The night was windy. Blake, feeling cold, hugged herself. Kevin then took her to a car parked at a secluded place by the river. The car had the heating on.Suddenly, Blake leaned in and kissed him. She sat on his lap and continued kissing him. After that, she cupped his face and pressed her forehead against his, "Kevin, I'll give you three years. I'll wait for you to return to Ventropolis. During this period, I don't care what you do, but after three years... You must give me a call or a message."If you want to marry me, I'm willing to marry you."I'll look after the position of the CEO's assistant for you. When Mr. Jardin wakes up, I'll be there and wait for you to return, okay?"If you don't speak, I'll take it as you agree to it."For Kevin, everything was too uncertain. He thought, 'Three years... Who knows how many three years a person has?'He replied, "Leave this place, and I'll agree with what you said."Blake grabbed his collar, "I'm already here. I won't just leave no
Kevin dropped Blake off near the guarded compound and drove away.When she returned to her room, she found that Cecilia had not come back yet since last night.Blake did not care where she had gone. She tiredly walked to the bathroom, wanting to take a shower. But as soon as she entered the bathroom, she thought of something and decided to walk back into the bedroom. She then lay on the bed with a pillow under her waist.She thought, 'This is a foolish idea, but I have no other choice.'When Cecilia returned, she saw Blake sleeping soundly and a pillow on the floor. When she walked closer to Blake, she noticed some marks under her collar and could guess what happened.Cecilia looked serious as she pondered, 'Why is she so wrong-headed?'Liam isn't any worse than Kevin. Why must Blake fall for a man with no background and status?'Cecilia did not rest the entire night. She went to take a shower before getting into bed and lay beside Blake.When Blake woke up in the afternoon and
Cecilia continued, "When that happens, your family and even I will face trouble because of Kevin."Cecilia was very good at reading people's minds and attacking their vulnerabilities. Her words made Blake completely panic.Blake responded, "T–That won't happen! Kevin hasn't done anything. As for Liam, he's even less likely to treat Kevin the way you describe. I don't believe a single word you're saying."Cecilia moved even closer to her, "Blake, I've long told you that the Jent family had a huge influence in Ventropolis. Do you know what their underground organization did? They were involved in everything. Do you know how many people wanted Hayson dead back then? If it weren't for Zach, Madelyn would've been dead."Did you think the Jent family and Azure Corporation had been doing nothing all those years?"The Jent family relied on Zach and Kevin. Madelyn is just a useless person who relies on other people. Did you think she could sustain the Jent family?"The Jent family has lon
The light in Blake's eyes seemed to fade as she struggled to find her voice, "Was this your plan or Liam's?"Cecilia responded with a soft laugh, shaking her head, "You'd break Liam's heart if he heard you now. You always say he's different from me, but think about it, what's your opinion of him now? Remember what I told you? Liam returned to his family for your sake!" Cecilia's voice was emphatic, "He's always acted with your best interests in mind. Why don't you check your phone? See how many messages he's sent you?"Since disembarking from the private jet, Blake had kept her phone silenced. Apart from messages from Kevin, she had yet to check any others.Cecilia left the room, advising, "Freshen up and join me for dinner. We're heading back to Ventropolis tonight."Blake was about to check her phone when she realized it was out of battery. After charging it, she saw that Cecilia was right. Liam had sent her a barrage of messages, nearly forty or fifty, all expressing his concern
A thought lingered in Blake's mind as she pondered deeply, 'As long as I'm married to Liam, Cecilia has promised not to harm anyone.'Liam, noticing something amiss in her demeanor, asked, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"Blake maintained a few steps behind Liam as they walked, creating a physical and emotional distance. She replied, "I'm just a bit dizzy. Let's head back."Liam offered to drive her home, but she declined, "No, thank you. My place is in the opposite direction of the company's. You have work, and I don't want to cause any delays."Despite her words, Blake felt an increasing emotional distance from him, which seemed to grow with each passing moment.Sensing her unease and looking slightly disappointed, Liam pressed her for answers, "Blake, what is going on? Is Cecilia using Kevin to threaten you again? Please, tell me what's going on. I'm here to help."Blake was torn. Liam's kindness overwhelmed her. It was more than what she expected from a friend.
Blake gazed at her phone resting on the bathroom sink. It vibrated with a new message from Liam, reading: [You've just returned. Take a few days to rest at home. I can manage things at the office for now.]As she read the message, Blake's thoughts drifted to Cecilia's suggestion of marrying Liam to prevent further crimes. She recalled learning about the dark history of Madelyn's family from Simon. The Jent family had been a prominent force in Ventropolis, respected by high-ranking officials. Yet, their behind-the-scenes actions were far from honorable.Lost in these thoughts, Blake suddenly felt dizzy. Her hand reached out to brace herself against the sink. Flashbacks of a dark basement flooded her mind, echoing with the cries of a young girl no older than six or seven devouring a bun given by a shadowy figure.The cacophony of the memories overwhelmed Blake. She clutched her head as a piercing pain surged through her. She endured the excruciating sensation, which eventually ebbed a
The maid, hesitating slightly, informed Grace, "Ms. Dion has returned, but she appeared to be suffering from a severe headache when I checked on her in her room."Grace's expression turned to one of concern, "Where is Blake now? Did you talk to her?"The maid responded, "I only gave her some medicine. She seemed quite pale, but I didn't say much."Worried, Grace decided, "I'll go see how she's doing. And please prepare some of Blake's favorite dishes for dinner tonight.""Yes, Ma'am," the maid responded.Grace had always shown maternal affection toward Blake, treating her as if she were her own daughter. Both Mya and Blake received equal love in the Harper household. Despite Mya being the elder, Blake often took on the role of her protector. Aware of Blake's sensitive nature, Grace always tried to show her extra care and affection.Entering Blake's room quietly, Grace saw her asleep on the bed, seemingly caught in a nightmare. She was murmuring and crying in her sleep, "Don't tak
Grace quietly left the room with the maid after making sure Blake was soundly asleep. Grace answered the call with a cool tone as she descended the stairs, "Ms. Samford?""Mrs. Harper," came Cecilia's response.With a stern expression, Grace replied, "Ms. Samford, I've made it clear before; if Blake chooses to acknowledge you, we won't interfere. But any further attempts to manipulate our family will not be tolerated. Do not call again, or we will consider it harassment."With a decisive click, Grace ended the call.In her office, Cecilia stared at her phone, her eyes seething with anger. She realized that as long as the Harper family was in Ventropolis, Blake would never accept her. She was determined to remove the Harpers from the city.'I've worked tirelessly to provide Blake a better life,' Cecilia thought. 'Whether she likes it or not, I'm determined to see her as Mrs. Xander. Madelyn, your life was spared because of her. Stay hidden, or else...'Cecilia then sent a message
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