He clenched his fist and put it in front of his mouth as he coughed. His back slouched slightly.Gale unconsciously reached out, wanting to pat his back.Then, she wondered why she would do that."Stop smoking so much. Smoking is bad for your body," she said.She had seen cigarettes between Shawn's fingers so many times. The moment he saw her, he would extinguish it.Otherwise, he would hide and take a smoke, but she would still smell the faint scent of tobacco on him.Shawn's smoking habits were not that bad four years ago. Was he just surrounded by smoking and alcohol for four years?Shawn struggled to control his coughing. "Galey, you said it would affect me getting remarried?""Yes.""Who would I marry?"Gale paused for a few seconds before she answered, "You still have a long life ahead of you, you might meet…"Before she could finish, Shawn said, "I won't."There was a short silence in the car.After a moment, Shawn finally said again, "If you insist on getting a d
That was all Shawn could say.He hoped that she would understand and hoped that she would not at the same time.He knew that he would definitely be misunderstood when the time came.He knew how horrible it would all feel, but he would be able to bear it for Nicole.Gale asked gently, "Shawn, will you really change?""Galey, everyone changes.""That's true…"Shawn gently patted her on the head. "But, I'll only change by loving you even more. For you, I'll change for the better. Even if you find that I'm a completely different person, so much that you can't even tell it's me, please believe that I have my reason, that it's all for you."At that point, no matter how slow Gale was, there was no way she would not be able to tell something was off.Shawn seemed to be telling her something.He was being very vague about things as if he did not really want her to understand.Why was it all so conflicting?Before Gale could understand it, Shawn let her go.He did not hesitate to tu
At that topic, Gale started to get interested.She pulled at Peach and said, "Has Summer not dated at all in four years?"Peach said, "No, Gale, you don't know how much has changed after Mr. Wood personally took charge of the jewelry department. We work overtime every day. Who would have the time to go on dates?""What about Mr. Winter?""Mr. Winter…" Peach blinked and smiled after that. "Gale, it looks like you can see how close the two of them are too."Gale nodded. "Of course! I even tried to matchmake them before!""Me too! It's just that two of them are just too stubborn and love to quarrel too much. Every time they're being truthful, they end up saying that they're just joking. Summer feels like Joe's a playboy who goes after any girl. She doesn't feel secure, so she pushes her feelings back."Gale continued, "Meanwhile, Joe thinks that Summer just sees him as a friend, and that she doesn't like him that way at all. So, he's not willing to go after her, worried that he wil
"You might not be a bad person, but you're definitely a playboy.""Summer, I've never played around with any woman before.""Please, who would believe you?"Gale immediately said, "It's true. Mr. Winter is a pure and innocent man. He's never played around with relationships. I can assure you!"Summer was stunned. "You?""That's right. Shawn said that Joe only had his first relationship in university. Once the girl went overseas, his relationship ended."Summer was suddenly speechless.Was Gale not supposed to be on her side?!Why was Gale speaking up for Joe?!Joe had an awkward look on his face. "Shawn and his big mouth. Why did he expose my past?! He's so whipped!"Summer and he exchanged a look before they left."See, even when they're angry, they have so much chemistry with each other. They look like they're married," Gale said.Peach nodded hurriedly. "That's true!""Alright, focus on work now." Gale sat back in her seat. "I only got a bit of the draft last night done
"These aren't just herbs."After saying that, the old lady left. She left in a hurry, and she quickly disappeared.Winnie carefully covered it and put it in her arms. She looked around before she quickly left.She was wondering the whole time. Those were clearly herbs, so why did the old lady say otherwise?Could it be something else made into that shape?Winnie could not understand, but she was very excited at that moment. Very quickly, Shawn would be completely obsessed with her!It will be spring for her very quickly!Winnie had just got back and put down her things when she heard some footsteps coming from outside."It's Daddy!" Winnie immediately looked up when she heard it. "Mommy, daddy is here!""Really?" Winnie could not really believe it.Was it that much of a coincidence?She was just thinking of finding an excuse to have Shawn come to the hospital for a meal so she could have Shawn eat those things…In the end, he came on his own volition!The door was opened,
"Well...you have been taking care of her these days. Thank you for your hard work."Winnie shook her head. "It's not hard. As long as Nicole can be discharged from the hospital as soon as possible and live life normally as soon as possible, I will be satisfied!"As she spoke, she tried to approach Shawn slowly and then leaned her head on his shoulder. Winnie's heart was pounding.She did not know if Shawn would push her away... She just took a gamble!What made her so excited was that not only did Shawn not push her away, but he also put his arms around her shoulders, patted her lightly, and then withdrew his hand.Although it was only a few seconds, it boosted Winnie's confidence greatly!When Shawn saw her before, his eyes were full of disgust. He even choked her, slapped her face, and kicked her... He did not show any mercy, and he did not treat her as a human being at all, let alone a woman!However, unexpectedly, Shawn actually hugged her!Winnie has already started to da
He pursed his lips slightly. "Nicole, Daddy has never changed."What changed was Nicole herself.However, Nicole would not understand."Now Daddy is back again. When you looked at Mommy before, there were lights in your eyes. Now, these lights are slowly shining again," Nicole said with a serious look. Shawn raised his eyebrows deeply.That being said… His acting was pretty good.At least it was affirmed by Nicole.What light did he have for Winnie? The truth was he could not wait to kill her directly!"When I see Mommy, there is always light. There has always been light, and it will never disappear," Shawn emphasized deeply."Well! I believe in Daddy! Without that vixen, Daddy and Mommy will always love each other!"Shawn sighed deeply, but he could not tell Nicole too much.She would not understand.Right now, she only saw Winnie as a 'real mommy'."And Daddy, Mommy has been telling me these days that she wants to have a younger sibling."Shawn's deep eyes darkened. "R
Why did he look so serious all of a sudden?Was it because...she did not reciprocate Daddy's love?"Nicole also likes Daddy the most..." Nicole said immediately, and after a pause, she added, "I also like Mommy the most!"Seeing that Shawn was still frowning, she said cautiously, "I like Daddy as much as I like Mommy. There is no ranking. You are both number one."Shawn was deeply concerned about the problem.If Nicole preferred Gale, he would have no objection!He would not deliberately ask such boring questions as whether she loves her father more or her mother more!What he was worried about was that such an innocent and lovely Nicole would be hurt by love when she grew up!"Nicole, girls want to get married when they grow up, and they won't stay with Daddy and Mommy. But what Daddy wants to tell you is to protect yourself in a relationship."Nicole did not understand.Shawn continued, "No matter what happens, you have your parents to support you. You don't need to suffer
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