"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,
Chris seemed to be a trusted subordinate of Lincoln and knew quite a lot. He continued in a cold tone, "Though Tyler isn't completely insane, his situation isn't looking so good at the moment. The longer you stay by his side, the more likely you both will die. The drug Lincoln provided to Avery has no antidote and cannot be erased immediately. Your presence around Tyler will only provoke him."Vicky recalled the way Tyler harmed himself and could not help but agree that his condition had indeed worsened. Though he stopped losing his memories, what he was doing to himself made things a hundred times worse.Vicky and Chris fell silent.When they arrived at Vicky’s residential building, Chris got out of the car and opened the door for her. "Here you go." Vicky got out of the car and shot him a look. "Thank you."Her gratitude extended farther than his act of sending her home; it was for his honesty.Chris smiled. "His men are still watching me closely, so we still need to play alon
Tyler wanted to explain himself, but he was never good at it. In the end, he muttered, "It's a misunderstanding."Both Vicky and Chris looked at him condescendingly.Tyler's grip tightened around her wrist. Just as she was about to snap, he pulled her away abruptly. "Come with me."She wanted to fight back, but Tyler was too strong.Chris wanted to help, but Tyler simply shot him a sidelong glance contemptuously and said, "Are you sure you can stop me?"Chris paused in his tracks.Tyler had an air of complete disregard for him as he added, "Step aside and save yourself the embarrassment."Indeed, Chris could not stop Tyler from taking Vicky away. Tyler was legally Vicky's husband, while Chris was merely a friend to Vicky. Naturally, a friend had no right to intervene in a marital matter.It was unbecoming for adult men to engage in street fights like common thugs, and on top of that, Chris knew from Lincoln's information that Tyler was skilled in combat. Knowing that Tyler was
Vicky was stunned by Tyler's remark.Tyler sat down in front of the piano and began playing a pleasant melody. It was Vicky's favorite song, 'First Love'.Back when they first dated, Vicky tried teaching Tyler how to play the piano. However, at the time, they were in the honeymoon phase, and any attempt for a piano lesson would turn into a session of them in each other's arms.Tyler came from a decent family and had learned to play in the past, but there was evidently a difference between his skills and Vicky's.He focused mostly on business. While he enjoyed listening to piano, he was not entirely interested in playing the instrument.Vicky suddenly realized that Tyler had never once played the piano for her like this.Tyler had some basic knowledge about the instrument, and she had once given him a few lessons. Though his skills were hardly professional, the 'First Love' he played rivaled that of what Chris played the other day. It became clear to her that Tyler had been practi
Clearly, Tyler had practiced more than one song and was trying his best to win Vicky's favor.Vicky had grown accustomed to him being forceful, and his sudden act of kindness merely pushed her deeper into sorrow.'Don't be so nice to me,' she thought. 'I'm not worth it.'She desperately wished she could throw herself into his arms, name a few songs that she knew he could not have practiced just to tease him, and force him to think of other ways to cheer her up. She wished they could go back to how things were in the past, but that would be impossible."It's fine." Vicky remained expressionless. "It's getting late, so I'm going home."Tyler stared at her in silence, his gaze lingering.When Vicky noticed Tyler was not saying anything, she turned to leave.Suddenly, Tyler pulled her into a tight embrace from behind. "Don't go." His lips brushed against her ear, his voice low and pleading. "Vicky, please don't go."Vicky remained silent for a few seconds before she coldly uttered,
"Do you want me to forget you?!" growled Tyler."Yes.""Do you know what it truly means to forget everything?"Vicky smiled gently. "Haven't you done the same to me?""That's because I thought you didn't care at all and didn't want to remember the past," replied Tyler as he glared at her. "Have you forgotten? You once said being with me was the biggest regret of your life!"Vicky's expression fell slightly.Tyler, filled with suppressed anger, continued, "Since you didn't want to remember the past, I figured you don't need your memories. The reason I hypnotized you was because I still wanted a future for us, together!"When he hypnotized Vicky, it was because their relationship had reached an impasse and was beyond repair. Without the accident, they would have divorced.She had agreed to the divorce so readily without any attachment. It was likely that the thought had taken root even before her memory loss.He had used every excuse and means to keep her around as he did not wa
It was not until Tyler's lips brushed Vicky's neck that she spoke, sounding emotionally distant, "Are you planning to force yourself on me again?"Tyler stopped. He lowered his gaze to Vicky, and she gazed back at him indifferently. She was not flustered, enraged, in love, or even resentful. It was as though she was an emotionless machine.Tyler silently stared at her.They locked eyes for a few seconds before Vicky extended her hand to push him away. This time, she succeeded.She swiftly turned and walked away, only for her wrist to be caught again. She glanced back at Tyler mockingly.Tyler felt struck by the cold look on her face but managed to summon a calm tone. "I'll drive you back.""It's fine," she said. "I can manage.""It's late." Tyler watched her intently. "It's not safe for you to go home alone. I'll drive you.""You don't need to worry about my safety. I can have someone else come pick me up."Chris' face surfaced in Tyler's mind as it was Chris who was supposed
Aurora and Vicky were friends, and inviting Aurora to Vicky's birthday celebration was a must. Meanwhile, Noah, who shared a good relationship with them and was Vicky's senior, should also be included in the invitation list.However, considering the strained relationship between Aurora and Noah due to the cat incident, it became questionable if the two should be invited altogether.Vicky pondered. "Let's first ask Aurora and Noah. We'll see how they feel about it."For her past birthdays, Noah avoided attending to avoid suspicion, but whether he should be invited at all was a separate question.Jennifer agreed with the idea and said, "Sure. I'll call Noah later to ask."Jennifer, too, believed Noah might not come.However, when Jennifer called Noah in the evening to discuss the matter, he asked, "Is Aurora going?"Jennifer was taken aback. "I haven't asked Aurora yet...""Ask her now."Jennifer knew very well that Aurora would most likely agree to come. However, she would not
[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