Catherine's POV
Though I tried my best not to look at him, I could still sense the powerful aura coming from him, the Lycan King. "Daddy, do something. Talk to mommy. I don't want her to be with another man!" Hedwig was not as smart and mature as Noah. She was just a four-year-old girl. Blake still looked cold. He crouched in front of Hedwig and looked into her large, watery, and concerned eyes. "Daddy, what's wrong? Why don't you say something? Don't you want mommy anymore?" Hedwig was getting anxious. Noah walked over from the sofa as well. He didn't sound as panicked and helpless as Hedwig. Instead, he was calm. "Daddy, you and mommy are really breaking up this time, aren't you?" Facing his children, Blake had no choice but to nod. "Yes. We both made a choice!" "No!" Hedwig shouted. "I don't want you to break up. No! If you break up, I will... I will not eat anything. I will starve myself to death!" Though Hedwig waThird person's POV "All you have to do now is to accept mommy being with Harley. Let's go piss daddy off together!" Noah whispered into her ear. "But this is unfair to daddy. Daddy will be so sad!" Hedwig loved Blake very much. She did not want to hurt him. "Idiot! Daddy made a mistake first. You should trust me. I don't think they will truly break up!" Noah said confidently. "I don't want to believe you!" Hedwig curled her lips. "Who else can you believe? I'm telling you, if you want daddy to make up with mommy, you have to listen to me!" Noah still said confidently. Hedwig's head went blank. She couldn't think of any ideas. When she thought that her parents were going to separate, she became anxious. Noah seemed very confident, so she nodded. "Fine. I believe you. What do you think we should do next?" "Let's go downstairs now, and do as I say. Remember to say whatever I told you to, and everything is going to be alright!" Noah gra
Blake's POV I was a little stunned watching Hedwig leave without looking back. It seemed that Hedwig blamed me for everything. It was my big mistake not to ask Catherine to stay and Hedwig had every reason to be mad at me. "Is Hedwig never going to talk to me again?" I turned around and asked Noah as I assumed that kids always understood each other better. Noah shrugged and said indifferently, "I don't know. When stupid Hedwig is sulking, it usually takes a week for her to get over it. So, just give her some time." "A week?" I was dumbfounded. "Alright, forget about stupid Hedwig now. Daddy, what happened to you and mommy? Why did you suddenly become like enemies?" Noah began to question me. I knew Noah was going to ask, but I didn't want to tell him. "Noah, just remember that I didn't have a better choice. My hands are tied!" I couldn't hide the sadness in my tone. "Why? What's troubling you? Tell me. I can change mom
Catherine's POV The parlor of the lakeside villa was brightly lit. As I entered the door, I saw Patricia sitting on the sofa drinking coffee. It was late, the kids must be asleep. I had mixed feelings when facing Patricia. We had been getting along very well. Patricia was a nice person who cared for her family. It was a pity that we couldn't become a family. "Ms. Wyatt, have a seat. We need to talk," Patricia put down the cup and said to me. I nodded, and then I sat on the sofa next to me. Dowen asked a servant to bring me a cup of coffee. "Blake has told you everything, right? I can only say sorry about this. You are not wrong, but we are not wrong either. Blake's mother left her two children and married your father. In any case, I hate your father and Blake's mother. They are selfish," Patricia said calmly. I nodded. "I know. This is more than right or wrong. I understand." "So, I didn't mean to ask you
Catherine's POV It was early the next morning. When I woke up, I saw Noah and Hedwig on my bed. They lay on the bed, blinking and watching me sleep. "Mommy, did we wake you up?" Hedwig asked. I sat up from the bed. "Why are you two up so early?" "Mommy, have you and daddy made up?" Hedwig asked without answering my question. Noah, who was lying beside her, sighed like an adult, " Looks like they haven't. Didn't my plan work yesterday? No way! Daddy should have been jealous by now." Noah's words left me a little speechless. I knew it. Of course, Noah didn't want me to be with Harley. What Noah said yesterday was just to piss Blake off. "Noah, Hedwig, drop this, OK? Don't make your daddy mad." Blake looked so tired and painful last night. How could I go on to hurt him? Hedwig's eyes widened. "Really? Will daddy leave us?" Noah patted Hedwig on the head. "You are so stupid! Daddy is so much better than that! He will be
Catherine's POV I followed Leo to a separate room. Leo suddenly turned and stared at me fiercely. "Are you really Halsey's daughter?" I nodded. "Yes. I am Halsey's daughter. Do you hate me?" Leo walked to the sofa and sat down. He said, "Are you sad that your wedding is off?" "Yes, I am!" I did not attempt to conceal my emotions. "But there's nothing we can do. There's no way we're getting married..." I was in so much pain that I could not speak. Leo looked away and said sarcastically, "How was this possible? You are his mate!" "But my father hurt you and Blake. I'm sorry," I apologized. "Why should you be apologizing to me? It's not your fault. Halsey should make up for the mistake he made," Leo snarled. "I know. But I'm still his daughter!" I was so sad. "What does Blake think? Does he hate you?" Leo asked as he looked at me. I shook my head. "No. He's in pain, too. He's sick now. Maybe you should go check on him." "Loo
Third person's POV Soon, Catherine returned to the lakeside villa. She knew Blake was in the study, yet she did not go over to see him. Catherine walked into the bedroom and began to sort her things out. The pain in her heart was killing her as she packed her suitcases. She wanted to see Blake. Catherine suddenly did not want to pack up. She did not want to leave... The bedroom door was pushed open, and Noah and Hedwig stood at the door. "Mommy, are you really moving out?" Hedwig cried. She ran over and snatched the clothes in Catherine's hands. "Don't go. Stay here. Daddy won't let you go." Noah turned and ran out. He could not bear to separate from his mother. Catherine crouched and hugged Hedwig. She said gently, "Hedwig, I'm not going far away. I'll still live in this city. If you miss me, you can ask Dowen to take you to see me." "No! I want mommy and daddy to be together. I don't want you to be separated!" Hedwig sobbed.
Third person's POV Patricia crouched and said, "Noah, Hedwig, I don't know if you can understand what I'm saying here. Your mommy and daddy are now siblings. Do you get it?" Catherine was angry and said to Patricia, "Patricia, how can you tell them that? This is too much for them." Patricia looked at Catherine and said, "If I didn't tell them, they would think that we bullied you." Noah looked at Catherine in confusion and asked, "Mommy, how can you and Daddy be siblings?" Catherine didn't know how to answer Noah's question. Patricia said to Noah, "Because your mommy's father married your daddy's mother." Noah and Hedwig looked at Catherine. "Mommy, that's messed up!" Noah said to Catherine. Hedwig looked up and asked Catherine, "Mommy, I can't understand!" Patricia said sarcastically, "Catherine, you should explain it to them." Catherine crouched and said gently to Noah and Hedwig, "It will take time for you to understand it.
Catherine's POV I went downstairs and walked to Dowen's car. I knocked on the car window, and Dowen opened the trunk. I pushed the suitcase in and sat in the back seat. "Dowen, let's go now. Thanks!" I said politely. The man in the driver's seat did not speak. The car made a U-turn and drove off. The car was getting farther and farther from the villa, and I could not help looking over my shoulder, my eyes welling with tears. I said goodbye to the kids. Why did I still feel sad? I knew. It was because I didn't say goodbye to Blake. Eva let out a sad sob. "It's still early. What's the rush? After the car drove out of the lakeside villa, I heard Blake's voice from the driver's seat. I was stunned when I heard his voice. Soon after, he pulled over. "Move to the front." Blake gently reminded me. I came back to my senses. It wasn't Dowen. It was Blake. Why was Blake here? I thought that Dowen was driving. "W
Tasha, who used to look down on this corner of the house, had come today with a request.The musty smell of the long-unoccupied room made her uncomfortable."Sunny, don't be so cold. We don't have a deep grudge, do we?" Tasha forced a fake smile.Sunny ignored her, sitting by the chair and taking out her phone to check the news.Tasha stared at the phone, eyes gleaming with the idea of secretly finding Leo's number.But then she decided to just ask Sunny for it directly.Sunny wouldn't reject this."Sunny, do you have Leo's phone number? Can you give it to me?" Tasha asked boldly.Sunny looked up, her gaze cold. "No."Sunny, who used to lack the confidence, now felt no obligation to easily give her boyfriend's number to another woman.The atmosphere turned awkward.Tasha's face darkened at Sunny's blunt refusal."Sunny, are you just trying to spoil my fun? You eat, live, and use what's ours. Isn't it
The situation took a turn for the better, with Sunny being kicked out by Leo.So, Tasha came over smugly to mock her.If she didn't vent on Sunny, she couldn't swallow her anger.Thinking of Sunny's past with Leo, Tasha was filled with indignation.Her idol had been with this woman, which felt like a knife to her heart. She considered it unbearable and thought highly of herself for not slapping Sunny."You were so confident. If you want to join his company as an artist, you can go anytime," Sunny said coldly."I could have, but now it's uncertain!" Tasha's tone changed abruptly, with a hint of anger. "You've offended Leo. If he finds out I'm your stepsister, he might not sign me."Sunny couldn't help but sneer. "Rest assured. If you can't get into his company because of me, I'll talk to him. I'll tell him I have nothing to do with you, so he won't blame you because of me."Tasha was skeptical. Sunny's sudden kindness seemed sus
"You could still meet with my father if you both have time. Blake and I wouldn't mind," Catherine suggested softly."There's nothing left to say between us," Abigail replied with a light laugh, her tone final yet tinged with resignation."Thank you, Abigail." Catherine's gratitude spilled out."Alright, no more formalities. I'm content now. Rest now—you'll need energy for tomorrow's flight," Abigail said with a gentle smile.Catherine nodded and quietly left. Back in the bedroom, Blake was sitting on the sofa with a strange look. On seeing her, he got up and walked over. "What did my mom say?""Nothing much. Just reminded me about Dad's medication," Catherine replied softly."Is he ill?" Blake's gaze sharpened."Old health issues," Catherine deflected, unnerved by his sudden intensity.Blake said no more and put his arms around her. "Let's rest early. The flight will drain you.""Okay. Good night." Catherine leaned
"I understand, but if I don't visit him during such an important festival, I'll feel guilty. On my engagement day, my dad gave me so many gifts—he gave me almost everything he had. He's truly a great father, and I want to be a good daughter in return."Catherine was in a dilemma.Blake knew Catherine had fully forgiven and accepted Halsey for abandoning her."Fine, I'll go with you to visit him." Blake made his decision."You'll accompany me?" Catherine was surprised since Blake had a grudge against her father."Yes. I don't want you to go alone, but as his daughter, you must visit him." Blake didn't want his past issues to affect her. She had the right to love her father."What about the kids?" Catherine asked suddenly."Leave them here. Let my mom and grandma take care of them." Blake didn't want to put the children in danger.Catherine agreed that leaving the kids behind would be safer.Given Blake's ongoing str
Three days passed in a warm haze for the Royal family—a rare stretch of uninterrupted togetherness amidst their perpetually busy lives.The family rarely gathered, as they were usually busy with work and chores. So, the time they spent together was precious.Blake and Catherine skipped elaborate vacations, opting instead to fill the estate with laughter.They built snow forts with the children, baked gingerbread cookies in the sunlit kitchen, and read bedtime stories by the crackling fireplace. For Noah and Hedwig, these simple moments became their first true childhood memories.On the third evening, as snowflakes settled like powdered sugar over the grounds, Catherine needed to discuss visiting her father abroad with Blake, but the words stuck in her throat like winter sap.Blake definitely didn't want her to go far away, but she couldn't be trapped here forever just because she was afraid of the dangers outside.That night, the snow
"It's different this time. They're interested in getting to know you. Your reputation has grown since those days; you're a celebrity now, Sunny. I'm not trying to hurt you. Won't you come back and see for yourself?"Moira was truly unaware of her husband's schemes. She simply wished for Sunny to emerge from her heartbreak, embrace life anew, rather than languish at home, like a soul hiding from the light."Mom, stop worrying about me. I'm fine now," Sunny offered a few comforting words, then abruptly said, "I'm not going back. Gotta go, bye!"And with that, Sunny ended the call.But her harsh refusal angered her stepfather.Patricia had invited Richard and Nick over for dinner, but they declined.In truth, Richard and Nick were in foul moods.Leo and Catherine's successful engagement felt like a bad omen to them, dampening their fighting spirit.As for Nick, since returning from the engagement party, he'd been like a lost soul,
"Grandma's right, Sunny and Leo are perfect for each other," Catherine agreed quickly.Sunny's face turned bright red. Why was everyone focusing on her?Abigail noticed Sunny's other hand hanging still and asked quietly, "Sunny, what's wrong with your hand?"Remembering the video of Sunny fighting the thugs, Catherine explained, "Her hand is injured. Sunny, are you feeling better now?"Sunny nodded. "Much better!"Patricia was shocked. "How did your hand get hurt? Was it that naughty Leo?"Sunny shook her head and explained what had happened.Patricia and Abigail listened with concern. Catherine pulled up the video, and after watching it, both Patricia and Abigail's faces showed worry."Sunny, I didn't think you had so much courage!""Did you practice martial arts when you were young?"Sunny answered all their questions. The two elders looked at her with new respect.They couldn't believe such a small and t
Hedwig's little face was covered with Noah's fingerprints, pink and white, and she looked cute. Her head was full of flour, and when she shook it, a cloud of dust came out.Patricia and Catherine were amused by the two kids. Patricia laughed so hard that she thought her grandson was naughty and her granddaughter was pitiful."Mommy, look at what I made! It's a little ball!" Hedwig couldn't make pies, so she just kneaded the pie crust into a round ball and proudly showed it to Catherine.Catherine didn't want to hurt her daughter's confidence and praised her immediately, "Hedwig, you're really hands-on! This circle is so round!"Hedwig, upon hearing the praise, decided to make another round shape.Catherine quickly moved the pie crust away and said with a smile, "Hedwig, this is for making pies. Why don't you go play with your daddy?""Oh!" Hedwig pouted, a little unhappy. Her mommy was so mean."Grandma's here!" After running out, Hed
"Aren't you supposed to have dinner at home? I need to go back too."Sunny recalled Patricia's call to Leo last night, where he promised to return early.She felt a tinge of sadness. Although she and Leo were back together, she still felt insecure. Celebrating Christmas's Eve would mean another separation."Are you going home?" Leo narrowed his eyes, staring at her dangerously. "What if your stepfather introduces another suitor to you? How will you refuse him?"Sunny was surprised. "How do you know about that?""Wasn't it? I know he's introduced five suitors to you. I didn't get that wrong, did I?" Leo sneered, his face turning cold."He treats you like goods to sell. Are you still going back to his place?" Leo's face darkened, as if ready to punch someone.This was Sunny's dark secret, something she had always feared and been hurt by.If Leo hadn't investigated her, she would have kept these secrets until old age, not letting