She did not need to look to know who it was. "Shawn, you're here.""Yeah.""You heard everything between Ivy and me, didn't you?""Yeah.""I understand her feelings very well because I've experienced the same thing." Gale slowly lowered her eyes. "She envies me for having you supporting me from behind. She doesn't know that I envy her for being alone, so that she is free of guilt."Shawn embraced her from behind, enveloping her petite frame in his arms. He called out to her again and again, "Gale, Gale...""You tell me, do you mind?" Gale turned around, looking up at him. "What's your honest feeling? Shawn, I want to hear."He looked into her eyes, shimmering with tears. Shawn spoke in a deep voice, "I do mind, Gale. No man wouldn't mind, and I'm no exception."Gale's body began to tremble uncontrollably. He held her tightly. "What I fear more is losing you, Gale. You've been framed, you're not in control of yourself, none of this is what you wanted. You're innocent, you're alr
She had just suggested that to Joe before going to dinner with Ivy. Then, the most unexpected thing happened in her life. Gale was completely lost in confusion, completely forgetting everything else."Tonight, I'll get an answer. I have to give it my all. I can't let her refuse me again, and I can't accept a refusal... Success or failure hinges on this moment!" Joe said."What can I do to help you?"Joe leaned in, briefly explaining the plan.Finally, he emphasized, "Remember, okay? Don't mess up. Otherwise, if I fail, I'll blame you!""I got it." Gale nodded. "Don't worry."Joe seemed a bit nervous, rubbing his hands. "Then I'll go now. See you later.""Sure."While Gale responded, she picked up her phone, intending to send a message to Shawn. As soon as she opened the chat box, she noticed someone in front of her. She looked up, and Shawn was standing right in front of her."I was just about to look for you. Didn't expect you to show up." She smiled."As long as you need me
Oh well, everyone expresses love in different ways. He did not mind going to witness it. Truth be told, he just wanted to be with Gale more and to stay by her side. Shawn was thoroughly worried about her running around alone."Alright. But since you and Summer don't get along well, can you just quietly follow us from afar... is that okay?" Gale compromised.Shawn's face darkened."Today might be a day she remembers for the rest of her life. Shawn, just bear with it for a little while."He still did not say anything, so Gale took it as consent. Coincidentally, the door to Summer's office suddenly opened. Gale hurriedly pushed him, and Shawn reluctantly left."Huh?" As soon as Summer came out, she happened to see Shawn's retreating figure, "Gale, why aren't you going home with Mr. Wood?""He's busy with his own things, and I... am doing my own thing."Summer did not understand. "Your own thing? Where else are you going? You didn't come to the company this morning either. You're be
Her questioning almost overwhelmed Gale. However, she remembered Joe's instructions and refused to yield."No, really, stop guessing. Sit tight and don't distract me while I'm driving. I'm the one behind the wheel, chill," Gale said.Summer was surprised by how tight-lipped she was and rubbed her chin."Gale, what are you up to?"Summer started analyzing."First, you suddenly asked me out to dinner without checking if I had time beforehand. You just went ahead and arranged it. Last time we had a meal together, you had a drink and got caught by Shawn. He should be strict with you, and wouldn't just agree to you having dinner with me so casually, he would probably be afraid you'd drink again."Today, you're even driving. How many times have you actually driven since you got your license? I can count with one hand!"And what's with asking me to put on makeup? Do you think I don't look good enough now? Who would look radiant after a day's work?"And you asked me not to regret not p
She knew tonight was the deadline for the three-day period, and she had already figured out how to answer Joe's confession. She had rehearsed it many times in her mind. What Summer wanted was a quiet place with just the two of them. However, it ended up involving other people. Although it was not a proposal, Summer had no idea what would happen next. Her heart was in turmoil."You better stop the car, I... I'm not going. Galey, my Galey, my best friend, please, stand by my side, help me this once, okay?" Summer said."We're almost there."Summer's emotions became even more agitated. "I won't go! Will you stop or not? If you don't, I'll jump out of the car!"Her hand rested on the car door handle."Hey hey, it's dangerous, don't mess around. We're going to meet Joe, but it's not a proposal, don't worry," Gale said."Not a proposal? Then what is it?""Oh, you'll see when we get there!"Although Summer kept saying she would jump out of the car, she was actually quite timid and afr
"It's my husband," Gale replied."Why Shawn? What's he doing here?" Summer was puzzled."He's worried, and said he wants to protect me. He's afraid I'll get into trouble alone. He would also like to witness the end of Joe's singlehood.""I... I haven't agreed to Joe yet...""Yeah yeah yeah, you haven't agreed now, but you will later!" Summer blushed, showing a shy smile. A woman in love was truly adorable and sweet.Gale thought if Summer was happy, she would be happy too. The car entered the underground parking lot of the mall. Summer was both excited and nervous because she did not know what awaited her next. They got on the elevator."Hey, pretend you know nothing. Don't let Joe see that you've figured it out. Otherwise, it'd be boring. Later, he'll come to me and complain that I didn't hide it well," Gale advised.She heard no response from the person beside her."Summer? Summer?" Gale found it strange, tugging at her sleeve, "Did you hear what I said?""Huh... huh? Wh
Joe was dressed in a suit, sporting a tie, his hair neatly combed. He appeared more serious than his usual casual self. Yet, there was an added layer of nervousness to him. "Summer, you... you're here," Joe said with a slight tremor,He stepped out of the heart-shaped enclosure and walked up to her, handing her the bouquet he held. It was a bunch of pale blue roses. They looked beautiful and sophisticated, and it was meticulously wrapped."It's for you. It matches your outfit today," Joe said.She was wearing a sky-blue long-sleeved dress, her hair was pinned up with large hair clips, a few strands cascading casually, and she looked beautiful. Of course, in Joe's eyes, she was beautiful no matter what. Summer reached out and took it, the faint scent of flowers wafting to her nose. She bit her lip and remained silent."I'm sorry, it's me who had Gale bring you here. I... I was afraid if I invited you, you'd reject me," Joe said.He was somewhat stuttering, speaking in fits and s
Summer had seen Joe's back before, but today, she noticed that he looked so tall, his shoulders so broad. She wanted to lean on him. Would it feel very solid? Could his embrace shield her from the wind on this rooftop? In the distance, Gale was nervous, clutching her palms tightly. A large hand landed on her waist. Shawn said, "Why are you so nervous?""Because... I don't know what Summer's answer will be.""It'll be revealed soon.""What if she rejects him? The real show is still ahead." Joe must have prepared more than just the decor on the rooftop. If Summer did not agree, everything else would not be shown, and it would all disappear without a trace.Shawn answered calmly, "Whether she accepts or rejects, Joe's prepared things will be shown to Summer.""Why? How do you know?""It's a man's intuition, plus the connection between brothers."With that, Shawn pulled her into his arms. "Galey, it's windy here. Be careful not to catch a cold."She leaned against him, smiling. "It
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