Noelle pouted stubbornly. "I don't care. I just want to do it!""Alright, alright. You can do it." Charles stopped trying to reason with her. He had already figured out that Noelle did not actually need to make the stuffed pastry pockets. She just wanted to be part of the excitement.With so many people gathered, she was the only one unable to help with anything, and she was throwing a little tantrum about it. However, even that pouty attitude was undeniably cute.Kelly, watching the scene unfold, smiled warmly.Seated beside Tania, she leaned in and whispered, "Noelle is getting more and more spoiled."Tania chuckled. "It's true. When I was pregnant, I had my fair share of moods too."She paused, as if recalling something. "I wasn't much better than her, honestly."Kelly nodded with a soft laugh. "I believe it."Meanwhile, Linda was still struggling to make stuffed pastry pockets. Liliana had been patiently teaching her, but it was clear that Linda's hands were not meant for t
Charles and Peter might be good-looking, but they were already taken. Linda, naturally, did not stare too openly at them. However, when it came to Steven, she was far less reserved.Steven quickly noticed the unrestrained gaze on him. Lifting his head casually, he met Liliana's direct stare. There was no trace of admiration or attraction in her eyes—just a calculating, almost predatory curiosity.Of course, Linda was not actually interested in Steven in that way. The reason she watched him so intently was because there was something about his presence, an aura that felt both familiar and foreign to her.However, Steven barely spared her a glance before looking away. It was as if he had not seen her at all. Linda huffed softly and withdrew her gaze, shifting her attention to Sean instead.Sean might not have been on the same level as the Holts when it came to medicine, but his skills were still decent.Resting her chin on her hand, Linda studied Sean openly. He quickly noticed her
No one had expected Linda to ask such a question, and for a moment, the atmosphere grew awkward. Liliana clearly had not anticipated being singled out either.She froze, hesitating for a long moment without responding, though her hands moved even faster. It was obvious—she had no intention of discussing anything related to Sean.However, Linda had no plans of letting Sean off so easily. "Liliana, you know Mr. Smith, don't you?" she pressed. "I get the feeling he's a bit of a playboy, right?"Liliana was growing visibly impatient, and she finally lifted her gaze. She was naturally a reserved person, never one to draw attention in a crowd.She was often so quiet that people could overlook her presence. Today, however, Linda had made her the center of attention.Plus, it was not just Linda—everyone else was just as curious about her relationship with Sean.Sean kept his eyes fixed on Liliana, holding onto a sliver of hope. If she said anything—anything at all—that suggested there wa
However, Sean's eyes never left Liliana. After a long pause, he stood up. "I'm heading out for a bit."Without glancing at her again, he walked past everyone and left Phoenix Tree Residence.Liliana kept her head down. She clenched her hands into tight fists, silently forcing herself to stay composed. It took a long moment before she finally loosened her grip.Noelle and Tania had noticed everything. They could tell Liliana was suppressing her emotions, but this was her choice, and there was nothing they could do about it. Still, both of them instinctively glanced toward the door.Sean had always carried himself with an easygoing, carefree demeanor. It was rare to see him serious or composed. Yet Tania knew that whenever he was around Liliana, there was always a storm brewing beneath his facade. Liliana had been afraid of him back then, yet she could not seem to stop herself from getting closer.Even at the time, Tania had felt that Liliana and Sean were not suited for each othe
However, after that day, the little girl never left him alone.From that point on, every time Sean saw Liliana, he found her presence increasingly annoying until…Sean narrowed his eyes at the memory. It was not until the day Liliana left the Hoffmans as a teenager.He still remembered that night vividly. Liliana had waited for him outside his school, standing there for hours before finally confessing her feelings.Sean was born into privilege, and he had everything—family status, talent, and an effortless charm that most could never compete with.He no longer remembered the exact words Liliana had said that night, but he remembered what he had told her."You? Do you think I'll ever fall for you? Don't ever show up in front of me again."Then, after that, she never did. She disappeared from his life like a flower growing on the side of the road—insignificant and not even worth remembering.The next time he saw her was when Peter and Tania got together. He had barely recognized
Noelle could not help but laugh at Charles' childish complaint. "They're your sister and nephew, and you look so unwilling."Charles frowned. "They're interrupting our time together as a couple."Noelle found it amusing that Charles seemed even more particular about these things than she was."What do you mean, as a couple? Did you forget I'm carrying two more in here?" she teased, nudging him playfully before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Alright, go take a shower. We've had a long day.""Let's shower together," Charles said, holding her hand firmly and looking at her with determination.Noelle's face flushed, and she quickly pulled her hand back. "No way! I'm showering alone.""Be good. Listen to me," Charles coaxed.At seven months pregnant, Noelle's belly was round like a ball, making Charles constantly worried. There was no way he would let her bathe alone. What if she slipped or bumped into something? He would never forgive himself.Seeing the rare seriousness in h
Tania shot Peter a sharp glare. "Are these the kinds of things you tell a child?" She reached out and pulled Brandon into her arms. "Brandon, I was just chatting with Noelle. I would never leave you. Remember? I told you before that Liliana and Noelle are like my sisters. Do you still remember?"She sat down with Brandon on her lap and gently pinched his cheeks. "You're so cute. How could I ever leave you?""But what about Dad…" Brandon's voice carried a hint of worry. He was still afraid his mother might abandon him.Tania chuckled. "Your dad's brain is broken. Don't take him seriously."As she spoke, she began helping Brandon take off his clothes. "Be good, Brandon. Let's get you cleaned up, okay?""Okay!" Brandon's face instantly lit up again. Before hopping off, he even shot Peter a triumphant look, his bright eyes sparkling as if to say, "See, Dad? Mom is giving me a bath, but not you!"Peter's narrowed eyes gleamed with amusement. He tapped his fingers lightly on the tabl
Brandon glanced at Peter and added, "Dad, you're a man too! You have to bathe by yourself. You can't let Mom do it for you!"Peter's mouth twitched. "When did I ever ask your mom to bathe me?""Hmph, don't think I don't know! You've asked Mom to bathe with you several times. You're already a grown-up, but you act like a little kid!" Brandon lifted his small chin proudly. Alright, alright. I get it. You're just lonely. Come on, Dad, let's take a bath together!"With that, Brandon grabbed Peter's hand and dragged him toward the bathroom.Tania watched the father and son disappear into the bathroom and could not hold back her laughter.Peter had tried to trick his son, but in the end, he had fallen into his own trap.Tania shook her head with a mix of amusement and helplessness. She figured Peter was only pushing Brandon to bathe himself to encourage his independence, so she did not dwell on it.Just then, she remembered Liliana's earlier mood and let out a soft sigh.'Forget it,'
"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