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
Charles stayed silent, so Noelle kept staring at him, wondering if she had forgotten something important. Could it be that Charles had known her for a long time and liked her all along? However, because she had always been in a relationship, he never approached her? "So, you've been paying attention to me this whole time?"Charles pressed his thin lips together, his eyes filled with amusement. Hearing Noelle's question, his smile deepened. "What's the matter? Are you just realizing how deeply I love you? Touched, are you?""Mm!"Noelle nodded seriously, "I honestly never expected it!" She was genuinely surprised to discover the depth of Charles' feelings for her."But when did you start liking me?"Ah, women. Once they became curious about something, they would not let it go easily. Noelle was no exception as she kept pressing Charles for an answer.Charles, however, refused to say. "Figure it out yourself. When you're sure, come and ask me again. Let's see if you get it right.
Charles placed the gifts in the trunk and got into the car, only to find Noelle staring blankly at the large screen across the plaza. Her eyes were fixed on it, unblinking.Charles narrowed his eyes. "What's wrong?"Noelle snapped out of her thoughts. "You're back?""Mm." Charles nodded, glancing at the screen, which was now showing a different advertisement. "Were you bored from waiting? What were you looking at?""Nothing!" Noelle shook her head and withdrew her gaze, glancing at the backseat. "Did you get everything?""Yeah." Charles fastened his seatbelt and started the car. "I saw you staring at the screen earlier. I thought you were bored.""No, the screen was showing a trailer for a movie, White Night. I think it's coming out next month. Charlie, it feels like it's been forever since we've watched a movie. How about going to see it?""Sure." Charles nodded. "When it's released, I'll have Ronald book the tickets."Noelle curled her lips into a small smile, though uneasine
Charles narrowed his eyes. "How can I not be nervous? This is your first pregnancy!""Alright, if we don't head up now, Grandpa will start worrying!" Noelle reminded him, urging, "Let's go!"Noelle moved to pick up the items, but Charles stopped her. "Just follow me."With a helpless smile, Noelle relented, letting Charles take the lead. Watching his back, she suddenly felt that life with Charles—simple and straightforward—seemed genuinely happy. Especially when he treated her with such care, holding her like she was precious, it made all the grievances she had endured at the Shaw family feel insignificant.When Noelle and Charles reached Sebastian's door, they saw it was already open. Noelle raised an eyebrow slightly. "Grandpa even left the door open for us?"She stepped inside but did not see Sebastian. Puzzled, she called out, "Grandpa?""Noelle, you're here!" May, who was still wearing an apron, emerged from Sebastian's room. She looked a little fatigued."May, where's Gr
Charles gave Noelle a few more sips of water, stopping only when she protested that she could not drink any more. "Grandpa, did you happen to meet someone today?" he asked casually.At his words, both Sebastian and Noelle paused to look at him. Noelle blinked. "Meet someone? Who?"She glanced back and forth between Charles and Sebastian. "Grandpa, did you have a visitor at home?"Sebastian's expression darkened slightly as he stared at Charles for a long moment before shaking his head. "No one at all. An old man like me doesn't get many visitors. Besides you two dropping by now and then, who else would remember me?"His words sounded self-deprecating, but they were clearly a warning aimed at Charles. Sebastian knew Charles was sharp, but this was something he could not let Noelle find out.Charles narrowed his eyes slightly, understanding the message. "Grandpa, that doesn't sound right. You had so many brilliant students over the years. I don't believe they wouldn't come to see yo
Noelle looked up at Charles with half-closed, sleepy eyes. She blinked a few times and rubbed them groggily. "I'm so tired, Charlie.""If you're tired, take a nap. Be good." Charles adjusted her into a more comfortable position, using a pillow to make sure she rested well. Noelle curled up on his lap, her eyes slowly closing as she drifted off.As Sebastian watched their intimate interaction, the glimmer in his eyes eventually faded and he let out a helpless sigh. "I know how deeply you care for Noelle. As your teacher, I trust you.""You're absolutely right," Charles replied.Sebastian shook his head. "Take good care of Noelle. I know you'll protect her completely."Charles' sharp eyes gleamed. "Who did you see today?"Sebastian's expression flickered briefly. "Let her sleep well for now. I've had May keep her room cleaned and ready. Take her there to rest."Charles nodded and carefully lifted Noelle, his movements gentle to avoid waking her. Once he had settled her into the ro
"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