After the meal, Jacqueline and Frederick sat down at the piano in the living room and began to play. When Frederick was staying with Jacqueline, the Valor family used to listen to the two little ones playing the piano after dinner. It had been a while since Frederick and Jacqueline had played a piano duet together. As soon as they positioned their fingers on the piano keys, the flowing music of the piano came effortlessly.The two's synchronization and beautiful symphony were unbelievable. It was fast-paced, and the adults could see their four little hands dancing quickly on the piano keys as the music flowed quickly.The Stanton family knew Jacqueline played the piano well but never realized she was this good. Frederick always mentioned Jacqueline's superior piano skills whenever receiving praise for his piano playing, but the Stanton family thought Fred had been exaggerating. Frederick had been receiving praises for his skills from even the best pianists in Lanford, after all.
Weston was a businessman. There was no reason for him to hurt his ties with another influential family in Lanford."In that event, we'll fill the gap, especially if you do suffer any loss of business in the future because of this. I'm sure the Valor and Stanton Group can be great business partners. We have an upcoming real estate project, and if you're interested, you can join us," Jackson offered.Weston gave Jackson a thoughtful look. After a short silence, he broke into a smile. "Alright. I'll take care of the hospital matter. You should be able to get the answer you want soon."Serenity was so relieved to hear that. By the time she wanted to tell her daughter to get ready to go back, she realized she had fallen asleep leaning on Frederick. Serenity felt helpless, looking at her daughter who slept whenever and wherever she wanted. She tried to pick Jacqueline up, but she could not separate her from Frederick, especially when she hugged Frederick's arm so tightly.Serenity want
Micah listened but barely understood it. "Mom, what about you and Dad?"Serenity turned her gaze to Jackson beside her, her eyes sparkling with endless love. "I like him a lot, and I'll like him forever."Jackson stared at Serenity, his heart pounding at the way she looked at him. If his son was not around, he would not have resisted his urge to pull her into a tight embrace and kiss her to express his most sincere joy.Jackson turned to his son, who was still in a daze. "Well, you'll meet someone you like eventually.""But I think I've already met someone like that now. I'll always like Mommy," Micah expressed.Noticing how Jackson became a little upset over Micah's answer, Serenity quickly interrupted, "That's not the same. We're talking about liking someone differently."Micah had an annoyed look on his face. He could not understand the difference between liking Mom and someone else. Maybe he should talk about it again some other time.Back at the hotel, Serenity put her son
Meanwhile, in the Stanton Residence. Weston came to his son's room and saw Frederick watch Jacqueline intently as she slept. "Do you like Jacqueline that much?" Weston said, something flashing in his eyes.Frederick did not answer and continued staring at the girl next to him. There was no need to answer this question."You should know. She's the daughter of Jackson Valor. There will be many people who'll like her," Weston continued. Jacqueline would grow up to be very popular, especially when she had wealth, good looks, and a pleasant personality. Men would be flocking after her.For a split second, worry crossed Frederick's face. He glanced up and told his father, "Even if that happens, I'll make Jackie only like me!""Are you sure you're capable of that?" Weston's lips quirked in a half-smile. "You're both still young. The people she meets at this age will be limited, not to mention her playmates. Among the people she has met, she likes you because you're the best at piano a
“Mhm,” the little one answered softly. After Weston left the room, Fred looked at the person sleeping beside him and murmured, “Jackie, don’t hate me, okay? Don’t let anyone else take my place. I promise I’ll be a better person day by day.” Fred sounded like he was taking an oath. -Both couples dined together in the hotel's restaurant. Clara looked at Micah, who was eating obediently, and asked, “Where’s Jackie? Didn't she come to Lanford?” “She’s at the Stantons. We’ll pick her up at their residence later,” Serenity said. Then, she told Clara about what they had mentioned to Weston yesterday, about installing surveillance cameras and investigating Summer’s actual condition.“Thank you, Serenity,” Clara said gratefully.“No problem.” Halfway through the meal, Clara had to use the restroom, so Serenity accompanied her to ensure her safety. Suddenly, Jackson asked Wilson, “Have your feelings for Clara totally faded?” “Why?” “Don’t you think it’s a shame?” Jackson sm
Wilson looked at Jackson without any expression.“The pain might be overwhelming for you by then,” Jackson said. “Then, I will go to the hypnotist again and again until I can no longer remember my feelings.”Jackson kept quiet. Only Wilson would know what was best for himself. -Clara felt sleepy again after finishing her meal, so she returned to her room first. Nowadays, she was always sleepy and would take a nap after lunch. While she was asleep, she felt a pressure on her forehead. She tried hard to get rid of the discomfort but to no avail. “Ahh!” Clara jolted awake. She saw Wilson once she opened her eyes, and his hand was on her forehead. There was a napkin in his hand, and Clara realized that he was wiping her sweat.“Thanks,” Clara said.Only then did she notice that she had broken out in a cold sweat. “Are you alright? You had another nightmare?” Wilson asked. “No.” Clara didn’t want to tell him that his hand had made her uncomfortable. “I want to change
Clara subconsciously caressed Wilson's face.Wilson was stunned, and his eyes darkened. “What are you doing?” Clara snapped out of it and stopped her actions. “Nothing, I got carried away…” Her voice was getting softer as she spoke. She felt embarrassed. Wilson continued to help Clara put on her socks, but he was staring at her intensely. Clara almost went limp. She wanted to take a step back when Wilson finished putting on both socks for her. However, he wrapped his hand around her waist. “You got carried away, huh?” Wilson whispered. Clara blushed, and she was at a loss for words. Wilson narrowed his eyes and brushed his thumb across her lips. “Clara, you’re not a little girl anymore. You should know that people will easily misunderstand your words.” She lowered her head awkwardly. “I’m sorry.” “You’re sorry?” Wilson snickered and looked at her with a complicated feeling. Jackson had said that he was just lying to himself through hypnosis and that he would
When Wilson let go of Clara, she slapped him hard across his face. “Don’t kiss me if you don’t have any feelings for me!”“What? You don’t like it? Don’t forget that we’re still married. I’m not wrong even if I want you now. Don’t forget what you promised me in exchange...” Wilson’s voice gradually softened when he noticed Clara’s teary eyes. He had lost count of how many times she had slapped him. No one dared to treat him like this except for Clara. His anger died down the moment he saw her tears, and he felt suffocated. Then, Clara violently pushed him away. She took a deep breath and spoke calmly, “Mr. Birch, I know that you don’t have any feelings for me now, so I don’t have any intentions to seduce you. I promise that I won't do anything that will cause misunderstandings between us in the future.” Wilson pursed his lips. He didn’t know why he was upset at her words. He felt that something was slipping away from his grasp. -When Serenity went to pick up Jackie fro