When Tiffany thought that the last thing Sophie had done was bring her and Darren back together, her eyes could not help but tear up slightly."Yes, we'll stay. Even without Ms. Luxford, the company's jewelry production must continue." Darren was not known for his eloquence, yet he took the initiative to speak this time, his attitude resolute.Without Sophie, he and Tiffany might have missed out on so much more time, even possibly regretting it for the rest of their lives."Do you really think the company can continue without her?" Although Linda was always calm and composed, she could not help but feel a twinge in her nose. When Sophie first recruited these two over, she wondered if they would be too difficult to handle. But now it seemed they were more reliable and loyal than those executives who had always shown loyalty."The company must continue!" The office door swung open, and Jeanna walked in from the outside. Her face looked a lot thinner but filled with determination. "So
"Cedric, your mother called and asked me to take good care of you. Come back with me." Vivienne's voice remained gentle but now carried a hint of caution.Holding onto her thigh, Tristan glanced at Cedric in fear, pursed his pale lips, and said, "Daddy, can you come back with Mommy and me?""You two should talk." Sean left the private room in a hurry, still feeling somewhat uneasy as he gazed in the direction of the room from time to time. He hoped that his nonsense would be slightly effective.Cedric withdrew his gaze indifferently, and his voice turned even colder. "Leave.""Cedric, please don't be like this, okay? Your body can't handle all this drinking."The wine glass on the table was flung against the wall, and the red liquid mixed with glass shards scattered all over the floor."Get out!" Cedric shouted."Tristan and I won't leave." Vivienne bit her lip and crouched down to pick up the broken glass on the floor. Tristan was so terrified that his face turned pale, but he
Five years later, at the airport."Mommy, if I fall in love with a place the first time I visit it, is that called love at first sight?" A little girl skipped out of the arrival gate. Two big cherry models were tied on the ends of her two braids on each side, swaying with her bouncing little body. They made her look exceptionally adorable.Her pair of crystal-clear eyes looked curiously at the passersby around her, and her rosy lips curled into a smile, forming two sweet dimples on both cheeks.Sophie looked at Cherry's face, seeing the growing resemblance to someone, and fell into a momentary trance. 'Cherry, love at first sight isn't always a good thing. It could very well jeopardize your life for a lifetime.'Suddenly, it felt as if her heart had been stabbed.Sophie lowered her head and took a sip of warm water. Ever since she was rescued from the sea, she had developed this condition. She had visited several hospitals for examinations, but none could provide her with a conclu
As the Bentley drove down the road, Austin smiled gently at the mother and daughter in the rear seat. "What do you like to eat?""Anything is fine," Sophie replied."Papa Austin, I want cherry ice cream," Cherry said coquettishly, not forgetting to make a heart with her fingers. With her mischievous demeanor, anyone would find it hard to resist her."Alright, Cherry. I'll take you to have some cherry ice cream," Austin agreed to the little girl's request and continued driving.-After ordering the cherry-flavored sundae, Austin skimmed through the menu and quickly completed the order."They're all Mommy's favorite dishes. Papa Austin, you're so thoughtful. You have Cherry's support!" Cherry teased Austin.The smile on Sophie's face faded instantly. "Cherry, don't talk nonsense."Cherry stuck out her tongue and shut her mouth obediently. 'Which of my remarks is nonsense? The dishes Papa Austin ordered are all Mommy's favorite Carlosian food. I can feel Papa Austin's love for Mom
Cherry turned to see Vivienne and Tristan hurrying away. Suspicion clouded her face as her brow furrowed.'Is that boy autistic? Poor thing! I don't even have a daddy and still live so happily. How could he have both parents and still suffer like this? And how is his mommy so much gentler than my own mommy?'She shook her head helplessly. 'If the problem isn't with the mommy, it must be with the daddy. He must be a complete troublemaker.'Seeing that Cherry had not come back for a long time, Sophie could not help but look up a few times. When the little girl received the signal to hurry back, she ran back in a hurry."Why did you take so long?" Sophie asked."Mommy, this is very impolite of you. I've been holding it in for a long time on the plane, so, of course, it'll take a little more time," Cherry explained as she sat back down in her seat.She then began recounting the incident from earlier to Austin. "Papa Austin, I just met an older boy in the ladies restroom. He's so tall
Cherry stuck out her tongue. "Okay!"She then obediently walked to the trunk and pulled out her pink suitcase. 'Hmph! Things aren't exactly like they're in TV dramas.'Austin's momentary embarrassment due to the rejection passed quickly, and he resumed his usual gentle smile. "After being on the plane for so long, have a good rest tonight." "Yeah, we'll go up first, then. Cherry, say goodbye to Uncle Austin." Sophie said, leading Cherry toward the apartment's entrance.Cherry waved. "Bye-bye, Papa Austin." Austin waved back at her, watching the mother and daughter disappear into the apartment. His smile gradually faded.Every time Sophie had Cherry call him uncle, it felt like a punch to the heart, reminding him that he was Cherry's biological uncle.-After the mother and daughter stepped into the elevator, Cherry, gleefully admiring herself in the shiny mirror, blinked slyly at Sophie. "Mommy, what do you think is wrong with Papa Austin?"Sophie turned around and looked at
On the top floor of X Corp., in the CEO's office, Cedric stared motionlessly at the incessant flow of vehicles below. If it had not been for the cigar lying against the rim of the ashtray, releasing curls of white smoke, there would have been a sensation that time had stopped altogether."Sophie, where are you?" he muttered.He reached out and caressed the intricately carved wooden sculpture beside him, which had taken five years to complete. It depicted a pair of blissful lovers gazing at each other at a grand wedding.As his fingers ran over the sculpture, a flicker of pain flashed across his cold eyes. 'It's been five years. Why haven't you come back to take revenge?'Suddenly, his phone rang, and he frowned but still chose to answer. "Speaking.""Cedric, when are you coming back? Tristan isn't doing too good today and has been crying and looking for you." Vivienne's gentle, pleading voice came through.Cedric withdrew his gaze and said indifferently, "I'll be back soon."-
"Cedric, do you think waiting will make any difference? Don't be foolish. Sophie died long ago, and she can never return!" Vivienne's tone turned vicious, and her beautiful face became a grimace.The next moment, Cedric grabbed her by the throat. His grip was so strong it felt like he could crush her cervical. But the wrath in his eyes swiftly changed into mockery and callousness.With a vigorous fling, Cedric bent down as he watched her fall to the floor. Her face had turned hypoxic. The malicious gleam in his gaze was then replaced by nonchalance."If she can't come back, I'll make sure you live the rest of your life in torment! And don't forget to attend the charity gala with me this weekend, my fiancée."Vivienne stared blankly at the closed door. Soon, the sound of the car engine filled the air, and her face grew paler.'No, this isn't the life I want. I won't give up so easily!'-Early the next morning, Cherry woke up from her sweet pink dream and rubbed her drowsy eyes.
Tristan looked up in surprise. As if struck by a sudden thought, he glanced at Cherry, who was writhing in pain, and timidly asked, "Can I go to the hospital to help?""You need to stay home and help Cherry get a leave from school tomorrow. Be good and stay here. Trust Daddy. Cherry will be fine." Cedric's words seemed to soothe Tristan's anxiety.Avoiding Cedric’s gaze, Tristan obediently nodded. 'Cherry will surely be fine.'-The Bentley sped along the road and soon arrived at the hospital.Cedric held Cherry the entire time, while Sophie handled the paperwork. Their seamless cooperation made them seem like a perfectly ordinary married couple."Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Carlson, the child has gastritis and needs to be hospitalized for treatment," the emergency physician explained after examining Cherry, jotting down the diagnosis in the medical record.Sophie's face turned pale. 'Gastritis? How could it be so severe?'"Can she recover?" Cedric asked with a frown, his sudden intimida
In Imperium, hardly anyone else would dare yell at Cedric like this. Cedric's eyes narrowed dangerously, his shoulders radiating a cold aura. However, traces of helplessness and doting affection softened his expression. Despite his reluctance, he eventually turned aside cooperatively.Sophie couldn't help but smile. 'It's no wonder some people believe that daughters are their fathers' lovers from a previous life. If it were anyone else, Cedric would have likely thrown them out the window by now.'She lifted Cherry's clothes to reveal her round belly and gently massaged it in circles with her fingers. Taking the opportunity, she also gave Cherry a gentle reminder, "How many times has Mommy told you not to eat so much? But you never listen. Now you know how it feels when you overeat, huh?""Mommy, could you not rub salt in my wounds?" Cherry's face was scrunched up in pain. Her pitiful and aggrieved expression instantly silenced Sophie, who decided to save the scolding for when Cherry
Cedric kissed Sophie’s rosy cheeks, preparing to take things to the next level, when a knock on the door interrupted them at a crucial moment.His expression darkened immediately. No man liked being interrupted at such a time, and it had happened repeatedly."Who is it?" Sophie grabbed the blanket beside her to cover her exposed chest, her hoarse voice betraying her recent passion."Ms. Luxford... It's me." Tristan's low voice came from the other side of the door.'Tristan?' Sophie looked at the man beside her, surprised. She had assumed it was Cherry again, but unexpectedly...Gathering her scattered clothes from the floor, Sophie dressed quickly. Ensuring there was nothing inappropriate between her and Cedric, she got out of bed and walked toward the door.Tristan stood there, head down, fingers fidgeting, indicating urgency. As soon as the door opened, he looked up anxiously and said, "Ms. Luxford, could you go check on Cherry? She seems unwell.""Cherry is unwell?" The flush
"This birthday brings me a lot of happiness."Sophie grasped the deeper implications of his words. The blush on her cheeks faded slightly, and the initial flutter of excitement mingled with a touch of sadness. No one could predict what Jeff's condition would be like by her next birthday.Cedric shifted the topic, pouring the already decanted red wine into a tall glass and handing it to her. "Just one glass. This is for your private birthday celebration. Happy birthday."The intoxicating aroma of the wine was irresistible. She stopped resisting and held her glass up to gently clink against his, producing a clear, melodious sound that resonated beautifully in the quiet room.The rich wine slid down her throat, soothing her tense nerves. Her tightly held shoulders relaxed, and her racing heart found a semblance of peace. She had once believed she would never fall for Cedric again, but looking back, she realized that all her hatred had been rooted in love.He had transformed love into
Cedric seemed to know exactly what Sophie was nervous about. He raised his eyebrows suggestively, causing her to blush and quickly look away.What had happened between them lingered in the air, irrevocable.Jeff squinted, watching their subtle gestures with satisfaction. Smiling contentedly, he struggled to his feet with the help of his cane. These two had already reached a natural conclusion, and there was no need for him to exaggerate his illness any longer."Mommy, I still have homework to do. I'm heading to my room," Cherry announced, her bright eyes glancing at Tristan. She couldn't beat him at Taekwondo, but she was determined to outshine him in the midterm exams!"I’m going upstairs too," Tristan added, surprised by her sudden focus. He hesitated for a moment before quickly following her up the stairs.Melissa had long lost her patience. Without a word, she dragged Matthew upstairs, letting out a disdainful snort as they left.What had been a lively living room now left So
"Okay."Understanding Cherry’s impatience, Sophie smiled and gently pulled away from Cedric’s embrace. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish.She hoped for her family's safety, health, and happiness. She wished that her parents and sister were living comfortably in another world. And she wished that she and Cedric would have a happy ending, free from past mistakes.After silently making her wishes, she blew out the flickering candles in one breath.The room filled with the faint scent of melted wax."We can eat the cake now!" Cherry beamed with joy, eagerly carrying the cake to the dining table.Her impatience made Jeff laugh heartily, his eyes crinkling with delight as he stroked his beard. "Alright, let’s start eating before this little girl drools all over the table."Sophie took her seat, glancing at Cedric, who still held her hand tightly. Her smile widened as she playfully scolded him, "Why didn’t you tell me on the way here?""If I told you, ho
Although Sophie's mind was brimming with questions, she couldn’t help but smile at Cedric's words. She looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling the warmth of his palm. Whether it was a perfect match or a union made in heaven, it all required two hearts in love. With love, even amidst turbulence, they would find the courage to move forward together.Before long, the Bentley smoothly pulled into the Carlson residence.Jeff immediately smiled and waved upon their arrival. "Soph, come over here."Sophie approached, noticing that Mrs. Carrie had prepared a table full of dishes. She couldn’t help but feel puzzled. "Grandpa, what has made you so happy? Why did you ask Mrs. Carrie to make so much delicious food?""Silly girl, did you forget what day it is today?"Jeff's loving yet mischievous smile left her momentarily bewildered. Then her eyes widened in surprise. With everything going on with Linda, she had completely forgotten her own birthday!"Happy birthday." Cedric had quie
Fearing that staying any longer would only worsen the situation, Linda quickly opened the door and walked out.Fenix stood there, confusion gradually replacing the determination in his eyes."What’s wrong with marrying me?" he asked Sophie, genuinely puzzled.'I’m the CEO of Cheshire Group. I’m not unattractive, and marrying me would make her legally protected as Mrs. Cheshire. Why am I being rejected?'Sophie coughed awkwardly, gaining a deeper understanding of Fenix. Sean had navigated the world of romance with ease, but Fenix seemed as naive in matters of the heart as a child."Am I really that bad?"Seeing that Fenix was still fixated on why he was rejected, Sophie shook her head. "Feelings are different from business. It’s not about racing against time or weighing benefits. You can’t apply business tactics to relationships. Spending a lifetime together requires a foundation of love.""Foundation of love? You and Cedric grew up together. You had a good foundation, but it was
Sophie's suspicion was right. Fenix was not one to easily abandon his target. After Linda ignored countless calls, he took the initiative to find her."Mr. Cheshire, Linda really isn't in the office right now," the secretary tried to block him, but it was futile against a determined man, especially one exuding an intimidating chill."Then I’ll find Sophie.""But Ms. Luxford, she—" Before the secretary could finish, Fenix's long legs had already taken him to Sophie's office door.He knocked twice before pushing it open. The secretary looked like she was about to cry. "Ms. Luxford, I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop Mr. Cheshire.""It’s fine. Go make Mr. Cheshire a cup of coffee," Sophie said.Seeing Fenix barge in, she raised an eyebrow, smiled, and glanced at Linda, who was hiding in her office. "Have a seat and let's talk.""No need. I have to catch a flight soon." Fenix cut straight to the point, his determined eyes fixed on Linda as he said firmly, "I need an answer from you.""Mr.