Julian stopped what he was doing and raised his head. The secretary brought the roses over. “Put it on the coffee table.”“Okay.”He walked over to place the bouquet on the coffee table. Then, he looked toward Julian and asked, “Is there anything else, Mr. Bucham?”“Nothing for now. You can go on with your work.”“Alright.”The secretary left the office when he saw Julian had resumed working. Julian completed his work as fast as he could. He shut his computer and grabbed his phone and car key. The car was newly bought to take Quinn on relaxing drives. He grabbed the bouquet. After looking at it for some time, he felt that the bouquet was prettier than the ones he had bought for Elisa half-heartedly before. He decided he would buy flowers personally next time. Would a bouquet be enough? Julian recalled Josh buying bouquets and jewelry for Jasmine frequently but it was not suitable for him to give Quinn jewelry. She would never accept it. He even wanted to give her a
The sky was already dark even though it was still early. Days were shorter and nights were longer during winter. Quinn’s class with the kids had just ended. “Julian is here.”A kid spotted Julian’s car and shouted. The children swarmed out of the gym. “Don’t come over. The wind is strong,” yelled Julian. However, everyone still rushed out. Julian passed a few bags of snacks to the older children to be brought into the gym while the younger ones took the fried chicken. Quinn walked out while putting on a thick jacket. When she saw Julian, she smiled and said, “I used to be the most popular person in the gym before you came, but it’s you now.”Will came out too. He said, “You’re just stingy. If you were as generous as Julian and bought everyone a meal every time you came, you would definitely become Ms. Popular again.”“I’m not stingy. How many times can I treat everyone with the little money I have? Julian is the CEO of a huge company. I’m not going to fight Julian for
Will distributed the drinks.He thought of how much Julian had spent to get them to put in good words for him to Quinn. Whenever he visited the gym, he would treat everyone to food and even cater to their requests. He would send the food over himself and ensure there was enough food for everyone. They could not even finish the food sometimes. With the large number of people Julian treated every time, the money he needed to spend was definitely not a small sum for ordinary people like them. As Quinn mentioned, how often could she treat everyone to a meal with her meager income? Will thought, ‘My salary is the highest among the coaches, but even I can’t do what Julian can.’Julian was for sure filthy rich, as expected of a mega corporation’s CEO. Will looked around for Julian and Quinn as he handed out the drinks. When he saw they were still outside, he thought, ‘Julian must’ve fallen in love with Quinn at first sight.’That was why Julian traveled a great distance to Summerva
“Let’s go inside. It’s cold out here,” Quinn said with the bouquet and lunch box in hand. Julian followed her inside. When everyone saw the bouquet of roses in Quinn’s arms, their gazes turned playful. Even the children sensed something was different when they saw their coach holding that bouquet. Quinn walked toward them. “Coach Quinn, the flowers are so pretty.”“Do you want some fried chicken? It’s almost finished.”“Did Julian give you the roses, Coach Quinn? Why did he do that?”Quinn smiled and said, “You guys can finish the rest of the chicken. Don’t worry about me. Julian packed a separate serving for me. He said he noticed the roses were lovely when he passed by the florist, so he bought a bouquet for me to admire them.“Don’t the roses look beautiful? I think the bouquet is gorgeous. I like it.”Everyone complimented the beauty of the flowers. On the other hand, the gazes of Quinn’s training mates shifted from Quinn to Julian, who had a sly smile, and lastly
Everyone laughed. “We weren’t bribed by Julian. We’re just speaking the truth. Julian is genuinely good and is a perfect match for Quinn.”Another coach whispered, “I think Julian also likes Quinn. Mainly because, of all the young men Quinn has encountered, apart from us seniors, there hasn’t been a decent one. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are also worried.”“If Julian wasn’t good, we wouldn’t approve of him pursuing Quinn. I see that Quinn gets along well with Julian. But I always feel that Quinn treats Julian the same as she treats us.”These words made everyone involuntarily nod, feeling deeply resonant.There were many seniors and juniors, but it was Quinn, their junior, who made them worry. The main issue was that Quinn habitually treated males as buddies, and they felt helpless.They had thought about introducing a boyfriend to Quinn, but her requirement was for the person to be skilled in martial arts. Those who could not match Quinn’s martial prowess would sneak into the martial
“Quinn, about this bouquet of flowers, I mean, when you received it, did you have any thoughts?”Julian gathered his courage and asked Quinn.Quinn finished eating the fried chicken wing. While eating, she said, “Thoughts? Yes, I just think this bouquet is really beautiful. I wonder who grew these flowers, they’re so well taken care of. If it were me taking care of them, they would’ve wilted long ago.”Julian did not utter a word.“Also, when I received the bouquet and looked at the roses, I thought of pancakes. Suddenly, I wanted to eat pancakes. I’m going to order now.”While saying so, Quinn took out her phone and was about to order pancakes online.“I’ll buy you some. I have a friend traveling from the south. I’ll ask him to bring some pancakes for you. They’re definitely better than what you can order here online.”Quinn said, “Unless it’s the freshly made ones, buying it online or not doesn’t make much difference, right? I heard the freshly made ones are delicious. Next ye
Quinn thought about mentioning that it would be too troublesome for him, but she changed her mind at the last moment. She then nodded and said, “I’ll take up your offer then.”Quinn treated Julian when he was in Summervale. Now that she was planning to visit Wiltspoon, he would be treating her. That way, they would not owe each other anything.“Quinn, besides pancakes, what’s on your mind?”Julian got back to the main topic.They looked at each other.After a moment of eye contact, Quinn tentatively asked, “What else would I think of? Something like thinking that you like me just because you gave me flowers?“I know that you like me. I like you too. If we didn’t mutually like each other, we wouldn’t have become friends.”After a brief silence, Julian said in a low voice, “Have you never thought that my affection for you isn’t just platonic, but the affection a man has for a woman?”“You’re a man, and I’m a woman. Your affection for me is exactly a man’s affection for a woman. W
Julian stood up to go after her but was stopped by Will.He turned to see Will and had to suppress his temper. “Will, I’m going to check on her.”“Don’t go now. Let my sister calm down, and think about it. It’s not that she doesn’t like you, she just needs time to digest this news and accept that your feelings for her are romantic and not just platonic.”Julian said, “It’s very cold outside, and it’s snowing. I’m afraid she might feel cold.”“You might feel cold, but she won’t. We’re born and raised in Summervale, accustomed to this kind of winter since childhood. It’s different for you. You came from Wiltspoon, where there’s barely a winter. Quinn won’t get cold. Don’t worry. Let her go outside, get some fresh air, calm down, and think it over.”Will understood his sister very well.“Your sudden confession caught her off guard. She needs time to process it. It’s just temporary confusion, there’s no big problem. But you, can’t you wait for a more opportune time to confess? Sendin
Imogen did not know that Dylan had woken up. She was still on the phone with Maria outside.Maria felt reassured when Imogen mentioned that the person she liked was a member of the richest family in Wiltspoon. All was good as long as he was not a social climber. Imogen asked, “Maria, when are you coming back? It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. Kade will be back soon. Are you really not coming back?“Maria, Kade and I are like siblings. Please don’t misunderstand or overthink it. Actually, you should know this—the person Kade likes is you. You two are the real childhood sweethearts, you grew up together.”Imogen and her mother’s godchildren had known each other since they were young, but the three of them had not actually spent much time together as she had always stayed with her master while she learned the trade, only returning home during the summer and winter holidays.Once the holidays ended, she would leave again. Even her formal education was completed in th
There were so many other possible choices. Why were they so fixated on him?Leticia sighed. “Alright, just pretend I never said that. You youngsters will decide for yourselves anyway, we don’t have a say in it. Remember to fetch Kade from the airport on Saturday.“I’ve already told him and he knows you’re supposed to be picking him up. And remember to get some flowers too. You two haven’t met in ages and you should give flowers at a reunion.” She reminded Imogen.“Mom, I can pick him up, fine, but I’m not giving him flowers. Who said you’re supposed to give flowers at a reunion?” Imogen refused to give Kade flowers when fetching him from the airport. “Oh, Mom, I gotta go. Bye!”Imogen quickly hung up, not allowing her mother the chance to speak further. Then, after a moment of thought, she texted Kade to ask when he was expected to arrive at Huntington Airport.It took a while before Kade replied that he would arrive around eleven in the morning on Saturday.Imogen replied wi
“I know you only view Kade as a brother, but who knows, if you nurture the relationship, those feelings might turn romantic? Jen, before you agree to be with Dylan, give yourself another option.“Make Dylan nervous. He’ll get jealous. He was jealous when he overheard our conversation that day.“You need to make him realize that even without him, you can still marry well. The Butchers like you a lot, and our families have a close relationship. You and Kade have known each other since you were young, so you guys could be considered childhood sweethearts.”Imogen said weakly, “Mom, I’m worried that if I get too close to Kade, not only will Dylan misunderstand, but even Maria might misunderstand. Kade and she are a thing, after all.“I really don’t understand what’s going on with Kade. He and Maria clearly have feelings for each other, they just haven’t made it official yet. Don’t their families see this?”She did not have any romantic feelings for Kade, but both families were trying
Although Leticia was angry over how Dylan had treated her daughter previously, at least he was not two-timing. He made things clear to Imogen right after realizing his feelings and stopped her from loving him. He still had a decent character.Besides, Imogen had also kept secrets from Dylan and she tricked him. Dylan still did not have sufficient evidence to prove that Imogen was the Chameleon Fox he loved. Dylan would start pursuing Imogen again after some time. Leticia heard that it was Serenity who had given Dylan a hint that Sugar was Fox. After that, Dylan sought confirmation from Old Mrs. York but only received a vague answer. However, he decided to continue pursuing Imogen because he believed his nana would not bring him harm.After going in circles, Dylan still ended up returning to Imogen.Actually, Leticia already viewed him as her son-in-law.Since Imogen’s happiness was on the line, she was concerned about her future son-in-law’s condition.“Dylan’s hospitalized.”
“Please look after Dylan, Imogen. Message me when he gets better. I just need to know that he’s alive.”Grandma May knew Dylan would be okay with Imogen by his side.Imogen quickly said, “Don’t hang up yet, Grandma May. Where are you now? Wiltspoon?“If it’s convenient, please get his parents to come and take care of Dylan. I’m busy with work. I can’t stay in the hospital to look after him.”Grandma May replied, “His dad is home, but he doesn’t know how to take care of others. I think Dylan will meet his death quicker under his dad’s care.“My daughters-in-law and I are at the Johnson family’s place in Annenburg. We won’t be back that soon because we just came not long ago. We’ll head back closer to Seren’s due date. That’s why we don’t have time to look after Dylan.“If you’re busy, you can return to work once Dylan’s fever breaks, Imogen. You don’t have to care about him. He can take care of himself. It’s just like a bad cold. He’ll be fine once his fever subsides.”Grandma Ma
Imogen should have gone to stop Dylan earlier than she had. Since Layla was helping Imogen to get revenge, Imogen thought she would let Dylan put on a show to display his sincerity. She could only stop Dylan once Layla was satisfied.After handling the hospitalization procedures, Dylan lay on the bed and received an IV drip. Meanwhile, Imogen brought him water and told him to take his medicine.“Take this medicine for your fever. Your face is red from the heat.”Dylan’s temperature was close to 103 degrees Fahrenheit when they measured it at the hospital. He would cough constantly, and his face was flushed red from the fever. He looked tired and weak as well. Dylan sat up and accepted the glass of water. Imogen handed him the right dosage of medicine according to the doctor’s prescription.“Make sure you’re hydrated.”Imogen refilled his glass and told him to drink more water.“I don’t want to drink water.”Dylan lay back down.Perhaps because he was on an IV drip, his
Dalton said, “Callum spoils you a lot too. Many people are envious of you two.”Camryn smiled. “You’re right. Our lives are objects of envy to other people.“You can head back to work, Dalton.”“Okay.”Camryn saw Dalton out. She sat for a few minutes before returning to her desk to continue working.Meanwhile, in Huntington, Dylan was coughing badly. He quickly grabbed the glass of water Imogen had just offered him and took a few sips. After moistening his throat, he stopped coughing. However, he started coughing again after a few minutes. Imogen said, “Why is your cough getting worse after seeing the doctor and taking medicine?”“Ah…”Dylan pointed at his throat. He could not speak. His throat was badly inflamed from eating excessive chili peppers. His voice was so hoarse that he could not talk, and he was hacking non-stop. Imogen had already brought him to a doctor, who had prescribed some medication for him. However, his condition was so bad that the medication was no
“Did you think of your mother again?”Dalton said gently, “It wasn’t your fault, Camryn. You don’t have to overthink it or care about how she treated you. You have loving in-laws now. You’re like a daughter to them.“Your husband dotes on you a lot too. I believe there’ll be better days ahead of you. As for your mother… Let her regret what she did.”He had never seen a mother like Mrs. Newman. There were many biased mothers, but not many of them were as evil as Mrs. Newman.“She does feel regret. However, it isn’t because she had hurt me, but because she gave birth to me. She regretted not getting an abortion or strangling me to death after giving birth to me.“She said I was the bane of her existence. She had gone to a psychic when she was pregnant with me. The psychic said I was an unlucky child who would bring bad luck to my parents and that if she didn’t kill me after I was born, I would become her downfall.“My mom was just finding excuses for herself. How would I be her d
“It’s getting better. Don’t worry, Dal. Dr. Carden will be here to check on me after some time and adjust my prescription. She said I’d be able to get pregnant after two years.“Dr. Carden is the legendary doctor’s best student. I trust her skills. She was the one who helped me to regain my sight.”Camryn reassured Dalton. “You just have to take good care of Melissa and tell her not to worry about me. I believe the heavens won’t take away my right to be a mother.”If Dr. Carden said she was infertile, then it would be impossible to get pregnant. However, Dr. Carden had guaranteed that Camryn could give birth after two years of recuperation. Therefore, Camryn was at ease.“Even if I can’t get pregnant, Callum won’t divorce me. He said we could adopt if it didn’t work out.“He and his family didn’t give up on me when I was blind. I believe my in-laws won’t abandon me just because I can’t get pregnant, Dalton. Besides, I’m not actually infertile.”Camryn knew Dalton and Melissa we