My eyes were slightly misty, and my heart ached. For a moment, I thought about just laying everything bare. If it had any impact on his condition, I would face it with him. It would be better than him constantly pondering and thinking I'm an unfaithful person.I shook my head. "No, Frank, these past two years I…""Forget it." Frank's smile was shallow, with an unmistakable tone of mockery. Yet, the corners of his eyes were red. "Charlotte, I shouldn't have had any expectations from you."His words were too harsh.I widened my eyes, trying to hold back the tears, and forced a semblance of relief. "If you say so."After all, in the past two years, despite my efforts to find out about him, I hadn't received any news.Like a passing shadow, it was as if nothing had ever happened.I didn't need to tell him about everything I had done. In his eyes, I am that indifferent and ungrateful person. As soon as he was rumored to be dead, I immediately moved on and found happiness with someo
"Yes." Alana nodded. "My friend has met Yasmin a couple of times at events and managed to add her on WhatsApp and followed her on Twitter. She mentioned that last year, Yasmin seemed to have posted something on Twitter.""What kind of post?""Yasmin's Tweets are only visible for six months, but the general gist was something like a blessing from heaven. She doesn't remember the exact details, but the photo showed Yasmin with a young woman, looking to be in her 20s.""Blessing?" Frank's gaze focused, and he sent over a photo. "Have your friend check if the girl in the photo is the same person.""Sure." Alana quickly sent the photo to her friend and then reported back to Frank. "Yes, the girl in your photo is the same person on Yasmin's Twitter.""Charlotte!" While I was lost in thought on the sofa, a soft, cute voice brought me back to reality. Danny peeked out, looking a bit shy. "I forgot that I don't have any fresh clothes.""I'll go find some for you."I was now used to him c
Yasmin was a bit surprised and laughed. "Oh? How did you already know? There's no surprise left.""I saw a post from Joanne before she boarded her flight.""Oh, I see." Yasmin smiled and said, "I'm here on a business. Also, as you've heard from Joanne before, Christine likes Jeswood, so I'm planning to check out a few properties here. I'm considering settling down."Her tone grew somewhat complex by the end, as if it were a reluctant decision after much struggle. It seemed she didn't particularly like Jeswood but was doing it to fulfill Christine's wishes.I nodded. "It's clear that you really cherish your daughter.""Yes, after all, she's my only daughter." Yasmin's voice softened a bit when she spoke of this. "I'm willing to do anything for her."I smiled lightly. "A mother can be very strong. You're a great mother. By the way, you'll probably be staying in Jeswood for a while this time, right?""Unless something unexpected happens, yes. Why do you ask?""I’m starting to make
When Yasmin recognized this daughter and learned how difficult her early years had been, she made up her mind to give her the best of everything in the world. It had only been a little over a year since they were reunited, and if she were to recognize another goddaughter now, it would surely upset Christine.Joanne lit a cigarette and said, "I feel like there's always something off between you and Christine.""How so?""Well, you talk to Charlotte quite casually and often find yourself thinking about her needs without realizing it." Joanne exhaled a thin ring of smoke. "But with Christine, you're always worried about whether you've done something right or whether you've made up for something. Even Christine…"At this point, Joanne sighed. "Don't blame me for being blunt, but I think Christine sees you more like a cash machine.""Christine…" Yasmin looked momentarily lost and then said with guilt, "I owe her. Joanne, you have to consider, the suffering she endured in her early year
"She did.""I see." Christine gritted her teeth in secret.Since that wretched person couldn't take a hint and insisted on sticking close to her mother, she shouldn't blame her if things turned out badly. She had missed her chance with the Shaw family before, but no matter what, she wouldn't let go of Yasmin, who was an even bigger prize! At least that was what she thought.As soon as I hung up the phone, Jane came over. "You look so happy. What's the good news?""Ms. Jackson wants to help make some connections." I put down my phone. "She invited me to join her for a dinner party tomorrow.""That's great news!" Jane was also pleased. "I was just worried about how to boost your reputation in the domestic market. You know, even though we could talk business with a pile of awards, it still feels like it would be more harm than good.""Those who want to spend money on custom designs are looking for prestige, and when we seek them out ourselves, it's easy for us to be looked down upon
On the way to the hotel, the driver was at the wheel. We sat in the back seat, and Ryan was somewhat silent. Occasionally, he would glance at me but remained silent.He didn't speak, and I didn't particularly want to talk to him either, so I remained quiet as well.The hotel wasn't too far away. In silence, we soon arrived."Was that little boy who called you 'Aunt' Frank's nephew?" After a long while, Ryan's deep and hoarse voice finally broke the silence in the car.I looked up at him and met his complex black eyes. "Yes, he's the child of his cousin."Ryan seemed a bit agitated. He subconsciously took out a cigarette from his cigarette case, put it between his lips, and looked at me before stopping and not lighting it. He irritably tossed the cigarette into the ashtray in the car, his eyes fixed on me as he hesitated, then finally asked, "Are you and Frank together?"His voice had a barely perceptible tremor.I looked at him, feeling no sense of guilt at all. It felt as thoug
Ryan remained silent for quite a while. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. After a significant pause, he spoke softly, "Did it hurt?"I shook my head. "It doesn't hurt anymore."He shook his head as well. "No, I mean, did it hurt at the time?""It was okay." I licked my lips. "It wasn't the most painful thing for me.""I remember…" Ryan's voice had a nasal quality. "You were afraid of needles even when getting blood drawn."I chuckled lightly. "I was afraid of pain back then, but not so much anymore."Later on, one thing after another made me realize that pain was the simplest and most straightforward thing. There was nothing to be afraid of.Plus, being trapped in depression and having secretly stopped my medication when I first arrived in Frankes, I couldn't control my emotions. At that time, I didn't even have the luxury to think about pain. The knife was already in the wound before I even realized it.As I spoke, the car had already parked in the driveway, and the driv
"Scarlet!" Yasmin poked her on the head. "I suspect that the rumors online slandering me were spread by you."Suddenly, Ryan came over with a glass of wine, clinking it from a distance. "Ms. Jackson, it's been a while."His gaze, however, kept drifting towards me."Mr. Frost, I didn't expect you to be here tonight as well," said Yasmin, somewhat surprised. She saw through his intentions but didn't address them directly. Instead, she asked, "When did you become interested in our entertainment industry?""Just looking to get a piece of the pie," Ryan smiled and said calmly. "I'm just not sure if Ms. Jackson is willing to cooperate?"In other words, the RF Group was considering entering the entertainment industry. Out of respect for Yasmin, he wanted to give her a heads-up to avoid any future misunderstandings.Yasmin smiled. "Mr. Frost, you’re hilarious. It’s the survival of the fittest in any industry."From a distance, Christine watched the scene with gritted teeth.Her mother
Jonathan almost spit out the tea he was drinking."You have principles now?""Not the right time to talk nonsense."Westley. "Do you always talk in a way that pokes others' pain points?"Jonathan smiled for a moment. "If you've done it, don't be afraid of people talking about it."Westley didn't want to continue the conversation and stood up to leave.He went to the kitchen to find Jordan and found her eating ravioli."Didn't you say you'd help?" Westley sat next to her. "How come you're eating secretly? Give me a bite?"Jordan guarded the food. "It’s in the kitchen. There's still plenty in the pot.""But I want to eat from your bowl.""But I don't want to give you any."Westley laughed. "Okay."But while Jordan took a bite of the ravioli, he kissed her.Jordan's eyes widened as she felt the ravioli in her mouth being stolen away."You're disgusting."Westley smiled. "Sweet."Jordan couldn't eat anymore and pushed the remaining ravioli to him. "I'm not eating anymore."
Now that she had remarried him, this was also her home, and there was no need to tidy up anymore."Really?" Westley turned her around. "It'll be troublesome to go to another room and come back for something later.""What do you mean?" Jordan felt like she didn't understand his words today. "Just spill it already."Westley nodded seriously. "Okay, I'll spill it. We're married now. From now on, when we come back here, we'll sleep together. If you don't tidy up and pack your things, there won't be anything for you in my room."Jordan understood. She suddenly smiled and patted his shoulder. "Who said that after marriage, we have to sleep in the same bed? If there's nothing of mine in your room, I'll sleep in my own room. It's not like you only have one room."Westley laughed. "Okay, you're being naughty now."Jordan replied, "You become like the people you spend time with."She finished speaking and ran off.She went to the kitchen to see Miranda and offer to help.Miranda told he
"What is there to prepare?" Westley sat down with Jordan. "They're not strangers."Miranda gave her a glare and handed Jordan some fruit. "Look at me, still wearing my pajamas...""Jordy, it's not that I don't care about you. It's just that Westley didn't say anything, and you two... we also didn't want to ask too much. Wait for me to change into something proper. What would you like to eat? I'll personally cook for you."Jordan quickly stopped her. "No need, we're so familiar with each other already, Mom."Miranda froze, then after a long pause, she grasped Jordan's hand, wiping her tears as she said, “Okay.”Jordan gave Westley a look, and he handed her a tissue.She wiped Miranda's tears. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry.""It's our fault," Miranda patted her hand. "We never thought that Westley would do that.""You two grew up together and had a great relationship. We always thought, when we're gone, he'll be able to love you and take care of you well on our beha
Jordan asked him, "You finished so quickly?""Why does it sound like you're unhappy that I came over?""No, it's just that your meetings used to take quite a long time."Westley casually ruffled her hair.Jordan wasn't happy. "You messed up my hairstyle!"Westley chuckled softly. "You're just had your hair down. Is it even styled?""You don't understand.""Alright, I don't understand."Westley pulled her back to the bedroom.Jordan wasn't happy. When they were going upstairs, he carried her back to the room."Do you really like kids that much?"Jordan put her hands against him to stop him from getting any closer."What, can't I like kids now? Henry and Sparrow are so cute."Westley caught both her hands and pinned them down. "Then should we have one too?"Jordan struggled. "Who said I want to have one with you?""Then who do you want to have one with?"Jordan kicked him with her leg. "Get off me."Westley bent down and asked, "Afraid of the pain?""Yes." Jordan was pi
Jordan didn't really know—she had only come here to escape.Now, there wasn't much left to escape from.If it weren't for wanting to spend a few more days with Jane and the others, she would have already been ready to go back to work.Westley saw that she had been thinking for a long time without speaking and asked, "So, are you coming with me to the theme park, or playing with those two kids?"Jordan almost forgot—there were two adorable children here."Then I'll play with the kids.""What, still think I'm too old?"Jordan gave him a playful glare. "Stop bringing that up all the time. Don't think you can keep me trapped with that topic."Westley asked, "Then why not come to the theme park with me?""Weren't you the one who gave me the choice?"Jordan gave a soft snort. "If you only want one answer, then next time give me just one option.""Alright." Westley looked at her with eyes full of affection. "Whatever you say goes.""I've got a meeting—you go play with the kids."
It felt very unreal.It felt like she was dreaming."Will you marry me?""Huh?"Jordan was completely dazed, thinking she would hear him say a lot of touching words.But in the end, all she heard were just those simple words."Are you... talking?"Westley nodded. "Yes. Will you marry me?"For a moment, Jordan truly wanted to throw the flowers at his face.But then she remembered her conversation with Charlotte.And she felt that Charlotte had a point.They were already married, yet Westley still wanted to give her a sense of ceremony.Even if he didn't say any romantic lines, she wouldn't be able to refuse his proposal now.With that thought in mind, she reached out her hand."I will!"Westley slipped the ring onto her finger, stood up, and hugged her.Jordan heard him whisper softly in her ear. "I'm really nervous. It's my first time doing something like this, so I don’t know what to say—I was afraid I'd cry. Give me a little grace. Whatever you want to hear, I'll say
"Okay."Jordan started to feel something was off. "Charlotte, I remember you didn't like the smell of cigarettes. Didn't Frank stop smoking after being with you?"Charlotte responded calmly, "Not really. If I didn't like the smell of cigarettes, I wouldn't have gotten along with Jane for so many years. She was already smoking when I first met her. Also, Frank didn't stop smoking just because he was with me. It was only later, when I was pregnant and feeling unwell, that he stayed by my side and simply forgot about it. Men have a lot of work pressure too. If he smokes now and out of my sight, I think I should try to understand that. That's what being a couple means."Jordan was persuaded. "Yeah, I guess you’re right. There should be mutual understanding. I do act a bit spoiled sometimes."Charlotte said, "When I talk about understanding, I don't mean compromise. If there's something you really can't accept, it still needs to be discussed between the two of you."Jordan was confused
"Wow."Jane and Charlotte stood at the doorway, watching with great interest.It was quite the appetizing show.Zachary and Frank, on the other hand, weren't interested, and headed to the yard to set up the grill.Frank chatted casually with him. "He's been proving himself for two days now—why do you keep poking at his age? He even made you bleed."Zachary said, "I did it for the greater good. Look at them now, kissing like they can't bear to part."Frank cocked his brows and said nothing in response.Jordan overheard Jane and Charlotte's voices.Her face turned completely red from embarrassment.She couldn't push Westley away, so she had no choice but to bite him.When he relaxed his grip, she took the chance to run.She didn't even dare glance at Jane and Charlotte at the door.Back in her room, she buried herself under the blanket.So embarrassing.Downstairs, Jane and Charlotte, satisfied with the show, headed to the yard.Westley, meanwhile, went upstairs.Sure eno
'What was that?'Jordan truly had nothing in her head but confusion.She had just been teased by Jane outside.She thought that since she hadn't come downstairs in the past couple of days, everyone already knew—Westley was... not impotent.Why was Frank saying things like that now?"Frank, what are you talking about?""Nothing."Frank left the kitchen and sat next to Charlotte.After Jane finished tending to Zachary's wound, she even fed him some food.The man held his wife in his arms and asked in a low voice, "All your friends are bringing their husbands food. Why aren't you doing the same?"Charlotte smiled. "That's because Jane took a bite and didn't like it. She thought it would be wasteful, so she gave it to Zachary."Frank played with her hand and asked, "Is there nothing you don't like to eat?""Nope."In the kitchen—Jordan sensed that Westley was upset. She reached out and hugged him, asking, "Did Zachary and the others tease you?"Westley finished handling wha