"No, it's still missing something.""What's missing?""Your expression." Shawn cradled her face. "Galey, when you act cute, I'm completely defenseless."Under his many years of teaching, Gale was no longer as shy as before. She would initiate kisses on the cheeks or lips. She would laugh and smile innocently, saying playful things that tugged at his heartstrings.The current Gale carried a sense of detachment, avoiding intimacy. He knew what she was thinking, what she was concerned about. After the incident at the motel, she had become burdened with worries, and she was cautious and no longer as openly passionate as before.Shawn loved to see and adore the Gale from before, but who knew how long it would take for her to return to her former self and become truly her again?Shawn knew it was not going to happen anytime soon. The damage was too great, the scars too deep, and they would not heal quickly. He could only help her repair little by little."I..." Gale, of course, unders
"Um..."Gale opened her mouth but found herself unable to give an accurate answer.Yes, how long would it take? A month? Three months? Six months or even longer? Could Shawn endure such a long time?"You see, Gale, you don't even know." Shawn sighed. "I don't have to rush you. I can give you time to slowly emerge from the shadow of the past. But you must understand, we are forever husband and wife, forever able to do the most intimate things without reservation.""I'm sorry..." She tried to apologize again, but her words felt weak as they reached her lips.Sorry was truly the most useless phrase in the world."Shawn, don't push me, don't..." Gale shook her head, still holding onto his neck. "I know you want me to move on quickly, but I can't do it. I also want to go back to how things were before, but can we really go back?"He answered firmly, "We can."She looked into his eyes.Her reflection was mirrored in Shawn's pupils."Thank you, Shawn. You've always been on my side,
That night's events seemed to cast a spell over her, something she could not shake off in this lifetime. Shawn's tone was slightly solemn. "I've said it before, there's something fishy about this. I believe nothing happened between you and Aurum. It's just that I don't have evidence right now. Give me some time, and I can uncover the truth.""What if the truth is that something did happen between me and Aurum?"Gale lifted her head, looking into his eyes.Shawn furrowed his brow. "Why do you always think in the worst possible direction?""I don't dare to hope for anything because..."The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Gale is always prepared for the worst. That way, even if the worst outcome happened, she could accept it calmly. Watching her like this, Shawn felt nothing but heartache. However, there was nothing he could do. As husband and wife, he felt utterly powerless.Gale noticed the tense atmosphere and changed the subject, "Was I the first person to come
When he went down, his two kids had already finished their breakfast and were dressed for school.As soon as they saw him, Joshua ran over. "Shawn! Do you remember what you promised me?"His face was full of anticipation.Shawn looked at him. "I remember.""That's good, that's good." Joshua breathed a sigh of relief. After all, we both had the same surname. You can't break your promise to me, right?"He had been dreaming about his star! For the sake of a star, he could even accept a name change. If anyone still called him Joshua Warm, he would definitely correct them loudly, "My name is Joshua Wood!"It absolutely could not be wrong, especially not in front of Shawn.Nicole interjected, "But Joshua, the reason you have to have dad's surname is because you lost to me in rock-paper-scissors."Joshua's face dropped. After hesitating for a moment, he coughed. "When boys talk, girls don't interrupt."Nicole was not afraid of him at all, immediately turning to Shawn. "Daddy, look, J
Joshua was speechless. He could not believe his father. He was stern with him but coddling Nicole. Shawn clearly favored girls over boys.Joshua remembered the promise of the star and decided to let it slide."Daddy, isn't Mommy having breakfast with us?" Nicole asked."She's still sleeping, we shouldn't disturb her.""Is Mommy pregnant?" Shawn was taken aback. "Why would you ask that?"He had asked the kids before if they wanted a little sibling, but they were not planning for it for now. If he and Gale were really planning for a third child, they would need to prepare first, he needed to quit smoking and drinking so they can get healthy for the baby. It could not just happen so casually.Nicole earnestly replied, "Because only pregnant women sleep so much.""Where did you hear that?" Shawn asked curiously."Our teacher said it, and it's also in the books. Every mommy is very tired during pregnancy, their belly gets big, it's inconvenient to walk, they get fat and ugly, can'
Normal couples would share a bed. Why would Shawn be on the floor?"You reminded me, it must be Shawn's fault! Why does he always make Mommy angry every now and then? Can't he behave properly?" Joshua said.In his eyes, Shawn was a disgrace to men.Nicole also racked her brains. "Joshua, but what can we do?""Let me think..."They racked their brains to come up with ideas to redeem Shawn. They subconsciously believed that Shawn was at fault and Gale bore no responsibility at all. After all, to them, Mommy was the best mommy in the world! They did not even bother considering Daddy's guilt or innocence. Mommy was always right. Everything worth blaming would fall on their daddy's shoulders. If Mommy was happy, the whole family was happy, and if Mommy were not happy, the whole family would be unhappy."I think Mommy doesn't lack anything. We are well-behaved and obedient, with excellent grades, never causing trouble. Daddy also gives Mommy many gifts... What should we do to make Momm
She could claim whichever star she liked.She could even name whichever star she wanted at her own whim and fancy. She was carefree that way.In contrast, Joshua felt that he had to have a star with a name he chose. He wanted to possess it. Their perspectives highlighted the different mentalities of men and women. Men were naturally born with a desire to possess. "Fine, fine, do whatever you want. Anyway, if you don't want to, just don't come and cause trouble." Joshua shrugged.Nicole asked, "How am I causing trouble?" "Cut it out, I don't know what you have got up your sleeve yet. I won't be fooled by your innocent appearance," Joshua replied.Although Joshua seemed the loudest and most mischievous, Nicole did not trail far behind. Nicole appeared meek and gentle because no one had offended her. However, if someone did, she would not hesitate to show them how formidable she could be. Nicole grinned, "Joshua, I'm just curious about one thing." "Go ahead," he replied cool
Gale's mental state was fragile, so Shawn wanted to be by her side to comfort her. Moreover, Shawn was also worried that Aurum might cause more trouble. He absolutely would not allow Aurum to meet Gale alone again, even if it was just to talk.A video call suddenly popped up. Shawn glanced at it and answered. "Shawn, what's up with you lately?" Joe's face occupied the entire computer screen. "You're always elusive, harder to find than a dragon. I've been wanting to see you, it's harder than going to heaven.""You try going to heaven.""Oh, snap, are you angry? So, who dared to provoke the great Mr. Shawn Wood? He must be facing a terrible fate!"Shawn remained expressionless. "If you have something to say, say it. If not, then get lost.""I do, of course I do. Don't hang up. You know about me and Summer, right?" Joe quickly reminded him."Not only do I know, I've witnessed it."Joe's face beamed with pride. "How about that? Isn't it great? Back when you were pursuing Gale, you