When Vicky did not return from the washroom, both Jennifer and Cece snapped out of their drunken state. They were starting to worry that Vicky had gotten into trouble, so they hurried outside to look for her, only to run into Vicky coming their way alongside Noah."Vicky!" The two hurried over. "What took you so long? Are you okay?"Vicky could not possibly mention what happened with Tyler. "I'm fine. I just ran into Noah and chatted for a while."Cece had seen Noah before and greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Noah."Noah looked bright, casual, and charming, so Cece came to address him by his first name seeing how he was a friend of Vicky.Noah smiled at Cece. "Cece, you look even prettier as days go by."Cece chuckled. "You have become more handsome as well."After a brief exchange of pleasantry, Noah turned his attention to Jennifer, and his eyes lit up in an instant.'What a beautiful girl,' he thought. She had delicate doll-like features, a small and porcelain-like face,
Noah would not have risked his life to agree to Vicky's invitation.Cece glanced at the two and said, "Jennifer and Noah seem like a good match. It's way better than to let her waste time on that jerk, Anthony."Vicky knew Noah and that he was a great man. "Cece, should we tell Jennifer?""About what?" Cece asked in confusion."That Noah likes her."Vicky can't stop Noah from pursuing Jennifer as it was his right to do so, but she could inform Jennifer about it to avoid her from feeling awkward. Plus, if she was not interested, it could save Noah from the embarrassment."I don't think that's necessary," Cece said. "Noah is a great guy and Jennifer has already wasted enough time on Anthony. It's about time that she steps out of her comfort zone to meet other men. Maybe she'll finally stop being so stubborn. Besides..." Cece lowered her voice. "Jennifer may look cheerful on the outside, but I actually haven't seen her laugh like this for the longest time. If Noah can make her laugh
The look in Anthony's eyes darkened.At this point, Noah finally grasped the situation and realized that yet another woman he was interested in had a complicated relationship with her ex.Noah felt as though the world was against him no matter what he tried to do.Since everyone was watching, he did not deny anything and simply stood quietly.Years ago, he greatly suffered the backlash of pretending to be Vicky's boyfriend because he did not look into Tyler's background ahead of time.'And now...' He thought while staring at Anthony. 'I can't be that unlucky to run into the same kind of lunatic twice, right? A man should always be bold in the pursuit of what he wants.'His mood greatly improved at the thought, but at that time, he was unaware that he would soon come to regret his choice that day. Sadly, it was possible for lightning to strike the same place twice…"Jennifer!" Anthony's voice resonated in the surrounding area. "I've already made it clear to Lily that I won't marr
"Must be from overwork or something. I came looking for you as soon as I landed in Stoneford City, so I haven't been getting enough rest."A heart attack could be a potential risk for those who exhausted themselves for a prolonged period of time, so Jennifer instantly started panicking."We need to send you to a hospital to get checked. Let's hope nothing is wrong."Anthony, on the other hand, stared at her steadily with his dark eyes. "You still care about me, Jennifer."She froze and realization dawned on her. "Were you faking it?!"She angrily shoved Anthony away, but he held onto her arm tightly. "Jennifer, let's talk."Her expression hardened. "Let. Go. Of. Me.""Jennifer..."Cece interrupted him. "Jennifer, maybe you should talk to him, so that he won't bother you anymore in the future."Jennifer was soft-hearted, and Anthony had grown up with her; judging from the recent situation, he clearly knew exactly what to do to manipulate her.Despite Jennifer's tough refusal,
[Are you alright?]She glanced at the phone number on the screen and a gloomy look appeared in her eyes.It must be from the man who refused to give her his name, and he had left her his number on the day he paid.She glided her fingers across the screen and replied. [When did you find out?][Early on.][You found out when I chose him over you, right?] She typed.[Yes.]Vicky stared at the message carefully and replied. [Have you been helping me all these years?][Does it matter?] The man replied.[Yes.]There was a ten-minute gap until the man finally replied. [I have.]Vicky was not shocked or surprised after reading the message. After all, she's been suspecting this person for the longest time. She just never heard him outwardly prove her right.Vicky stared at the screen of her phone and typed. [I'm sorry, but even in that case, I won't help you.][It's alright.] The mysterious man seemed unconcerned. [I understand your predicament.]A mix of complex emotions surfaced
[Can you send me the time and venue of their meeting?]A few minutes later, Vicky received a message containing the information she asked for....Time flew past and soon, the weekends arrived. Thankfully, Vicky reached the hotel ahead of time.It was the most luxurious hotel in all of Stoneford City and all the guests here were of high status.She found an isolated corner that guaranteed the best view and waited.Sometime later, her phone vibrated when a message was sent to her, saying, [They're here.]She looked up at the door, and as expected, a handsome and aloof man strode in gracefully.His perfectly pressed black suit accentuated his already tall and slender figure, making him exceptionally striking. His deep, clear eyes resembled an abyss, and his sharply defined face remained expressionless. Yet, the man exuded an air of nobility that catches the attention of passersby.Following behind him, walking alongside two middle-aged women, was a young lady from a prominent fa
"Ex-wife?!" Vicky silently mouthed as she slammed her fist onto the table, causing the steaming hot tea to spill onto the table.The scalding liquid grazed her hand, leaving a reddened patch on her fair and delicate palm."Are you okay?" The man quickly stood up.At the same time, a voice unfamiliar to Vicky, that of a middle-aged man, sounded from the listening device."We all know that Tyler used to be married. The reason we're here today is to show that we are willing to accept his past. What I want to know is... When will your side of the matter be settled?""Yes." The voice of an unfamiliar middle-aged woman chimed in, "When will this marriage finally end?""Soon. Tyler has already drafted the divorce agreement," Orion said."That woman is nothing more than a jumped-up nobody. How could she ever compare to my boy? Don't worry, this marriage will definitely be over in the near future," Valencia added.Still, there seemed to be lingering doubt from the other side. "Aurora ca
The dishes she ordered surprisingly matched Tyler's taste, so Tyler could not help but take another glance at her. "Did you look into me?" He asked.As his gaze met hers, Aurora's face blushed slightly, but she did not avoid his gaze. "Of course, you are my future husband. It's only natural to inquire about your preferences. It would be awkward if I ordered something you didn't like.""Your future husband?" Tyler's lips parted slightly. "How do you know that I will definitely be your husband?""I don't." Aurora's expression was shy, yet her eyes were resolute. "All I know is that fortune favors the bold. Therefore, I have to make an effort, at the very least.""If I recall correctly, Miss Starling, this is our first time meeting.""Yes, I am aware.""Since it's our first meeting, why did you assume I'd want to be your husband?""Because... I like you.""You like me? What do you like about me?""You're handsome, charismatic, and hold a remarkable status. You're also part of the
[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