For the sake of pleasing Nia, Josiah took lessons just to learn how to braid Nia's hair.Josiah leaned into her ears and replied, "If you're feeling jealous, I can ask Yoseph to introduce the hair stylist to you.""There is no need for that!"Very quickly, Josiah tied Nia's hair into two pretty and perfect braids.Meredith finally understood why Nia wanted Josiah to braid her hair instead.Looking at the perfectly braided hair, Meredith felt a gush of warmth in her heart.Even though she was told by Josiah that he was sneaky, she actually felt rather relieved by his efforts.After all, Meredith had been hoping that Nia would be loved and cared for by her father.Nia could finally go to kindergarten like all the other kids. She was so excited that she did not even sleep well last night. While leaving the house, she asked, "Dad, Mom, is it fun? Going to kindergarten? Will the kids there not like me?""You'll know once you're there," Josiah bent over and lifted Nia into his arms
Nia pulled into a sweet smile at Caden.Caden too was happy to make a new friend. Nodding his head, he said, "I will take good care of Nia.""That is really nice of you, honey. Thank you."Meredith was, of course, happy to know that Nia was able to make friends on the first day of her school."Alright now, let's get the kids into the class," Josiah reminded."Ah, yes. Caden, why don't you show Nia the way into the classroom?" Jane said."Okay!" Caden reached out his hand to Nia and said, "Come on, Nia, let's go in together."Nia put her hand in Caden's and they skipped happily into the class.As soon as the kids went into the classroom, Jane said to them, "Your daughter is really pretty."She then pointed toward the door and said, "I'll get going now. It's lovely to see you both.""Same to you, Jane. See you around."It was Nia's first day of school so Meredith could not help but be worried. While meeting the homeroom teacher, Meredith kept repeating the things that the teac
"Josiah Shelby, I thought we agreed to put on a show when Nia is around but apart from that, we will stay out of each other's businesses? And that we refrain from asking about each other's life and work.""Not only in front of Nia, but in the eyes of the public too," Josiah tilted his head to look at her before adding, "for the sake of Nia's wellbeing.""Are you sure it's for Nia?""If not?""Are you sure it's not for your company?""If you insist on thinking that way, fine. But you got one thing wrong. The Shelby Group also belongs to you and Nia. Hence, you also have a responsibility in protecting the company."Looking at Josiah's side profile, Meredith felt bitterness welling up in her chest.If she had not reminded herself over and over again about what Josiah had done to her, she would have fallen for his sugar-coated words again.And she would end up like how she did back then - naively seeing Josiah as the man she loved the most and as the man that she could rely on."W
Meredith, who was on the other end of the phone, seethed through her gritted teeth, "Josiah Shelby, you did something, didn't you?""What do you mean?" Josiah found her accusation ridiculous. "Are you doubting your own ability or are you doubting your husband?"To be honest, Meredith was rather not confident in herself.Not because of her working ability, but her face.Even though she would need to wear a mask while working in the hospital, her face was disfigured to a point that not everyone would be able to accept her.But the interviewee today showed not a hint of care about her disfigured face and even allowed her to pass the interview.That was why she thought that Josiah had pulled some strings.But…it was not him?Meredith was relieved to know that it was not him."I'm glad that you have nothing to do with this, if not, I'll reject the offer." She then ended the call.Putting her phone in her bag, Meredith looked up at the sun shining brightly down at her, she pulled i
Josiah cleared his throat and said, "Well, I am all in for getting you a little brother, but we'd have to see if your Mommy agrees to it."Meredith shot him another glare, warning him to stop his nonsense.Smiling, she then turned to Nia and explained, "Nia dear, didn't you say that you don't want other siblings because you're worried that Daddy won't like you anymore? Why the change of mind now?""I don't want Daddy to have a baby with others but if it's with you, of course, I'd be happy."Meredith shot a 'are-you-sure-you-didn't-brainwash-her' look at Josiah.Josiah simply shrugged his shoulders.Meredith had no choice but to try her best to convince Nia from wanting another sibling. "Nia, your dad and I have no plans on having another baby for now. Because you've just recovered and we want to spend more time taking care of you.""But Mom, look at me, I'm already recovered!" Nia raised her arms and said, "Just this morning, you even said that I've gained some weight.""It's n
"Why? Are you still taking his side?"Meredith simply glared at him. She could not be bothered to explain herself.Josiah said instead, "Alright, alright. I know you're not in touch with Zade anymore. I was just teasing you."Zade was receiving physiotherapy sessions at the Shelby hospital and he was being monitored at all times. Josiah, of course, knew that Meredith and Zade were not in touch.In fact, he was more concerned about the other guy."Say, who was the man who texted you the last time?" Josiah sat up and studied her. "Are you still not planning to tell me anything?"Meredith stared right back into his eyes and replied coldly, "Force yourself onto me again if you dare."If it was back then, Josiah would have forced himself onto her.But under her cold and distant stare, Josiah was actually at a loss for words and he could not bring himself to do it."From now on, I'll never force you again." Staring right back into her eyes, Josiah looked determined as he went on, "I
Josiah came downstairs and said to Alfred, "Edith is right. I am the one who decided to help Nia with her hair and prepare breakfast for them."Alfred sighed and walked away.After dropping off Nia at the kindergarten, Josiah drove Meredith to the hospital.Meredith did not want Josiah to drive her but she could only give in because Josiah insisted.After reporting her arrival at the hospital, Meredith started her work at the hospital right away.Because she had experience working at the hospital, Meredith adjusted quickly and everything went smoothly on the first day of her work.Right when she was about to get off from work, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her, "Miss Witch."That dude…The name 'Miss Witch' never failed to irk and annoy Meredith.She decided to ignore him."Sir, please stay still. You're going to injure your legs even more," The doctor said."I would like her to dress my wound, thank you.""Who?""That lady over there.""You mean Doctor Meredi
Charlie replied, "Wherever Miss Witch goes, the place flourishes."Immediately, Meredith pinched his leg to warn him.Charlie inhaled sharply. "Ouch…""Shut your mouth then."The female doctor that was 'abandoned' by Charlie said purposely, "Doctor Meredith, I'm guessing that our patient had never seen you without your mask and that is why he's flirting with you. Why not remove your mask? I'm sure that will shut him up."Meredith felt slightly humiliated.Before she could even say anything, the smile on Charlie's face faded away, and said to the female doctor, "I've seen her face before, thank you for your reminder."The female doctor was stunned and chuckled dryly, "Oh, I didn't know that you know each other."Unfazed, Meredith explained, "He is a friend of mine and he's always this bubbly and chatty. He can be rude sometimes. Please forgive him, Doctor Halsey."Meredith did not wish to be caught up in any gossip on her first day of work. After all, Charlie was a good-looking
Back in the bedroom on the second floor, Liam pulled Ivy into the bathroom to take a bath together.Ivy allowed him to take off her clothes and pulled her to stand under the water.Liam helped her take a bath and asked, "How is it? Is everything okay?""It's not bad." Ivy said, "I didn't expect your parents to welcome me so warmly."Liam looked at her proudly, with the water still flowing down from his head. "Of course! You should thank the guy that has good taste. How can they dislike a girl of my choosing?"Ivy smiled and said, "Okay, previously...""Don't mention the previous things, let them pass." Liam interrupted her.Ivy was stunned for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, it's all over.""Yes. From now on, there is only happiness." Liam lowered his head and whispered in her ear, and kissed her lips……Meredith and Josiah listened in shock to Liam and Ivy's story, while watching the three children chasing and making trouble outside the floor-to-ceiling window.They were all
Ivy raised her hand and touched the top of Siena's hair. "God treated me well, and gave me back my daughter, and also gave me the child's father.""No, you're wrong." Liam smiled and said, "God treated me well and sent the child and the child's mother back to my arms.""Oh, spare me." Madam Sheldon shook her head unbearably.Madam Sheldon finally believed that Siena was her own granddaughter.She excitedly hugged Siena into her arms, and she burst into tears with joy. "Great, our Sheldon family finally has a granddaughter! Great!""Grandma, you like Siena, right?" Siena asked sweetly."Nonsense! Of course, Grandma likes Siena. Grandma has always dreamed about a little grandson or a little granddaughter." Madam Sheldon choked as she said.Liam and Ivy looked at each other and smiled.After hugging Siena excitedly for a while, Madam Sheldon released her, and looked at her again. "Now that you mentioned it, she looks a lot like Liam. Look at her nose, her ears...right? Am I righ
"You even helped me get dressed before you left!" Liam pinched her chin. "Ivy, aren't you embarrassed saying these things?""You asked me.""...""If I didn't help you get dressed, you might be so stupid that you don't even know that you slept with someone, right?""Ivy!" Liam gritted his teeth. "You stole my seed, and you dare to laugh at me for being stupid?""Isn't it stupid?" Ivy was not afraid of him. She raised an eyebrow at him deliberately. "Liam, think about it. Were you being stupid that night?"Liam was silent.Yes, he was really stupid.He was so stupid that he was too embarrassed to admit it. He did not even have the face to mention it in front of Josiah.Looking at the woman in front of him, he wanted to laugh and be mad at the same time.He did not want to say anything. He just wanted to use actions to prove how angry he was, how excited, happy, and...Countless emotions were intertwined in his body, causing him to bow his head and kiss her lips fiercely.Ivy
"Okay, I'm sorry." Ivy got up and walked around in front of him, sitting on his lap and hugging his neck with a smile. "Do I need to make up for you as well? Say sorry to you?""Yes, of course.""I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I was wrong. I shouldn't have kept it from you for so long. I shouldn't have kept the news about Siena's from you until now, okay?""Do you think I'll let you off with just that?" Liam was not satisfied."Then what do you want?""The rest will be paid in the evening.""Okay, double compensation," Ivy responded generously.Hearing her say that, Liam was extremely satisfied.He did not mind his daughter's presence at all. He instructed her, "Siena, turn around, I'm going to kiss Mommy.""Why can't I see you kiss Mommy?" Siena was puzzled."Because your Mommy will be shy.""Oh, okay then." Siena turned around wisely."I'm not shy, it's you who is shy." Ivy held Liam's handsome face and kissed him on the lips.Liam was moved for a second, and when he tried to dee
The adoptive parents expressed their understanding. They waved their hands and said, "It's alright. If it were me, I'd be crying happy tears too.""Anyway, thank you very much," Liam said."Mister Liam, you don't have to be so polite. Otherwise, we will be even more embarrassed," the adoptive father said.The adoptive mother held Siena, who seemed a little lost. She pulled Siena in front of Ivy and said softly, "Siena, I'm sorry, Mommy never told you that Ivy is your biological mommy."Siena looked at her in shock. "Really? Is Mommy Ivy my biological mother? Did she give birth to me?""Yes. Mommy wouldn't just pass you to a random stranger, right?" The adoptive mother smiled and said, "Siena, you will be able to spend time with your biological mommy in the future. Isn't that great?"Siena nodded, then stretched out her palm and gently stroked Ivy's face. "Mommy, why are you crying? Don't you want to be my biological mommy?""Siena!" Ivy suddenly pulled Siena into her embrace."
Siena's adoptive parents expressed that they understood. They waved their hands and said, "It's fine. If it were me, we would cry happy tears too." "Anyway, thank you very much," Liam said."Mister Liam, don't say such a thing. If not, we will be even more embarrassed," Siena's adoptive father said.Siena's adoptive mother pulled Siena, who did not know much about what was happening, over to Ivy's side and gently said, "Siena, I'm sorry. I have never told you that Ivy is your real Mommy."Siena looked at her in shock. "Are you serious? Mommy Ivy is my real Mommy? The one that gave birth to me?""Yes, if not, how could I simply give you to any other person?" Siena's adoptive mother said with a smile, "In the future, you will be living with your real Mommy. Are you happy?"Siena nodded before reaching her hand out and touching Ivy's face. "Mommy, why are you crying? Don't you want to be my real Mommy?""Siena!" Ivy suddenly hugged her."Darling, I have been looking for you for s
Siena's adoptive parents looked at each other and smiled.The kitchen was calling them to take their seats.Liam got up and said, "Come, let's eat and talk."Then, he said to Siena, "Siena, go get Daddy and Mommy to eat. They must be hungry."Siena happily brought her adoptive parents to take their seats. The dinner was in the garden. They ate and talked at the same time. The entire process was pleasant.Toward the end, Siena's adoptive mover suddenly got up and walked over to Ivy. She looked at her deeply and said after a while, "Ivy, there is a secret I have been hiding from you for a very long time.""What is it?" Ivy saw how serious she was. She could not help but feel the severity of it."Siena…" Siena's adoptive mother paused for a while before saying, "Siena is the baby that you have been looking for all these years."Ivy was stunned. Liam was stunned too.Ivy was feeling uneasy. Blood was rushing to her head. Shock, delight, surprise, excitement, all of the emotions ga
Ivy heard what Liam said and looked out at the door.When she saw that it was Siena's adoptive parents, she was instantly stunned."They are the guests that you mentioned?""Yes." Liam stood next to her and smiled. He said, "They said they hoped that they could see Siena one more time.""Is that so? That's great." Ivy held Siena's hand and walked out.Outside the door, Siena's adoptive parents were extremely friendly. "Hello! Ivy! Haven't seen you in a while!""Hello." Ivy welcomed them. "Welcome."They looked at Siena behind Ivy. "Hello, Siena. It's been a while."Siena was so anxious she was almost in tears. She said with reddened eyes, "I don't want to go back! I don't want to!"Seeing how Siena was against them, they looked awkward. From there, one could infer how irresponsible they were of their adopted daughter previously.Ivy ruffled Siena's head and said softly in her ears, "Siena, don't be afraid. Your adoptive parents are here to send you off because you're about to
Ivy cleared her throat. She ruffled Siena's head. "Don't listen to your Daddy. How could I be tired? Furthermore, taking care of you is the happiest and proudest thing I have ever done.""Really? Mommy, you really like me that much?""I do."Siena laughed happily."Let's go. We'll head home." Ivy held Siena's hand and they walked under the sycamore tree."Mommy, has Daddy gone back?""Not yet," Ivy said, "Daddy said he wants to give us a surprise.""Oh, that's great. I don't want Daddy to leave us.""Why? Do you like Daddy?""I do." Siena nodded. "Also, with Daddy here, you will be much happier. I like to see you being happy."Ivy saw Siena's face under the sun. She could not help but be moved. Siena was too understanding and caring.She suddenly thought of her own daughter. If she was still around, she would be Siena's age. She wondered whether she was as caring as Siena.At that thought, the smile on her face faded a little."Mommy, look! There are two birds!" Siena sudd