James' help would be ideal. Charter Corporation wasn't really in a good situation at the moment, and selling that building would surely be beneficial to the future of the company. However, Summer didn't want to owe James any favors. "We have our own ways of expanding the company, James. Your help would be nice, but I think—""I'm not helping you without any reason," James interrupted Summer. "It would be more accurate to say that I'm helping Charter Corporation as a form of compensation."Summer didn't understand that. What did he have to compensate for? When she asked James, he answered, "I learned about how my mom used the Quigleys' influence to have the authorities inspect Charter Corporation. I feel very guilty, so this land purchase is compensation for that.""So that's why." After he brought the incident up, it surfaced in Summer's memory. Caroline had had the authorities inspect Charter Group just to intimidate her. She'd been really worried about it.So, that was why
"This is a wedding ring. Until now, you haven't worn a wedding ring." James wasn't wrong. Although Summer and James were already married, they didn't have wedding rings. Summer's ring finger was still bare. But, after a moment of consideration, Summer rejected James' ring. "I know that we're already married, but I can't wear this ring. You should know why." "Because you haven't fallen for me?" "Yes, I haven't," Summer replied. Those were her honest feelings. She did have positive feelings about him, and they were gradually increasing, like a budding flower. However, the flower hadn't bloomed yet. It still needed time to grow. Thus, Summer couldn't accept his ring. Upon hearing that, a downcast look appeared on James' face. In fact, he had spent a fair bit of effort choosing that ring. He had even sought a few female employees' opinions at the company. He had only purchased the ring after they had told him that it was a good choice. In the end, his proposal had faile
In the end, Summer had no other choice but to comply. But she wasn't going to do that without contesting. Moreover, she was a quick-witted woman. So, she took the opportunity to go to the washroom. When she was there, she made a call to James to explain her predicament to him. "This is bad, James. You should come back quickly. Your mother wants me to take me for a pregnancy check-up!" Summer spoke with urgency. In fact, she should have informed James about this last night. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about it.She briefed him frantically over the phone. She wasn't even sure if he had managed to catch everything she'd said. James' reaction was surprisingly calm. He answered coldly, "Okay. I'll make my way back now. I'll leave it to you to stall Mom for now." He hung up immediately after, without any hesitation. But that triggered Summer. He had asked her to stall Caroline. Would that even be possible? Caroline's very presence made Summer feel extremely uneasy.Finding
Summer had two bodyguards following her too. She had no choice but to follow Caroline out obediently. There were two black cars parked at the front of the Quigley residence. Caroline was already in one of the cars. She raised an eyebrow and urged Summer, "Hurry up." "Coming," Summer replied. She sauntered over. At the same time, she looked all around her to see if there was anyone approaching the manor. She wanted to check if James was indeed coming over. She kept scanning her surroundings, but she didn't see any other cars approaching. She supposed that James wouldn't be able to make it back in time. Caroline had been waiting in the car for a while now. She warned, "What are you still doing? Get in, quick." "Alright." Although Summer assented verbally, she had no intention of getting in the car. James wasn't there yet. If she were to go in the car, wouldn't she just be headed straight for the hospital? Summer bit her lip. She had no other option but to resort to the
With Caroline at the door now, any further delays from Summer could result in the washroom door getting kicked down. Hence, Summer immediately walked out without wasting another second. Caroline stood outside the door, her expression stormy. She was seething with anger like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode. Sensing that she was about to get scolded, Summer spoke up before Caroline could begin. "I'm sorry, Mom. It's all my fault. I'll go with you to the hospital right now," Summer said. Caroline had been gearing up to give Summer a piece of her mind. However, just as she was about to speak, Summer offered a sincere apology.Somehow, the apology made Caroline's anger subside, even though she was on the verge of unleashing her wrath. If she lashed out at that moment, it would make her look petty. After all, Summer had apologized so humbly. With a huff, Caroline turned around and left. As they walked, she warned, "Don't you dare come up with stomach aches or any othe
Caroline finally asked the question. Although Summer was ready for it, talking about it still made her feel embarrassed. "Of course we did," she replied. Despite having been in relationships before, she had always maintained her virginity. She hadn't crossed that line, even with Hank. Hence, bringing up the topic with Caroline, even indirectly, felt awkward. Caroline wasn't surprised when she noticed Summer's discomfort. Most women were reserved about such matters, and Caroline herself was conservative. Normally, she wouldn't broach such topics. However, something felt off. After all, James and Summer had been married for a while now. Summer should have started showing signs of pregnancy by now. So, why hadn't she become pregnant yet? Trying to console Caroline, Summer said, "Mom, remember how the doctor mentioned that signs of pregnancy might not show up right away? There's really no need to rush this."She had meant to comfort Caroline, yet her words only fueled t
Fewer vehicles tended to pass by on the highway, so it made sense that James and Charlie hadn't been able to flag down a ride and had to run back. At first, Summer had harbored some resentment for James. She blamed him for asking her to delay Caroline, only to fail to show up himself. When she learned about the car accident, she decided to forgive him. Still, she couldn't shake her curiosity about why his phone had been busy when she had called him multiple times. It had even been switched off later on. James explained that he had been dealing with work during the car ride. Since he'd needed to rush back, handling things over the phone was the only way he could complete his work. His phone had turned off later because it had gotten thrown around during the accident and gotten damaged. His explanation cleared up Summer's confusion about the automated messages she'd received when she'd tried to call him. Now that everything had been clarified, Summer was relieved.Then, she
Yet, Summer found herself being that fool. Despite knowing how wonderful James was, she maintained a certain distance from him. In truth, she was in a dilemma. She desired to deepen her relationship with James, yet she feared getting too close to him. Perhaps it was a result of her past relationships and the impact they'd had on her. She couldn't shake the feeling that men couldn't be fully trusted. Whenever she placed her trust in them completely, she ended up getting hurt. From her current perspective, James surpassed Hank by leaps and bounds. James treated her extremely well. If she had to find fault with him, it would be that he could sometimes seem a bit distant, but other than that, he was perfect. "James, if you keep treating me this way, I might actually fall for you," Summer blurted out suddenly. James' pupils contracted upon hearing this. He was momentarily taken aback. Then, he replied, "Summie, I'll take care of you unconditionally for the rest of my life. Y