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
Julian Sterling, after a pause, couldn't help but ask, "Lily, do you really hate me that much?"This time, Lily didn't respond. Whether it was hatred or something else, she couldn't clearly distinguish anymore, but she knew she couldn't be with him.Julian managed a rare smile, half-jokingly saying, "I'm glad you didn't just keep saying 'okay', or else I'd have to bang my head against a wall." He knew what she was thinking; she probably still hated him, although he truly believed that her inability to be with Ethan Hart wasn't entirely his fault.Julian wanted to say more, but Lily already murmured softly, "Julian, please don't call again..."Julian's heart clenched, his smile fading as he followed her lead, "Okay,
That afternoon, news about Lily Parker reached the Sterlings, and Edward Sterling, already battling heart issues, flew into a rage, causing a wave of tension throughout the household. They feared the worst for the elderly patriarch. In the end, it was Julian Sterling, pale and sickly, who calmed his grandfather. With a strained voice, he said, "Grandpa, please don't be angry. This isn't Mom and Dad's fault. I mishandled things... it's all my own doing..."But before he could finish, Julian fainted, and for several days, his fever didn't subside, leaving him in a semi-conscious state. The once vibrant and distinguished Julian Sterling now lay frail and emaciated in bed.Mrs. Sterling, heartbroken over her son's condition, neither ate nor slept well. Despite her strength and competence outside, she was just a regular mother in front of
"What do you think?" Julian replied with a childish grin, his teeth a neat, bright white.That meant the child was safe. His first child – how could he possibly let anything happen to it?In fact, Julian had already arranged for people to watch over Lily Parker in her hometown. Ever since he learned she had visited the hospital, he had been restless, the cold seeping into his bones and clouding his mind. Even in his confusion, he remained fixated on this matter. He had made arrangements, suppressing the urge to keep her close. He thought if Lily truly decided against keeping the child, he would find a way to save it, though he didn't know what he would do with the child afterward. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to force her hand.Fortunately, in the end
In the surgical area, a nurse began to explain the procedure details to Lily, though she already knew them well. The mention of 'curettage' turned Lily's already pale face even whiter. She gripped Eleanor's hand tightly, trembling, her grip so firm that Eleanor felt pain. Eleanor's eyes welled up with tears, the scene painfully reminiscent of her own past.The girl scheduled before Lily was accompanied by her mother, both wearing grim expressions. The mother continuously berated her daughter for her irresponsibility. The daughter endured in silence. The procedure was brief, but when the girl emerged, her face was paler than paper, fragile as if a gust of wind could blow her away. Yet, her mother's scolding continued, fading only as they disappeared down the corridor.Then it was Lily's turn. Without Eleanor's support, she could barel
Having stayed at home for over a month, with the care and nourishing meals from Margret Parker, Lily's figure had filled out slightly, and she looked much healthier than she had in Lorehaven. This was what Julian had hoped to see, but on the other hand, he felt a pang of discomfort. He constantly wanted her by his side, to love, protect, and cherish her, hoping she would forget her absurd past. But he knew it was a difficult task, almost impossible, because Lily's heart was hard, especially towards him. Lily didn't say a word or even glance at him, heading straight for the bus stop near the hospital. Julian didn't dare touch her, fearing any struggle might harm the baby. He clenched his fists and followed her like a little attendant, so cautiously that anyone who knew him would be shocked. However, his limited patience evaporated
However, Lily seemed indifferent to his efforts, which only added to his frustration. One day, as Lily was tearfully watching a movie, Julian, feeling neglected, couldn't stand it anymore. "Why watch these kinds of movies? They're so unproductive, and you'll ruin your eyes crying." He didn't find the movie touching at all; in fact, he disliked any movie that made her cry.Lily gave him a look and said with a nasal voice, "You go watch your financial reports and economic news, and don't bother me!" Julian immediately shut up but still stayed by her side. In the movie, the heroine tells the hero that they should walk a hundred steps away from each other, and if they look back and still see each other, she would listen to him.Lily was feeling emotional when Julian, in a mood-killing moment, said, "Why walk? Just hug her and kiss her un
Julian began to understand after Charlotte's talk. Just when he was at a loss for how to make amends, a timely call from his mother, Mrs. Sterling, came to his rescue. Mrs. Sterling called Lily directly. Lily was somewhat surprised and nervously answered, "Mom." "Lily, have your parents gone back?" "Yes." "Then why haven't you and Julian come back for dinner? Are you two having a quarrel?" Lily stuttered in response, "No, no, we're just busy, sorry, Mom.""I don't think it's just being busy. I asked Julian, and those rumors in the newspaper are all false. Don't worry too much about it," Mrs. Sterling reassured. "Yes, I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry about me," Lily responded. Mrs. Sterling was referring to the previous day's entertainment headlines, which speculated about Julian's new love interest. Lily had to admit, seeing that report did unsettle her for a moment.
Even as a young boy, too proud to ask for help, he would just softly call her "sister," and she would relent. As he grew up and became a man in his own right, he no longer needed her help.Charlotte sat down again, "Now you're worried, but where was this concern earlier? Do you really want to lose your wife before you're happy?" "I won't divorce her. She can't make me," Julian said stubbornly.Charlotte shook her head disapprovingly. With that temper, it's a miracle things haven't fallen apart already. "What you need to do is keep Lily's heart. What's the use of just keeping her physically? Mom just asked about Lily; I guess she doesn't know about your issues, does she?""How could I tell her?" Julian nodded, then curiously asked what else their mother had said.
Marriage is like a besieged city; those outside want to get in, and those inside want to escape. — Qian ZhongshuAfter Sophia Sterling had her fill and fussed around Lily Parker for a while, she gradually fell asleep.Lily rested her hand on the bedside, half-leaning against the bed frame, and gazed thoughtfully at her son, who bore a striking resemblance to Julian Sterling.Her mother's words still echoed in her ears, "It takes a hundred years to share a boat, a thousand to share a pillow. Marriage isn't child's play; it's not something you enter or leave on a whim. These young people are just being reckless." Her mother's eyes were full of disapproval. "Lily, don't you agree?"Recently, TV dramas
As if remembering something, she picked up her suitcase, unzipped it, and pulled out a gray sweater that was still unfinished, with a ball of yarn attached. It was clear from the style that it was a men's sweater.She touched the pattern on it and said, "I secretly learned to knit this from Aria. I wanted to surprise you on your birthday. It's not very well done. I kept dropping stitches at the beginning, and it's badly damaged."She held up the sweater for him to see, a hint of a smile on her lips, though it was a smile filled with bitterness.Julian Sterling cleared his throat and, regardless of whether she wanted it or not, pulled her tightly into his arms, repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry, Lily, I was wrong... I'm so sorry..."
The air in the room seemed to freeze."What did you just say?" Julian Sterling spoke softly but held Lily Parker's wrist tightly, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I didn't quite catch that. Say it again."Lily lowered her gaze and took a deep breath. "I said, we should..." She hesitated.The all-too-familiar scent overwhelmed her as he swept her into his arms. He kissed her deeply, shutting down all the words she didn't want to hear, trapping them between their entwined lips and tongues.She widened her eyes and struggled weakly. Her feeble punches landed on him, neither hurting nor bothering him. She eventually collapsed into his embrace, allowing him to do as he pleased.
These past few days, Julian's god mother had been visiting their home. She doted on Julian the most, and since she couldn't attend their wedding, this was her first time meeting Lily, and she naturally scrutinized her daughter-in-law with a discerning eye."Sweetie, your husband isn't complaining of being tired. Why are you?" Julian bit her lip gently and spoke slowly, then lifted her nightgown, sliding off her undergarments and caressing her, before gently entering her.Her sweetness drove him wild. It had been so long since they'd been together, and his passion couldn't be contained. He pushed into her again and again, making her whimper in pain and pleasure. He held her down, much like a butterfly pinned and ravished.He still craved more, lifting her legs onto his should
Lunch was served in the art gallery's attached restaurant, and Amelia Hamilton's parents also joined. It was her first exhibition as the gallery's director, and this meal served as a small celebration, with many friends and acquaintances filling up the table. Lily Parker ate her meal quietly, responding politely to any questions and maintaining her composure. Although Mrs. Sterling felt that Lily's performance could have been better, she found it quite satisfactory. At the very least, there was nothing to criticize.Towards the end of the meal, Julian Sterling called Lily on her phone. The restaurant was noisy, so Lily politely excused herself and went to the foyer to answer the call."Where are you? It sounds lively over there," Julian's voice sounded somewhat lazy, as if he had just woken up.
As the cool spring night settled in, Julian pulled the blanket higher, covering them both. He whispered softly, "Enough 'buts.' I'm here for everything, and you can always trust me. It's getting late, and I have an early morning meeting. Let's get some rest, okay?"Julian Sterling, the unwavering head of the family, held a position that was beyond reproach, even in matters of the heart. In his world, his words were law. Just a few days after their wedding, Julian decided to embark on a business trip to Singapore, which would keep him away for half a month.Lily Parker constantly reassured herself, reminding herself that she had married this man and integrating into his family was her duty. After all, those in high positions were just ordinary people, and with effort and determination, she could surely adapt. However, reality had diff