Summer stayed silent."Actually, in my personal opinion, I think you shouldn't feel too much pressure. Treat this relationship as a life experience. Don't think about marriage, having children, or mundane family matters. Those are still far away.""A life experience like a fling?" Summer asked. "Yes, doesn't that lighten the burden?" Gale suggested.Summer pursed her lips."As long as you have even a bit of affection for Joe, and there's nothing about him that you can't accept, then agree to be with him and have a thoroughly enjoyable love affair. Summer, it's in a woman's nature to be protected and relied upon.""You're suggesting I start now to try living together and see if we're compatible? If you can't accept Joe into your life, then it'll be even harder with other men," Gale reasoned."Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you believe that one day, there'll be a charming prince who perfectly fits your ideals and loves you unconditionally? That's probably just a scam.
"Love is beautiful, just like your name," Gale said.Summer smiled at her. Gale met Joe's expectant gaze while walking out of the office. If he had not been afraid of Summer noticing him, he would have come rushing over to ask her. Gale walked back to her workstation."How did it go? Did you get any hint?" Joe asked eagerly.Gale glanced around. "How did you confess to her back then?""Just like that," Joe said.Joe could not understand. How else could he confess?"Just with words? Nothing else?" Gale asked."I was there too."She was speechless."What about your usual tricks? Use them! When you and Summer were together for a month, did you not send flowers every day? You were quite resourceful and good at winning hearts, weren't you? How come you've not delivered now?" Gale said.Joe fell silent.Gale continued, "Why no action now?"Joe coughed, explaining, "We were already in a relationship, even if it was only for a month. Our relationship was clear. Naturally, with my
Joe's expression grew increasingly perplexed as he listened."Do you get it now?" Gale snapped her fingers. "Of course, I just gave a rough suggestion. If you have a better method, do try it.""Can this really work?""It can! Women fall for this!"Joe rubbed his chin. "If Shawn pursued you like this, would you be moved?"Gale replied, "As long as a woman has even the slightest interest in you, she'll be moved. Unless she doesn't like you at all.""I'll think about it.""Women love romance and fall for the person who creates it." Gale grinned. "Go on, go pursue her. If you need me, Joe, just let me know!"Joe still frowned, pondering seriously. After a while, he leaned in mysteriously.Gale leaned closer. "What's up? Still confused about something?""Has Shawn pursued you like this before?""No."Joe pressed on, "Then what do you think is the most romantic thing he's done for you?"This question stumped Gale. Shawn was a straight guy, completely clueless about women's thoug
He attempted to lean in closer to Gale to seek some advice when suddenly, a hand appeared behind his collar, pulling him back forcefully. Startled by the sudden tug, Joe swiftly sat back in his seat. Who dared to treat him like this! Gripping the chair's armrest, he turned around, displeased."Shawn?"Shawn withdrew his hand. "Men and women should keep their distance. Don't you understand?""I didn't do anything.""You should draw a boundary with your friend's wife.""I didn't bully her. I was just talking," Joe said, bewildered."Why get so close?" Shawn asked.Joe was speechless.He leaned back in his chair. "Forget about it, Shawn. I have no interest in your little wife. You all know who I like.""Mind the distance." Shawn crossed his arms. "If I were to talk to Summer like this, could you tolerate it?""Got it. Sorry, Shawn."Gale was speechless.Joe was just leaning in to have a conversation, right? It was to hear clearly and not be heard by others. How unreasonable.
With Shawn's temperament, he would most likely retort, "Any objections?"However, this time, Gale spoke first, "We've already been quite restrained. Joe, when you finally win over Summer, I hope you remember what you just said. You really need to rein it in."Joe silently turned and walked away. He suddenly had an epiphany. If he ended up with Summer, he would not just want to hug and hold her; he would want to keep her by his side, holding hands all day long, like twins.Shawn leaned down and sat, resting his hand on her chair. "What were you talking to Joe about?""Just chatting, giving him some advice.""He hasn't won her over yet?" Shawn raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, he is not doing too well then.""You're mocking him?" Gale snorted, her temper flaring up. "Think about me. I've never even experienced being pursued. Let alone being courted, I didn't even get a proper confession from you. I just ended up marrying you and having twins.""It shows it was fate."Gale clenched her fis
Dressed in a beautiful white gown and holding a bouquet as she walked down the aisle, witnessed by friends and family, until she stood before him, handing her hand over to him. From then on, they weathered storms together, never to part."What kind of style do you prefer? I'll have them start preparing," Shawn asked.Gale blinked. "Are you really planning to have a wedding ceremony?""Indeed."Just a moment ago, Gale had been complaining, but now that Shawn was serious about it, she hesitated. She tended to speak her mind, but she did not actually have many demands.However, Shawn always took her every word seriously and remembered them earnestly.Gazing into Shawn's eyes, Gale said, "For me, a wedding ceremony is something to look forward to. It's very romantic, but it's all superficial, just a formality. It's important, but not necessary.""Really?" Shawn raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.Did she mean she did not want to have a wedding ceremony?Gale smiled. "Life is li
"Then you're wasting your time here with me," Gale retorted."My time is willingly spent on you," Shawn replied calmly.Gale felt a warm sensation in her heart. To be treated as an exception, something special and unique, was indeed wonderful."Okay, okay." Taking advantage of the lack of attention, Gale quickly planted a kiss on his cheek. "I'll come to you before work ends, and we'll go home together."Shawn did not move. She kissed him again. Only then did Shawn slowly rise from his seat."Bye." Gale waved to him playfully, her expression adorable.Suddenly, he remembered something, bending down to her ear. "Galey, your menstrual cycle should be ending soon, right?"Her smile froze."I keep track of the days. Do not try to hide it from me," Shawn reminded her.At that moment, Gale suddenly wondered if she could have her period twice a month. Could it last only half a month? What to do if her husband had too much energy? Advice needed!"Hehehe, it's still... not quite over.
Shawn did not hesitate; he immediately refused, "I'm not going." Gale found his expression quite amusing. She teased him intentionally, "This time it's different. I'll be there, and it's just the three of us. Nothing to worry about, nothing will happen, and definitely no intimate photos will be taken." Shawn still firmly declined, "I'm not going.""Really? You're being so cautious? Then, I might just go alone."Shawn pondered. After a moment, he asked, "Are you sure it's just you and Ivy tonight?""I'm sure. If there were others, she would've told me. Besides, she's just expressing her gratitude, why would she involve anyone else?" Gale replied.Shawn's furrowed brows relaxed slightly. If it was just Gale and Ivy, it truly should not be a problem. Nevertheless, he still felt a bit uneasy. He instructed, "Come home early, don't drink, remember to check your phone and reply to your messages.""You sound like you're lecturing Joshua and Nicole...""In my mind, you're not much di
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