Blake thought, 'They say to tell me fresh gossip? They had set me up. I wouldn't have come if I knew they were taking advantage of me. Never have I ever let someone take advantage of me.'Blake nudged the person beside her with her elbow, "Hey, isn't my boss who approves my salary here? With him around, I don't have to treat for this meal today."Christina Hartwell was the top performer in the Sales Department. She had a melodious voice with a sweet Taiwanese accent. Many people in the company were fascinated by her. With her beautifully manicured fingers under her chin, she blinked her big eyes at Kevin. The male colleagues around her were stunned by her state.Christina said, "Blake, from what I'm hearing, it seems like there's something between you and Mr. Harrison. Are you two in a relationship?""No way! The company prohibits office romances. If they find out, the couple could get fired. However, I don't think Mr. Harrison would be the one to lead in breaking company rules, ri
"My goodness! Blake is really something! When did she become so popular with everyone?" one of the colleagues exclaimed.Kevin remained unflinching but set down his glass with an inexplicably strange expression. Everyone watched as Blake staggered over, and Kevin was the only one who did not turn back. They were eager to see what astonishing things she would do next. However, what came next was not expected.Blake held the beer and walked up behind Kevin. Then, she leaned on his back and rested one hand on his shoulder. She said, "Hey! Who's this? Why haven't I seen you before? What's your name? Which department you're in? Where do you live? Are you in a relationship? How old are you this year? Who's in your family? Tell me everything."Everyone was shocked. "Blake, are you crazy?"Kevin cast a chilling, intimidating gaze at Edison standing nearby and asked, "How much did you let her drink?"Edison said, "She was fine after just one can earlier, but now she's had three. Besides, t
It was from that dinner onwards that Kevin and Blake's relationship started to change slowly. When someone fell for another, it did not require any reason. All it took was a small excuse they found or a moment that made their heart flutter.This moment came at a bad time, when Kevin tricked her and Mya, taking them to Southern Haven Villas to use as leverage against Madelyn. Since then, Blake began to see that her relationship with Kevin was just professional, without any special bond or affection.However, every girl's heart tended to gravitate toward a man much stronger than her. That made her see him in a better light, imagining him to be more wonderful than he was. But it was just an illusion.Once the illusion broke, Blake would see that the man she liked was not as remarkable as she had thought. However, moving on from these feelings turned out to be harder than expected.When Blake arrived in her neighborhood, she kept her head down, appearing lost and distraught. She did no
The maid rushed to Audrey's side with a mix of concern. She reprimanded her, "Ms. Parker, you need to rest! Mr. Parker has been worried sick about you and has arranged for your transportation."The maid continued, "You know how important your father's image is, being the mayor of Ventropolis. And Mr. Harrison... he's just an assistant, nothing compared to your status. Your father would be livid if he knew about your association with him. Your sister's recent issue isn't helpful, too."She sighed, "Mr. Parker had plans for you with Mr. Jardin, but that's off the table now, given his marital status. However, I think Mr. Parker means you could marry Mr. Jardin if you're willing."Audrey clutched her chest, coughing weakly, "I can't be Mrs. Jardin. My illness forbids me from living a normal life."The maid, determined to reassure Audrey, said, "Don't worry, Ms. Parker. Your father will find a solution. With your beauty, you'll be the pick of any suitor."Audrey simply replied, "I hope
Kevin stood up abruptly, his expression looking cold. "Figure it out yourself," he said curtly to Blake, who was momentarily lost in thought.As he moved toward the door, Blake, overcome by an inexplicable surge of joy, laughed heartily and hugged him from behind. Her sudden embrace and cheerful declaration caught Kevin off guard."I knew you came to make up! Let's forget about yesterday and start over. Since you've given me all that money, consider yourself my boyfriend again!" Blake exclaimed.Carefree and appeased, Blake was cheered up, especially with Kevin coming to find her.He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure you won't regret this?" he asked, his tone hinting at something deeper.Blake, oblivious to the underlying meaning, grinned, "Regret? Why would I? Besides, we can deal with any problems if they come up. Since you have that much money, you must have a villa in the capital, right?"Kevin just nodded, his cold expression warming slightly as he
Blake suddenly became angry. She looked into Kevin's eyes and demanded, "What do you mean I lack basic decency? Kevin, look at me. Do you actually have feelings for me, or is this all just an act?"Kevin remained silent, but his eyes betrayed him. Blake's heart plummeted with the realization.She had a bittersweet smile on her face. She sank onto the bed, resignation in her posture. She said, "I should've known. Someone like you with someone like me... it was never going to work, was it? Was there an ulterior motive from the start?"Shakily, she asked, "What do you want from me, Kevin? I know you don't really care, but I have feelings too. I don't toy with people's feelings like you do."Tears brimmed in Blake's eyes as she stared at the unresponsive Kevin. His usual decisiveness now appeared cold and indifferent.'Even if Kevin was using me, couldn't he at least pretend? Just saying 'I like you' would've been enough. But he didn't even do that... Maybe he really likes Ms. Parker.
'I'm late for work.' Kevin thought.Kevin's lateness was unusual for his flawless record at Jardin Corporation. His punctuality was legendary, making this deviation stand out.At the office, Blake's red, swollen eyes did not escape Janice's attention. She handed Blake a comforting cup of coffee and asked, "Blake, are you okay? Did something happen with Liam?"Blake brushed it off, "Just a late night with sad movies. I should go see Ms. Samford now."However, Blake's meeting with Cecilia was not about work. Cecilia, usually the epitome of corporate professionalism, was dressed casually today. Blake could not help but notice a change in her demeanor.The conversation took an unexpected turn as Cecilia inquired directly, "Are you dating Kevin?"Taken aback, Blake struggled to find words, "Ms. Samford..."Cecilia sat at her desk, clicking through her work email, and said, "Kevin sent me a work-related email this morning. Did you know about that?"Blake thought, 'Kevin emailing Ceci
Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake.Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, 'My name is on the list!'In the background, the secretary's office buzzed with chatter."It's okay, Susan. There's always next month," one voice soothed."Exactly! It's those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can't compete," another added bitterly."I can't believe how shameless some people can be."Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed.The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim.Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, "Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I'm not putting up with this!"Tears streaked Susan's face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face.Susan said angrily, "You don't deserve this, Blake. You're
Liam was standing in the rain, and though it hadn't been long, he was thoroughly drenched.Blake quickly pulled him close, her voice laced with concern. "Are you crazy? It's pouring rain! What if you catch a cold?"Liam's look was subdued, his face showing signs of fatigue. "I'm okay. This is for you; I didn't want you to have to come out in this weather."As Blake took in his forlorn appearance, her heart softened suddenly. 'Am I losing my mind?' she thought."Now you'll have to pay more attention to me, Blake... I was just so scared of losing you. I've put everything I have into getting you to agree to marry me; the idea of you walking away is unbearable."Overwhelmed with emotion, Blake locked eyes with him. "Did she teach you to say that too?" she asked, her hand moving on its own to brush away the raindrops from his hair.A maid nearby, observing the scene, rushed over with a blanket and an umbrella. However, Grace, fully grasping the gravity of the moment, halted her. Ackno
Cecilia said, "It's fine. Let's give them a week. Rearrange the flight and all the plans for the trip. This is Blake's first time getting married and going abroad for honeymoon. I want to make sure she has a good time."Susan nodded. "Okay, Ms. Samford."Not long after Cecilia left, three editors who used to work for Olivia's company entered her office. All of them spoke in panic, "Ms. Blue, what should we do? Ms. Samford already knows everything. If the legal department finds out about it, will we go to jail?"Olivia remained calm as she said, "Don't panic. Just focus on your work.""But we got into this company through you. What if they say we got into this company through the back door and then fired us?"Olivia sat at her desk, supporting her forehead with her hands. She was obviously panicking. "Don't worry, I'll handle this."You guys can leave now."Olivia did not expect this matter to be exposed so soon. She wondered how Cecilia found out about it. 'Could it be that she'
StartReading Literary was the last place Cecilia wanted to be. But she made an exception this time.Olivia had just finalized a cooperative copyright deal with another website company. Several editors from her own company were there at StartReading Literary. As she entered the office, she saw all the editors from StartReading Literary sitting upright, not daring to make a sound.She also saw her office door was wide open. She frowned as she walked into her office and was surprised to see an unexpected gust.Olivia put down the documents in her hand. "Ms. Samford, what brings you here?"With her legs crossed and Susan standing behind her, Cecilia stared at Olivia, who was in front of her.Cecilia sneered and stood up. She ran her fingers along the desk. "StartReading is actually the last place I want to be. I came here because I found out that you enjoy meddling in other people's affairs. Otherwise, you wouldn't even qualify to see me."Olivia instantly looked wary. She remained s
Liam stood up. He watched as Blake, who looked weary, walked away. "Blake, what do you want me to do so you'll like me?"Blake did not stop walking. Instead, she took even bigger steps and left.She went to the Harper residence, which surprised everyone.Grace asked, "Blake? Why did you come back here? Where's Liam? Why didn't he come back with you?"Blake stuttered, unable to find the words. She just made up an excuse, saying, "It's nothing. I just wanted to come back."After Hannah and Yael left the wedding last night, they went back to the research institute.As for Simon, he went to the farm to manage the business.After Blake went to her room, Grace became worried. She followed her and saw her sitting with a blank expression in the room, not knowing what to do.When Blake saw Grace, she quickly adjusted her mood. "Grace, why are you here?""I came to check on you. Blake, what's wrong? Did you have a fight with Liam? You just had your wedding yesterday, and you're already
The pregnancy test report came out fifteen minutes after Blake did the test. She was indeed pregnant. She was even seven weeks pregnant.Blake had indeed been involved with Kevin while in Northern Myanmar over a month ago.She held the medical report while standing bewildered in the cold hospital corridor. Lights shone through the floor-to-ceiling window onto her body, but all Blake felt was the cold, which made her hands and feet numb.She was lost in her thoughts. 'I'm really pregnant. What should I do with this baby? I want it to be born more than anyone else. But now, everything has changed. This child shouldn't come into this world.'She wandered in the corridor. Suddenly, she saw someone coming out of another gynecological room.She thought, 'Some things are just destined by fate. When I long to see him, even catching a glimpse of him in a dream feels like a luxury, an unattainable wish. But now, when I don't want to see him, it seems he appears everywhere I go.'Kevin supp
Blake wondered, 'I'm now pregnant with Kevin's child. What should I do?'She woke up groggily when she felt someone carry her. She opened her heavy eyelids and asked, "What time is it now?"Liam responded, "It's four-thirty in the morning. It's still early; go back to sleep for a while more."Blake said in a hoarse voice, "I've made an appointment for an abortion at eight o'clock. Regardless of whether I'm really pregnant or not, I don't want to keep this child."She had thought about it all night and believed this was the best decision.Kevin was going to get engaged. Blake believed he would get married and Audrey would give birth to his children. There was simply no need for her to complicate things further.She thought, 'If I choose to be selfish and decide to keep this baby, and if people find out about it, my child will be treated as an illegitimate child. I don't even dare to imagine how badly the child will be treated.'If giving birth to the baby will bring it a lifetime
Blake continued, "What about you, Liam? Do you mind?"If you do, you can choose to divorce me. After all, I've wronged you. No one wants to marry a woman who's carrying someone else's child."Liam stepped forward on the shattered cup and hugged her tightly. "I don't mind. Blake, I love you, including everything about you. I don't mind your past. I just want to start over with you. I didn't tell you about the pregnancy because I was selfish; I wanted to keep you by my side."Blake, your child is my child. I want to raise the baby with you."Don't leave me, okay?"Blake did not know why, but she was not surprised by her pregnancy. However, she felt that there were still some things that she could not let go of, though she was unsure what those were.She was not as calm as she had imagined.She thought about her past events. Then, she indifferently said, "Liam, I don't want this child. Since I'm prepared to be with you, I won't keep this child. It wouldn't be fair to you."Liam di
On this romantic night, the moon was obscured by the clouds.Breathing heavily, Blake felt some pain in her abdomen. She asked to stop. "Liam, my stomach hurts. I think I'm going to have my period soon."Liam sobered up instantly. "I'll go get you some medicine."She peeked out from under the blanket as the bedside lamp turned on. She could clearly see Liam's naked upper body. Her face flushed as she averted her gaze. "It's fine. Just help me call the front desk and ask them to bring up a pack of sanitary pads. I'll go to the bathroom to deal with it."Liam replied, "Let's go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up."Blake picked up her clothes from the floor and went to the bathroom. "It's okay. It's probably just my period."However, judging by the blood flowing out, it did not seem like menstrual blood to Blake. It looked like something else.Blake's voice came from the bathroom again. "I think we should go to the hospital."She sat on the toilet and watched the tall, slende
Blake had no bridesmaids, so she returned to the hotel room alone. As she stepped out of the elevator and was ready to use the room key card in her hand to swipe and enter the room, she suddenly saw a figure appear from the corner of her eye.She stopped her action and looked at the person who had left the wedding earlier.At that moment, Blake felt her breath catch, but it was only fleeting. She then quickly regained her composure and averted her gaze. She asked, "Didn't you leave? Why are you still here?"Kevin replied, "Congratulations."Upon hearing his congratulations, Blake felt a mix of amusement and discomfort. "There's nothing to congratulate. If anything, I should congratulate you. You're soon to be the mayor's son-in-law. In the future, we won't belong in the same social class anymore."I'm tired and came back to rest. You should leave now before Liam comes up and sees you here."Don't look for me again. I don't want him to misunderstand."Kevin responded, "Audrey and