Rain hammered against the floor-to-ceiling windows as a sudden clap of thunder exploded in the sky. Instantly, Dalton burst into inconsolable wailing.Madelyn, who had been deeply asleep, woke up with a start. Zach let out a sigh, his arm that was wrapped around her waist loosened, and he repositioned it behind his head. Madelyn reached over to the nightstand and flipped on the light. She tossed aside the covers and got out of bed. Their room in the Southern Haven Villas was more austere compared to the extravagance they were accustomed to, and the villa itself had seen its fair share of years.Adjusting her slipping spaghetti straps, Madelyn picked up the crying Dalton and carefully made her way to the kitchen, not wanting to disturb Zach. She murmured, "There, there. It's okay. Don't cry, my sweet Dalton."For some reason, Dalton was crying even more intensely than usual. Madelyn tried her best to soothe him, but it was futile. She moved to draw the curtains, but her eyes caught s
Madelyn gave Cecilia a cold glance as she walked past. Cecilia shrugged it off."Yvonne reminds me of how you were in our past life. Both pitiful and laughable. Now you've taken my place. Feels good being on top, right? Seeing Yvonne kneel in the rain all night must be a familiar sight." Cecilia's tone was a mix of mockery and curiosity.She thought Madelyn had returned from a past life, given how close she and Zach had become. In the past, Madelyn had pleaded with Cecilia just for a chance to be near Zach, and Cecilia still remembered it all.Madelyn responded coldly, "I have no idea what you're talking about."As Cecilia watched Madelyn walk away, her lips curling into a smirk.'Madelyn, I hope you're smarter this time around,' she mused.When Cecilia opened the door, Zach was still on the bed. "I need to talk to you, Zach."Sitting up, Zach fixed his pajama buttons. "Out."Cecilia raised an eyebrow. "Can't I come in?"He gave her a stern look. "Didn't I make myself clear? W
"Your shirt's a little wrinkled; let me smooth it out for you." Cecilia made her way down the stairs, straightening out the creases on Zach's striped pajamas. She then looked toward the kitchen and said, "See you at our usual place tonight. Don't bail on me, okay?"Madelyn chose not to react to Cecilia's words. After washing and drying the pan, she returned it to its spot.When Cecilia was gone, Giovanna came downstairs, cradling Dalton she had just fed."Ms. Jent, Dal's up," Giovanna announced. "I get the feeling he's looking for you whenever he cries."Madelyn dried her hands. "Pass him here," she said, taking Dalton into her arms. "Did he get his meds?""Yes, he did."Madelyn moved to the couch, clutching Dalton tightly, while doing her best to disregard Zach. Seeing this, Giovanna wisely backed away to give them room.Zach noticed Madelyn's deliberate attempt to keep distance. Yet, in his mind, everything was falling into place: they had a child together, and he believed tha
Zach would have gladly given her anything she wanted. But now, Madelyn seemed distant and pushed him away more than anything else. People would often crave more, even when they had plenty. But he never got the one thing he truly desired.Yvonne, along with the maids she hired for the Jent residence, had been shown the door. Eager to restore the past, Zach rehired the original staff and also brought back Margaret. What Madelyn did not realize was that the mansion was actually in her name.Margaret was doing laundry in an old building when a few bodyguards approached her. They said they wanted her back at the mansion. She looked scared and quickly refused, but her eyes widened at the mention of the salary, and she could not resist getting into their car.Once seated, Margaret shook her head in disbelief, thinking, 'I can't believe I'm going back to that creepy house. Oh yeah, Yvonne Young fired me out of the blue and even docked half my pay. What am I getting myself into?'It felt li
A bodyguard walked in, holding a food container. Seeing it, Madelyn felt uneasy."Mr. Jardin," the bodyguard said, "we found this in Ethan's room."Zach glanced at the bodyguard and smirked, "Oh? What's in there?""It's pumpkin cream soup," the bodyguard replied, opening the container to reveal it was half empty.Madelyn felt nervous.Zach's voice chilled. "Who helped her deliver this to Ethan?""It was Ms. Jent's maid."Zach responded quickly, "Break her hand. Make Ethan throw up whatever he ate. From now on, he gets no more food without my approval."Giovanna paled. "Ms. Jent told me to do it. It wasn't my idea," she stammered. "I have a family to feed. I swear it won't happen again." Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded with Zach.She then turned her gaze to Madelyn. "Please, help me."Madelyn stepped forward. "Zach, it was my call. Don't take it out on her. Ethan barely woke up, and you've already locked him away. He—""Upset about it?" Zach cut in, his voice dripping
Zach let go Madelyn and she hit the ground hard.Nearby, one of Zach's bodyguards pulled Ethan toward them. He looked beaten down, his messy, dark hair covering his empty eyes. His arms were full of bruises, and spots of blood dotted his shirt.Zach snatched a golf club from the ground, advancing toward Ethan with a threatening glint in his eyes. Seeing this, memories flooded back to Madelyn of the tales she had heard about Zach's time with Hayson, filled with dangerous confrontations. It was evident in his gaze: he wanted Ethan out of the picture. With his control over Ventropolis, nobody would dare oppose him, even if someone vanished. And this was not the fiercest she had seen him.As Zach raised his arm, Madelyn scrambled to her feet, darted to Ethan, and hugged him tight, using her body as a shield. A sudden numbness raced up her shoulder, soon replaced by a sharp, searing pain that left her arm feeling heavy. The pain was so overpowering that a ringing sound echoed in her ears
The nurse set up an IV for Madelyn."Could you call Dr. Stewart? I need to speak with him," Madelyn said.The nurse replied, "He's in surgery and won't be available for another two hours. I'll let him know once he's free.""Thank you.""You're welcome."Madelyn's face was pale, likely from pain. She closed her eyes, seeming miles away. Just then, Zach walked in after making a phone call outside. He settled beside her."Father will be back in a few days," he said while adjusting her blanket.Madelyn was taken aback to hear Zach still calling Hayson 'Father,' considering their history. She kept her thoughts to herself. They often had these stretches of silence between them, and this time, after letting it linger for a bit, she was the one to break it."When will you release Ethan?""Madelyn, don't make things more difficult. What if you acted like you were in the dark? Just follow instructions, and you'll regain your freedom, living life on your terms."Madelyn opened her eyes,
The medicine took effect quickly.After receiving a call, Kevin drove Yvonne back to the Young residence and showed her some alarming photos. The images showed Ethan looking severely injured, and it distressed her deeply."How could anyone do this to my son? Zach Jardin, you monster!" Although Frida was already mentally fragile, seeing the pictures heightened her anguish.Kevin, keeping his composure, said, "You're aware of what Mr. Jardin wants, aren't you?"With emotion in her voice, Frida replied, "Is he doing all this for the Arnold residence?"Kevin merely smiled, affirming her guess."I'll give it to him. But he has to stop hurting Ethan." Frida retrieved the long-stored deed from upstairs and handed it to Kevin. "I want my son. Whatever he demands, it's his."Kevin accepted the deed. "You'll have him back in three days.""Three days? I need him back now, Kevin!"As Frida tried to chase Kevin, her high heels betrayed her, causing her to trip. A nearby maid was quick to a
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