"I don't know what you're talking about!" Shirley snapped and tried to leave, but Flynn stopped her. "I've looked after Kelly for so many years. That should repay the debt for you saving my wife's life back then."Shirley's hand froze on the doorknob, gripping it tightly."Back then, you saved my wife. In return, I raised Kelly and settled that debt. But..." Flynn paused, his tone hardening. "The grievances between you and Harrison shouldn't involve the children.""I didn't want to hurt them. That's why I did what I did. You don't understand—Harrison is a madman! He wouldn't believe the child I carried was his. He doubted Kelly was his all along. I... He treated me so horribly. I was afraid he'd harm Kelly, so I...""And what about Noelle?""How do you know about that?" Shirley asked in shock. Her lips were trembling. "How do you know about Noelle?""When you left Capiton for Carvonia, my wife visited the Shaws to see that child. Later, I sent my son to the Shaws as well," Flynn
Sean nodded. "Alright, please have a seat first."Charles helped Noelle settle into a chair before turning his attention to Sean, who began, "My Uncle Harrison seems to have had some misunderstanding with Shirley. I don't know the full story of what happened earlier at the house. What I do know is that my uncle was injured in his younger days—stabbed near the heart."Although the blade didn't hit any vital organs, the heart is a delicate area." Sean pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice heavy."You heard what the doctor said earlier. He underwent a heart transplant years ago. He probably doesn't have much time left."Sean glanced at Noelle with a somber expression. "I think that's why Uncle Harrison is so adamant about reconnecting with you."Noelle's lips trembled as she processed his words. She had thought herself indifferent toward this man, but hearing Sean's explanation struck a deep, unexpected chord. After a moment of struggle, she managed to ask, "What do you mean? He…
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."When they got home, Charles noticed Noelle was still unable to sleep. He pulled her into his arms, gently patting her back. "Don't stress about it, alright?""But…" Noelle's eyes reddened as she spoke. "Am I useless? I thought I wouldn't feel anything. After all, I'm an adult now, and those feelings seemed so distant, almost irrelevant. But when Sean said he might not have much time left, I felt a pang of sadness.""Feeling sad is normal. Blood ties are impossible to sever, aren't they?" Charles sighed softly. "You've done well. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, when you wake up, visit him at the hospital and share what's on your mind. Alright?"Noelle hesitated. Her lips trembled slightly, but she eventually nodded. "Alright.""Good girl." Charles kissed her forehead gently. "Now, try to sleep."Noelle did not have the most peaceful sleep that night, but perhaps due to Charles' presence, she managed to rest until 7:00 or 8:00 am. When Charles ca
Fran answered immediately, but Harrison's first question took him by surprise as it concerned Shirley. He replied, "Sir, your condition was critical yesterday. I was only focused on you and didn't see where Ms. Shrill went."Harrison's gaze darkened. "Find her immediately. If you can't, don't bother coming back."He hung up the phone, only to meet Noelle's calm gaze. Her expression was serene, but the stillness in her eyes carried an unsettling weight.Harrison shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, feeling inexplicably flustered. "Um…""Can I ask you something?" Noelle broke the silence."Of course. Ask away!" Harrison set the phone down. "Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you."Noelle smiled faintly. "Don't make promises so quickly. What if it's something you can't fulfill?"Harrison froze at her smile. It reminded him too much of a young Shirley. He tugged at the corners of his lips, forcing a weak smile. "You look so much like her when she was younger."Noelle's smile fad
Harrison furrowed his brows. "If you have something to say, spit it out.""How's your health doing?" Fran hesitated."I'm perfectly fine!" Harrison replied tersely.Despite his words, Fran could not shake his concern. After a moment of careful thought, he cautiously said, "After Ms. Shrill left the hospital, she wandered aimlessly along the streets. Later… Grant took her away.""What did you just say?" Harrison's eyes snapped open. "Grant Anderson?""Yes. Flynn was also there. Ms. Shrill was at a hotel with them, but we don't know what transpired between her, Flynn, and Grant. When she left, her mental state seemed off. Our people couldn't get too close, so the details are unclear. After she left Flynn, she returned directly to Springwood Garden and hasn't come out since."Harrison's mind raced while he was torn between relief and unease. "And she… Who's there?" His innate sense of caution made him sit upright.At that moment, Fran moved to the door and opened it. Seeing the fig
Harrison's grip suddenly tightened, his eyes wide with shock that matched Shirley's earlier that day when she uncovered the truth. "Flynn, why did you bring out this proof? What are you trying to do?""Mr. Smith, I'm not trying to do anything. It's just that the past has been tangled up for so long, so it's time to clear things up," Flynn said, shaking his head. "I thought Shirley completely cut ties with you when she left, but now I see you two never parted ways after all these years. Your feelings for Shirley must run really deep!""This is between her and me. You don't need to butt in!" Harrison's voice was cold. "Are you trying to rub it in my face that she chose you and not me in the end?""Mr. Smith, you've got it all wrong. Honestly, nothing ever happened between Shirley and me!""What are you saying?" Harrison stared at Flynn, stunned. Flynn could tell from his face that Shirley had kept the secret and was using him. "Yes, I was really good to Shirley back then, but it was
"Shirley was scared you wouldn't want the baby and scared you'd hurt her, so she asked me and my wife, Jessica, to look after the child until she grew up. That child is Kelly."Harrison's hands shook, and papers scattered all over the floor."Shirley was going to leave, but then you trapped her again. I don't know what happened between you two that year. When I finally heard about it, six months had passed. Shirley sent me a letter saying she had left the country and asked me to take good care of Kelly."Harrison looked up, his eyes red and teary. "Why are you telling me this now? What do you want?""To make things right!" Flynn let out a sigh. "I know you've already dealt with the people who hurt Shirley back then, but there's someone you missed."Flynn stood up, faced Harrison, and bowed deeply to him. "It's my fault Shirley went through all that trouble. If I hadn't set up that interview, she wouldn't have gone to dinner with those big shots, and none of that bad stuff would'v
Noelle walked into the hospital ward with Ellis. It was super quiet. Harrison looked like he was reading, but when he saw Noelle, he shut his book and said, "You're here!"Noelle nodded. "Are you feeling any better?""A lot better!"Noelle had visited Harrison a few times since what happened before, but they had just exchanged hellos without much small talk. They both knew without saying that it was not the time to discuss their relationship or Noelle returning to the Smith family.Harrison had asked Ellis to bring Noelle over today, so she thought he had something important to discuss. She was right. As soon as she sat down, Harrison said, "I've agreed to what you asked for!"Noelle blinked, confused for a moment. "What are you agreeing to?"Harrison closed his book and looked at her with a serious expression. "You said you'd come back to us if I didn't associate with Shirley anymore. I agree to that!"Noelle stared at him, hardly believing what she was hearing.She could not
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
With those thoughts, Liliana felt more determined than ever.She held onto Keith's hand tightly, her lips trembling a little. "Does it really not matter to you that I don't like you right now?""It does matter," Keith replied earnestly. "Liliana, I want you to give me your whole heart in the future." He confessed, "I'm actually quite selfish. I like you a lot, and I want you to like me back.""Alright!" Liliana nodded firmly. "I'll work hard to like you more."Keith smiled at her promise, gently squeezing her cheek. "You've been eating too little these days. You need to eat more and get a bit healthier for our baby's sake. It's better for the little one." He opened the lunch box, but the smell made Liliana's throat uneasy, and her stomach turned.Keith noticed her discomfort right away and came closer, full of concern. "Liliana, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"After a moment of queasiness, Liliana grabbed Keith's hand to steady herself. "I'm okay. I just felt a little sick
"Sean has always seen me as a sister. My last name is Hoffman, but I'm not really part of the family. I'm just a Hoffman by name, and the Hoffmans... Well, they're not really my family."When I was little, kids made fun of me because of where I came from. They bullied me at school. But Sean was my hero and stood up for me. It's kind of funny, isn't it? He was just trying to help, and I went and fell head over heels for him. I knew he thought of me as a sister, but I couldn't help wishing for more."Sean's mom never liked me. I figured that out pretty quick. I kept telling myself to stop liking Sean, but you can't always choose how you feel."When I was sixteen, a big mix-up led to Sean and me... Well, we got really close. After that, things got awkward between us. We only started to patch things up recently, but then..." Liliana's mind flashed back to that day in Cascade City, and she balled her hands into fists. "Keith, am I a bad person?""Don't talk like that, Liliana!"Keith
Savannah's face was twisted with displeasure. She stared at the young man who had appeared out of nowhere and saw how gently he cared for Liliana. His words had just metaphorically slapped her in the face.Savannah came from a respected family of scholars and was always admired. She could not believe someone would talk to her like that, especially not with the Smith family's reputation in Brookville.However, this young man was standing up to her for Liliana's sake. Savannah's chest rose and fell with her breath, a clear sign of her anger.Watching Savannah's reaction, Liliana knew Keith had made her mad. However, Savannah was too proud to lose her cool in public.Being stuck in bed was not helping anyone, so Liliana decided to get up. However, as soon as she threw off her blankets, Keith gently pushed her back down. "You're still not well. Stay put," he said with concern.Liliana gave Keith a grateful look. She knew he was just worried about her. Turning to Savannah, she said, "I
"How dare you!"Savannah was caught off guard. She never expected Liliana, who always seemed so sweet and frail, to speak up so boldly. It left her not knowing what to do next.She was not sure if the baby Liliana was carrying was Sean's. However, after hearing rumors about Liliana and Sean, Savannah had rushed to the hospital to dig up Liliana's medical records, and there it was—Liliana's report.Sean was so worried when Liliana had her accident. That was why Savannah was convinced there was something between them.She was determined to stop whatever was going on between Liliana and Sean. If Liliana would just listen, Savannah was willing to let bygones be bygones and have her end the pregnancy. However, if Liliana would not play along, Savannah knew she would have to find another way to keep her away from Sean.Savannah had run through every possible scenario in her mind on her way over, but she had not expected Liliana to stand her ground so fiercely, especially not when it cam
"Ma'am, what brings you here?"Liliana had a hunch that Savannah's visit was not coincidental. Central City Hospital was not the kind of place Savannah frequented.If she was ill, she could have visited Sean's hospital or asked Sean to come and see her. There was no reason for her to come to this hospital that was out of her way.Savannah had come straight to her ward, which made Liliana suspect something. Still, she kept her cool.After a few days in the hospital, Liliana was feeling much better. She could not take medicine, so she had been healing by eating healthy foods, and it showed.Keith was working all day and looking after her at night, which was wearing him out. Liliana had just told him to take a break when, by chance, Savannah showed up.Savannah kept a watchful eye on Liliana. It had been ages since she last saw her, and back then, Liliana was just a kid. She had grown up, but her face still held onto that kid-like innocence. Today, though, something about her seemed
"Ms. Savannah, do you know Liliana?" Joanna could tell from Savannah's reaction that she must know Liliana. Her eyes grew more intense. "It looks like Sean really is Liliana's boyfriend."Savannah always frowned when she talked about Liliana. "She's not right for Sean," she would say with a huff. It was not that Liliana was mean or anything. Actually, it was the opposite—she was too nice. However, Savannah had never liked her, right from the start.When Sean was just a little kid, Savannah met Liliana. She was quiet and kept to herself, not really liking to be around people much. However, she always listened to Sean and stuck close to him.Savannah did not have a big problem with Liliana. She just did not like her and thought she was not the right girl for Sean.Liliana was part of the Hoffman family, but even after all these years, they never really accepted her. Even though Charles from the family was kind to her, she was still seen as someone who should not be talked about, like