Madelyn was devastated and felt like she would be better off dead. In her past life, she had been too naive to understand Zach's true intentions. Now, whenever she dwelled on his actions, all she would feel was heartbreak.Tears welled up in her eyes, but she did not make a sound or cry. Madelyn wiped her tears away. "I'm fine. There was a bug in my eye."The nurse stared at Madelyn as if she had grown a third eye. The hospital was sterile, and there was no way there could be any bugs in the hospital.The nurse wondered, 'Has this patient gone insane?'However, the nurse did not press any further. Noticing that the IV drip was already half-empty, she adjusted the infusion speed and slowed it down. After leaving the room, she informed Madelyn's attending doctor about her mental condition.Crown Villa Club was established in the early 1980s. It used to be a cabaret from the Republican era, yet it was now transformed into a club while maintaining its vintage style.In a private room
"You're the one who asked for the drugs. Now that you've gotten what you wanted, why are you still feigning concern? Isn't Madelyn just a pawn in your grand plan? You wanted to break her down and watch Hayson send her to hell, didn't you? If you want to have fun with her first, I could let you...If you want to, we could both do her together. All these years, I've never seen you touch a woman, so I'm suspicious of your abilities!" Kai sneered.Zach narrowed his eyes. "Say one more word, and I'll gladly make you mute."Kai's smirked, then burst into laughter. "What are you getting so agitated about? How interesting. I haven't seen you like this in so many years, Zach."Zach kept quiet.Thinking about Madelyn, Zach felt things were slowly getting out of his control. Deep down, there was a void in his soul, and he did not know how to fill it."It's been ten years. Do you really have zero feelings for her? Why don't we make a bet on your feelings for Madelyn? If I win, I get ten percen
Jasmine nodded, "Uh-huh."Hayson caressed her smooth legs, lost in thought, "Leave Zach be! Most of the company is in his hands already, so it's fine for me to come out and relax. Why the sudden concern about him, anyway? What are you scheming?"Hayson was of a suspicious nature. In order to calm him, Jasmine pouted, "I was just telling you that he's here! Just in case you try to blame me for not telling you. Ugh, you're always suspecting everything..."Hayson relaxed a little and kissed her on the neck, hugging her. "Alright, don't get upset. I'll bring you shopping tomorrow. You can buy whatever you want,""Oh my, what are the two of them whispering about? What can't we listen to?""What else could it be? Definitely some pillow talk.""Hey, girl. Buy some supplements for the old man sometime."This well-intentioned comment was usually said as a joke, but Hayson understood the implied meaning.The wound on Madelyn's abdomen had already scabbed over, though it itched from time
Madelyn put down her book and walked over to the meal. The bodyguard laid the three-layered thermos container on the table. The first layer had the walnut cake, while the second layer had a few pieces of carne frita. The third layer was a nutritious vegetable porridge.Flashbacks came to Madelyn's mind of her first meeting with Ethan. After that night when Madelyn had first found out about her health condition, she had often spent her nights alone in a small pavilion downstairs in the hospital crying.One night, Madelyn was at her usual spot, and Ethan came over. Sounding both amused and somewhat helpless, he asked her, "Why do I always see you crying?"Madelyn was glistening with tears. After the teardrops left her eyes, she saw the concern in Ethan's eyes. Ethan brushed her tears away gently. He was the gentlest person Madelyn had ever met, even though he was just a stranger.Madelyn had never thought a stranger could bring her such warmth. Since then, Ethan would visit her from
Ever since getting hurt, Jadie had moved out of school and had been resting at home.Today, Zach had a rare day off, so she had persuaded him to venture out and pay a visit to Madelyn in the hospital. Jadie felt like if she were to stay cooped up at home any longer, she would go crazy.They had not visited Madelyn often during this time; it was mostly Rosario who came by. They even had Rosario whip up a bunch of dishes to bring to the hospital. After being taken care of by Rosario for these past few months, Jadie's originally slim face had gained some baby fat.For this outing, Jadie had made an effort to dress up, choosing to leave her plain face free of makeup. Her hair was done in braided pigtails, resting on her shoulders, and she wore a light-colored knee-length skirt. Walking beside Zach, they did not look like a couple, more like an uncle and his niece. As the pair approached the hospital room, they noticed an unfamiliar face inside. Jadie almost felt like they had entered th
Madelyn felt anger building up inside her, but she had nowhere to vent. She clenched her fists and looked down, remaining silent.Jadie felt the oppressive aura in the room radiating from Zach, so she hurriedly diffused the situation with a light-hearted tone. "Zach, we've got movie tickets, remember? The show starts soon, and we don't want to be late."She shook her head subtly at Zach, urging him to leave it at that. She did not know what had transpired between Zach and Madelyn; the once smitten Madelyn had turned cold toward Zach, sometimes even responding with harsh words. A mad Zach scared even her.With an icy gaze, he ripped up Madelyn's sketch. "You just won't grow up, will you? Haven't the last three months knocked any sense into you?"Jadie quickly ushered Zach away. As they reached the door, Madelyn picked up the torn sketch from the floor. "Zach..."They stopped at the door."I just want to do what I like. Could you... stop meddling with me? I've already compromised o
Ethan, the heir to Arnold Corporation, was gradually stepping into his role, his presence growing in the media. Having been out of the public eye for years, his return caused the internet to go wild with viral speculation.After cooking for the first time, Ethan found himself intrigued by it. To his left was a platter of pastries made by Madelyn, to his right a pile of recipes bought by George. He was so engrossed in it that he reached out to grab another pastry."You've eaten them all, Mr. Ethan." George reminded him.Ethan glanced over. True enough, all that remained were crumbs."You seem to be interested in learning to cook, Mr. Ethan.""And what do you think I'm doing?"George looked surprised. "Are you learning to cook for Ms. Jent?"Ethan mused, knowing that no one would like a man who could not walk. He figured if Madelyn would enjoy his cooking, he could cook for her. For some reason, a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.'Look at what I'm doing. I'm act
Madelyn's eyes lit up with anticipation. "May I know what the surprise is?" she asked the deliverer."You'll find out when the time comes, Ms. Jent. The extra ticket allows you to bring a friend along."Holding the two tickets and an expensive bound art album signed by Edward Waltz, Madelyn was at a loss. She had no friends to invite. But then, she thought of someone suddenly, and she wondered if he would like to join her.At nine in the evening, the evening breeze stirred outside. In a hospital room on the 15th floor, Ethan was in a video conference. The door to his room was slightly ajar, sounds from outside trickling in."Ms. Jent, please wait a moment. He's in a meeting. It won't be long.""If he's busy, I won't bother him, then. George, could you please give him this ticket?"George was taken aback by the ticket, a hint of surprise accompanying his smile. Madelyn did not realize her timing was not great. Just as she was fretting over how to offer Ethan the ticket, George cou
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