Mary treated Yasmin as usual and still addressed her as "Mrs. Ford".Yasmin kept her head lowered as Blake instinctively looked over to her. He then fixed his gaze on her beige outfit and remarked, "The weather is quite cold today. Why are you wearing that?"Yasmin grinned and said, "I'm going to visit my dad today, so I figured that I'd wear an elegant outfit to suit the occasion."Blake disapprovingly waved his hands and frowned. "No, it's 54 degrees today. You shouldn't wear that, and certainly not with your bare legs."Yasmin corrected him, "I'm not bare-legged at all. I'm wearing fleece leggings. They look just like regular tights."Blake's expression hardened as he retorted, "That's not going to cut it. You need to put on more clothes, or you're not stepping outside. Put on a long coat now."Yasmin pouted. "You're so annoying!" She was running out of patience with how nosy Blake was being.Ignoring her protests, Blake fetched a long coat from upstairs and draped it over
Deep inside, Yasmin still resented Emelda.Back then, Emelda had begged Stuart to rehire Victor into Starr Corporation. Subsequently, this led to Victor upsetting Stuart and the recurrence of Stuart's heart inflammation.While Yasmin couldn't forgive Emelda, she couldn't bring herself to rebuke Emelda after seeing Emelda's pale complexion on the sick bed.In the end, Yasmin uncrossed her arms and said, "I don't blame you, Grandma."Emelda was already knocking on death's door, and Yasmin didn't want her to pass away with any regrets.Upon hearing Yasmin's words, Emelda seemingly regained her peace. Then, she shut her eyes and slowly drifted off to eternal sleep.After that, the heartbeat monitor flatlined.Emelda had passed on.Stuart bawled his eyes out. Upon seeing this, Yasmin felt heartbroken.They now needed to make the funeral arrangements.Stuart wasn't in the right mental state to plan a funeral, and neither did Yasmin have experience in handling one too. As she st
After paying his respects, Blake walked over to Yasmin and held her shoulder.Yasmin couldn't leave yet because she was the only family member staying back. So, she told Blake, "I'm the only family here, so I'll have to stick around the funeral home.""I'm the grandson-in-law, so I can stay back in your place. You should take a break," Blake suggested.Blake tried to get Yasmin to rest, but she still refused. Then, he gently coaxed her, saying, "You're pregnant. Standing for a long time will disrupt the blood flow and give you leg cramps. "Grab a seat over there, and let me handle it."Upon hearing his words, Yasmin walked away and finally took a rest.Later on, Blake brought her dinner too. Yasmin sat on a chair and opened her lunchbox. Then, she grabbed a few bites of food. As she did so, a wave of warmth washed over her. Without Blake, she would have been lost. After all, Yasmin was merely 23 years old and had limited experience in dealing with such things.She started
At half past six, Emelda had been laid to rest, and the grave was sealed. She had finally departed to the afterlife.Yasmin stood against the cold wind with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She sneaked a glance at Blake as he wearily looked at the grave.Then, by the time Yasmin and Blake arrived at Oak Garden, it was already 11:30 am. Yasmin suggested, "You look tired. You should go get some sleep."Blake took her hand and said, "You got up early today too. Let's sleep together then."Yasmin was exhausted as well. So, she leaned in closer and said, "Okay."And just like that, they cuddled each other on the bed as they drifted off to sleep.…One week later, Ivan suddenly showed up at Yasmin's studio. Yasmin was occupied with reviewing customer orders and was surprised to see him. She asked, "Hey, you're back, Ivo?""Yeah, I've finished my work at Ziporene," Ivan replied. Gavin had been impressed by Ivan's remarkable work and had sent him back home.Yasmin invited Ivan t
Hence, Blake didn't expect to see Ivan again. In the end, even after trying every method that he could think of, he still couldn't get rid of Ivan!"I'm coming up now," Blake said. Then, he ended the phone call before Yasmin could even respond. Troubled, Yasmin looked at Ivan.Upon noticing her gaze, Ivan immediately understood what was going on. He chuckled and coldly asked, "Is it Blake?""Yeah.""Did you move into Oak Garden with him?"Yasmin replied, "Yes. "I told you before that someone had dealt with Brian for me. Well, that person turned out to be Mr. B. And later on, I found out that Brian was the mastermind behind the whole issue regarding Victor too."Mr. B was busy at that time, so he wasn't aware of the crisis that Starr Corporation was facing. It was none of his fault."After sorting out the misunderstanding, Yasmin and Blake were on good terms again.Ivan nodded. Then, he wanted to say something else when Blake showed up in front of the office. As Bla
Yasmin shouted behind Blake, "Why are you going upstairs? Are you going to skip dinner?"However, Blake simply ignored her and went upstairs.Yasmin's face fell. She was peeved by Blake's temper and was running out of patience with him.So, Yasmin simply walked to the dining room and enjoyed her dinner on her own.Shortly after, Blake came to the dining room doorway. He was dressed in a robe and was acting coldly toward Yasmin.Meanwhile, Yasmin was chowing down the cherries. Blake's sudden appearance surprised her. "Why did you suddenly show up at the doorway? You nearly gave me a heart attack."Blake walked over and coldly remarked, "You're still eating?"Yasmin pouted. "Why not? I'm pregnant, so I have to eat.""Are you seriously going to attend the fashion show with Ivan?" Blake asked.Yasmin decided to be honest about it and said, "That's just how it is. Erinnyes will be collaborating with NAS Group, and since Ivan is the representative for the collaboration, I'll be
Once Yasmin put down her cup, Blake turned off the light and laid her on the bed. Then, before Yasmin could react, Blake turned her face to his and passionately kissed her.However, the heated kiss almost seemed like Blake's revenge toward Yasmin from his anger during dinner earlier.Yasmin tried to resist him, and with a scrunched-up face, she warned, "Hey, I'm pregnant.""That won't change anything. You're naughty, and you deserve to be punished." Blake nibbled on Yasmin's lips. Upon seeing Yasmin struggle, he huskily warned, "You can't say no to your husband."Despite attempting to flee from Blake's advances, Yasmin still failed. Then, Blake grabbed her by the waist and put her on top of his lap.Scared, Yasmin pleaded, "Our business meeting is strictly professional, and there's nothing else to it. You're overthinking it.""You have no feelings for him, but he doesn't feel the same way about you," Blake complained in annoyance. Then, he held Yasmin's chin and pressed his lip
"Sure," Yasmin said as she entered the venue with Ivan.…Two hours later, the fashion show ended.After gathering her belongings, Yasmin followed Ivan out of the place.In the corridor, Ivan looked at Yasmin and called out, "Yasmin." Yasmin instinctively looked over to him. "Yeah?"With a hesitant look, Ivan fixed his gaze on Yasmin and asked, "Did you make up with Blake?"Yasmin noticed that Ivan had something on his mind and gently said, "Speak your mind, Ivo.""Does the thought of Elise coming back one day scare you?" Ivan asked.Yasmin paused for a second before saying, "I don't think she ever will." After all, Blake had promised her that Elise wouldn't return.But Ivan then said, "I heard that Elise has fallen sick in Merania due to the weather. Blake might have gone over to check on her."Upon hearing this, Yasmin felt disheartened. She realized that Blake had left in a hurry that morning to visit Elise.…When night came, Yasmin returned to Oak Garden and noticed
Pamela thought that Yasmin's voice sounded strange, but since Yasmin was an important client, she didn't dare offend her.Politely, she replied, "It's okay. Please take your time.""Alright, please leave for now. I'll look for you once I'm finished here," Yasmin said in a strained voice."Okay." Pamela left soon after.Once she was gone, Yasmin awkwardly tapped Blake's shoulder. "Alright, stop it. You almost got us caught just now."Blake was now satisfied. A man who had been sated was no longer as surly. He became shockingly gentle, wrapping his arms around her waist and saying, "Join me for dinner later.""Okay," Yasmin weakly agreed. "Please let me go now."Blake finally released his hold on her. Yasmin's legs felt like jelly, and she nearly stumbled as soon as he let go.He steadied her and looked down at the torn train of the wedding dress. The front, however, still looked fine. He smiled and said, "You still look beautiful in the wedding dress."Yasmin glanced at the mir
Blake didn't respond, choosing instead to stare at Yasmin. She had just removed the tiara, letting her long hair cascade over her left shoulder. This brought attention to her fair skin and made her appear as if she was an otherworldly beauty.No wonder Ivan had been mesmerized earlier. A woman in a wedding dress truly possessed a sacred kind of elegance.Blake's gaze traveled down to her chest. She looked exquisite, but something was missing—the ring. His face darkened as he asked, "Where's the ring?""I took it off when I was trying on the wedding dress. I put it in my bag," Yasmin replied. She turned around to retrieve it for him.Maybe it was the way the wedding dress hugged her slender figure, or the graceful way she bent down to pick up the ring, her hips subtly lifting. Either way, the movement exuded an undeniable allure.Blake suddenly felt an overwhelming urge rise from within him. He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her waist as if possessed.Yasmin froze
Ivan sneered in response. "Oh? Do you want to come over and have a drink at the wedding?""There's no need for a wedding toast, but I'll send you a nice little gift soon. You've had Lizzie abducted, and I haven't settled that score yet." Blake's tone was cold and menacing.Still, Ivan wasn't afraid. He took a couple of steps forward, smirking as he said, "Feel free to try—but you should think it through. You have more loved ones than I do. "Besides your mother and Lizzie, there's also your grandmother. I could blow up your mother's hospital today, kidnap Lizzie tomorrow, and have your grandmother killed the day after."Blake's cold laughter came through the phone. "Is that so? Well then, I guess I need to send you a big gift today."The two men continued their exchange from a distance. Yasmin, who was unable to hear the conversation clearly, was trembling with fear. She was terrified of what they might be discussing.It was at this moment when Wendy hurried in from outside. She
Yasmin stepped into the fitting room and changed into the wedding dress. When she emerged, her long hair was elegantly pinned up, and her red lips were vibrant. It made her look breathtakingly beautiful.Ivan saw her and was momentarily stunned. His gaze was unwavering as he stared wide-eyed. Then, he caught himself and smiled. "Yasmin, you look stunning."She gave a slight smile in response, adding to her allure.Ivan was almost entranced. He picked up a crystal-encrusted tiara from nearby and placed it on her head. She glanced upward, her eyes sparkling as she stood there in the white wedding dress. She looked absolutely mesmerizing, and Ivan couldn't take his eyes off her.Meanwhile, Blake watched from across the street with a growing sense of jealousy. The sight of them together made him smirk cynically. Unable to contain himself, he pulled out his phone and called Yasmin.He didn't want to see them looking so perfect together. It irritated him to no end.When Yasmin's ph
Yasmin's heart ached as she listened, her eyes reddening. "You're doing great, Trist. If Mom were with you right now, I'd definitely give you a big hug."Tristan mumbled, "Mom, stop acting like it's the end of the world. You sound so sentimental. I'm doing just fine here. I've got friends to play with and plenty of household staff members to look after me. "You just take care of yourself in Merania, and do whatever you need to do. Once you're in Rimmervale, we'll see each other again."Yasmin nodded. "Yes, we'll see each other very soon."Just then, the door swung open, and there Ivan stood in the doorway. Yasmin jumped in surprise and instinctively ended the video call."Why are you crying?" Ivan asked, noticing her red eyes.Yasmin wiped her tears and smiled. "It's nothing. I just miss Trist."Ivan understood that being a mother made Yasmin emotional whenever she thought about her child. He then asked, "By the way, how was Trist's winter camp? When is he coming back?"Feelin
Yasmin huffed in exasperation. "I just stole his proposal a few days ago, and now he's starting to get suspicious. If I tell him I don't want to take wedding photos, he'll be on to me for sure. If he gets suspicious, my plan will be completely ruined."Blake remained silent on the other end of the line.Yasmin sighed and continued, "It's really not a big deal. This is the last thing I need to do with him. The wedding is in seven days—it'll all be over by then.""When are the wedding photos being taken?" Blake asked.Yasmin hesitated before answering, "Didn't I already tell you? The day after tomorrow, in the afternoon."Blake only replied with a simple, "It's late. Go to sleep." Then, he ended the call.Yasmin could tell he was not all too pleased, but she really didn't want to stir up more trouble than necessary. There were just seven more days to go—Yasmin wanted to get through the final spurt safely and smoothly.…On the day of the wedding dress fitting, Yasmin was having b
Yasmin had no idea what Ivan would do to her if he learned the truth. She feared that if she angered him, he might lock her up somewhere no one would ever find her."I did that because my grandma suggested it to me," Yasmin explained."Your grandma knows about all of this?" Blake asked."Of course. Do you think someone as sharp as her wouldn't notice that every time you visited, we disappeared for hours? She figured it out a long time ago and asked me what was going on between us.""So, you told her everything about us?""Yes, she knows we've reconciled. I even planted a listening device on Ivan. We're hoping to acquire evidence of his illegal activities." Yasmin nodded as she spoke."Did your grandma suggest that to you too?"Yasmin replied briefly, "Yes."Blake let out a soft laugh. "Your grandma is quite the master of strategies.""She really is," Yasmin agreed with a smile. But seconds later, her expression grew serious. "Blake, there's something I need to tell you.""Wha
Yasmin's face turned pale as she realized the extent of the surveillance at the Burke residence."Can the surveillance footage from the study be deleted?" Yasmin asked at the time.The housekeeper shook her head. "It can't be deleted. The surveillance is linked to Mr. Burke's computer. His computer is password-protected, and only he has access to it."Yasmin's heart sank at the news. She knew that once Blake made his move to sabotage Ivan's project, Ivan would inevitably discover that she was involved.Hence, she had already discussed a plan with Imogen to handle the situation. Although the process had been nerve-wracking, everything had gone smoothly. Ivan seemed to believe her explanation.With the project now in jeopardy, Ivan would likely need additional funding, which meant it was unlikely that he would call off the engagement. Yasmin assured herself that Ivan wouldn't do anything drastic to her—not when he needed money from Sander International.After seeing Ivan off, Yasmi
Ivan gently touched Yasmin's face and said softly, "Forget it. Four years ago, you did wrong by him. It's understandable that he threatened you. But don't worry, I've already forced him back to Stanton City."Soon, I'll deal with everyone who has wronged you. I'll make him miserable and ensure he has no time to harass you."Yasmin stared at him in surprise. "Ivo, what are you going to do to those people?""I won't let a single person who hurt you get away with it. However they treated you, I'll make sure they experience the same," Ivan said, his eyes dark with resolve.Yasmin took a deep breath, unable to find the right words.Ivan seemed to realize that his current expression was too grim. He softened his demeanor and asked with a forced smile, "Let me see what you bought for me."Yasmin quickly snapped back to attention and began showing him the gifts she had purchased. Since she had never bought him anything before, Ivan looked somewhat dazed as he looked at the gifts.He pic