However, I was a bit puzzled and asked, "Jack, is there something you want to say?""No.""Oh, okay." I smiled, glanced at the time, and said, "It's about time. I need to head to Jeswood now.""You..." He hesitated for a moment. "Is there still a chance between you and Ryan?""Jack." I laughed helplessly. "I'm not in the mood to think about that right now. If you're trying to convince me to get back together with him, just stop.""I'm not here to do that." He seemed to be evaluating my expression, then hesitantly said, "There's... something I don't know if I should tell you.""What is it?""I heard Megan mention the fake daughter of the Shaw family."Jack considered his words carefully. "Have you thought about why she could replace you and who might be behind her?""Probably Bethany and her associates."There might be others involved, but I didn't have any clues at that moment. This matter was clearly targeting me. Ordinary people wouldn't dare to interfere in the Shaw family
I was stunned for a moment, feeling as if I had been slapped in the face. I shouldn't have trusted him. I shouldn't have even come here.I turned to leave, but Gary seemed to catch sight of the photos in my hand and started to defend Ryan. "Mrs. Frost, don't get Mr. Frost wrong. Mr. Frost went to see her to warn her not to...""Enough! You should be clearer than anyone whether he's involved or not!"I was burning with anger, my steps quick and heavy.As I reached the underground car park and was about to close the car door, a large hand forcefully gripped the door, preventing me from shutting it.Ryan had changed out of his casual outfit and into a high-end suit which suited his aura much better. He looked cold and stern, glancing at the photos I had carelessly thrown on the passenger seat. "Because of a few words from others, you start suspecting me?""Am I doubting you, or did you actually do it?"I had heard his words in the office with my own ears.Ryan sneered. "What have
"Wait." I interrupted calmly and asked with a smile, "My dad? Who is my dad?"The ones who were so adamant about not recognizing me that day were also them.Mrs. Shaw, however, was adaptable and forced a wry smile. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? We're all family here. We just couldn't accept it the truth back then.""Exactly. Charlotte, just accept the apology already," said Bethany."What kind of attitude is that?" Mrs. Shaw gave her a reprimanding look, though her tone was not truly stern. "Watch that attitude of yours."Bethany stared at me, reluctantly, but then seemed to have thought of something, and her lips curved into a smile. "Charlotte."It almost gave me goosebumps as I watched what they were doing. I just wanted to know what they were up to.Mrs. Shaw nudged Mr. Shaw. "You as well. Why are you not even greeting your own daughter?"Mr. Shaw cleared his throat, looked at me, and gestured towards the room's door. "Aren't you here to see your grandma? Go o
I was taken aback. I looked at him and said irritably, "Did I say I was going to marry you?""Everything else can be decided by you," Frank said with a smile. "But this matter is up to me."I glared at him. "If I don't want to, are you going to force me?"As I said this, I started going downstairs. When he followed me to the car, I was puzzled. "Where's your car?""The driver took it."He opened the front passenger door and got into the car. All of that was done very smoothly. It was rare for him not to go straight to sleep after getting in the car today.I started the engine and heard him ask, "Did you find out anything from your aunt?""Yeah, I learned a little."Thinking about my aunt made me feel a bit down. I the said while driving, "I was indeed kidnapped back then. I escaped and ended up in my dad's car. He saved me.""They mentioned something about 'Mrs. Shaw' when those people were searching for me." I continued, hoping to hear his thoughts, "Do you think the person w
I was initially going to refuse, but upon hearing this, I accepted and joked, "So you've had a time when you don’t care about money at all?"He was all about profit now, but back then, he was generous enough to give away a whole house.He cocked his brows. "You flatter me. After all, I did manage to get quite a few good things from you when we were younger."That just showed he hadn’t changed at all.After changing into slippers, he pushed the luggage into the bedroom. "I've stocked up on daily necessities and everything. Let me know if anything else is missing.""Okay." I nodded, looking around and feeling an inexplicable sense of relief as the early spring sunset streamed in.He leaned casually against the doorframe and said, "You can continue talking. What else did you find out in Jelaston?""This." I took out a jade rabbit pendant from my collar. "Do you recognize it?""Of course."His expression became slightly serious. "Have you always worn it?""Yes. My aunt gave it to
He was very swift indeed.In less than half an hour, the vegetables were washed and chopped. However, despite my request for roast potatoes, it seemed like he intended to make chips.I didn’t have a problem with that chips were tasty too.I was idly scrolling through my phone on the sofa when he came out wearing an apron, looking quite out of his usual high and mighty self. He scratched his head and said, "Well, do you want to take a shower first?"I was puzzled. "I'd like to eat first and then shower.""Go ahead and shower. You'll feel refreshed and enjoy your meal more," he sincerely advised.I didn't know what his angle was.However, it wasn't a matter of principle. Since I was at his place, I decided to compromise. I went to the bedroom, closed the door, grabbed some clothes, and headed to the bathroom. By the time I finished my shower and came out, the meal was ready. Frank, who seemed to have been busy with something in the kitchen, looked a bit flustered when he
He saw through my thoughts. "I want the truth.""I need some time to think things through," I said honestly.He nodded in acknowledgment, "That's fair. Take your time."The next day, Frank and I planned to meet with Flint, who had previously been taken away by Mrs. Shaw. Frank said that the person had revealed some information. He needed me to hear it in person and decide whether to believe it."Otherwise, if it comes from me, it might sound like I'm stirring up trouble and ruining my image of being someone on the side of justice," he said.Just as I was about to change clothes and do my makeup, the doorbell suddenly rang.I checked my phone, but there were still about two hours until our scheduled meeting.With a smile, I got up and went to open the door. I was stunned when I saw who was standing outside.I greeted politely, "Mr. Smith."At that moment, Mr. Smith was completely different from the imposing presence he had the night before in the hospital. He resembled a friend
He was already certain, and with the conversation having reached this point, I had no other choice. But I wanted to be selfish just this once.I got up. "Mr. Smith, if you can't do it, then I don't think I can either."I didn't want to make decisions for Frank under the guise of doing what was best for him. But no matter what he chose, I would respect it.Mr. Smith's gaze became sharp. "Right now he's infatuated and impulsive, willing to give up everything for you. What about later? After the initial excitement wears off and he falls from his high perch, have you thought about three years, five years, or ten years from now?"I suddenly found it difficult to breathe.Mr. Smith sneered. "When he sees his mother and sister suffering because of his love, will he regret it and blame you as the stumbling block?"I had to admit, experience had its merits. Every word struck right at the heart of the matter."Whether you are Mrs. Frost, Ms. Wilson, or Ms. Shaw, I just hope you can see th
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
“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
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