"Lambert, when are you going to deal with your dad? I don't want to be tied to you forever!" Verna's straightforwardness, now completely devoid of the elegance and ladylike demeanor from their first meeting, revealed her quirky nature.It was this honesty that made Lambert tolerate her, unlike others. He knew Verna had a secret lover, and they were both forced into this arranged meeting.As they descended the stairs, Odgen and Zebulon were already in deep conversation, much to Verna's exasperation. She rolled her eyes, finding herself once again staying for dinner at the Halsey residence.During the meal, Odgen's fondness for Verna grew more apparent, and Zebulon’s parents seemed to like Lambert very much. However, both Verna and Lambert seemed distracted, their occasional eye contact hinting at a shared sense of plight.After dinner, as Zebulon’s family took their leave, Odgen called Lambert into the study.In the oppressive silence, Odgen was the first to speak. "Do you admit your m
Like an artist repeatedly conceptualizing a scene, Lambert's mind lingered on the image of the person within that picture.Lydia hadn't gone to bed. She stood by the window, clutching her phone, waiting for a call that might never come."Lambert! Lambert!"She whispered his name in her heart, each time more painful than the last. He hadn't contacted her, even though she had sent him a message. Unbeknownst to her, Lambert's phone lay abandoned on a nightstand, and its owner was merely fifty meters away in his car.Knock, knock, knock!Lydia quickly set her phone down as Wythe, rubbing his eyes, walked in with a cup of milk. "Mom, why aren't you asleep yet?"Lydia's voice was soft. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry. I'll go to bed now.""Mom, drink some milk before you sleep."Lydia's nose tingled, and she reached out to tousle her son's hair. "Thank you, Wythe.""Mom, I've grown up. Even without Dad, I can take good care of you. Besides, Uncle Fraine is great too! Please don't be sad about Da
His name was Winston, a high school teacher with a courteous and composed demeanor, leaving a good impression on Lambert. However, Lambert was surprised when Winston opposed the idea of eloping with Verna."Lambert, I know you're helping us, and I appreciate it greatly. But please tell Verna that I can't agree to run away with her."Lambert didn't expect such a refusal and narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing Winston. "What do you mean? Do you have other plans?"Winston smiled, "Yes, I do. I understand you're Verna's friend, which is why we can't involve you. You could help Verna escape during a shopping trip, but wouldn't the Zheng family come to you for answers? It's good you're willing to help, but I don't want you to bear the consequences."Lambert had considered this risk but dismissed it, confident in his status. Even if the Zheng family suspected him, they wouldn't dare confront him openly.Seeing Lambert's thoughts, Winston continued, "I truly appreciate your help. If you'
Wythe simply blinked, "I know, since it's Mom's choice, I'm happy for you both. As long as Mom is happy.""Yes, I will make sure your mom is happy!"As they were talking, the doorbell suddenly started ringing frantically. Lydia and Andrew exchanged a glance, and Andrew went to open the door."Lydia, I..."Lambert's voice stopped abruptly when he saw Andrew. His handsome face was tinged with coldness."What are you doing here?"Andrew raised an eyebrow, feeling a slight displeasure. He and Lydia had just made some progress, and he couldn't let this person ruin it."That question should be mine to ask. As someone who has divorced Lydia, why are you here?""Move aside! I have something to say to Lydia!"Without hesitation, Lambert stepped forward, trying to bypass Andrew. Andrew, however, blocked his path. "Lambert, even if you're visiting, you should get the host's permission! If you keep barging in, I can call the police!"Lambert sneered, "Call the police? What a joke. This is my wife
Lydia's heart trembled. "No, I don't hate you. I've thought it through. We should have our own lives...""And if I refuse?" Lambert asked."I don't think you're the type to cling on like this," Andrew interjected. "Of course, if you do, we won't just sit idly by."Andrew decisively stepped in front of Lydia, facing Lambert directly. Lydia wanted to say something, but Andrew took her hand, "Lydia, leave it to me."Lydia hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. She didn't know how to face Lambert right now, so it was better to let Andrew handle it. Feeling validated, Andrew's voice became even firmer."Lambert, if there's nothing else, we'll see you out. We have other plans after lunch."Lambert stared into Lydia's eyes. "Is that what you want too?""Yes."Lambert's heart sank, but he still asked, "Can I ask where you're going?"Andrew looked at him oddly. "It doesn't matter, but we're going to meet my parents. Oh, by the way, they are very pleased with Lydia. We might have our eng
Wythe was stunned and did not know how to answer for a while.Although he had always said that as long as his mother was happy, he would gladly accept whoever he was with, but it was not until just now that he found out that he was not a good child.He lied.At the moment he saw his father leave, his tears fell all of a sudden. His heart felt as uncomfortable as if he had pressed a stone.He still wanted his father and his mother to be reconciled, just like before. The three of them lived together with Meimei, although now it seemed that this was simply extravagant hope.Looking at Wythe's drooping little head, Andrew sighed secretly.He knew that this child might not accept him so easily, but when he really came to this step, he was still a little disappointed. However, Andrew would not just give up.After so many things, he finally had the opportunity to get closer to the woman he loved."It's okay, Wythe. I know that you might not be able to accept it now, but one day I will make y
When Lydia's gaze fell upon Andrew and his father, Zara chuckled. "Don't mind them. Andrew and his father are always like this. It's like they can't go a day without teasing each other, but their bond just gets stronger."Lydia smiled. "I find it quite amusing, actually. I've never seen Andrew so lively.""Really? Does Andrew try to maintain a façade around you?" Zara asked with a hint of surprise.Lydia was taken aback for a moment, then quickly remembered her role as Andrew's girlfriend.To avoid any suspicion, she replied, "Not really. I guess it's just because he's always taking care of me, so he doesn't get much chance to be this playful."Zara smiled warmly. "Lydia, if you don't mind, may I call you Lydia?""Of course! Please feel free, Aunt Zara."Lydia's gracious demeanor greatly pleased Andrew's parents. They had already heard a lot about her and knew that their son had liked her for many years.They were delighted to see her finally brought home.Andrew's parents naturally a
Andrew led Lydia into the room and immediately let go of her hand, placing his own hands at his sides with a hint of apology. “I’m sorry, Lydia. I acted impulsively earlier. If I offended you, I apologize.”Lydia waved her hand dismissively and lowered her voice. “Andrew, what are we going to do? Are we really going to spend the night in the same room?”Andrew looked into her eyes. “Lydia, do you trust me?”Lydia was taken aback, but Andrew continued, “I won’t do anything to you. You can have the bed; I’ll sleep on the floor.”Lydia opened her mouth to refuse but swallowed her words. Andrew was right. If they didn’t share a room now, it would definitely raise suspicions. What couple in love wouldn’t want to be together? Besides, she trusted Andrew’s character; he wouldn’t do anything inappropriate. With that assurance, what did she have to worry about?Lydia nodded, and Andrew’s eyes lit up with joy, though he tried to suppress his excitement. He reached out and took Lydia’s hand. “Th
"Lambert, at this rate, you could almost switch careers to become a nanny!" Horace teased, noticing how expertly Lambert cradled the baby.Unfazed by his friend's jest, Lambert beamed with happiness. "You wouldn't understand if you don't have kids. Once you get married, you'll know. This is my legacy, and I didn't get to care for Wythe when he was a baby, so I'm determined to be hands-on with Candice."No one could truly grasp this sense of compensation!Horace rolled his eyes, clearly at a loss for words. It was pointless to engage with someone so enamored with fatherhood.While the men gathered to chat, Thera leaned closer to Lydia and whispered, "So, Lydia, are you really back together with Lambert?"Lydia nodded. "Yeah. After everything that happened, I realized I need to cherish every single day. And Lambert is sincere—I can feel it.""That's great!" Thera sighed in relief, finally putting her worries to rest."What about you, Thera? I see you and Andrew getting along quite well!
At this moment, Lambert felt completely at ease. It seemed that Lydia's earlier words were not just talk; she was genuinely ready to give them a chance!A smile crept onto Lambert's lips, but there was no time to think of anything else; he needed to take care of their baby, Wythe. Thanks to the maternal training classes he had attended with Lydia, he had learned a lot about caring for newborns. Gently, he picked up his daughter and quickly checked her diaper, only to find that she had wet it.With nimble hands, he changed her diaper, and the little one fell back asleep. Looking at her innocent face, Lambert's heart melted. This was his child, the result of his and Lydia's love.The baby slept soundly, and Wythe had been temporarily taken away by Bob, who had come to deliver some items. Now, only Lambert and Lydia remained in the room, but Lydia, having slept quite a bit earlier, was no longer drowsy."Are you still feeling unwell?" Seeing Lydia frown slightly, Lambert asked with conce
Lambert glanced at his son's disapproving expression and was momentarily at a loss. "Wythe, you might've looked even more wrinkled than her when you were born, yet look at you now—a handsome young man," he teased, smiling at his daughter. Though wrinkly, he found her to be the most beautiful and precious little girl.Wythe huffed proudly, his lips in a slight pout. "I wasn't this ugly! Besides, you didn't see me when I was a baby." A hint of sadness crossed his face; he hadn't been as lucky as his sister—he hadn't had his dad by his side when he was born.Hearing the touch of bitterness in his son's voice, Lambert immediately understood. Wythe was jealous, understandably so. For all his maturity, Wythe was still just a child. For his first five or six years, he had only his mother and no father. He often envied kids with both parents, and when Lydia finally returned home, her on-again, off-again relationship with Lambert had left Wythe hurt and forced him to grow up faster than other
Lambert paced restlessly in the hallway, nearly losing his mind. Every moment was agonizing, with Lydia's screams from the delivery room piercing his heart. He prided himself on being strong, yet in that instant, he felt an overwhelming urge to flee, especially as her cries of pain echoed through. Angry at himself, he slapped his own face—Lydia was suffering because of him, and he'd never realized how terrifying childbirth could be."Calm down. This is what childbirth is like," a woman nearby said kindly. She was the mother of a little girl, and both she and her husband couldn't help but notice how visibly nervous Lambert was. "You've been through this once before, so you should be able to handle it," she added."Why isn't it over yet? Is she in danger?" Lambert's mind was in turmoil, fighting the urge to rush inside and see Lydia himself.The little girl's father stepped in, attempting to reassure him. "You and your family will be just fine," he said. The man recalled his own frantic
At that moment, Lydia was on the verge of total collapse, as if her entire world had crumbled in an instant, and sorrow overwhelmed her.What had she done? What had she been doing these past days?She had been recklessly indulging in Lambert's affection, without any sense of gratitude or restraint. Now, she regretted her actions deeply. If only she had known this day would come, she would never have argued with Lambert or dismissed his love and efforts out of a misguided sense of pride.All she wanted was for him to be safe, to live happily with her and their children, never to be apart.Lydia's vision blurred as she stood in shock, unable to step closer to the crowd to confirm what had happened. But through a gap, she caught sight of a blood-red stain spreading across the ground. The sight was so jarring that it felt as though her heart had been ripped out of her chest."Mom, are you okay?"Wythe ran over, panting, to see Lydia sitting dazed on the ground, staring at the red stain in
Lambert's words made Wythe roll his eyes, secretly exasperated. What was going on with his dad? Wasn't everything decided? Why was he suddenly backing out at the last moment?Men! Their thoughts are just impossible to figure out!Lambert had indeed changed his mind unexpectedly. He didn't want to deceive Lydia, even if it was just a harmless joke. Something about it felt wrong. Even if it was to bring them closer, lying to her didn't seem right.Wythe's plan had been simple he wanted Lambert to stage an accident, making it seem like he'd been hit by a car. He was certain his mom would show her true feelings; if she still cared for him, there was no way she'd just stand by. It was a good plan, but now that the moment had come, Lambert didn't want to test Lydia this way.People's feelings shouldn't be tested.Wythe grew increasingly anxious. They'd prepared everything, but now his dad was retreating? That wasn't like him at all! Taking advantage of n
Half a month had passed since Lydia's last check-up. Lambert continued caring for Lydia with the same attentiveness, unbothered by her cold attitude towards him. Although her indifference saddened him, he was undeterred; his determination grew in the face of difficulty, a testament to his personality.But little Wythe had had enough. He felt it was time to give his parents a nudge towards reconciliation. Yes, it was his turn to step up!So, one morning, when Lambert went out early to buy groceries as usual, Wythe found an excuse to tag along. Lydia didn't think much of it; over time, she had noticed Lambert's earnest efforts and couldn't deny feeling somewhat touched, even if her heart remained conflicted. Deep down, she feared reopening herself to love, only to be hurt again.After all, "Once bitten, twice shy," as they say. Lydia never saw herself as particularly brave—in fact, in love, she was timid and afraid. She longed for a peaceful, uncomplicated l
Once, Lydia believed she and Lambert would grow old together, inseparable and loyal. But her genuine love had only brought repeated hurt and disappointment. That's why she had fled Nova City, leaving behind everyone she knew, so this time, she refused to open her heart again.Lambert sighed, his tone gentle. He knew Lydia wouldn't easily open up to him again, but he didn't mind; he was willing to wait. Determined, he led her to the prenatal clinic, aware of the many tests ahead—ultrasounds, blood tests, monitoring the baby's heartbeat—a series of over ten examinations. Each department was exceptionally busy, requiring an immense amount of patience.Throughout, Lambert remained unwaveringly attentive, showing no sign of impatience. He stayed by Lydia's side with the eager anticipation of any expectant father, his heart fully in it.Before the ultrasound, Lydia needed to drink water, but Lambert, inexperienced in these matters, hadn't prepared any. She didn't feel inclined to remind him
Happiness, it seems, makes people wish the same for those around them. Like the husband in the next hospital bed—he had the sense to keep quiet the moment he sensed the tension between Lydia and Lambert.Lambert didn't seem to mind Lydia's sudden outburst. He simply took off his suit jacket, now stained with soup, and said regretfully, "The soup spilled, Lydia. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little longer. I'll have someone bring a new one right away! Why not have a piece of cake to tide you over?"Lambert's calm demeanor only made Lydia feel as if her anger was landing on nothing but soft cotton, frustrating her even more. What was Lambert up to? Was he mocking her on purpose?It was infuriating!Lydia knew her emotions were out of sorts lately. Ever since Lambert left, she hadn't had much of an appetite. When she found out his trip was delayed, everything around her began to irritate her. It was as though a cloud of anger clogged her heart, but she couldn't find a way to let it ou