Ryan squinted his eyes slightly, casually looking at me, lips curved. "Wanna try?"It was the same smile as usual, but I felt a chill run down my spine.It seemed like if I dared, he would snap my neck the next second."Let's give it a try."I followed the principle of not backing down.His face turned cold as frost, a sneer forming, ready to explode, when suddenly, his phone rang loudly.Jessica’s name immediately flashed through my mind.I couldn't help but marvel at how accurate a woman's sixth sense could be.It really was Jessica.Ryan furrowed his brows. He didn't pick up, and the ringtone continued to sound.If he wanted to decline the call, he had a hundred ways to do so.So obviously, he didn't want to."Ryan, where have you been? Why haven't you come back yet? The baby in my womb wants strawberry cake. Hurry up and get it for me!"The car's cramped space completely isolated us from the outside noise, and Jessica's gentle and charming voice rang clearly in my ears
"Gary, drive! Take her home," he said, then closed the car door straightaway.Gary promptly got into the car. "Mrs. Frost, my apologies."The doors were then locked.I could only watch helplessly as Ryan walked a short distance away and got into a bodyguard's car.Both cars started almost simultaneously but headed in completely different directions at the traffic light intersection.It was as if Ryan and I were never meant to walk side by side.I felt drained of all strength, slumping weakly into the seat, my mind in turmoil.Why did I bother?Wouldn’t it be better for him if I let them be?‘Ryan, what exactly do you want?’ I wondered.Gary drove, observing my expression cautiously before cautiously speaking up. "Mrs. Frost, you don't need to argue with Mr. Frost like this. After all, you are Mrs. Frost. You shouldn't worry too much about Jessica.""Gary." I rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rush in, and pursed my lips. "Do you also think that just because I have
I couldn't help but laugh.Ryan was going to take responsibility for her.What did she want from me?She should be going to Ryan.Jessica touched her belly. "You need to finalize your divorce quickly, or it'll delay getting my child registered.""Then you should go tell Ryan to hurry up."The company's headquarters had constant temperature-controlled air conditioning throughout the year. I took off my coat, hung it up, and picked up a spray bottle to water the row of plants in front of the French windows.Since Ryan refused to draw clear boundaries, I wasn't in a hurry either.I could just let Jessica make a fuss.Jessica sneered coldly. "Don't play this game of pretending to be indifferent while clinging to Ryan. I can actually understand you. Being an orphan, with no parents, grabbing onto the Frost family tree that ensures your comfort, you don't want to let go. It's human nature. But Charlotte, as a woman, you know when to feel shameful."She crossed her arms whilst laugh
I kindly pointed her in the right direction. "If you hope your child isn't illegitimate, go find Ryan and ask him to hurry up with the divorce, understood? Don't make a scene here. If you end up having a miscarriage, you'll lose one more bargaining chip to marry into the Frost family. See her out."Finally, I instructed her assistant.Jessica was furious and probably thought I had a point, so she just left.And the direction I pointed her in worked quite effectively.As for how I knew, in the afternoon, I received a call from Ryan."What did you say to her?" he asked as soon as I answered the call.I paused and said, "I didn't say much, just that she urged me to divorce you and I told her to talk to you."His tone became colder. "You didn't tell her to go die?"Was she trying to exaggerate things?I wasn't surprised that Jessica would do this. Softening my voice, I said, "I only said that because I was provoked. She called me a prostitute pretending to be virtuous, a disaster
When we returned home after finishing the IV, it was already dark outside. Worried that she wouldn't take care of herself for the next couple of days, I decided to stay at her place.The next day, during breakfast, Jane glanced at me several times furtively. I chuckled. "What's up?""Well, it's just... it's just..." Jane hesitated, then brought herself together. "The night Ryan took the aphrodisiac, your phone suddenly died. I didn't get a chance to ask you about it later."I didn't understand. "Ask me about what?"She smiled and leaned in, asking, "Did you guys do it? With that drug, is it really long-lasting and powerful?"I was having cereals and choked instantly. Although I already knew she had an outspoken personality, she still caught me off guard.I coughed several times, pretending to be calm. "No, we didn't do anything."She handed me a few pieces of tissues, looking skeptical. "Really?""Of course not. I'm still in the first three months of pregnancy. How could we?"
I was surprised. "How come everyone knows she's pregnant? This should be something very few people know about.""Who knows." Jane crossed her legs, sitting down. "There are plenty of people willing to expose mistresses. She probably slipped up somewhere herself, and it spread.""Just take a look and don't get involved," I said.I wasn't a saint. Whether it was Jessica or Ryan involved in this kind of marital affair, whoever got criticized deserves it. But Ryan was difficult to deal with. If he decided to stand up for Jessica, I was afraid that Jane would get dragged into it. She was already struggling to survive in Jelaston on her own. She wouldn't withstand Ryan's suppression.Jane uncomfortably rubbed her ear and muttered, "Got it." She spoke so fast I could barely make it out.After filling our stomachs, I watched her take her medicine before she settled onto the couch to play games. Meanwhile, I lay on the coffee table, pondering over the designs for the competition.The dead
Jane held back at first but then snatched the phone from me in one swift move, her illness didn't weaken her fighting spirit in the slightest."Jessica, don't you have a mirror? Or are you just blind? You can't even hide the words 'mistress' on your face, can you? And you, Ryan, who the hell do you think you are..."I shivered after hearing those words, not waiting for them to escalate the conversation, I lunged forward and hung up the phone!Jane wasn't done venting her anger. "Why did you hang up? I was about to give those two a piece of my mind!""Calm down," I said.I originally felt extremely aggrieved, but now I calmed down. I poured a glass of water for Jane. "Actually, if Ryan really listens to her, it might be better for everyone if we got divorced."Given the current situation between Ryan and me, letting each other go might be the best choice."Are you really okay with that?" Jane took a big gulp of hot water, getting more and more worked up. "I support you getting di
"Stop embarrassing yourself!""Huh?" Tom opened his eyes and was shocked. "Charlotte? It's you... uh..."He scratched his head awkwardly. "I didn't expect you to be here as well.""Yeah, I'm here to hang out with Jane," I teased, pointing to the shoe cabinet. "Help yourself."Seeing him like this, it was clear he wasn't here for the first time and didn't need me to fetch slippers for him.Turning back, I gave Jane a puzzled look.Jane shrugged. "It's definitely not what you're thinking. I'm still single by the way.""Charlotte, just wait for my good news!" Tom had eased out of his embarrassment, changed into a pair of slippers, and smiled.Jane retorted, "Get lost, why are you here?""You said you were sick, so I came to check on you.""You come to visit someone who's sick empty-handed?""I came over as soon as you told me you were sick, so I didn't have time to buy anything. I'll order something right now."I tactfully carried my drawing board into the bedroom. I sat by th
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
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
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