Tyler was exceptionally alert, so Vicky had to wait until he was out of the room before she dared to emerge. Peering through the peephole, she watched as Tyler headed toward the study.'Does he have some work matters to attend to?' she wondered.With this question in mind, Vicky stepped out of the bedroom as soon as he entered the study. She stood at the entrance to the study for a few minutes, and when Tyler did not reappear, Vicky took a deep breath, turned the doorknob, and entered.The desk lamp cast a soft, dim glow. In the reflection of the light, the knife Tyler held glistened with a chilling sheen.Vicky, who had just entered the study, was met with a shocking sight: Tyler was holding a knife and was making incisions into his own body.He was solely focused on the blade in his hand, so Vicky's sudden entrance caught him off-guard, and he seemed stunned.Vicky's eyes scanned the scene, and she instantly noticed the wounds on his body. Her eyes widened, and she questioned s
"No way."Unable to summon the strength to push him away, Vicky closed her eyes and leaned helplessly against his chest. The scent of blood filled her nose, and she felt devastated like she never did before....The night was quiet and peaceful.Vicky looked up at Tyler after tending to his wounds. "Tyler...""It doesn't hurt," he said. "I knew what I was doing."Vicky's lips curled into a cold sneer. "Am I supposed to compliment you on your great skills with knives?""..." Tyler fell into silence."I'm tired of this." She looked down. "Tyler, I can't accept living with a man who tortures me when he loses control and mutilates himself when he's sober."Tyler's heart sank."Let's just—""I won't allow it!" he shouted, interrupting her words.His gaze darkened with malevolence and ferocity. As he looked into her eyes, he pronounced every word with intention."I won't allow you to entertain the idea of leaving me, ever."Frightened by his intensity, Vicky paled and froze.T
Vicky instantly realized what Tyler meant. Before she could say anything, his kisses rained down upon her....The next morning, as Tyler emerged from the bathroom, he spotted Vicky meticulously packing her clothes into a suitcase.His eyes widened.Stepping forward, he gripped her wrist and demanded, "Vicky, where do you think you're going?"Vicky raised her head, her gaze cold. "I can go anywhere, as long as I can be without you."Tyler's eyes dimmed, and his expression turned somber. "Vicky, I've told you, I won't allow you to leave..."Vicky chuckled bitterly, interrupting Tyler without hesitation. "If you only know how to force me to do things and imprison me, don't act all affectionate and respectful. Don't keep saying you'll change. The truth is that you've never respected my boundaries and have always done things I don't want you to do, regardless of how I feel." Vicky's eyes carried evident disappointment as she continued, "If those promises mean nothing to you, continu
Still, Tyler did not want to let Vicky go, feeling as though she would vanish if he allowed her to leave.He wanted to reject her request but could not bring himself to say anything when faced with her bright eyes.Aurora mentioned that he was pushing Vicky away, and he knew about it.Moments later, he muttered, "Okay."Vicky did not show any sign of joy and simply nodded before pulling her hand out of Tyler's hold and continuing to gather her belongings.Tyler grabbed her hand once again, and Vicky turned to look at him with disappointment.Tyler felt a slight pang in his chest but calmly spoke, "You go freshen up; I'll help you pack."Vicky was surprised as it was challenging enough for him to let her go, so she half-expected him to regret his choice immediately. Surprisingly, he offered to help her pack instead.After a moment's contemplation, she nodded and headed to the bathroom to shower. When she emerged, her belongings were neatly arranged in the suitcase."Take a look
Seeing Aurora seated by the window, Vicky walked over. "When did you arrive?""Just now." Aurora signaled for a waiter, and they began to place their orders.After placing their orders, Aurora studied Vicky's expression and whispered, "Vicky, how have things been between you and Tyler recently?"Vicky did not hide anything. "I've returned to my apartment for the time being."Aurora did not show any surprise upon hearing this. Instead, she hesitated and looked at Vicky intently.Vicky frowned. "Do you have something to say to me?"After a few seconds of hesitation, Aurora finally spoke, "There's a talented pianist who has emerged in the entertainment circle recently. Some people have spotted her...entering and leaving the same room and location as Tyler on multiple occasions..."This piece of news had not been made public, but it had circulated in the industry. Many had seen it happen, and a few even managed to capture a couple of photos.Though these photos could not be publish
'Chris Leonheart?' Aurora thought. 'I know about Alex and Sebastian, but I haven't heard of this guy before.'Despite her questions, Aurora did not let it show on her face and glanced at Vicky. Upon noticing that Vicky was not appalled by Chris' presence, Aurora smiled. "I'll go get Vicky some clothes. Please look after her for the time being, Mister Leonheart.""Sure," replied Chris said with a smile.After Aurora left, Chris looked at Vicky and asked, "Vicky, how have you been?"Vicky was slightly uncomfortable that Chris addressed her by her name.When they first met, Chris always addressed her as 'President Shaw'. Since she had just started her studio at the time, she could not bring herself to get used to it and told him he could address her by her name. Still, Chris refused and switched to calling her 'Ms. Shaw' instead. One could easily tell he was a man who kept to himself and respected boundaries.Thus, it felt strange that he would suddenly start calling Vicky by her fi
Chris looked at Vicky intently, and Vicky knew it did not matter if Chris had come to show her the photos on purpose. What mattered was that he was stating a fact.The two fell into silence until Aurora returned with a new set of clothes. "Vicky, go ahead and get changed."Vicky nodded and got up with the bag Aurora handed to her.Since Chris was still around, Aurora could not follow Vicky out. She smiled at Chris and asked, "Have you eaten? Would you like to join us, Mister Leonheart?"She was merely trying to be polite, but to her bewilderment, Chris nodded. "If it's not too much trouble, sure."Aurora froze and maintained a polite smile. "Since Vicky has gone to get changed, why don't you go ahead and order?"With that said, she waved the waiter over.When Vicky emerged, Aurora and Chris were already engaged in a somewhat casual conversation.Aurora had deduced Chris' identity and his connection to Vicky at this point and mentioned she invited Chris for dinner with Vicky. Vi
"You're right. I'm doing this under someone's order."Vicky was not surprised. "Under whose order?""Lincoln Hart," replied Chris without hesitation.Vicky frowned and turned to look at him. "What exactly did he tell you to do?""Tyler cannot be placed under any form of stress right now, and Lincoln wants me to provoke Tyler until he goes insane."What surprised Vicky most was that Chris was telling the truth. She muttered, "Why are you...""I met Lincoln Hart after I was forced to leave Zendonia. He helped cure my mother, and I ended up working under him. At that time, he took a liking to my abilities and wasn't aware of your connection to me. Until not long ago, he wanted to take Tyler down and consulted a few of us for a solution. I voluntarily brought up my history with you and offered to undertake the task," he explained. "Once he learned about our past, Lincoln was greatly pleased and sent me here. He only knows that I used to be your assistant and was driven away by Tyler,
[Alright.]Aurora sighed in relief. "Vicky, we've been out for quite a while. Shall we head back?"Vicky glanced at Aurora. "Can we finally go back now?""Yes, we can go back... Huh?" Aurora sensed something was amiss. "Vicky, do you...know something?"Vicky smiled. "Every time I go out with friends, Tyler always bombards me with questions about when I'll be back and insists on picking me up. Strangely, he didn't ask me anything today. Also... I remember that it's my birthday today."Aurora was left speechless as she realized Vicky saw right through her act....By the time they got home, it was starting to get dark outside. Inside the mansion, it was quiet and pitch-black. Suddenly, a warm, yellow candlelight gradually illuminated the darkness, revealing a handsome face."Happy birthday, Vicky," Tyler said.Vicky gazed at the flickering candles, feeling a bit dazed.It was then she remembered that during the early days of their relationship, he had prepared a birthday surpri
Tyler showed great disdain when his wish of getting a daughter was let down. What irritated him most was that this son looked remarkably like him.After recovering from childbirth, Vicky accompanied a newly pregnant Aurora on a shopping trip for baby supplies.Upon hearing Vicky's story, Aurora could not help but ask, "Men are usually happy when they have sons, so why does Tyler prefer daughters?"Vicky sighed. "Tyler says that a family is never really balanced and happy unless they have one son and one daughter."Aurora nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Now that you have a son, having a daughter would be perfect. Vicky, have you and Tyler considered responding to the national call and having a third child?"Vicky shook her head. "The last time I gave birth, Tyler wasn't around, so he doesn't know what it was like. This time, he was scared out of his wits and had no intention of having more children. A few days ago, he even underwent a vasectomy."Aurora chuckled. "Daughters may be s
However, everything spiraled out of control.Tyler knew his behavior was despicable, but he could not control his emotions.When he loved, every cell within him longed for her. Every time he came to see her, he told himself it would be the last time. However, he found himself appearing at her house more and more frequently.Tyler knew he was in trouble, and it would not be long before he returned to his former self.Vicky was like a drug to him. Even though he knew that contact with her was toxic, he could not bring himself to let go.He knew she was pregnant with his child, and his most primal desires began to surge, making it impossible for him to resist the urge to make her stay.Vicky listened quietly to his confession, and her heart ached.She could not fight off the urge to hold him; her touch was firm and comforting.He only mentioned a few words about the time he regained consciousness, but Vicky knew he had endured a lot of pain. The fact that he was alive was a miracl
Tyler's lips quivered as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he fell silent.What was there to say? It was not like he could apologize. The deed had been done, and his apology would not mean anything. Besides, he had no regrets whatsoever.Vicky stared at him. "You tampered with the surveillance, didn't you?""Yes.""And the servants and nannies. They're all under your control, right?"Tyler lowered his gaze. "Yes."Since all of this was real and not a dream, she must have been unconscious when Tyler returned. No matter how soundly she slept, she should have felt something. Since she had to take care of Lufian, she came home every day for meals, so she guessed that something was added to her food.For the past few days, she pretended to eat at home while secretly disposing of her meals. As it turned out, her suspicions were correct.Vicky repeated the question she asked before. "Why didn't you come to me?"Tyler remained silent once again."Did you come here just t
"Are you planning to leave just like that?"The man's body tensed.Click! The desk lamp was turned on, its warm, amber light illuminating the darkness."Why won't you look at me? Are you brave enough to do it but not to admit it?" echoed Vicky's gentle voice.Tyler snapped out of it and instinctively pulled his hand away from hers, ready to escape, only for Vicky's next words to pin him in place."If you leave now, I'll get rid of the baby in me tomorrow."He swiftly froze in place and turned back to her. "What did you just say?"Even though she prepared herself mentally, seeing the shock on his face made Vicky's eyes widen in shock. In an instant, her eyes welled up with tears. "You..."As Tyler met the shock in her eyes, he came to a sudden realization and turned his face away, looking anywhere but at her.When she learned about her pregnancy and knew she had not been dreaming, Vicky had a hunch about who it was that came and went freely into her home. The only one capable o
Vicky began to feel increasingly uneasy. She was pregnant without even knowing who the father was. That had to be one of the most absurd jokes in the world.Aurora, Noah, and the others were bewildered.They knew Vicky's character well, and she was not the type to casually sleep around. Besides, she still had feelings for Tyler, so she would never sleep with another man.Getting drunk was even more out of the question. After all, she was either working or taking care of her child. She had neither the time nor the inclination to go out drinking.Even Vicky herself was bewildered, and her thoughts were in disarray. "I... I don't know."The others exchanged glances, all noticing that Vicky's first instinct was not to terminate the pregnancy."Vicky, go home and think it over carefully. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us," Aurora said gently.Vicky nodded absently.Back at home, Vicky reviewed the surveillance footage once more.She had watched it numerous times, but
Just then, a dish that Vicky usually enjoyed was brought to the table by the waiter.The aroma filled the air, but Vicky paled instantly. Before anyone could react, she retched and rushed to the bathroom.Everyone exchanged puzzled glances.Cece blinked. "What's wrong with Vicky?"Jennifer furrowed her brow. "Vicky doesn't look well. Is she ill?"The concerned Aurora chimed in, "Ever since Tyler's disappearance, Vicky hasn't been in the best mood. She even suffered from postpartum depression. Let's take her to the hospital after dinner. We can't afford for her to fall ill again."Everyone assumed that something was physically wrong with Vicky, but Noah, who remained silent, spoke up."I remember when Vicky was pregnant last time... She seemed to be very sensitive to certain smells."All eyes turned to Noah.Jennifer's eyes widened. "What are you trying to say, Noah?! You don't mean to suggest that...Vicky might be pregnant, do you?"Under the curious gazes of everyone, Noah c
As Anthony and Jennifer grew up in Lovian, and their families had deep roots there, they had to stay at Lovian as well. However, whenever they had free time, Jennifer often returned to Stoneford City to meet her friends for gatherings and meals.Vicky's birthday was approaching in a few days, and Jennifer came back early for the occasion.Lufian, on the other hand, became the darling of the group, and everyone loved him. Thus, one of the highlights of visiting Zendonia was to see Lufian.On this day, Vicky had some free time and decided to go to the airport to fetch Jennifer.Harvey held Lufian and walked out of Vicky's mansion.He had also come back early to celebrate Vicky's birthday. Like everyone else, he adored Lufian. His priority the moment he returned was to see Lufian, even though Lufian resembled Tyler most uncannily.Harvey carried Lufian and settled into the back seat, preparing to bond with him during the ride. Vicky sat in the driver's seat.Just as they were about
"Lufian is usually very well-behaved. He doesn't cause a fuss and is easy to handle.""Is his name Lufian?""That's right. Lufian Hart."Gloria's gaze flickered briefly but quickly returned to normal. "Have you given him a nickname?""Not yet," Vicky replied.Gloria did not say anything further.After playing with the child for a while, she carefully placed the necklace she had prepared around Lufian's neck.The baby played for a while and soon fell asleep.Gloria then gently returned Lufian to his stroller.Leaving the nursery, Vicky and Gloria engaged in casual conversation. They had no deep-seated grudges, and over time, their past love and hatred gradually faded away.Vicky smiled and remarked, "You seem to really like children. How about having one yourself? A kid would make a good companion for Lufian.""I'd like to, but I haven't found the right person," Gloria lamented.Gloria had been single for years. It was not because she could not forget Tyler or was waiting fo