Sophie smiled gently. "How do you know if you don't try?"'Tristan might not be able to forget immediately, but he’ll never know until he tries. Once he moves past those dark clouds, he'll see the clear sky beyond.'A staff member noticed they had been standing at the entrance for a while and approached. "Ma'am, would you like to buy some cold drinks?""Sorry about that. Yes, I'll have two bottles of water and two cherry sundaes."Deciding it was time to wrap up their conversation, she smiled and paid for the order. She then handed one of the cherry sundaes to Tristan."Ms. Luxford...""You run fast. Take this to Cherry before it melts."Cherry's temperament had similarities to hers. Even if she wanted to forgive, she needed a way to accept it gracefully.Upon understanding her intention, Tristan's eyes filled with gratitude. He could not help but make another request, "Thank you, Ms. Luxford. Can the situation with Collin remain our secret?""Of course. Cherry won't find out.
Sophie pursed her lips as she watched his repeated failures, barely holding back her laughter until her cheeks ached. 'It seems I've overestimated his abilities before this.'The tokens she had just bought were used up in no time. Cedric frowned, emitting a chilling aura through his gaze, almost as if he wished he could bore a hole through the glass window."I'll definitely grab that toy." Refusing to give up, he pulled out another banknote and inserted it into the vending machine.After pressing a few buttons, the machine's AI voice chimed in. "We're sorry, the machine has run out of tokens. Please contact the supplier."Cedric's expression dimmed as he glared at the screen displaying the insufficient tokens prompt, his gaze sharp, almost murderous.Sophie could not hold back anymore and burst out laughing. 'Has he bought all the tokens?'Just as she was about to ask him to leave, he had already pulled out his phone and dialed the supplier's number before she could say anything.
Beautiful weekends always seemed exceptionally short. By Monday, everyone was back in their professional attire, ready to start a new week of work.In the CEO's office of X Corp., Immanuel knocked on the door and walked in with his briefcase. "Mr. Carlson, you wanted to see me?""Yes, I want you to draft a will." Cedric put down his pen and stated, shocking Immanuel and Evander."Mr. Carlson? Did you hear what you just said?" Evander, who was standing to the side, asked.'Has Mr. Carlson lost his marbles or is he just not fully awake? Why would he think about drafting a will when he's only in his 30s?'Cedric smiled faintly, but his resolute tone left no room for doubt. He was not crazy or sleep-deprived—he was serious about drafting a will."Mr. Carlson, how would you like it to be done?" Immanuel asked nervously.He had handled numerous wills for wealthy families, but they were all for older individuals. Cedric, being so young, left him baffled as to why he would want to draft
Just as Evander was about to hang up, Cedric suddenly spoke. "It's something I ordered. Didn't expect the delivery to arrive so quickly. Let them bring it up."Evander was stunned.'Did I hear it correctly? Mr. Carlson actually started online shopping?'In no time, two delivery men were laboriously carrying a large box about the height of a person, panting heavily as they entered."Mr. Carlson, here's your delivery. Please sign for it." One of them handed over the confirmation slip, and Cedric signed his name with a faint smile.After they left, Evander circled around the large cardboard box, still puzzled. "Mr. Carlson, what did you order online?"'Mr. Carlson always has me handle all his purchases. Why did he take it upon himself this time?'"Take a guess." Cedric stood up from his executive chair with a mischievous, charming grin, reminiscent of the last time he had made him guess the purpose of the windows.Across from X Corp., Sophie turned her head and just so happened to
The three of them spent the entire afternoon in the bridal shop.Fortunately, Jeanna finally chose a white gown designed by a famous designer. Although it was not a custom piece, every detail seemed tailored just for her.Linda stretched her sore calves, looking more exhausted than she did after a typical workday. "Just watching all these wedding preparations is tiring. It's making me not want to get married."Sophie shook her head and said with a gentle smile, "Every woman hopes for a unique gown that best highlights her beauty. No matter how tiring it is, it's worth it."When she and Cedric got married, there were hardly any guests. Yet, she still flew to Gallia to find a world-renowned designer to create a wedding gown that took a long time to make. No woman would want her marriage to start on the wrong foot with a half-hearted effort."That's right. This is the wisdom of someone who's been through it. You'll understand how I feel when it's your turn." Jeanna nodded and handed h
Cedric's seductive tone could instantly bewitch her, but Sophie blushed and glared at him. "Stop the indecency.""What's the point of being decent when we're already an old married couple?" Cedric retorted. The phrase 'married couple' seemed to possess a certain charm, softening her heart even more.Not wanting to reveal her emotions too blatantly, she quickly changed the subject. "It seems like you received a large package today. What did you buy?""What package? I didn't receive any package." Caught off guard by her sudden question, a suspicious blush spread across Cedric's mischievous face. He had deliberately lowered the blinds, yet she still noticed."Is that so? I thought I saw an instruction manual for a claw machine. Maybe I was mistaken." She deliberately and playfully lengthened her tone, hoping to make him feel caught in the act of doing something childish.However, to her surprise, he suddenly grabbed her hand, causing her to blush again.The more she tried to break
Cedric held Sophie's hand tightly, his breathing gradually calming down. The desire in his eyes was replaced by earnestness."I know Vivienne is like a thorn embedded in your heart. If I could remove her from our past and eliminate all the unease you're feeling, I'd pay any price."Vivienne's suicide might seem deserved, but it had planted a seed of guilt in Sophie's heart. He could always see a trace of guilt in her eyes every time she faced Tristan.As long as this sensation remained unresolved, there would always be a barrier between them.As for Tristan, he was even more innocent.As the scenes from the past resurfaced in her mind, Sophie's expression gradually grew serious.Cedric was right. Vivienne was indeed a thorn buried in her heart. She had resented and pitied Vivienne, but it was not until the moment she jumped to her death that Sophie realized that the person who had hurt her the most wasn't Vivienne, nor was it Cedric, but herself instead.She had been in a marria
There was another reason for this—X Corp. symbolized a nightmare shared by her and Cedric. She did not want this nightmare to follow them forever. Only by letting go could they truly escape the past.Therefore, just as he had thought, using X Corp.'s shares to find peace of mind for both of them was necessary.The matter of the shares was settled smoothly, without any public disclosure. Immanuel notarized the documents, but it would not be announced until Tristan turned 18.-In the blink of an eye, the day of Sean and Jeanna's wedding arrived. As a best friend and employer, Sophie naturally had to attend in style.She opened her wardrobe and scanned the array of dresses. There were countless stunning, elegant, and stylish outfits, but she ultimately settled on an unopened gift box.Last year, for Jeff's birthday, Cedric and Austin had each given her a dress. At that time, she had asked Linda to take them away and deal with them but later discovered that Linda had secretly placed
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.