Brendan’s smile did not fade. “We’ll have to wait until the child is born and see what it wants.”“If that is the case, it’s set then. After all, I’m most skilled at babysitting children.”Deirdre received the supplements with a smile and behaved as normally as she could. Declan was far more observant and sensitive than the others, so she would need to perform her best in his presence.“Oh right.” There was no telling if Declan suddenly remembered this or if he intended to as he asked, “I wonder if Glenna is aware of this.”Deirdre was stunned and could sense Brendan’s gaze shifting to her. “That’s right. Is Glenna aware of the news? I haven’t heard you mention Glenna’s name for the past two days.”Declan said jokingly, “You girls are not quarreling, right?”“How can that be possible?” Deirdre continued to say in a very calm manner, “Glenna has been too busy with work recently. I don’t want to call her and disturb her just because I’m pregnant.”“However, she deserves to know
Deirdre stood up in preparation to head upstairs to rest, but Glenna seized the opportunity to say, “I’ll keep you company!”Deirdre did not decline Glenna’s offer and headed to the bedroom with Glenna.Glenna’s expression changed drastically as soon as the door was shut. She said hastily, “Deirdre, what is going on? How are you… pregnant with his child!?”“How can I not?” Deirdre’s expression was calm. “We have never used any contraception, and we were trying to conceive at one point. It is only normal for me to get pregnant.”“Yet, this is Brendan’s child!”“You’re right.” Deirdre smiled. “Or else? Am I supposed to abort the baby? Will Brendan allow that?”Deirdre knew that she had lost all her freedom from the moment she found out that Kyran was Brendan.Glenna’s face was ghastly pale. She had thought about many things on the way there and figured she could never be as calm as Deirdre if she were to be in the same position and pretend nothing had happened.She wanted to help
Glenna tightened her grip on her phone and concealed her emotions by saying, “We hadn’t met each other at the time, and I didn’t know much about you, so I was bolder.”Declan let out a muffled laughter. “You still can be bold now, you know.”Glenna suddenly fell silent while Declan did not seem to notice her change. He asked, “Who was the man with you the other day?”Glenna’s mind went blank for a moment before realizing the situation. “You mean Whelan?”“Hmm, I suppose.”“He’s a colleague.”“Just a colleague?” Declan said in a meaningful tone, “He looks like he is deeply concerned about you. Is he your suitor?”Glenna furrowed her eyebrows and shifted her gaze back to her phone. She pretended as if she did not hear Declan’s remark for a moment and asked, “What?”Declan smiled. “Nothing.”He changed the topic of conversation by talking about Deirdre’s pregnancy. Glenna raised her head at last. Declan could see Glenna’s reaction, so he stayed on the topic of conversation on p
”Tobey? Is that you? How?! I thought you had returned to Eastgene!” Deirdre still remembered just how glum and dejected Tobey was when he left—that happened merely a week ago! She really thought she would never get to talk to him again.Tobey looked at her in pity. “Silly girl. How could I possibly abandon you and return to Eastgene on my own? My departure was a feint. The clue was the words you used. I understood immediately that you were just saying them because you had no choice, and for that, I’m sorry. “I was such a reckless idiot! I thought things could be solved by laying things bare, but I underestimated Brendan’s power! Think about it. This is a guy who has the power to make me lose my job and my employability through his influence. How easy must it be for him to control you? God. If you didn’t remind me of that with what you said, I would have put you in so much harm!”Deirdre shut her eyes tightly and felt a sob building up. She dared not let it out—lest Fionn noticed he
Fionn proved to be rather trusting and did not press on. He simply replied, “Okay, then.”.Tobey gripped Deirdre by the shoulders. “We don’t have much time, Dee. You know Brendan better than I do, right? You practically live with him. You’ll be the one to vie for the most opportune time, you hear? I’ll never change my number, and I’ll always be around where you live. Anytime you’re ready to flee, you give me a heads-up, and I’ll take you away from all of this. We’ll go somewhere so foreign even Brendan would not know where to look!”Tobey was oozing so much conviction that Deirdre finally yielded. Her mind was a million panicked thoughts rising at once, but she forced herself to think as coherently as she could. “What about Madame Russell?” she asked. “When Brendan’s possessed, he goes all the way through the bottom of the barrel. He’s not gonna let anyone go, not even Madame Russell.”“Don’t worry about that. I’ll send my mom to live in her hometown these few days until all of this
Still, Deirdre could not stop herself from asking, “Why?”Brendan placed his head on where her shoulder and neck met. He twirled a strand of her hair with his fingertip. “Because a baby girl will be an adorable, mischievous, sweet little gremlin. Just like her mother.”“But what if it was a boy?”The light in Brendan’s eyes dimmed. “Then I hope he doesn’t turn out like me.”Had Deirdre still believed him to be Kyran, she would have chalked this up as Kyran being modest as usual. He was perfect! Impeccable! Flawless! Why would anybody hope their son turned out differently?But now, she was simply startled at Brendan’s sudden display of self-awareness. She forced herself to smile and reply, “You’re pulling my leg again.”Brendan responded by squeezing her hand silently. Feeling a little disconcerted, Deirdre made up an excuse, “It’s getting late. I need to take a shower.”She rose, and Brendan suddenly called out to her. “Dee?”“Hmm?”“I love you.”Deirdre was stunned. “How muc
Deirdre took the bouquet, leaned close to the petals, and sniffed it. The flowers were so fresh the air was thick with their scent. Little drops of dew even matted the tip of her nose. Brendan wiped the water away gently. “I didn’t plan to buy roses at first. I would have guessed from your personality that you like baby’s breath better. Still, you wouldn’t be able to see its splendor right now, so I picked a flower famous for its strong scent.”“I love it.” Deirdre caressed the bouquet gingerly. “Every flower is my favorite so long as you’re the one buying it for me.”She managed to find a vase and began to carefully slip each stalk inside. When it was done, Brendan threw his arms around her from behind. “I think it’s time you take a step back and take a break. Here, have some pastries. They’re still warm. A friend of mine suggested it when I asked. According to rumors, this bakery makes delicious desserts that are pregnancy-friendly.”Deirdre had lost quite some appetite these
Brendan had always been a master weaver of lies. “Declan has an ongoing project in Neve, but his project at Alnwick sets him back from finalizing the deal. I’m going there on his behalf.”Deirdre nodded. A moment later, she declared, “I don’t want to go.”She began to shiver. “There are too many traumatic memories associated with that place. I can’t even think about it without feeling fear. I worry that I might not even be able to sleep once I’m there. It’s that stressful.”An expecting mother’s mental health would always be the top priority. The last thing Brendan wanted was for Deirdre feeling too tense and distressed. The excuse not to go with him practically wrote itself, and all Deirdre had to do was to use it. “So, I think you should go alone. I’ll be fine here. Don’t worry. If you’re worried about me, then give me a call every once in a while when you’re free.”Brendan kissed her hair. “What happens if you accidentally kick the table and get injured?”She laughed. “Kyran, p
"Where is she?"Brendan stared at him, utterly surprised. Sean's voice trembled a bit, but his eyes held a clear and hopeful gaze.Brendan finally calmed down and looked behind him. "There, that's your mother."This was the first time Sean had spoken. Deirdre felt her mind buzzing. When she snapped back to reality, she extended her hand. "Sean, come here."Sean's eyes held gentle amazement. He was intelligent—perhaps he had sensed it on the way there. Thus, his feelings were a blend of happiness and satisfaction.He felt joy that Deirdre was going to be his mother.Being a kid, he took a few steps but couldn't stop his tears, holding onto Deirdre firmly.Deirdre suppressed her own urge to cry and crouched down, wiping away his tears. "Do you... hate mom for not being there and not recognizing you?"Sean shook his head frantically. "As long as you're here… That's enough…"Deirdre hugged him tightly, and Brendan approached, wrapping them both in his embrace.When they brought S
"I was too young back then, still sulking with my father," Brendan replied after recalling his childhood.Arthur chuckled. "Kids will be kids, after all. Besides, your father was an excellent businessman, and you've followed in his footsteps. I've heard about your impressive success with the business in Neve. You're truly talented. With the Parkers under your control, I can finally relax." Brendan thought it was just praise from an elder. He was about to give a humble response when he got surprised by the rest of the statement. This made him freeze in place."The Parkers?" Deirdre was equally surprised."What's wrong?" Arthur beamed. "Don't you both already have children? Although you've divorced, your relationship is still strong. Don't tell me there's no thought of remarriage?""Remarriage? It's not the right time yet." Deirdre blushed from the teasing."It'll come eventually. If that's the case, then you are both part of the Parkers now. You're my only daughter, and he's my s
Beneath the envelope lay the evidence. Deirdre stared at it for a long time, with Brendan by her side, offering silent support.The next day, they boarded a plane back to Southedge. Within three days, news of the top political figure's downfall due to corruption spread like wildfire throughout Southedge, even captivating the interest of other cities.Upon learning the full story in his study, Arthur's aging face was stained with tears of regret. "If only I had known sooner... I wouldn't have let your mother leave like that."Deirdre lowered her gaze and handed the letter to Arthur. "My mother explains in the letter that her departure was a voluntary sacrifice to protect everyone. She never blamed you."Arthur gazed at the letter, struggling to find the right words.Deirdre left silently, shutting the door.-Ryker was also brought to the police station. Under Sterling's methods, he confessed to the murders. Emily faced the same outcome.All of them waited for their trials.-
The distance from Southedge to Village Alnwick was immense, yet Brendan displayed unwavering resolve."Then let's depart today," he said.As Deirdre bid farewell to Arthur, an unexpected glimmer of sadness flickered in his eyes. "Visiting your mother's grave, huh? Okay, go ahead. Take care of yourself, don't overexert.""Yes," Deirdre replied. Faced with Arthur's hesitant gaze, she felt compelled to add, "Dad, I'll be back."Arthur met Deirdre's gaze, hope rekindling in his eyes.Deirdre softly sighed. "You're my father, my family. Of course, I'll return." "Really? You mean it?" Arthur's excitement made his hands tremble slightly. He held onto Deirdre as if wanting to convey something, but all that emerged was a murmur, "Then please return early... Come back as soon as you can...""Sure. I have a friend coming over later today. Take care of him. Oh, and my boyfriend is here, too. Don't worry about the specifics. I'll explain everything upon my return."As she stepped out, Bren
"Brendan Brighthall?" Ryker wiped away his own nosebleed. "How did you manage to come from Neve? Didn't I ask Emily to keep an eye on you? That useless fool who can't even accomplish simple tasks.""Choosing to control minds with drugs all along, you should have anticipated this outcome." Brendan acted roughly. As he got up, he took the key from Ryker and placed Ryker on a chair.Deirdre clenched Brendan's sleeve tightly. Sensing her tension, Brendan embraced her to calm her down."It's okay. I'm sorry for coming back so late, making you go through this.""It's not your fault. Your timely arrival saved me from further trouble. It's my own foolishness... I let him find something to use against me," Deirdre said, shaking her head weakly.Brendan frowned, cupping Deirdre's face. "He wasn't someone easily deceived, to begin with. You've done well. I'm the one who brought you into this danger, which is unforgivable."Brendan's dark eyes were filled with intense emotions. He had arrive
Deirdre hugged Ryker, resting her head on his chest as he patted her back. "By the way, you're not curious about where I went after I left early this morning?"Deirdre realized the hidden meaning behind Ryker's words, retreated from Ryker's embrace little by little, and looked at him.Ryker's eyes, as enigmatic as ever, held a clarity that seemed to pierce through everything. "I went to the hospital."He didn't wait for Deirdre to respond. "Because I was curious why I was so sleepy last night for no reason. Any ordinary person might chalk it up to exhaustion. But I know my body too well. You drugged me."Deirdre felt a sudden chill running down her spine.Ryker took a step forward casually, but his eyes were full of killing intent. "I underestimated you, Deirdre. Your acting skills are far more impressive than I imagined. You nearly had me fooled. You deserve an Oscar. What a pity that you're now in my hands."Deirdre retreated abruptly, but she found a cold wall barring her esca
Deirdre was momentarily stunned as she watched Arthur search around the study. Eventually, he uncovered a rusty key from a drawer.Arthur raised the key. "Is this what your mother desired?"Deirdre's mind raced, thoughts swirling. "Is this from my mother?"A hint of disappointment shadowed Arthur's eyes as he nodded. "This is the only thing she left me before she departed. She didn't explain why. She just made me promise to keep this key and never search for her."Although I agreed, the thought of it weighed heavily on me. So, I hid the key in a corner of the drawer instead of treating it like any other possession. In hindsight, I shouldn't have made that promise. I shouldn't have let her go alone."Deirdre's voice wavered, confusion evident. But as realization dawned, her heart raced. "Can you give me the key?"Arthur earnestly nodded, his expression solemn. "This belongs to your mother. I'm willing to give it to you whenever you're ready. To be honest, I'm relieved to pass it o
The butler nodded and guided Deirdre to the study's door. Gathering her emotions, she pushed it open.Arthur's attention was on some documents, but the door's creak made him look up. He met Deirdre's gaze, causing a subtle flicker of surprise and uncertainty in his eyes."Deirdre..." He set aside the file. "Did you just wake up? Hungry? I'll have the kitchen prepare something."Deirdre shook her head, closing the door gently."Not hungry. I came to talk.""Everything okay?" Concern colored Arthur's expression. Though he seemed worried she might leave, he tried to hide it. "Go ahead. I'm with you."Deirdre found his reaction slightly amusing. "I'm not leaving."A spark returned to Arthur's eyes. "Then what's up?"As Deirdre grew more serious, she said, "I came to Southedge not just for a visit. I want to know if my mother left something with you before she passed. Something significant.""Left something?" Arthur was puzzled. "She left several things. Which one do you mean?"De
Brendan's eyes held a hint of pity as he spoke hesitantly. "Your mother took that item away."He gently touched Deirdre's face. "That man kidnapped your mother years ago. I don't know what happened during that time. Maybe he hurt your mother and wanted to keep her forcibly. Eventually, your mother found a chance to escape back to your father with the man's item."She left suddenly while pregnant with you, not out of hatred for your father, but to protect you. Now, that person is unsure if your mother or Arthur has the item. Thus, he aimed to kidnap both you and your father, taking his time to retrieve them."Deirdre's mind was overwhelmed, flooded with information that threatened to drown her. This unexpected revelation left her in disbelief.'My mother left my father because of me? And the mastermind behind Ryker is responsible for my mother's kidnapping?'"So that item holds significant importance for this person, enough to bring him down, right?" Deirdre forced herself to calm