“After New Year’s, we’ll send him to work in our Havenmill branch for a few years to gain some experience. Once he’s completely gotten over Serenity and matured, we’ll transfer him back here and train him for another two years. If he’s up to the task, I’ll let him take over Lowe Enterprise.“If he can’t get over it and is unable to rise to take the helm, we can only change the successor then for the future of the Lowe family.”Mr. Lowe very much hoped his son could be the successor to Lowe Enterprise, but that came with the precondition that his son was up to the task. If his son viewed love as more important than his future, he could only pick a successor anew from amongst his numerous nieces and nephews.Mrs. Lowe’s expression flickered, and she pursed her lips. She said, “We’ll send him off on the fourth of January. Also, we’ll cut off all his allowance. He’s started working. He can spend as much money as he earns, lest he gets too comfortable.“We’ll only tell him about Serenit
Zachary still had not come out when Serenity finished preparing breakfast.She entered the room and looked at the man lying on the bed for a long moment before reaching out to put her hand under his nostrils to check if he was breathing. She then felt his forehead. He was still alive and didn’t have a fever either.“He didn’t just come back this morning, did he? Why is he sleeping so much?”Serenity mumbled but did not shake Zachary awake. Instead, she began to pack their clothes. Once he woke up and had breakfast, they could leave.Ring, ring, ring…Liberty was calling.“Hey, Liberty.”“Have you and Zachary left yet?”“Not yet. He’s still sleeping. We’ll leave once he wakes up and has his breakfast. What’s up?”Liberty said, “Then wait for me at home. I’ll go over there right now. I prepared some gifts for you two but I forgot to pass them to you.”“Liberty, there’s no need. It’s raining outside and the wind is blowing hard. It’s freezing out there and you don’t have a car!
“Go and freshen up. Breakfast is ready. Once you’re done washing up and we’ve had breakfast, we can depart. You said it’s quite far, so we should leave a little earlier.”“Give me a kiss.”“Why should I give you a kiss? Can’t you give me a kiss?”Zachary laughed and turned her around, leaning down to kiss her red lips.Her pale hand, however, covered his lips.“Kiss me only after you’ve brushed your teeth,” Serenity said as she pushed him away, turning to zip up the luggage.Zachary was speechless.He had just been repelled by his wife.“While you’re at it, remember to shave your scruff off so you don’t poke people with it.”Serenity pulled the luggage with her as she left the room.Then, she watered the flowers and fed her three pets.The three pets would also have to be sent over to her sister’s to be taken care of for a while.“I’m coming, Honey.”After Zachary had brushed his teeth, shaved his face clean, and came out from the room, he called for his beloved wife, “Hur
Munching on a piece of chicken, Serenity said, “You threw a big tantrum and a fuss, saying that I didn’t see you as a family before I could tell you. Take a look in the mirror. You didn’t tell me that Mr. Bucham asked you out for drinks. It gave me nightmares.” Zachary fell silent before uttering, “It’s my fault. I’ll bring you along when Mr. Bucham asks me out next time. You can stop me from drinking, and they can’t make me drink then.” “They would think you’re a hen-pecked husband.” “Then so be it. They’re single, so they can’t be hen-pecked husbands even if they want to.” Amused, Serenity laughed. She stayed out of his business for the most part so long as Zachary did not do anything that could jeopardize his health. After filling her belly, Serenity did one last check on the things they were taking with them. The couple made sure nothing was left behind before heading out. First, they had to drop the three pets and the car keys at Liberty’s. Liberty took the opportu
“I’m not getting any younger. I’m living on borrowed time. I hope they’ll have their own family before I kick the bucket.” Grandma May decided to go around Wiltspoon to find potential wives for her remaining grandsons. She would assign the boys to go after the girls she picked out for them. Anyone who was unable to complete the task could forget about attending her birthday celebration at the end of August. “Nana, you’ll live long.” “I hope to live long too, even better if I’m alive to see the birth of my great-granddaughter.” Following the mention of a great-granddaughter, Grandma May’s eyes were glued to Serenity’s belly. Serenity embarrassedly uttered, “Stop looking at my belly, Nana. Aunt Flo just came for a visit today.” Grandma May was speechless. Zachary had been working on it, but there were still no signs of her great-granddaughter. After Callum and the lot slipped back into the city, Zachary and Serenity did not stay long at the old residence. They soon retu
Zachary wore a tender expression. The press was stunned. Mr. York must love his wife very much. The mention of his wife’s name softened his facial muscles. The media captured Mr. York’s gentle side when he was out and about with his wife. In the past, Mr. York would usually be seen with a sour face, giving off the vibe for people to stay away. The power of love could turn an aloof man affectionate. “My wife isn’t some heiress, but she’s the missus of the York family and that makes her royalty. She’s Serenity Hunt and will be twenty-six this year. She hasn’t had her birthday yet. She thinks she’s old when she hits twenty-six.” The reporters wanted to scream. Mr. York turned into a chatterbox when talking about his wife. Hang on. Serenity Hunt? “Mr. York, your wife’s Serenity Hunt?” Shell-shocked, a female reporter sought Zachary for confirmation. Zachary turned to her with chilling eyes. Pulling his usual straight face, he fiercely refuted, “Do you have a problem wit
“I think I’m one lucky man too.” The harsh lines along Zachary’s face softened, replaced with a tender look. His lips curled into a happy smile. Serenity took the night flight to get to Zachary when he had the nasty flu. Although she made him take a daily shot, there was no question he could feel Serenity’s love for him. It was a sweet taste of happiness. “Mr. York, is it true that you married your wife at first sight?” Zachary openly admitted to it. “Yes. I’d never met her before signing the marriage papers, but I know who she was. She saved my nana’s life.” “So Old Mrs. York was the reason you married her?” “Yes, that’s right. We were in a rush to get married because of my nana, but I’m grateful to her now. I would’ve missed out on meeting a great woman like Seren if Nana didn’t push me to get married.” “Oh, wow, Mr. York.” It was hard to believe that a man like Mr. York would rush into marriage. The newfound information took the press by surprise. It was no wonder
“Why thirty jewelry sets, Mr. York? Is there a significance to the number?” Zachary replied, “Not really. I was thinking there are thirty days to a month. With thirty jewelry sets, Seren can wear a different set every day for a month. That’s all.” The world of the rich was not something ordinary people could ever comprehend. They would love to be in Serenity’s shoes; even the male reporters were green with envy. It was a good thing they were not in the same circle as Mr. York. Otherwise, they would play second fiddle to Mr. York and would never be able to find a girlfriend. They would feel under pressure to compete with Mr. York. “Mr. York, your wife is Mrs. Stone’s niece, but you’re at odds with Mr. Stone. Are you open to improving your relationship with Stone Group for your wife? Also, the heiress of Stone Group had once openly declared her love for you and pursued you. Now that she and your wife are cousins, how are you moving forward from there?” Zachary faintly respo
Trenton was relieved that Dalton was indebted to Camryn. That was why Dalton had been loyal to Newman Enterprise.If Newman Enterprise did not fall into Camryn’s hands, there was no doubt that Dalton would leave the company. If that happened, the company was doomed.When his parents went to prison, he was merely 18, and Carrie only knew how to spend money. Not only that, their relatives were hungry to get a share of the Newman family’s assets. He and Carrie could not have protected their family’s wealth alone.After Camryn regained her sight, she still could not strain her eyes for long hours. Therefore, Dalton remained in charge of the company.Luckily, they had Callum as well. Even if anything were to happen, Callum would not leave Newman Enterprise to fall because many of the Newman family’s assets belonged to Camryn.He would not let Camryn lose anything.“You’ve been brainwashed by Dalton after working with him. Our dad treated him well and trusted him, yet Dalton betrayed
Camryn said, “She’s just using her lack of money as an excuse to start a fight with me.“Do you really think she has no money?”Carrie had somehow become Mrs. Longbottom yet she was still hiding her identity. Camryn had not understood the entire situation yet.Nevertheless, she was certain that Carrie did not need money.After she spoke, a familiar car arrived.It was the car Carrie had always used in the past.When she returned to the Newman family’s villa after getting out of prison, she only drove that car. She could not take other cars. The cars were still parked in the garage. “Come out, Camryn.”Carrie had gotten out of the car and started shouting for Camryn.When the York family’s bodyguards saw her, they simply glanced at her and did not stop her from entering the store. They knew Camryn had always been lenient with her younger sister.Since Camryn did not give any orders to stop Carrie from entering, the bodyguards simply kept an eye on Carrie to ensure that sh
“I want to go to Spring Blossoms as Carrie,” she told the bodyguard who was driving. “Your sister’s people are keeping an eye on your apartment. She’ll get suspicious again if you head over in your outfit. Everything Mr. Longbottom arranged will go to waste,” the bodyguard reminded her.Carrie thought it over. “Okay. Let’s head home first. I’ll change my clothes and remove my makeup before heading over.”She would also check if her stand-in had damaged any of her stuff.If she did, Carrie would tell the stand-in to compensate her.The bodyguard remained silent.Once they arrived at Longbottom Villa, Carrie took off her hyper-realistic mask and removed her makeup. After changing her clothes, she returned to being Carrie and went out with her bag.Her two bodyguards did not stop her from leaving.She could do anything as long as it would not rouse Camryn and other people’s suspicions.Besides, Carrie had just gotten scolded by their boss on the phone. Although Mr. Longbottom
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