Zachary remembered the words of advice Serenity had offered to Clive back then.Having a miscarriage could be harmful to the body.The husband and wife should know each other best.Serenity was aware of Zachary’s expression. Soon, she was able to guess what was going on in his head. Also, he bit his tongue several times just now.“Zachary, don’t even think about it!”Serenity warned him seriously, “If you dare act as my cousin did, we’ll get a divorce. I’ll raise my child, and you don’t have to meddle in it.”“Seren.“What’s wrong?”Grandma May and Liberty were stupefied to hear what Seren said.Seren actually brought up divorce.Just like when Zachary revealed his identity, Serenity’s reaction was extreme and she mentioned that she wanted to get a divorce. Zachary acted like a lunatic at that time.The couple’s relationship then was stiff, which was worrying.Fortunately, they made peace afterward.Serenity never brought up divorce again with Zachary.She knew the me
Grandma May was about to slap Zachary again. Serenity quickly pulled the old lady’s hand back. “I’m not angry anymore, Nana. Please stop hitting Zachary. He’s already in his thirties. He’ll be embarrassed if you keep beating him.”“Although Seren is protecting you and hiding your mistakes from me, I’m still giving you a warning—I won’t let you off if you don’t behave yourself.”Zachary smiled bitterly. “I know, Nana. I’ve always behaved myself properly.”Mrs. Lane soon returned with the sour prunes. Serenity tore the package open eagerly and ate one. The sour taste spread in her mouth. She smiled and said, “I love this taste.”Zachary breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Serenity enjoying the sour prunes. After a short rest, Zachary brought Serenity to the hospital for a checkup. Grandma May and Liberty remained in Brynfield. Mrs. Lane continued going about her business. Since they had nothing to do, Grandma May could finally ask Liberty about her and Duncan’s relation
After a moment of silence, Liberty said, “He’s out of the ICU and transferred to a normal ward. He’s recovering. I brought Sonny to visit him previously.”Grandma May hummed in acknowledgment. “Does Hank still want to make up with you?”“He regrets his decision but has never mentioned anything about remarrying me. He and Jessica aren’t divorced yet. His family hopes he’d get a divorce with her, but he doesn’t seem to think the same.“However, even if he gets divorced, I won’t remarry him. I won’t stop him from meeting and bonding with Sonny because he’s his dad, but I’ll never remarry him out of consideration for Sonny. My feelings for him were already gone the moment he suggested we split our bills.”After a pause, Liberty added, “The Browns are persistent about getting Hank to remarry me. How can I do that? My heart was wounded terribly. It’s as good as dead. There’s no way I’ll go back to him. Even if I don’t marry again for the rest of my life, I’ll never remarry him.“Besides
Grandma May said, “You’re just like Seren. You two have the same personality. Since you’ve said so, I can make Duncan happy when I visit him later at the Lewises’.”Liberty was speechless. She felt Grandma May was addicted to being a matchmaker. Grandma May had chosen Liberty as her next target after she had settled the marriages of her grandsons who were at marrying age. At that moment, someone knocked on the door. Liberty released Grandma May’s arm and said, “I’ll get it. I wonder who it is.”Zachary had brought Serenity to the hospital, so they would not be back so soon.Besides, not many people knew they were back. That was unless they could see Serenity’s post on Facebook. “I think it’s probably your aunt.”Liberty went to open the door. Snowball followed her while wagging its tail vigorously. Surprisingly, the person standing behind the door was Jasmine. “Liberty.”Jasmine greeted Liberty with a smile. Liberty moved aside to let her in. When she saw the two b
Liberty chimed in after Jasmine, “Seren vomited after breakfast. Zachary was so worried. Aside from getting Serenity’s body checked at the hospital, he’s also going to ask the doctor for ways to ease her morning sickness.”Liberty smiled and said, “I think he’s so anxious that he’d rather be the one vomiting instead of Seren.”She was relieved to see her brother-in-law fussing over her sister. Serenity was definitely more fortunate than she was. Liberty and Hank used to be classmates. They dated for a long period before getting married and she got pregnant right after. The time Hank spent with her lessened because his career was taking off at that point. He always went out early in the morning and returned late at night. He did not even accompany her to prenatal checkups, let alone feel worried for her. He always told Serenity to attend those appointments with her. Liberty shook her head. She no longer wanted to recall her failed marriage with Hank. Jasmine said with a grin
Throughout her pregnancy thus far, Jasmine felt as if she was in prison because she did not have much freedom. She wondered how the York family would treat Serenity. Would Serenity also be restricted to only looking after the bookstore like her? “You’re past your first trimester, right? The pregnancy should be stable. You can go out and get some fresh air as long as it’s not a dangerous place. Don’t tire yourself out though. When you’re in your late stages of pregnancy, it’s best to avoid traveling far.”Jasmine got even more jealous upon hearing Grandma May’s words. She was not jealous of the old lady but of her friend. Grandma May’s words made Jasmine realize that Serenity would not be restricted to just being in Wiltspoon like her. The three of them chatted for a while before Jasmine took her leave. She did not go home. Instead, she had her bodyguards send her to York Corporation. When Jasmine arrived at the company, there was still half an hour before the employees’
Josh said, “The security guards remember the car you and Serenity usually use. They informed me after seeing that you’d arrived but didn’t enter.“I thought I had done something wrong because you didn’t visit me inside despite coming over. I was so scared that I ditched my work. I even rolled and crawled to leave my office.”Jasmine burst into laughter. Even the bodyguards could not hold their laughter in. However, they dared not laugh out loud like their missus. They simply turned their heads and stifled their chuckles. “You make me sound evil. Did you roll and crawl? I saw you running but not rolling or crawling. Since you said so, do you want to get down and perform how you rolled and crawled just now?”Josh said, “Since my wife wishes to see me rolling and crawling, I shall get out of the car and show you.”As he spoke, he was ready to exit the car. Jasmine pulled him back and complained, “Are you really doing it? I was just teasing you.”Josh chuckled and said, “I’ve said
Jasmine was a Wiltspoonian. Her family had become rich because they were relocated to make way for development in the past. “I don’t want to eat in a hotel, but heading home is a bit of a distance. I’m hungry.”Josh asked, “Isn’t the car stocked with your favorite snacks? Haven’t I told you to keep some snacks you like in the car? You can grab a bite whenever you’re out and not let yourself go hungry.”“I don’t leave the house much lately aside from going to the bookstore, so I didn’t prepare any snacks.”“We can pop by a supermarket later and buy some food for you. Let’s have lunch at your house. It’s nearby.”The Buchams’ house was quite a distance from York Corporation. However, the Soxes’ home was pretty nearby. “Okay,” Jasmine replied happily. She preferred returning to her house to have her mother’s home-cooked food, rather than the exotic, expensive food she had been having for every meal in her in-laws’ house.She found it utterly delicious and delightful, even if
Even Corey dared not do anything to Liberty, let alone the relatives. They were not fools.They would not incite arguments like Chelsea. Moreover, Liberty had the backing of the York and Stone families. The Wiltspoonians knew how much Serenity cared about her sister. Serenity would fight anyone who dared harm Liberty. If Serenity wanted to fight, Zachary would not sit still either. “I’m not my past self. I won’t get bullied.“Now that I think about it, I don’t know why I was so stupid back then. I was a housewife whose world revolved around my husband and baby. Even so, I was mistreated.”Liberty did not take care of her health as well. She let herself overeat to the point her weight became unhealthy. At that time, she thought she could afford to gain some weight since she was already married and had given birth. She also stopped dressing up. After the divorce, Liberty realized that women, especially married women, should love themselves. How could a woman expect oth
“You must come pick me up with Mom, Dunc. Okay?”“Of course.”Duncan could not bear leaving Sonny. He was already missing Sonny even though the little man was still right before him. Sonny slid down and returned to Hank’s side. Hank held his hand. He was about to say something to Duncan but ultimately decided against it. “Sonny and I shall head up now. His grandparents are waiting for him.”Liberty hummed in approval.She and Duncan stood and watched Hank walk away with Sonny. Sonny kept looking back and waving at them. Duncan tried his best to restrain himself from running forward to hug Sonny. He kept chanting mentally, ‘Hank is Sonny’s biological dad.’Letting the father and son reunite once in a while was perfectly normal. As a stepfather, he could not stop Hank and Sonny from hanging out together. Luckily, it was only for two days. Duncan was thankful that Liberty had brought Sonny to FC Manor right after winter vacation started instead of letting the Browns t
“Dad.”Sonny ran toward Hank when he spotted his father. Hank stepped forward and bent over to lift his son. He then kissed Sonny’s cheeks several times and rubbed his face against Sonny’s. They seemed close.Indeed, Hank had been treating Sonny well. Liberty only pushed Duncan over after Hank and Sonny were done.Hank’s gaze landed on Liberty’s face. She had a rosy complexion and charming eyes. Her expression was gentle, and she had a slight smile. However, it was not because she was being friendly toward Hank. She was simply in a good mood because she and Duncan finally got married and just had their wedding night. “Sorry for making you bring Sonny over, Liberty.”They initially agreed on having Liberty drop Sonny off at the neighborhood’s entrance, where he should have been waiting. However, he missed the timing because he was quarreling with Chelsea. Liberty had no choice but to bring Sonny inside. Hank knew she did not really want to return to the neighborhood, h
Liberty’s old neighbors even told her how terrible life had been for the Brown family for the past two years. A lady who used to be close to Liberty and Serenity pulled Liberty’s hand. She said, “The Brown family is unfortunate. Your living a better life than them is the best revenge.”Liberty smiled. “I don’t want to get revenge. I just want to live my own life. Whether they’re doing well or not doesn’t concern me.”“Of course. You’re kind and generous. There’s no need to stoop down to their level.”The lady caressed Sonny’s face. “Sonny has grown so much. He’s in preschool now, right? Getting more handsome as he grows. He looks just like you, Liberty.”“Hello,” Sonny greeted the lady. She smiled. “What a good boy.”Sonny had always been an obedient child as she recalled. The residents loved to tease the boy whenever Liberty or Serenity brought him out to play. What was the Brown family thinking? How could they not love such an adorable kid?Mr. and Mrs. Brown would rather
Sonny nodded. “I know, Mom. I’ll tell Dad to hide the box so Aunt Chel can’t find it. Why does Aunt Chel like taking stuff from Dad’s house?“Lucas used to take my toys too. I even cried. Grandmom said Lucas would return my toy after some time, but he never did.”Although Sonny was only two years old two years ago, he still remembered how his grandmom sided with Lucas. “About Chelsea… That’s something for the adults to think about. You’re still young. Don’t pay any mind to it.”Chelsea’s parents were to blame for her selfish behavior and habit of leeching off her family. Hank also played a part by allowing his parents to spoil his sister. Even he helped her out a lot in the past. Whenever Chelsea visited, he would get Liberty to prepare whatever dishes Chelsea wanted to eat, no matter how expensive they were. He also specifically asked for large portions to be made so that Chelsea could have her fill. Chelsea loved seafood. Her favorites were pricey ones like lobsters and crab
“Dunc picked me up. He’ll take me to Dad’s place afterward.“Are you feeling unwell, Mom?”Sonny got up and touched Liberty’s forehead, then his own. He even stuck their foreheads together. His mother and Aunt Ser always did the same thing whenever he felt sick. He simply copied what they did.“I’m fine.”Liberty could not tell Sonny that her waist and legs were sore. Instead, she glared at Duncan, who was sitting at the bedside. It was all his fault. He was insatiable. Duncan smiled apologetically. He could not help but indulge himself once he got a taste of pleasure after being single for so long. Liberty was the victim of his hunger. “Then why did you wake up this late? It’s already eleven. I wanted to wake you up, but Dunc didn’t let me. He said you were tired and that I should let you rest,” said Sonny.Liberty lied. “I was on an extended business trip and worked night and day. The things I had to do were endless. I’m too tired. Now that I’m finally on vacatio
Liberty smiled. “Not yet. Maybe you can continue sleeping in the car until the sun rises.“We’re home. Let’s get out of the car. Even if you’re sleepy, you should still take a bath first. The year is ending in a few days. The weather isn’t that cold now. I checked the weather forecast. It says it’ll rain a little on New Year’s Day, so the temperature might drop slightly.”Duncan sat up and touched his forehead. Indeed, there was some sweat. “It really isn’t cold. I’m even sweating.”Liberty did not turn on the car’s air conditioning. In that weather, it would be cold if the air conditioning was turned on and hot if it was turned off. Thanks to the wind, it was still cooling when the car was moving. However, once the car stopped, it became stuffy inside. Liberty got out of the car and went to the passenger seat to help Duncan. Duncan declined her help and insisted on doing it himself. Then, he held her hand and walked into the house slowly. After heading upstairs, he belatedl
Liberty did have a fatty liver back then. However, that was resolved after she lost weight. Indeed, having an unhealthy weight could bring about health issues. Purchasing plus-sized clothes was also a problem. Once she started maintaining a healthy weight, she looked fantastic in whatever she wore and often received compliments for having a great figure when shopping for clothes. Most people marveled at her healthy and youthful complexion. She did not look like she was already in her thirties with a four-year-old son. “Do you want to take a nap? There’s heavy traffic ahead.”Liberty saw a stretch of road highlighted in red on the navigation app, signaling slow traffic. “Aren’t most people on holiday and traveling? Why is the traffic still congested?”Duncan muttered, “Maybe there was a car accident.“I don’t need a nap. I’m energetic now. I won’t be able to fall asleep.”He was extremely excited. “If you think I’m too talkative, you can play some music. We can liste
Since Audrey would take care of Sonny, Liberty and Duncan were in a good mood as they exited the Stones’ residence. Duncan’s bodyguards were to return home instead of following him around. He had Liberty anyway. Besides, it was his and Liberty’s wedding night. They even left Sonny with the Stones, so there was no way he would be letting his bodyguards follow him home. Liberty was the one who drove as Duncan’s legs were still recovering. She would glance at him from time to time. She said, “You’ve been staring at me the entire night. Haven’t you seen enough?“It’s not our first time meeting each other. What’s there to look at?”“You’re beautiful. You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”Duncan was particularly generous with sweet words that night. To him, his wife was the most beautiful woman in the world. “I can’t get enough of watching you. I controlled myself in Aunt Audrey’s house because I didn’t want her to laugh at me. Now that there’s only the two of us,