"Even if you don't forgive me, I want to be by your side. I hope to see you get married to someone who's good for you, so even if I die, I die in peace... I'll go heat up your cream soup so it's ready when you wake up."The quiet room was interrupted by the sound of a closing door. Madelyn opened her eyes. She had been awake since Zach left. Madelyn stared blankly at the ceiling. This was the first time she heard about Hayson's wrongdoings from someone else.She always knew Hayson wasn't a good person, but no one ever told her exactly what he had done over the years.Even if she did nothing wrong, as a member of the Jent family, those victims would seek revenge on her.She had to bear all this just because she was Hayson's daughter. She didn't even have the right to blame others.But that doesn't mean she could forgive everything Rosario had done and act like it never happened.Rosario finished warming the cream soup and was about to bring it to the room. Seeing the light on, s
Madelyn took a taxi to the Arnold residence.The weather was gloomier than usual today, making her feel a bit down.When she reached her destination, a light rain started to fall. Ethan came out with an umbrella to walk her in. "Are you cold? I'll get you a shawl."Madelyn glanced around the entryway and noticed some kids' building blocks under the couch. She quickly looked away, her heart racing a little.Ethan had a servant bring a shawl and draped it over her."Thank you," said Madelyn.Ethan was always so attentive and thoughtful. Even if they got married, Madelyn believed he'd be an excellent husband. 'But... he was never truly mine,' she thought."Madelyn..." Evelyn's voice called from the doorway. George was with her.She walked over and sat next to Madelyn, holding her hands. "You're back and didn't even call me. I was just about to ask Ethan to invite you over for dinner. He told me about your sudden return. Don't worry; we'll find the best doctor to help Hayson."F
Evelyn quickly spoke up, "Madelyn, the child is indeed Ethan's. It was my idea for Ethan to accept him, not his own choice. I pleaded with him to keep the child... I know you can't have children, so I thought if he could get custody, the child could be with you, making up for you not being able to be a mom. After all, the child carries our family bloodline. I couldn't bear to see him suffer with Donna. Madelyn... you're a kind-hearted girl. Don't you want our family name to continue? You'll understand my choice, right?"Donna hid in a corner, secretly listening to their conversation.George chimed in, "Miss Jent, the child doesn't change your relationship with our young master. The position of Mrs. Arnold is a coveted one. If you're upset, you shouldn't let another woman win. You know what's best. You must understand."Madelyn stood up and said, "I'm sorry, Evelyn. I still want to end the engagement. If I've upset you, I apologize."She then took out a letter of engagement written
"Even if you leave, you'll always be the future Mrs. Arnold.""Don't you get it? It's not about our engagement. It's about your responsibility as a man. Maybe we're not right for each other; I wish you happiness," Madelyn shook off his hand. "I lost the engagement ring. I'll pay you back for it. Sorry, I really need to leave now.""No, Madelyn!" Pain shot through Ethan's legs as he took a step, making him kneel on the ground."Mr. Arnold!""Ethan!" Donna also emerged upon seeing this."Daddy!"Everyone hurried forward, but only Madelyn left. They did not realize her leaving meant a long farewell, and the Arnold family would never be the same. Embarking on her journey back to Paris, Madelyn left with uncertainty, not knowing when or if she would ever return.Jadie's car accident left her with a minor leg fracture, requiring a month of bed rest before she could walk again. Zach learned that Madelyn had left Southern Haven Villas at nine in the morning. He sped in a black Audi to V
Under the Statue of Liberty by a pond, many students about to graduate were sketching."Madelyn, if you submit this painting in a contest, you're sure to win," a voice said.The cool fall wind blew her short hair. A beam of golden light shone on her face. Wearing a shiny necklace, Madelyn tucked her long hair behind her ear. "...Thanks," she replied. Now twenty-two, Madelyn was more confident than she was at eighteen. Over the four years, she had grown more mature. Each smile and frown was filled with her own unique charm.A woman with golden hair beside her shook her head in distress, "I won't be able to complete this graduation album on time. If I delay my graduation again, I'll be so disappointed. Prof. Monet must be so happy having a student like you. Over these years, you've won so many awards, unlike me."Madelyn offered her words of encouragement, "Aisha, study harder. You'll definitely make it."Madelyn submitted her five best paintings for her graduation assignment. The s
As many domestic companies closed, he bought many businesses from other countries. This move caught the attention of international news, and he was even on TV. Everyone worldwide heard about Zach and his smart business moves in just one night.Madelyn wondered if this huge success was just luck. All these failing companies she knew that Zach had bought would soon turn into some of the biggest businesses in the world within five years. At first, people were doubtful about his choices. But when his name appeared on the list of wealthy individuals, it became clear that he was cleverer than everyone thought.His name kept bouncing around in her head like a bouncing ball. She felt she could never escape him even if she ran far away. Over the years, she wondered how he had changed, 'Is the Zach from my past life back again? If that is really true...' A cold wind blew, making her hands and feet super cold and sending shivers up and down her body. She really hoped she was just thinking too m
"You have an appointment with Miss Young today at noon. Then, a charity event at six in the evening. Also, don't forget the important banquet in Paris in five days. Your invitation is already in the CEO's office."Kevin, Cecilia, and Zach left the elevator after reaching the ninety-ninth floor. Kevin headed to the assistant's office as Cecilia and Zach moved to the CEO's office. Over the years, Cecilia's support had been crucial in Zach's ascent to power. Now, with the Arnold family out of the picture, he commanded Ventropolis. Cecilia made a cup of coffee and placed it in front of him. She pressed a button, and the office doors closed. Then, she sat on his lap without hesitation."I've been there for every win. It's time for you to hold up your end, don't you think?" Cecilia's hand moved with purpose across his chest, her touch light but insistent.Zach met her gaze, his face a blank slate. "You seem to have too much time on your hands." His eyes held a chill, a subtle irritation f
Zach's gaze remained on Madelyn's face as he watched the blurry video. After a moment, he looked away, handing the tablet back, "Tell Mr. Frederick Tesla I'll be on time for the Paris banquet."Kevin gave a slight nod, "Yes, Mr. Jardin."After Kevin left, Zach turned to Cecilia, who stood beside him, "What's wrong? Aren't you happy I'm bringing her back?""You still can't let her go after all," Cecilia said, her arms folded and her expression sulky. "Did you forget what I told you? In our previous lives, it was Madelyn who tore us apart. We even had a son. If not for her, we wouldn't have separated."Zach stared at Cecilia. She seemed honest, but her talk about past life confused him. It was hard to believe in rebirth and old memories. Most people would call it crazy. Yet, Cecilia's actions made Zach want to believe her. He narrowed his eyes, thinking hard. After a bit, he asked, "If you were reborn, how did I die last time?"When Zach asked this, Cecilia hid her surprise. She loo
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