"No one had to tell me anything. I am not a three-year-old kid anymore, I can see and hear what's happening.""How would you understand what it is like to like someone or not like someone?""But I know that Mommy is married to Papa Charlie and that Mommy will not get back together with you. And it will never happen."It was Meredith who told Nia about these things, simply because she did not want Nia to try to get them back together.Nia had grown up a little and she could slowly understand what was happening."But don't worry Daddy. Even though you and Mommy won't be staying together, I will still love you and Mommy. And I promise to come to visit you often."Josiah was relieved to see Nia being this considerate, yet at the same time, he felt something heavy weighing down on his chest.He did not expect that Nia would give up on trying to get him and Meredith back together.Feeling slightly defeated, he asked, "Don't you want to live together with Mommy and me? Just like how w
"Why? Do you not want me to stay here to talk with you?""It's okay. I'm afraid that my heart will not be able to take it if we keep this up.""Why?""Because…I am a patient.""Oh, then you should hurry up, lie down, and get some rest."Nia finally left him alone. She then put her hands on his arms and said, "I will stay by your side and I won't disturb you from sleeping.""Mm, you're the best, sweetheart," Josiah replied.Of course, he knew that Nia was just speaking the truth and that Nia did not say those things just to hurt him.Nia was accepting the situation in a healthy manner and it showed that Meredith had taught her well.…Soon enough, the holidays were over and Nia went back to Meredith.Meredith dropped Nia at her school. Before she got out of the car, Nia asked, "Mommy, are you going to see Daddy?"Puzzled, Meredith asked, "Why are you suddenly asking about this?"Nothing. I'm just curious if you and Daddy won't be able to stay as friends and care for each ot
"Okay then," Charlie handed the flowers to Meredith and said, "Edith, you're more skilled than I am in arranging them. You should arrange them and tie them into a bouquet.""Sure. You should head back inside first." Meredith then pushed him into the house.The sunflowers were fully bloomed this season.Using scissors and ribbons, Meredith arranged the flowers into a bouquet very quickly and showed it to Charlie. "Charlie, I think this bouquet suits you more, why not have it instead?"Charlie actually did like sunflowers.Meredith thought of giving him the flowers to cheer him up.But Charlie shook his head. "This is for Josiah, so let's give it to him instead.""We can buy one for him.""It's fine," Charlie added, "if I want them, I can always go see them in the garden.""Alright then."When they arrived at the hospital, they saw Yoseph who was sitting in front of Josiah's ward.At the sight of both of them, Yoseph hurriedly got onto his feet and said, "You are here…to see S
"Then why are you willing to see me and Edith?""You came all the way to visit me even when you're injured, it would be wrong of me to not allow you to come in," Josiah pulled into a smile and said to Meredith, "take a seat, Mrs. Larson."His words were lamented with sarcasm."Thank you," Meredith replied, "but I'm not tired. I'll just stand here.""Don't tell me that you're planning to leave after two minutes? What's the point in coming all the way here then?" Josiah moved his gaze onto Charlier and asked, "Or is it that Charlie doesn't want to stay longer?""I'm fine with anything." Charlie then handed Josiah the bouquet of sunflowers. "Right, this is for you, Josiah. Edith and I picked the flowers from our garden. Hope you'll like it."Taking a glance at the fully-bloomed sunflowers in Charlie's hands, he said, "Mrs. Larson must have known that I prefer rose bushes instead. Why are you giving me sunflowers instead? Don't tell me that you don't have any rose bushes planted in y
Because she was dragged forcefully, Meredith crashed right into Josiah's arms."Josiah Shelby, you…" She was trying to resist him when Josiah already dragged her into the fire exit staircase.Her back was pushed against the wall and the next thing she knew, Josiah had crashed his lips against hers.She was used to him forcing himself onto her but like every time, she started resisting him instinctively.She tried to push him away with her hands but Josiah had her hands locked above her head.She then tried to kick him with her legs but her legs too were locked between his.In the end, she had no other choice but to bite down on his lips.She could start to taste the blood in her mouth but Josiah continued kissing her as if he felt no pain.It was as if he was trying to kiss her to stop her from resisting.And of course, Meredith knew him the best.For the sake of wanting him to stop, Meredith had to stop fighting him.And indeed, when she stopped resisting, he removed his li
Josiah grabbed her chin and lifted her head, forcing her to look straight into his eyes. "So you do know about the truth behind the car accident, yes?""You knew about the truth behind my accident and Charlie's accident, didn't you? You're just pretending that you don't know anything.""I…" Meredith hesitated before finally nodding. "Fine. Mister Josiah, I owe you an apology. I'm sorry that I misunderstood you and even slapped you. You can hit me back if you want, I'll gladly take it."She then closed her eyes and showed her cheek to Josiah.Looking at her perfectly sculptured side profile, Josiah could not bring himself to hit her.But then again, even when her face was disfigured back then, he would not have been able to hit her.He had always regretted the time when he slapped her at the hospital two years ago.And Meredith knew better that he could never have laid a hand on her."I will not hit you. But Meredith, I have my limits too, don't push it. Stop putting on a show w
Meredith pushed away his hands and said, "What about money? I can give you money.""Seems like someone's business is doing well these days, huh? But too bad for you, do I look like someone who needs money?"Indeed. Why would a CEO like Josiah need money?Meredith would only be humiliating herself if she insisted on talking about money with Josiah.Meredith started to feel annoyed. "Josiah Shelby, tell me then, what do I need to do for you to forgive Charlie?"She had to get out of this place soon in case Charlie misunderstood her again."As I said earlier, kiss me until I'm satisfied," Josiah paused before giving her another option, "or, come back to me.""No! I can't do either!""Then, there's nothing left for us to talk about."Josiah let go of her, turned around, and was about to leave.Out of desperation, Meredith grabbed him by his wrist and said, "Don't go, Josiah, I…"Gritting her teeth, Meredith wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips against his.In any ca
His first instinct was to rush down the stairs to save Meredith but his legs would not move.He did not even have the strength to stand up on his own feet, so how would he possibly have the strength to save her?Charlie could only grab Meredith's hands for a short while when Josiah walked past with Meredith in his arms. He then stared blankly as Josiah walked out of the stairway with Meredith in his arms.By the time she was sent to the ER, she was already in a daze yet still, she murmured under her breath, "Charlie, I can explain…"Josiah felt anger thrumming in his veins.He seethed into her ear, "What is there to explain about Meredith Leighton? Stop talking."Meredith recognized his voice. She opened her eyes and stared at him. "Josiah Shelby…you…you're happy now…aren't you?"You finally got what you wanted, huh?"If it was not Josiah who forced her into a corner, she would not have been left with no other choice but to kiss him. And Charlie would not have run into them.M