Peter wondered what exactly was so important for Aurum to be so anxious.He looked at Aurum. "We've known each other for so long, and you and Gale are friends who tell each other everything. Just ask whatever you want to. As long as I know the answer to it, I'll tell you.""Mr. Warm, I heard from Joshua yesterday that Gale has a heart-shaped birthmark on her waist. Is that true?" Peter's expression immediately changed.However, he nodded and acknowledged it. "Yes, that's right.""Was the birthmark always there? Was she born with it?"Peter nodded. "O-of course. Why would it be called a birthmark otherwise?"Aurum pushed the matter. "Then, what year, what month and what day was Gale born? What hospital was she born in?"Peter could no longer keep his cool."Aurum, why are you asking all of this? Don't you know Gale's birthday very well?"Aurum looked at Peter with a resolved expression.He could see the minute changes in Peter's expression, and Aurum felt like his guess was
He adopted her!Peter would always remember how long his wife had been depressed when she found out she could not bear children at the hospital.Even though they had married from an arranged marriage and had not fallen in love before they married each other, they had developed very strong feelings for each other after being together.It was more than just romantic or familial love.Peter was open-minded and did not want to get a divorce. After Wendy had tried and failed to have children with various methods, they decided to adopt a child at an orphanage after discussing it with each other.At the orphanage, the director brought out all the children and had them stand in a line.Those children had either lost their parents or had been sent over by kind-hearted folk after being picked up from the streets.They looked timid but were full of desire.After all, as long as they got adopted, they would be able to leave that place. They would be able to go to a new family and have thei
For so many years, Aurum had been thinking about and longing for that girl. He had forever stored her voice and pretty smile in his head.He was the one who wanted to find her and bring her back to the Yarn family the most.However, what would happen to Natalie if the girl was suddenly back?The Yarn family had already been at peace for so many years. What kind of trouble would this stir?"I understand. Thank you for your advice," Aurum said.Peter sighed. "I wasn't really giving any advice. I was just thinking of Gale. Parents always want what's best for their children. As long as it'll make her happier, then do it."Aurum nodded, composing himself.He was already sure that Gale was adopted by the Warm family!She was not actually their child!Even though Peter never said it directly, he had implied as much!That secret was something only Aurum knew at that moment.The matter of bringing Gale back to the Yarn family would be very difficult and delicate!Especially when it
He walked even faster than before.Gale was confused.Only when Aurum drove the car off did Gale ask, "Dad, did Mr. Lefting come to see you?""He was passing by and came in to pay a visit.""Passing by? Our place is in the complete opposite direction to his company." Gale asked.Peter coughed, answering vaguely, "I don't know. Aurum just came in for a few words with me. He didn't mention anything."Gale could not figure out what Aurum was there for, no matter how she tried.Whatever, he might have actually just happened to pass by."Gale, are you going to the hospital to see Nicole today?" Peter changed the topic in a hurry. "I'll go with you.""Nicole doesn't want to see me. Even if I go, I'd just be standing at the door."She could not do anything.That sense of powerlessness made Gale feel exhausted. She did not want to go through that again for the moment.She needed to calm down.She did not want to hear Nicole calling Winnie her mother.Peter did not know how to con
Peach was shouting in the office, "Ah! It's Gale! It's really Gale!"She was like a fan who had just met her idol.No, it was even more than that!Gale had no idea her arrival had caused such a stir.She headed right for Shawn's office.Fiona was tongue-tied at the sight of Gale. "M-Mrs. Wood, y-you're looking for…""Shawn.""This way, please."Fiona led the way, knocking at the door. "Mr. Wood.""What is it?" Shawn's voice sounded incredibly impatient. "Is the sky falling?"He had not slept, and his whole body smelled of cigarettes. He had just showered in the office's washroom and was putting on clothes when Fiona disturbed him.Did he not tell Fiona not to look for him unless the sky was falling?!Gale looked at Fiona. "The sky is falling? What does he mean?""Uhm…"Fiona did not know how to explain.The moment Shawn heard Gale's voice, he immediately fastened his tie and rushed out, pushing the door open!"Gale?"She was actually here.She had come to the company
The worse Shawn and Gale fought, the happier Winnie would be.Gale lowered her head before she said softly, "Fine. I was just letting my frustrations get to me last night. I… I trust you. I don't think you'd help Winnie hurt Nicole."Shawn paused slightly with his tea in hand.Did he mishear things?Was he dreaming?Gale said she trusted him?Before Shawn could fully process it, he heard Gale say, "I was just too emotional yesterday. Don't take what I said to heart. Just forget it."Shawn looked down slightly, and he gently pursed his lips.She was apologizing.In a gentle manner.He understood.The fact that she said she trusted him already surprised him enough, but she was actually admitting she was wrong to him!Shawn put his cup down and looked right at Gale.Gale avoided his eyes but knew that he was looking at her. She suddenly felt shy and annoyed at the same time. Her face flushed red, including her neck!When Aurum had been staring at her even though she had just
It was definitely not impossible.However, in front of Gale's hatred, that little bit of love was nothing!Gale smiled slightly. "Shawn, it means that you can have your pick of any woman you want in the world, as long as it's not me.""You're the only one I want.""But I don't want to be with you."Shawn's eyes glinted.He wanted a smoke, but he knew that she did not like the smell. His hand twitched subconsciously.Shawn said in a low voice, "Galey, you…Are you still not able to forgive me? Are you still not willing to give me a chance?"Gale answered, "I've given you a chance."He was shocked. He pursed his lips. "When?"How did he not know that?Otherwise, he would have seized the chance tightly!Gale said, "I thought about being friends with you for the sake of our child. Even if Nicole stays here with you, even if I'm not in Sea City, even if we get a divorce and are no longer husband and wife, we'd still be Nicole's parents."Alone, she could be prideful and not turn
"Galey, there aren't many people in the world who truly know themselves. So, there are many things that do not need to be said."Shawn was surrounded by people who were greedy for his power and wealth. All of them were only close to him for the benefits!It caused Shawn to become cold and emotionless out of necessity. He could not show any emotion!"That's right. If you don't say anything, then others need to guess and try to figure out what you're thinking. With your position, there are many people who are willing to do their best to figure out your intentions. Yet, just now, you put down your pride in front of me to explain things to me in detail. In your eyes, I'm that special person.""Galey, you've always been the most special person to me."After a pause, Shawn added, "You're the most special, not one of them, but the only one."He explained a lot to her.She did not listen before.Even if she did, she did not believe it.Shawn had thought that Winnie would have succeede
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