Madelyn had taken two painkillers and finally fell asleep. However, at three in the morning, she woke up covered in cold sweat and struggling to breathe.Her muffled sound of discomfort caught Zach's attention. He put aside his notebook and gently placed his hand on her forehead and cheek." Her temperature has dropped a lot. Looks like the fever's broken," Zach said to himself.Just then, Rosario entered the room carrying a tray of water. Upon seeing the scene, she spoke up, "Mr. Jardin, let me take care of her. You have work tomorrow, and you shouldn't tire yourself out." Internally, she thought, 'So Mr. Jardin did come after all.'Rosario knew that Zach didn't have romantic feelings for Madelyn, but he cared deeply for her, like a sister. 'He's always been so good to her.'"It's okay. Has she taken the painkillers?" Zach asked."Yeah, at ten," Rosario replied."We can't give her too much medication." Zach squeezed the damp towel from the washbasin and gently wiped the cold s
Before Madelyn was attacked, Zach had a feeling that something like this might happen to her. She had always been proud and stubborn, used to getting everything she wanted.Hayson, who had been facing a saint statue in the study, turned to Zach and asked, "So, what exactly happened to Madelyn? Do we know the whole story yet?"As soon as Hayson heard about Madelyn's attack, he rushed straight to the airport and boarded a plane. When the plane landed, he hurried back without even stopping to change his clothes.Hayson was a middle-aged man with a slightly overweight and clumsy appearance, but in his youth, he had been involved in some unlawful activities. Despite his gentle demeanor, he could be quite intimidating, and nobody dared to underestimate his capacity to cause harm. Perhaps burdened by guilt for the lives he had affected, he had installed a saint statue in his study and made generous donations to the church every year."We've looked into it," Zach replied. "The Arnold famil
"Sir, the car's ready. Are you sure about going to the Arnold residence?" asked George, Ethan's butler."Why, am I not allowed to?" Ethan sat in his wheelchair, exuding an air of dignified elegance. He wore a shirt and jacket, with a hint of a blue tattoo peeking out from under his sleeve. He seemed enigmatic and aloof, a touch of melancholy playing around him."But Madam..."Ethan glared at George. "It's not her place to dictate my actions." "My apologies. I misspoke. I'll take you downstairs now."Ethan hadn't seen the sun outside for what felt like ages. As he finally stepped out of the house building, he realized that everything matched Madelyn's descriptions—the scenery was truly beautiful.Not far from where he stood, there was a jujube tree by a wall. As he gazed at it, he tried to picture Madelyn sitting there, swinging her legs leisurely with a beautiful smile on her face. However, he knew she was actually in the hospital, not at that tree.An hour later, Ethan arrived
"No need. There's no place for me in this house anymore. Coming back would just irritate certain people," Ethan said, sounding cold.Evelyn's expression changed. "Who told you that? You're the only grandchild I acknowledge. You're meant to inherit the Arnold family fortune when you're older. If you don't come back home, then who will?"Unaware of the truth, Ethan had no idea that ever since Owen married Sylvia Shenley, Evelyn had forbidden his new wife from entering the Arnold residence. She didn't even consider Forrest as her grandson."Ethan, mind your words. Is that how your mom taught you to talk all these years?"Ethan looked up, his grip on the fork tightening, showing the stress in his pale knuckles and tense veins. "My mom's way of raising me isn't your business. I didn't mean to upset you by showing up here." Ethan then said to Evelyn, "I apologize, Grandma." Seeing Ethan upset, Evelyn placed her hand on his. "What's wrong? Has someone been bothering you? Tell me, I'll
Madelyn had spent a good month in the hospital, but she didn't waste her time. Despite her injuries, she diligently completed several practice tests. Zach, despite his busy schedule, visited her regularly. He checked her answers, patiently explained her mistakes, and even installed some fun games on her phone. But Madelyn was more focused on studying because passing the upcoming exam was crucial for her plan to leave the Jent family and escape the conflict between Zach and Hayson.On the day of discharge, Madelyn went through the procedures with Zach's help. Her chest still hurt, but it was getting better, and her wounds were healing. New skin was forming under the scabs, so the itchiness continued.Madelyn knew that Zach's care for her was just a facade to please Hayson. To the outside world, he seemed like Hayson's loyal dog. But Madelyn saw through the act and knew the truth—he was more like a cunning man lurking in the shadows, capable of striking at any moment. Everything he d
"Madelyn," Zach's voice called out, rousing her from sleep. She opened her eyes and met his cold gaze.Still feeling groggy, Madelyn sat up slightly, asking, "What's happening?""We're home," said Zach. "Let's get out of the car.""Ah... okay."Once Zach stepped out of the vehicle, Madelyn unbuckled her seatbelt and quickly tidied up the car, removing the sticker from the dashboard and gathering her belongings, including a bottle of perfume.When Zach saw her stepping out of the car with those items in her hands, he didn't say a word. They both understood the need for silence at that moment; some words could only make things worse.Inside the house, Madelyn was greeted by Rosario, who said, "We have a guest today. Wash your hands and join us for dinner.""A guest? Who is it?" Madelyn asked, confused."Your homeroom teacher."'Jasmine?' Madelyn's heart skipped a beat. 'Why would Jasmine come here? Is she trying to get close to Hayson? Has she moved up her plan with Zach?'Her
Once she had collected herself, Madelyn returned to the table and took her seat.Hayson, in a rare display of interest, asked, "Miss Manning mentioned that your grades have improved considerably recently, which is commendable progress from last time. What would you like as a reward?"Usually, Hayson was stern toward her, seldom engaging in conversation even at the dining table. But with Jasmine's presence, it was evident that his mood was unusually pleasant.Seizing the opportunity, Madelyn made her request. "After the college entrance exams, I'd like to travel to Marisburg with some friends. May I, Dad?""Hmm, be sure to take a chauffeur with you. It's not safe to go out alone." Hayson agreed.Not overly exuberant, Madelyn managed a small smile, replying, "Thank you, Dad."At this, Jasmine chimed in. "Are you going to Marisburg to see the ocean, Madelyn? I've heard the scenery there is excellent. After the college entrance exams, it would indeed be a good idea to unwind."Madel
Following one another, they stepped into the study, Zach closing the door behind them. The tension in the room was thick enough to touch, enveloping them.Hayson lit a couple of candles in the room, creating an almost sacred ambiance. "Made some new friends recently?"The sudden question caught Madelyn off guard, her breath hitching as her heart pounded in her chest. "Y-Yes... Father, have I done something wrong?"Hayson took a seat at his desk, his gaze fixed on her as Zach stood by his side. "Madelyn, do I frighten you?"Madelyn lowered her gaze, weighing her words before she meekly replied, "No... it's just that you're often too strict. I'm afraid of making mistakes and being punished."This was unexpected. Hayson studied her carefully. His daughter was changing. The brashness of her youth was fading. "When did you become acquainted with the Arnolds?"'The Arnolds? I only know one person by that name. Something must've happened. Given Father's tenacious nature, if something ha
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