“How could it be, Mom? Am I not here to see you?” He wanted to get up, but Elizabeth tightly held onto his wrist. “Don’t go! If you’re gone, I would have nothing.” Damian frowned. “Mom, I’m not leaving. I’m just going to get you a glass of water. Your lips are so dry that they’re flaking.” Elizabeth touched her lips and realized they were dehydrated. She sighed. “Flaking? Who would give a d*mn even if my lips start bleeding?”“Mom, don’t say it like that. Do I not care about you? Dad too!” “Your dad? Please!” She snorted, still looking upset. “After all these years, all he does is pay us lip service. Deep down, he only cares about that woman.”“You’re just upset, Mom.” Filling up a glass of water, he handed it to her and helped her to sit up. While she sipped the water, Damian said, “You’ve been with Dad for so many years. I’m sure you know how he feels about you. Besides, from my perspective, Dad still loves you.”“He loves me, yet he couldn’t bear to part with 10 million dol
Elizabeth took the perfume and gave it a look. “It looks great!” She took the bottle out from its packaging and sprayed some perfume onto her wrist. “What do you think?” Damian asked smilingly, ready to receive her praises. Elizabeth took a deep breath and nodded. “It smells great! Truly great! It’s the best perfume I’ve ever used. You did a marvelous job!” With his mother acknowledging the product, Damian grew even more confident. “This is why I asked you to wait for my good news.”Elizabeth was happy, too. With a smile, she sprayed two more times to fill the air with the fragrance. She closed her eyes with her head tilted upward and took in the scent. Damian looked on quietly. To him, he was witnessing the start of a beautiful future. “Hmm…” Elizabeth sniffed and frowned. She took another sniff. “What’s the matter?” Seeing his mother’s unusual reaction, Damian asked hurriedly.“Nothing. I just feel it’s a bit weird.” She sniffed the scent again as if making sure. “W
Early in the morning, Arianna knocked on the door to Nathaniel’s house. Nathaniel yawned and rubbed his sleepy eyes. He was upset when he answered the door. “Can you not knock on my door so early next time, please? Even if you don’t need sleep, others do.”“I need every bit of information on Lily Christian.” Arianna stepped in and went straight to the point. Nathaniel was stunned, stopped saying what he was about to say, and looked over at her. “What?”“I want a detailed report on Lily, as detailed as possible.” She went to the sofa, sat, and put her handbag down, looking severe.Having heard her instruction clearly, Nathaniel laughed as he took a can of beer from the refrigerator and handed another to her. Arianna held up her hand and frowned, rejecting the beer. “How can you stay awake drinking this in the morning?”“Don’t worry. I’ve always been awake.” He gulped down his beer and burped, looking satisfied.” Why would you suddenly ask me for such a report? Besides, Lily is f
Although she did not admit it, her reaction proved otherwise. Nathaniel chuckled meaningfully. “I see.”“Whatever it is, I do it for our mutual interest. Don’t interfere with my plans,” Arianna grabbed her handbag, stood up, and said, “When you’re ready, send it to my email.” Nathaniel smiled, non-committal.Arianna took a few steps, then stopped and turned around. “Oh, I heard the company’s first perfume will launch soon, and its production is almost complete. Don’t you want to go to the factory to check on things?”“Why should I? Someone has kept a close eye on it. The credit will go to him anyway, so why would I bother to steal the limelight?” Nathaniel said casually. The truth was that he knew exactly how many times Damian had gone to the factory. Arianna raised her eyebrows and reminded him out of goodwill, “Are you certain your plan will work? If he discovers the problem before the perfume’s official launch, wouldn’t your arrangement go to waste?” “If he can easily disco
As the workers moved the new equipment into the studio, Lily was on the sidelines taking inventory, somewhat distracted.Olivia was busy at work and moving around. She loved the new studio, not just because it was ideal, but because it belonged wholly to them, and they could do anything they wanted.“Put this over here and that over there. Hey, be gentle, okay?” Olivia was in high spirits as she instructed the workers. She looked over at Lily and found her holding a pen and a notepad without writing anything, seemingly in a daze.“Lily, what’s the matter?” She waved. “You’ve zoned out for quite some time.”Lily caught herself. “Oh, I’m fine. Is everything here and accounted for?”“Almost. The equipment is complete, and we have more stuff here than at our last workplace. Most of the tools here are the latest and have truly amazing designs.” Olivia was too satisfied with the studio and could not stop singing her praises.“Well, I initially thought the stuff we had was complete, but
“The hospital.” Jenny got straight to the point. “I mean, you should verify it, right? At least you’ll know what to do.” After a moment of silence, Lily said quietly, “I didn’t go to the hospital.”“You were afraid to? Do you want my company? This is so unlike you, though. No matter what, it’s better to know, right?” Lily bit her lower lip. “It’s not that. I already tested it myself.” Jenny asked immediately, “Then? Are you really… pregnant?”The answer was obvious in Lily’s hesitant expression.“Yes.” Lily nodded her head. She felt conflicted since knowing about it, and her thoughts were a mess. “Oh my God! That means I’m supposed to…” Jenny paused to think before saying, “…congratulate you?” Under normal circumstances, Jenny would congratulate her, but now that Lily had just started her studio and had begun accepting orders. Being pregnant meant giving up all of that. Should Jenny congratulate her or lament that the child had come at the wrong time? “I have no idea
Since production at the studio had only just begun, there was little to do. Lily spent a few days deliberating over the series theme, and that was just for Lisa's order. She could only begin developing the fragrance once she settled on a theme and basic concept.In the early afternoon, Lily suggested that Olivia go home and rest while she stayed around to tie up some loose ends and outline the preliminary concept for Lisa's order.She sat for nearly an hour trying to think of solutions, but all she could think about was whether she should give up the child or her job.In the meantime, she could not stop twiddling the piece of wood Benedict had given her because of how it smelled. Interestingly, its scent was not strong but had steadily lingered for a long time.“Your business hasn’t even started officially. Do you have to work so hard?” Having the key to the studio, Alexander went straight in and saw her zoning out. Lily was surprised. “Why are you here? Got off work early?”“I’
Lily stared up at him, unable to respond. “Frankly speaking, I’m not patient, and children are troublesome. However, I’d be looking forward to them if they were our own.” He held her hand and asked, “Why? Do you want a child now?”Gazing into his eyes, Lily wanted to let out a sigh. Whether she wanted the child or not, it was already here. Having her hands held between his, they felt warm, and she gradually relaxed. After all, he was the one who had made her feel safe for over a year. He had a right to know, just as Jenny had emphasized earlier.She gulped and mustered her courage. “I have something to tell you.”“Yes?”“I might be…” She paused and chose her words carefully. “I might be… I might be pregnant.”Having said it out loud, she felt a sudden relief. She looked nervously at him, anticipating his response. To her surprise, Alexander was neither shocked nor overjoyed. His response appeared overly calm as if he was listening to stories that had nothing to do with him.
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you don’t punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.“That’s it?!” Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldn’t bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""You…" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queen’s attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust