Rue stepped outside upon hearing the commotion in the courtyard. She was instantly delighted to see Joanna and called out, “You’re back, Jojo!”Rue appeared to be well-acquainted with Joanna.When Samantha and Joanna were establishing Bailar, she would often visit Samantha’s house. She had even stayed over a few times.Rue knew that Joanna had experienced a lot of hardships too. She was deprived of a mother’s love since she was a child so Rue always treated Joanna like she was her own.Joanna said smilingly, “It’s been a long time since we last met, Mdm. Rue. I’m sorry I didn’t get you a gift. I was in such a hurry to get back. I promise I’ll get you one next time.”Rue beamed as she looked at Joanna. “You’ve been abroad for a few years. I almost couldn’t recognize you. You’ve become prettier and look even more like Sam’s sister now.”“You’re mistaken, ma’am. Sam and I have been sisters from the start!” Joanna said proudly.“Come inside, come inside. I’ll go get some ingredients
The truth was, Joanna was the eldest daughter of the famous DuPont family of Northrive, and she was also known as the most beautiful woman there.She had been born with a golden spoon in their mouth and grew up pampered. However, her adolescent years proved to be rather unhappy due to her relationship with her family.Joanna’s mother was riddled with illnesses, and failed to bear another child after Joanna was born, hence why she was the only child of her family. In fact, it was because of this that her mother held no status in the family. Being unable to bear a son was the reason Joanna’s father would frequently lash out at his wife in anger, and this matter also put a great strain on their marriage.Later on, Joanna’s mother was sent to live overseas, while Joanna was forced to stay behind. Despite her numerous attempts to find her mother after she grew up, Joanna’s father would stop all such attempts.Later on, she applied to study at Southrive University and succeeded, where sh
“I’ve seen many cases like this. There are people in every city who behave this way. Your mother was dealt a tough hand. There was nothing she could’ve done to change it.” Adrian interrupted.“You’re right,” Joanna replied, “My mother may have had a tough life, but she loved me very much and missed me every single day. Before she died, she asked me to stay overseas and not return home. If I ever did, the DuPonts would surely use me for a political marriage and force me into marrying someone I don’t love.”Adrian smiled and said, “The son of a higher-up in Northrive’s Internal Affairs, eh? That would make this man as powerful as the ten battle warriors.“The battle warriors are mainly tasked with international affairs, such as being responsible for the battles at the outlands. Meanwhile, Internal Affairs is tasked with national duties such as management. “However, your father trying to get you to marry the son of someone in Internal Affairs for his own benefit could go both ways, d
‘H-He’s War Legate Draco?’Joanna was dumbfounded, unable to find the words to say.Samantha looked at Joanna with a rather smug-looking smile on her face as Adrian stood up and headed for his room.When he was no longer in the living room, Joanna finally got a grasp of the situation and looked at Samantha. “You’re kidding, right? Is he really the legate?”Samantha nodded her head in all seriousness. “I’m not pulling your leg, Adrian really is the legate. So, while he’s here, there’s nothing for you to be worried about. He will help you get out of this no matter what.”Joanna was extremely shocked. The thought of Samantha’s husband as such an important person had never once crossed her mind.“Oh, my God! You’re a really lucky woman, Sam! You’ve netted yourself the best man in the world! Do you have any idea what the countries in the outlands are saying about him?”“What?”Samantha had never been abroad, so she did not know much about what was happening outside. On the other han
Samantha smiled, thinking how God had played a great joke on her.Casting away her thoughts, she replied, “All right, that’s enough about him. Let’s go to the pool upstairs!”With a smile, Joanna said, “Okay!”Before they left, Joanna seemed to think of something and asked, “By the way, Sam. Does your husband need another woman in his life? Do you think I could fit in?”“I think you’re absolutely perfect for him. Why don’t you sleep with him tonight while I sleep on the couch?” Samantha said as she shot Joanna a glare.It was clear that the two best friends were just fooling around, judging by how they both smiled at one another after that.Samantha then brought Joanna to the sky garden on the rooftop. They splashed around in the pool in their swimwear. Through this, one could actually say that adulthood can be filled with happiness.Sometimes, happiness can be attained in simple ways.***The next day, Samantha brought Joanna with her to New Paraiso.Since Joanna had returne
Barry packed his things and headed for the operations base at Southrive for his three-month test, where his future under Adrian’s mentorship would be decided.Adrian, other than occasionally accompanying Juno on walks, spent the next few days recuperating. Juno was already able to walk without the help of a wheelchair. Although she was still using a crutch to get around, it was only a matter of time before she would be able to walk like a normal person.One day, a young man in a suit stood inside the best room a certain hotel had to offer, speaking on the phone. It was none other than Seth.“Yes, sir,” said an old man from the other end of the line.Seth asked, “What have you managed to find on Adrian Xander?”The old man replied, “I can confirm that he’s of no importance and isn’t from any major family. His father used to be the richest man in Swallowston, but as I said, used to be.”Naturally, Seth knew about Adrian’s past and even knew everything about Samantha.“What has he
“Oh, wow!”“It’s gorgeous!”Clara’s best friends were all attracted to her bangle.One of them said, “I envy you so much, Clara. Not only are you beautiful, but you’ve also landed yourself a rich fiance like Simon who gives you all kinds of gifts every day.”“She’s right, we all envy you so much!”Clara enjoyed having her ego stroked and was on cloud nine at that moment.She then said, “Please, it’s not like that. I was just a little luckier, that’s all.”Everyone then laughed together once more.Suddenly, a long-haired woman asked, “By the way, Clara… Do you know that Samantha, your younger cousin, has moved into a villa on Jewel Road?”“Jewel Road? Seriously?” Clara was instantly stunned.“How is that possible? She’s miles away from being close to me, so how could she possibly afford to move into a villa there when I can’t?”“I’m serious, Clara. A friend of mine saw her there.”“Your friend gave you fake news. I’m sure of it.” Clara waved her hand and thought nothing more
Clara’s excitement was over the charts when Seth arrived before her.In a daze, she stared at him while her friends gushed in excitement.A number of people rushed into the cafe as well, wanting to see how the young man with a luxurious car was going to propose to her.To everyone’s excitement and shock, they all saw Seth bowing to Clara like a proper gentleman with a hand stretched out toward her. With a smile, he said, “You’re Clara Cowell, correct?”‘I can’t believe this guy with a luxurious car is actually here to propose to me!’Clara was blushing from ear to ear. “Y-Yes, I’m Clara… A-And you are?”She even stuttered as she spoke and her heart raced like mad.“My name’s Seth from the De Forrest family in Northrive. Honestly, I only arrived here in Swallowston not too long ago, but I’ve heard about how beautiful you are, Ms. Clara. Now that I’m looking at you in person, you really are a stunning woman.”“S-So you’re here to…?” Clara looked at the bouquet of flowers Seth was