"But..." Madelyn hesitated, her eyes fixed on Ethan who was pulling out a small black velvet box from his pocket. With a careful touch, he unveiled a pendant in the shape of a crescent moon – its translucent whiteness seemed to emit an otherworldly glow. The silver chain it hung from sparkled like distant stars.Drawing closer, Ethan's hopeful expression met resistance as Madelyn gently pushed him away. "It's too precious," she murmured.Ethan looked disappointed as he said, "I designed this necklace for you. Today marks not only your birthday but also our first official meeting. Could you not turn a friend down?"The necklace was undeniably flawlessly crafted, so intricate that no one could resist its charm.Ethan's gaze was intense. Despite her reservations, Madelyn found herself unable to refuse. Finally, she relented, her voice softening, "I just... I don't have anything to give you in return.""Having you here today is gift enough for me."Tightening her grip on her dress, M
Madelyn mused, 'Zach's willingness to go to any lengths to achieve his goals is almost frightening.'However, a glimmer of optimism surfaced as she considered, "Yet, with Ethan's support... Maybe I can study overseas after high school. It seems like a better plan. I won't have to wait for Ventropolis' annual foreign exchange program.""Ethan..." Madelyn's uncertainty grew as she grappled with how to broach this topic. Her rapport with Ethan was still developing, and she wasn't sure if she could rely on him for help.Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Yeah?"Madelyn's words stumbled out hesitantly, "I... um..."Just as Madelyn was about to voice her thoughts, a blinding light suddenly engulfed them."Look out, Mr. Arnold!" Leyton swiftly turned the steering wheel, and George held tight to the handle above the passenger seat.Madelyn saw it too – a huge truck, heavy as anything, barreling straight at them.Right before the crash, Madelyn prepared for the worst, squeezing her eyes shut, un
As Zach's car pulled closer, Jadie's eyes widened as she saw Madelyn, with a man she seemed to have met from somewhere."Zach, let's pull over. That's Madelyn," Jadie said.When Madelyn saw an Audi with a familiar license plate, her face turned pale in an instant.Just now, smoke had started billowing from the Cayenne. Madelyn quickly got out, but her legs gave way as soon as she touched the ground.Leyton quickly used a fire extinguisher to put out the smoke, while Ethan went to check on Madelyn."Are you hurt? Can you get up?"Madelyn was fine, thanks to Ethan shielding her during the incident. She didn't want to admit that it was fear that had caused her legs to give way. She couldn't shake thoughts of the person behind the accident.George wiped a speck of blood from his forehead as he said, "Looks like she got really scared."Ethan's eyes flickered with a chilling determination, but he spoke gently to Madelyn. "Don't worry, I'll handle this. Let me help you up."Madelyn a
"Leyton, did you manage to see that truck?" Mr. Arnold asked.Leyton looked down, saying, "I'm sorry. I couldn't get a good look at it."Ethan's tone turned icy in a flash. "I want the one responsible caught in three days."Leyton nodded. "Yes, sir."Jadie came over and held Madelyn's hand, showing concern. "Madelyn, are you okay? Zach and I were planning a birthday party for you at home. If it weren't for Rosario, neither of us would have known. I missed your last birthday, but not this one. I even got you a gift. But you weren't around. Maybe we can celebrate the next one together."Madelyn's expression turned distant, and she pulled her hand away. "You don't need to go through all this trouble. You and Zach should head back. We'll manage things here on our own."She sensed Zach's unwavering gaze on her, but she avoided meeting his eyes completely.Zach chimed in, his voice firm. "Let's not involve Mr. Arnold in our family issues. Remember what your dad said? You're supposed t
"Jadie, head upstairs and rest," said Zach.Jadie glanced from Zach to Madelyn, then replied, "Alright. Madelyn just went through a car crash, so let's give her a break, okay?"Jadie wasn't comfortable leaving Zach alone with Madelyn.Every now and then, Jadie found herself wondering if Zach genuinely loved her. If he didn't, she couldn't help but question why he was so nice to her. But he had never actually said he loved her, which made her feel insecure about their relationship.Jadie went upstairs.Margaret noticed the tense atmosphere and stammered, "Sh-Should I leave too?"Zach shot her a cold glare, and she hurriedly fled the scene.Now, it was just him and Madelyn in the living room.An oppressive feeling hung in the air, making it a bit hard for Madelyn to catch her breath."Am I just talking to myself here?" Zach approached her, his demeanor cold. Even without looking at him, Madelyn could sense his anger.This was a stark difference from the Zach who seemed genuinel
Madelyn met Zach's intense gaze. It was as if he was taking pleasure in her pain, finding some sick joy in it.Zach was waiting for her to beg for mercy, but despite the torment she was going through, she refused to give him the satisfaction.Her unyielding demeanor irritated Zach. "So, you've forgotten how to beg now?" he taunted.Madelyn knew Zach too well. She understood that if he truly meant harm, he wouldn't be foolish enough to act right here and now.Maybe the events of that night had ignited something in him, a desire to see her break and plead. But Madelyn was determined not to let that happen.Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks and making her look pitiful. Anyone who saw her like this would surely feel sympathy.With a push, Madelyn managed to create some space between them. "I'll never beg you, Zach Jardin, even if it means giving up my life. You'll face the consequences for your actions, even if it's in hell." She couldn't help but silently curse,
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow in Madelyn's room. Her long hair was all messy as she stood there. Her gaze seemed hollow.On the bed, her phone kept flashing with bright light, accompanied by a ringing tone that echoed through the room. The caller ID showed: Ethan.Madelyn watched as the call was rejected by itself, time and time again, only to start ringing once more. She didn't pick it up. After a while, she eventually walked over, switched it off, and tossed it aside. Resting in one corner of the room was the crystal crescent pendant necklace.The following morning, Madelyn descended the stairs to find Hayson, Jasmine, Zach, and Jadie already having breakfast.At the dining table, Hayson seemed oblivious to anything unusual. He was engrossed in discussing company matters with Zach, just like any other day.Listening to their talk, Madelyn realized that Hayson had gradually delegated most of the significant responsibilities of his company to Zach. Man
Jadie unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door. Just before stepping out, she couldn't hold back her words, "Zach, don't you have anything to say to me?"Zach didn't look at her. He stared out the car window and said, "You have exams soon. Don't worry about this stuff."Tears welled up in Jadie's eyes. Biting her lip, she wanted to say more, but the words stayed inside. She had been prepared to hear Zach's explanation, even if it was just one sentence, but he didn't offer any.Feeling let down, Jadie left the car, wondering, 'What do I really mean to him?'Meanwhile, instead of heading to Class Six, Madelyn went straight to the office to meet her new homeroom teacher.After she completed the process to change classes, it was almost time for class.Madelyn went back to Class Six to gather her textbooks and practice books from her desk. As soon as the students saw her come in, the classroom suddenly became noisy."Wait, is Madelyn seriously leaving our class?""Look, the Cl
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