Alanna froze at that moment. Her smile instantly disappeared as well.She grabbed her phone, which was sitting next to her pillow. There weren't any notifications on the screen.Hades never showed up to the ceremony. Heck, he didn't even text Alanna.Perhaps something happened to Melanie again.Alanna shook her head in response. "That won't be necessary."Chelsey frowned at her. "Ally, it's way too difficult for you to raise your child on your own."Also, it was very unfair toward the baby.The rainbow baby was different from Alanna's first baby. Alanna had gotten pregnant the first time back when Hades didn't have feelings for her.But at the very least, Hades was head over heels in love with Alanna during the time the rainbow baby was conceived.What made the breakup worse was that Alanna and Hades looked so happy and complete together some time ago.Alanna could feel her nose burning from the emotions."Chelsey, I don't have the guts to tell him."Chelsey was stunned whe
Hades pinched the spot between his brows. His first instinct was to pull out his phone and dial Alanna's number, but what he saw made him stay rooted to the spot.He tapped on WhatsApp hastily to read the message she had sent to her. After that, he called Alanna right away.However, the automated voice informed him that Alanna's phone was currently turned off.Hades' gut told him that something was wrong."We're going back to Crevania right now!" he ordered.The moment he landed in Jagersville, he rushed to Chelsey's apartment. But no one came to get the door for him even though he had been knocking for a long time.So, Hades rushed to the hospital.When Chelsey heard that he was here to see her, she refused to let him into her office. Hades had to wait till the time she got off work in order to intercept her."Where's Alanna?"Fury surged through Chelsey's system when she saw Hades."Where the hell have you been, Hades? Did you know she waited for you for one whole day in th
Malcolm even used electroshock therapy in order to force Hades to forget about those painful memories.Hades did end up forgetting those memories. But at the same time, he seemed to have forgotten about the hope that kept him surviving all these years.Then, Jeff visited Hades one day. That was when Hades had said, "I need to find Mel."But all Hades remembered was a name: Mel.Jeff snapped out of his memories before murmuring, "Hades, call me paranoid, but are you sure Melanie is the same girl whom you met in the past? "Why do I have this persistent feeling that she's not as… kind as you described her to be? On the contrary, she seems very… vile."Hades chuckled self-deprecatingly. Jeff wasn't the only one who harbored such thoughts. At times, even Hades himself found himself wondering what had happened to Melanie in the past for her to become someone so mean."But she knew about all the things I had experienced in Junaris."Jeff paused momentarily. "What does she know?"Had
Meanwhile, Alanna had done all the preparations before the flight in Brunstein City. However, the flight was delayed because of the bad weather.She stood in the departure hall while gazing at the downpour outside. All she felt was guilt.Her hand was subconsciously placed on her abdomen as well. A moment later, she muttered, "I'm sorry, baby. I might not be able to grant you a complete family."Then, she let out a soft giggle. "But I'll love you with all my heart. I'll love you twice as hard to make up for your lack of paternal love, okay?"Travis stared at Alanna, who was spacing out while caressing her tummy, from a distance away. He felt his heart throbbing in pain for her.He had told Hades before that he wouldn't hesitate to whisk Alanna away should Hades hurt her again. But the thing was, Travis didn't want to see Alanna get hurt at all.He walked over to her with a glass of warm milk in hand."You should rest for a while. I don't think the rain will stop anytime soon
Hades felt a dull ache in his heart. Just as he was about to say something, Travis walked over and punched him in the face.Everyone around them exclaimed in shock.After taking that punch, Hades merely stood up and laughed. "What was that for? Are you salty because you couldn't take my wife away from me?"Travis' eyes burned with fury as he glared at Hades. It was rare for him to get so angry, but he seemed unable to control his temper today.He asked, "Hades, is that what you meant when you said you'd be nice to her and protect her?"Hades remained silent with his lips pursed. He then turned toward Alanna. In a low voice, he said, "Ally, let's talk somewhere else."Although Alanna didn't want to talk to him, she knew him all too well. If he didn't want to let her go, he'd keep bothering her even if she left him.Seeing that she didn't reject his suggestion, Hades tugged her along as they entered the VIP lounge. Travis wanted to go with them, but Alanna signaled for him to stay
Alanna's brows creased. "What happened? Why has it been postponed?"Travis shook his head. "We have to get back to the ministry for more information."At that, Alanna turned and walked out without giving Hades so much as a glance. Hades didn't stop her either. Instead, he followed her.Travis cast him a glance and said nothing.The rain was pouring down when they left the departure hall. Alanna went straight into Travis' car, while Hades shamelessly followed suit.Frowning, Travis eventually shook his head and started the car. He looked resigned. He'd never seen someone as shameless as Hades.Although Alanna had clearly turned him down time and again, he still persisted in coming after her. Travis thought that must be the difference between Hades and himself.Hector was waiting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when they arrived.Noticing his gloomy expression, Alanna's heart sank. "Mr. Archdale, did something happen?"After a moment's hesitation, Hector handed Alanna a lette
Alanna scowled, but Hades spoke before she could say anything. "I only have two things to say. I've instructed the hospital to erase all records of your prenatal check-ups."While staring at him, Alanna said, "Thanks." She wanted to get Chelsey to do that for her. To her surprise, Hades got around to it first."Ally, it's my responsibility," Hades said in a low voice.Alanna chuckled. "From the very second you decided to go to Melanie, you should've known I would never return to you!""Ally, I just wanted to—"Alanna interrupted him, "Stop telling me you only wanted to end things properly with her."You may never understand this. But if you're dead set on letting go of someone, you'll turn a blind eye to whatever happens to her. Hades, no matter how strongly you deny it, Melanie is important to you."Hades frowned as he gazed at Alanna. He didn't have a comeback for that. After some time, he said, "Gratitude is all I feel toward her.""Then take your gratitude for her and leave
Alanna hurled the ring at him. Then, she turned and walked toward the boarding gate. Hades swiftly caught the ring. He glanced at it and sighed.He quickly caught up with Alanna and said, "It's fine if you don't want the ring. What do you like, then? I'll give it to you. How about that?"Alanna paused and laughed. "Hades, I liked the pair of earrings from the auction back then. I really liked them."He was the one who said he would give them to her. That was why she had been looking forward to receiving them. However, he gave them to Melanie in the end.Now that she looked back on it, everything was predetermined. Hades would give Melanie everything that he promised to give Alanna whenever Melanie asked him for it.Hades was at a loss for words. A long while later, he asked, "Why didn't you tell me then?"Alanna chuckled. Bitterness filled her eyes. "Would that have changed anything? Do you know something, Hades? I felt like a joke back then."She didn't plan on bringing all tha
He casually picked it up and glanced at it, his eyes filled with displeasure. "Who is this pretty boy?"Alanna looked at the snow outside."Can't you tell? A handsome guy."Hades frowned. "Is he more handsome than me?"Alanna couldn't be bothered to answer him.Hades lowered his eyes and held her waist. "Ms. Jacinto, are you feeling needy?"Alanna furrowed her brows. "Hades, can you be serious?"But Hades shamelessly replied, "If you have any needs, just give me a call. I'll be at your service anytime and anywhere."Alanna glared at him. "Hades, have some dignity."Hades chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, are you doubting my abilities?"Alanna kicked his leg without hesitation.Hades laughed. "Feeling better now?"Alanna paused before nodding slightly. "Thank you.""Silly girl. Why are you thanking me?" Alanna smiled and got back to her work. She glanced at the man on the other side, who was busy replying to emails on his phone."If you're busy, you don't have to come over here on
Alanna was surprised. She then looked up at the man before her.She had a guarded expression.The man chuckled and handed her another business card. "I'm Mason Lowe and a classmate of Grayson's. I've heard a bit about you from him. I happened to have a business meeting recently that required translation. Would you be interested in taking up the job?"Alanna remained wary."Mr. Lowe, since you're Grayson's classmate, it would be more convenient to talk to him. I have something to attend to today, so I'll take my leave."With that, she pulled Chelsey and headed out. After their figures disappeared, Mason chuckled."She's quite guarded."He muttered to himself before lighting a cigarette. Just then, his phone rang. A woman's voice came from the other end."Didn't I ask you to approach Alanna? Why haven't you made any progress after such a long time?"Mason took a drag of his cigarette."Do you think it's easy to get close to Alanna? She's always surrounded by bodyguards. I o
Chelsey didn't know how to comfort Alanna."Ally, you need to move on."Alanna nodded without saying much. There was nothing else she could do.While the doctor examined Chelsey's wound and prescribed her medication, a commotion arose outside.Michel and the dog's owner had followed them to the clinic."Chelsey!"As soon as Michel entered the clinic, he called out.Chelsey gave him a sidelong glance. "What are you doing here?"Michel chuckled. "I came to check on you after hearing you got bitten."Chelsey scoffed. "What for? I got bitten by a dog, not you."Michel clicked his tongue. "Even if we were to bite each other, you would be the one who bit me."Chelsey aimed a kick at him. But before she could reach him, someone shouted, "Michel!"Chelsey immediately retracted her foot and glared at Michel. "Get out of the way. Stop being an eyesore."Michel chuckled. "Chelsey, are you reluctant to kick me?"Without hesitation, Chelsey aimed another kick at him. This time, she hi
Justin entered the room just in time to hear Alanna's questionHe paused briefly before taking a deep breath and walking up to her."Ms. Jacinto."Alanna turned around and saw Justin coming in with a stack of forms.Her lips twitched. But before she could speak, Justin beat her to it."Ms. Jacinto, what brings you here?" His demeanor was natural, showing no signs of evasion.Alanna pursed her lips and smiled slightly. "I'm here accompanying Chelsey for her shot."With that, she glanced back at the little girl."Is this your daughter?"Justin nodded, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at the girl."Yes, she's my daughter."Alanna's fingers twitched. "May I hold her?"Almost instinctively, the nanny holding the girl took a step back.Alanna's hands froze. She said, "Sorry."Justin's brow furrowed instantly.He glanced at the nanny before explaining softly to Alanna."Aashika was born prematurely and has a very weak immune system. We always disinfect before holdin
After leaving the detention center, Alanna seemed lost in thought.Although Tucker hadn't revealed much, she couldn't shake off her suspicions about Edmund."Do you think it could be Edmund?" Hades remained silent."The key question now is, if it's Edmund, why would he harm your mother?"Alanna lowered her gaze.Hades was right. She wondered why.Since learning that Tara was being targeted, she had thought of countless possibilities. Who could be behind the threats, and why would anyone want to harm such a fragile woman?But she still had no answers.Hades felt a pang of heartache."We'll find out eventually. Don't worry, if it's him, he'll show his true colors sooner or later."Alanna looked out the window and responded in a hum.Hades looked at her and gently caressed her cheek."Ally, don't feel sad. It hurts me."Alanna brushed his hand away. "Stop touching me all the time."Hades' mouth twitched."I've already asked Margaret to make preparations for the New Year.
Alanna glanced at him and brushed off his hand.Hades' eyes twinkled with amusement."Is it okay to spend the New Year's Eve together?"Alanna turned her head and looked at the calendar hanging on the wall.It was already mid-December.The New Year was approaching.Their baby was already three months old.If nothing had gone wrong, their New Year's Eve would have been filled with joy.Alanna withdrew her gaze, lowered her head, and straightened her clothes.Hades saw the glimmer of moisture in her eyes when she lowered her head.His heart ached, and he quickly hurried over to hug her."Everything will be fine."Alanna fought back her tears and nodded before pushing him away.Hades looked at her determined expression with a sense of helplessness."Let's go see Tucker. Maybe we can get some information about your mother."Alanna nodded and followed him out.After the two left, Chelsey rolled her eyes in the room."What a world! I have to see them being all lovey-dovey ri
In Northlight Group at Brunstein City, Edmund listened as his assistant reported everything to him."You mean, Olivia has been investigating Tara recently?"The assistant nodded. "Yes, and she's been very thorough."Edmund's pen snapped in his hand."Besides that, did she find out anything else?""She already found out about Tara's death."Edmund's face turned grim. "Got it."After speaking, he paused briefly. "Prepare something for me, and also, invite Mrs. Campbell to have lunch with me at the company."Olivia arrived at Northlight Group before noon.Before she could enter the office, she heard Edmund making a phone call."Mr. Florentine, I can help stabilize the stock price of Florentine Group with Northlight, but I hope you won't vent your anger on Alanna. Yes, she's important to me. You could say, even more important than Hudson."Olivia's steps abruptly halted. The smile on her face gradually disappeared.It wasn't until Edmund's secretary called out to her that Olivi
Alanna's grip on her phone tightened slightly."Hades, are you... really okay?"Hades chuckled. "I'm just trying to get some sympathy from you. Is it working?"Alanna pursed her lips and remained silent.Hades chuckled. "Go to bed early."After a pause, he added, "Also, try not to take sleeping pills.""Where are you?"Alanna suddenly asked.Hades was stunned.He glanced at the villa in the distance. "I'm taking a walk outside.""Taking a walk in the dead of winter?"Hades chuckled. "Ms. Jacinto, are you showing concern for me?"Alanna scoffed. "Go ahead and enjoy your walk."Hades quickly responded, "I'm outside handling some business. I just finished and suddenly missed you. So I wanted to call you."Alanna pursed her lips."Hades, we're partners now. From now on, don't hide anything from me."Hades' voice softened."Alright, I won't hide anything from you."Alanna didn't say much and hung up the phone directly.She silently looked at the sleeping pills on the beds
Afterward, he sneered, extinguished his cigarette, and drove away.Just as he left the residential area, a car suddenly came speeding towards him.Hades jerked the steering wheel.But the car behind him turned around and came back in his direction.Hades narrowed his eyes and stepped on the gas pedal, rushing forward.However, he didn't intend to shake off the car this time.Instead, he maintained a distance that allowed him to keep sight of the car. It was neither too close nor too far. He ensured that the car couldn't catch up with him and he wouldn't lose sight of it.The scenery outside became increasingly desolate.At some point, they were already on the outskirts.Surprisingly, Hades lit a cigarette at this moment.Then, he sent a location to Yves."Come handle the accident."Hades' car suddenly went uphill before rushing down a steep slope.The person in the car behind widened their eyes.Below the steep slope was a wall!They slammed on the brakes. But the speed