I was momentarily stunned."Trust me."Megan sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking quite certain. "He's currently in a struggle. He likes you, but he's also afraid to like you."I smiled. "Stop guessing around. The person he likes is Lily. I just happen to look somewhat like her...""No, that's not it!"Megan countered firmly, "My brother isn't like that. Over the years, there have been many people who look even more like Lily than you, but he's never paid any attention to them. It's not that I'm speaking ill of him. He's always been someone who only acts when there's a benefit. If it weren't for his feelings, why would he keep helping you time and time again?""What he did was..."I wanted to refute, but halfway through, I couldn't find a reason.For instance, Zack's incident, and when Mrs. Shaw forced me to kneel in the snow... it didn't seem like he was helping just because it was convenient.Afterwards, he never demanded anything from me.As I left, I felt somewhat distra
"Yes, there is."I curved my lips and mustered the courage to say, "If it's the latter, I'm worried that you might have developed feelings for me."He scoffed, "Worried? Are you saying that if I like you, it will make you uneasy?""Pretty much," I said candidly. "You have a good personality, a good family background, and you're loyal. It's hard not to be moved by someone like you, but precisely because of that, it's impossible for us to be together.""Impossible?""Yes, impossible."I took a deep breath, looking at him earnestly. "I'm not a naive girl anymore. It's impossible for me to willingly walk into a dangerous situation knowing it's there. Your loyalty is a flaw in my eyes. Just now, you helped me, so I'll help you deal with your parents. Other than that, let's be rational."That night, after washing up in the guest room arranged by Madam Shaw, I lay in bed but remained wide awake.What did Frank say to me earlier?He said, "Charlotte, don't think you're the only one sc
This was the first time Frank showed such an expression.It was hard to say if it was nervousness, excitement, or anxiety...In any case, it was completely different from his usual rebellious demeanor.At that moment, it felt as if I saw a glimpse of the old Ryan in him.Suddenly, I became even more composed, almost cold-hearted, suppressing all the emotions that almost burst forth, and turned decisively."Yeah, go on."Before Frank could hang up the phone, he stepped forward, wrapped me in his arms with one hand, and no matter how much I struggled, he held me tightly.On the other end of the line, there were a few more words exchanged. He then said calmly, "Be more careful and don't let anyone lead you astray. I'll come over after I finish comforting someone."With that, he ended the call, shoved his phone into his pocket, and squeezed my face with his large hand, deforming it. He looked at me with a hint of grievance. "Why are you running away? Didn't you hear what I just sai
"Alright."I obediently walked over, ate a few dumplings, and then smiled at Madam Shaw, feeling inexplicably reluctant. I could only say, "Grandma, I've troubled you these past two days. I'm going back to Jelaston soon. I wish you a happy New Year in advance and all the best.""Why are you leaving so soon? Aren't you going to help Frank...""He..." I gathered my thoughts. "He probably won't need my help anymore."His true love was probably coming back soon."What do you mean? If he doesn't need your help, are you just going to abandon me?"Madam Shaw pretended to be upset. "I was looking forward to having someone kind to spend the New Year with, and now you're leaving? It's the New Year, stay here and celebrate with me!""Grandma..."Seeing her like this, I was touched.But I also knew that staying here any longer would be inappropriate.Madam Shaw held my hand. "Even if you go back, you'll be alone. Just stick to my arrangements...""Grandma!"Suddenly, a domineering voic
Before I could say anything, Madam Shaw was instantly furious!With a face full of anger, she glared at Mrs. Shaw. "Who gave you the right to drive guests away from my courtyard?""Grandma, it's okay!"I remembered Frank saying that Grandma couldn't handle extreme emotions, so I quickly reassured her. "I was planning to leave anyway. Soon... Frank should bring the real Miss Shaw back to see you."In a family reunion scene like this, as an outsider, I shouldn't be here.Madam Shaw wanted to me to stay, but seeing that I was insistent, she didn't say anything more.I quickly gathered my luggage I had packed earlier in the morning, and soon came downstairs with my suitcase. Mrs. Shaw escorted me out of the courtyard and, once we were far enough that Madam Shaw couldn't hear, spoke with a hint of disdain, "Don't come back unless there's something really important. The Shaw family isn't a place where just anyone can use!""Mrs. Shaw." I didn't stop walking or look at her, and said ca
My eyes warmed up, and I laughed and cried at the same time, sending her the location. "So, you're not going to Sentrea for a romantic encounter?""Is the romantic encounter more important or you? I'm not going to let you spend the New Year alone."She didn't seem to care and cheerfully changed the subject. "Besides, I heard Jeswood is also quite good for a romantic encounter.""Such great kindness, I can't repay."I couldn't help but chuckle. "I can only offer you a full package of food, drink, and fun as a token of my gratitude."Actually, Jane and I were so close that we might as well be sharing money.Neither of us cared about these things.But when she heard this, she cooperated enthusiastically. "Ms. Wilson, you're so generous! I'll come right away to cling to you."As soon as Jane arrived, my mood improved significantly.She stood by the window, admiring the snowy scenery of Jeswood. "What do you think about the news about Frank?"I was momentarily taken aback. "What d
Even though the corridor floor was covered with soft carpet, the pain from my butt hitting the ground made my muddled brain regain a bit of clarity.The person who brought me upstairs was Ryan.I actually mistook him for someone else.Perhaps sensing my resistance, Ryan was momentarily stunned, then, against the light, he sneered. "Are you determined to be with him? Are you planning to be a bridesmaid when he marries the eldest daughter of the Shaw family?"Frank's remarks were always sharp. "Are you trying to impose your own experiences on me?"He took a few large strides to where I was and helped me up from the floor, then looked at Ryan with a faint smile. "Mr. Frost, take care, no need to see us off."Ryan clenched his fists, suppressing his anger. "You'd better focus on Lily. Charlotte will only ever be mine.""She has never belonged to anyone." Frank's voice was calm. "She is herself."Ryan's gaze grew colder as he extended his hand to me, adopting what he probably though
A sudden pang of bitterness surged through me.It felt like I had been unexpectedly pricked by something.I pointed towards the door, my voice was cold. "Get out!""Charlotte, who spoiled you with this terrible attitude? Can't you speak properly?""Did you speak properly?"I glared at him, indignant. "Why are you criticizing me? What about your fiancee? Don't you need to be with her? Why do you have time to come find me?""You’re still so defensive even after you’re drunk."He pressed his tongue against his cheek, and after a brief laugh, he seemed resigned. He half-squatted in front of me, his tone softening."Fine, it was my fault for not speaking to you properly in my moment of desperation. I accept the punishment.""What punishment?" I asked instinctivelyHe cocked his brows and said, "Another kiss from you?"Only then did I realize his ears were flushed red.I shook my head, trying to clear the alcohol-induced haze, and looked at him as clearly as I could. "Why are you
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
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
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