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
Josh admitted that his parents and even uncles were obsessed with the baby in Jasmine’s womb since they discovered she was pregnant. They restricted her from doing many things and specified that she had to eat her three meals according to a dietician’s recommendations. They also did not allow her to go outside frequently for fear of her getting hurt. The elders of the Bucham family wanted Jasmine to stay home and rest for the fetus’s sake. Even if she wanted to go shopping, they would dissuade her from it and tell her to make a list of things she wanted to buy to be passed to the butler. Then, the butler would make the purchase.Even Serenity was traumatized by Jasmine being overprotected. Therefore, Serenity laid out rules with Zachary right after knowing she was pregnant. Having a comparison made things worse for Jasmine. Before Serenity got pregnant, Jasmine could not make any comments because Josh had been nice to her. When Serenity got pregnant, the York family and Zach
Josh did not like hearing his wife describe herself as ungrateful. She was the opposite of ungrateful. Jasmine simply wanted to spread her wings with her friends. He would not tie her down and would support whatever she wished to do. Jasmine raised her head while in his embrace. Josh lowered his head and pecked her lips. His eyes were filled with affection. He could not help himself from whispering something in her ears, which earned him a playful pinch and a push. Jasmine sat up with a blush painted on her face. Josh chuckled. However, since one of the bodyguards was driving, he could not do anything to the tempting woman by his side. “Stop by the pharmacy later. I want to buy some supplements for my in-laws,” Josh instructed the bodyguard. He and Jasmine had decided to return to her house spontaneously. Therefore, he did not prepare any gifts. Jasmine said, “We’re just going to my parents’ house. There’s no need to buy so many things. You always have plenty of bag
Mr. and Mrs. Sox had no idea that Josh and Jasmine were coming home for lunch. When they heard the car honking, Camila even told her husband, “Did I mishear? Why does it sound like it’s coming from our gate?”Jasmine’s parents were the only ones having lunch. The youngsters had to work and did not have time to eat at home while their parents were also out visiting relatives. Carlson said, “The dog didn’t bark. The honk’s probably not coming from outside our home. Maybe our neighbor’s son brought his girlfriend back again.”“When can our son bring his girlfriend back?”Camila sighed. Their daughter had gotten married, but their son still had no girlfriend. “Why are you anxious when our son isn’t even worried? He’s still young.”Next, the sound of the gate opening could be heard and the couple exchanged glances.Camila put down her cutleries and got up. She walked out of the house. She saw their dog facing the main gate and wagging its tail. “Jasmine’s back, Carlson.”
Whenever her family butchered a chicken, she only ate the thighs and wingettes, and would not eat the other parts. “Young mothers these days rarely experience nutrient deficiencies after giving birth. In the past, I could only eat a few chickens in the month after I gave birth. I wasn’t as fortunate as you are right now. “You bought so many things back again too. I’ve said not to buy anything. It’s a waste of money, and your dad and I can’t finish them.”Camila scolded her daughter for buying gifts again. Despite saying so, she still took the bags from her daughter’s hand. She was worried it would tire her daughter out. After entering the house, Carlson went into the kitchen and brought out extra sets of plates and cutleries. The two bodyguards had their lunch there too. They knew the Soxes never put on airs and were not particular about rules. If they did not sit and have lunch together, Mr. Bucham’s father-in-law would get angry too. “Is there bread, Mom? I want to have
Josh chatted with Carlson after lunch while Jasmine helped her mom collect and wash the dishes in the kitchen. They could exchange some secrets in the meantime. “Seren’s pregnant, Mom.”Jasmine did not forget to relay the good news to Camila. She and Serenity had been friends for many years. Serenity was like a daughter to her mom. Camila had also been worried about Serenity not getting pregnant despite being married for some time. “Is that true?”Camila was surprised. She immediately put her palms together in a gesture of gratitude and said, “Thank the heavens. Serenity’s finally pregnant. We can be at ease now.“You have us to rely on, but Serenity only has her sister. Although Mrs. Stone is her aunt, she’s her extended family. I’ve always been worried about Serenity. Everything’s fine now. I can rest assured. As long as she can give birth, she won’t have to worry about the York family chasing her out.”“You’re overthinking, Mom. Mr. York won’t abandon Seren. Grandma May
Shawn was reassigned from a subsidiary company back to the headquarters of Lowe Enterprise. He was introduced to the daughter of a wealthy family through his mother, and they started dating. He knew Zachary would only let his guard down around him if only he started dating and got married. “Seren saw Shawn when she accompanied Mr. York to a banquet last time. Mr. York got jealous even though all Seren and Shawn did was greet each other politely. Mom, tell Shawn secretly that Serenity is pregnant the next time he visits. Tell him not to worry anymore.“Also, he should have a good time and nurture his relationship with his girlfriend. We’ll be waiting for his wedding.”Jasmine was opposed to her cousin pursuing Serenity from the start. Serenity was already married to Zachary when Jasmine found out about her cousin’s love for Serenity. Besides, Serenity only saw Shawn as a sibling and did not have romantic feelings for him. Jasmine had advised her cousin to give up. There wa
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,