"Yes!" Ronald firmly nodded. "I got Lareal to hack into the hotel's security cameras. Your wife went to see Kelly, and just before that, Grant and Kelly had some kind of argument!"Charles's lips tightened, and he rose to his feet. "Keep digging for clues from the hotel. I want to know what that fight between Grant and Kelly was about and why Noelle decided to go up and see Kelly herself.""Got it!" Ronald nodded again. "So, Mr. Hoffman, it's getting pretty late. What's your plan?""I'm heading home. You can take care of the rest. Keep a sharp eye on Grant and Kelly, okay?"With that, Charles grabbed his suit jacket and strode out of Collosus Group.Back at home, Noelle was slumped on the living room couch, totally bored. Charles's earlier call had killed her interest in making dinner, so she was just lying there. She flipped through the television channels but found nothing good to watch. Sighing, she sank deeper into the couch, snapped a selfie, and posted it with the caption: [
Puppy love?Charles squinted slightly, taking in Noelle's triumphant look, his eyes sparkling with joy. A smile played at the corners of his mouth, and he asked, "So, what are you trying to say?"He was all smiles, his gaze bright and clear.Noelle mirrored his smile, her own lips curving up. "Don't you have something you want to tell me?""You caught on?" Charles confirmed with a smile. He pulled her close, chuckling softly. "You said you were in a bad mood?"Noelle bit her lip and gently pushed him away. "Weren't you supposed to come back late today?"Charles quirked an eyebrow and playfully tousled Noelle's hair before taking her hand and leading her to the living room couch. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his side. "Are you upset with me?""Not at all. I’m not moody like you." Noelle stuck out her lower lip in a mock pout. "Did you get something to eat?"He shook his head, prompting Noelle to gently push him aside as she stood up. "I picked up some gro
"Grant and Kelly were discussing that?" Charles nodded with understanding, now clued in on the past drama. "Okay, you're in the loop now. No more freaking out over it, okay?""I wasn't freaking out!" Noelle protested. "I just hate feeling lied to. Remember, I told you that if you're going to lie to me, you’d better make sure I never find out.""Silly girl." Charles chuckled, gently tapping Noelle's forehead. "From now on, if something's bugging you or you're stuck on a problem, come to me to clear it up. I can't help if I don't know what's up, okay?""Got it!" Noelle leaned into Charles's embrace, her smile bright. "But seriously, when did you fall for me? How come I was the last to know?""You sneaky little thing," Charles said with a mock sigh. "Get out of here. I'm on kitchen duty now.""Works for me!" Noelle laughed, slipping the apron over Charles's head and nudging him toward the kitchen. "I've stocked up on groceries, so you're on your own! Just so you know, I'm craving mea
Noelle quickly made her way to the kitchen doorway. Charles, noticing her distress, approached with concern. "What's the matter?" He could tell something was off. "Not feeling well? Do you have a stomachache?""I..." Noelle barely got the word out before nausea overwhelmed her again. She shoved past Charles and bolted for the trash can, heaving. Since she had not eaten much that day, all that came up was a bitter taste.Noelle was heaving so hard that she thought her stomach would turn inside out. Charles stood by, his gaze intensifying with each passing moment. His lips were drawn tight, and there was a curious sparkle in his eyes as he watched her struggle.Finally catching her breath, Noelle noticed Charles's unwavering attention. "What's with the stare? I'm okay, really. I just didn't eat much today, and my stomach's a bit upset. That meatloaf smell just hit me wrong. Don't fuss over me. I'm tough!" she insisted.Charles kept his eyes on her, a playful smile dancing in his deep
Charles dumped a rainbow assortment of pregnancy tests into Noelle's hands, rattling off explanations. Noelle's cheeks burned with embarrassment, but Charles was all business and did not notice a thing. "I didn't trust just one brand, so I got them all. Try each one, okay?""Charlie!" Noelle inhaled sharply, her smile strained. "Relax, will you? Let's just start with two, alright?"She grabbed a couple of tests from the pile and escaped to the bathroom. Charles's earnest face flashed in her mind. He was totally baby-crazy, and his eagerness for a kid was obvious.If she was negative, maybe it was time to actually try for a baby. However, if it was positive, she would be so happy. Her grip tightened on the tests, a flutter of nerves dancing in her stomach.Noelle squared off with her reflection before taking the plunge. The wait was torture, time stretching forever until one line turned to two. She could not help but bounce with joy. Just to be sure, she tried another test and got t
Noelle's words were accompanied by a gentle glow in her eyes.She marveled at how amazing life could be. Just a moment ago, she had no idea she was pregnant and felt nothing. Knowing that there was actually a little one inside her now, Noelle felt like she could almost sense its presence.Her hand moved subconsciously to her belly, and her face lit up with a soft, beautiful smile.Charles watched Noelle, his entire demeanor radiating calmness."Okay, I'll call Sean right now to set up a doctor's appointment to get you checked out," Charles said, springing into action.Sean had only parted ways with Charles a few hours earlier and was surprised to get another call from him so soon. "What's going on?""Get an obstetrician on standby for tomorrow. Anytime works!"Charles's voice buzzed from the phone. Sean had just walked through the door, chatting with Liliana. Because he had hit the speaker button by mistake, Charles's voice, which was laced with a weird kind of thrill, filled th
"Liliana, we can't rush this. Even if Yankel says yes, we have to wait for the medical tests. What if he isn't Bobby's real dad, or their bone marrow doesn't match? These are serious issues!""How could Bobby not be Yankel's kid? He's Yankel's and..." Liliana caught herself, her voice trailing off, "...and my child. Are you suggesting I don’t know who my own child's father is?" Her lips tightened. "You just don't want to help, do you?"Sean's brow creased. Liliana seemed so different from the girl he remembered. Her trust was hard to come by these days."I promised you, didn't I? I won't let you down. Trust me, I'll handle Yankel.""Good!" Liliana had what she needed and had no desire to stick around, especially with the news of Charles and Noelle possibly having a child throwing her off balance.She got to her feet, glancing at Sean. "It's late. I'm going to head up and get some rest.""Liliana." Sean rose too, reaching out to catch her hand.His large hand enveloped Liliana's,
Sean's gaze was intense, his deep black eyes fixed on Liliana with an edge that could cut through the silence of the night. He was like a fighter straight out of a dark myth, his presence charged with a dangerous energy that sent a shiver down her spine.Without even thinking, she swallowed hard and stumbled back, haunted by a memory from three years ago. Her lips were pressed together, the tension evident in her face.Sean closed in, his movements deliberate. He caught Liliana's hand before she could even blink. A sudden warmth spread across her lips, and the cool, refreshing taste of mint from Sean's breath wrapped around her.She tried to push him away, but the strength in his grip was overwhelming, leaving Liliana feeling powerless.His kiss was desperate, almost too much to resist.Liliana squirmed, trying to break free, but Sean's grip was unyielding. He pulled her close, his arm locking around her waist in a firm hold.With his eyes shut, Sean's lips sought hers, each kiss
"Keith!”Keith's parents and Jacy rushed to his side. They saw him struggling and quickly pulled him to his feet.Liliana watched, her eyes filled with worry. "Sean, stop fighting. I'm begging you." Keith stood no chance against Sean, and it could end really badly."Keith, stay back. He..." She thought to herself, 'He might actually kill you.'Keith shrugged off his parents' hands and walked toward Sean, full of stubbornness. "Sean, do you even realize what you're doing? Liliana's going to have a baby, and you could hurt her. If you're mad, take it out on me, but leave Liliana alone.""You? You think you're up to it?" Sean glared at Keith. "You think you can take me on?"Keith's hands turned into fists. "I don't know if I can beat you, but I've got to try.""Don't, Keith," Liliana pleaded, shaking her head. She had given up hope. She should have known what Sean was like from the moment she fell for him.She had been too naive, thinking she could just stop loving him and ignore
That question was all Liliana could think about. She clenched her fists and swallowed hard. "No. I already told you the baby isn't yours. If you want a child so badly, find someone else to have one with you."She tried to escape, but Sean grabbed her hands and pinned her against the wall. His eagle-like eyes fixed on her. "The baby isn't mine? Really, Liliana, you dare to say that?""No—Mhm!"Liliana had not even finished her sentence when Sean clamped his hand over her mouth. "Since when did you become such a liar?""Let me go!" Liliana was furious and frantic, trying to kick Sean, but he pinned her legs with his knee and glared into her eyes. "You're coming with me.""I won't!"Sean ignored Liliana's protests and struggles. He twisted her arms behind her and dragged her out of the hotel.Liliana had no idea what Sean was up to, but she kept fighting. "Sean, you're crazy! Let go of me! Let me go!""You're hurting me, Sean...""Release her!"Keith had rushed to the hotel on
Liliana and Keith's parents had decided to meet at the Evergold Hotel, a place Liliana had chosen with their budgets in mind. She did not pick anywhere too fancy. Luckily, both sets of parents were not too fussy and were all really nice people.Keith was held up with a last-minute issue and had not made it yet, so Liliana, along with Keith's parents and Jacy, arrived at the hotel first. Jacy was pretty happy with the arrangement, and Keith's parents were easygoing.They all started talking about Keith and Liliana's wedding plans. Keith's parents were clear that they wanted a proper wedding banquet and it could not be small—they did not want Liliana to feel shortchanged. However, considering Liliana's pregnancy, everyone agreed to get the marriage license first and wait to have the wedding ceremony until after Liliana had the baby.Keith's parents made sure to emphasize that they were not trying to shortchange Liliana at all. They were just pushing the date back, not canceling anythi
Liliana raised an eyebrow. "You've been reading too many of those palace drama books, haven't you?" Joanna was with Sean, right? Why would Tania be worried about her?Liliana shook her head, pushing away those nagging thoughts. She had nothing to do with Sean anymore, and everything related to him was no longer her concern.After Liliana and Tania had left, someone emerged from Jayla's clinic room.Joanna came out, her high heels clicking. "Jayla, you sure made me search high and low for this info."Jayla gave her a small smile. "So, did you find it?"Joanna held up the papers. "I found them, but it sure took a lot of my time." Then, she noticed the files on the computer. "Was Liliana here just now?"Jayla nodded. "Yes, for her prenatal checkup. She's always on time."Joanna nodded, but her eyes lingered on the files, unable to look away.For some reason, Joanna felt like she was missing something important, but she just could not put her finger on what it was."How's Liliana
Tania laughed. "Of course. Keith's always right," she teased. "But why not go to City Hospital or Sean's place? Why come to this far-off hospital? It's such a trek."Tania grumbled a bit. They had been in the car for an hour, and the traffic had made them both a bit cranky.Liliana's expression turned a bit stiff when she heard that. "Oh, it's nothing. I just had my first check-up here before, so I came back.""Is that so?" Tania did not really get it, but she could tell Liliana seemed upset all of a sudden. She pursed her lips and did not say much more. "I just thought Central City Hospital isn't as nice as City Hospital. But if you're okay with it, then it's all good!" Then she added, "I heard you and Keith's parents are meeting soon. Is it just your mom on your side?"Liliana tensed up, then nodded. "Yes, you know how it is with my family. I've always been with my mom, and she's all the family I've got," Liliana explained. "Keith said once we're married and have our own place, w
Liliana froze for a moment, her fists clenched tight. "No!"The child had never been his and never would be.Sean stared at her clenched fists, his own hands tight with tension. "It better not be. If I find out you've lied to me, Liliana, you know what I'm capable of."Liliana did not face him, but Sean's threat made her laugh. "I know what you can do. So what?"After that day, Liliana never saw Sean again. She made it safely through the first three risky months. She took good care of herself, and Keith was there to help her every step of the way.Liliana's life was simple: work, home, and regular doctor's visits. She and Keith were a typical young couple, caring for each other and facing the world together.Liliana and Keith had a serious talk about getting married. They even visited Keith's parents, who really liked Liliana. When they found out Liliana was expecting a baby, they were a bit upset with Keith. They said he should not have let things happen like this and that they
In the past, Liliana would have scampered after Sean the moment he spoke, but the Liliana of today was different. She gave Sean a small smile. "My legs aren't long, so I don't walk fast. Also, I'm expecting now, so my husband wants me to slow down.""Husband?" Sean's teeth were practically grinding, his brows were so furrowed they could have been tied in a knot, and his face was clouded over. "When did you get married? Why didn't I know?"Liliana kept her smile. "It's Keith. He popped the question, and we're going to get our marriage license soon.""Oh, so you're not actually married yet?" Sean's laugh was distant. "You're already calling him 'husband' so eagerly. Liliana, you really haven't changed at all."Liliana's face fell, a shadow passing over it.She could easily pick up on the jab in Sean's words—it was just a way to put her down.Liliana took a deep breath, reminding herself not to lose her temper and stay calm for her baby's sake."It won't be long now, and I'll be su
The apartment was not big, and both the interior and exterior were pretty old. How could it even compare to the Hoffman family's grand home?She was a Hoffman too, but the difference between her and her sisters, Chloe and Layla, was like night and day.Liliana glanced at Sean, her brow furrowing. "Mr. Smith?"Sean's gaze softened. "Liliana, we're friends, right? Won't you invite me in to sit for a while?" He put extra emphasis on the word ‘friends’.Liliana's frown deepened. "I don't see why that's necessary, Mr. Smith. You're used to fancy high-rises and grand mansions. Our old apartment probably isn't to your taste." Holding Keith's hand, she led him to the living room. "I'll be back soon. I'm just stepping out for a moment.""But Liliana..." Keith hesitated, wanting to suggest they could talk at home instead of going out. He also wanted to offer to handle the matter himself if she preferred to avoid Sean.Seeing Liliana's resolute look, he nodded. "Alright, go ahead."Liliana
"You think you can go to work feeling like this?" Keith did not think it was a good idea, but Liliana did not see the problem. "You really don't have to worry. I had some trouble before because I didn't know what I was doing and wasn't ready to be a mom, but I've learned a lot since then. Anyway, you can't even tell I'm pregnant yet. You don't expect me to stop working now, do you?"Liliana joked, "If I don't work, how will I make money? How will I take care of our baby?""I'm here for you, Liliana," Keith sighed. "Haven't I told you? I'll look after you from now on.""But I can't just do nothing," Liliana reassured him. "Don't worry, Keith. If it ever gets to the point where I can't do anything, I promise I'll stop and just stay at home, waiting for you to take care of us."Liliana was in a very good mood and started teasing Keith. Keith gave her a look and said, "Okay, but if you're not feeling well or anything, just take it easy. We're not rich, but I've got enough to take care