"If I can't sleep with you, I might as well sleep in my grave. Give me another punishment."Gale shook her head. "No way. If you don't want to, fine. I'm not saying I have to punish you, but you asked for it. Alright, I've done as you said, but you are not willing to do so! Shawn, are you playing games with me?"Of course, Shawn was not willing! He still wanted to coax her, but Gale looked stern and intimidating. "Let go of me!"Shawn hesitated, feeling a bit unsure. Should he agree?"For how many nights?" Shawn asked, being cautious. He was quite cautious.However, Gale changed her mind suddenly. "I've changed my mind. Shawn, even if you sleep on the floor, we're still in the same room. Maybe you'll climb onto the bed while I'm asleep and go back to the floor before I wake up. So...""You sleep in the guest room," she said firmly, kicking Shawn out!Shawn's face instantly turned black! This was scarier than sleeping on the floor!"That's settled. I'm going to the jewelry dep
After some thought, Gale stood up, preparing to leave."Oh! Gale, where are you going now?""The restroom."Peach looked puzzled. Gale had just gone to the restroom, and then she left the jewelry department looking displeased. Peach glanced at the time in the bottom right corner of her computer. Time had not turned back! She turned back to see Gale walking toward the restroom. Gale had no idea what kind of day it was. Everything seemed to pile up all at once. She had been busy all morning, accomplishing nothing, and was now sulking.She might be getting sick. Why else would her lower abdomen hurt out of nowhere? Gale sat on the toilet and froze when she saw the bright red stain. Was she getting her period? Yes, it had been delayed for so long that she almost forgot what it felt like. Menstruation meant abdominal pain, backaches, and loss of appetite. So, she was not pregnant, but it was just a delayed period.Gale heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed unnecessary to go for the chec
Peach solemnly swore, "I promise! I won't mention this matter at all!"It was just a small thing without any gossip value; Peach could keep it to herself.Gale felt relieved. It was better not to let Peach know the big secret.Young people had loose lips.At noon, in the employee cafeteria, Gale pushed her food around, not feeling hungry."What's wrong? Any issues with today's menu? Look at how little you've eaten," Summer asked."I can't eat. I'm just not hungry at all.""Are you planning to become a fairy?""I'm already a fairy!"Summer was speechless."Could it be… Oh, it's because of the photos of Shawn and Ivy, right?" Summer suddenly realized something.Gale panicked. "Shh! Don't let anyone hear.""Why are you so nervous? It's Shawn who should be sorry to you! I was actually going to ask you about it!"Gale said, "It's all a misunderstanding. Shawn and Ivy didn't do anything. It's just paparazzi trying to stir up a scandal for clicks."Summer looked incredulous. "A
Summer shook her head. "That's not horrible enough."Gale said, "Anyway, I won't compromise myself."Summer thought for a moment. Her best friend had a strong character. She was not forlornly lovesick, watching her husband cheat on her helplessly. Something was not right.Summer nodded. "But you still need to be cautious. Today, it's Ivy; tomorrow, it could be another woman throwing herself at Shawn!""Why should I be cautious? It's up to the man to have self-control. If he wants to cheat, even if I'm with him 24/7, he'll find a way to indulge in temptations!"Summer nodded even harder. "Exactly. So, Gale, men don't matter, money does. You need to save some money in a different account. At critical moments, your own money is the most reliable. You can use it whenever you want without asking anyone!""I got it, I got it."After chatting, Summer lost her appetite, poking at her food. "Why can't men just be faithful? Is it that hard? Some women just can't keep themselves chaste, ev
It seemed like she had won. Joe was asking her if she wanted him to be her servant. Why did Summer feel like she had won so uncomfortably? She could not express what she was feeling. The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. "Hey, my child could already go out shopping by himself, and here you are, still single. I'm worried." Gale sighed repeatedly. "Summer, give me a straight answer. If you don't like Joe, just tell me directly. I'll keep an eye out for eligible guys around you. Maybe you'll meet one this month, start dating next month, and get married the month after...""Why are you rushing?""When you meet the right person, things move fast. Come on, tell me, do you really have feelings for Joe?" Gale said."I find you quite interesting. I'm leaving." Summer avoided her gaze, put down her cutlery, and walked away.If Gale kept asking, she would not know how to answer. Gale trailed behind her, smiling slyly. "Joe seems like a player, but he's actually just lo
He knew she would hesitate, so he first suggested inviting Mary.Then, if Gale still hesitated, he would step back, and take the opportunity to mention his birthday today.Then, Gale would soften, and she would have no reason to refuse him. She would definitely come tonight.Putting away her phone, Gale's face was almost crumpled with worry."Why do you look so gloomy? Just go, there's no harm in going," Summer said."If Shawn finds out...""He should!" Summer patted her shoulder. "If he can cuddle up with Ivy, you can have dinner with Aurum. What's wrong with that?"That made sense.Gale suddenly straightened up.Yeah, if he could get cozy with Ivy in those photos, why could not she have dinner with Aurum?Besides, today was Aurum's birthday. Going to celebrate was perfectly reasonable. She certainly would not be cuddling up with Aurum like that."Right." Gale nodded. "That's settled!"Summer felt very satisfying. "That's more like it, tit for tat! Let's see if Shawn dares
However, he and Ivy were completely innocent; Ivy did not even like him. They were only together because of work. It was different with Aurum and Gale. Aurum deeply loved Gale. In this situation, how could Shawn endure it?Summer deliberately asked, "Mr. Wood, Gale is just going to celebrate an old friend's birthday. It's completely within the bounds of normal social interaction, right? You're not angry, are you? You wouldn't be, right?"Shawn gave her a chilly glance.Summer was not intimidated; she even met his gaze.She was daring. Shawn must be really annoyed. Peach shrunk her neck and lowered her head, trying to minimize her presence.The scene was suffocating.Shawn snorted coldly and turned to leave.Summer crossed her arms, looking smug. "You're a hypocrite."Joe approached. "Who's a hypocrite? What are you talking about?"Startled, Summer quickly shook her head. "Nothing, I'm leaving! Going home!"Seeing Joe, she panicked, like a mouse seeing a cat.Summer did not d
Joe leaned in close. "Summer, I wanted you to win."Summer's back was pressed against the car, with Joe getting closer and closer to her. She had nowhere to hide."No, no, no." Summer waved her hands repeatedly, pressing against his chest to prevent him from getting closer. "I accepted the punishment for losing the previous bet willingly. That's where it ends!""But then we made another bet. I remember what we bet on."Not only did he remember, but Summer did too. The bet on whether Joe would fall in love with her. She bet he would not. Joe bet he would. It was a wager Summer had come up with after much deliberation. Now, looking back, Summer had no idea what she was thinking.Winning did not make her happy. No, wait, how could she possibly lose? If she lost, that meant Joe had fallen in love with her. Thinking of this, Summer suddenly looked at Joe."You, you...," she stuttered, not knowing what to say, her mind going blank."What about me?" Joe leaned in closer."Can we cance
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