"What are you going to do, huh?" Mrs. Smith rebuked between her roaring breaths. "You want to stay still? Watching your family's suffering while laughing happily? Are you heartless or what?”
Adam closed his eyes to suppress the anger. There was still some patience left in him. He realized that common sense had to be maintained even though his heart had turned into pieces.
"Why are you silent? Answer your mother! Stop pretending to be innocent! This is all your fault, Adam, your fault!”
"Why do you always blame me?" the man finally held his head up. His bloodshot eyes no longer concealed sadness. "It's clear that Ed was the one at fault. He stole my concept and claimed that our relationship had improved. While in fact, you know yourself how he treats me."
“Ed couldn't have done it if you had gone back a long time ago! Haven't you realized yet? Since you ran away, the company has faltered. The mess you left behind is too hard to handle. Your poor brothe
Amber went to the kitchen with hasty steps. Her hands gripped the phone tightly, while her eyes were wide looking for Adam. Her slightly opened mouth was ready to call out to her husband. However, as soon as she found the man motionless facing the sink, her enthusiasm subsided. Her shoulders were no longer high and her breaths turned into faint puffs. "Is Adam daydreaming again?" Confused, Amber started biting her lip. Only after one quick sigh did she put the phone on the table and come to his husband. "The plate will become transparent if you keep rubbing it." Adam flinched at his wife's soft voice. Blinking, he looked up with his eyebrows raised high. “Precious, why are you here? Are you still hungry? Your dinner isn’t enough?" Amber shook her head with a wry smile. "No, I'm just wondering what took you so long. Look, your fingers have been wrinkled." Carefully, she took the plate and napkin from her husband's hand then put them in the righ
“Adam,” Amber whispered as she shook her husband's shoulder, “Adam!” With a small groan, Adam forced himself to open his eyes. "What is it, Precious? Didn't we plan to wake up late today?” “Yes, but it's an emergency! You know who knocked on the door?" In an instant, the man's expression turned serious. "Someone knocked on the door? Who?" “The reporters! I don't know who gave them our address. They're already lined up out there," Amber explained in a low, stressed voice. Instead of getting nervous, Adam deepened the furrow of his eyebrows. "Then, why are you panicking?" The pregnant woman fell silent. As she tilted her head back, she blinked. "All this time, you don't want our house to be known by the public. You want a quiet life, right?” Adam unexpectedly smiled. His face looked sincere and carefree. "We can't hide forever, Precious. Let's face them! Once this matter is over, I'm sure they won't bother us anymore.” "Are you sure you're okay with it?" Amber asked doubtfully.
"So, what do you want for breakfast this morning?" Adam asked after closing the door. Taking off her coat, Amber blinked. "Anything is fine." "But, I want to make a special meal. Think of it as a small celebration of the smooth running of the interview," the man explained while helping his wife take off her winter attributes. "Then make me some asparagus soup!" Amber raised her index finger with sparkling eyes. Looking at that bright face, Adam grimaced. "No asparagus in the kitchen. How about broccoli soup?" "That's okay too." "Okay, please wait a moment, My Queen. Your special breakfast will be served soon," Adam said before kissing the back of his wife's hand. After taking off his coat and gloves, he rushed into the kitchen. "Adam is so sweet," Amber thought as she watched her husband's back move away. She felt lucky the matter passed quickly. However, before her smile faded, a knock on the door was heard again. Thin
“But …” Amber sighed before blinking slowly and turning her head towards the door, “what about Ruby? Will she be okay? What if she does something reckless again?” Not expecting to get such a response, Adam froze. Furrowing his brows, he looked at his wife intently. "You don't have to worry, Precious. She threw herself in the pool to get my sympathy. Now, she doesn't have that kind of compelling reason anymore." "She could have done it out of desperation." Seeing that Amber's tension had not faded, Adam forced a smile. Gently, he stroked her cheek. "I don't want to repeat any mistake. Only twice have we been separated by misunderstandings. Now, we can't be trapped by her games anymore." A second later, Adam pulled his wife into the kitchen. “Instead of thinking about such insignificant things, you better imagine the broccoli soup I'm about to serve. I plan to add lots of carrots and eggs to it. It must be really delicious.” Smiling faintly, Amb
"Then how do you keep going?" Amber interrupted softly. When Ruby stared back, she shrugged. "Ed is like a thorn bush with strong root. To be able to hold it, you have to be near it." Ruby's eyes suddenly froze. That analogy made her confused. After a moment of silence, she closed her eyes under the bow of her head. Her heart was too heavy to bear. "Why is it so hard?" she muttered. "If you want my advice, keep going! You won't know what good things lie ahead if you don't come to it," Amber nodded reassuringly. "What if there isn't any? What if my life just gets bleaker?" "There must be. You know how bad Adam was when he left his family? The locals even called him Cannibal while I called him Mister Cold." As Ruby was thinking, Amber patted herself on the shoulder. "But then, he met me. His life suddenly became bright. Look at how my husband is now! Can you imagine if he is still attached to his family?" Without waiting for an answer, A
"You think I'm that bad?" Ruby raised an eyebrow. She was annoyed with Adam’s tone. "I could be here too because I had to." "So, you agree to stay at the Berg's residence?" Adam concluded, tapping the table with his index finger. "Yes! If you want to take me even now, I'm not afraid." Amber spontaneously lowered her head to hold back a laugh. Her heart was relieved to know Ruby had really changed. "Too bad, we can't take you right now," Adam sighed before glancing at his wife. "Mr. Berg asked us to come tomorrow. Do you mind if she stays the night?" Amber shook her head. A small smile graced her face. "It's fine. Besides, we've got an agenda for today and Ruby needs a break too." "Thank you for your understanding, Precious." "You're very welcome, Jewel." As the couple was showing affection, Ruby gave a faint snort. She could not deny that a part of her heart was still gloomy. Therefore, when night fell, she waited for A
"What takes her so long? Doesn't she only need to pack one suitcase?" Adam mumbled as he turned toward the cottage. His fingers kept tapping the steering wheel. His patience could really be running out. "Let her take her time, Jewel. We're not in a rush," Amber said softly. "But she shouldn't have kept us waiting. She's not the queen and we're not her chauffeur or assistant." Suddenly, Adam got out of the car. "Wait a minute and lock the door! I'll call her." Before Amber could answer, the door was closed again. She could only furrow an eyebrow seeing her husband running. "Why is Adam in such a hurry? And why did he ask me to lock the door? That's so weird." Even so, Amber still leaned to the left. For a few seconds, she struggled to reach the lock button. "Since when did you become this big, Jewel? Mom's starting to have trouble moving," she sighed as she held her stomach with the other hand. After trying for a few seconds, Am
Hearing the commotion from the gap of the door, Amber squirmed. With narrowed eyes, she peeked. Ruby seemed to be fighting with someone she did not know. "What happened?" Amber murmured as she wiped her face. Slowly, she removed the blanket and opened the door wider. Right at that moment, Ruby sat down on the snow. Her face was pale and her breath hitched. Sensing something was wrong, Amber rushed out to check. However, before she had time to ask, the woman with hands on stomach whispered, "Help me." Seeing the bloodied fingers, Amber gasped. After one quick breath, she dropped to her knees and grabbed Ruby's shoulders. "Why did you get hurt like this?" Amber sighed in panic. Without waiting for an answer or an order, she checked the surroundings. The man who had been with Ruby was out of sight, and so was Adam. Not knowing what to do, she started screaming, “Help! Help!" Adam gasped at his wife's desperation. His eyes widened and his breathin
Amber quietly opened the workroom door. Seeing her husband was daydreaming, she lifted the corner of her lips. "What are you doing, Jewel?" Adam spontaneously turned to the direction of the voice. Knowing the presence of his wife, his smile grew wider. "Hey .... Is Ashley sleeping?" "Yes," Amber answered while approaching. Then, casually, she sat on her husband's lap. "Why are you still here? Is your work not done yet?" As Adam rubbed the back of his neck, Amber began to investigate the table. Turned out, the computer had been off. The files were also neatly organized in the folders. What’s left there was only a cell phone displaying an image. "You really like that picture, hmm?" Amber concluded while glancing sweetly. Spotted by those warm eyes, Adam let out a smile. After kissing Amber’s shoulder, he nodded. "It's all thanks to you. I wouldn't have been able to fix my relationship with Mother if you didn't follow us." "I didn't do anything. When I got there, you guys have been
"I know you must have doubted what I said," Mrs. Smith cried, breaking the silence. "Is there something I have to do to prove my point? Your mother really wants to change, Adam." Still with furrowed brows, the man snorted. "Why only now? Is it because Ed abandoned you?" Mrs. Smith shook her head briskly. "No, don't get me wrong. The tension between us has nothing to do with Ed. I was too stupid to use him to take all yours." "Non sense ...." "Do you know that Ed scolded me? He's tired of being dragged down by my selfishness. Your brother said he didn't want to help me bully you anymore." Before Adam could object, Mrs. Smith continued. "Since then, I've started to realize. But, I still convince myself that you don't deserve to be happy. Your mother is very stupid, hmm?" Adam suddenly fell silent. From under the frown, he looked intently at his mother. “Why should I believe?” "I haven't even used a penny of your money, Adam. I feel guilty every time I see your transfer papers. Sh
After his mother slammed the door, Adam rubbed Amber's arm. Noticing his wife's disheveled look, he whispered, "Are you all right?" The woman nodded. "Yeah, you?" Adam took a deep breath. After raising an eyebrow, he curled up his lips. "Yeah. I'm glad nothing happened. I was afraid my mother would do something reckless. Sorry for letting her carry Ashley." "It's okay, Jewel. I think Ashley is happy to have met her grandmother," Amber said while stroking her daughter's head. The little baby had closed her eyes again. She seemed so peaceful. "Look, she's smiling again." "She must want to cheer you up," Adam whispered before landing a soft kiss on Ashley's forehead. "Not only me, but you too. We are lucky to have such a kind baby. This must be your good karma. You remain patient with your mother, even though she has been hurt you many times." Disagreeing, Adam shook his head. "Your sweet karma too, Precious. You are much more filial to your parents. Anyway, they are coming here, r
As the silence was hanging in the air, people in that room were exchanging glances. No one dared to speak until Ruby broke the silence. "May I carry her?" "Of course," Amber answered, patting Adam's arm. Understanding the code given, Adam took Ashley out of her tiny bed. As soon as the adorable baby arrived in Ruby's arms, all eyes started to tear up. "Hey, look at this tiny face! Why are you so cute, Ashley?" Ruby whispered in a trembling voice. The emotion almost pushed the tears out of bounds. "This pretty nose is very similar to Amber's, while these thin lips ... a hundred percent copy of her father." As that woman studied every detail of the baby, Amber asked lightly, "Would you like to take a picture with Ashley?" In an instant, Ruby's wistful eyes were tinged with shock. "Is it okay? Didn't you two agree not to publish your daughter's face?" "Take the photo as a keepsake. You can print it and store it in your wallet or diary," Amber said, glancing at Nick. Realizing the
“Hurry up! I can’t stand it anymore!" Amber shouted while squeezing her husband's clothes. Panic, Adam started to circle around the yard. Maybe he dropped the key somewhere. Meanwhile, Nick was busy groping his own body. When his hand pressed against his trouser pocket, his eyes widened perfectly. "Shall we just take my car?" the fat man suggested while showing his car keys. Still out of breath, Amber turned to the vehicle parked beside Adam's car. "You think I weigh up to a ton? People must be laughing when they see you take me in that truck!" she grumbled in a shrill voice. Nick spontaneously grimaced at it. "Sorry, Madam. It's not a truck, but a mini box van for dry cargo. I use it to deliver jewelry." "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Precious," Adam continued with a reassuring nod. "The car is used to carrying valuables." Suddenly, Amber closed her eyes again. The pain that twisted in her stomach grew crazier. "Okay! Quickly tak
"Hello, Mrs. Smith. How are you feeling?" Nick said when welcoming Amber to his house. He secretly felt proud to see his whistle hanging around the woman's neck. "Very well. We’re sorry to bother you, Nick. It's actually one week earlier than the doctor predicted. But Adam keeps insisting that we should stay at your house." Seeing Amber's guilty expression, Nick chuckled. "It’s not a problem at all. What the boss thinks is true. It's best if we are on guard. The hospital is too far from your cottage." "You're a wise man, Nick," Adam said while carrying three large bags he'd pulled from the trunk. “Seems like, I’ve put my trust in the right person.” Once again, the fat man chuckled. Taking one of the bags from Adam's hand, he waved. "Come on! Let me show you your room! I’ve asked Tina to clean it this morning." As Nick led the way, Amber leaned toward her husband. "Who's Tina?" "I don't know. Maybe, his new girlfriend," Adam replied wit
"I’m sincere," Amber nodded swiftly. "It's just I regret their attitude that never changes. I can’t tell how long they will stand to make you suffer." Smiling a little, Adam stroked her cheek. Now that he had known the reason, his love to her grew larger. "Don't worry! I'm sure they won't ask for anything more after this. I've got nothing for them to grab." "What about our house? Should we apply for a transfer of assets? I think it would be safer if the certificate was registered in my name." Stifling a laugh, Adam nodded. He knew that half of Amber's heart was actually not willing to see him sacrifice so much. "That's why, I insisted on handing over the company to you. But you kept refusing." "I don't want people to think of you as a slave to my love, Jewel. It’s not normal for a man giving all his wealth to his wife? He’ll be called a stupid man. I don't want you to be branded like that." Thinking that Amber was so adorable, Adam kissed the tip of her nose. "I have no problem
"Now it's my turn to give you a gift," Ruby said awkwardly. "A gift? When did you prepare it? You spent most of the time in bed," Amber asked wide-eyed. "Online shopping is not something difficult," Ruby said before smiling faintly. Without further ado, she handed her the box. "Take this as an apology as well as my thanks. You may open it now." After giving Adam her whistle, the pregnant woman lifted the lid of the box. As soon as she found a neatly folded red knitted cloth, she let out a faint sigh. "Is this a form of protest because we threw away the white sweater you gave Adam?" "Otherwise, I want to bury bad memories about it. I hope a new sweater could remind you of the new me." "Well then, from this moment on, Adam and I will make lots of sweet memories with this sweater," Amber said as she took out the gift from the box. However, a second later, the curve of her lips froze. Turned out, there was another sweater in the box. "You
"Hey," Amber said, reluctant to call her brother-in-law’s name, "Ruby wants to talk to you." In an instant, Ed's eyes widened. Without further ado, he entered through the gap between Amber and the door. "Has Ruby changed her mind?" Adam inquired as he rose from his seat. After closing the door, he guided his wife to sit down carefully. "No." Confused, the man's eyebrows arched perfectly. "So?" "Ruby wants to end their relationship as soon as possible. That way, she can stay at Mr. Berg's residence without any worries," Amber explained before raising an eyebrow. "How about you? Did something happen while I was inside?" Lifting the corners of his lips, Adam kissed his wife's hand. "Believe it or not, I feel nothing. Yes, I'm annoyed to see Ed. But knowing he's got what he deserves, I don't feel relieved either, like nothing's changed." "Because no matter what happens to them, our lives will still be the same?" "Yes." As h