She gently patted his back. She had hardly seen Shawn cough so badly before. After a while, Shawn finally eased up. He found it rather strange himself.Shawn slowly drank some water. "Gotta quit, gotta quit. Can't ignore what the wife says.""Better go to the hospital for a check-up, get a lung scan. With your history of chain smoking, who knows what your lungs look like, you should get regular check-ups," Gale suggested."Alright. I'll go this weekend."Gale nodded and casually opened his drawer, taking out the cigarettes. "Confiscated."She shook them in front of him before pocketing them herself. Shawn smirked. No one could control him, and he could not be controlled. He always did what he wanted but the feeling of being controlled by his wife felt quite nice.Gale returned to the jewelry department for work, but Summer called on her almost instantly."Hurry, hurry, my eyes are sore from all the choosing. These are the ones I've already sorted through. Now, take a careful loo
Gale carefully sifted through the photos, his eyes fixed on the computer screen. "What do you think about Aurum? Is he a good match for Ivy?"Summer almost choked on the water she was sipping. "Who are you talking about?" She questioned what she had heard. "Aurum and Ivy?"Gale continued to stare at the computer screen, nodding. "Yes.""Are you kidding me?""If you and Joe, who have been frenemies for years, can end up together, why can't Aurum and Ivy?"Summer widened her eyes in disbelief. "Aurum likes you! It's always been you!""I have two children. I forgot to tell you, Ivy is currently preparing to film a movie funded by Aurum. She'll be playing the leading lady. The two of them meet quite often," Gale remarked, glancing at her.Summer was surprised again. "Really? How come I haven't seen this in the news?""There will be a press release on the day of the official start of filming."Summer suddenly went silent. Only the sound of Gale's mouse could be heard. She click
"What's going on? How did water manage to get everywhere?" Joe asked, pulling out a tissue.Summer was about to take the tissue, but he got it first before her and started helping her wipe."Um..." Her face grew even hotter. "I can do it myself.""Don't move."Joe was very serious and meticulous.Gale gave a tsk tsk. "You two really don't care about my existence, do you?"Joe did not even turn his head. "You can't speak if you are in the same situation."Gale fell silent again.Why was Joe so good at retorts? He did not even give her a chance to tease him! Back when she was all lovey-dovey with Shawn, Summer used to tease her all the time. Now, whenever she wanted to say something, Joe left her speechless. No, next time this happens, Shawn must be present. He would be good with words and could definitely outwit Joe.Nevertheless, Gale stopped talking. However, Joe did not want to let her get off so easily."Why are you still here? Can't you see you're disrupting my moment wit
"To drive even more sales, we can get creative and limit the quantity of the books," Joe suggested."Everyone will have seen the photos, we'll sell out the jewelry, everyone's happy, it's a win-win situation." Joe clapped his hands. "Isn't this great? Do you have any other opinions or questions?"Gale shook her head first."I can't believe it, Joe. Your business acumen is incredible! No wonder you're the vice president of the Wood Group!" she said.Joe smiled. "Nothing special, really. Your man, Mr. Wood, is the real business genius. There's no need to bother him for such trivial matters."Even Summer could not help but praise. "It's so logical, so creative. Why didn't we think of that?""Let's get started then. Any hesitations?" Joe asked."No hesitation! Thanks, Joe! I'll get on it right away!"Gale had not expected such a thorny issue to be resolved so easily. For her and Summer, each of the twenty-plus photos was precious, and they could not bear to part with any. But now,
"I understand your concerns. So, I'm taking it easy. I'll date you. As for marriage, I can respect your thoughts. I will wait patiently until you let go of all your guard, and trustingly hand yourself over to me," Joe said.If Joe had his way, they could go and register their marriage immediately. They would think about the wedding later. However, he knew Summer would be scared. He could only prove himself over time, that he was worthy of her future and trust. When the time was right, he would propose to her.At that moment, when Summer agrees to him, she would say yes to a lifetime."Men would always be so sweet during the honeymoon phase, especially someone like you who always has honey on your lips," Summer muttered."Want a taste?" Summer pinched him. "Be serious."Joe tightened his embrace around her, smiling. "It's just the two of us here, being serious is boring."He kissed her temple. "Summer, I can wait, you don't have to feel pressured. When we're married, I'll be a g
Why does Ivy want her to attend the kick-off ceremony? Does she want to see her? Does she have something to say?Gale sat on the balcony of the master bedroom, gazing into the distance, lost in thought. Suddenly, she sensed someone's presence.Shawn walked over to her, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "What are you staring at?" Gale pushed the invitation toward him. "Take a look."He glanced at it. "I don't really want to go, but Ivy wants me to. I'm considering it," Gale said.Shawn replied lightly, "Go then."She was somewhat surprised. Was he really so readily agreeing to let her go? After all, Shawn had been keeping a close eye on her. In the evenings, they stayed home, accompanying the children, and helping with homework; during the day, when they were together at the company, he constantly messaged her. If she did not reply to him for more than five minutes, he would send someone to find her.Sometimes it was Peach rushing over in a hurry. "Gale, please reply to Mr. Wo
Was he praising her or poking fun at her? Gale was not sure whether to be happy or sad."Why do I need to dress up so nicely? I'm already married. What if some single guys start to fancy me? How do I reject them?" Gale asked."Erm..." Joshua glanced at Shawn. With him around, there were many things he could not say."Well, if some guys like you, it means your charm hasn't faded, and it also proves that Shawn has great taste. He married you while you were still highly sought after! Isn't that right?" Joshua replied.Shawn reached out and grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulling him close. "Stop pretending. What's on your mind?"Joshua blinked his innocent big eyes. "I'm just saying what's on my mind.""Hmm?" Shawn raised an eyebrow. "I'll give you one more chance. Are you sure you don't want to confess to your thoughts?"Faced with the threat, Joshua quickly weighed his options in his mind and chose to come clean. There was no other choice; Shawn was too powerful, and he was stil
"It can be postponed."After some thought, Shawn decided to accompany her. Bodyguards could not guarantee her safety. Joshua was right, with so many male stars on set of all types, surrounding Galey… No, Shawn could not imagine it! Moreover, she was going as Wood Group's first lady, what if someone decided to court her?"That settles it. Let's just consider it as supporting Ivy," Shawn said.Ivy was the only female star under Wood Group, and also the spokesperson for Lovito. That was her first film after she switched companies.Having both Mr. Wood and Mrs. Wood attending the opening ceremony would be the ultimate sign of support. No one in the entertainment industry dared to look down on her. Even if Paul had any evil thoughts, he had to think twice and could not act rashly."Okay, if you want to go, we'll go together." Gale nodded. "There are also many female stars on set, maybe there are some you like."Shawn's voice perked up. "Hmm?""Haha, let's go play badminton, get some
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