Susan's words pierced Judy like countless needles to the heart. "Is this how you see me?" Judy asked in shock. "Susan, we've grown up together from the orphanage, over twenty years of friendship, and you're accusing me of competing with you for a man?" Susan's accusations enraged Judy, making her want to physically shake Susan awake. "You're still pretending," Susan scoffed. "Judy, you're just using me as a backdrop to highlight your nobility. Without my plainness, how could your grace shine? Did you sleep with Lewis? Did you badmouth me in front of John? You play one role to my face and another behind my back. I won't trust you again." Thus, Susan deflected the blame, knowing about Lewis and Judy's one-night affair, and had herself masqueraded as Judy to enter the royal manor, yet boldly accused Judy of stealing her man. She wanted to make Judy suffer, unable to bear seeing her happy. If Lewis didn't want her, she'd at least leave Judy with a thorn in her heart. Understanding Judy
Susan embraced Judy tightly, deliberately sobbing in distress, "Judy, I'm sorry, I don't want to be the bad guy, but I really can't bear it. You're my best friend, could you please not be with Lewis?"The phrase "best friend" felt like a massive shackle, binding Judy securely."Alright, I promise, I promise," Judy’s eyes also became misty. She felt she owed Susan for causing her so much distress.To assure Susan, Judy forced a smile, "There are so many men in the world, not just Lewis. No one is more important to me than you, our friendship from growing up together is incomparable."Susan was a few months younger than Judy, who always doted on Susan like an older sister.She saw Susan as her sister; having relied on each other in this city for over twenty years, of course, she would choose Susan."Judy, you're so kind." Susan sniffed, wiping away her tears. Though her words were gracious, her heart told a different story.A friendship marred by cracks could never fully heal.In Susan'
Lewis didn't leave.Seeing Lewis inside the door, Judy was astonished and experienced a mix of emotions, even feeling a bit guilty. She had just promised Susan not to have any relationship with Lewis, yet here he was inside her home."You back," Lewis said, sounding like a husband waiting at home for his wife's return.Judy was momentarily uncomfortable. Even though it was her own home, she hesitantly entered."Why didn't you leave?" Judy asked bluntly as she stepped in, immediately noticing a large bed placed in the middle of her small apartment.It looked like a two-meter bed, which seemed out of place in her cramped apartment compared to the 1.5-meter single bed she previously had.Lewis introduced the bed, "This is an imported bed from Europe, very comfortable. Try lying on it.""The bed isn’t the issue. The point is, why are you still here?" Judy asked.Lewis responded matter-of-factly, "You gave me your keys. If I weren't here, who would have opened the door for you?""No, it's
What really confirmed to Lewis that it was Judy that night, was the kiss they shared last night. Familiar and irresistibly intoxicating, it was exactly like that night. After returning to the Royal Manor, he opened that email. To make sure, he clicked on it. But when he saw Judy sneaking out of his room in the footage, Lewis was thrilled. It was her, indeed. A smile crept onto Lewis's lips, just because the person that night was her. He thought back to the various odd behaviors Judy exhibited since that night. At the office, she acted like a mouse seeing a cat upon seeing him. When he mistakenly thought she was promiscuous, she retorted angrily, saying someone would come looking for their father one day. When he had a car accident, she cried sorrowfully, wondering what she would do without him. All of that was real. He really wanted to know, what Judy felt when she mistakenly thought she was pregnant, and whether she decided to keep the baby because she thought
"Grandma, it's windy outside. Let's go inside first," Lewis said, helping his grandmother into the house. In this family, it was only his grandmother who could make Lewis show a bit more patience, even talking to her in the tone one would use with children. As soon as they entered the house, it was as if by magic, his grandmother pulled out a stick of candy from behind her, whispering, "My dear grandson, look what grandma has prepared for you. Candy. Your mom isn't home, she doesn't know. Let's eat it secretly and not tell your mom." Looking at the candy, Lewis felt a warmth in his eyes. He lifted the corners of his lips, "Okay, we won't tell my mom. I'll take all the candy." His grandmother, acting like a child, was capriciously demanding, "Leave one for me, just one." His grandmother had high blood pressure and diabetes; she shouldn't eat sugar. Lewis took all the candy and said, "Grandma, I'll exchange something else for it. The doctor said you can't eat sugar. Be obedi
Isabella was being too controlling. Her attempts to manipulate Lewis's marriage naturally strained the mother-son relationship even more. Isabella's eyes reddened even more, and she sounded somewhat uneasy as she explained, "Mom didn't mean anything else, Mom is always thinking of your best." "I've had enough of that phrase," Lewis coldly said, "If you don't want our relationship to worsen, then please, keep out of my affairs." Isabella's heart ached with her son's indifference. "Grandson, are you arguing with your mom again? Don't fight, please don't," Grandma came over upon hearing the commotion. Seeing his grandma, Lewis's expression immediately softened, even his tone became gentler, "Grandma, it's stuffy here. I'll accompany you downstairs for chess." Lewis helped his grandma downstairs, without giving Isabella a single glance throughout. Watching her son being so kind to his grandmother but so cold towards his own mother, Isabella felt anger mixing with her grief
Standing at Judy's apartment door wasn't Lewis, but John. Hearing footsteps, John turned around with a warm smile: "Working late again, huh? I was in the area after finishing some errands, so I brought you some late-night snacks. Got your favorite pizza." A flicker of disappointment passed through the depths of Judy's eyes, so fleeting she didn't even notice it herself. "Have you been busy too?" Judy spoke as she opened the door, "The pizza you bought must be delicious; I can already smell it." Once inside, John immediately noticed the large bed. "The landlord is quite generous, this bed looks really nice, and it's big," John casually mentioned. Hearing this, Judy felt a bit embarrassed but didn't explain that the bed was from Lewis. "Let me taste the pizza," Judy changed the subject. John asked with a smile, "You mentioned you saw Susan recently, how is she doing?" "I was actually about to tell you about that," Judy replied seriously. "Susan has partnered with some
John is only a year older than Judy. In this bustling city, people without backgrounds like them find it hard to lead a comfortable life. John works in a small law firm and has been employed for three years without any recognition or the opportunity to handle a case independently. His work is exploited by his superiors; he's always assisting, doing the most work for the least pay, without any chance to advance. John, with his clear brows and handsome face, is slightly thin. For convenience at work, he bought a second-hand car and is struggling with rent and car expenses, leaving him no savings, let alone the possibility of buying a house in the city. Seeing Judy's smile makes him feel content. Without money, power, or influence, all he can offer her are these small gifts. He likes Judy but knows she won't be his. Leaving Judy's place around midnight, he still looks forward to the future. At 26, he still has the chance to create a better life where he could offer Judy the
Serina subconsciously glanced at Lewis, who was standing in front of Judy's tombstone. Could it be for him?During these days, Lewis had been very quiet, and his daily routine was to perform the funeral rites for Judy and accompany her on her final journey.He no longer shed tears, but he also had no smile, as if he were just an empty shell.People lined up to offer flowers in their hands, stood in silence in front of Judy's grave for a few seconds, and then walked away, one after another. The funeral lasted until 10 o'clock in the morning.Lewis unexpectedly spoke, addressing his grandmother, "Grandma, let everyone go back. I'll stay here a little longer to keep Judy company."He hadn't spoken for a long time, and when Lewis finally did, his voice was extremely hoarse, and it had changed a bit.The grandmother's eyes were moist, and she nodded in agreement, asking Antonio to see the relatives and friends off.People gradually left, and in the end, only a few people, including Serena,
The helicopter arrived in Birmingham and landed in the backyard of Lewis's villa, where Lewis disembarked carrying the urn."Judy, we're home," he whispered softly, his tone gentle.The others also got off the helicopter, and Antonio, who had already received the news, had prepared a memorial hall at home.After a year, Judy finally returned, but in such a manner.Antonio was waiting at home, and it was only when he saw Lewis holding the urn and getting off the helicopter that he truly believed Judy had passed away, and what Isabella had said on the phone was true.Soon after,The news of Judy's death spread, shocking everyone. How could someone who was fine before suddenly pass away?In the eyes of outsiders, Judy was a person who had survived a shipwreck.Steven also received the news and quickly went to Lewis's house.A memorial hall was set up, with a coffin placed in the hall, and Judy's urn was placed inside the coffin.Lewis invited high monks to perform a funeral service for J
As Hannah said, even if it was a heart-wrenching pain, Lewis would still want to listen. He wanted to know what Judy experienced before her death.Hannah continued, "Judy was afraid of dying because she couldn't bear to leave you and Angel, but we did our best, and the doctors were helpless. She didn't want to die in the hospital; it seemed she was very averse to hospitals. After the doctor said there was no hope, she asked us to take her away, so I took her home, and she passed away in the attic room...""At that time, I promised her to fulfill her last wishes. She couldn't let go of you and Angel, so I went to your side, impersonated Judy, and took care of you and Angel in her place. But I couldn't do it, and in the end, I chose to make you dislike me, to give up on the marriage voluntarily."Hannah paused for a moment and gave a bitter smile, "Judy died when you loved her the most. You will never be able to let go of her for the rest of your life. Judy thought that if you didn't lo
Hannah was worried and wanted to find Lewis.She called the grandmother and only then learned that Lewis was hospitalized in the hospital next door.Taking advantage of the fact that neither Kim nor Guy were in the hospital, Hannah removed the IV needle from the back of her hand and was about to sneak out.However, just as she stepped out of the room, Kim returned from outside: "Sister, where are you going?""I..." Hannah stammered.Kim immediately guessed: "You want to find Lewis? I forbid you to go. You just had surgery. What are you going to do looking for Lewis? He already knows you're not Judy. If he gets angry and hurts you, what then?"Hannah said, "But I can't hide either. Lewis is ill, and everything is because of me. I should go. I owe it to Judy.""You don't owe anyone anything. Judy couldn't have been saved anyway. Even if you hadn't used Judy's heart, someone else would have," Kim said, "Anyway, I won't let you go.""Kim, why are you so heartless?" Hannah got angry, "Judy
Many children nowadays actually understand that the dead are buried beneath the graves.Angel opened her big eyes, which were clear and naive.Such a look, who wouldn't feel heartache upon seeing it?Lewis forced himself to sit up, leaning against the tombstone, his hand stroking it, not knowing how to explain to his daughter.Angel looked at Louis again, "Who is underneath this?"Louis really didn't know how to answer. He glanced at Lewis.Angel's gaze then shifted to Avery, wanting an answer from him.But no one had the heart to tell Angel such a cruel answer.Just when everyone found it hard to speak, Angel reached out her small hand to touch the tombstone and asked softly, "Is my mother buried here?"Angel's words shocked the three of them. How did Angel know?Could it be that there is truly a mother-daughter connection?Seeing that the adults were all silent, Angel suddenly burst into tears, "Mommy, it's mommy, I want my mommy."Angel cried her heart out, and Lewis held his daugh
When a person is at their most helpless and desperate, they hope for miracles, they wish for time to go back.The rain continued to fall, and the temperature at night was very low, so cold that it made people shiver.Lewis lay on the grave like a walking corpse, devoid of any vitality.Louis walked over with an umbrella and held it above his head: "Boss, don't do this. If Judy sees you like this from heaven, she will be upset."Lewis's eyes were open, but it was as if he couldn't see or hear anything. He didn't care about anything or listen to anyone. He just wanted to be closer to Judy by staying close to the grave.God couldn't hear his hysterical cries or see his heart-wrenching pain."Boss," Louis crouched down and persuaded him, "The rain is getting heavier, let's go back first."Lewis's eyes slightly shifted, finally finding a focal point: "Judy is afraid of the cold and the dark. I can't leave her alone here. I need to accompany her.""Boss, I know you're in a lot of pain, but
Isabella's face showed sadness, "Lewis definitely can't handle it. How can a person endure the loss of their loved one twice?"Isn't that like rubbing salt into a wound?"If he can get through this, then we won't have to worry in the future. But if he can't..." The grandmother didn't finish her sentence.Everyone knew the implications of what could happen....Cemetery.The dimly lit cemetery was quite eerie, and someone with a timid nature would probably be terrified to visit.The weather changed abruptly, and a light drizzle began to fall.Lewis, with Judy on his mind, stumbled towards Judy's tombstone after getting out of the car.There were only a few lamps in the cemetery, and one of them happened to be pointing in the direction of Judy's tombstone, making it easy for Lewis to find it at once."Judy, Judy!"Lewis was too eager and overwhelmed with grief. When he saw Judy's tombstone, the sorrow in his heart surged like a floodgate being opened, pouring out. He was walking too qui
The grandmother sighed, "Lewis found out about Judy's passing and couldn't bear the blow.""Lewis knows?" Serina was astonished, "And you all knew too?"Louis was surprised, "Serina, you knew about it early on?"Serina was among the first to know."Yes, Hannah told me before," Serina said, "I was worried that Lewis wouldn't be able to handle it, so I didn't dare to tell him. How did he find out?""Paper can't wrap up fire," Louis said, "Once Hannah fell and was hospitalized, it was impossible to keep it a secret.""Then when Lewis went out just now..." Serina immediately became worried, "What if something happens to him, or he gets the wrong idea?"Avery said, "He probably went to the cemetery to see Judy."The grandmother quickly said, "Louis, go to the cemetery right away and keep an eye on him. Don't let him do anything foolish.""Okay, grandma, don't worry, I'll go there now," Louis assured her.Louis and Avery went together.Serina took the grandmother back to the hotel first, wh
Lewis was emotionally out of control, looking at Hannah's face, he wished he could peel off her skin.That was the face of his wife.He wished he could dig out her heart, for it belonged to his wife.Hannah was unworthy, unworthy of possessing everything that belonged to Judy.If it weren't for this heart, how could he have been deceived and confused, mistaking Hannah for his wife? All the familiarity that Hannah gave him was because of this heart.Angel recognized Hannah as her mother, and that was also because of this heart.In Lewis's eyes, Hannah was the murderer, one of those responsible for Judy's death.Hannah did not defend herself; she knew that Lewis was in a state of rage and would not listen to anything.No one could accept such a thing.Lewis wanted to strangle Hannah, but looking at that face, he couldn't bring himself to do it; it was no different from killing Judy himself.The people outside the room couldn't see what was happening inside, but they could hear it.Reali