The thought sent chills down Vicky's spine.She gazed straight into Tyler's eyes and boldly claimed, "All this while you've been using me to repay what you owed Sheila, haven't you? That's the reason you've always sided with her instead of me…"Vicky clearly saw Tyler's eyes darkened for her gaze had been fixed on him the whole time. It was then she knew she had guessed correctly.She subconsciously clenched her fists. 'There's no end to this man's cunningness! No, it's more accurate to call him cold-blooded and heartless!'The fact that Tyler would no longer owe Sheila and that he was willing to draw a line between them should have made Vicky happy. Instead, she was gripped by an unknown fear. To her, Tyler was too calculative, too rational, and too ruthless."Why?" Vicky asked blankly."It's simple," said Tyler. "I don't want to marry her, nor do I want to owe her forever. If I didn't do what I did, she would have used that excuse to get closer to me. Then she would fall deeper
It was a question Vicky had asked Tyler before. At that time, Tyler did not answer it.This time, Tyler had no intention whatsoever to answer the question either."I've finished eating. You can leave now," he declared."But you haven't answered my question."Tyler put on a straight face and said, "You should leave now."Vicky's eyes twinkled deviously. "Tyler, you're not answering the question. Is it because you don't dare to answer it, or… you have a secret you don't want anyone to know?"It was obvious Vicky was trying to trick Tyler into answering the question, but Tyler would not fall for the trap."Foolish," muttered Tyler."Tyler…"Tyler started flipping through his documents, ignoring Vicky.Seeing this, Vicky stopped pestering him. She packed the lunch box and left the office.It was half past four in the afternoon when Tyler's phone rang. A soft feminine voice came from the other end of the phone. "What time will you be back? I'll ask Nanny Paterson to get the dinne
The sharp pain cleared Vicky's head.Tyler frowned and was not bothered to put on his bathrobe as he immediately strode to Vicky."Where did you hurt yourself?" asked Tyler.Vicky's heart thumped wildly when she saw the naked Tyler nearing her.She instinctively took a few steps back. "I'm fine…"However, the next moment, she lost her footing. Tyler quickly reached out to prevent her from falling.Vicky immediately smelled the subtle fragrance from Tyler's body. The bathroom was humid, due to Tyler's recent shower, and the temperature inside was higher than outside. All these made it hard for her to breathe evenly."Are you alright?" Tyler looked down at her. Vicky could see a reflection of herself in his eyes.Vicky's eyes glimmered as she stuttered, "I-I'm fine…"She struggled to break free from his arms. "I'm getting up now."Vicky took a step and suddenly found herself in mid-air. It took her a moment to realize that Tyler had hoisted her up."P-Put me down! I'm perfectl
Tyler leaned down to kiss Vicky once more, but she panicked and turned her face away, causing his lips to land on her cheek instead.Tyler stopped to look at her. She looked nervous and uneasy, no doubt."Vicky, we're married.""I…I know," Vicky replied."This is a normal thing married couples do," Tyler explained."I know. I'm just…" she trailed off softly, "not ready yet.""Not ready yet?" Tyler looked at her in a strange way. "When will you be ready?"Vicky did not reply.Tyler continued to look at her. "From the time you proposed the three-month contract, I haven't touched you. Vicky, I thought I'd given you enough time."Tyler was just as regular as any other guy, and their marriage was far beyond platonic before she lost her memory. After her car crash, he felt estranged after her memory loss, which was why he had not touched her during that period. However, it did not mean he was not going to touch her for the rest of her life.He noticed Vicky's wavering eyes and how
Just when Vicky was about to repeat herself, Tyler answered, "Six."Vicky was relieved. "What do you feel like eating? I'll cook for you.""Anything," came Tyler's indifferent response before he hung up, giving Vicky no room to say anything.Vicky's heart no longer hung on a thread. Luckily, he did not consider having a divorce because of this, even though he was unhappy.In fact, it was normal if he wanted to divorce her. The law did state it was part of the right and obligation for a married couple to have regular intimate moments. If one party refused to fulfill the obligation of being a married couple, the other half had the right to request a divorce.Vicky did not want that to happen, but…she was just not ready.…Other than spending that night in the study, Tyler did go back to sleep in the bedroom for the rest of the night, though he never touched her again. If it was unnecessary, he would not even say anything to her—not even a word.This was to the extent he would go
"Frankly speaking," Cece answered cautiously, "no normal woman can either. Sometimes, sex is the bond that keeps a couple together."Cece looked at the depressed-looking Vicky and asked softly, "Vicky, are you finding it hard to be intimate with Mister Hart because he has become a stranger to you after you've lost your memory?"Vicky fell silent for a minute. Then she questioned, "Cece, can you think of a situation where you would actually reject advances from a person whose touch you're not averse to?""Hmm… Meaning to say I like that person but I'm afraid of being intimate with him… and it's not because of external factors. Well, I guess the answer is I'm afraid I'll fall in love with someone I shouldn't have and be unable to pull myself out of it," answered Cece after mulling over the question.Vicky fell silent once more.Cece decided to cheer up Vicky, who was still low-spirited, by changing the topic. "Vicky, I was scrolling through the Internet yesterday and came across a v
Vicky nodded in agreement. "Yes. She must at the very least have ten years of piano playing experience behind her."Cece turned to look at Vicky. "Vicky, you know how to play the piano, too?"The question caught Vicky off guard. "I don't know."She just said that reflexively.Cece did not think too much of it. It would not be anything out of the ordinary for Vicky to know to play the piano since she came from a wealthy family. However, Cece had never seen Vicky play the piano during these years by her side.They were in the midst of their conversation when they heard a gruff voice coming in the front row."Oh please, you can drop the innocent act. You should know what performing in the bar entails very well!"Vicky looked over in the direction where the sound came from and saw a fat middle-aged man clutching Nikki's wrist."Why won't you drink with me? Is it because I'm not rich enough?" said the man belligerently."Mister Larson, it's not part of my job to drink with the patr
Nikki's clean face became swollen with an obvious handprint visible on her skin. Mister Larson grabbed her hair and tore her clothes rudely."Let go of me! Let go!" Nikki shrieked in terror. "Please! Someone, save me! Ah!"The more Nikki struggled, the more agitated Mister Larson was, which worsened his behavior. The only thing people heard in the bar was Mister Larson's evil laughter and Nikki screaming at the top of her lungs.When Mister Larson raised his hand and was about to slap Nikki again, someone grabbed his hand. It was followed by a man's voice, deep and dark."That's enough." His voice was alluring and melodious like the sound of the piano.Mister Larson, at this moment, was lost in himself and could hardly listen to what people said. He raised his head and looked at the man with his reddened eyes and face contorted in fury. "Who the f*ck are you to butt into my business? You…"Just as he was about to continue cursing the man, he finally caught a clear look on the man
[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