Selene was the one who proposed to organize a celebration, but when Gloria arrived at the restaurant, she found herself alone with Tyler."What's your plan from now on?" Tyler changed the subject."I was born and raised here, so I intend on staying."He hummed in response and did not say anything else.Gloria lowered her gaze and rubbed her finger against the bracelet on her wrist. Finally, she summoned the courage and asked, "Tyler, I'll be performing this weekend. Would... Would you like to come?"After a few moments of silence, he said, "I'm sorry, but I'm going to a resort with Vicky this weekend."She froze, and the hope in her eyes vanished. "It's okay. You should go ahead with that, then."Silence returned to the car, and Gloria took the initiative to speak after some time. "Tyler, are Vicky's legs injured?"His hands on the steering wheel stiffened for a moment. "Yeah."Sensing that he did not wish to talk about it, she did not press on the subject.10 minutes later,
Vicky woke up suffocating. When she opened her eyes, she found herself half-naked as Tyler was planting a trail of kisses down her skin.Her emotions were raw after having just woken up, and when she shoved him away, the disgust in her eyes was unconcealable.Tyler paused and opened his eyes.Their eyes met, and they instantly saw the emotions in each other's eyes."Finally awake?" he muttered hoarsely as his warm breath caressed her cheek.Vicky could distinctly see the lust burning in his eyes and felt as though she was targeted by a starving beast.Despite the heated look in his eyes, her blood ran cold.She lowered her gaze to hide her contempt. "It's getting late... Let's go to sleep."He reached out to lift her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Vicky, you've recovered."She looked away. "It's late. Let's... Let's just rest for now."He kept his eyes trained on her. "Vicky, I'm not aiming for a platonic marriage here.""..."For as long as they were married, she cou
"Sure." Tyler lowered his head to kiss Vicky and whispered into her ear, "Aren't you going to reward me?"She tilted her face away. "I don't have anything to reward you with.""You do," he muttered and captured her lips.She tried to shove him away, but she eventually gave up upon failing....Vicky and Tyler remained in the resort for weeks, and Tyler would spend three hours each day traveling back and forth, which frustrated Adam.One day, he arrived at Harry's office to hand him a document when he noticed a few colorful catalogs on his desk.Adam scowled and said, "Harry, it's all hands on deck now, and you're slacking off?""I'm not slagging off." Harry put the catalog aside. "These are the research that Mister Hart assigned me to do.""Mister Hart did?""Yeah," said Harry. "Miss Shaw has been in a pretty good mood lately, and Mister Hart wants to give her a surprise to patch things up between them."Adam scowled. "Miss Shaw? Which one?""Vicky Shaw."Adam's eyes widen
Vicky rarely smiled at Tyler, so he was dazed at the sight of her beaming smile.He tightened his hand around hers. "Why don't I take you outside to have a look?"She thought about it for a few moments and nodded. "Sure."She would either refuse or remain quiet whenever Tyler offered to take her somewhere, so the sudden change in her attitude surprised Tyler.He stood and slowly wheeled her out of the restaurant.Boom!Fireworks blossomed in the sky above them the moment they got outside, and Vicky stared at the sky calmly as she thought, 'It's all going to be...over soon.'She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she did not even notice Tyler walking away. By the time she snapped out of her trance, he returned with a beautiful bouquet in his hand."This is for you."He handed the bouquet to her, and she accepted it after a few moments of silence.It was a bouquet of crimson roses, but Vicky's mind was taken to the sight of the crabapples she once saw on the internet.There
"What are you supposed to call me?"They were so close that she could distinctly see the predatory look in his eyes. He was like a beast that had its eyes on prey and merely waited for the right time to devour it.Her lashes fluttered as she whispered, "Honey..."She rarely addressed him that way because she was always aware of the distance that could not be crossed between them, and she could not bring herself to refer to him in such an endearing manner freely. The only times that she addressed him that way was when they were in bed.She apparently guessed it right, and Tyler brushed his lips against her cheek. "Call me that from now on."She lowered her gaze and whispered, "... Okay."Vicky's behavior pleased Tyler, and he almost felt like they had gone back in time.Realizing that Vicky might truly love surprises, he decided to do it more often in the future and was certain that they would become close once again.He lifted her and entered the bedroom....That night, Vick
"I won't," Vicky said."I heard that Tyler has been running himself thin at work to make time for this surprise for you...yet you've plotted against him at such a moment. Aren't you at least a little touched by what he's done?"Sheila saw how much effort Tyler had put in to cheer Vicky up and knew that Tyler treated Vicky differently compared to her."If what he gives me isn't exclusive, I don't want it," Vicky said.Sheila's breath caught in her throat as she studied Vicky.Vicky's delicate features seemed to have frozen in place, and there were no emotions on her face at all.Sheila could not imagine why a woman who did whatever she could to make Tyler hers would change so drastically. She did not know what had happened to Vicky nor had Vicky mentioned anything to her.She observed the cold look on Vicky’s face and said, "If that's the case, why didn't you go all the way?"Vicky looked Sheila in the eyes. "Do you think that I'm being merciful for not drugging you two with an
Sheila said nothing else as she took a deep breath and entered the room.The door closed with a small noise, and Vicky stared at the cold night outside the window, feeling as though a part of her was ripped off. Just like a piece of necrotic flesh, it hurt when it was cut away, but new flesh could grow out eventually and the pain would fade.With that, she rolled her wheelchair forward and disappeared at the end of the corridor....The next day, Tyler woke up as the sky brightened.He had always been slightly introverted and did not enjoy being excessively emotional, but Vicky's behavior the night before satisfied him both physically and mentally.He had finished all the work for the next three days, so he could take Vicky to wherever she wanted to go without worrying about work.He opened his eyes and saw a woman sleeping next to him with her back facing her.Tyler reached out to pull her closer, but his expression darkened as soon as he touched her."Who are you?" he questi
Swarmed by fear, all romantic thoughts were cast aside and Sheila muttered through quivering lips, "It was Vicky. Vicky sent me here..."Just then, the bedroom door flew open, and a group of reporters rushed in before she and Tyler could react."This is going to be the scandal of the century. Sheila Young is seeing a mysterious man in a hotel room... Oh, my. I just know that the city is going to go crazy once news of this is released!""It's going to be my exclusive piece!""Dream on! I'm streaming live so no one is taking the credit from me!""As if you are the only one who knows how to stream live. I can do it, too! I'm the one who's going to record this first-hand!"The reporters faced their phones and cameras at the two people in bed, and their thirst for fame caused them to neglect the identity of the man.Sheila was utterly stunned as Vicky never mentioned anything about sending reporters.'It's no wonder she didn't bother trying to get us to sleep together. If I actually
[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