for him even more. She began arranging blind dates again, sending a parade of eligible young women his way, hoping one would catch his eye.Julian Sterling, who always hated being manipulated, surprisingly agreed to his mother's matchmaking efforts. He was obliging and gentle with every prospect, so much so that Mrs. Sterling wondered if
Nicholas Sterling pondered for a while before turning to his youngest son, "Everyone has shared their opinions, what about you? Why so silent? You're grown up now, give us some peace of mind!""I don't have any particular opinion. Like I said, I'll listen to you all," Julian Sterling stated nonchalantly.Mrs. Sterling smiled contentedly and poured Nicholas a cup of tea, then suggested, "Why don't you meet with Mr. Hamilton first to discuss things? We might like them, but they might not agree. Or perhaps we could arrange a dinner with both families?""That sounds good," Nicholas agreed, thinking it was time for his son to settle down and start planning for it.Julian appeared completely indifferent, yawning and stand
Of course, Julian Sterling had no intention of actually getting a vasectomy. He wasn't out of his mind. Not to mention the potential impact of such surgery on his capabilities, just the thought of wanting Lily Parker to bear more of his children in the future made it an impossibility. His plan was to cause a stir, regardless of whether his parents agreed or not, to let them know his stance and not to meddle in his life. Especially seeing those items he bought for the child added sincerity to his act.Nicholas, always quick-tempered, was now red-faced and gasping for breath, unable to speak. Adrian, with a stern face, turned to his brother and scolded, "Julian, your words are biased. Mom and Dad are just worried about your judgment in people, that's why they're intervening. And about that girl, I've heard she used to be with Ethan Hart. How can you be so sure the child was yours?" Adrian, a mi
Edward Sterling kicked Julian aside and scolded coldly, "You're a grown man in your thirties, crying over a woman like this? Is this all the ambition you have? Have you forgotten everything I've taught you?""Grandpa..." Julian, receiving a stern look from Edward, quickly wiped his tears and didn't dare to stand up. Instead, he knelt, ready to receive his grandfather's admonition. In this family, the grandfather's word was law, and offending him meant serious trouble.Edward looked away, urging him, "Kneel before your parents! What kind of behavior is this for a son?"Julian hesitated, glancing at his sister Charlotte and then back at his grandfather. Reluctantly, he knelt before his parents. Initially silent, but after a couple of coughs from Edward, Julian, albeit unwillin
In the study—Edward Sterling sat on the sofa with his son and daughter-in-law, while Mrs. Thompson brewed his favorite green tea. After serving them, she left the room.For a long time, there was silence in the room, as if they were competing in patience.Edward looked at a painting on the wall for a while before he sighed softly, "Julian has always been headstrong and aggressive since he was young. You blame me for spoiling him, I know. And tonight, you think I'm indulging him again, right?" He might be old, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.Nicholas Sterling's face was awkward, but he still harbored resentment and refused to speak.Seeing this
Edward Sterling was the anchor of the Sterling family. Julian was confident his grandfather would smooth things over with his parents, easing his worries. The pain from the earlier beating began to resurface. Charlotte took out the medicine kit to treat him. As the medicated cotton touched his wounds, he winced and yelped in pain. Charlotte deliberately pressed harder, teasingly hitting his ribs, "Feeling the pain now? Mom and Dad spoiled you for nothing. How could you say such nonsense and upset them? Are you okay with that?"From childhood, Julian, despite his faults, was never harshly scolded. Anything good was immediately brought to him, treated like a little emperor. This pampering shaped his strong and somewhat arrogant character. However, Charlotte knew he was sensible in his dealings and wouldn't do anything too outrageous. This time, if not pushed to the brink, he had plenty of ways
"I heard that the girl is pregnant with your child, and that's why you're in such a hurry, right? And tonight's commotion, you calculated that Grandpa would return, didn't you? Grandpa has always adored you to the core. A few sweet words from you, and as long as it's not too outrageous, he would agree to anything, especially now with a child involved... You're almost certain he would persuade Mom and Dad on your behalf. But have you thought about what happens after the wedding? She's marrying into the Sterling family, not just you. If Mom and Dad are displeased, can you always shield her? Even if you live outside, you'll have to come back for holidays and festivals. How will she cope then? You men don't understand these intricacies, especially for a daughter-in-law in a family like ours. Without the in-laws' approval, how cautiously must she tread to avoid their displeasure? Over time, it becomes a chronic heartache, a ticking time bomb between you tw