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
Summer felt embarrassed as she listened to James talk about it so casually. Despite this, James remained expressionless, as if they were discussing the most mundane topic. Turning her body, Summer asked, "Why would you say something like that? It's so weird.""I said it so that my mother wouldn't scold you," James replied. Summer immediately understood James' intention. By claiming he was busy with work, he had shifted all blame onto himself so that Caroline wouldn't hold Summer accountable. As Summer thought about that, she realized that James genuinely cared for her. He consistently took her feelings into consideration.But that was also his responsibility as her husband. After all, he had chosen to marry her.Although they had temporarily soothed Caroline's anger, Summer couldn't shake her worries. The topic of pregnancy would undoubtedly come up again sooner or later. If she didn't get pregnant soon, Caroline would definitely pressure her more. Hence, the most straightfo
Summer had been aware of the tension between Howe and Susanne for some time, but she had chosen not to address it. After all, it was an unspoken understanding, and speaking of it seemed futile. However, Howe had presented an intriguing proposition. He wanted to join hands with Summer and drive Susanne away from the house. Susanne's continued presence at the Quigley residence only meant that she would come up with more schemes against Summer. With Caroline in the mix, Summer couldn't afford to deal with Susanne as well. So, it was best to get rid of her quickly. Yet, as Summer contemplated Howe's proposal, she hesitated. Firstly, Susanne had ceased acting maliciously against Summer. At the very least, she had vowed not to directly endanger Summer's life any further. Secondly, there was the matter of how trustworthy Howe was. Despite his warm and affable demeanor, Summer couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't to be underestimated. Nobody in the Quigley family was naive
"Aren't you afraid of what Susanne might do to you next?" Howe asked. "I'm not afraid," Summer replied coldly, then turned to go downstairs. Howe remained rooted in place, his face tense with hesitation. Realizing that Summer was truly about to leave, he urgently called out, "Summer, wait. There's something I can share with you. It's a secret between Susanne and me." "Oh?" Summer feigned confusion, though she had already guessed what Howe was about to say. He was probably going to tell her about the incident 15 years ago, when he had cruelly pushed Susanne away and escaped from the stray dogs alone. It was the incident that had made Howe's relationship with Susanne deteriorate rapidly. As expected, Howe told her about the incident. He let out a frustrated sigh. "This is why I avoid being around Susanne. She holds a grudge against me, and I purposefully keep my distance from her at home. Also… I'm afraid that she might suddenly fall ill." Howe was indeed cautious. Fi
When Summer saw how sincere Howe was, she had no choice but to agree."I understand. I'll help you. So, I just need to follow your instructions, right?" Summer asked. "Yes, follow my instructions. At 7:00 pm tonight, find a reason to take Susanne to a spot six miles away out in the countryside. Once she's inside the tent, she'll realize it's best to leave this house," Howe explained. Summer nodded attentively. Her curiosity was piqued about what lay inside the tent.Was it really capable of making Susanne leave the Quigley residence of her own volition? She would need to wait until that night to find out whether it would work or not.… As evening descended, the sky was filled with clouds. Summer made her way to Susanne's room to ask her out. "Susanne, are you free tonight?" Summer asked gently. Susanne was dressed in a white skirt and a blouse that bared her shoulders. Her features were delicate and clear. She looked at Summer with a hint of suspicion. "Do you need som
Summer needed to find an excuse to make Susanne believe there was a reason for her invitation. She wanted to create the impression that she needed to talk to someone after being continuously bullied by Caroline. Hence, she'd said those words before making her exit. To her surprise, Susanne bought her ruse. Susanne stopped Summer, saying, "Wait a minute, Summer." "Is there something else?" Summer asked. "If you need someone to accompany you, I can join. I don't have to be with my dad tonight," Susanne said. Summer was pleased to hear Susanne agree to come along with her. Just then, Susanne suddenly made a chilling remark. "Summer, aren't you afraid that I might harm you? If it's just the two of us alone out there, who knows what I might do?" Summer shivered at Susanne's ominous words. While she had her concerns, she knew she had to take the risk to proceed with the plan. Besides, Susanne had promised not to harm her. So, she replied, "Susanne, don't joke like that. I c