Seeing them chatting so warmly, Shane became displeased and immediately wrapped his arm around Haley's shoulder, pulling her into his embrace."My wife only needs me for help. You guys can go wherever you want."Henry, being supported by Zac, could not help but tease, "Oh, so possessive already? Not to be rude, but bro, you've got quite the possessive streak. Only Haley can handle it."Embarrassed by being teased in front of everyone, Haley's cheeks flushed slightly.Shane, however, remained composed and leaned down to give Haley a peck on the cheek. "Indeed, we're naturally meant to be together. No matter which way you look at it, we're the perfect match."Seeing Shane being all lovey-dovey as if no one else was around, everyone made sour faces.Henry clutched his heart dramatically, pretending to be heartbroken. "Oh, pity me, this single guy came to celebrate with you guys, only to be filled with jealousy. It's just not fair!"Zac's eyes twinkled with amusement as he remarked,
"Mrs. Ford, why are you so adorable?" Adorable enough for him to want to take a bite.Haley blinked in confusion, not understanding why he suddenly kissed her again.Seeing her dazed expression, the smile at the corner of Shane's lips deepened. He reached out to ruffle her hair and then took her hand, leading her to the car. "Let's go back home."Half an hour later, the car arrived at Violet Grove.The butler hurried out to greet them, his expression somewhat grim. "Sir, Madam, James has brought Xena here. He says he wants to come to seek your forgiveness.""They actually have the nerve to show up at our doorstep," Shane sneered.The butler sighed. "I told them you weren't at home and asked them to leave, but no matter what I said, they refused to go. They insisted on waiting for you to come back."He had been a butler for many years, but he had never encountered such shameless people. Especially Xena, if she came to apologize, she should at least have an apologetic attitude
Haley also glanced at James, but her gaze was ice-cold, as if she was looking at a stranger.James felt uneasy, sensing that things should not be like this. Before, Haley always followed him closely. Everyone said she loved him deeply, even willing to be his backup. But at some point, everything changed.Seeing James staring at her with pity and regret, Haley frowned, feeling repulsed. "James, please get to the point quickly. My husband and I are tired after a long day and want to rest early," she said, while taking the initiative to embrace Shane's arm.Shane, who had been displeased by James's gaze, felt the gloom dissipate instantly when Haley leaned in. He reached out, pulling Haley into his embrace, casting a cold gaze at James.It was as if he was silently asserting his authority, telling James, "Stop looking. She's mine."James suppressed the bitterness in his heart and explained his intentions, "Uncle, I've heard about the school incident. It's all a misunderstanding. Xen
Xena stood frozen in place, staring at her hand that had not even made contact yet, wearing an expression of disbelief. When did Haley become so skilled at acting? Her hand clearly had not touched her yet! Was she trying to set her up? Definitely! She looked on with a sense of grievance, her eyes reddening with tears, and turned to James for help. "James, you saw it just now, I really didn't touch her, she's deliberately framing me."James glanced at Haley, who was snuggled up in Zac's arms like a fragile bird, and remained silent. Haley slowly lifted her face from Shane's embrace, with not a hint of sadness in her eyes."Xena, being falsely accused doesn't feel good, does it? Then you should know, getting expelled is already the lightest punishment for you."Xena's expression stiffened, and James was at a loss for words. Shane checked the time, seeing it was almost eleven, and spoke up. "It's late, you can leave now."Xena and James exchanged a glance but remained rooted to
Xena found herself speechless in response to Haley's question, unsure of how to answer. Deep down, she knew she should not resent Haley, but she could not help it. Without Haley, she would not even be a secret child. Maybe their identities destined them to always stand on opposite sides of life."Haley, don't change the subject. We're talking about this incident. I've apologized where necessary, so why won't you let it go?" Xena demanded.Haley suddenly burst into laughter. "Why should I let it go?"Xena clenched her fists slowly, feeling anger rise within her. "Haley, are you still in love with James, so you're deliberately targeting me? After all, you loved James for so many years."She intentionally raised her voice to ensure James heard her.Sure enough, James’s expression darkened instantly, as if it could drip ink.Xena smirked triumphantly, provokingly tilting her chin toward Haley.Compared to her, Haley was still a novice at this game.Haley stared at her for a mom
She had not intended to be so blunt, but Xena kept harping on the matter. Besides, she did not want Shane to misunderstand. With that said, both James and Xena were left speechless. Before, James often boasted in front of those wealthy young heirs, claiming he had not only found true love but also a devoted fiancée. Xena, too, took pride in snatching her fiancé from Haley.But now, Haley was telling them she had never loved James.Their once proud achievements had become a farce. James looked dazed, shaking his head repeatedly, murmuring, "No, I don't believe it, it's not true. Haley, you love me. You must be speaking out of anger, right?"Haley smirked, mocking, "Weren't you the one who always despised me before? Why such a big reaction now that I say I don't like you? Could it be that you're..."Xena suddenly snapped out of it, cutting her off, "Haley, James likes me! Don't even think about taking him away from me!"She hugged James tightly, terrified inside.She was wrong. S
Haley did not expect Shane to be so persistent today, insisting on getting a straight answer from her. She could not help but feel shy, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of her chest. Turning her face away, she suppressed the surge of emotions in her heart and softly whispered, "I like you." It was just a simple sentence, but it took all her courage to say it. After speaking, she did not dare to look into Shane's eyes. But even without seeing, she could feel his gaze intensify with those three words.Having received the answer he wanted to hear, Shane felt as if something had filled the void in his heart. He pulled Haley into his embrace, his slender fingers lifting her chin as he leaned in to kiss her lips. At this moment, no amount of words could express his inner joy. Perhaps Haley did not know how many years he had been waiting for these words. Feeling the softness and warmth between their lips, Shane felt that all the waiting and silent sacrifices
Shane was nudged awake and as soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Haley smiling at him."Morning, wifey.""It's already nine o'clock, where's the morning? It's all your fault, I'm already late," Haley glared at him disapprovingly.Shane's smile deepened at the corner of his lips as he reached out his arm and pulled Haley into his embrace. "Late already? Then let's sleep a little more. You tired yourself out last night, didn't you? Let me give you a massage."Haley, annoyed by his antics, twisted his waist hard. "Shane, are you trying to experience what it's like to sleep in the study?"Was it time for sleep now?Shane, hearing this, opened his eyes again and raised his hands above his head in surrender. "Wifey, no, please. What I meant was, don't worry, it's time to show those older folks who’s the boss."Haley looked at him incredulously. "What do you mean?""You give me a kiss and I'll tell you," Shane teased, lying back on the bed with a mysterious smile on his lips.Haley's