At the doctor's words, everyone fell silent. All eyes turned to Yasmin.She was just as confused but realized her symptoms indeed resembled those of early pregnancy. After a moment, she said, "My periods have been irregular. Sometimes they come every two months, other times three."The doctor suggested, "Given your symptoms, it might be a good idea to get a blood test."Soon, they found themselves waiting for the test results.About half an hour later, the report confirmed that Yasmin was 12 weeks pregnant.She was already three months pregnant.The news stunned everyone, including Imogen and Ivan. In particular, Ivan was taken aback to learn Yasmin was carrying Blake's child."Whose child is this?" Rowena's initial shock quickly gave way to disdain. Merania's law was strict. Once pregnant, a woman had to carry the child to term as abortion was illegal.Yasmin's face turned pale. Just as she was about to respond, Ivan stepped in. He announced, "This is my child."Yasmin was
Four years later, Yasmin was now residing in Eulandia. Erinnyes had expanded their business there. Over these years, Yasmin had been focused on business expansion, with Sander International providing strong support.Thus, she drifted further away from home while focusing all her energy on her career. Today, she had become a globally renowned designer.As for her child, Tristan Sander was already three years old. He was a boy, with the nickname Trist.After Yasmin arrived and set things up in Eulandia, she brought Tristan over. He was usually cared for by her assistant, Pearl Carroll.Ivan, on the other hand, had officially become her fiancé.When she gave birth to Tristan, Yasmin experienced severe hemorrhaging and was in critical condition. Ivan was the one who fought desperately to save her.According to Imogen, the doctors had declared Yasmin's situation dire. However, Ivan refused to accept the grim news. He summoned every top doctor available in the area, and it took a tea
Ivan felt a little disappointed but didn't press Yasmin any further. He simply reminded her to be careful on the journey back.When Yasmin returned home, she opened the door to see a few model airplanes flying around. One of which had a speaker attached to it. From the small speaker came Tristan's childish voice, "Oh, isn't this our famous designer, Yasmin? Back so early today, what a rare guest!"Yasmin tried to placate him. She said, "Trist, I'm sorry. I know I've been busy lately and haven't been paying enough attention to you. But with the new product launch, I've been swamped. I'm really sorry."Hearing her apology, the little boy behind the speaker finally relented. He huffed and then used the remote controller to have the plane fly lower, bringing it right in front of her. He said, "Alright. Since your apology is sincere, I'll let you off this time. Here, have some strawberries."The model airplane hovered closer, carrying a small bag of strawberries behind it.Yasmin s
Yasmin's limbs were frozen stiff, her throat tight with anxiety.What terrified her most was the possibility of Blake recognizing Tristan.Together, the mother-son had built a good life abroad. They had enjoyed freedom and wealth, and Ivan had never pressured her. Yasmin had no intention of returning to Stanton City with him.But Blake seemed not to recognize her. He walked past her without even glancing in her direction.Yasmin stood rooted to the spot. She couldn't process what had just happened. It wasn't until Blake had moved far away that she began to recover her senses."Yasmin." Suddenly, someone touched her shoulder.She screamed in fright and almost fell. Fortunately, the man caught her by the waist and prevented her from hitting the ground."What did you see? Why are you so scared?" Ivan asked. His gaze swept the area.Yasmin's face was pale as she looked in the direction Blake had disappeared in. There was no sign of him anymore.At that moment, she wasn't sure if w
Yasmin felt a pang of guilt. Imogen was so old, yet had to wait for Yasmin to return before she could have the surgery. Yasmin felt every bit like an ungrateful grandchild at that moment. "Now that you're back, you won't be leaving again, will you?" Imogen asked Yasmin.Yasmin smiled and replied, "I'll be staying in Merania for a while."She planned to wait until Imogen's condition improved before returning.As they chatted by the bedside, Rowena whispered, "I don't think Trist and Ivan look alike at all."Rowena had been observing closely and felt there was no resemblance between the two.At those words, everyone fell silent.Rowena turned to Imogen and broke the silence, "Don't you think so, Mom? Look, the three of them standing together—Trist does resemble Yasmin a bit, but he doesn't look like Ivan at all."Imogen smiled at that. "Perhaps Trist looks more like his mother.""That's not entirely true either. Only his lips and chin resemble hers, but the eyes and overall f
It had been a long time since anyone had mentioned Blake. He was a painful memory to Yasmin.At first, she would often think of him. However, she deliberately ignored and suppressed her feelings after some time passed.Eventually, he had become a part of her past that she preferred not to revisit.Yasmin lowered her gaze and replied slowly, "He was a decent person, but we were not suited for each other. We just couldn't make it work." Yasmin was unwilling to elaborate further.Imogen sighed and said, "Yasmin, since it's in the past, you should let it go. The child needs a father, and I'm getting old and sickly. I hope to attend your wedding with Ivan before I pass away…"Yasmin didn't respond to this. Instead, she said, "Grandma, don't think such things. You will live a long life."Imogen only added, "Think it over carefully. Since you've been delaying the marriage, the Burke family is considering setting up Ivan on some blind dates."Yasmin covered Imogen with a blanket and the
Knowing that Yasmin was about to downplay the situation, Tristan spoke up. "Uncle Ivan, Rowena called me a bastard. Mom was just about to teach her a lesson."Upon hearing this, Ivan's eyes darkened. He walked over to Rowena and looked down at her. "Did you just call Trist a bastard?"Under Ivan's scrutinizing glare, Rowena's face went pale. She couldn't find the words to respond.Ivan now had control over the entire Burke family while helping Imogen manage her company. He had become one of the most influential figures in Merania.He was no longer the insignificant younger son of the Burke family he was just four years ago.Rumors circulated that Ivan had decisively removed the Burke family's oldest son from the line of succession. Isaac was left powerless and had to be sent to Rimmervale, where he now managed a less significant subsidiary.The Burke family and its many businesses were now under Ivan's complete control. He held all the power and was not someone to be trifled with
Holding her breath, Yasmin finally managed to speak, "I'm sorry, Ivo.""Yasmin, I'm wondering if you have some psychological barriers up against me," Ivan said after observing her for a long while. His voice was gentle and concerned.Yasmin lowered her gaze as her forehead creased in concern. "I'm not sure.""Is it because he once forced himself on you that you're finding it hard to accept intimacy now?" Ivan asked as he sat down. His soothing voice hovered above her.Yasmin covered her face and spoke in a low tone, "I suppose it is."Ivan was silent for another moment. After some time, he gently turned her shoulders to face him and said softly, "Yasmin, let's see a therapist. Whatever the issue, we should actively address it."Yasmin looked up and saw the concern in Ivan's eyes. Her expression, on the other hand, was conflicted.She wanted to tell him that maybe they should just end this farce.However, she couldn't say it out loud.Ivan seemed to somehow anticipate her thoug