"Is that the right thing to say?" Peter sneered, "Sean, you weren't the studious type in school, were you?"Peter finished speaking and walked away directly. Sean raised an eyebrow. "I wonder, Peter, are you jealous? Are you?"…On Charles' end, when he heard the manager say that Peter had sent over a bottle of wine, he raised an eyebrow. "They left?""Yes, they just left. Mr. Lennon said he had something else to attend to." The manager glanced at Noelle again, still unable to believe what Sean had said. This woman was actually Charles' wife?When Noelle heard that Peter had sent over the wine but left, she had a good impression of Peter. She thought he was a person who knew how to carry himself.However, Charles' dark eyes showed a flash of light as he sharply glanced at the manager, who immediately withdrew his gaze and awkwardly left the room."Your friend seems quite decent!""Decent?" Charles raised an eyebrow. "Naturally, he is decent." Such good wine, and he was willing
Seeing Charles nod, Noelle understood. She then glanced at Ian's reaction and raised an eyebrow, saying, "So, Curio Corner is actually yours?"Charles laughed and gestured for Ronald and Ian to leave. After they left, he opened the painting and examined it. "Is it very strange?"Noelle pursed her lips and gave Charles a sideways glance. "So, the gift you gave my grandfather before was another one of your tricks?" Noelle could not quite describe her feelings; she was not exactly angry.Seeing that Charles seemed completely unbothered, she could not muster any real anger and simply asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"Charles gave her a meaningful look. His long fingers brushed over the painting as he tapped it. "You walked into the shop yourself. I was planning to find another way, but you ended up going to Curio Corner." Charles chuckled."I've never minded what means I use, as long as the result is good." His eyes, which were filled with light, fell on Noelle. They were spark
"Please come in!" May's eyes shone with satisfaction, which made Noelle happy as well. However, she remembered that her grandfather seemed somewhat displeased about their marriage.She glanced at Charles, intending to pull her hand away from his, but Charles held on firmly.May saw this and felt genuinely happy. "Ms. Noelle, why don't you and your husband go and have a chat with Sir Jones? He often talks about you when you're not around. I'll go make your favorite casserole.""Really? The seafood casserole?" Noelle's eyes sparkled. "Thank you, May!"Charles handed Noelle a pair of shoes to change into, then changed his own. After that, he led her into the living room while holding her hand.Sebastian had already heard their conversation and was eagerly waiting for them. However, when they finally came in, he pretended to be reading the newspaper. In fact, he was not actually reading a single word.Holding Charles' hand, Noelle saw her grandfather pretending to read the newspaper
After Noelle left with the thermos, Charles turned his gaze back to Sebastian's piercing eyes, which seemed capable of seeing through one's soul.Charles smiled calmly, unfazed by the intense scrutiny. How about a game of chess, sir?"Sebastian snorted but stood up nonetheless. "Fine. Let's go to the study."Charles followed Sebastian, his smile unwavering. Despite his age, Sebastian was still spry, moving with a youthful vigor. Once they reached the study, Charles easily found the chessboard and set it up, waiting for Sebastian to join him.Sebastian glanced at Charles. "Don't think that just because Noelle spoke up for you, I've forgiven you. Noelle is my granddaughter, and I know her temperament well.""You're right, sir," Charles replied, setting up the chess pieces. "I've always known of your skill in chess since our school days. How about you give me a two-piece advantage?""You wish!" Sebastian shot Charles a sideways glance. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Wh
That evening, when they returned, Noelle kept asking Charles about what had transpired between him and Sebastian.Previously, Noelle had sensed that although her grandfather did not voice it, he was quite displeased with their decision to marry before informing him. Yet, after Charles played a game of chess with him, Sebastian seemed to change his mind and even appeared to be in a good mood.During dinner, Sebastian ate two whole plates and kept serving Charles more food, a privilege even Noelle had not experienced.When Charles was busy, Noelle took the opportunity to ask her grandfather what he had discussed with Charles and assured him that her marriage with Charles would be happy.In response, Sebastian knocked on her head, saying, "You've quickly forgotten your roots." He remarked that she was already siding with Charles just after getting married.However, Sebastian's tone lacked any anger, and he seemed quite relieved. Noelle could tell that her grandfather had accepted the
Reflecting on it, Noelle realized that during her time with Xavier, they had never done anything truly intimate that couples usually did.She could not help but chuckle softly and shook her head, mocking herself for only now recognizing the issues in her relationship with Xavier after so long."What are you laughing at?" Charles noticed the melancholic expression on Noelle's face. With one hand on the steering wheel, he gently squeezed her hand with the other. "Not interested in watching the movie?"Noelle shook her head. "No, I just suddenly remembered some things from the past and realized how foolish I was before."Charles raised an eyebrow, immediately sensing Noelle's emotions. He patted the back of her hand. "There's no need to dwell on the past. Your present is much better."Noelle looked up, smiling softly. "Don't worry about me. I was just having a moment of reflection." She was very aware of her situation and feelings.She was much better now compared to before. "Are yo
Charles was a student he had personally mentored, and he trusted both his knowledge and character.The reason he felt secure entrusting Noelle to Charles was partly due to Charles's status. Marrying Charles meant Noelle would have a strong support system, ensuring she would be well taken care of even after he was gone. He believed Charles would look after Noelle very well.Sebastian thought about this as he took a book from the shelf, which held a photograph. The picture had aged, showing a young, vibrant girl in a floral dress, her smile radiant as her dress fluttered in the wind.Sebastian touched the girl's face in the photo, tears streaming down his cheeks.As she stood by the door, May saw Sebastian and sighed. After a while, she knocked and entered. "Sir, it's time for your medicine and rest."Sebastian came back to reality, placing the photo back in the book and wiping away his tears. "Alright."…After leaving the cinema, Noelle and Charles felt a bit reluctant for the e
Time passed quickly, and it was soon the end of the month. The Shaw family and the Harris family were busy preparing for Xavier and Winter's wedding. It had been a while since Winter had been with Royal Star, and her new show was starting to get promoted. Winter received news that the shooting would begin in the middle of next month.Winter's wedding was on the third day of the next month, and she had started trying out wedding dresses as she had scheduled her timing accordingly. However, compared to Winter's enthusiasm, Xavier was blase about the wedding.His wedding with Winter had happened too suddenly, and Xavier had not completely given up on Noelle. Xavier also could not get over how Winter had her hands on Samuel's shares. When Winter was trying on wedding dresses, she tried to convince Xavier to come along several times, but Xavier kept pushing it off by claiming he was busy with work. Winter was annoyed and upset about it.Winter felt that Xavier was acting that way because
"Keith!”Keith's parents and Jacy rushed to his side. They saw him struggling and quickly pulled him to his feet.Liliana watched, her eyes filled with worry. "Sean, stop fighting. I'm begging you." Keith stood no chance against Sean, and it could end really badly."Keith, stay back. He..." She thought to herself, 'He might actually kill you.'Keith shrugged off his parents' hands and walked toward Sean, full of stubbornness. "Sean, do you even realize what you're doing? Liliana's going to have a baby, and you could hurt her. If you're mad, take it out on me, but leave Liliana alone.""You? You think you're up to it?" Sean glared at Keith. "You think you can take me on?"Keith's hands turned into fists. "I don't know if I can beat you, but I've got to try.""Don't, Keith," Liliana pleaded, shaking her head. She had given up hope. She should have known what Sean was like from the moment she fell for him.She had been too naive, thinking she could just stop loving him and ignore
That question was all Liliana could think about. She clenched her fists and swallowed hard. "No. I already told you the baby isn't yours. If you want a child so badly, find someone else to have one with you."She tried to escape, but Sean grabbed her hands and pinned her against the wall. His eagle-like eyes fixed on her. "The baby isn't mine? Really, Liliana, you dare to say that?""No—Mhm!"Liliana had not even finished her sentence when Sean clamped his hand over her mouth. "Since when did you become such a liar?""Let me go!" Liliana was furious and frantic, trying to kick Sean, but he pinned her legs with his knee and glared into her eyes. "You're coming with me.""I won't!"Sean ignored Liliana's protests and struggles. He twisted her arms behind her and dragged her out of the hotel.Liliana had no idea what Sean was up to, but she kept fighting. "Sean, you're crazy! Let go of me! Let me go!""You're hurting me, Sean...""Release her!"Keith had rushed to the hotel on
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 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
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 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
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