Ava shook her head. "You never hurt me." "I'm the one who hurt you," she thought later, painfully. "So what? What makes you sad? Tell me." Jeremy's voice had never been so soft. However, Ava's defense remained strong. She was reluctant to reveal her evil plan. She was too embarrassed. "Can't you hate me?" Ava whispered before continuing silently. "It just felt right to me." Jeremy furrowed his brows. "Why do you ask that?" "Because I'm not a good person. I've put other people down for my own interests. I'm selfish." "Why are you bringing up Sophia's problem again? Did someone mention that matter? That person called you unfit to be close to me and my family because of that?" Ava's hands clenched. She didn't dare open her mouth. "If that's what makes you sad, just ignore what he or she said. That person might be jealous of you." Jeremy misunderstood, but Ava saw it as an opportunity. "What if what she said turns out to be true? I'm selfish and reckless. What if one day ... I'
Jeremy's movements were so gentle. He didn't seem demanding at all. He seemed to understand that Ava was too shocked to respond. "How is it?" Jeremy sighed as he regained distance. "Is that clear enough for you?" Ava blinked. Her lips twitched briefly before letting out a whisper. "What is clear?" Her voice was twisted. "This." Jeremy touched Ava's lips again. "I'm not the guy who kisses all his friends." Then, he repeated kissing for every word while pushing Ava towards the bed. "I ... just ... kiss ... a special friend." Ava gasped when her legs could no longer move backwards. Her blinking became more awkward. Her cheeks warmed. "So, are you willing to help me?" "Yes. Is the evidence I provided still not enough to erase your worries?" Jeremy raised an eyebrow. Ava sighed heavily. "The problem is ... my request is tough. You could change your mind and turn to hate me." Suddenly, Jeremy pressed her again. When she was about to step back, she lost her balance and ended up on t
Ava had difficulty opening her eyes. When she succeeded, two round faces flickered to watch her. "I think Ava is awake. I saw her eyes peeking out earlier, and there was a little blink!" Emily described the movement with her index finger and thumb. "But her eyelids haven't lifted yet, Emily. Oh? You're right. She's blinking again!" Louis looked back. "Uncle, Ava is awake!" Jeremy appeared with furrowed eyebrows. "Ava? Can you hear me?" His hand stroked her shoulder, gently. Ava groaned, "What happened?" "You were rushed to the hospital because you fainted. Everyone panicked, including Uncle Jeremy. Actually, he was assigned to look after us. Because he wanted to see you immediately, we went along. Luckily, the teachers gave us permission." Emily nodded in support of her brother's words. "Are you okay, Ava?" Her tiny fingers stroked her pale face. Ava shook her head. "Eva ...." "You don't need to worry. She's fine." Jeremy nodded, reassuringly. The frown on Ava's face instantly
Grimacing, Ava looked up. Seeing a man's fierce face, her pain was immediately replaced by shock. "Jeremy?" Gritting his teeth, the man bent down, helping Ava to her feet. After that, his laser gaze pierced the rude woman. "What right do you have to push Ava like that? She was kind enough to see you. Instead, you pushed her away? You're an ungrateful little sister, apparently?" Eva's jaw throbbed at the insinuation. "I'm not her little sister. She threw me away herself." "Half an hour ago, Ava was still lying in the hospital bed. The doctor hadn't even allowed her to leave, but she didn't want to listen. She was more worried about your condition than herself." Eva moved her head as if she didn't care. "Please don't believe her charade, Mr. Harper. She's not the kind girl you think she is." "Is that so?" Taking a deep breath, Jeremy turned his head to the side. "You should have listened to my advice. There was no point in you sacrificing your health to come here." "Well, well."
Ava's eyebrows pressed against her forehead. She didn't expect Jeremy to speak that clearly in front of his mother. "W-what do you mean, Sir? Eva could say that because I was staying at your house. She thought we were familiar. She misunderstood." Jeremy sighed in resignation. "I don't like pretending, Ava. Our relationship doesn't need to be hidden anymore." Ava was stunned. Before her brain could think of a word, Jeremy grabbed her wrist, inviting her to turn to face Vivian. "Mom, Ava and I are planning to get married." Ava's mouth opened wider. Her eyes moved around observing Jeremy's seriousness, Vivian's surprise, and her own heartbeat. "J-Jeremy ...." Suddenly, Vivian burst out laughing. Happiness radiated brightly from her face. "Did I hear correctly? Are you planning to get married?" While Ava was dazed, Jeremy nodded firmly. "Yes, Mom. I am determined to make Ava mine." Ava sighed in disbelief. Her hands waved. "Wait—" However, Vivian was already hugging her. "This
Several minutes earlier .... As soon as she passed the entrance, Ava's face changed. Her breathing was heavy, her steps slowed. "How could he say we were going to get married? When did he propose to me? No—let alone proposing, he never even confessed his love." With pursed lips, Ava looked back. Jeremy looked like he was being lectured by his mother. The two toddlers there also looked patronizing. "But is he really that stupid?" Her speech now sounded pitiful. "He must have made the decision without thinking twice. Marrying me would be the same as destroying his reputation and future. Didn't he think about that?" Then, with her head bowed, Ava continued walking. “He should learn from the incident at the boutique earlier. He should look for a partner who is comparable to him, not a girl like me.” After a long sigh, Ava straightened her head. "Reality is not as beautiful as a fairy tale. Princes and commoners will not be able to live happily. Their peace will definitely be disturbe
As Ava left, Mrs. Connor looked away. She didn't want to look at Jeremy. However, Jeremy still faced her. His expression was so firm. His hands were clenched into fists. "Ava is your biological daughter, but why do you treat her like someone else's daughter? Don't you feel sorry for her?" Instead of feeling insulted, Mrs. Connor raised her chin. "I'm just being objective. It doesn't matter if she's my daughter or not, if she's wrong, she's still guilty. She must be reprimanded and taught a lesson. She must stop embarrassing her family." "But, your accusations against her are not true. She is innocent." Mrs. Connor snorted in disgust. "Don't defend her. That just makes me even more convinced that you two are in an unhealthy relationship." "I'm not defending her. I'm just telling the truth." Suddenly, her finger rose in front of her face. "Don't think that you have paid for my care, you can do whatever you want. Ava is my daughter. It is my duty to educate her. You have no right t
"Come on, Ava. It's not easy for me to beg like this. Don't say that my efforts are not enough. Do I need to kneel before you so that you give me a chance?" "What can you do? What is your strategy to change my mother's thinking? Improve my relationship with Eva?" Jeremy's head almost tilted back. Strategizing was not his thing, but Frank's. So far, he just asked for instructions and carried them out. "Are you still confused?" Jeremy blinked, forcing his brain to come up with an idea. "I will collect evidence to refute Eva's accusations against you." "Do you think my mother will believe it? She must think that your evidence has been manipulated." "No. I'll—" "Then how do you prove that we're not having an affair?" Jeremy's jaw throbbed. "We don't need to prove it. Everyone knows you're not a call girl. Only your mother and adopted sister can't see that. Maybe after we show them your account, they'll stop making this up. You've never received payment other than your salary as a
Philip rushed in and grabbed Barbara's hand. Before he could say anything, Barbara was pushing again. After Briony came out, Barbara breathed a sigh of relief. “Philip .... Our child has been born.”Even though his head was nodding, Philip blinked in confusion. His mouth was agape, not knowing how to respond. "Yes ...," he sighed after a few moments. Briony's cries helped him regain his senses. "Wow," Philip blinked. He bent down, stroking his wife's hair with mixed feelings. "You're so great, Babe. You can give birth that fast." Barbara smiled proudly. "Our efforts weren't in vain, Phil. I was actually scared earlier. Briony's urge was very strong. But Louis and Emily forbade me to push. I tried to hold it in until finally, I gave in." Philip sighed in amazement and disbelief. Still looking stiff, he kissed Barbara's temple. "You're amazing, Babe. I'm glad you didn't encounter any major difficulties." Philip wiped the tears from her face. "I'm happy too. But where were you? I to
"Louis, Auntie is about to give birth!" Emily rose with a high arch of her eyebrows. "You’re right! We have to take her to the hospital!" Wasting no time, Louis grabbed Barbara's hand, pulling her to turn around. "Come on, Auntie. Let's go back to the car." However, Barbara shook her head. Her face was pale, her body tense. Her feet seemed to be glued to the earth. "What's wrong, Auntie?" "Call Philip," she muttered softly. "What?" "Call Philip!" The twins flinched. After one nod, they ran towards Philip. "Uncle Philip! Uncle Philip!" "Hey, where are you guys going?" Barbara exclaimed again. The twins braked. When they looked back, Barbara was waving. "Why did you leave me here alone?" Her voice was shrill. "You told us to call Uncle Philip!" Louis shook his head, not understanding. "Yeah, but don't leave me here." While limping, she inched closer to Louis and Emily. "One person calls him. One more person, hold me!" The twins blinked. Not because they didn't understand, b
"Hello, Orion," Emily whispered as the tiny baby in the box opened his eyes. Her hand reached out, trying to reach his chubby cheek. From the other side of the box, Louis also looked inside. "Hello, Oscar." "Louis?" Emily scolded with round eyes. "Why do you call him Oscar? This is our first meeting with him. Don't make a bad impression." Louis pursed his lips. "Okay, sorry. I'm used to it. Let me repeat." After clearing his throat, he looked down again. "Hello, Orion. It's me, Louis. I'm your cousin." Emily smiled slightly and nodded. "That's just right." After giving Louis thumbs up, she waved her hand downwards. "And I'm Emily. Nice to meet you, Orion." For a few moments, the two toddlers were busy observing Orion. Philip and Barbara were amused by their comments. "It turns out that Uncle Philip was right. Orion looks like both of his parents. His eyes are like Auntie's, while his nose and mouth are like Uncle's." "His chin also looks like Uncle’s, but his hair looks like
A nurse tried to calm Ava. However, the woman still shook her head, rejecting all the words directed at her. She was very weak. The pain seemed to knock out all the bones in her body. Her brain could no longer function normally. "No. I have no strength anymore. I can't continue." After taking a heavy breath, Jeremy bowed. The nurse had shifted. Jeremy had more freedom to stroke Ava's hair which was wet with sweat and her face which was flooded with tears. "Ava, can you hear me? Ava?" Their gazes finally met. Jeremy could see the desperation in those brown eyes. "I can't take it anymore, Jeremy. I can't. Let the doctor take it out. I can't take it anymore." Jeremy's chest felt like it had been torn apart. He almost choked with pain. Stroking Ava's shoulder, he shook his head. "No, I know you. You're not someone who never gives up, Ava. You can do it." "But I don't have the energy anymore, Jeremy." "There is. There definitely is." Jeremy grabbed Ava's shaking fingers. "This is f
"Look at this, Brandon." Louis placed a stack of photo paper on the table. Then, he showed them one by one to his friend. "This is a picture of Russell crying. This is a picture of him laughing. And this is a picture of Russell being angry." "Can babies get angry? Isn't he still too young to understand anything?" Brandon shook his head faintly. Louis shrugged. "I don't know about that. But when Russell sees something he doesn't like, his hands keep flapping and his mouth makes sounds ...." Louis imitated a baby's moan which made the librarian glance. "Russell also has sharp eyes, Brandon. If he feels annoyed by us, he will glare while furrowing his eyebrows." Emily touched the base of her eyebrows, checking to see if they were the same shape as Russell's eyebrows in the picture. Brandon smiled at Emily's expression. "I think he must be really cute when he's angry." "Yes!" Emily nodded quickly. "He's always cute, all the time. Louis, show him a picture of Russell in the shower."
"Oh, look at Russell, Louis. Isn't he very handsome? He's clean and smells good." Emily put her nose closer to Russell's face. When she managed to kiss that very soft cheek, she giggled holding back her laughter. She didn't want to disturb Kara who was sleeping in Frank's arms. "Yes, he is very handsome. He looks like me. Isn't that right, Grandma?" Louis raised his gaze towards the woman holding Russell. Susan smiled amusedly. "Yes, he looks like you. Only his nose is a little sharper." Louis' lips immediately pursed. His forefinger pointed at his own nose. "How sharp do you want Russell's nose to be? My nose is already very sharp." Susan chuckled at Louis' answer. "I’m just joking, Louis. It doesn't matter whose nose is sharper. What's important is that you're both healthy." Louis nodded in agreement. His hands then rose to touch the baby's feet. "Grandma, is Russell heavy?" Susan raised her eyebrows. "Do you want to carry him?" Louis glanced at Emily. "How about you try fir
"Hello, Good Boy," Kara held Russell carefully, as if the little creature was a very fragile pearl. Tears could not stop running down her face. After kissing the baby who was covered in a towel, Kara whispered again, "This is Mommy, Russell. I'm happy that I can finally hug you like this." While biting his lips, Frank also bowed. He stroked the tiny back then kissed his head. "And this is Daddy, Russell. Daddy is also happy that you are finally here." Still with a wide smile and red eyes, Frank looked at Kara gently. Before the pool of emotion dripped again, he quickly kissed her forehead. Kara closed her eyes accepting the warmth. "Thank you for giving birth to our son, Queen Bee," Frank whispered hoarsely. Kara smiled wider and nodded faintly. "Thank you for accompanying me here." "That's what I should have done a long time ago." Frank stroked her cheek before kissing her again. "Daddy, we want to see Russell too! Can we come closer?" Emily asked, jumping a little on the chai
Kara was sitting on the bed. Her head rested on the broad shoulder next to her. Closing her eyes, she tried to catch her breath."Is there any news from the Twins?" she asked quietly. Frank shook his head. His hands kept to massage Kara's fingers. "You don't need to worry about them, Queen Bee. They are independent and intelligent children. They will understand that you have to give birth soon. Let's celebrate their birthday after Russell is born, hmm?" After a short nod, Kara turned her head further. "Are you crying?" Frank's eyebrows pulled together. Moving his head away so that it would be easier to see her, he shook his head. "Why do you think I'm crying?" "Your voice is shaky, Frank." Pursing his lips, Frank took a deep breath. "I'm not crying." "Then why are your eyes red and watery?" Frank blinked firmly. "I'm not crying," he repeated with more emphasis. Still out of breath, Kara let out a laugh. Her head tilted slightly, waiting for his tears to fall. "Are you sure?"
"Hello, Brandon. Welcome to our event," Louis shook his classmate's hand. "Hello, Louis. Happy birthday. I hope you live a long and healthy life," the blonde boy said, occasionally glancing at Emily. "Thank you, Brandon. Did you come alone?" Brandon nodded. "Yes, my parents had to attend another event. So, only the driver took me here." After one blink, Brandon offered his hand to Emily. "Happy birthday too, Emily. You're so beautiful tonight." Emily shook Brandon's hand with a sweet smile. "Thanks, Brandon. You also look cool tonight. The jacket suits you." Brandon blushed. His lips twitched to suppress the excitement in his chest. "Thank you, Emily. I deliberately asked my mother to look for the best outfit. I want to look cool at this event." "Your mom has a good sense of fashion," Emily nodded before glancing to the side. "Louis, I think you should try a regular tie like Brandon. You're five years old. It's time for you to leave that bow tie behind. You should try somethin