He was slightly stunned. "You... knew about what happened at the company?""Yeah, I just found out today." I tried to shrug nonchalantly, but I found that I had no strength left. "So, you're not going to change your decision, right?"How could he bear to let Jessica stand at the center of attention again?As expected, his face turned slightly cold. "She's having a delicate pregnancy and can't handle stress. But rest assured, once she's better, I won't let you suffer any more grievance."His words made me completely disappointed.I suppressed the sourness in my nose and looked at him disappointedly. "But what if I'm pregnant too? What if my situation is worse than hers?"Every minute and every second I stood there, I could feel the dull ache in my lower abdomen and the dampness below.But my husband told me his sweetheart couldn't handle stress, so I had to handle it.Meaning, my life was expendable, and I should just endure it.Ryan's body stiffened slightly, then he chuckled
I was suddenly taken aback and instinctively glanced at Ryan. He appeared calm and gentle, holding me in his arms, looking nothing like someone who was here for a divorce. The floor of the hall was dry, and I gently freed myself from his grasp, pursing my lips. "No, we're here to get divorced.""Oh..."The staff member seemed regretful. "It's not easy for two people to come together. You seem to have a good relationship. Why do you want a divorce? Getting divorced is not a small matter. Please don't be impulsive. Once there's a crack, it's hard to mend."I lowered my gaze helplessly. "You might have gotten the sequence mixed up. Cracks don't appear because of divorce. Divorce happens because there are cracks."Few couples would want to divorce unless they had no other choice.The staff member stopped trying to dissuade us. "Well, go ahead. There aren't many people here because of the heavy rain. You can go to any available counter.""Okay, thank you."After thanking them, I foun
He was taken aback. "How did you know?"We were getting divorced so there was no point hiding anything. I said, "That day, I overheard you and Grandpa talking in the office. I heard you admit that you no longer have any feelings for me. Actually, this marriage may have been wrong from the beginning.""No."He almost urgently denied, furrowing his brow as he recalled, explaining, "My acknowledgment wasn't about that question. You misunderstood..."I wasn't eager to argue, simply watching him quietly with a faint smile. "So, did you ever love me?"Ryan was briefly stunned, perhaps finding this question particularly difficult. "Charlotte...""Don't explain. It would only make me look pitiful."I smiled lightly, seeming indifferent. "Have Gary send over the agreement I gave him. In the future, when you marry someone else, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to hold onto that share..."He suddenly interjected forcefully, every word deliberate, "I won't marry anyone else."My eyelashe
"So afraid that I'll regret it?" His voice was muffled. "But I'm more afraid that you'll treat me like a stranger."The surroundings were cold, but his embrace felt just as warm as it did in the past.His words left me stunned.By the time I collected my thoughts, he had already opened the car door for me. After I got in, he turned away without looking back.Through the rain curtain, I glimpsed his upright figure, soaked halfway through.It felt like a thousand ants were gnawing at my heart, leaving it emptier and emptier.So, this was how easy it was to end a marriage.Just half an hour at the Civil Affairs Bureau, submitting documents, signing papers.One month later, another visit, both parties were still in agreement, and we received our divorce certificates.And just like that, everything was cut off.The days of sharing a bed and pillow, of mutual support, seemed like nothing more than a dream.Of course, this all hinged on whether Ryan would keep his word.When I ret
Albert urgently spoke, "Mrs. Frost! Please come back quickly. Grandpa is furious and wants to beat Mr. Frost. Only you can talk him out of it.""What?" Just hearing the first half of the sentence, I sprang up, grabbed a coat, and headed out.It wasn't so much about worrying for Ryan.Although Grandpa had more than one grandson besides Ryan, he cared for him the most. Even if he were to lay hands on him, there would be degrees of severity, and it wouldn't be life-threatening. But Grandpa's health was important, and it was best not to upset him unnecessarily. Unless absolutely necessary, Albert wouldn't be this anxious.Albert said, "You'll see when you get back!"Regardless of my thoughts, when I arrived at the Frost family's residence, I was still stunned.In the study, Ryan, who had once been dignified and composed, was now kneeling on the floor, unable to straighten up from the beating. His forehead was throbbing with veins, and he could only support himself on the edge of th
Although I hadn't considered continuing this marriage with Ryan.Hearing Grandpa's resolute defense, my heart warmed.Ryan pursed his lips. "I have disappointed Charlotte, but I never intended to marry another.""Never intended? If you never intended, why did Charlotte divorce you? Wasn't it because you completely broke her heart?" Grandpa didn't believe a single word.Supporting himself on the edge of the ebony table, Ryan slowly stood up. "I truly never intended to. But I can't ignore Jessica either, especially since she's pregnant.""You're quite the humanitarian!" Grandpa threw a teacup at him.He didn't dodge it, taking the hit squarely on his forehead, which soon began to bleed. Despite this, his expression remained unchanged as he earnestly said, "I promised Aunt Wen that I would take care of her.""What about Charlotte? There are strong rumors in the company that you brought Jessica closer, making everyone see Charlotte as the homewrecker. Do you think that's fair to her
Although we didn't usually live here, the housekeeping staff kept everything immaculate, with not a speck of dust in sight. Even the bedsheets and covers were changed every three days. There was a vintage-style wedding photo hanging on the bedside, touched up by a top-notch editor without a trace of Photoshop.When Ryan sat on the bed, I attempted to withdraw my wrist again, but he held on tight, furrowing his brow. "You won't even help me apply medicine before the divorce is finalized?""I'll get the first aid kit. What else would I use to wipe it for you?"Helpless, I had to compromise. Only then did he let go, relaxing his grip. "Go ahead."I found the first aid kit in the drawer, took out the iodine and ointment, and walked over to him, standing in front of him. The wound on his forehead was shocking, and I gently lowered my head, one hand supporting the back of his head, the other wiping away the blood stains.Grandpa had really laid into him; as soon as I wiped away the bloo
My heart skipped a beat.In an instant, an indescribable discomfort overwhelmed me. This ring—it was our wedding ring. Back when we got married, he might not have cared much, but Grandpa spared no expense for his granddaughter-in-law. A million dollars in wedding gifts, a luxury wedding house, and wedding rings custom-made by a top-tier jewelry designer. Later, the dowry went to my aunt to repay her for raising me. There was no place for me in the marital home. The only thing left to accompany me daily was this ring.When we first married, I joyfully wore it on my ring finger. Upon learning that I was also working at the Frost Group, Ryan immediately advised me to keep a low profile. That very day, I took it off and wore it around my neck on a delicate chain. I wore it like that for three whole years.Something that once brought me joy had now become a silent mockery. To Ryan, this ring and I were both unwelcome. I chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I just forgot to take it off."Indeed
Westley knew why Zachary specifically mentioned these two things.Once the wedding was held, the whole world would know they were married.And once they had the child, he and Jordan would be very closely connected.Even if the hidden matters came to light, and there were issues between the Howard and Jackson families, it wouldn't be easy for Jordan to distance herself from him.But Westley didn't want to do that.He still needed to ask Jordan, and if she wanted to know, he would give her the choice.He had never really given her the power to choose before, he had always been forcing her into decisions."I'll notify you."Zachary didn't get involved in this matter and didn't say anything else.He first took Jordan and Westley back home.When they got out of the car, Jane said to Jordan, "Don't overthink it, this is all caused by the previous generation, it has nothing to do with us. If you keep thinking about it, aren't you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?"Jor
But he always had doubts in his heart.He had thought it was just a professional habit.Now he realized, it might not be, and this could be another kind of warning — from Grandpa.Someone like him, who could cause trouble for the Jackson family, was really quite extraordinary."It'll be fine, trust me, okay?"Jordan turned to hug him, burying her head in his shoulder.Westley gently patted her back, offering silent comfort.When she fell asleep, he took his phone and went to the balcony.He called his father."What a surprise," said Jonathan. "But... there must be a reason why you’re calling me so late at night, right?"Westley held a cigarette in his hand but didn't light it.To be honest, he wasn't feeling certain either.Sometimes, it was actually better to stay a little confused."Dad, do you know about the Jackson family?"Jonathan was silent for a moment. "You want to ask about your grandfather and the Jackson family?""Yes.""I advise you not to know too much abo
Jane also felt that finding out wouldn't mean anything. On the contrary, it might cause a fuss."Then we won't look into it. Let's just pretend we don't know anything."Jordan followed, "I agree with my sister."Zachary and Westley quickly exchanged a look.Westley agreed, saying they wouldn't investigate.But he was the kind of person who couldn't leave any potential risks, so he still needed to be clear about the cause and effect himself.Back at the Jackson family, Westley accompanied Calvin to play chess.Aunt Emily asked Zachary how things went.Zachary smiled faintly, replying, "It went well. No issues."Aunt Emily nodded. "Did both of them meet their grandma?""They did," said Zachary. "The two sisters took a peek, and I spoke with Calandra for a bit with Westley."Aunt Emily's gaze flickered. "What did you talk about?""Nothing much. Just some casual things." Zachary took out his phone. "Aunt Emily, I have a work call to make.""Go ahead and do what you have to."
The friend who Elvis took a bullet for was the same person who had brought Jordan to the Howard family back then.Westley suddenly felt that something he had overlooked was becoming clear.Zachary also sensed that something was off and signaled him to continue speaking.Westley said, "That friend had been with my grandfather for many years, they passed away one after the other."Calandra's expression suddenly changed, and she tightly grasped Westley's hand.Westley's heart sank, but he didn't show any emotion on his face. He gently asked, "Grandma, are you feeling unwell?"Calandra suddenly pushed Westley away. "It's all your fault!""If you had helped, how could all of this have happened?" Then Calandra began crying. "If it weren't for necessity, how could I have done such things? How could I lose my daughter, my granddaughter?"Westley and Zachary exchanged a glance and looked at Ruth. "Ruth, help Grandma get some rest. If she needs medicine, give it to her.""Okay." Ruth ha
The fact that Jordan resembled her mother was well known to everyone.She felt quite happy about it, but just as she was about to speak, the care worker’s words caused her to feel extremely upset."You look so much like her, so it's better if you don't go in."Jane patted Jordan's back, signaling her not to be upset.This wasn't her fault. It was beyond their control.Jordan shook her head, signaling that she was fine.Jane turned to the care worker and asked, "Can I go in then?"The care worker examined Jane closely and said, "You resemble your father a little, but thankfully, not as much as Mr. Jackson. However, I still suggest you don't go in. Even the slightest stimulus could be dangerous for someone who's sick."Jane hugged Jordan. "We really are sisters."Jordan gave a wry smile.Westley gently patted her head. "I'll go in first to take a look. Don't worry."He then turned to the care worker. "Take them to a warm place."The care worker led Jane and Jordan to enter fr
Everything was discussed in the group chat."You're not going?"Jane glanced at her grandfather. There was a rift between him and her grandmother, so it wasn't very convenient. But Aunt Emily was her grandmother's biological daughter.Since their grandmother had already lost two daughters, she should cherish Aunt Emily and Aunt Orianna even more.Aunt Emily's face darkened slightly. "Your grandmother is ill, so I won't go this time. If you can't stand it, just come back immediately. It'll be fine."Jane comforted Aunt Emily. "It's fine, I'll handle it. I still have some confidence when it comes to easing relationships."Aunt Emily forced a smile. "There's no need to force it. We're happy that your grandmother can live this long, without any pain when she leaves. As daughters, we're also relieved."Jane was curious, but since this matter was painful for the Jackson family, she didn't ask further.Zachary and Westley arrived late and apologized to Aunt Emily and Calvin."It's fi
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Jordan was no longer the fool she once was. "If we go down for breakfast in the morning, will they think we did something?"Westley smiled, hugging her and admitting his mistake. "I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.""You apologize every time, but you'll still do the same thing next time."Westley had originally thought that their real first time should be in the honeymoon suite.But the Jackson family's residence was hers, and it had been prepared for her from the beginning.He was indeed feeling tempted, but seeing how embarrassed she was, he decided to hold back.But then she insisted on getting close to him that night.It wasn't like he was impotent, how could he resist?"As for this matter, I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m apologizing because I love you.""Jordy."When he called her that, there was a sense of helplessness in his tone.Jordan also felt that she had overreacted.But in the Jackson family's residence with Westley... she really felt s
Aunt Emily also felt awkward. "Jane, it's cold today..."Jane glanced at the time and felt it was about time.She then took Calvin and Aunt Emily back home.Aunt Emily personally went to cook for everyone. She was full of joy since Jane and Jordan returned.Jane first gave Calvin his medicine and, with some free time, played chess with him.She didn't know how to play at all, but Calvin was very patient and taught her bit by bit.At dinner, they finally saw Westley and Jordan.Jane noticed that Jordan clearly avoided eye contact, her cheeks flushed with a bit of redness, feeling embarrassed and shy.Westley, however, remained calm and composed, looking refreshed."Grandpa, dinner time." Jane put down her chess piece. "Let’s get Westley to play with you after dinner, he plays better than me. Otherwise, it's just boring here with me."Calvin was in a good mood. "It's fine, I enjoy playing with anyone."As long as they were all around, safe, happy, and healthy, he was fine with
In the middle of it, Westley went outside to get some food to replenish Jordan.Jordan buried herself under the blanket, feeling extremely embarrassed.In the end, she had been the one to go back on her own words."Have something to eat."Westley pulled her out of the blanket, put his shirt on her, and carried her to the sofa.Jordan gave him a resentful look.Her pout clearly showed she was angry, but Westley only wanted to kiss her."Westley!"Jordan suddenly pushed him away. "You're so annoying."Westley handed her some cutlery. "Well, you can be mad at me all you want but you’ve got to eat something first."Jordan really was hungry. She hadn't eaten anything all morning and had used up a lot of energy.She turned her frustration into appetite.Westley ate a little too.Jordan's eyes darted around, hesitating to speak. "When you went downstairs earlier..."Westley knew what she wanted to ask, but pretended not to understand. "What do you mean?"Jordan glared at him. "