Madelyn's heart raced as she rushed back to her room, not sure what to do next. She closed the door with shaky hands and locked it. Leaning against the door, she shivered, wiping her lips over and over like she was trying to clean them.She had kissed Zach before, but she couldn't forget how he had looked at her with disgust when he pushed her away last time.But Madelyn had changed. She wasn't the same girl anymore. She really didn't want anything to do with Zach.A sick feeling came over her. She rubbed her lips hard until they got puffy and numb. Lost in thinking about everything that had happened, she tried to understand how she ended up in Zach's arms like that.Normally, something like this would be really strange. But Zach was drunk, so Madelyn didn't want to think too much about it. She tried to tell herself that it was just an accident and not a big deal. But lying in bed, unable to sleep, Zach's face kept coming back to her mind...Downstairs in the living room, Zach sat
The next day, Madelyn woke up pretty late because she'd only fallen asleep around three or four. She got out of bed, put on her bra, and changed into comfy clothes. She covered her mouth and let out a big yawn before heading downstairs."Hey, Rosario, what's for breakfast?" she called out.Rosario, who was busy in the kitchen, answered, "Mr. Jardin caught a cold, so I made some carrot ginger soup. I'll take some up to him first. There's more if you want."Madelyn was surprised. "How did he get sick so suddenly? He seemed fine yesterday.""It's kinda my fault. I thought he'd left, so I put away his bedding," Rosario explained while getting the soup ready. Then she remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot. We're out of fever medicine. I need to go buy some. Madelyn, can you take the soup to him?""Sure, Rosario. Go ahead! I'll take care of Zach."Inside, Madelyn felt a bit guilty. Somehow, Zach getting sick seemed like it was her fault. Without eating anything herself, she took t
BANG!A super loud noise came from upstairs, and Madelyn looked up at the ceiling. She quickly put on her slippers and raced up the stairs. She was worried something had happened to Zach.Filled with concern, Madelyn opened the bedroom door. Her heart was racing because she thought there might be an accident. "Zach, what's going on?"Zach was bent over on the bed, trying to pick up the broken pieces of a bowl from the floor."I'm handling it. Just lay down and rest," Madelyn told him. She went over, fixed the pillows behind his back, and then got a broom from outside. She swept up the mess on the floor really quick. After that, she got down on the floor and wiped away the stains with some tissues.Zach watched her, looking puzzled. If he hadn't seen it himself, he wouldn't believe Madelyn would do these things. He knew she had never done these things before. He wondered why she was acting this way. Did something happen?Madelyn had changed because of Zach.In their other life, s
"Why would I mind? That's nice of you, knowing how to take care of me," Zach said, reaching out to mess up her hair.Madelyn grinned, "You're my brother, and I'm here to look after you, especially when you're sick."She gave Zach a spoonful of soup, and he ate it up without any fuss.Taking care of Zach was Madelyn's usual job, even though she didn't really mind unless he stared at her too much. Right now, she just wanted to finish up and leave.But it turned out that feeding Zach was taking way longer than she thought. He was eating super slow, coughing a lot, and there wasn't much Madelyn could do to help. She felt a bit better when Rosario finally came back..."Mr. Jardin, let's check your temperature first!" Rosario gave Zach a thermometer, and he put it in his mouth for a bit before taking it out. The number on it said 39 degrees.Rosario looked worried, "That's a high fever, Mr. Jardin. Maybe you should go to the hospital!"Zach said, "Nah, going to the hospital is a hassl
Zach woke up drenched in sweat from a dream that felt totally real. When he opened his eyes, he was still feeling sad about losing Madelyn.He felt like his heart was being squeezed and he couldn't really breathe. He never thought a dream could make him feel like this. And what was even weirder, in the dream, Madelyn died, and he felt like he was broken too. It didn't make any sense."Zach, you're up!" someone said softly next to him.It was Jadie.Zach looked at the clock on the wall and thought to himself, 'It's afternoon already? It's getting dark outside. How long did I sleep?'Jadie's eyes looked a bit red, like she had been crying."Jadie, aren't you supposed to be at school?" Zach asked.Jadie sounded a bit sad when she said, "Zach, remember? You said you'd pick me up after school on Friday. I waited, but you didn't come. I called Kevin, and he said you were sick. So, I came here as soon as I could.""Oh, I'm sorry, I totally forgot," Zach said, closing his eyes for a mo
'This is so unfair to Rosario,' Madelyn silently cursed."If this happens again, don't think I'll remember all those years you worked for my dad. I won't hesitate to let you go," Hayson's words echoed in the room."Yes, sir!" Rosario responded.Hayson furiously dropped the cane he had been clutching and stormed off to his room upstairs, leaving behind a tense atmosphere.With a heavy heart, Madelyn led Rosario back to Rosario's room, determined to tend to her injuries. She just couldn't believe what happened. 'How could he hit Rosario like that with a cane?' she thought angrily. 'She must be in so much pain. After all the good stuff she did for our family, how could he be so mean?'After Madelyn applied the medicine on Rosario's wounds, Rosario tried to make her feel better. "Don't cry, silly. I'm okay," Rosario said gently."But he hit you! That meanie! How could he do that?""Hey now!" Rosario's eyes got all cold suddenly, and she sounded serious. "He's your dad. You can't say
Madelyn got herself a glass of water from the fridge and quickly went back upstairs to her room.Jadie glanced back, watching Madelyn's figure disappear on the stairs. "Maybe I should bring her a bowl now. I'm worried she might feel uncomfortable."Zach reached out and affectionately ran his hand through Jadie's hair. "I'll go," he offered, getting up from his chair.Jadie hesitated, biting her lip and staying quiet. Inside, she didn't really want Zach to be alone with Madelyn. But she also didn't want to face Madelyn herself. Just as Madelyn was about to close her door from her bed, the lock clicked, and Zach just walked in.Zach had many admirable qualities, but the fact that he never knocked before entering her room slightly annoyed her."Jadie made some gnocchi soup. It's delicious. Care to give it a try?""I..."Before Madelyn could finish, Zach was sitting by her bed. He had a spoon and was stirring the soup. "Want me to feed you, or do you want to eat on your own?""I-I'
Hey, you're gonna be taking those college entrance tests soon, and I don't want that messing up your mood," Zach said.Madelyn spoke softly, "You know, I actually really liked Ms. Manning. She watched out for me in school. If she's gonna be with my father, it's cool with me."She went on, "Oh, and my exams? Don't worry, I've already decided where I wanna apply."Zach asked, "Yeah? Where?"Madelyn answered, "I wanna go to Lorville University and study to be a teacher. After I graduate, I wanna teach in rural places through a volunteer program."Zach's eyes flicked at Madelyn, who was looking at the ground. He said, "Lorville's far, like really far from Ventropolis. Even the fastest plane takes over ten hours. Why go so far when things are good here?"Madelyn thought to herself, 'What's up with him not wanting me to leave? It's not about me leaving; it's about him trying to control me.' She said, "Well, my mom did this volunteer teaching thing in the countryside, and that's how she
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