Zachary appeared rather delighted as he strolled down the stairs. Anyone near him right now could hear that he was humming to a tune. It had been a while since they got married, but Zachary was no longer just Serenity’s husband by name. He took strides into the kitchen and grabbed the apron hanging off the door. Zachary put on the apron and opened the fridge to check for ingredients. He took out a few ingredients for the dishes he planned to make. First things first, Zachary wanted to make a broth suitable for women after their first time. He got the ingredients ready and dumped them in a slow cooker set on high. He then went on to prepare the next dish. After much thought, he gave Sam a call. With the line connected, Zachary instructed, “Sam, deliver some live shrimp over. I don’t see any fresh seafood in the fridge.” The other dishes did not matter as Serenity’s favorite was shrimp. It was a must-have. “Have you and the missus had dinner yet?” Sam felt bad. “You shoul
After a phone conversation with her sister, Serenity felt a lot better. She stood up and got out of the bath. Her darling husband had thoughtfully left a change of clothes for her before she went into the tub. Ten minutes later, Serenity went down the stairs. All was quiet downstairs. Serenity thought their house in Brynfield was eerily silent. Since he was always home late, she did not have anyone to talk to when she got home. That was why she wanted to have pets. Mrs. Lane later joined the family, adding some noise to the quiet home. To her dismay, he bought a villa that was bigger than the property in Brynfield. It was a quieter environment for the couple to live in. Once on the ground floor, Serenity could hear the commotion in the kitchen. Serenity drew close and saw Zachary busy in the kitchen. Without startling him, she leaned against the door frame and observed him. He looked most charming when he was earnest at work!Nevertheless, he was attractive doing a
A silver sedan stopped right outside the villa, and a person stood at the gate. Through the gate, Serenity looked at the figure and thought it looked familiar. At closer inspection, she recognized that it was not the delivery person but her mother-in-law who she had met a few times. “Mom.”Serenity took a moment to take in the surprise before rushing to open the gate. It was then she realized she did not have a key to unlock the gate. Serenity apologetically said to her mother-in-law who was on the other side of the gate, “I didn’t know I needed a key to open the gate, Mom. Hang on for a second. I’ll get the key from Zachary.” “Okay,” Tania faintly replied and stopped pressing on the doorbell. Serenity rushed back into the house, running into the kitchen. She told Zachary, “Your mom is here, Zachary. I tried to open the gate, but I couldn’t without a key. Give me a key. I’ll unlock the gate now.“Didn’t you say your mother was going to drop by two days later? Why doesn’t she
Zachary’s loving statement gave Serenity assurance. She uttered with a smile, “I’ll open the gate for your mom now. Don’t come at me if I fight your mom for accusing me of skipping on house chores.” Serenity was a firm believer that all household tasks should not fall on the married women’s shoulders. She would argue with her mother-in-law if the latter started criticizing her as Mrs. Brown did to her sister. Zachary smiled. “Alright. I won’t come at you, but I trust my mom won’t say that to you.”Even if Mom had a problem with Serenity, she would only mention it to Zachary. Mom would only tell it to Serenity’s face when she felt Serenity had crossed the line. Serenity went to unlock the gate for her mother-in-law. Tania was getting impatient from waiting, but she did not show it on her face. While opening the gate, Serenity apologetically said, “Sorry to keep you waiting, Mom.” Tania tenderly asked, “Have you and Zachary eaten?” “Not yet. Zachary’s cooking in the kitc
Zachary was worried at first that his mother would give Serenity an attitude. He quickly whipped up the last dish and hurried out of the kitchen. He was about to head out the door when his mom and wife waltzed in, sharing a talk and laugh. He stopped as his handsome face wrinkled in smiles. Zachary knew he had nothing to worry about. Serenity had the knack of setting the tone that his mother would have nothing to pick at. “Mom.” Zachary tenderly called his mom. “I got a good whiff of the delicious aroma the moment I came in. I guess your cooking hasn’t digressed.” Tania complimented her son before turning to Serenity. “You gotta keep it up, Serenity. Don’t let him beat you.” “Mom, you haven’t even tried his cooking yet. Zachary’s food might not taste as good as it smells. He should be the cook every day to refine his skills if he loses to me. He should be put in charge of the family dinner during New Year.” With her beautiful eyes sparkling, Tania responded with a gri
Tania’s husband had been treating her like a princess since she married him, and it had been going on for over three decades. To her husband, Tania was the most important person in his life. After a brief silence, Tania said to her son, “What? Are you afraid I’ll criticize your wife for leaving the cooking to you while she does nothing? I mean, you just got back from a business trip, and you just got better from a long cold. She shouldn’t have let you work in the kitchen.“I’m not saying you can’t dote on your wife, but don’t do it excessively and spoil her. She’ll become egoistic and willful. What if it gives her a reason to do as she pleases and stir trouble for you?” Zachary’s face fell. “Fine, fine. I won’t talk ill about Serenity. Look at you. I’m just bringing a few points to your attention. It’s not like I’m saying she’s acting this way now, but you’re already giving me an attitude. Look at your long face.” Serenity would be thrilled to find out she was living a real Ci
It did not sit well with Tania that her son was so thoughtful toward her daughter-in-law. It was a good thing her daughter-in-law showed more consideration than her son. “Let me try.”Tania took a bite out of the food Serenity served her. After getting a taste, Tania wanted to say that her son was a better cook than Serenity, but it was not something she could say in good conscience. Tania debated in her mind for a while before deciding to go for the truth. “Zack can’t beat Serenity. You should spend some time in the kitchen and cook for Serenity more often.” It could help the couple to bond too. Tania trailed on, “But you usually are busy at work…” “Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t let Zachary into the kitchen during workdays.” Mrs. Lane was part of the family now. Tania was pleased with Serenity’s stance. “Do you want the shrimp, Mom?” Zachary asked his mother. “I had dinner, but Serenity asked me to be the judge of who is the better cook between you two. That’s why I t
After dinner, Zachary cleared the table while Serenity wiped and tidied the place. She then ventured out of the dining room to take a seat opposite her mother-in-law. Serenity looked at the time and said, “Mom, why don’t you drive the car into the driveway and stay the night?” “It’s okay. I’ll head back in a bit. Your father-in-law doesn’t feel comfortable if I’m not at home with him.” After her son took over the company, her husband retired and had not left Tania’s side since. Her husband could not get used to Tania staying away from home. Serenity was envious of her parents-in-law’s relationship. They had been together for decades and were still faithful to each other into their golden years. “Mom, I didn’t know Zachary bought this villa. He never told me. I only heard about it now. The place is bigger than the apartment in Brynfield. It feels empty that it’s just the two of us here. How about you move in with Dad?” Tania was taken aback. “You want to live with your in-
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