Araceli POVI glanced at the caller ID and my face was a little surprised.This person hadn't contacted me in a year."Mr. Elford?""Araceli, I came to New York yesterday for a painting exhibition and thought of you. This is your hometown, isn't it?"An old voice came from the phone."Do you remember what I said to you a year ago?"
Raphael POVAt Royal Group.I was in a meeting.My phone suddenly vibrated on my desktop.I glanced at it.It was Maddox.Maddox rarely called me. He knew I was more used to reading text messages and emails.These days, Essel snuck out of the house a lot, w
Raphael POVMelanie stared at me, her eyes grim. I laughed inwardly at myself for allowing such a woman to be the mother of my two so lovely children.After a while, she said, "Raphael, something happened to Essel, and I was worried and scared... That's why I yelled at you... I'm sorry..."Melany knew very well how to show weakness, and her watery eyes were flooded with crystal tears."Let's go see Essel first, okay?"S
Raphael POV "Daddy, Ms. Chancey..." A frail voice suddenly sounded in the ward. Araceli turned her head to look at Essel with great joy. "Essel, you're finally awake. How do you feel? Does it hurt?" "I'm okay..." Essel blinked her eyes and suddenly giggled. "I remember in the drama, if a man and a woman keep looking at each other, it means they both like each other. Ms. Chancey, do you like Daddy? Daddy, if you like Ms. Chancey too, can you marry Ms. Chancey?" Araceli obviously froze for two seconds. The first thing Essel said when he woke up after the accident was that he wanted me to marry Araceli? I suddenly wondered if the car accident was fake... But... My eyes fell on Araceli's face. She smiled, her eyes were clear. Her long eyelashes trembled with her laugh, as if they were feathers. My heart suddenly skipped a beat. Suddenly, I felt as if I didn't resent marrying this woman...
Araceli POV I picked up the kids and drove home. While cooking in the kitchen, I got a video call from Essel. "Ms. Chancey, why don't you come see me?" Essel's voice was worried. "Ms. Chancey, can you come and keep me company? I want you to tell me stories..." I shook the spoon in my hand, smiled and said, "It's too late today. I'll come over to see you tomorrow, okay? I'll bring you a sandwich I made." "Yeebeeeeee! Ms. Chancey, thank you! Love you!" I heard her excited shout and giggled, "You should get some rest now. I'll be over as soon as I can tomorrow. Don't worry." "OK, Ms. Chancey, nighty night. Oh right! Can you give me a kiss back?" On the phone screen, Essel pouted, looking hilarious. I shook my head and gave the screen two "kisses" before Essel hung up the phone. I carried the food into the dining room and saw Krish and Valeria looking at me with big, worried eyes. Slightly surpr
Araceli POV I closed the contract and said, "Micah, who drew up this contract?" "It's me." Micah said coldly, "If it's okay with you, sign it. Aren't you in a hurry to find a partner? It's an honor for you to work with me." I smiled and stared at him, not saying anything. Micah looked at me in the eye, blinked uneasily, and looked away. I didn't know why, but I thought he looked a little chagrined. "I think there's something wrong with this contract." I didn't hesitate to say what I thought, in a sincere and serious manner. I stared at Micah and said calmly, "I'm not going to work with you. You think too highly of yourself." I said and threw the contract hard on the table. Micah visibly froze for a few seconds, then looked at me with derision. His face instantly went much colder, but I didn't feel the least bit intimidated, instead I stared more contemptuously into his eyes. Micah was Raphae
Araceli POV Krish said calmly, "So what?" Essel narrowed her eyes, clenched her fists in annoyance, and bit her lip. I couldn't hold back my laughter. Krish had always been introverted and never flaunted his abilities. It was clear that Krish already thinks of Essel as a friend. But why did he suddenly accept Essel? I stared at Krish, trying to see something in his expression. Krish felt my gaze, stood up, and said, "Mommy, I'm going to the bathroom." I nodded, took out an apple, and gave it to Essel. All day long, we stayed with Essel in her hospital room. Krish said he had some business to attend to and left after lunch. Valeria and I ate dinner before coming home. Krish stayed in his room, looking very focused. I didn't bother him and took Valeria to bed after washing up. I lay in bed, thinking about Eve, whom I called out numerous times in my head, but never got a response. I sighed slig
Araceli POV Raphael said slowly, "Wait, Ms. Chancey. I'm going to call Micah right now and have him apologize to you personally." I sat back against my chair and wrapped my arms around my chest. I was interested in Micah, too. I leaned back in my chair and waited, only to see Raphael frown and then hung up the phone in annoyance. I laughed, "He refused to apologize, didn't he?" Raphael's face was cold. "Micah is a genius. He has his own world, refuses to accept it, and doesn't give in to anyone easily." I continued to say slowly, "Micah and Krish are different. Krish is more sensitive. Mr. Lancaster, I suggest you talk to Micah more often in the future." Raphael narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at me with a provocative look. "I will bring him to apologize to you in person." With those words, Raphael took the papers on the table and left. I shrugged indifferently. The truth was, I didn't