'Aria?' Vicky thought.She had no memories of this name and instinctively turned to look at Tyler.The look in Tyler's eyes darkened, and she could feel her blood running cold at the sight."Don’t blame your parents, Tyler. They only agreed to the engagement to save your life," Old Mister Hart said seriously. "Yet you broke the promise as soon as the poison in you was removed and married another woman. Who do you take the Everlys for? If you don't give them a proper explanation, they won't let this slide.""Explanation?" A contemptuous look appeared on Tyler's face as he wrapped his arm around Vicky's waist and said, "This is my explanation."Old Mister Hart had hinted that Tyler only married Vicky to upset his family, and Vicky did not believe him then. However, after seeing the contempt and mockery on Tyler's face, she started to believe what Old Mister Hart said.'After all the pain you've caused Tyler, do you really think that he'd marry you for love?' Old Mister Hart's words
"About your birth."Tyler scanned her expression and asked, "What else?""That's all.""Are you sure?""What exactly are you implying?" Vicky frowned. "Is there some kind of secret you don't want Old Mister Hart to tell me?"Tyler shot her a half-smile. "Secrets? I figured...that you know just as much as I do."She felt chills down her spine at the thought that he might have noticed that she had regained her memories. "What do you mean?"He stared at her unblinkingly. "You've met Gloria, haven't you?"Vicky relaxed slightly but tensed again in the next moment. "... No.""She's been rescued just now."On their way home, Tyler answered a phone call that lasted only for a few moments. He said a simple 'alright' before hanging up.'Was that a phone call informing him that Gloria was taken away?' she thought."I thought you said that she went away to be alone. Why would I see her anywhere?" Vicky asked calmly."Don't think that no one would know what happened so long as you cut
Tyler pulled Vicky to him roughly and stared into her eyes. "Are you women all born to be so heartless?"His grip was so strong that her wrist began to hurt. She frowned and said, "It hurts... Let go...""Sure. Tell me who helped you.""I already told you that it was Harvey..."Before she could finish, the sound of fabric tearing echoed in the room, and her shirt was torn apart.She was stunned for a moment before she snapped out of it and covered her exposed chest. "Have you gone mad, Tyler?!"He stared down at her with a ruthless look in his eyes as he uttered cruelly, "Who was it?""I don't know...""So you plan on protecting him no matter what, huh?" he scoffed and tore his necktie off.Vicky did not know what he was going to do, but the anxiety that overwhelmed her urged her to back away.Tyler reached to grab Vicky and tossed her onto the bed roughly before tying her wrists skilfully with his necktie and tying the other end to the bed.With that, he got up and left, on
When Vicky woke up, she felt as though she had traveled back in time. It was not until her phone on the nightstand started vibrating that she sobered and answered the call."Vicky," greeted Cece energetically. "I've already arrived at the event hall. When will you arrive?"'Event hall?' Vicky thought before remembering that there was a large fashion show in Stoneford City, and as a fashion designer, she could not afford to miss it."I'm on my way," Vicky blurted out and ended the call.She leaped out of bed to head to the bathroom, only to lose balance and dropped to the ground.She struggled to get up and noticed the bruise on her wrists.Vicky froze at the realization that what happened the night before was not a dream.She did not want to recall what happened, and the truth was that she could not, even if she tried. All she remembered was Tyler asking over and over again who helped her.However, it was a question that she did not have an answer to.At one point, she fainted
Vicky scowled. "I think Anthony does have feelings for Jennifer, and he...doesn't seem head over heels for Lily either, so why is he struggling to settle this love triangle?""It's because something is wrong with his mind," replied Cece and pointed at her head. "I'm not insulting him. He is actually sick in the head, and the way he thinks is different from others. I heard from Jennifer that Anthony's mother went into a coma to save him. His dad is deeply in love with his mother and almost went crazy because of that. Anthony was taught that true love means giving your life to a person. When he was kidnapped and Lily risked her life to save him, he mistook that for true love."She shrugged. "A person's values and beliefs form from their childhood, and it's impossible for Anthony to change now. All things aside, Anthony does treat Jennifer well. They grew up together, after all. However, with Lily in the picture, Jennifer will always come second... More precisely speaking, Anthony only
A sharp, crushing pain shot through the top of Vicky's foot, making it almost unbearable.Vicky instinctively pushed the woman in front of her away.With considerable force, Vicky managed to knock the woman to the ground in an instant.Just then, two elegant ladies happened to be walking by from a distance and hurried over upon witnessing the scene."Oh my goodness, Aria, are you okay?!""Did you hurt yourself anywhere?"The two ladies stood on each side of the younger woman to help her to her feet.A few scratches marred the younger woman's porcelain-like skin, and one of the middle-aged ladies' eyes reddened with concern."Aria, are you hurt? Does it hurt?"The younger woman replied, "Mom, I'm fine. It's just a few scratches. They'll heal."Her mother gazed at her with tender affection. "You've had health issues since you were little, and now that you've finally recovered, you go and hurt yourself. How can I feel at ease when you're out on your own?""Mom, I really am fine
Missus Everly cast a cold glance at Cece and remarked disdainfully, "Ill-mannered wench, who gave you the right to speak here? Birds of a feather, indeed! People of a certain kind always gravitate toward their kind."Cece had never encountered someone so unreasonable before, and she flushed in rage. She was about to confront Missus Everly when Vicky restrained her.Vicky gazed calmly at Missus Everly. "The upbringing of people who constantly call others 'ill-mannered' is hardly exemplary. Missus Hart was right. People who don't have a mother won't know a thing about manners, but having a mother devoid of refinement can hardly raise a good daughter either."The expressions of the three women immediately darkened.Valencia sarcastically chimed in, "I heard Ms. Shaw has lost her memory. It seems deceiving men is another skill in her arsenal."Missus Everly laughed coldly. "Aria, you should learn a thing or two from her. When it's time for a woman to feign vulnerability, she must lear
The look in Vicky’s eyes darkened.When she returned to Valencia, Valencia shot her a cold look. "Are you done with your phone call? If so, let's go.""I need to use the bathroom, Missus Hart."Valencia scowled in displeasure. "Why do you have so many excuses?""Sorry. I drank too much water today.""Well, go on, then!" Valencia said impatiently.Vicky nodded and silently shot Cece a pointed look.After working for Vicky for years, the two had developed an unspoken understanding, so she blurted out saying, "I'll go, too."As the two walked away, Missus Everly scoffed in contempt. "That little wench is so stubborn. You ought to teach her a lesson properly later."Valencia narrowed her eyes viciously. "If it wasn't for that vixen, Tyler wouldn't have hurt Lincoln. Thankfully, Lincoln has been cured, or I'd have her head!"At this moment, Aria spoke up, "Aunt Valencia, Tyler holds her in high regard, or he wouldn't have kept her hidden from you and Uncle for so long. If you assa
[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