"I promise I'm not just playing around." Joe looked at her. "I want to be with you for a long time, forever and ever. So, I won't mess around."He was not after momentary pleasure. He wanted a lifetime of stability.He wondered if Summer heard him, but she lowered her head and got into the car, obediently fastening her seatbelt.The night was hazy. It was already dawn.After taking a shower, Gale climbed into bed and laid down cautiously, trying to minimize her presence. She was afraid of attracting Shawn's attention!She lay with her back to him and closed her eyes when she heard Shawn ask, "Going to sleep?""Mm! Goodnight!"Shawn spoke lightly, "Sobered up yet?"Gale sulked, "I only had a little, why would I need to sober up? You're overthinking it.""Is that so? Why are you sleeping so far away? Come over."Gale slowly moved toward him, reluctantly."Come closer."She moved a little closer."Even closer."Gale stopped moving. "I'm already quite close. If I get any clos
Shawn lifted his hand and stroked her hair repeatedly. "Why are you acting like a child? Even Nicole isn't as afraid of going to the hospital as you are.""I've been to the hospital too many times. I do have a bit of a trauma," Gale replied.She lightly rubbed against his chest. "When I lived in the small town, I didn't have time for check-ups, and I was fine. How come, back in Sea City by your side, suddenly I'm treated so delicately and preciously and need so many check-ups?""You were always precious."Gale closed her eyes, yawning. "Okay, if I still have stomach discomfort, I'll willingly go to the hospital..."Her voice grew softer, gradually turning into a squeak. She was tired. After a long day, she just wanted to sleep well. Shawn's large hand combed through her long hair."Shawn...""Yeah?""I want to sleep...""Alright. Sleep."Gale mumbled, "Then you..."Before she could finish her sentence, she was already gradually slipping into dreamland.She was really exhaus
She still had not fully recovered from that dream. How could she suddenly dream about being pregnant? What was going on? Thinking about it, the chance of Gale being pregnant was quite high. Shawn had not missed a night with her, and last night was a rare night where she got some peaceful sleep.Did he take precautions? Gale was puzzled. She did not know if he did or not! Every time the lights were turned off, she did not dare to look at him directly. How would she know these details! "Shawn!" Gale suddenly called out. Shawn, who had just entered the bathroom, walked out again. "What's up?" "You..." She hesitated. "Hmm?" "Did you... at that time, um... take precautions?" Shawn raised an eyebrow. "That time?" "Yes, that time." "Which time?" She bit her lip. "Stop pretending!" Shawn finally understood her expression. "Precautions?" "Yes!" "Why, why are you suddenly asking this?""Just asking, did you or didn't you?" He asked, "Don't you know?" "I don't
Strange. Was there something else in her dreams that he did not know about?Shawn leaned against the frame of the bathroom door. "Gale, no contraceptive is a hundred percent reliable. Do you get what I mean?"She replied in a muffled voice, "I understand."Even if they were careful, there was still a possibility of pregnancy. The probability was extremely low, but there is still a possibility. It was like winning the lottery. What if she won?Ah! Gale's mind was a mess, and she remembered her menstrual cycle.Right, how could she forget something so important?She could just calculate from her cycle.She tried to recall the last time her period came. Gale thought for a moment but could not remember. However, every time she got her period, she habitually marked it on the calendar.Gale pulled back the covers, picked up the calendar from the bedside table, and flipped through it. It seemed like she did not make a mark on the calendar this month or the last month. Did she forget
"What are you two busy with? You didn't come home last night, and you missed breakfast.""We had work matters. They're almost sorted out, and I won't be working late tonight," Shawn replied.Joshua grinned at him. "Hey, Shawn, do you have more free time coming up?"He was trying to gauge if he could go to the space center.Shawn saw through him."Not really. Why? What's up?" Shawn replied vaguely."I... I..." At this moment, Joshua stuttered, feeling too embarrassed to speak directly!"Hmm?" Joshua said, "If you're free this weekend, could you... take me, and Nicole, and Mommy on a trip?""It's a good suggestion. We can arrange something, like a countryside trip or a beach vacation." Shawn nodded."No, no, those are boring. Besides, we can go to those places anytime!" "Oh? Then where do you want to go?" Just as Joshua was about to answer, Shawn turned to Nicole and asked, "Nicole, do you want to go to the beach? We can catch some crabs, walk on the sand, watch the sunris
His eyes were filled with anticipation. It seemed as though if Shawn agreed, he would leap up to touch the ceiling in joy. Conversely, if Shawn said he was not going, he would collapse right there on the spot."Shawn," everyone tells me that being your son is a great blessing. I can have everything I want. I haven't experienced these privileges yet. Do you want to prove it to me?"Have you seen me these days? I've been behaving well, haven't I? I'm obedient, studious, doing homework with Nicole, never causing trouble for you and Mom, not meddling in your plans, not being a third wheel!""If you fulfill this wish of mine, I'll obey you more in the future!"Shawn nodded. "Alright."Joshua's eyes widened, somewhat disbelieving. "Alright? You agreed?""Yes, fulfilling this wish of yours is not difficult for me."The Wood Group had sponsored aviation and space projects before, so arranging for Joshua to visit the space center was quite easy. He just had to ask."Yes!!!" Joshua hugge
With such wonderful children like Joshua and Nicole, why would Shawn even consider having another one? Did he and Nicole not do well enough? That was when Shawn finally understood Joshua. He was getting old; he did not understand how kids these days communicate.Shawn replied, "I am just asking for your thoughts and opinions. Didn't you say that everyone should have a say when we have a decision to make?""Yeah, so are we voting now?""No, just casually asking."Under usual circumstances, Joshua would have spoken back by now. However, things are different now. He needed Shawn's help, so he was willing to play ball with Shawn."As long as you and Mom are happy, I support you. Having another one would be great. I hope it's a little brother so I can be a big brother!" Joshua said."So, you would only be in favor of it just because you want to be a big brother?""No, no, I support you unconditionally." Joshua grinned at him. "Shawn, when are we leaving for the space center? Can we
"Alright." Gale noddedSuddenly, their phones rang, echoing in the dining hall.Shawn saw Fiona's name on the screen. Gale's call was from Summer.They exchanged a look, and then both answered the calls."Hello, Mr. Wood. The PR department just received a draft article and a set of photos!""What kind of photos and what article?" Shawn's expression changed."It's intimate photos of you and Ms. Park! The headline was 'President Wood's Late-night Tryst with Female Star, Arms around Each Other's Shoulders, Half-exposed!'"Shawn's face turned cold.Fiona continued, "Currently, there's no trace of this rumor on the internet, and these photos haven't been leaked yet. I believe the other party intends to threaten or blackmail you!"Shawn spoke coldly, "Any other updates?""Not at the moment. The PR department is urgently convening a meeting. Mr. Wood, we need your decision on this matter! If this leaks out..."It would certainly affect the image of the Wood Group and strain the rel
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