“Sir, both reports showed the same result. These two children have no blood relation with you.” Victor’s hand froze, his hand still holding the phone. His anticipation plummeted, and his heart plunged into despair. He could not accept what he had just heard. “Sir? Are you there?” It took Victor a while to regain his composure. He narrowed his gleaming eyes. “Dr. Lee, I heard your daughter wants to be in the entertainment business?” “Yeah, but she’s not talented enough. She didn’t even get into film school. She’s now planning to become an extra in some web series.” “You should support the dreams of your daughter. Coincidentally, my uncle’s company is looking to train rookies for a debut. If you are interested, I might be able to secure a slot for your daughter.” “Are you talking about Timez? That would be great! Thank you, Victor. I’ll definitely repay the favor soon!” “Actually, you can do it right now. I need a favor from you.” “Of course. As long as it’s within my c
Mona pursed her lips. What a small world it was for her to have run into Thaddeus in the hospital. She turned around and headed into the other elevator, giving way for the medical staff. The moment the elevator shut, Thaddeus caught a glimpse of the floor that Mona was going to before following the medical staff into the other elevator. When Mona returned to Millie’s ward, both the babysitter and Millie had taken their breakfast. Millie looked dispirited until her mother came in. Her eyes gleamed as she slipped off the bed and jumped into Mona’s arms. “Mommy, I don’t want to be here. I want to go back home!” the girl cried meekly. Her rough voice broke Mona’s heart even more. She carried the girl and put her back on the bed. “Millie, you have to stay in the hospital for now. I promise to come see you every day when I finish work, and we’ll sleep together at night, okay?” Millie widened her teary eyes. “When can we go back?” “If you listen to the doctor, we will be a
“Uncle, what a coincidence seeing you here.” Victor completely disregarded Thaddeus’s gloomy expression and spoke in a frivolous tone to provoke him further. He hugged Mona into his arms to exert dominance over his prey. Thaddeus squinted. His gaze fell on Mona and said indifferently, “You sick?” Mona shook her head. Before she could say a word, Victor beat her to it and explained, “It’s Millie, but you don’t need to worry. I’m here.” Thaddeus’s gaze grew grimmer. He suppressed the unusual urge from his heart and maintained expressionless. He then noticed the report in Victor’s hand. “What’s that?” As though afraid that others would not know, Victor waved the report in front of Thaddeus and said proudly, “Oh. I just want to let the others know that I’m becoming a father.” A cold glare flashed in Thaddeus’s eyes. He looked at Mona. “Her kids?” “Uncle, what kind of question is that? Who else’s kids could it be if not Susan?” Victor’s gaze spelled hostility. Knowing that
Mona noticed the man’s silence. She continued, “If you are unhappy because of it, I apologize. I can try to make it up to you, but please don’t cling on to me because of this. As for who the children’s father really is, or who I choose to be with, it’s no longer your business. Please do not interfere with my life.” Thaddeus scoffed scornfully. She must be joking! Why would he be interested in meddling with her life? “Mona, you think too highly of yourself. You and I were nothing but a game. Now that it’s over, why would I want to interfere with your life?” Thaddeus then looked away. He loosened his tie as the frustration built up. Mona nodded. “Great. You really are a man with a big heart, Mr. Fontaine.” Now that she made it clear, she no longer had to live under the pressure. “Thaddeus, there you are.” A feeble voice of a woman suddenly sounded. Mona looked in that direction and saw a woman in patient clothes coming over. Her face looked pale as paper, and she seemed
“Tell me the girl’s condition. I know the director, Matthew Summerton.” Dr. Hancock was surprised Thaddeus knew the hospital director. He believed that the man was someone with power, and not someone he could afford to offend, so he chose to disclose Millie’s condition to him. Learning the severity of Millie’s condition, Thaddeus said, “Please come up with the best solution to the girl’s condition, and prepare the best ward for her. Let me know how much it cost. Make sure to keep it confidential.” The man put his name card on the table and left. Dr. Hancock was slightly stunned when the man left his office. He picked up the name card and was shocked by the name on it. The man was the CEO of Timez Group. He was so handsome and looked so much younger than on television that the doctor did not recognize him. However, who was he to the girl?Dr. Hancock did not delve deep into the question. He did as he was told and arranged the best ward for Millie. That night, Mona and Mil
Although Mona and Thaddeus's marriage was based on a contract, it was legitimate and legal. Marianne was nothing but a mistress in their relationship. She knew Thaddeus was married, yet she somehow took pride in being his mistress and even announced her ambition to take over the wife’s position. She was shameless and took pride in her immoral acts. How could she not feel guilty of what she had done? Mona used to be confused as to why Thaddeus would choose a woman like Marianne out of everyone. It was not until she saw Samantha that she realized a woman like Marianne was the perfect candidate to attract all the media’s attention. Greedy, vain, and brainless. What a pitiful woman! “I want you to leave Mr. Fontaine right away!” Marianne yellowed furiously. Her eyes were overflowing with anger. Mona sighed and shook her head. “As a woman, I know what’s going on with you. So here’s a piece of advice: men are all realistic.“A stable and loving marriage is based on equality an
Marianne burst into tears as she clenched her teeth in pain. “Let me go! You’re ripping my hair off!” Mona noticed the flush on her face. Since she did not want to make things worse, she let go. She tucked her hair behind her ear, tapped her hands and said, “Here’s a reminder for you. I’m his expired toy now too, just like you. So get your shit together and stop causing me trouble.” Mona then looked at her scalded forearm. She had exerted excessive strength when she pulled Marianne’s hair, and it had made her burns worse. She needed to get it treated or else her kids would be worried about her. Mona walked past Marinna, who was gasping for air, and entered the hospital. Coincidentally, she ran into Thaddeus, who had just come out from the doctor’s office. With Samantha hospitalized, the man seemed to have ‘moved’ into the hospital. He must care about her a lot. Mona wanted to walk away to avoid an awkward meeting, but Thaddeus held her back. He went up to her and sa
However, the conservative treatment was not the solution. Millie’s condition would still eventually get worse in time, and dragging it out was not an option. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” While Mona’s thoughts reached a deadend, Victor had come in with dinner. Noticing the gloomy mood on Mona, he told the kids to prepare for dinner before going over to her. “I’m fine. Maybe I’m just tired.” Mona massaged her swollen temples. She was exhausted, but if her exhaustion could be exchanged for her kids’ healthy future, it would be all worth it. Victor sighed softly and put his hand on her shoulder. He felt bad for her. As a woman in her 20s, she should be chasing dreams like other women of her age, not being dragged down by terrible problems like this. To be honest, Millie’s condition was incurable, and it would be a bottomless hole for her if she continued to contribute and devote herself into taking care of the girl. “You’ve done your best. Why don’t you try your
The couple was tired after a time of bonding, and they lay on the wicker chair, closing their eyes before slipping into dreamland. Sometime later, Thaddeus felt a chill and opened his eyes. His T-shirt was wet, and Bobby and Millie were spraying water at him with water guns. The youngest child was nearby too in her stroller. She suckled on a pacifier and watched the bustle. “Where’s your mommy?” Thaddeus shuffled his hair and looked around, searching for Mona. “Freeze, Daddy. We have held Mommy captive. Surrender yourself to us.” Acting like the boss, Millie pointed her massive water gun at her daddy. Thaddeus had indulged his eldest daughter so much that the girl would only have things her way. Nevertheless, Thaddeus played along since it was only a game. He knew his children well. Millie took after Mona and was shrewd. Still, Millie would be on her best behavior when in public. “Hurry up and surrender, Daddy. Put your hands up, and we will release Mommy.” Millie poked
It was a cooling breeze for the Summer as flowers bloomed in the garden of Fontaine Residence. Mona rested on a wicker chair under the wine arbor, holding in hand the latest issue of the weekly design magazine, with her face on the cover. In the photo, she held a trophy up on the stage of a design competition, standing out amidst the radiant background. Since the birth of her youngest, Mona took a month off for rest before picking up her passion again and returning to the world of design. Recently, she won first place in an international design competition and found fame. Mona was happy with her life and enjoyed the rich and peaceful state of things. She had time to herself for once during the weekend, so she found a quiet spot to enjoy time alone while the kids had a nap. The sunlight shone over Mona through the leaves, basking her in warmth. She let out a yawn and closed her eyes for a nap. Thaddeus walked out of the house and saw the woman enjoying the moment of bliss. The t
“Mommy, did the baby kick you today?” Millie wobbled her way over and placed her hand on Mona’s belly. She could feel the baby stirring inside her mommy’s stomach. Millie was pleasantly surprised. “The baby kicked me! Mommy, is the baby swimming inside your belly?” “Yeah. The baby is kicking.” Mona affectionately caressed her belly. The fetus had been kicking and rolling a lot more lately, so she could not get much sleep. The tall and strong man drew near and looked tenderly at Mona. His husky voice lingered in Mona’s ear. “Weren’t you craving strawberries? I placed an order, and the fruit is being airlifted here as we speak. It’ll arrive tonight.” “Yay.” Mona was gleeful. Since the beginning of her pregnancy, she had become quite fussy and craved the strangest food. She wanted caviar from Japan, cookies from France, and strawberries from the highlands. Anything she asked for would be transported fresh to the house the next day.The man had taken good care of her during her en
“No. I won’t let myself go.” The man huffed heavily after finishing his sit-ups. Then, he rolled out of bed and got changed in the walk-in closet. Mona stared at the man’s well-toned back, gasping at his body upkeep. People would probably have a hard time believing he was a father of three. With that in mind, Mona became aware of a potential threat. She got up and drew close to the man. “You’re responsible for taking care of the baby once the child is born.” Thaddeus straightened his tie. “Alright. I can do that. I want to be present in the baby’s life and your pregnancy. You should rest at home once your belly gets bigger. I’ll handle Bobby and Millie’s school run, okay?” The man pinched Mona’s face dotingly. “Now you’re talking. Are you heading out?” Mona got up on her tiptoes to brush off the dust from his shoulders. “Yeah. I need to sort out a lot of paperwork.” “I wrote down notes of the meeting I attended on your behalf a few days ago.” Mona walked out to retrieve a
Thaddeus was in the hospital for a week before he was discharged. The election day for the successor of the Fontaine Group was two weeks later, but Thaddeus had not made a full recovery in his legs. He remained in a wheelchair and persisted in his daily physiotherapy. Mona had a room freed up in Fontaine Residence for Thaddeus’ rehabilitation. A specialized doctor would come around the house every day to help Thaddeus with his recovery. Thaddeus was a strong man to fight through the pain in his physiotherapy sessions. That day, Mona watched as the workers hung a decorative painting on the wall in the hallway. She ordered paintings of her preference and had them shipped from abroad. Mona instructed the workers to put it up, not paying attention to the wobbly painting that had been hung behind her. The painting was about to hit her from the back. Thaddeus was exiting the rehabilitation room when he caught sight of the danger. Getting up from his wheelchair, Thaddeus took large stri
The few pictures of Mona and Victor at the height of a tussle gave the impression that they were having an intimate moment. Thaddeus went through the photos with a look of disdain. “So you stood there and pretended to take pictures of me to show me these? You set my wife up with another man to tell me she was cheating on me?” It was not hard to guess the game the paparazzi were playing, but who was he trying to fool? The man was dumbstruck, as it never occurred to him that Thaddeus could see through him. It had taken the three of them to come up with the idea. However, it had not taken much for Thaddeus to foil their plan. Mona let out a relieved smile. She thought that Thaddeus would be furious at the look of the pictures and had prepared herself to give a long explanation. She was surprised that Thaddeus quickly saw through the attempt to drive them apart. Their relationship was solid, and no one could come between them. Mona thought to herself with glee when she took
Mona stood in front of Thaddeus, blocking his face as she confronted the paparazzi who took their picture. “Hand over the camera!” “There’s nothing in the camera. Besides, it’s my personal property. Why should I give it to you?” “You clearly took a picture of my husband. You have some nerve to say there’s nothing.” Mona grabbed the man by the wrist and lifted her foot to kick. Thaddeus grabbed her wrist to stop her. “You’re pregnant. Think about the child.” Thaddeus pulled Mona back, leaving himself exposed to the paparazzi. “Why do you want to photograph me? Do you want to see me in a wheelchair? Take a picture then.” Thaddeus pulled a straight face. His nonchalant gaze spoke of intimidation. Dumbstruck, the paparazzi looked at Thaddeus’ legs and smiled dryly. “What happened to your legs, Mr. Fontaine?” Thaddeus did not answer. However, his dark eyes flicked chillingly as he looked murderously at the paparazzi. Even in a wheelchair, Thaddeus did not have to say anythi
With the help of the two caretakers, Thaddeus sat in the wheelchair. He had overcome his emotions and pulled himself together. His mind was clear as he sorted out what he should do next. Thaddeus called the assistant into the room and laid out the following plan. “I won’t attend any media interviews before the election, but I won’t disappear from the public eye either. I don’t want to give the press something to talk about. My wife will represent me. Going forward, whatever she says or does will be considered my own. She has the authority to attend all corporate conferences, big or small.” Mona dropped her jaw in shock. She was to attend company meetings and speak on his behalf. It was trying to make the impossible happen. On second thought, Thaddeus must have his reasons to do so. She had the confidence to do a good job anyway. The assistant took note of everything Thaddeus said. The Fontaine Group was about to choose its next leader, and with Thaddeus still in recovery, the
“It’s okay. That’s normal after surgery. The doctor gave me a heads-up. Since it’s a brain operation, you might have damage to the motor nerve. With the help of physiotherapy, you’ll be back to running in no time.” Mona consoled Thaddeus. Thaddeus lifted his hands and gave Mona a gentle push. “Leave.” Mona froze. She looked at the man who was fine a second ago, not knowing what to do. “Can you leave? I need some time alone,” Fixing his gaze on Mona, Thaddeus spoke callously. “Okay. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” It dawned on Mona why the man was persistent in driving her away. He did not want her to see him at his worst. In a way, he was trying to protect his pride and dignity as a man. However, they were a married couple. Mona would never turn her back on him. Mona could understand the man’s vulnerability and his feelings at the moment. Hence, she said nothing and quietly left the ward to give Thaddeus the time and space to sort his emotions. Instead of doing n