After that, life seemed to return to normal.
Julian's forehead wound hadn't yet healed when he shamelessly started showing up at the Parkers' again. Henry and Margret Parker still treated him as if he were invisible, but they no longer sent him away or returned his gifts. Over time, Margret would occasionally say, "There's too much soup tonight; it'll just go to waste."
Julian would then volunteer, "I'll have it. Don't waste your mother's cooking; I'll finish it all."
Margret would pretend not to hear him, leaving him hanging. Soon, an empty soup bowl would appear on the table.
Sometimes, Julian would boldly challenge Henry to a game of Go. Julian, having inherited his grandfather's skill, often outplayed Henry. How
Julian had always known about her fear of thunderstorms. Back when they lived in the high-rise apartment in Lorehaven, she would curl up in her room under a blanket, like a child, whenever she heard thunder. It always took him a long time to calm her down. How could he be at ease knowing she was alone at home?"Don't worry, it's just a thunderstorm. My place didn't lose power, so it's probably just a tripped breaker here. Where's the toolbox? I'll check the fuse box," he said, patting her back to comfort her. After making sure she was seated safely on the sofa, he added, "Stay here and don't move."Following Lily's directions, Julian found the toolbox in a wall cabinet. With a flashlight in his mouth, he quickly fixed the burnt-out fuse, and the lights came back on, brightening the room. After washing his hands, he found Lily clutchi
Startled, Lily instinctively pulled away and said, “Let’s just make something simple, like noodles. You don’t eat eggs much, so I’ll add some vegetables and shredded meat.” Then she busied herself with cooking, avoiding looking at Julian's expression. Amidst the thunderous roars, the only sound was the sizzling of the wok. It was like a silent rejection. Julian stepped back, watching her back intently. His eyes shone like obsidian, strong and bright, but there was a hollow weakness in their depths. Was it still not enough? They remained silent. Julian quietly finished a bowl of shredded meat noodles at the dining table, his throat tight, unable to taste the food. Lily sat on the sofa behind him, silently knitting a sweater. She had only recently learned and was not skilled, but she forced herself to focus on it, avoiding looking at the man sitting not far away. Somehow, his presence made even the loud thunder seem less frightening. After cleaning up post-dinner, it was already ele
Julian Sterling returned to the Parker residence from the construction site, immediately sensing an unusual atmosphere as he entered. Henry and Margret Parker glanced at him before returning their attention to the TV, clearly not focused on what they were watching. Julian, unaccustomed to this kind of tension for a long time, frowned slightly but quickly masked it with a smile. “Uncle, Auntie, I’ve ordered a massage chair for you both. It should be delivered soon. I’ve tried it; it’s very comfortable, especially for you, Auntie, with your back issues. It should be relaxing while watching TV.” His thoughtful words slightly softened Margret’s expression, but she still retorted sternly, “We don’t lack anything. Why spend money unnecessarily?” Julian, a skilled businessman, could charm with his words when he wished. He smoothly respo
Every time the topic of marriage came up, she changed her demeanor. Accepting him, didn’t that mean she planned to spend her life with him? Did she want to continue like this, having to knock on the door to see her own husband and child, calling her child’s grandparents 'Uncle' and 'Auntie'? He had never felt so powerless in his life. Today’s visit from the lawyer was a test of her attitude, and it had clearly backfired. Lily was taken aback by his question, then gave a bitter smile, “I don’t agree to marry because I don’t think it’s the right time for us.” A marriage without even a period of adjustment was unimaginable to her. “So when is the right time? Wait until our child is old enough to run errands? There are still two weeks until the due date, enough time for you to think. But we need to register before that!”
The next morning.Julian Sterling hadn't gone anywhere. He had spent the night in his car. As dawn broke, he woke up.He glanced at his watch. Every day at this time, Lily would go downstairs for a walk. Thinking of this, he cursed himself for his lack of backbone. His heart was burning with anger, yet he was still concerned about her. He hit the steering wheel in frustration, the horn blaring abruptly in the early morning.Lily had just stepped out of the complex when she heard the sound. She looked towards the parking spot and was startled to see him.He saw her too, composed himself, and walked over without a word. The intensity in his eyes seemed to penetrate her heart. He asked, "Do you know how hurtful your wo
When Lily woke up, she felt as if she had been reborn. Barely moving her fingers, Julian, who had been dozing off at the edge of the bed, immediately woke up. He tenderly touched her pale face, asking with concern, "Do you want some water? Or something to eat?" People said that women with children usually looked fuller, but why did she still look so delicate?She shook her head, her gaze wandering around the room, "Where's the baby?"Julian held her hand tighter, "Next door. Your mom stayed until he fell asleep before leaving. There's a nurse with him now. Should I bring him here?" Her parents had stayed until the morning. Concerned about Henry's health, Julian had someone take them home to rest. As for himself, he had barely slept."Let him sleep. I don't have the strength
Julian Sterling had been feeling particularly vexed lately. Despite his philosophy of "choosing only one out of the myriad options," his efforts weren't acknowledged. The defiant woman, Lily Parker, had already borne him a son, and though the child was his, she stubbornly refused to agree to marriage. Julian had tried every trick in the book, yet she wouldn't budge. It was ironic that Julian, known for his reluctance to settle down, was now so eager to end his bachelorhood.He had planned to use his usual methods to make Lily Mrs. Sterling, but she had outmaneuvered him by finding a powerful ally, delaying their marriage for nearly a year. Their son was already learning to speak, and not only Julian but also his parents, anxious for their beloved grandson, were growing impatient.The source of his frustration was this powerful ally,
Moreover, Julian's sister Olivia had taken a liking to Lily and was now advising her on how to play hard to get. Lily, who could have easily been the happy Mrs. Sterling, was influenced by Olivia to join the workforce, working a nine-to-five job. To add insult to injury, Julian once went to pick her up and found her chatting amiably with a male colleague who, according to 'reliable sources', was one of several men undeterred by her status as a single mother and persistently pursuing her. The audacity of these men under his watchful eye infuriated Julian. He couldn't bear the thought of what might happen when he wasn't around!No, he had to act fast. He had indulged her whims for a year; it was time to extinguish any lingering flames of resistance. She was to be his wife and no one else's!After much thought, Julian decided he needed