'But it doesn't matter now,' Madelyn felt that Zach's so-called "feelings" for her were just something temporary. He seemed upset that she didn't like him anymore, so he did those things to her.Those feelings weren't really love; they were more like being controlling. She thought, 'Maybe... in this new life, he could fall for Cecilia again. So, even if we end up together as a couple again, he'll just leave me behind once he loses interest in me.'That was why, this time around, no matter how many girls Zach liked, Madelyn had already decided not to fall for him again. Even if she ended up feeling lonely for the rest of her life, she wouldn't repeat the same mistakes she made before.At The Deli, Zach had requested a private room, but Madelyn was worried he might try something in a secluded place, so she quickly told the waiter, "We don't need a room, the main hall is just fine."Zach smiled and told the waiter, "Main hall it is, as she wants.""Right this way, please," the waiter
Zach and Madelyn exited the Deli after finishing their meal.On the way to the Arnold residence, Zach asked, "Do you think everything can be back to normal?"He drove with one hand while holding hers with the other in the backseat. He added, "Head back and rest. I've already canceled the camp for you. If you want to go out and have some fun, I'm happy to join you.""Are you making decisions for me again?" Madelyn pulled her hand away forcefully. "How many times do I have to repeat myself! Zach, I don't like you anymore! Can't you get that through your head!"She had done so much for Zach in her previous life, but he never took her seriously. After her rebirth, she decided to let go and create some distance. Yet, he persisted in getting closer, not willing to give her space. 'In my past life, he saw me as a tool to bring down my family, what's his plan for me this time around? Am I just a toy to him?'Zach didn't respond, but Madelyn sensed his frustration.When he paused at a red
Madelyn opened the car door and hopped out without hesitation.The security guard patrolling by the entrance gate saw her. "Miss Jent," he called.Madelyn didn't look up and quietly answered, quickly moving away. She still had to walk for about ten or twenty more minutes to get to the building where Ethan was staying.The security guard pressed the Bluetooth earpiece in his ear. While watching Madelyn's figure fading in the distance, he spoke to Ethan, "Miss Jent is back. A black Audi A6 dropped her off!"Ethan asked, "Did you see who was driving?""No, the driver didn't get out.""I see." Ethan hung up the phone.After a ten-minute walk, Madelyn finally got to the destination.A servant spotted Madelyn when she quietly got to the doorstep. The servant hurried over, and her voice was filled with concern as she said, "Miss Jent, you're finally here. Mr. Arnold called quite a few times not long ago. He was worried about you and wanted to talk to you! You should give him a call!
In the Arnold Corporation's office, Ethan had many photos on his desk. They captured moments of Madelyn and Zach holding hands as they exited The Deli, and also the scene in the mall where he helped her put on the necklace. Additionally, Ethan knew that they had spent an hour in the car. Although its windows being tinted enough to prevent prying eyes from seeing inside, it wasn't hard to tell what they were doing during that hour.Ethan asked, "Lately, Azure Corporation has secured a few projects, right?"Leyton responded, "Not many, but these projects are quite important collaborations for Azure Corporation. Zach Jardin has been handling only the major ones, while his assistant, Kevin Harrison, is overseeing the rest.""Hayson isn't around, and he's probably enjoying the free time. You should approach a few more companies to partner with Azure Corporation.""If I do that, won't that be paving the way for the Jent family?""It's just some inconspicuous collaborations. We can use
Ethan sipped his creamy oatmeal, pushing up the sleeves of his shirt and revealing a hint of a blue tattoo on his forearm. The intricate veins patterned across his skin, moving and curving as he ate, adding a touch of mystery and charm. "George, you're here. Got something to say?""Yeah, it's about Mrs. Arnold Sr...." George glanced at Madelyn briefly, seeming a bit uncertain about continuing.Ethan prompted, "It's alright."George had been pretty busy lately, handling things at the main mansion of the Arnold estate since the head butler there was on sick leave."Mrs. Arnold Sr. caught a cold recently and wants to see you, and also... Miss Jent!"Madelyn focused on her creamy oatmeal, keeping her head down. When she heard those words, her face froze in surprise. She thought to herself, 'Why does Ethan's grandmother want to see me? Is it just because she's sick, or is there something else?'Ethan tapped his finger on the table, looking thoughtful. Then he turned to her gently, "Wo
Madelyn had avoidant personality. Whenever she felt upset, she used to dodge her worries. When sadness or pain hit her, she would opt to be alone, seeking solace within herself. Occasionally, she even tried to forget, using that as a way to find some relief.She did want to confront her problems, but fear held her back. Social interactions and specific situations triggered her unease, so solitude became her refuge. Even when Ethan made efforts to draw her out of her cocoon, she found it difficult to step into the open.At the Arnold residence, apart from meal times, Madelyn mostly retreated to her room, engaging in activities she enjoyed – drawing, studying, and listening to music. She kept to herself and rarely interacted with others.In the Supreme World, Madelyn's golf instructor, Tiger, brought her a piece of cake. "Take a break and have something to eat."After setting her golf club aside, Madelyn sipped some water before accepting it from Tiger's hand. "Thanks.""I could tel
Madelyn nodded firmly. "I'm certain."Tiger crossed his arms and smiled, thinking that she finally smiled today."It looks like my friend didn't deceive me after all. But how do you know it's authentic?"Madelyn shook her head. "I don't have an explanation, but there's a familiarity in this painting that I can't ignore. I'm convinced it's real.""I understand." Tiger chuckled softly. "If you say it's real, then I believe you.""You're quite the savior for your friend. Not many would part with something so valuable.""It's not something that's mine to possess. If I accept it, I'll owe someone a significant favor. And favors have a way of needing repayment sooner or later.""True enough.""Did you save his life?"Tiger smiled, glancing down and shaking his head. "I won't talk further about that. Let's grab a meal. I've been away for a while, and I heard they've introduced some new dishes. Interested in trying them out together?"She replied, "Definitely."Madelyn didn't feel m
Madelyn understood that going head-to-head with Zach wouldn't yield any positive outcomes, especially given the possibility of someone witnessing them.Suppressing the strange fluttering in her chest, she inquired, "Since you're here for business, I wouldn't want to disturb you.""Couldn't you at least drop me a text?" His brows furrowed.Madelyn was momentarily taken aback. After a moment's pause, she retorted, "Apart from bothering me like this, do you have any other hobbies? You're well aware I don't appreciate it."As she spoke, Zach nuzzled her earlobe lustfully.The faint scent of a foreign perfume clung to his suit, a fragrance so potent it made Madelyn slightly uneasy.Zach's deep voice rumbled, "Then enlighten me, what do you like me doing to you? Do you enjoy when I kiss you?"With that, he took Madelyn's chin between his fingers and turned her head, capturing her lips in a bold kiss.He had a drink not long ago, so she could feel a bitter tang invading her taste buds
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