However, it was all fake. Though, even if there was a hint of sincerity, Ivy thought she might be willing to try being with Aurum."Stop pretending. For the next few days, you probably won't be able to lean back in your chair, you'll have to sit up straight," Ivy said.Aurum replied, "I'm a man, I'm not afraid of pain, I can endure it. If that had hit you, it would have been bad."He laughed again. "Would you cry?""Yes." Ivy nodded."In that case, it's a good thing it hit me. I'm most afraid of seeing a woman cry, I wouldn't know what to do if you cried.""If... when the camera fell, it didn't hit me, but the actress next to me instead... Aurum, would you still have come to the rescue?" Ivy asked.This question was not direct. There was a rich layer of subtext he had to read through. She was asking if she was special. Would he rush to help if someone else got hurt? Or was it just because she was the one who got hurt that he rushed up without hesitation?It was progressing as A
"What if I told you that I don't mind?'""How is that possible! No man wouldn't mind!" "I really don't mind. Because, that night, I had also not become pure," Aurum said.Ivy's expression instantly changed. Was he implying that he had also slept with Gale? Aurum, who was still shirtless, slowly walked behind Ivy."Ivy, since we're already talking about this, let's just be completely honest. There's only the two of us here and no one else," he said.Ivy remained still. "What do you want to say?""That night's events were deeply painful for all of us. Shawn hates me, Gale avoids me, and I blame myself endlessly, but I can't do anything to change it... I also know that you've been hiding at home, not wanting to see anyone, so I didn't disturb you.""You're a good girl, so you couldn't accept what Paul did to you. You felt dirty, unworthy of many good things, and closed yourself off, unwilling to open up.""But Ivy, that night, I... I also experienced the same thing as you. Gale a
After a while, she changed her answer. "Gale mentioned it to me.""Your relationship with her has reached this point where she would voluntarily confide in you?""She wants to put us together. You should have noticed it too. So, she brought it up to clarify and hoped I wouldn't overthink it, hoping I wouldn't reject you," Ivy said.Her reason was very plausible and reasonable, and Aurum did not doubt it. He pondered for a while. Ivy watched his every subtle expression. To see past someone and still know they are lying made her feel indescribably uncomfortable and upset.In theory, Ivy should have felt pleased, because she held all the cards. However, she could not help feeling desolate. Perhaps it was because she had somewhat developed feelings for Aurum. She had somewhat fallen for him, so she could not just look at him with eyes full of hatred. Love and hate intertwined.Ivy thought if only she had met Aurum on any other timeline… She thought of when he appeared like a prince, r
Fine, so be it.She only wanted revenge now."Aurum..." Ivy murmured, her expression somewhat surprised, yet also a bit shy, "Do you, do you know what you're saying?""Of course.""Could it be that you're delusional because you're injured?"Aurum smiled helplessly. "I injured my back, not my brain. Ivy, I'm very clear about what I'm saying and what I want.""But, I'm not worthy..."Aurum interrupted her, "If you say that, then I'm not worthy of you either. I've been engaged, I've had feelings for someone else, my past is very complicated. If you don't mind, I'm already content."Ivy bit her lip hard again. He really was a smooth talker. Everything he said tugged at her heartstrings. With Aurum's profile, personality, and abilities, he would succeed at pursuing any woman. Why could he not let go of Gale and just start over?Why did he have to resort to all sorts of underhanded means to get her?Ivy turned her head. At this moment, she really did not want to act. She wanted to
He waited for her answer. Ivy hesitated. It was hard for her to say what she wanted, although she was certain she had to agree. Only by becoming Aurum's girlfriend could she collect evidence. Deep down, she still felt resistant. Why was it so easy for men to lie through their teeth, while women had to muster so much courage to do that?"Ivy?" Seeing her silence, Aurum called her name.She would not reject him, would she? He was confident. Otherwise, he would not have confessed recklessly. Could Ivy still resist him? He had laid down enough groundwork before, and today he had even risked his life to save her.Aurum did not believe she had not been moved. Unless, that day in the office, Ivy had truly overheard his conversation with Paul. Otherwise, she would have long succumbed to his kindness!"Aurum, I..." Ivy hesitated. "I want to tell you that, I like you."He smiled."But...""Hmm? But what? Do you still have concerns?" Aurum asked.Ivy gently pushed him away and looked in
"If he can screw around, he shouldn't be hurt that badly."Gale noticed that Aurum was not wearing a shirt and was still holding onto Ivy. When she was eavesdropping outside, she had already anticipated that the two would be embracing, so she subconsciously ignored it. It was only now, with Shawn's reminder, that she realized it. Ivy's face flushed, quickly turning red, as she lowered her head to stare at her toes. Aurum also cleared his throat a couple of times. It was indeed a bit awkward."Oh my, that's right. Aurum, why aren't you wearing a shirt? And... Why are you still hugging Ivy?" Gale said, her eyes widening in surprise.Shawn pursed his lips. Gale's acting was too fake; he found it hard to watch. He helped her eavesdrop, and kept an eye on the surroundings, making sure no one caught her. As a result, she was not even paying attention and stumbled right in. Did Aurum not know what had happened? He was well aware, he just chose not to expose her."Well, it seems like I've
Aurum held Ivy's hand."Having you by my side will help distract me," he said, rubbing her hand with his fingertips.She blinked and finally responded, "Okay."Gale watched the scene with a gleeful smile. She nudged Shawn. "Hey, do you think... they are together now?""How would I know? Aren't you eavesdropping?" "Aurum just confessed, but Ivy hasn't accepted yet," Gale whispered."In that case, they're not together.""No, no, no, it's my fault! Right when Ivy was about to answer, I was too focused listening, then I stumbled in and interrupted them!"Gale was so annoyed at herself. Why did things have to go wrong at the most critical moment? Shawn watched as Aurum and Ivy held hands."Do you think they're not together when they're holding hands like that?" Shawn told Gale, "Gale when a man wants to get a woman, he'll give it his all. If he doesn't succeed, it just means he hasn't tried hard enough."As the doctor treated him, Ivy stared at him unfazed. Aurum just stared at
Paul repeatedly glanced at Shawn. With him around, he did not dare to voice out, just nodded and smiled apologetically. Even if he had ten lives, he still could not afford to offend him!"What's going on? My words don't matter to you? You won't act unless Shawn speaks up? Or do you want Aurum to notify you that Ivy's interview is canceled today?" Gale asked.Paul kept laughing awkwardly, shaking his hands repeatedly. "Mrs. Wood, no, please don't misunderstand me..."Gale rolled her eyes. After finishing this movie, Paul should be blacklisted. This scumbag had hurt Ivy, who knows how many other women he would target in the future! Seeing Gale's impatience, Paul realized it was time to leave. He could not wait any longer, or else he would get in trouble.Paul nodded. "Alright, I'll go inform the reporters. By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Wood, why don't you sit down? Should I arrange for the assistant director to show you around the set?" "No need!" Gale still was not courteous. Paul co
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