Liliana trembled, her eyes wide with disbelief.Noelle sighed to herself. "I don't need to lie to you. Honestly, this is only the second time I've met you. Liliana, Charles sees you as his sister, no matter who else is involved or their status!"Liliana's gaze wavered, but she remained silent.They reached the children's ward on the third floor. Liliana's footsteps softened as they ascended, and she grew even quieter upon entering Bobby's room. Noelle caught Charles's eye, and he gave a reassuring nod.Noelle walked in with Liliana. Bobby had just woken up. The caregiver had looked after him well, but without Liliana, he had been crying a lot. Seeing her, his face lit up with a smile. "Mommy!""Bobby!" Liliana hurried over, lifted him into her arms, and playfully pinched his nose. "Did the nurse say you've been crying?""No way!" Bobby shook his head, turned aside, and wiped away his tears. "Mommy, I'm a big boy, and big boys don't cry! Mommy, why did it take you so long? I misse
Liliana's face fell as she approached Charles. "Wanna take a walk?"With a subtle nod, Charles got up and followed her out of the hospital room. They made their way to the garden downstairs, walking side by side in a heavy silence. It took a while before Liliana broke it. "Bobby means everything to me!"Charles looked over at her, catching the fierce determination in her eyes. "I've already lost one child three years ago. I'll do whatever it takes to save Bobby!"Her gaze locked onto Charles, her fists in her pockets betraying her resolve. She knew she was playing dirty, using the tragedy from three years ago to corner him.She could not forgive herself, Sean, and certainly not Charles, especially after hearing from Noelle how guilty he had felt all these years. Thus, she resorted to this shameless blackmail.A light flickered in Charles's deep, dark eyes before he finally gave in with a nod. "Okay."A sly smile played on Liliana's lips. "There are things Sean just can't handle!"
Samara?Charles squinted, studying Liliana closely.Liliana met his gaze and managed a weak smile under his piercing eyes. "Canfield's foster daughter and Yankel's sister."Charles's memory clicked into place. That was the connection between Yankel and Samara. Samara had left everything behind for the sake of her child, leaving Brookville all alone. What a coincidence that she ran into Liliana?Liliana caught the look of realization on Charles's face and knew he had pieced it together. "She made me promise right before she passed not to tell Yankel about the kid. She was afraid he'd hate her and take it out on the little one.""I won't lie. I had my own reasons too. Bobby's been like a band-aid for my heartache, giving me the guts to face every day. That's why I never brought him back to face Yankel. If Bobby's sickness wasn't getting serious, I wouldn't have dreamed of coming back, much less reveal his backstory!" Liliana's eyes gleamed as she spoke, and she instinctively touched
However, the girl vanished one day. Had she left town to have a baby?Sean's gaze softened, and he looked down, his hands balling into fists. "I'll make all her dreams come true," he vowed. He owed her that much, and he was afraid it was a debt he would carry forever.Liliana paused at the door to the hospital room, listening to Noelle spin tales for Bobby, whose eyes sparkled with excitement. He never let go of Noelle's hand. Liliana's heart warmed. Bobby had been her world these past few years, and she could not bear the thought of anything happening to him. That was why she had made the tough call to return to Brookville just in case the Canfields ever decided they wanted Bobby.Liliana's gaze grew heavy with worry. She would do anything to make sure Bobby got the happiness he deserved.Liliana inhaled deeply and swung the door open. "Hey, Noelle!" Noelle hesitated, unsure of what had been said outside, but Liliana's warm greeting told her everything was okay. Noelle's face
Charles bit his lip. "Sean's already on the hunt for a bone marrow match, and I'll make sure Yankel gets here ASAP. Don't worry!""Hey, don’t fret anymore, okay? Bobby's a sweetheart, and he's got good luck on his side. When he's all better, just bring him to Phoenix Tree Residence, and we'll be one big happy family!" Noelle reassured Liliana with a gentle pat on her hand.Bobby must have been worn out because he dozed off while they were talking.Liliana lowered her voice, and once she saw Bobby was deep in dreamland, she signaled for the caregiver to come and look after him.Noelle grabbed Liliana's hand and steered her toward the door. "You've had a long day, so you've gotta be starving! Charles booked us a spot. Let's go grab a bite!"Liliana really felt like saying no, but Noelle had a knack for making it impossible to resist her.Liliana took a long look at Noelle and realized that despite her gentle nature, she had a magnetic pull and charm that no one could say no to. A
Noelle looked at Charles with a slight surprise on her face. Charles noticed and shook his head gently before reaching out to smooth her hair. Then, he started the car and drove away."Liliana did live with the Hoffmans for a while," Charles began to speak, his voice calm. "But because the Hoffmans didn't acknowledge her, her status there was very low."He paused, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. Then, he shook his head slightly. "Back then, when Sean came to see me, Liliana had been bullied and left stranded in a tree. Sean was the one who saved her. Maybe from that moment, Liliana started seeing Sean differently."Noelle nodded thoughtfully. "So, Liliana has quietly loved Sean for many years? But Liliana…""When Liliana was a teenager, she was sent away to live with her biological mother. For a long time after that, I didn't see her," Charles explained, his tone steady."When I left the country, I had no idea what happened between her and Sean. The next time I saw her was
The atmosphere in the car seemed to grow tense again. Noelle lowered her head and took out her phone. Seeing that Rowena was online, she exchanged a few words with her.Then, noticing a message in the group chat, she opened it and realized it was from a group chat Sean had created. To her surprise, another person had been added—Liliana!Noelle looked slightly surprised and raised an eyebrow when she saw that the person who added Liliana was Tania. "Does Tania also know that Liliana is back?""Yes." Charles nodded. "They were very close friends in university.""In that case, maybe Tania can help persuade her. I figure Liliana is someone who values relationships deeply, so she might listen to Tania!""You're quite clever." Charles could not help but curl his lips into a smile. Seeing Noelle like this, he shook his head in amusement.As they were talking, Noelle's phone suddenly rang. When she looked at the screen, she saw that it was her grandfather Sebastian calling. She quickly a
It was one thing for Charles to act out of character, but why were both Sebastian and Samuel behaving the same way?"It's no trouble at all! Pregnancy is exhausting, so you should rest at home during this period. Leave work if you can, and if there's anything you can't handle, Charlie will take care of it!" Now knowing about Noelle's pregnancy, Sebastian set everything else aside. "May has plenty of experience. I'll have her go to Phoenix Tree Residence to take care of you. She'll make sure you're well looked after!""Grandpa, that really won't be necessary!" Noelle was caught between laughter and tears, but Sebastian did not give her a chance to protest before decisively ending the call.Noelle stared helplessly at the now dark screen, then turned to Charles with a resigned expression. "That was Grandpa Sebastian on the phone."Charles nodded, indicating he had overheard. "So, we're going to his place tonight?""I don't think we have a choice." Noelle knew Sebastian's personali
"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