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
"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
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
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
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
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 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
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's cheeks turned pink as she nodded, even though she was not really cold. "Uh-huh!"Sean finished tending to the wound, put the medicine box away, and looked over to see Liliana sitting up straight like an elementary school student. A warm feeling washed over him."Do you want to stay here with Bobby, or should I take you home?""No way. I'll stay with Bobby!" After everything that happened tonight, Liliana was too worried to leave Bobby alone in the hospital room. Who knew what could happen during the night?Sean's expression darkened a bit. "Don't worry. Nothing like this will happen again." After all, Bobby was in his hospital, and he was responsible for the boy's safety.Liliana shook her head. "No. It's not your fault."Xenia was out to hurt someone, and she would take any chance she got, no matter where Bobby was. You could never be too careful, and who would have guessed Xenia would go after a child?Liliana had no idea what might have happened if Liliana had not n
Liliana gave Sean a stern look. "It's time for Bobby to go to bed.""But Mom, I'm not tired yet!" Bobby said, tilting his head and blinking his big, adorable eyes, which almost made Liliana melt."It's bedtime, no matter what. It's really late," Liliana insisted. She tucked Bobby into bed. After he fell asleep, she turned around to find Sean still there. She frowned. "Why are you still here?"Sean's smile faded as he walked over with big steps and grabbed Liliana's wrist. Ignoring her wishes, he started to lead her outside.Liliana was upset by Sean's actions and tried to pull away, but Sean held on tight. He even warned her, "If you want to wake everyone up, go ahead and yell."Feeling trapped, Liliana glared at Sean and whispered angrily, "What do you want?"Sean did not answer. He just kept walking and pulling her along.Liliana had no choice but to follow. At least Sean was considerate enough to slow down for her shorter steps.Sean took Liliana to his office, opened the do
Liliana blushed and rolled her eyes at Bobby.Sean chuckled. "That's because I'm a grown-up.""I'm a grown-up too!" Bobby declared, standing tall and puffing out his chest with pride. "Right, Mr. Smith?""Sure, you’re a big boy now," Sean agreed, playfully tapping Bobby's nose.Liliana's brow furrowed with concern. "Mr. Smith, it's getting late. Bobby needs to go to bed."She reached to take Bobby from Sean, but Sean was quicker and gently held her hand. His eyes briefly showed some worry as he noticed the scratches on her hand. "I should have done more than just kick her."Liliana's cheeks warmed as she pulled her hand away, a bit flustered. "I'm okay, and you did kick her, remember? She even coughed up a lot of blood!"Liliana thought the kick must have been super strong. Although she was not the one who was kicked, the pain looked so bad that she winced.Sean saw her reaction and let out a small laugh. "Don't worry. I never hit women, and I definitely would never hit you."
Xenia was sprawled on the ground, her eyes filled with bitterness and spite as she glared at Liliana.She had always despised Samara, but right then, her hatred for Liliana burned even fiercer.Samara was gone, and Yankel was her husband. If Liliana and Bobby had not shown up, she might have stayed hidden away in the cozy world she had made for herself. However, she never imagined Liliana would come along with Bobby.Bobby was the son Yankel's favorite woman had given him. Xenia could not stand it. Yankel was hers and hers alone. She would not let anyone take him from her.Sean's eyes were narrow slits, shining with a dangerous light. Yankel read the warning in them. "Mr. Smith, Xenia is still my wife, at least officially."Yankel felt he had to remind Sean, who frowned slightly, then listened as Yankel said, "I'll handle this."Sean raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Well, that makes things easier for me."Yankel nodded back. "Come in!" Someone entered, standing behind him. Yankel
Liliana did not see it coming when Xenia lunged at her. She had just released Yankel's wheelchair when Xenia's hand left a stinging scratch on her own.Liliana took a sharp breath and dodged Xenia's next move. She glared at Xenia. "You've got it all wrong. I may not be pretty, but that doesn't mean guys are just waiting to chase after me." Certainly not Yankel, who only had Samara in his heart.Liliana's eyes were icy as she faced Xenia. "I don't care about your drama with Yankel, but let me make one thing clear: if anyone hurts Bobby, they'll have to answer to me. That goes for you and Yankel too, if he tries anything."With that, Liliana walked by Xenia to check on Bobby, who seemed to be stirring from his sleep.Liliana rushed forward, completely missing the sight of Xenia coming at her once more."Liliana, it's all your fault! Y-you mean girl—""Watch out!" Yankel spotted Xenia heading straight for Liliana and tried to intervene, but it was too late.However, someone else wa
In the dim room, the woman's face twisted with malice, making her look even more frightening."Haha! Samara, I never thought you'd still be haunting me. You refuse to leave me alone even after death. I’m Yankel's wife, for now and forever, and what are you?"You say you're gone, so why didn't you leave for good?"You're brother and sister. How could you do something so wrong and be with your own brother?"And now you've even left this little troublemaker."Samara, since you won't leave me alone, I won't be nice anymore."With those words, she reached for Bobby's neck as he slept. "Go die! Go to hell and be with your dead mother!"Suddenly, with a click, the light in the hospital room turned on.The woman, who was about to strangle Bobby, jerked her head up, startled by the light.She had not managed to grab Bobby's neck and stumbled back two steps, looking towards the door in terror. "Yankel..."There stood Yankel, his face dark with anger and his piercing eyes fixed on Xenia
Liliana turned and saw Yankel looking at her. She felt a bit shy and brushed her hair aside. "Mr. Canfield, let's talk outside," she suggested.Yankel looked at Bobby, who was fast asleep, and nodded. "Okay!"Liliana saw that Yankel needed help, so she gently pushed him out of the room.They did not go far, just out to the hallway outside the hospital room.Liliana paused for a moment before looking at Yankel with a serious expression. "Have you noticed that Bobby seems really scared of Xenia?"Yankel's brow creased as he thought about how Bobby had acted in the hospital room. He stayed quiet."I'm not implying anything bad. I raised Bobby, and he's definitely not scared of me. Mr. Canfield, you saw for yourself that Bobby doesn't push you away," Liliana said, her point clear. There were only the three of them in the hospital room earlier—Bobby could not be afraid of Yankel or Liliana, which left only Xenia.Yankel's frown deepened. "That can't be right. She was the one who su
Once Xenia had left, Bobby, who had been so tense and frightened, finally let himself relax. Liliana watched Bobby with a hint of doubt, then glanced at Xenia walking away. Her brow stayed knitted with concern.Yankel had no idea what Liliana was pondering. He was just thrilled to have some alone time with his son. This boy was his and Samara's, their only child together. Now, Bobby was his sole focus in life. Yankel could not quite put into words the swirl of emotions he felt.Samara was gone, and Bobby was the last link he had to her.Yankel's eyes, deep and filled with warmth, rested on Bobby. Bobby might not have known Yankel well or felt comfortable around him yet, but he was starting to understand a lot more these days.Liliana had explained to him that Yankel was his real dad. She had gently told him that his real mom was in Heaven, a place of beauty.Bobby was not sure what Heaven was, but he thought it must be a really nice place. Liliana had told him that everyone would
Bobby spoke those two sentences in a very soft voice, leaning in close to Liliana's ear. Neither Yankel nor Xenia could hear him.Liliana's heart skipped a beat, and she looked at Yankel and Xenia with a worried look in her eyes.Yankel looked puzzled and a bit mad. Xenia, on the other hand, looked away when Liliana tried to catch her eye, so Liliana could not read her face.Turning back to Bobby, Liliana gently wiped the tears from his chubby cheeks and whispered, "I'm right here. I won't leave you." Then, she turned to Yankel and said, "Mr. Canfield, I'll just stay over here, okay? I promise I won't get in the way of your time with Bobby."Yankel was not happy about it, but he knew he did not have much choice with Bobby being so upset.Bobby was his son, but he had always been with Liliana. She had raised him. Trying to separate them then would probably make things worse.Yankel nodded. "Okay, but it might hold you up a bit."Liliana smiled. "It's no problem at all. It’s my jo