"No need!" Liliana rejected it instantly. The atmosphere in the car turned tense as Sean looked at her, and she stared back just as intently.After a long pause, Liliana finally said, "Bobby isn't your son, so there's no need for you to do all this. Besides, we have no relationship with one another. You don't need to go out of your way to please me."As she spoke, she adjusted Bobby in her lap, carefully cradling him to ensure he slept more comfortably. Sean's gaze lingered on her, and there was a flicker of something unspoken passing through his eyes.Once Liliana had settled Bobby, she noticed Sean still staring and frowned. "Didn't you say you'd take us to the hospital?""Oh, right, yes! On it!" Sean snapped out of his daze and quickly started the car.Half an hour later, they arrived at Sean's hospital. Sean stepped out, opened the door, and instinctively reached for Bobby, scooping him into his arms. The sudden movement woke Bobby. Upon realizing he was being held by a strang
After finally meeting Yankel, Liliana could not help but feel a deep sense of disappointment at his attitude. Sean stood beside her, silently observing her every move. Noticing her tension, he found himself growing anxious as well."Mr. Smith, what's the plan now?" The attending physician, after settling Bobby into his ward, turned to Sean and Liliana."What medication should we proceed with? I've reviewed the case transferred from the previous hospital. While the child's condition isn't too severe, his young age makes him extremely fragile. My recommendation is to proceed with surgery as soon as possible.""Start him on the best medication to stabilize his condition. As for the surgery, begin searching for a suitable bone marrow donor immediately," Sean ordered firmly."Mr. Smith, we believe it's best to locate the child's biological parents. A parental match significantly reduces the risk of complications and rejection." The doctor's gaze shifted to Liliana. "Ms. Hoffman, does yo
Liliana hastily denied it, but the more she did, the more Sean felt something was off. "I didn't even say anything yet. Why are you so worked up?"Liliana pressed her lips together before responding, "I'm trying to stop you from overthinking. The truth is, you're not his father. Otherwise, wouldn't I have come to you for a bone marrow transplant?"She turned her gaze directly to Sean. "So, you don't need to dwell on it. The child from three years ago… didn't make it."Sean's grip on the steering wheel tightened abruptly, the veins on his hand bulging.Liliana continued speaking, seemingly unaware of Sean's reaction. Meanwhile, Sean was suppressing a wave of emotions, her words echoing in his mind like the distant cries of an infant. His face turned pale, and he exhaled deeply in an attempt to steady himself.Noticing his unusual demeanor, Liliana turned to look at him with a frown. "What's wrong with you?"Sean pressed his lips together, then glanced at her. Meeting her concerned
"Can you help me find Yankel?""Yankel is Bobby's biological father?" Sean had just finished loading Liliana's luggage into the car when he noticed her standing by the car door, hesitant to speak."So, Yankel is Bobby's biological father?" he repeated.Liliana met his gaze but pressed her lips together, saying nothing."Liliana, you must know that even if you don't tell me, I can find out. Not just me—Charles can as well.""Yes, he's Bobby's biological father," Liliana finally admitted, her voice heavy with reluctance.Sean's brows furrowed deeply. "Bobby… is Yankel's child? But when did you even meet Yankel?""That's none of your business," she retorted."He abandoned you. That makes it my business!" Sean shot back but immediately felt something was wrong with his words.Liliana bit her lip, a bitter smile curling at the corners of her mouth. "Isn't being abandoned normal? Didn't you abandon me too?""I—""No, that's not right. We were never together, so it doesn't count as
Sean opened his mouth to speak but stopped. "Fine, if you don't like it, I won't say more."He glanced sideways at Liliana, noticing her irritated expression as she closed her eyes. A dark gleam flickered in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.He took a deep breath, reminding himself to take things slowly and not rush. Liliana, likely too exhausted, fell asleep not long after closing her eyes.Sean drove the car slowly as the night deepened outside. He adjusted the temperature in the car to make it warmer. Seeing Liliana's head tilt to one side, he reached over to gently straighten it. As he leaned closer, he caught the faint, familiar fragrance on her—a scent he had not smelled in years.Sean's gaze softened, his long fingers brushing a few strands of her hair aside. The expression on his face grew tender.The car reached the villa complex, but seeing how soundly Liliana was sleeping, Sean did not wake her. Instead, he called Lareal and asked him to come over.When Lareal arri
Liliana opened her eyes and found herself staring directly into a familiar yet distant gaze.Startled, she bolted upright. The dream she had just experienced was anything but pleasant—it felt draining, leaving a fine layer of sweat on her forehead. She raised a hand and wiped it away before swallowing hard and turning her gaze to Sean. "You…" She paused, scanning her surroundings and realizing they were in the villa complex Sean had mentioned earlier. "We're here?"Sean nodded. "We're here."Retracting his gaze, he pulled out a few tissues and handed them to her. "Wipe your sweat. What kind of dream was it?"Liliana took the tissues, her fingers holding them loosely. After a moment of silence, she murmured, "A nightmare."She let out a faint laugh. "It's been years. I guess I've gotten used to them."Her tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if such dreams no longer fazed her. "How long ago did we arrive?""Not too long," Sean replied, though a hint of discomfort flickered in
Liliana expressionlessly unpacked her luggage and organized her belongings. Fortunately, she did not have much, so it did not take long. When she noticed Sean still lingering in the room, she pressed her lips together. "I won't leave. There's no need for you to keep following me."The corners of his mouth twitched. "You must be hungry. Would you prefer to eat out, or should we stay in? What do you feel like eating? I can cook something for you.""That won't be necessary. I already ordered takeaway," Liliana replied. "You don't have to trouble yourself, Mr. Smith. If you're hungry, you can either eat out or cook for yourself.""You…" Sean's face revealed a hint of awkwardness, but he quickly replaced it with a smile. "What did you order? Is it good? Get me a portion too. We can eat together."Seeing Sean's overly eager expression, Liliana felt a headache brewing. "It's not good. I ordered simple, everyday food—not something that would suit your refined palate. For your own sake, I
Liliana pressed one hand against the floor, trying to get up, but her arm lacked the strength for it. Sean reached out, firmly lifting her off the ground while looking at her with worry. "Are you alright? Where does it hurt? Did you injure yourself?""I'm fine!" Liliana shook her head, struggling to push Sean away. However, he gripped her hand tightly. "Don't move!" he ordered, crouching to examine her foot. When he gently touched her ankle, Liliana winced in pain and bared her teeth. "Ah! You… Be gentle!""Does it hurt a lot?" Sean asked, noting her pale expression. "Why weren't you more careful when walking? Could it be a bone injury?""No, stop poking it! I'm fine!" Liliana protested, trying to push him away. Her ankle throbbed with a strange tingling sensation that she could not quite place, leaving her uncomfortable and irritated.She lowered her gaze, brushing Sean's hand aside. "I said I'm fine!"Her voice was louder than intended, betraying a hint of unease. Sean narrowe
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you