Lydia dialed Maggie's number first. Maggie sounded startled when she answered, then her tone turned sour. "Why are you calling me?""It's nothing. I just wanted to thank you for the compensation. Harlan has already given the money. Since that's settled, those crazy videos I have of you are useless now. So, I've decided to give them back to you." Lydia's tone remained calm."You're being so generous?" Maggie frowned, clearly not believing Lydia's words."Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Since I'm short on time, you better make up your mind quickly. Today at 1 PM, Queen Hotel, second floor. Whether you come or not is your choice." Lydia hung up the phone, feeling confident that Maggie would show up. Even if it wasn't for the videos, she would come to see what Lydia was up to.Indeed, Lydia's guess was correct. Maggie did plan to check the situation. Moreover, she intended to use this incident to tarnish Lydia's reputation, portraying her as a seemingly innocent but internally
Maggie's footsteps staggered. Eight years of love couldn't compare to Lydia?Or perhaps, it couldn't compare to Lydia's position in the G Corporation! She couldn't bear to listen anymore!Especially when Ron blamed her for all the things they did to Lydia back then, Maggie felt like her heart was plunged into an ice cellar, trembling with cold!This man! This man she had been with for eight years, investing her youth and emotions in, was he really speaking ill of her like this?Moreover, for the sake of gaining Lydia's forgiveness, he wanted to divorce her?Maggie's eyes turned red, flames of anger almost engulfing her whole being. She looked squarely at Lydia.It was all because of this woman! It was because of this woman that Ron would say such things!Maggie gritted her teeth and took a step forward. "Lydia! You wicked woman! Go to hell!"As she spoke, she picked up the coffee cup from the table and hurled it towards Lydia.Fortunately, Lydia was prepared. She quickly got up and av
In the hospital room, permeated by the smell of disinfectant, Maggie lay pale on the bed.Outside, Ron sat on a bench, several cigarette butts scattered at his feet.He held another cigarette in his hand, smoke curling around him, darkening his genteel face, giving it a somber air.His clothes bore traces of blood, and his hair was disheveled from the earlier press scrum, making him look disheveled.After a moment, hurried footsteps approached, and Harlan rushed with Mildred towards the direction of the ward.Seeing Ron sitting there, Mildred hurriedly asked, "What's going on? Where's Maggie?"Ron stubbed out his cigarette. "She's inside.""What exactly happened?" Mildred was on the verge of breaking down.Ron paused. "They said she had a miscarriage.""What?" Mildred's eyes widened, and she stepped forward, grabbing Ron's collar. "What are you saying? When did Maggie get pregnant? How could she suddenly have a miscarriage? Did you do this?"Why were they both present when things went
Early the next morning, Lydia got up before six. She couldn't sleep well, even though today's schedule had long been set. She was feeling nervous.So, Lydia went to Wythe's room and nudged him, still in the midst of dreaming. "Wythe, what do you think about me staying home today? You can go with your dad alone, okay?"Wythe, half-awake, bolted up from the bed at her words. "Mom, how can you say something like that?"Lydia lowered her head, looking troubled. She never quite knew how to interact with elders.After her mother's death, she grew more distant from Harlan, and as for Mildred, her stepmother, they barely communicated beyond material matters.Suddenly facing two elders, especially those who had shown obvious dislike towards her before, Lydia felt truly unsure. She hesitated for a moment.Wythe's expression softened, and he stepped forward to hug Lydia. "Mom, do you really trust me to go with Dad alone? What if they don't let me come back?"With Wythe's words, Lydia hesitated.
On the wide road, a black Maybach raced past, traversing a long stretch of forest before arriving at an estate.Flanking the estate were attendants dressed neatly, their demeanor respectful. As the Maybach passed, they all bowed in unison.Lydia couldn't help but feel astonished.Although she knew of the Halsey family's illustrious lineage, seeing it firsthand left her at a loss for words.The Halsey family was a century-old family, and even the estate exuded an inexplicable air of opulent grandeur. This was the ancestral home of the Halseys, where their parents resided.After her initial surprise, Lydia felt increasingly nervous. She knew their impression of her hadn't been favorable, and she hoped today might change that.Finally, the car came to a stop. Before Lydia could move, someone outside opened the door.The person who emerged was in their forties or fifties, impeccably dressed in a suit, hair neatly combed back, with a stern expression—a clear indication that he was the esta
"That's my business!" Lambert's tone was resolute.Lydia's heart warmed slightly, but it quickly sank.In truth, Odgen was right. Families like theirs valued reputation the most, and as the next head of the family, Lambert had to pay even more attention to his image, including that of his spouse. As a member of the upper class, Lydia understood this principle well.When her mother was alive, she was expelled from the family for marrying a man without status.If it weren't for her grandfather having only her mother as a daughter, her mother might not have inherited anything.Moreover, Lydia did indeed have a failed marriage!But it wasn't her fault; she was the biggest victim.But how could Lydia explain all this? Should she reveal every detail to others?Her pride and self-respect wouldn't allow her to do so!So, Lydia stood up, bowed deeply to Odgen and Nydia, and said, "I'm sorry. Perhaps in your eyes, I'm indeed not worthy of Lambert. But love is between us. Please trust us.""Are y
With an extra person in tow, many household items needed to be bought anew, so the three of them went down to the supermarket together after lunch.Wythe sat in the shopping cart, pushed by Lambert, while Lydia directed them where to go.This good-looking family of three attracted quite a few envious glances as they strolled through the aisles.Observing the attention they were getting, Lambert reached out and hooked his arm around Lydia's slender waist, causing her cheeks to flush red.She shot him a glare and swatted away his wandering hand, "Behave yourself, this is a public place!"Raising an eyebrow, Lambert retorted, "So what? Am I not allowed to hold onto my own wife in public?"Lydia blushed even deeper, gritting her teeth, "Who said you're my husband? Stop talking nonsense, or you won't be going home!"Lambert sighed with a hint of resignation, "Okay, fine, not yet, but soon enough."Surprisingly, Lydia didn't argue further.Lambert's antics had already left her blushing, so
Lydia widened her eyes, taking a moment to process Lambert's words.She blushed crimson, but by then, she was already melting under Lambert's kiss. Her hands clung helplessly to Lambert's arm, her eyes shimmering with desire.Her slightly parted lips, flushed from the kiss, looked irresistibly tempting.Lambert's gaze fell, catching a glimpse of her delicate skin peeking out from her slightly open neckline, and the softness of her breaths, quickening, almost teasingly elusive.A surge of heat rushed through Lambert, his throat tight.His gaze grew even deeper as he lowered his head, capturing Lydia's lips in a possessive, dominant kiss.The fiery sensation from the depths of her being left Lydia feeling utterly defenseless. Her hazy eyes carried a hint of anticipation, like a fish waiting to be pulled from the grill, yearning for someone to extinguish the flames."Mama! Your favorite TV show is starting!"The sudden sound from outside abruptly snapped the two out of their desire-fille
Using their son as a shield might seem a bit embarrassing, but it was undeniably effective. Sure enough, upon hearing Wythe's name, Lydia paused her resistance to Lambert. She struggled to move her legs and began to make her way toward her home.What should have been a short ten-minute walk turned into a half-hour ordeal due to Lydia's difficulty in moving. During this time, she even awkwardly made a trip to the restroom. As she entered the later stages of her pregnancy, not only had her legs swollen, but her trips to the bathroom had also increased significantly. Just moments ago, she had finished a latte, which made the situation even more awkward—suddenly needing to find a restroom while walking.Lambert, while unaware of the many inconveniences pregnancy could bring, couldn't help but feel like a negligent husband and father as he watched Lydia struggle. He realized he knew nothing about what she was going through. Seeing her in such discomfort made his heart
Lambert closed his eyes, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart. He had truly found Lydia!"Sorry, Lydia, I think I got a bit carried away!"Could this be a dream? If it is, he hoped he'd never wake up.Lydia was at a loss for words. This wasn't just being a bit excited; he was clearly overwhelmed!She decided to change the subject. "Lambert, how's Wythe doing?" Her son was the person she cared about most, and the one she felt she owed the most to."He's fine, but he really misses you. I didn't expect that after all this time, you wouldn't even call once."Hearing this, Lydia lowered her head, guilt washing over her. In some ways, she knew she hadn't been a very good mother. She had neglected her son for her own feelings."I'm sorry..."Lambert sighed softly, a mix of emotions swirling within him. "You don't need to apologize, Lydia. It's all my fault. If I hadn't misunderstood you, you wouldn't have felt the need to leave Nov
Debby felt a sudden jolt, her ears turning bright red. Being caught doing something wrong and exposed in public was a uniquely uncomfortable experience."Uh, I..."Lambert's heart raced. Could it be that he finally found the right place? Was Lydia really at this kindergarten?Fearing he might startle her, he spoke gently, his tone patient. "Debby, there's been a misunderstanding between Lydia and me. I care about her deeply, and I can't lose her. I don't know how you've interpreted our situation, but as her friend, I assume you want her to be happy too?"Debby hesitated at his words. Was this man truly a scoundrel? Upon reflection, Lydia had only mentioned that she had divorced her partner and left Nova City due to some circumstances. She had never spoken ill of her ex-husband, so perhaps she had misjudged him?Debby's expression shifted, yet she still seemed unsure. Lambert seized the moment to ask, "Debby, Lydia hasn't left, has she?""How
Lydia could hardly believe her ears, but Debby wouldn't lie to her. So, Lambert had really come looking for her.Her emotions were a whirlwind. It had been nearly five months since she left. During this time, she had come to Y City alone, found a job at a kindergarten, and gradually found some peace.Being away from the chaos allowed Lydia to reflect on herself, and she realized that the situation with Lambert wasn't entirely his fault. While he sometimes acted presumptuously, his intentions were good—he always acted out of concern for himself. Each argument only chipped away at their relationship.No bond can withstand constant fighting.Lost in thought, Lydia absentmindedly traced her fingers over her phone screen. Should she reach out to Lambert? According to Debby, he was probably headed to Rong City.She lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes casting shadows over her troubled eyes. When she first heard that Lambert was looking for her, her
As Lambert stepped out of the apartment, a lost look lingered in his eyes. For the past few months, he had been caught in a cycle of hope and disappointment almost every single day.He should have been used to it by now, but each time he felt let down, hurt, and increasingly restless. The longer the search went on, the more he worried about whether he would ever find Lydia."Hey, don't be too downcast. Finding someone is like this; as long as you persevere, you will eventually locate them!"Lambert nodded at her comforting words, knowing well that now wasn't the time to give up."Lambert, since you haven't found her yet, what's your next move?"He frowned slightly. "I think I'll stay here for a while. According to the information my friend gave me, there might be another Lydia in City Y."She sighed. "You really have it tough. How long do you think it will take to find her? It's like searching for a needle in a haystack!""It's okay;
Upon seeing the information, Lambert felt as though he'd been tirelessly searching, only to stumble upon the answer effortlessly.Watching him hold the household registry, his hands trembling, the elderly woman knew that this young man truly loved his wife. She couldn't help but sigh. Why couldn't people just talk things out calmly instead of storming off? When this Lambert finally found his wife, she made a mental note to have a good talk with her. After all, finding someone who genuinely loves you these days isn't easy, especially someone as handsome and devoted as him.As she shared more advice, Lambert listened attentively. A couple of hours later, there he was, standing outside apartment 803 of Building 6, disguised in a delivery uniform, complete with a sunhat and a package in hand.*Ding dong, ding dong...*Lambert stood at the door, feeling anxious. He feared the person inside wouldn't be Lydia, but also worried they wouldn't answer at all.
The intense longing Lambert felt was like ants gnawing at his heart—an unbearable pain that consumed him. Yet, this separation made him realize even more clearly how deeply Lydia had become a part of his life. Without her, he felt utterly lost, as though she had completely permeated his existence without him even noticing.After a brief rest, Lambert began his search for information. He quietly arrived at the neighborhood where one of the pregnant women named Lydia was living and started asking around about her."You seem unfamiliar. You're not from around here, are you?" An elderly woman approached him, curiosity in her eyes.Lambert's heart leaped at the question. He had been wondering how to start the conversation, and now someone had given him the perfect opportunity. "You've got a sharp eye, ma'am. I'm new here.""I thought so! We don't usually see such a handsome young man in our neighborhood," the woman commented."Are you here for work, or are you planning to settle down? You
Lambert knelt down, meeting Wythe's eyes, and asked gently, "Wythe, are you sure this is what you want? Staying here while we're away—won't you feel lonely?"Though Wythe didn't want to be separated from his father, he wanted even more for his dad to focus fully on finding his mom, so they could all be together again. There's a saying about temporary separation being for a longer reunion—something like that."If I miss you, I can always call or video chat! Don't worry, Dad, I'm all grown up now—I won't embarrass you!"Lambert ruffled Wythe's hair, pride swelling in his chest. "You'll always be my best son! Both your mom and I are so proud of you."Wythe blushed a little. "Dad, don't praise me in front of everyone like this, I might actually get too proud!"Thera, standing nearby, burst into laughter at his bashful expression and swooped in to pick him up, giving him a playful kiss on the cheek. "Don't worry, Lambert. I've got Wythe covered. He'll be just fine with me."Andrew chimed i
Lambert carefully tucked Wythe into bed before solemnly opening the letter Lydia had left behind."...Lambert, by the time you read this letter, I'll probably already be in another city. I'm not sure if we'll ever see each other again.Sometimes, I wonder how we ended up like this. We once loved each other so deeply, but now, we've only caused each other endless pain.There's nothing going on between Andrew and me. I don't know if you'll believe me when I say this, but when I first found out I was pregnant again, I wanted to tell you the truth. Sadly, it seemed like you weren't willing to listen.I tried, again and again, to get back together with you, but no matter how hard I tried, it felt like we were two parallel lines—never to intersect again.Lambert, I don't know if I'm making the right decision, or even why I'm doing this. I just know that if I stayed in Nova City, I would lose my mind. So I've decided to leave. I need to find a place where no one knows me, and I don't know an