Jane leaned in for a sniff. "Smells so good."Zachary’s worries were unnecessary, she only took a few bites before losing interest.The rest ended up in his stomach.Which then found its way to the toilet, and finally, down the drain.After Zachary rinsed his mouth, Jane peeled an orange for him. "Try this, see if it helps."Zachary ate the orange directly from her hand.It was so sour it made his teeth ache.Still, it seemed to provide some relief.Jane poured him some water."You don’t need to take care of me, I can handle myself.""And I can handle myself too," Jane retorted. "Why are you always doing things for me, then?""It’s different—you’re pregnant."Zachary drank a sip of the water, mostly because she had poured it."I’m just throwing up a little," said Jane.She had experienced it before—constant retching, even with nothing left in her stomach. That kind of discomfort was hard to endure.His voice was hoarse by now, which showed just how bad it had gotten.At
At the hospital.Rebecca listened to Sean's report.When she heard that Zachary had come to the hospital, she immediately panicked. "I knew that woman was bad luck! Ever since Zachary got together with her, he's been plagued with all sorts of misfortune and illness!"Eric hesitated before speaking. "Zachary went to see the doctor because of morning sickness?""What?"Rebecca couldn't believe her ears. "Do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds?"Sean chimed in, "It’s true."Rebecca was rendered speechless.Sean explained, "I consulted with an expert. This kind of situation is rare but does happen. If a husband deeply loves his wife, seeing her suffer during pregnancy can cause him to experience symptoms like morning sickness."At that moment, Rebecca felt like a beehive had exploded in her ears.All she could hear was a loud buzzing noise.It took her a long moment to recover before she scoffed."He’s such a good husband, isn’t he? I risked my life to give birth to him an
The Collins family’s expressions all changed.Although Madam Collins had spoken so casually, deep down, she was certainly still displeased about Zachary marrying Jane.She had simply seen the deeper truth. Zachary was resolute about Jane.She also understood that Zachary was no longer someone they could control.But when this was bluntly laid bare, her chest still tightened.“What do you mean by that?” Rebecca pressed.Sean merely replied, “That’s all I can say. And that’s because of the bond we share as former master and servant. After all, now I must follow Mr. Collins’s orders.”The room fell into a prolonged silence.Madam Collins broke it with a soft chuckle.She looked at Rebecca and said, “You said he doesn’t acknowledge you as his mother, yet he could have quietly gone off to register the marriage without us knowing, but instead, he let Sean inform us.”Rebecca didn’t immediately react.Madam Collins clarified, “He specifically instructed Sean to pass the news to you
“These are all the photos of landscapes and animals you’ve taken over the years?”“Yes, I didn’t have anything else to gift, but I thought the baby could experience these through pictures while young and then go see them in person when older.”“You’re so thoughtful! I’ll thank you on behalf of this little embryo, Auntie.”Jane genuinely liked it. After flipping through the album, she instinctively tried to pass it to someone nearby but then remembered that Zachary had gotten out of the car when Jordan got in. He was now riding in the vehicle behind them.She placed the album into the front passenger seat’s storage compartment and then started chatting with Jordan about her recent experiences.Jordan said, “Not much, really. Things went pretty smoothly overall. I gave all the photos to the media. I hope it can raise awareness and help save more girls. That place was hell on earth for them.”Jane nodded. “You did an amazing job.”After her praise, she asked, “What do you want to e
It was the habit of someone accustomed to a high position."What’s wrong?" the man asked, his deep voice carrying a clear warmth."Look at you, acting so cheap. If you’re happy, just smile. Why pretend?"Frank, after all, was now happily settled.Seeing others in turmoil, he liked to tease them."No wonder you can’t win your wife back."Westley was rendered speechless.Jordan, not wanting to join the topic, quickly ran off.Frank joked, "See? Your wife just ran off again."Westley clenched his molars tightly.One by one, these happy people were taking turns mocking him."If you’re not going to help, at least don’t make things worse."Frank clicked his tongue and said, "Wow, the resentment is strong."Charlotte, holding Frank’s arm, tried to smooth things over. "That’s enough, Mr. Smith. Stop making fun of others."Westley was rendered speechless.‘Thanks. Appreciate that...’Charlotte added, "And stop mentioning Zachary’s pregnancy symptoms—it’s a sign of love."Frank chuckled. "If it’
After all, most marriages were alliances based on mutual interests, with little emotional connection at the beginning.As the ties between the two families grew closer and pressure to have children increased, feelings gradually developed.His mistake lay in the three years of neglect.Even when he knew she was struggling, he didn’t step in to help.His purpose was to make her forget her feelings for him.But when she truly forgot, the pain in his heart became unbearable."If even the marriage certificate is gone, I’m afraid..."It was the first time Frank had ever heard the word "afraid" come out of Westley’s mouth.The Howard family was a renowned and powerful family. When others were still struggling with startups or working regular jobs, they had already monopolized the shipping industry and begun expanding into other sectors.As the eldest son, Westley had not only been showered with love since birth but also carried the responsibility of ensuring the Howard family’s conti
Even with two people between them, Westley could hear clearly. She was sitting right next to them—how could she possibly not have heard?Charlotte glanced at Westley, then raised her hand to gently smooth Jordan’s hair."Just small talk. Why are you so nervous? I was just thinking, if you don’t have someone you like, once you’re divorced, I could introduce someone to you."Westley gripped the glass in his hand tightly.The transparent glass began to show faint cracks.Frank’s lips curved slightly, and a hint of mischief flashed through his eyes."Mr. Howard, if you’re getting divorced, you shouldn’t stay single. The Howard family still needs a proper hostess to run the household."Westley’s sharp phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly.What kind of game were these two playing, singing in such perfect harmony?"I have no intention of getting a divorce."Frank dragged out an exaggerated "oh" and shifted slightly, moving the arm he had draped over the back of Charlotte’s chair. His
She felt unsettled under their stares.She stiffly tried to change the topic, "Jane, was Zachary really having morning sickness?"Jane smiled. "It’s a little late to ask that, isn’t it? He’s probably done now."The aroma of the fish was irresistible, and she couldn't hold back any longer.She hadn't wanted to ask initially.After all, she had already learned about Zachary's morning sickness at the door.This was just her trying to find something to say."Oh," she said awkwardly. "Zachary really loves you...""I know that," replied Jane.Jane put some food on her plate. "So, you and that mentor of yours, there's nothing romantic going on?"Jordan's eyes widened in shock, and even the fish in her mouth suddenly tasted bland."Don't talk nonsense! My relationship with Oliver is nothing special.""Then you truly don't have someone you like?" Charlotte asked again for confirmation.At that moment, the three men just happened to walk to the screen nearby and stopped upon hearing
Westley seemed not to hear Zachary's words and asked him if his clothes were alright and whether his tie was crooked.Zachary couldn't be bothered to respond.Frank didn't even bother to lift his eyelids.At that moment, Caleb stepped forward and adjusted Westley's tie and collar, smiling faintly.Westley understood. "Carter will come to the wedding. I'm certain of it."Caleb then asked, "With the relationship between Mr. Greyson and Mr. Howard, why isn't he coming as a groomsman?""He doesn't get along well with my wife.""Because of Mandy?"Westley nodded. "Mandy and my wife were good friends during their teenage years."Actually, Jordan wasn't someone who held grudges, but he couldn't let anything go wrong at the wedding.Originally, it didn't matter whether Carter came or not.If it weren't for Caleb, he wouldn't have insisted on having Carter attend.Caleb understood.The sky gradually brightened.Whitney stood at the door, waiting for news from Jane.Suddenly, some
Whitney nodded. "It's really delicious.""That's good." Jordan didn't know what else to say and quietly sipped her soup.Caleb placed some ham on Whitney’s plate. "If you like it, take some with you when you leave.""I'll arrange for it to be delivered to Yelar regularly in the future."Whitney really liked it, but she never overindulged.She was afraid that giving in to greed wouldn't be a good thing.After a pause, she asked, "Do you like it?"Caleb replied, "It's okay."Whitney said, "Then I can take some back, but no need to have someone deliver it regularly. If I eat too much, I won't find it as tasty anymore."Caleb nodded in agreement.During the meal, Jane went to the restroom, and Charlotte also stood up.Jordan quickly followed them.Whitney thought for a moment and decided to go too.Zachary waited for them to leave the private room and raised his tea cup toward Caleb.Since Jane was drinking, he decided not to drink."I think Whitney really enjoys hanging out
She looked at Jane and the others, blinking. "Isn't that right, sisters?"Jane nodded. "That's right, it's a women’s gathering, no men allowed.""No men allowed again?" Westley gave a cryptic glance at the three men standing behind.Jordan followed Jane's lead.Charlotte had no objections.Whitney glanced at Caleb, but she had already told him that she'd be with Jordan for the next few days.In other words, she had informed him that she was joining Jordan's little group.She didn't say anything else.Caleb pulled at the corner of his lips, not saying anything.The manager didn't know what to make of the group of important figures standing in the front hall.After giving it some thought, he said, "We only have one private room, which Mr. Howard reserved first. Would you like to share a table, ladies?"Jane smiled. "So, when it rains, there's only one room, huh?"The manager glanced at Westley for guidance. "Our restaurant is reservation-based..."Jordan interrupted. "I made
Frank put down his phone and said, "I'll just take this as a wedding gift for your sister and brother-in-law, for their upcoming wedding."Zachary didn't say anything. He had received a similar message from Westley.Meanwhile, someone on Caleb's side came to update him on Whitney's movements.He didn't have an issue with her shopping, but he wasn't exactly happy about it either.He had given Whitney a premium card, letting her buy whatever she liked.But she had never used it."Mr. Hilton..." One of his subordinates hesitated before speaking. "After shopping, Mrs. Hilton and Mrs. Collins... they went for... for a massage."Caleb received the news, and so did Zachary.There hadn't been any activity for half the day, so they probably went to a proper massage parlor."Got it."Jane and the others went for facial and oil massages.It was indeed a normal massage parlor.Even when they had gone to a bar before, they were just there to drink.The issue was with those men not trus
Jordan hadn't decided yet. "Do you have any particular places you'd like to visit?"Jane said, "Then let's go shopping."She turned to Charlotte. "Can you walk?""I’m fine. If we get tired, we can find a place to sit and rest."Jane then looked at Whitney and asked if she wanted to go.Whitney nodded.The four girls made a quick decision and set off.Ross was eating an apple when he saw them coming out together. He immediately asked, "Mrs. Collins, where are you going? Do you need me to give you a lift?"Jane looked at the car behind him and noticed there were no other cars."Take us to the biggest shopping center.""Okay."The MPV was large, and with just Ross as the driver, it was more than enough for the four of them to sit comfortably."Ma’am, there are yogurts and snacks next to you, all your favorites."Jane glanced at it and said, "Remember to tell Zachary that it’s too late to apologize after making a mistake."Ross would only repeat the exact words to Zachary, an
Ross agreed and turned to leave.Jane kicked the door open with her foot, then stepped onto the balcony, and Whitney quickly came to help.After setting the breakfast down, she noticed something was wrong.Jane and Charlotte exchanged a glance.Jane asked in confusion, "Why are there things in here that neither Charlotte nor I like to eat?""It seems that Zachary and Frank were a bit careless."Whitney quickly said, "I can eat what you don't like."She wasn't picky about food, it was just that she used to not have enough to eat, so she had always eaten less and stayed thin.Jane hadn't heard Ross mention that Caleb had come.She said, "Don't you think Caleb specifically bought this for you?"Whitney was puzzled.Charlotte pointed and said, "The things we like to eat were all prepared by Frank and Zachary. They wouldn't purposely prepare things we don't eat. So, what do you think the extra food is for?"Whitney was momentarily stunned.She thought it was because Jane had or
Whitney washed up and went straight to bed.She didn't have the habit of playing on her phone before bed.Before coming to Nelana, all her work had been handed over.If something urgent came up, someone would call her.So she didn't check her phone, and thus missed Caleb's message.Caleb was on the hotel balcony, with his phone placed on the small coffee table.He held a glass of wine, swaying it absentmindedly.His gaze, however, remained fixed on the phone.But even when it got to dawn, there was no reply from Whitney.The man curved his lips slightly and lit a cigarette.He leaned against the balcony railing, waiting for the sun to rise.Whitney woke up in the morning, went to wash up, and after she finished, took a book from her luggage and went to sit on the swing on the balcony to read.As she passed the kitchen, she made herself a cup of coffee.She didn't like to move much, most of her time was spent on improving herself.She tried to learn as much as possible.S
Westley didn't say anything either.Zachary and Frank were a team, he was no match for them in an argument.His relationship with Caleb wasn't that close, so it was impossible for the latter to help him."They're having barbecue for lunch," said Frank, locking his phone. "They just ordered the ingredients."Jordan found two power strips and moved the pot to the balcony."Good thing we have these, otherwise, we wouldn't be able to eat.""Why do you have so many pots left in this house?" asked Whitney."I lived here for a while before," Jordan placed the plates and cutlery down. "I also feel like leaving these things here makes it seem like Grandpa is still around."Whitney apologized.Jordan smiled and reassured her, "It's fine. No need to apologize. From now on, we're good friends."Whitney nodded and smiled in agreement, "Alright.""By the way, Jordan.""What's up, Jane?"Jane said, "Both Zachary and Frank have booked hotels, so they don’t to stay here. It can't fit them
Jordan and Whitney chatted casually.Most of the time, it was Jordan doing the talking while Whitney listened.After covering enough about the wedding, they talked about Jordan's work over the past few years.She also mentioned the tangled feelings and past with Westley.When she got to that part, she grew a little curious. "Whitney, before you married Caleb, did you ever like anyone?"Whitney shook her head."What about a secret crush?""Not even that."Whitney rarely talked to others about her past.Zachary only knew because he had looked into her and thought she was perfectly suited to be a pawn.And she had needed to become that pawn—to completely sever ties with her past, achieve her goals, and fulfill her ambitions."I was too busy studying and working to think about anything else."Jordan sensed she didn't want to go further, so she didn't press.Just then, Jane called, saying she and Charlotte would arrive soon and join them for lunch.She relayed the message to W