Yosef looked lost in thought as the rain poured down. Then, a message from Wilder popped up: [Yosef, we've got it. They're in Singhabor.]Yosef was stone-faced. He locked his phone and said, "Head to the airport."...The car hit a bump, and Zara's head smacked against the window, jolting her awake."Did that hurt?" Shawn asked quietly.Zara's head was fine, but she instinctively held her chest. A sudden ache there made her feel awful.Shawn had tried to cushion her head with his hand, but she had hit the window anyway. He gently rubbed where she had bumped her head and asked, "Didn't sleep well last night? You've been asleep the whole trip."Zara shook her head. No, she had used essential oils and slept great last night. She did not know why she felt so sleepy.It took a while for Zara's heart to stop racing, but she could not shake the feeling that something terrible had happened. Could it be something with her mom?No, that could not be it. Yosef would be there for her mom.
Shawn looked back with a blank expression. Sadie stepped up and got right to the heart of the matter. "After the whole mess with you framing Ms. Lowry, did you ever stop and think something didn't add up?"Leah was puzzled. "What do you mean, didn't add up?"Sadie spelled it out, "The whole case hinged on the word of those two bullies who pointed fingers at you, claiming Ms. Lowry paid them off."Those were the guys with the cell phones, who faked asking Zara for directions just to get her on camera.Leah replied, "...Yeah."Sadie continued, "Shouldn't key witnesses like that have been scooped up by the police right away to move the case forward? But I remember it took the police three days to find them. Why did you set it up like that?"Leah did not get why they were digging into that. She hesitated and said, "I didn't set it up on purpose."In my plan, they were going to be caught by the police that night and spill the beans about Zara. For some reason, the police didn't catch
Leah watched from the sidelines, her eyes flicking between Shawn and Zara.She was no dummy, she was actually pretty smart. If she had not been, she would not have been able to trick Zara into thinking Yosef always did what Leah said with just a few words.Then, she understood everything. Leaning back in her chair, a ghost of a smile played across her pale face. "Looks like my plan wasn't a total flop. I've even helped Mr. Webb capture the heart of the belle..."Zara's voice was stiff. "I don't need your input on what's between me and Yosef.""You're here because you wanted the truth, and now that I'm ready to spill it, you're chickening out, Ms. Lowry. Why so wishy-washy? Oh, I know. You've got a hunch, but you're scared to find out if it's true, right? Especially since you're wearing that ring. Finding out you've given your heart to the wrong guy would be just too much, wouldn't it?"Leah noticed the Eros ring on Zara's finger, but that time she not only did not feel jealous, sh
Zara whipped around, her eyes burning with intensity as she faced Leah. "Continue the story, then."Leah replied, "Back then, everyone online was blaming you for what happened to me. They were all against you."Zara snapped back, "You're the one who started that rumor!"Leah held up her hands, looking totally innocent. "It wasn't me. Remember, you even had Shelby try to sue me for stirring things up? However, the court said there was no proof I did anything. So, nope, it wasn't me."Zara's lips were pressed into a thin line. She did not say a word.Leah went on, "Sure, I could've set you up, but I wouldn't have put my own photos out there for the whole world to see. I've got my own reputation to think about. However, without someone pushing the matter, I doubt it would've blown up like it did."I bet it was Yosef. He's probably trying to mess with your head and make you feel trapped. That would get you to lean on him even more."Zara's fingers tightened into fists without her ev
Charvi gasped in surprise!"Zara? Is it really you, Zara?" She was so shocked that she forgot all about calling her 'Mrs. Webb' and using polite titles."Why do you have Ms. Nox's phone? Where are you right now? Mr. Webb has been searching high and low for you for days!"In a quiet voice, Zara asked, "Are you with Yosef at the moment?""No, Mr. Webb didn't show up at the office today, and he didn't tell me anything. Just let me know where you are and I'll get Mr. Webb to come get you right away!" Charvi replied.Zara blurted out, "Charvi, we've worked together for three years. Even though we're not close outside of work, I still think of us as friends. So why, when Leah framed me, did you stir up people against me?"Leah's lips twisted into a sly grin. She thought Zara's question was clever.There was a long pause on the other end before Charvi finally said, "Zara, what are you saying? I never—"Zara did not wait to hear more and hung up the phone, gripping it so tightly her kn
Zara gritted her teeth. The person who was usually so composed and collected then stubbornly refused to budge. Even though Leah had laid out the whole story clearly and Charvi's silence seemed to confirm it, she would not accept it."These are all your guesses!"Leah could not stand to watch Zara's stubbornness and was about to retort when a calm, emotionless voice cut in, "Zara, he's not worthy of your trust."It was Shawn, who had been quiet until then. His voice was steady.The rose petals were scattered at his feet by the wind, a sea of red like a splash of blood.The moment Zara heard his words, it felt like her insides were doing somersaults. It left her with a pain that made it hard to breathe.Shawn gazed at her, his eyes the color of warm tea, reflecting her face. They looked as soothing as a gentle hot spring, but his words were as sharp as icicles dangling from a roof's edge."How could he think of going home with you and marrying you if he hadn't planned on making up
Zara tried not to cry. She looked up at the sky, searching for comfort. Was it not just sunny a minute ago? Where did the sun go? How did she suddenly learn the bitter truth? Yosef... Yosef never really loved her, right?She had been nothing but a tool to him for the past three years, and nothing had changed. Why did she let herself fall for him again after it had already ended badly once?Was it because of the crush he had on her back in high school or that old love letter she found?However, if the feelings she saw with her own eyes were fake, what about the ones she never saw? The ones she only heard about from others and those few unclear words of affection? How much of that was even real?Zara tried to pull off the ring, and her throat tightened with effort. The sharp diamond 'V' dug into her skin, drawing blood. However, the ring would not budge.She gritted her teeth, ready to yank it off no matter what. However, Shawn grabbed her wrist and said in a serious tone, "Stop, Za
Shawn gave Sadie a composed, detached look. As she clapped her hands, it became clear that they were not alone. Hidden friends emerged from the shadows, ready to face off against Yosef's crew.The tension in the air snapped tight like a stretched string.Shawn rose to his feet, his slim yet tall silhouette shielding Zara. "Unless I'm mistaken, I've told you that Zara won't be leaving with you again."Yosef's eyes turned stormy in an instant. "Try me," he challenged.Wilder laughed mockingly and stepped out. "You really think your guys can take mine?"Sadie moved forward without a word, pulling on her training gloves and balling her hands into fists. Her eyes were fierce and focused.Wilder, not taking her seriously, casually took out a piece of bubble gum, unwrapped it with deliberate slowness, and started chewing it. He responsibly put the wrapper back in his pocket."I don't fight women." Wilder pointed at Shawn. "I want to fight you."Shawn remained unfazed, showing Wilder t
Harper's kisses were always teasing, intentionally awakening her senses.Their tongues tangled, taking her breath away. When she felt like she could not breathe and instinctively grabbed at his shirt, Harper let go and kissed his way down to her chin, neck, and chest.She could not resist him.Shelby was torn. She did not have to hold back her body's needs and reactions, especially since they could not end their marriage just yet. He was her husband, after all, so why should she deny herself? She decided to make the most of it.Men could easily separate love from physical desire, and women could too. Shelby did not think that accepting Harper's touches meant she liked him. It was just about meeting a need.She would just get that over with.Shelby's fingers gripped the sheets tightly as Harper kissed her growing belly. She was six months along, and her belly was a little bigger. The thought of their child made his heart melt, and he kissed her several more times before suddenly s
Shelby made a sound of agreement, her back sore from sitting too long. She leaned back against Harper without much thought. She was busy with her work and not in the mood for conversation.Harper quickly got the gist of the case file. In short, it was a classic example of someone facing the consequences of their own actions.In the western part of Starville, there was a middle school and a vocational school. The two schools were just a street apart. Not all, but at least 80% of the vocational school students were troublemakers.One of those students, Yered, often rounded up his gang to shake down the middle school kids for their money.Since last year, the bullies had been targeting Steven Scott, a middle schooler. They would often demand money from him. Steven was shy and scared, so he never stood up to them and just handed over the cash.However, this time, as he was walking with a girl from his class, the bullies blocked their path again. They started to pick on the girl becaus
Samantha was really happy. She lifted her finger elegantly and said softly, "One step at a time. First, we'll make sure the child is gone. Then, we'll push them to divorce, and in the end, when she's weak from losing the baby, we'll take care of her." If Shelby died as Harper's wife, then Harper would get everything, and that would be bad. The two women agreed. While reclining on their bamboo chairs, they started dreaming about their perfect future—one with the Young family and the other with all the money. Since the foot masseuse could not hear or speak, they talked freely, not worried about anyone overhearing them. After the massage, they even went to eat together. The masseuse quietly cleaned up and tidied the room. Then, she headed straight for the lookout point. The resort was in the mountains, with lots of trees and streams. The lookout was up high, with a great view of all the little mountains. It was a beautiful spot that every guest at the hotel made sure to visit.
Adalee was doubtful. "Is it really that serious? Our husband doesn't like that dowdy wife or the eldest son. Even if he's started to favor Harper more because of his marriage to the Lambert family, that still won't affect our children.""Our husband used to leave the company matters to our sons, but now he's handing them over to Harper. Who knows what the future holds?" Samantha said with a hint of malice. "We can't take that risk. We can't let Harper get too much leverage. We can't let him and his child have too great a chance to win."Adalee could see Samantha was desperate and asked anxiously, "What are you thinking of doing? She's a lawyer. She knows the law, and she's the sole heir to the Lambert family."Samantha's eyes suddenly became slits. "That's right, she's the only one who will inherit the Lambert family's fortune. With that kind of money, there are loads of people who want to trick her or get their hands on it. "She's a lawyer, not a superhero. Just wait. I'll make
It was Shelby's first visit to the Youngs' place, and by chance, she walked in on his father's so-called second and third wives being snide to Harper. His dad had not lifted a finger to help. It seemed like this was not a one-off occurrence.Was that the way they always treated him?Harper, taken aback by her blunt question, nearly slammed on the brakes. What?"Me, being pushed around in the family? That's just because I can't be bothered..." Who would waste their time arguing with a bunch of women or stoop so low as to fight with their dad's other women? That would be so embarrassing, right?However, he stopped himself mid-sentence.Because he suddenly realized that by saying that, he was making it sound like he felt bad for being 'picked on' at home.Harper slowed the car down and glanced at Shelby. Her eyebrows were knitted together, and she looked really serious. She was definitely not happy.He almost smiled, but he pushed it back down. He swallowed hard and changed his voi
She faced Samantha, not bothering to argue about inheritance rights. "You still haven't answered my earlier question. What does 'stepmother' mean?"Caught off guard by the sudden shift back to the topic, Samantha was momentarily speechless.Shelby did not wait for her to catch up. She pulled out her phone and quickly tapped the screen."Ah, I see," Shelby remarked, glancing at her phone. "According to this, 'stepmother' used to refer to a concubine in ancient times. That's similar to a servant, isn't it? So, in modern terms, it's like a maid. "Got it now. Would you mind getting me some salad? Thanks."The nerve of her, treating Samantha like a common maid! She had never been so insulted. "You!"Shelby set her phone down and met her gaze. "Since you're so curious, I'll fill you in. In the Lambert family, my word is law. If you're ever curious about me again, just ask me directly. No need to rely on rumors."Samantha bit her lip and looked to Gilbert for support, but he just sat
It was Shelby.Pregnant and in flats, she stood firm with not a hint of weakness about her.Her steady gaze fell on the two women who fancied themselves important, leaving them at a loss for words.Harper paused for just a moment, then quickly got to his feet and hurried over. "Dear!"The Young family's house was bright and airy. Harper's eyes sparkled with the unexpected joy of seeing Shelby, who had said she would not come. His face lit up with a smile.Shelby watched him, amused. She thought he was like their excited Shiba Inu, dashing over at the sight of its owner.Harper reached her side, calling out again, "Dear."Shelby gave a small nod. "Yeah."The guests at the dining table snapped out of their surprise, and Wrenley beamed. "Shelby, you're here."Shelby greeted her parents-in-law, "Mom, Dad."Wrenley hurried over to help her, her actions showing just how much she cherished her daughter-in-law.That was Shelby's first visit to the Young family since her wedding. She
Harper waited until Wrenley had said enough, andthen he spoke up."I just don't get you. Your family's loaded, my grandparents are laidback, and Dad doesn't even like you. Why stick to him? Just divorce him, take half his stuff, go home, and hang out with some young models. "That'd be way better than sticking to a lost cause. You've got no ambition."If it were Shelby, she would have left by then if he had not trapped her by getting her pregnant and holding something over her head. Why couldn't his mom be more like his wife?"In your dreams!"Wrenley, with tears in her eyes, scoffed. "The Young family wasn't always so fancy. I married him, and he promised me the moon. 'A good wife helps me reach my dreams, and I'll pay her back in gold.' And then what? "Once the Young family made it big, he just kept bringing in more women and their kids. How can I accept that? I'll fight him to the end, even if it kills me!"Harper sighed. "You want to fight him, I don't. Shelby and her baby
"An old friend?" Zara questioned. "If an old friend wanted to see me, they should be visiting the cemetery, not here."Only a very few people knew she was still alive.Shawn asked, "Is it a man or a woman?""A young man. He also said something else...""What did he say?"The butler hesitated, then relayed, "He said... The miss tricked him, and now she owes him for it."Zara was speechless.The garden fell silent for a moment, with only the whisper of the summer wind rustling through the flowers.Seconds later, Shawn set aside his tablet and smiled slightly. "Really? That sounds fun. Get him to come in. I'd like to meet him too."Zara had thought it was just a joke, but when the butler led the visitor in, she stood up in astonishment.It was him!...In Parnova, the sun shone brightly.However, in Starville, the weather was turning.The sky had been clear when Harper left home in the morning. However, when he reached the Youngs' place at noon, he saw the sun hidden behind