Ava suddenly stopped. Her jaw throbbed with annoyance. "You said you didn't come with threats?" She turned around with furrowed brows. "Do you realize what you're doing? You're threatening me." Eva smiled slyly. "I'm not threatening you, Ava. I just tell you what will happen next if you still insist on not letting me in." "I will explain to Mom that this is Mr. Harper's order." "Do you think she cares?" Eva raised an eyebrow. Her tone was challenging. "What she wants is to meet me. She will definitely be very disappointed when she finds out you are against her wishes." While Ava gritted her teeth, Eva brought her head closer until it almost touched the gap in the gate. She was like a prisoner lurking outside. "You said you don't care if she hates you, but what about her health? You still want to be filial to her, right? Then, let's open the door." Tears began to appear in Ava's eyes. She hated the truth that Eva said. Why does her sister always find her weak point? "Is that re
"My blessing?" Mrs. Connor's eyebrows rose high. After one blink, she sighed in resignation. "Your hallucinations are really bad, Ava." Eva put on a pitiful look. "That's what I meant, Mom. You have to warn her. She could get worse if she doesn't get a serious warning." Mrs. Connor nodded faintly. Her gaze then turned to her biological daughter. "If you kept mentioning your relationship with him, you better get out of my sight. Don't expect me to give you a blessing. You won't heed my advice." Ava's tears thickened. At the same time, her blood was boiling, her heart ignited by anger. "What if I could prove it? What if Mr. Harper came to you now and confirmed everything I said?" Her tone rose. Her voice almost broke. "Then you will pay for his play with extra service tonight?" Eva replied. Ava gasped. "Do you think someone like Mr. Harper would do such a reckless thing?" Before Ava had time to explain further, Mrs. Connor waved her hand towards the door. "Get out, Ava. I want to
The air in Eva's lungs rumbled. Her heart was hot, roasted with jealousy. How could Ava possibly get a man as perfect as Jeremy Harper? She felt that the world was really unfair. "Again?" She repeated Jeremy's last words. Her eyebrows rose cynically. "What do you mean, Sir? Do I always hurt Ava all this time?" Before Jeremy had time to answer, Eva snorted in annoyance. Her eyes glanced at her mother as if asking for help. "Mom, what should I do? Ava has succeeded in turning the truth around. While in fact, you knew that she was the one who hurt me. No wonder Mr. Harper took her heart and sided with her. She made Mr. Harper feel sorry for her by making me the villain." Hearing the complaint, Jeremy's eyes opened wider. He could not believe Eva's tenacity in bringing down Ava. The girl turned out to be many times worse than the old Barbara or even Isabela. "Mr. Harper," Mrs. Connor's voice caught everyone's attention, "please don't make me a rude parent. I am very grateful that you
"What's wrong, Daddy?" "Is there a new assignment for us?" The twins entered the CEO's room excitedly. However, as soon as they turned to the guest sofa, their mouths dropped wide open. "Ava?" The pale girl smiled slightly. "Hello, Twins." The two toddlers immediately approached her. Emily took her hand, while Louis walked around her. The little boy was like an observer trying to find cracks in a statue. "Are you okay, Ava? Louis and I were really worried about you." Emily looked up with furrowed brows. "I think Ava is okay, Emily. She looks perfect." Louis pointed his tiny finger until it poked Ava's waist. Ava covered her chuckle with one hand. "I'm fine. Thank you for worrying about me." "You're welcome, Ava." The twins hug her. Their eyes were closed as their cheek gave the girl warmth. "So, why did you bring her here, Uncle? Who looks after Grandma Melanie and Mrs. Connor?" Louis turned his gaze towards Jeremy. "Uncle can't possibly let Ava be with Eva, Louis," Emily p
Jeremy occasionally took his eyes off the road. The face of the girl next to him looked very cool. Ava was quiet as usual. However, her lips curled up slightly, becoming an addiction for him. "How was your short tour?" Ava glanced over with a wider smile. "It was so much fun. Louis and Emily were so articulate. They explained everything in great detail, but it was still fun. And the people at Savior ...." Ava took a deeper breath. Her eyebrows rose higher, as did her shoulders. "The employees were so friendly. They welcomed me enthusiastically. There were indeed some people whispering. But the Twins said it was because they admired me. They applauded that a simple nurse like me could conquer your heart." "So now, you know that what I said is true?" "Yes, I shouldn't be prejudiced. Not everyone treats me like Eva and Mom. I should have respected myself more a long time ago." Smiling, Jeremy took Ava's hand and kissed it. "You have to remember, Ava. It's not other people who dete
Jeremy never knew that waiting could be that fun. Even though his hand was holding the tablet, his eyes kept being attracted to Ava. He was curious about how the girl would be after being polished—the girl he had previously called stiff and unattractive. Suddenly, a message came from Kara. "Uncle, has Ava had her make over done?" Reading that, Jeremy let out a small snort. "Is this Louis or Emily? Or both?" However, his fingers typed a reply, "Not yet. What's wrong, Emily?" "This is Louis, Uncle. Why do you think I'm Emily? Emily could not dare steal Mommy's phone." Jeremy shook his head slightly. His heart tingled. Somehow, Louis' voice rang in his ears, like he was nagging. "Sorry. I thought you were Emily for using the word make over." "Is Emily the only one who knows that word? Me too, Uncle. I'm smart too." Before Jeremy had time to think about a reply, another new message came in. "Are you nervous?" Jeremy's eyebrows rose. "Why do you ask that, Louis?" "It's me, Emily
Ava's eyebrows rose high. Her blinking implied embarrassment. "Why did you ask that? Isn't what's important now that we're together?" Jeremy shook his head slightly. "I already admitted when I started paying attention to you. Now it's your turn. If you don't want to, then obviously, you were the one who noticed me first." Ava let out a small laugh. "Your confidence hasn't changed, hmm?" "It actually increased because you were willing to accept me. So, when? Was it the first time we passed each other in the hallway?""The first time I saw you?" Ava took a quick breath. "Of course not." "But you secretly glanced at me." "That's because I thought you were their bodyguard. I had to be wary of you. At that time, we were enemies, remember?" Jeremy narrowed his eyes. "And then? Was it when I captured you?" Ava shook her head. "At that time, I was annoyed to death with you. Even to the point where I had to stay at your house, I still thought you were annoying." "On New Year's?" Ava p
Ava choked on her overflowing emotion. Wiping the corners of her eyes, she nodded. "Yeah, let's merge our stories and create a new, more exciting chapter." Jeremy couldn't help but laugh. Even though he was sure he would get the answer, the sensation still couldn't be denied. They were already a thousand feet above the earth. Who would have thought, his heart could still soar even higher. "Thank you, Ava. Thank you for accepting me." Jeremy put the ring on Ava's finger—a real ring. Then, he sealed it with a kiss. "Don't ever take this off until the new ring comes later." Ava nodded slightly. "Yes, definitely. I'll take good care of it." "And I will take good care of you." Jeremy stood up and kissed Ava lovingly. The waiters could no longer hold back their excitement. They laughed and whispered in admiration. Then, in another corner, two toddlers jumped out of hiding. They wore tiny tuxedo and dress. Their faces were bright with wide smiles and red cheeks. "Woohoo! Uncle Jerem
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