"Sure!" Joshua responded enthusiastically. Shawn also agreed.Gale smiled. "That's more like it." Regardless of what they discussed, they would gradually adapt and grow closer. After all, they were father and son.Joshua smirked. Shawn sighed. Even their expressions when they scowled were identical. Gale saw their expressions and found it amusing.A month had passed.Joshua was getting discharged. After spending a whole month in the hospital, Joshua was itching to get out. "I felt I could have left much earlier. Your paranoia and all those checks that delayed me for a week. The doctor finally allowed my discharge. Yes! I am finally free!" Joshua said.He grabbed his hospital gown and waved it above his head. He was in high spirits.The stitches on Joshua's neck were removed, and he would only need to medicate them to prevent scarring."Freedom! Freedom! Woo-hoo! I can run and jump again, free to soar!" Joshua bounced on the hospital bed, wiggling his hips.Shawn and Gale stood
Joshua picked up the gold necklace, bit on it, and grinned. That was not all. When Lucas arrived, he handed Joshua a key. "Great Grandpa, what is...""A house key.""What?! A house?"More precisely, it was the key to a villa. Lucas explained, "In the future, when you grow up and have a family, you can move here. Joshua, you can't keep living with your parents, can you?" Joshua joyfully accepted, "Thank you, Great Grandpa!"Lucas was always generous. After buying a theme park for Nicole, he purchased a villa for Joshua. Their gifts were progressively more luxurious."Do you ever feel that his gifts are getting more extravagant?" Gale nudged Shawn's shoulder.Was that appropriate? Would it cultivate Joshua's lavish spending habits?Take the racing car model from Peter as an example; it looked ordinary, but as a limited edition, it cost tens of thousands! Not to mention the gold necklace and a villa!Shawn replied, "It's fine."Gale realized she should not have asked him beca
Gale spoke first, "Aurum..."Shawn furrowed his brows, scrutinizing. Why was he here? Aurum looked calm. His eyes glanced past Shawn and Gale and made a beeline for Joshua. He held a bouquet, knocked on the door, and offered it to Joshua. "Joshua.""Uncle Aurum! You came!" Hearing Aurum's voice, Joshua's eyes lit up."How could I be absent on your big day?""I thought..."Joshua glanced at Shawn.Considering how petty and jealous his father was, he probably would not have informed Aurum. In fact, Shawn indeed did not tell Aurum that Joshua was getting discharged that day. Aurum came on his own.However, with everyone here, could Shawn really send him away?Aurum smiled. "I haven't bought anything special, Joshua, just a bouquet of flowers.""Flowers are great, so beautiful and fresh. I love flowers!" Joshua ran over, taking the flowers in his hands. "Uncle Aurum, I like everything you give me!"Aurum patted his head. "In the future, stay close to your mom and dad, be obedient
"Actually, you don't have to accompany me. Shawn wouldn't be pleased," Aurum said."It's a matter of courtesy."Aurum suddenly smirked mockingly. "Do we need that between us?"Gale bit her lip. "I didn't mean that...""Gale, you're very fortunate now that you have Shawn by your side. He loves, respects, and cares for you and is accepted by Joshua and Nicole. Four years ago, when you jumped into the sea, you couldn't have imagined that one day you would have such a perfect life.""Perhaps that's life, we never know what happens next."Aurum stopped, facing her. "Gale, are you happy now?"Gale nodded."Do you love him?"Gale nodded again without hesitation.Aurum remained silent for a few seconds, then smiled. "I knew it. I guessed it a long time ago. Your feelings for Shawn never disappeared; they've always been buried deep in your heart. No matter what I do, I can't replace him.""Even though I've done so much for you. Even though we've known each other since childhood.""A
Aurum honestly believed that his silent efforts and years of companionship had wielded results. He thought that Gale had a change of heart and that she had feelings for him.Therefore, he hastily canceled the engagement with Natalie, severing ties. He wanted a fresh start, unburdened, to embrace Gale. However, what transpired was realizing that it was all his own misguided imagination.Gale sighed. "I lied. Back then, it was just to deceive Shawn for a divorce." In a moment of rashness, she wounded two people, Shawn and Aurum. "I'm sorry. I thought you ended things with Natalie because you found the real heiress of the Yarn family. I thought you claimed to like me just to use me as a cover, so I went along and said I liked you too," Gale added.Unexpectedly, she was the true Ms. Yarn, and Aurum's love was genuine. However, her proclamation of loving him was a lie. Aurum slowly clenched his fists. "Everything was fake, all of it. The only true thing is your love for Shawn."
They were silent for a few minutes. Finally, Aurum spoke slowly, "Gale.""Yes," Gale replied, nervously clutching the edge of her clothes.She was eager to hear Aurum's answer.Aurum raised his hand, placing it gently on her shoulder. "I wish you a lifetime of happiness.""Aurum..."The disappointment in Gale's eyes deepened. It seemed he chose to end things there. She had no choice but to respect his decision and accept reality."As for me, I'll return to my original life. I'll quietly watch over you. I'll always be there," Aurum continued.Gale froze. She stared at Aurum. She could not understand. What did returning to his original life mean? Did that mean they could still interact like they used to?"Aurum, do you mean..." "Just like before. Do you understand?" Aurum said.Gale continued to stare at him, dumbfounded.Aurum added, "The difference is that we now have an additional bond between us. Gale, you're the true daughter of the Yarn family, my childhood playmate. Ou
"Godfather?""Yeah, you've long been family to them for as long as they can remember."Especially Joshua.During his time with the Leftings, he was completely enchanted by Aurum's charm, thinking Aurum was flawless in every aspect. That was why the idea of matchmaking her with Aurum crossed his mind.Aurum was indeed a very good man.Even after the incident with Natalie, Gale still felt that Aurum was the perfect man. He was still gentle, always considerate of others, and a gentleman in every sense."No, it's okay. Being called 'Uncle' by Joshua and Nicole is enough for me," Aurum said.Gale did not insist. "Sure, it's just a title. What you've done for them far exceeds what an uncle should do.""I did it willingly.""Yeah! I get it. I think you understand my intentions too."Aurum nodded. "I do."Truth be told, Gale had her own ideas, but Aurum had his own. He absolutely resisted the idea of being called their godfather.What Aurum wanted was not the role of a godfather; i
He trusted her.Although, a tinge of jealousy in his heart kept surging. A man could hardly stay indifferent when his wife was alone with a man who liked her. What more when the man was Shawn, the King of Jealousy.Joshua appeared out of nowhere, standing between the two."Shawn, did Uncle Lefting leave because of you?"Shawn was speechless."Mom, you're smiling even brighter now. Did something good happen?"It was Gale's turn to be speechless.Shawn picked Joshua up. "Go stand aside."Little did he know, Joshua held onto the doorframe, "I won't go, I won't go. Uncle Lefting came to see me, and he left after putting down the flowers. Something's not right. Does this mean I won't see him again?""He's really a good man, Shawn. You can't bully him!""Uncle Lefting is already a sad single man. You have a wife, Nicole, and me. You're the winner in life. You should be gracious and forgiving, turn the other cheek, and be a true gentleman!"What a sneaky kid. For such a young age,
Summer didn't know, but the more she said that, the more unsettled Gale felt inside. Everyone was telling her that Shawn wasn't that busy, didn't need to work overtime, let alone stay in the office until late at night. So, what was he doing that night? Did he have some secret that she couldn't know?Just as she was pondering this, several exclamations suddenly rang out in the office. "Wow! Look at this!" "Oh my god!" "This is so explosive!" "The hype is skyrocketing!"Several colleagues were glued to their computer screens, their faces full of gossip and excitement. Gale was puzzled and asked, "What's going on? What happened?"Summer immediately picked up her phone. "Let me see... Oh my god!"Gale grew even more curious. What on earth had happened? She hurried over and stared at Summer's phone screen.News stories flashed one after another, relentlessly. Gale quickly caught the most crucial information: "Ivy announced her withdrawal from her latest film, leaving the female
She wondered what Shawn was doing that night, that he came home only at dawn. Where did he go? Was he lying?Just a moment ago, Gale merely felt something was off, but now, she was overwhelmed with a strong sense of panic. Joshua's words about how women flocked to Shawn and how men would not be suddenly busy, suddenly flooded her mind.Even though Gale tried hard to tell herself not to overthink things, that it was impossible, and that Shawn deserved her full trust, she was having a hard time controlling herself!“Gale?" Summer called her several times. “What are you thinking about? You seem so distracted.”“Nothing,” she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m getting ready to work on the design. I really can’t delay any further.”She wasn’t in the mood to joke around with Joe and Summer anymore, so she turned and sat down in front of her computer. Her mind was completely blank. What on earth was Shawn doing that night when he came home so late? Clearly, there wasn’t any urgent matter
Summer chuckled, "Look at you, anyone who doesn't know might think I bully you just because my position is higher than yours. Gale, come on, show some authority. I heard from Joe that Shawn has all the shares...""Shh!" Gale quickly covered her mouth. This was a sensitive matter; it wouldn't do to discuss it casually. If someone with ill intentions overheard, it could lead to unnecessary trouble."Okay, okay, I won't say anything," Summer understood her meaning. "Let's talk about work then? Oh great designer, where's your design draft? It was due last week! You've been delaying for quite some time!"Gale looked embarrassed. "I... I haven't finished it yet...""Show me the draft.""I haven't even started the preliminary draft...""What?!" Summer looked shocked. "Gale, how did you become so lax?""There's so much going on, taking care of two children, and Shawn..." Gale's voice trailed off.At this moment, Joe suddenly appeared from nowhere. "Is Shawn clinging to you, or are you
“Sorry, Gale, I'll be more careful next time.” He hugged her, lightly brushing her forehead with his chin.Gale wondered if she was overthinking things. It was just normal work busyness that made Shawn come home a bit late, and she hadn't really minded or dwelled on it. But, it seemed this issue kept resurfacing in her mind.Just as she was thinking, she suddenly felt lighter."Ah..." Gale exclaimed, "Shawn!"He scooped her up horizontally and headed upstairs in large strides. It was another night of intense entanglement. Gale was tired and sleepy. Her eyes were barely open, but just before drifting off to sleep, she managed to say, "I have to go to work tomorrow, on time... no more skipping.""Okay."With Shawn's response, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.She left everything else to him… She was going to fall apart! She didn't know what was going on with Shawn, these past two nights have been endless. Before, he might ask for too much, but he would care about her physica
The trip back home was serene and filled with warmth for Gale. Shawn in contrast, felt tumultuous. By the time they arrived home, the two little ones were already fast asleep in the back seat, slumped over in different directions."Just a moment ago they were chattering non-stop, now they're all curled up asleep," Gale chuckled. "No matter how clever they are, they're still just kids."They were her little darlings. She opened the back door and gently lifted Nicole out. For some reason, when she lifted Nicole, she felt a bit unsteady and swayed."Careful," Shawn noticed and reached out, pulling her and their daughter into his embrace.Gale leaned securely against him. "With you here, how could I fall?""No worries, maybe Nicole's just gotten heavier as she's grown. I'm having trouble carrying her now," Gale said."Let me."She tilted her chin. "You take Joshua. I can manage for this short walk, really.""I can handle both," Shawn replied."Yeah, yeah, I know you're strong."S
"Alright, alright," Joshua shrugged and said, "Old man, you do your thing. Actually, I hope you could be a bit busier.""You want me to be busier?""Yeah, just a bit busier than now. Not too much, just a moderate increase," Joshua gestured, "You're always so leisurely, it makes me uneasy, Shawn!"Shawn asked, "What makes you uneasy?""Your business. I'll have to inherit it in the future! If you continue being so idle and not managing the company well, when I take over, I'll be swamped! Shawn, can't you think about your son?"So that was Joshua's concern. He feared Shawn wouldn’t manage the company well and it would burden him in the future.Gale sighed repeatedly, "How did I end up with such... "She couldn't find the right words.Smart?Mischievous?Shawn replied calmly, "Joshua, do you now realize you're my son? I should consider you? Then let me ask you, what do you want to call me?""Daddy."Joshua smoothly said.Both Shawn and Gale were somewhat surprised.He actuall
"Joshua!" Gale turned around to look at him. "What's been going on in that little head of yours day after day?"Joshua replied seriously, "I'm thinking about you, Mommy. Shawn leaves work on time every day, never stays late. Suddenly he's busy until midnight. Don't you think that's a bit strange?"As he said this, Gale felt something wasn't quite right. But she trusted Shawn enough. The company was big, with lots of business, so the occasional unexpected situation was normal. Even if she pushed the thought further, what would Shawn do? Would he be seeing other women? Gale wasn't concerned at all because Shawn wouldn't give any woman a chance! He loved only her and she was confident that she held the only place in his heart."Alright, I think you've been watching too many dramas lately," Gale said. "Joshua, from now on, you need to cut down on your TV drama time!""No! I refuse!""Joshua, your protest is futile!"Joshua was getting frustrated; he really wanted to watch TV.After
Joshua reluctantly said goodbye to Ivy, "Bye-bye, Ivy. I'll come over again when I have time. You can come to my house too! Love you! Mwah mwah!"He kept blowing kisses."Shawn," Gale looked at him, "Does your son know no shame?""I'm starting to suspect he might have a genetic mutation."Both Shawn and Gale were quite reserved by nature, especially in expressing their feelings. They loved subtly and rarely voiced it openly. But Joshua was different. He worked his charm on everyone from the old Lucas down to babies. He could make anyone happy if he wanted to!The car moved along the road.Gale asked, "What do you think about Ivy's condition today?""What do I think?""Yes.""I didn’t observe closely," Shawn replied. "Why?"Gale couldn't help but laugh, "I allow you to look and give your opinion. It's fine. You don’t have to create your distance so strictly.""She's better than last time," Shawn said. "Beyond that, I don’t know."Even if he knew, he couldn't say.Gale reac
Ivy stared at Gale, her eyes bright and clear.“Gale, if I hold the truth in my hands, would you want me to reveal it?”Gale nodded firmly. “Yes!”“Do you want to know the whole truth?”“I do!”Ivy blinked, then suddenly smiled. “Okay, okay, Gale, I know what to do now.”“Can you tell me now?”“Not yet.”“Why?” Gale asked. “Have you been threatened?”She grew tense all of a sudden.Ivy shook her head. “No. It’s just too complicated to explain in a few words. But with your support, I suddenly feel stronger and know what I need to do!”Even if President Wood tried to stop her, she would expose it. She would vent her anger, punish Paul, tear off Aurum’s hypocritical mask, let Gale know Aurum's ugliness... Ivy decided to act on her own. She resolved silently.Smells of food wafted from the kitchen.“Dinner’s ready,” Ivy smiled. “Joshua, Nicole, did you wash your hands?”They replied, “We’re going now!”“I’ll take you.”“No,” Gale stopped her. “They’re big enough to wash the