Tania's half-smile remained. "And what's this, Mr. Langford?""Layla and I got married," Jordan announced, his gaze lingering on Tania as if she were a piece of exquisite art.Tania's smile faded a touch. "Well, congrats. I've been abroad for a few years, so I missed out on your big day.""Don't sweat it, Tania. Now that you're back, we'll have all the time in the world to catch up. You can always celebrate with Jordan and me at our wedding party later.""Is that so? Is Ms. Layla planning on walking down the aisle with Mr. Langford again?"Layla's face tensed up, and she gave Tania an awkward glance. "Sis, you've got it all wrong. I just...""Ms. Layla, just stick to calling me Tania. It's the name your dear mom graced me with, after all.""You..." Layla's complexion turned sour.The worst thing about her life was having Yasmin as a mother. She had no shame. If it were not for Yasmin, she would be living it up as the rightful heiress of the Hoffman family, not dealing with that
"They'll be up in a jiffy!" Noelle reassured Brandon, keeping an eye on the unfolding scene outside.Whatever Peter had said seemed to have left Jordan with a sour look as he and Layla made their exit. Both of them had peered into the car before leaving, and at the sight of Brandon, their faces told a tale of mixed emotions.Once Layla and Jordan had disappeared, Tania finally spun around and hopped into the car.Peter shot Tania a meaningful look before he got in too.Tania, catching sight of Brandon in his safety seat, looked momentarily surprised. Noelle was the one to break the silence. "Peter's always thinking ahead. I need to get a safety seat for Brandon too. It's just not safe without one!"Peter's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Lareal always says that babies are only safe in their car seats."Tania's gaze dropped, her mind seemingly full of thoughts.The moment they hit the mall, Brandon turned into an explorer, tugging Noelle along as he dashed from store to store,
Tania's face went from calm to stormy in a heartbeat when she heard those words. She glanced at Noelle, trying to figure out if she was messing with her on purpose. "You're such a tease, Noelle. I'm a married woman. There's no way I'd be a solo parent. My hubby might be super busy, but he’s as dedicated to Brandon as me!"Peter's grip on the steering wheel tightened just a notch when Tania brought up her husband, and his eyes clouded over with something dark and unreadable.Tania knew Peter's moods like the back of her hand because they went way back. The chilly vibe rolling off him was a dead giveaway that he was ticked off.She balled her hands into fists, took a deep breath, and insisted, "Trevon adores Brandon, and he adores me, too."However, before the words had even settled in the air, Peter slammed on the brakes. The tires screamed against the road, and Noelle, clutching Brandon, nearly flew forward.Noelle was ghost-white with shock, her eyes darting to Brandon in her arm
Noelle burst into giggles at the message from Charles."What's so funny?" Tania asked, glancing over with Peter. Both of them were curious."Oh, nothing. Just a joke from your brother," Noelle said, quickly hiding her phone and feigning interest in the scenery around them.Tania snorted. "My brother? Funny? That's the real joke!" She could not picture Charles as the comedic type.Tania did not let the issue bother her for too long. They all made it to Phoenix Tree Residence. With Brandon still sleepy, Tania scooped him up and headed upstairs to sleep.Meanwhile, Noelle was ready to whip up something amazing in the kitchen, which left Peter on his own. He lounged in the living room for a bit before heading upstairs too.In the guest room, Tania gently lulled Brandon to sleep, softly singing, "Twinkle, twinkle, little star… Up above the world so high..."Peter stood there, watching Tania as she slipped off her coat, her figure outlined by the snug knitted sweater. She kept singing
Tania's heart skipped a beat as Peter's grip on her chin sent a jolt of heat through her. That intense warmth from his touch was impossible to ignore.Staring into Peter's eyes, Tania was swamped by feelings she could not quite put into words. Three long years had passed, and they had not been kind to her. Nightmares often woke her up, replaying the worst moments over and over. When she needed him most, Peter was nowhere to be found. That kind of hurt builds up, and her bitterness toward him had only grown. The last blow hit too close to home, and she felt trapped.Peter's brow was knotted with concern as he watched Tania sink into deep grief. He could almost touch her sadness. "Tania?" he murmured her name so gently, but Tania recoiled like a startled deer, shoving Peter away. Her gaze was icy as she regained her composure. "Peter, I've told you before that we're done. We can never patch things up!"Tania turned and ran as if the ground were crumbling behind her. Peter stood there,
"Still be what?""I figured he'd be married with kids by now. H-he used to have someone, you know.""Used to?" Noelle was clearly puzzled. "You've got it all wrong. Peter's been waiting for you. He's been searching for you all these years. I don't know what went down between you two, but Peter would never have a crush on someone else!"Noelle was convinced of what she had seen herself. Peter was obviously hung up on Tania, or he would not have waited all those years.However, Tania seemed to dodge the topic, quickly steering the conversation elsewhere. "What about you and my brother? How'd you guys meet? And the Hoffmans... do they know about you?"Noelle hesitated for a moment. "You know, meeting Charles was like something out of a cheesy drama. He's been amazing to me. We kept our marriage under wraps at first, but now the Hoffmans are in the loop. Though, I guess you get it—I'm not exactly on great terms with the Hoffman family!"Tania burst into laughter. "It’s no big deal. Y
Sean was mid-sentence when he heard the purr of a car pulling up outside. His ears never missed a beat. "Charles is back," he announced.Then came a knock at the door. Sean sauntered over and swung it open. "Charles, man, you should know how to—Mr. Fischer?" His eyes popped in shock at the sight of Steven and the fiery woman at his side. " Little Firecracker?"Steven shot Sean a look. "What's the matter? Shocked to see me?"Feeling the sting of Steven's icy stare, Sean stiffened and quickly shook his head. "No way! Shocked? Ha! Come on in, Mr. Fischer. And, uh... Little Firecracker, you too?"Eloise ignored Sean, stepping past him with Steven.Sean smirked innocently and trailed after Eloise. "Come on, Little Firecracker, give me a little smile. We go way back! Aren't you even a little bit happy to see me?""You're so loud!" Eloise shot back, visibly annoyed. "Only a chatterbox like you could still be single!"Sean's mouth hung open, ready to retort, but her jab left him speechl
Eloise's hands balled into fists. "I'm going to check on the kitchen too!"With Eloise out of the room, Peter's lips quirked up. "You think the Naylors will really accept her?"Steven shot Peter a look. "There's nothing I can't handle," he said confidently."But she's innocent," Peter protested as he rose to his feet, giving Steven's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Mr. Fischer, there's more than one way to skin a cat, you know. It doesn't have to be...""My decisions are final!" Steven cut him off, shrugging off Peter's hand. "You should worry about yourself!" He paused before adding, "Didn't you say your third uncle is about to return? Sir Lennon had always preferred him. They only turned to you when he vanished. Peter, you can't sweat the small stuff when you're playing the long game."Peter's eyes dimmed with a touch of sadness. "I know." He had always known. Those were the years he had nearly walked away from it all, but they would not let him. "How's everything at the company?"
"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