No one expected that, despite Madam Shaw's kind and benevolent appearance, her first response to Ryan would be so sharp.I struggled to hold back my smile with great effort.Yet, it seemed that I was the only one who could find any amusement in this situation.The atmosphere was awkward and tense.The real embarrassment wasn't the comment itself but the fact that I, the ex-wife, was right there.I lowered my head slightly and looked out the window, trying to minimize my presence.The snow outside, not yet melted, dazzled and made it hard to see.I felt a gaze fixed on me and then heard Ryan's deep and calm voice. "Yes, recently divorced."Madam Shaw glanced at Bethany, her expression growing colder. "I've also heard that you played a part in it?""Grandma..." Bethany frowned, throwing a subtle glare at me. She adjusted her skirt and sat next to Madam Shaw, shaking her arm."Who told you such nonsense? Ryan's marriage had long since fallen apart... I just...""I'm asking you
In addition to the scandal involving Jessica and John, Ryan had to be cautious. Any small misstep could lead to countless people taking advantage of his vulnerability.When Madam Shaw criticized him, Ryan probably had to endure it.Unexpectedly, he didn't show the slightest discomfort. His expression remained inscrutable as he said calmly, "I'll prove to you if I’m qualified or not.""Grandma." Bethany was overjoyed. "Just listen to him, aren't you satisfied now...""To you, he's naturally qualified, and there's no need to prove anything."Madam Shaw sat with perfect posture, her demeanor impeccable. "As long as you and your mother are satisfied."The first part was a rejection, but now she agreed without hesitation.Bethany was bewildered. "What do you mean...""If he were to be a husband for Lily, he would fall short!" Madam Shaw looked at her steadily. "For you, he's more than enough."Her tone was calm, lacking any hint of disdain.But it was like a massive slap to the fa
I walked away, so I couldn't hear everything clearly. However, the term "ill-fated lovers" was crystal clear.As someone who was single, this term had nothing to do with me.The Shaw family’s residence was enormous. As Madam Shaw mentioned, I eventually had to ask a servant for directions to find the dining room."Are you Ms. Wilson that Madam Shaw has been mentioning since early this morning?"The butler, who happened to be near the dining room, noticed me and promptly instructed a servant to prepare another breakfast for me.I smiled slightly, thanked him, and quietly began eating.Only then did the butler leave.As I ate, someone suddenly cast a shadow beside me, and the next moment, the person couldn't wait to express their frustration."Charlotte, I warn you, stay away from my family! I don't care what you're plotting, don't try to get on my Grandma's good side!"I continued sipping my oat porridge, unbothered. "What am I plotting?"Bethany snorted and felt irritated. "W
After saying that, I picked up my bag from the chair and turned to leave."Bitch!" Bethany cursed angrily behind me.I clenched my fists, acting as if I hadn't heard her, focusing solely on getting away.But to my surprise, I soon found myself lost within the residence.After turning several corners, I glanced to see a courtyard that felt oddly familiar.Despite being large and clean, the courtyard had a deserted air, as if it hadn't been lived in for a long time.Driven by some strange impulse, I walked in. As soon as I stepped inside, the gate behind me slammed shut.In the next moment, a tall figure pressed me against the door.The familiar scent surrounded me, leaving me nowhere to escape.I looked up in shock, meeting his deep, dark eyes!His well-defined fingers gripped my waist, his gaze tender and gentle. "What are you doing in the Shaw family's residence?""It's none of your business!" I was instantly infuriated, trying to struggle but unable to move.Ryan stared a
Whether it was the announcement of the marriage or the notice of divorce, I complied without a hitch. I thought that would be the end of it, that we would each go our separate ways.But I didn't expect that even my mere presence would be intolerable to them.Ryan held me tightly, as if trying to meld me into his bones and flesh, his voice low and soothing. "No! Charlotte, that's not what I meant. Don't be so upset.""Then what do you mean?"I struggled to control my trembling body, speaking with biting sarcasm. "Are you saying you never thought about marrying her? Are you saying that sending me abroad was all for my sake?"What about the shot fired at me, or his defense of Bethany in front of Madam Shaw? What did those count for? A joke? Or was it that I deserved it?I wouldn't believe it again, and I didn't dare to.The harsh words from Bethany and her mother, though stinging, contained truth—I was never in the same world as Ryan.Once, because of Grandpa, I had briefly aligne
It was as if he was performing some grand ritual.To those who knew better, it was just closing the door and changing the code. To those who didn't, it might seem like he was praying to the gods.I then realized what was going on. "This is... your little fiancee's courtyard?"Frank's thick, rigid lashes fluttered slightly as he shot me a sideways glance. "You're asking even though you know?""You..." I couldn't help but ask, "Have you ever thought about what if you really can't find her?"He fixed his gaze on me, narrowing his eyes and curling his lips in a smirk. "Even then, I wouldn't lower myself to anyone's level, including yours.""Then you really are overthinking things." I almost choked on his words. "I wouldn’t want someone like you even if you threw yourself at me."Being hurt by Ryan because of his “true love” was enough.From now on, I would stay far away from men with a “true love” in their hearts.Besides, who was he? The heir of the Smith family, the sole success
Of course, he found her appealing.Otherwise, how could Ryan have changed his attitude so quickly, with both the marriage and the divorce?His thoughts aligned with Bethany's, and even with mine. Bethany raised her chin with confidence. "What do you think? I can't be less than Charlotte, can I?"What was I caught in the crossfire for?Fortunately, a servant soon came running in, saying, "Madam Shaw, Miss Shaw, Mrs. Shaw has returned."The person backing Bethany had come back.Bethany wiped her face with some tissue, then, with a triumphant air, took Ryan's arm and hurried out to 'report.'In my mind, I only had one thought. ‘I Can’t stay here anymore.’Bethany was annoying enough. Mrs. Shaw’s presence would only make things worse.I straightened up, looked at Madam Shaw, and spoke softly, "Grandma, I need to go back to Jelaston today. I'll leave now. Next time, I'll come back to visit you in Jeswood."Madam Shaw seemed a bit disappointed but didn't say much, only asking me to
Naturally, I knew it wasn't me, but I was used to responding.He squinted dangerously, revealing a hint of recklessness. "Those who've bullied you should pay some price."I laughed lightly. "And then?""There's nothing more." Frank shrugged, leaning back against the headrest with his eyelashes lowered, concealing all emotions. "You've always been on the Wilson family's household register. Before Lily disappeared, you were already Charlotte of the Wilson family.""But for some reason, just like Grandma, I occasionally find myself genuinely attracted to you."I immediately tensed up, watching him warily.He was instantly amused, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk. "What's with that expression? Do you think I'm desperate?""Well, you never know." I smiled and tightened my coat, trying to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the car.He yawned, dismissing it with a single phrase. "So childish."Then, he pulled out an eye mask from somewhere and fell asleep quietly.The next da
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
However, the test results showed nothing wrong.Even after being in a coma for those days, his body remained strong thanks to the nutritional IV.As long as he avoided alcohol and irritating foods, his gastritis wouldn't flare up.It certainly wouldn't become severe enough to cause this kind of reaction.Yet Zachary's vomiting was even more intense than her pregnancy nausea.Even though there was nothing left to throw up—not even stomach acid—if he kept going, he might end up vomiting bile.It really didn’t seem like the symptoms of someone perfectly healthy.So Jane contacted Tanner.After hearing her description, Tanner chuckled.Jane felt as though Tanner was gloating."Isn’t this great? He’s throwing up for you, so you can feel a bit better."Jane was taken aback.Over the time she had spent taking Zachary to the doctor, she truly hadn’t felt any discomfort herself.She had thought it was because she hadn’t eaten much, so her symptoms were temporarily subsiding."Dr.
Jane washed her face, took a moment to gather herself, then straightened up and hugged him."Stop reflecting on yourself already, hearing it makes my pregnancy symptoms worse."The tactic worked well, as she didn’t hear any more apologies from him afterward."I feel like eating an orange. Could you peel one for me?"Zachary immediately carried her to the sofa, tucked a blanket over her, and sat beside her to peel the orange.He meticulously removed every single white thread from the orange segments.Resting her chin on her hand, Jane watched him and teased, "You’re treating me even better now that I’m pregnant. Do you love the baby more than me?"Without hesitation, Zachary replied, "It’s because pregnancy is hard on you. If you hadn’t agreed to have the baby, I wouldn’t have kept—"Before he could finish, Jane kicked him, silencing him.He handed her the peeled orange.Jane couldn’t taste her mood anymore, so she focused on eating the orange.Zachary felt his teeth ache jus
"I envy his fiancee so much!""You women are so shallow. Just because he’s buying some raviolis, you think he’s humbled himself for love. Why don’t you think about this—he’s the son of an affluent family. If he hadn’t picked someone from such a poor background, why would he come to this rundown place to buy these commoner foods?"As soon as the man finished speaking, he felt a sharp, cold gaze land on him.The people who had been enthusiastically discussing with him moments earlier suddenly avoided looking at him.But Zachary merely glanced at him.His raviolis were already packed, and he was eager to bring them back for Jane.He didn’t linger long, nor did he feel the need to waste his words on clueless fools like these.Besides, even if he explained, they probably wouldn’t understand—or even care.Meanwhile, Jane had been leaning against the car window, watching Zachary the whole time. When she saw him walking back, she opened the car door for him.“Hurry, get in.”Zachary
They were heading back to their cozy little nest.On the way, her phone rang. When she saw the caller ID, she slapped Zachary’s thigh.“Oh no!”Zachary looked confused.“I forgot about Jordan!”Jordan had mentioned that she would be filming, and Westley had been by her side the entire time to protect her.Jane, preoccupied with her own matters, had assumed that with Westley around, nothing would go wrong.Her return to the country had been a last-minute decision, and she had left in a hurry.She was also dealing with the discomfort of her pregnancy.All the emotions and tasks piling up caused her to completely forget.Sure enough, when she answered the call, Jordan’s voice was full of grievance.“Aren’t we good friends?”“Yes, yes, we are,” Jane replied with an awkward cough. “Something urgent came up, so... I’m sorry.”Jordan, however, was gracious. “I understand your situation is special. Just treat me to a meal to make up for it. I’ll be flying to Jeswood soon.”“Alrig
Madam Collins’ words seemed caring, but in reality, they were meant as a warning.Zachary gently pulled his arm back and said, "No wedding, just getting the marriage certificate."“No way!” Rebecca objected.Madam Collins spoke calmly, “Registering the marriage is also a happy occasion, but it’s not suitable right now. I see your relationship is so strong, waiting a little longer won’t make a difference. The Collins family’s bloodline will never end up being talked about as illegitimate. Don’t worry about that.”Zachary wanted to say more, but Jane tugged on his arm.“I’m feeling a little unwell.”Zachary’s expression immediately changed. Without arguing with the family any further, he carried her straight to the doctor.When they reached the obstetrics department, she patted Zachary’s shoulder and said, “Put me down.”“Aren’t you...” Zachary instantly understood. “You’re trying to get me out of there?”Jane wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled him with her nose.“Pre
"I’m fine. I’ve already recovered quite a bit," Zachary said as he bent one knee to the floor.Jane instinctively wanted to kneel with him, but Zachary stopped her. "You can’t," he said, giving her a meaningful look.Understanding his intent, Jane obediently stood to the side.Rebecca became agitated. "Do your knees mean nothing to you? You’ve knelt once for her, and now again!"Lowering his gaze, Zachary said calmly, "I’m kneeling in front of my parents. There’s no question of whether it’s worth it or not. She is my fiancee, soon to be my wife. If she has caused you any displeasure, it’s my responsibility to bear it. What’s more, she hasn’t done anything wrong."Rebecca wanted to lash out, but Eric intervened. "Do you want to make your condition even worse with this anger?"A flicker of emotion passed through Zachary’s eyes, but his tone remained neutral. "I don’t understand. I only want to marry the person I love and have children. Why must you go to such lengths to oppose it
"Why are your hands so cold?"Zachary became even more anxious. He immediately picked her up, placed her on the seat, added another blanket, and asked the flight attendant to increase the temperature of the air conditioning."It’s not that cold."It was already spring. With all these layers on, Jane was worried she’d end up with a heat rash."I just washed my hands a moment ago," she explained.Zachary brought over a hand warmer for her. "Washing your hands doesn’t make them this cold. Just listen to me."Jane sighed. "It’s normal to feel nauseous during pregnancy. There might even be other symptoms later...""No, there won’t be. Nothing else will happen."Jane wanted to explain some of the facts so he could mentally prepare. When Charlotte was pregnant, Jane had read many books. If he was already this anxious now about the morning sickness, how would he handle what came later?Unexpectedly, he refused to accept any of it.Charlotte, observing the scene, couldn’t help but fee
She changed the topic, saying, "Your mother is ill."After boarding the plane, Zachary called home to check on the situation.Frank, sitting beside him, briefly explained what had happened during Zachary's coma.Zachary thought for a moment, then grabbed a blanket and returned to Jane's side, covering her with it.On the table in front of her were a tablet, fruits, water, and everything else she might need.Even so, Zachary still felt he hadn't taken care of her well enough."Do you feel uncomfortable? I heard your medical results weren’t great. If it might harm your health, then maybe..."Jane stuffed an orange into his mouth before he could finish.The orange was incredibly sour. She enjoyed it, but it made his handsome face scrunch up."Is it good?" she asked, her face full of triumphant delight.Zachary swallowed it whole and said, "Anything you feed me tastes good."Across from them, Charlotte was rendered speechless.Frank showed up just in time, popping a piece of c