"Do you really...hate me this much?"Vicky jolted awake and was drenched in sweat. She grabbed her phone to check the time and noticed that she had only slept for an hour.After reading the last message she received from the mysterious man, she wiped her sweat away and made a call to Harvey."Vicky?" Harvey answered the call.Vicky cut to the chase and said, "Gloria didn't leave on her own. She's been kidnapped.""Did Tyler do this?""Yeah."Harvey did not seem surprised. "Do you know where she is?"Vicky provided him with the address, and Harvey blurted out asking, "How do you know this, Vicky?"Vicky hesitated for a moment before informing Harvey about the mysterious man.He chuckled bitterly and said, "Even after all these years, you still trust him with everything."Vicky stayed quiet for a while before saying, "I'm sorry for misunderstanding you.""It wasn't a misunderstanding. I was at fault, and I—" He paused in realization and asked excitedly, "Vicky, have you regai
After the call with Harvey, Vicky's head started to hurt again, and she went back to sleep.The next time she woke up was when the sky had turned dark. The lights in the room were not turned on, so the room was pitch dark.She fumbled to grab her phone, and after a while, her fingers came into contact with a human's hand.Anyone would be startled by that, and Vicky shrieked. "Ah!"Click! The lights by the nightstand were switched on.The faint light did not blind her and revealed a familiar face.Tyler was staring at her with a shadow looming over his face.Her eyes widened, and her heart threatened to stop beating.For a moment, she seemed to have traveled back to that week-long hellish experience of the time when she was kidnapped by Tyler.He thought that she was corresponding with Monty in secret and that she was plotting an escape, so he chained her up in a dark room and continued to ask repeatedly why she betrayed him.He would sometimes be gentle, only to act extremely
Halfway through, someone knocked on Vicky's door, and Tyler strolled in with a glass of familiar-looking liquid.The scent of herbs filled the air.Tyler had been busy lately and had ordered someone else to deliver her the tea instead of watching her drink it himself.'He's making me the tea himself again tonight... Is he suspecting something?' she thought.Vicky had regained 90% of her memories, so the tea no longer had any effect on her.She accepted the glass and drank the tea in one smooth motion before handing the glass back to Tyler.He placed it on the table and stared at her lips unblinkingly.She instinctively looked away, and he simply lowered his head to kiss away the tea that was left on her lips.She tensed and wanted to turn away, but he simply placed a hand at the back of her hand and pressed her closer toward his chest.Vicky started shivering, which was unusual.She would resist, obey, or simply lay limp, but she rarely shivered in his arms.Tyler stopped an
To distract Tyler, Vicky said, "I asked Alex when Gloria was kidnapped, and he said he didn't do it. I know him, and he wouldn't deny his involvement if he was responsible.""You've only met him a few times, and you claim to know him?" Tyler mocked.Vicky wanted to argue that she knew Alex since they were children, but that only made sense if she did not lose her memories.Ever since she suffered from amnesia, she had only met with Alex a few times.Noticing her silence, Tyler said, "When Gloria comes back, I'll let her do whatever she wants with Alex. According to what I know about Gloria, she wouldn't go too far. I don't want to hear any more of this."His mood was seemingly affected by the mention of Alex, and he was distracted from the earlier discussion, so he simply picked Vicky up and carried her back to the bedroom...."Vicky, are you afraid of me?""Why are you running away? Have I not treated you well?""Vicky, don't go. I won't hurt you...""Ah!" Vicky jolted awak
Vicky remembered almost everything but knew nothing about the mysterious man.A part of her memories remained lost, but that was related to the reason why she broke up with Tyler. She did not think that it concerned the mysterious man.'Can the man I ran into be the mysterious man who's been helping me?' she thought.Just as she considered whether she should text or call the man she met before, her phone vibrated.The man she met always contacted her with unknown caller identification, while the mysterious man who helped her multiple times had an actual phone number.Though Vicky suspected that they were the same person, she decided to treat them like two separate individuals until she had proof.Vicky opened the text message and jolted in shock as it was not from an unknown number but from the number she remembered to belong to the mysterious man.[I thought you were never going to text me again.][What makes you think that?] Vicky replied.[You've forgotten about everything,
Vicky glanced at the driver and took out her phone quietly. Her expression darkened when she noticed that she received no signal on her phone."Ms. Shaw," said the driver. "Don't worry. We won't hurt you. We're only inviting you over because Old Mister wants to see you.""Old Mister?""There's a signal blocker here on the car, so don't try anything, Ms. Shaw," added the driver monotonously.Vicky gazed down and confirmed that she could not make any phone calls.10 minutes later, the taxi arrived at a mansion where someone was already waiting by the door.It was none other than Magnus."We meet again, Ms. Shaw," Magnus said.She glanced at him and said, "I'm sorry, but I've suffered from amnesia and don't remember who you are."Magnus was not at all offended and smiled patiently. "Allow me to introduce myself again, then. My name is Magnus Hawthorne."Vicky nodded wordlessly, and Magnus proceeded to guide her into the mansion.The mansion exuded a quintessential oriental styl
Senior Hart did not like her, so Vicky rarely visited him."I'm Tyler's biological grandfather. The one you met before isn't related to Tyler.""Biological grandfather?" Vicky studied the elderly before her, feeling as though she had seen him before.There was still a piece of the puzzle missing in her memories, and she had a feeling that Old Mister Hart might have something to do with her lost memories.She recalled Magnus but had no memories of how she came to know him."You knew about Tyler's background before you lost your memories. I don't know if you've actually lost your memories or if you're simply faking it, but I don't mind explaining it to you again," Old Mister Hart continued.Vicky widened her eyes at the realization that she did not know about Tyler's actual family background as Tyler had never told her anything about it."Does he...have another identity?" she asked hoarsely.Old Mister Hart poured two cups of tea and said, "Ever since Tyler took over Hart Corpora
A contemptuous look appeared on Old Mister Hart. "That Hart Family wasn't doing so badly in Stoneford City but was hardly significant when you look at the entire country. They weren't even comparable to the power Tyler possesses in the present, let alone being compared to our family. If they send their son into our family and their son manages to inherit a part of the wealth..."He paused and continued, "Even if it was just a one percent share, that'll give them more than they had ever owned. Who wouldn't want that?"What Old Mister Hart said seemed to make sense, but Vicky remained skeptical. "That's just your theory. What if the nurses actually made a careless mistake?"Old Mister Hart took a sip of tea. "First of all, the doctors and nurses involved in the incident had all gone missing or died. We couldn't find a single witness. Don't you think that's odd? Also, I've already found the truth about the car accident Tyler's adoptive parents ran into."Vicky's heart sank. "I thought
[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