Andrew was worried. What if Lydia completely distanced herself from him the moment he asked a question she didn't want to answer? After all, their engagement was merely a facade."Lydia, answer me honestly. You haven't been traveling for work at all during this time, have you? You've been with Lambert the whole time!"Andrew's voice was firm, his gaze on Lydia unwavering. His heart sank as the last shred of hope within him seemed to shatter, and even his voice became hoarse."Are you planning to get back together with Lambert?"Lydia's heart skipped a beat at Andrew's question. She softened her voice and spoke sincerely, "Andrew, I didn't mean to hide anything from you. I just didn't want to add to your burden. You've already been so stressed, managing the company and taking care of your mother while also helping me with Wythe. If you knew I went to UC, you would have worried even more."Lydia's explanation seemed reasonable, but upon closer thought, it was just an excuse. Andrew let
With a stern expression, Lambert issued his orders. "Start the investigation over, beginning with Sibyl. This person has been with the company for years and has been quietly eating away at it under the radar. Clearly, she's been planning this for a long time, but we've all been kept in the dark.""I agree. By the way, Bob came by earlier today, requesting special funds to handle some matters, apparently related to Sibyl. I've taken care of it as you instructed.""Good. You've done well! Bob might need to come back again soon. Whatever he requests, make sure it's done quickly.""Yes, sir! I'll ensure it's handled promptly!"After Ivan left, Lambert walked over to the window, his thoughts overwhelmed by a flood of longing. Truthfully, he would have preferred Lydia to stay by his side rather than letting her go back to rest, but he knew that wasn't right. Especially after what Lydia had just been through, she needed time to calm down, or she might break down emotionally.Lambert forced h
Lydia was momentarily stunned when she felt a sudden weight on her shoulder as Andrew placed his hand there. "I know you only see me as a brother figure, someone you rely on," he said softly. "But until someone else can give you the happiness you deserve, let me have the chance to protect you, alright?"Lydia nodded absentmindedly, unsure of what Andrew was really trying to say. His words seemed like a compromise, an acceptance of her proposal, acknowledging the brotherly role. Little did she realize, she was being naive. Andrew's intentions were far more complex; he didn't want to be just her brother—he wanted to be her man.Thinking that Andrew had conceded, Lydia didn't notice the dark expression that clouded his eyes afterward. He had no intention of letting her go.After taking a day off to rest and collect herself, Lydia knew she had to return to Lambert. Her one-month commitment wasn't over yet, and she couldn't give up halfway. That would mean all her previous efforts had been
Ivan stood not far from Lambert, utterly impressed by Andrew's audacity. This man had the guts to snatch a woman from the boss's hands—what a real man! But hadn't the boss heroically saved the damsel just the other day? So why was there no follow-up? Shouldn't there have been a natural progression to offering oneself in gratitude? Oh, right—Bob had mentioned that it had already happened.The palpable tension between Lambert and Andrew struck Lydia as odd and slightly awkward."Andrew, if there's nothing else, I'll head off. I'll make my own way home after work; you don't need to pick me up.""How could I not? You're my fiancée; serving you is my honor!" Andrew responded tenderly, causing Lydia to blush slightly.This scene deepened Lambert's obsession with Lydia, his love for her warping into an inexplicable hatred.Ignoring both Andrew and Lydia as if they were irrelevant, Lambert coolly commanded, "Ivan, let's go!"With
Lydia patiently explained, "It's about the handover for the studio. There are many accounts I need to verify myself, and some special documents that need organizing. I don't think I'll be able to finish everything today."The person on the other end of the line softened his tone. "But you still need to eat. What are you planning to do for dinner?""I'll just order some takeout. It's more convenient that way," she replied, though she wasn't really in the mood to eat.As soon as Lydia finished speaking, the voice on the other end firmly objected. "No way! Takeout isn't good enough. How about this—I'll bring you dinner and keep you company.""That's not necessary, Andrew. What about Wythe if you come over? Don't worry about me; I'm not a child. I can take care of myself.""You don't need to worry about that. I'll bring Wythe with me," Andrew replied, clearly having thought it through.Lydia hesitated. She didn't want to outright refuse hi
Lydia's expression grew increasingly uneasy as she listened. "What did you say? Supervise me working overtime? What does that mean? Are you planning to stay here with me?"Lambert gave her a glance that clearly conveyed how ridiculous he found her question. "Don't take it too seriously. I just have some company documents to handle. I'm not here just for you.""I'm not taking it seriously!" Lydia raised her voice. "I'm just annoyed. I could have worked quietly by myself, but you just had to come over and distract me. If I don't keep up the pace, who will take the blame?"She was frustrated. The last thing she wanted was to see him. Every time she saw him, her emotions stirred uncontrollably.Lambert let out a cold laugh and briskly opened his laptop. "That's your problem, not mine."Lydia gritted her teeth in anger. She and Lambert were clearly destined to clash. Even after the divorce, this man still managed to get under her skin!However, a
Lydia's subconscious display of affection was deeply gratifying to Lambert. In her dazed state, she was unaware that Lambert had brought her back to the villa where they had once lived together.Meanwhile, the Fraine family villa remained brightly lit. Andrew sat on the living room sofa, his expression grim. He regretted returning but couldn't bear to stay when he saw the near-intimate connection between Lydia and Lambert. He stood up restlessly but quickly sat back down.Chad came downstairs and noticed Andrew's unease, prompting him to ask with concern, "Lydia hasn't returned yet?""She said she had to work late. She should be done by now.""Why don't you call her? If you're still worried, go check on her. Don't be afraid to bother her—pursuing a woman requires persistence and patience.""I know, Dad. You should get some rest. It's getting late. Where's Wythe?""Wythe's already asleep. Stop hesitating and do what you need to do. A ma
"Thera..."Lydia clung to Thera like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline, collapsing into her arms and sobbing uncontrollably."There, there, it's okay now," Thera soothed her. "Everything's going to be fine. Don't cry, okay? I'll help you sort everything out. But first, let's get in the car."Thera's comforting words helped Lydia gradually regain her composure, and she obediently followed her into the car."Lydia, where do you want to go? How about staying at my place tonight?"Lydia hesitated for a moment. "No, I should go to Andrew's place. I promised I'd leave work early to spend time with Wythe today, but things got delayed again. If I don't go back tonight, I'm worried Wythe will be upset.""Alright then, if that's what you want. But what happened today? This place isn't far from Lambert's house... Did you just come from there?"Lydia remained silent, causing Thera to rub her forehead in exasperation. "No way! Are you two back together? What about Andrew, that poor fool who
Lambert presented himself as refined, but his underlying dominance was unmistakable. "That's not the case, Principal. I'm just worried about Lydia's health. She's pregnant, and she's caring for a class full of four- and five-year-olds. If something were to happen, it could be very dangerous for her."The principal furrowed her brow, eyeing him curiously. His concern seemed more like that of a family member than a parent. "While your point is valid, we've already considered this. Surely, you wouldn't expect her to be dismissed? After all, maternity leave is an option now...""Maternity leave is limited," Lambert replied firmly. "Besides, you must know that Lydia can't stay here forever."The principal felt uneasy. Lambert's demeanor and attire suggested he was no ordinary individual; why would he want his family working in such a small place? Something felt off."On what grounds are you so sure?" she asked.Lambert responded with unwavering confiden
Meanwhile, Lydia was feeling quite emotional in her room. The impact of seeing Lambert, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, was overwhelming. He had lost quite a bit of weight, and from his words, it seemed he had been eager to find her ever since he left.It would be a lie to say she wasn't touched; he truly cared about her. She had always held onto him in her heart and never let go. However, the idea of going back because of this was unlikely; after all, she was a stubborn person, and once she made a decision, it wasn't easy to change her mind.Lydia hoped that Lambert would take the hint and leave soon so her life could return to normal. Otherwise, her heart would be in turmoil!As Lambert, whom Lydia hoped would leave, was knocking on the door next door, an elderly man in his sixties opened it, eyeing Lambert suspiciously.Lambert straightened his clothes and spoke with a gentle tone, "Hello, I'm Lambert. The thing is..."Lydia, completely obl
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