When the light turned green, Remy’s car went ahead of Elisa’s.Elisa saw Remy’s car plate number and wondered, ‘Whose car is that? Those black cars behind belong to a security detail, right?‘Who else in Wiltspoon besides Zachary likes to go around the city with an entourage?’Elisa had no clue.Her eldest brother did not like to bring bodyguards and would only occasionally bring two, unlike Zachary whose bodyguards were divided into two teams of eight each. Every time he showed up, it was always with the fanfare of an emperor’s arrival.Serenity had no idea that Elisa met Remy on the road. After she sent Elisa her address, she sent a text message to Jasmine to inform that she was going to her aunt’s house.She then pondered for a while before sending a message to Zachary.He was most likely still on the plane and did not reply to her message.Serenity’s heart sank at once.She muttered, “Fine, don’t reply. It’s not like I care or anything.”She placed the phone into her coat
“By the way, just for your information, Hank and I will be registering our marriage on the coming Valentine’s Day.”Liberty was still remarkably calm. “Congratulations, Ms. Yates.”Congratulations on jumping into the pit of mud that was the Brown family.“It’s the weekend today and I just woke up to a handmade breakfast by Hank. I heard you were married for more than three years, but you were always the one cooking for Hank. You had probably never tasted his cooking before.”Liberty had had enough of Jessica’s provocation so she cut the call off.“Liberty, was that the Yates woman?”“Yeah. She’s insane. I divorced Hank and let them be together, but she still called to brazenly ask me if she could add me as a friend on social media. She must’ve wanted to flaunt her daily dose of lovey-doveyness with Hank to piss me off.“What’s there to be upset about anyway? We’re already divorced, so what is Hank to me now? He’s just an ex-husband.”As for Hank prepping breakfast for Jessica,
Liberty was the one who drove them here.She told her son to greet them.Sonny did not want Audrey to hold him, but he was willing to greet them. He addressed them the way his mother taught him.“This child is so cute.”Alice smiled. “Can I hold him?”Audrey said, “Sonny doesn’t even want me to hold him. Will he let you hold him instead?”Alice reached out tentatively. Unexpectedly, when Sonny saw her, he suddenly reached out as well for Alice to hold him.Audrey was speechless. “Sonny is picky with people.”“He’s usually not picky. He was just scared because of the last time. He’ll want you to hold him the next time we meet, Aunt Audrey.”Even Liberty was surprised that Sonny was willing to go to Alice.“Liberty and Serenity, this is Clive, my eldest son. He’s your cousin.”Audrey introduced her sons to her nieces.The sisters greeted Clive.Clive smiled back and said nothing.Audrey then pointed to her second son and said, “This is my younger son, Anthony. He’s two year
“Alice, I saw the wedding ring that Serenity was wearing.”Alice looked at him and said in amusement, “Do you think we don’t have eyes and you’re the only one who saw it? So what if you saw it? What’s wrong with Serenity’s wedding ring?”Clive was silent, pondering how to phrase himself.“We’re husband and wife. What is it that you can’t tell me? Didn’t you call me upstairs because you wanted to say something to me? What’s wrong?”“Alice, do you remember me telling you about Zachary showing off his wedding ring on his social media?”Alice nodded. “Of course, I remember. That day, you even told me to go talk to Elisa early in the morning. You were the good cop while I was the bad cop. I wanted to cry myself when I saw how much pain Elisa was in.“You also said that Zachary actually invited you to a meal when you met him by chance at Wiltspoon Hotel. You kept talking about it all night, saying that you would’ve never dreamed of having Zachary invite you to a meal in your lifetime.
Clive had this in mind, so he did not think about Zachary when his sister mentioned that Serenity’s husband had the last name York.Although the York family had a deep heritage that spanned several generations, they originated from the countryside. It was said from where their ancestors lived, everyone had the last name York.Clive did not know whether Zachary’s ancestors brought along the townspeople when they made a fortune in the city.However, he was cognizant that there were indeed many employees with the surname York in the headquarters of York Corporation and its branch companies. However, most of them had nothing to do with Zachary and simply shared the same last name.“That’s why I called you up. I want you to find an opportunity to secretly ask Serenity what her husband’s name is. Don’t let Mom or Elisa find out. You know Elisa hasn’t completely let go of her feelings for Zachary.“Mom just found Serenity and Liberty, so don’t let her know for the time being. I don’t kno
“Elisa finally put down her infatuation for Zachary. We’ll tell her when she has completely let go and is able to openly face Zachary with the fact that he’s married.”Clive sighed. “If she finds out that Serenity’s husband is the man she loves but can’t get, I can’t imagine the consequences. Serenity isn’t close to us, but Elisa and she get along.“I have to think about Elisa.”“But Serenity is your cousin now, and her husband is your in-law. If it’s really Zachary, he has to accompany Serenity to visit us eventually. He can’t keep hiding and refusing to see Mom, right?”It was fine if Serenity’s husband did not meet them but Audrey was their elder. He had to meet her.“I’ll ask Zachary tonight if his marriage with Serenity is hidden. Serenity probably doesn’t know his identity. She most likely wouldn’t dare marry him if she did.”Alice reminded him, “Serenity said her husband is out on a business trip and won’t be back for some time.“Why don’t you call Zachary now and ask him
Alice blurted, “We’re also acquainted with the York family. Should we invite them too?”After asking, she snapped back to her senses and hurriedly slapped her hand over her mouth, quickly glancing at her sister-in-law. “Sorry, I was talking nonsense.”She even stole a glance at Serenity to see if the latter had any reaction to the mention of the York family.Alice thought in her heart, ‘Are Serenity’s in-laws really the York family?’Audrey was not upset at her daughter-in-law and said, “They won’t send someone even if we invite them. Let’s not make a fool of ourselves.”The elders of the York family did not fancy her daughter.Elisa had liked Zachary for many years and openly pursued him, but the elders of the York family never expressed any thoughts, indicating that the York family did not want to ease relations with the Stone family and become in-laws.Audrey felt that finding her nieces was a grand and happy event. She did not want the attitude of the York family to spoil he
Serenity said with a smile, “My husband would text me when he has the time. Well, we’re in touch every time. Our marriage is at a much better place now.” She even kept her argument with Zachary from her sister, much less her aunt’s family. Serenity did not want to worry her aunt. “Relationships take time to build. You’ve been married for three months now. It’s only normal for your marriage to get better.” Elisa leaned in and whispered nosily, “How are things going on with Josh and Jasmine? I’m dying to find out.” Josh was Zachary’s right-hand man. He also came from a family that specialized in intelligence. Elisa could not believe Jasmine had gone on a blind date with Josh. She believed she could earn a lump sum for selling this information to the press but of course, Elisa was not short of money. She was friends with Jasmine too and she was not the kind of person who would do anything to betray her friends. Elisa would keep the secret about them until Josh was ready fo
Mr. Longbottom thought he was not so inferior to men younger than him.More accurately, he was far superior. He had status, money, and power.Which of the younger men could be on par with him unless they came from a wealthy family?Many sons of wealthy families could not compete with him.“I can’t go over because I’m busy these days. But I do miss you too.“It’s more difficult because of the festive season. There are many events, and I have to accompany my family. My wife doesn't care about me, but her request is that I be with her during the holidays because we have to meet our friends and families. Do you understand?”Mr. Longbottom had a wife and children. Carrie knew about it. He had never hid that fact.Carrie did not know if he was close to his wife. Although he said they no longer had feelings for each other, Carrie dared not believe him because he had never let other women take his wife’s place.He also never allowed other women to become pregnant with his children.Mr
Carrie thought she had matured since she could figure out that much. In the past, she would not have understood a thing. Love was about accepting everything about someone. Most people could tolerate their partner’s shortcomings when they were deeply in love. However, without love, even a person’s strength would seem like a fault. Carrie smiled. “Mr. York is a workaholic. Serenity must’ve gotten the habit from him and turned into one herself. I can’t believe she’s working so hard even though she’s pregnant.”“She’s still in the early stages of pregnancy. Going to work is fine.”“Do you need anything else, Mrs. Longbottom?” Jasmine asked.“No. I shall take my leave now, Mrs. Bucham.”Jasmine was on guard and unwilling to reveal much about Serenity. Therefore, it would be better for Carrie to leave. She was not close to Serenity and her friends yet. “Bye, Mrs. Longbottom.”Jasmine saw Carrie out and watched as she got into her car.Once Carrie got far enough from the booksto
Mr. Longbottom had been surprised by her question. He told her coldly that she should refrain from asking unnecessary questions.One who knew too much would not live long. Carrie got intimidated and dared not ask another question. Although she got more curious, she did not try to gather more information for fear Mr. Longbottom would choke her again if he found out. “Nothing. I just asked because I haven’t seen her in a while.”Of course, Carrie could not reveal that she was looking for Serenity. Jasmine would get suspicious if she did. No one around Serenity was a fool. “Seren is busy with work. I rarely see her these days,” Jasmine said.Carrie knew it was a lie. She was aware that Serenity's closest friends did not trust her yet. It made her feel defeated. It had been months since Mr. Longbottom found her and asked her to approach Serenity. Despite her efforts, she still had not obtained Serenity’s trust, let alone become her friend.However, Jasmine and Serenity go
The day ended peacefully. The following day, Zachary ate breakfast and had Kevin drive him and his bodyguards to the airport. They were taking an airplane to Annenburg. Before boarding, Zachary texted Serenity to tell her he would soon arrive in Annenburg. Serenity would be returning from the Murphys’ place. On the other hand, Liberty brought Duncan to Queen Manor to visit Mr. Donald. They would soon become related to each other. Since Duncan was in the city, it was only proper that he visited the Queens. Meanwhile, in Wiltspoon, Jasmine had returned to the bookstore despite it being the winter holidays. She found it rather dull being at home all the time. At the bookstore, even when there were no customers, she could chat with the owners of the nearby stores. While some had closed their stores to celebrate the festive season, many chose to stay open. Jasmine was a month further into her pregnancy than Serenity. Her bump was huge. Luckily, it did not restrict her moveme
After half an hour, Liberty and Duncan finally arrived at the hotel. They bumped into Zachary and Kevin, who had also just returned.“You’re here, Duncan.”Zachary walked toward them. “Hi, Liberty.”Kevin walked over as well. “I told Zachary that you’d be here in no time. Being apart from your girlfriend isn’t easy, right?” Kevin teased.“You’ve experienced it yourself,” replied Duncan as he laughed. Kevin did not respond. He did miss Hayden a lot in the early stages of their relationship. “You two bought so many things.” Kevin saw the items in Duncan’s arms and on his thighs. They were all toys. “Sonny’s getting new toys again, eh?” “Yeah. We bought him some new clothes and toys. I’ve been giving him windmills all the time. It’s time to change it up.”Even Duncan found it slightly ridiculous. He thought Sonny loved windmills just because he saw Sonny playing with them once. That was why he kept getting more windmills for Sonny.Sonny used to be scared of him, but
She would wear light make-up for work to accentuate her beauty. Sometimes, she could not believe the glowing, confident woman looking back at her in the mirror was herself. She had changed a lot after her divorce two years ago. “I’m letting myself enjoy tonight because I’m with you. I won’t have late-night snacks anymore. Going on a diet is too difficult. I don’t want to do it again.”If she gained too much weight, it would be difficult to get fit again because she was happy and did not lack money. In addition, she had Duncan spoiling her. Since she no longer wanted to go on a weight loss journey, she had no choice but to control her appetite and exercise daily to maintain her figure. “I heard the others saying that you have many admirers here. Although they’ve not said anything, even a fool can tell that they’ve fallen for you just from their gazes.”The men who had a crush on Liberty knew she had a fiance who was the young master of the Lewises from Wiltspoon. While they
Liberty smiled. “We don’t have to have that many things. We can simply get our marriage license and choose a suitable date for a wedding.“I’m fine with just getting a marriage license. But, as it’s your first marriage, I don’t want you to miss out on anything, so let’s have a wedding.”Duncan did not want Liberty to feel slighted while at the same time, Liberty did not want Duncan to miss out on a wedding celebration.Liberty was about to get married for the second time while it was Duncan’s first. He was also a young master of the Lewises. Not holding a wedding for his first marriage seemed inappropriate. Duncan raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. His eyes were filled with affection as he said, “Let’s not let each other miss out on anything. We’ll have everything every other couple has and more.“I’ve said that I’d make sure you are the envy of everyone.”Liberty laughed. “I’m already envied by many. They’re saying that my luck is out of this world because I’m able to m
Now, everything was fine.However, this time, he was still unable to be by Liberty’s side. Even though it should have been much safer than when Sonny was kidnapped because he had arranged for people to protect her, he was still worried.He was afraid, feeling paralyzed as all he could do was just wait for news of her.Fortunately, everything went smoothly. No, it was more like there were scares but no real danger. When Belinda wanted to capture someone as a hostage, the first person she thought of was Liberty. First, Liberty did not know any martial arts. Second, she was the successor that Audrey had put forward, making her Caroline’s competitor. Moreover, Liberty was very significant to Audrey. If she were captured, the members of the York, Lewis, and Stone families would not dare act recklessly.Thanks to Dr. Carden’s quick actions, Liberty was pulled back, and she did not fall into Belinda’s hands as a hostage. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.After
“It’s just that when I saw you, I was so happy that I forgot everything else. I even forgot that I’m still disabled,” Duncan said.As he spoke, he pressed her hand against his lips.Liberty looked at him disapprovingly. “Don’t say you’re disabled again. You’re just temporarily impaired, and you will get better.”Duncan smiled. “Okay, okay, from now on, I won’t say I’m disabled. I’ll get better for you. I’ll stand up again.”“You already have—you just can’t walk very far yet,” Liberty said as she supported him. “Should we head back to my office first?”“Are you done with work?” Duncan looked up at the darkening sky. “It’s almost completely dark.”“It’s only five o’clock. It just gets dark quickly in winter, plus today was a cloudy day. It feels gloomy even before six. Anyway, I’m done with work.”“If that’s the case, let’s get something to eat. I’m hungry,” Duncan said.He did not want to go into her office because if he did, he might end up staying for a while. He thought it wo