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
Every time Kevin showed up, Madelyn felt uneasy, worried about what Zach might be up to.After giving Madelyn her medicine, Zach assisted her with her clothes. "I'll be back in a flash," he said. He threw the used cotton swab in the trash and then poured some water into a cup, placing it on the nightstand. Once he had settled things in the room, he made his way out. As he did, Kevin handed him a package.Kevin said, "On my way over, Ms. Samford came by the Young residence. She said you wanted her to hand-deliver the deed of the Arnold residence to you."Zach examined the item Kevin gave him, nodding in approval. "Good job. Once we finish up here, I want you to take a three-week vacation. However, I've got one last task for you first.""What's our plan?"A determined glint appeared in Zach's eyes. "Within two days, I want everyone out of the Arnold residence," he instructed. "Then, I'm taking over.""You got it."Zach stepped into the room, finding Madelyn lying on the bed, her e
Madelyn began to sit up. "Okay, I'll take the medicine, just let Ethan go," she said. Zach helped her sit and showed her a pill."I can do it," she said, trying to grab the pill.Zach shook his head. "I've got this."Seeing Zach's stern look, Madelyn hesitated briefly before accepting the white pill. As she did, his eyes flashed with a deeper intensity. When she tried to take a sip of water, he abruptly took the glass away and overwhelmed her with a passionate kiss.Concerned about Ethan, Madelyn didn't push Zach away.Being mindful of her injuries, Zach was careful in his approach. Madelyn, though, was clearly uncomfortable, her teeth gritted with every move he made. Zach noticed and kept trying to find a better position for her, but in the end, exhaustion took over Madelyn.Every time after, Zach would clean her up and take care of her.Hayson was supposed to be back in Ventropolis in three days, but a major rainstorm delayed his flights. Madelyn saw Ethan return to the Young
"You're so kind! I'll be super hungry when I get home. I'm not sure about her, but Rosario's going through a lot. She barely eats, just had a costly surgery, and is now dealing with kidney disease. Nobody's there for her. I could barely recognize her the last time I saw her. Even with some savings, she chose to donate it all. Now, she's at home, just waiting for what's next."Madelyn's smile faded. Rosario and Zach had drugged her for over ten years, causing her to miss out on motherhood. She'll never shake off that regret.A custom pink Bentley pulled into the driveway. Out stepped Zach, looking sharp in his suit. Spotting Madelyn's smile, he approached with a key in hand and his other hand tucked in his pocket. "What are you two laughing about?"Madelyn's smile disappeared. "We were just talking," she said. As he got closer, she noticed an odd, musty smell coming from him. "Maybe you should take Dalton to his room. He's fallen asleep," she suggested, her tone soft as she glanced d
Madelyn felt trapped and believed that accepting the situation would protect her loved ones.After she told Zach how she felt, she expected him to be mad. But he just smiled, pulled her closer, and gently played with her wavy hair. "So, how do you see us?"Hesitantly, she lowered her eyes. "I wish we could just be brother and sister," she said.Zach chuckled, a wicked look in his eyes. "Since when do siblings share a bed?" His gaze was icy and there was something unsettling about it, like a wild animal trapped behind bars. "You'll see things my way eventually. And one day, we'll watch our child grow up together.""Dal isn't our child. It was all make-believe," Madelyn said. "If you want a child, you and Yvonne should have one. That would be your true child." She felt her life was confusing, but she thought Zach seemed even more lost. "I know this might upset you, but it's the truth.""You've become pretty good with words, haven't you?" Zach teased, pinching her cheek lightly befor
A bodyguard approached. "The demolition crew called. They said they'll be here in an hour and a half."Zach replied, "No rush."Marta's legs felt numb, and she pointed a trembling finger at Zach. "Mrs. Arnold Sr. died because of you!" she exclaimed. "You're a monster! You'll pay for this!"Zach smirked, a hint of menace in his eyes. "I should be thanking you. If not for you giving the deed to Frida, its whereabouts would've remained a mystery. You were instrumental in my success."His words stung. Evelyn's death was caused by extreme stress and anger. Marta had gone to great lengths to safeguard the Arnold residence. 'He's right. It's my fault.' Marta had devoted decades of her life to Evelyn, loving her as family. Now, the heavy burden of her role in Evelyn's death and the barrage of emotions—guilt, pain, regret—were too much."I might be doomed, but so are you!" Marta's eyes blazed as she pulled out a kitchen knife and lunged at Zach, yelling, "Die, you demon!"She did not make
'Father probably never guessed anyone would enter his room,' Madelyn thought. She noticed shoes beneath the door and the sound of approaching footsteps. Hurrying, she sat in her father's chair and accidentally hurt herself. Wincing from the pain, she tried to stay still as Zach walked in.Zach came in with his clothes speckled with water droplets and closed the door. "Did Dal wake you?"Madelyn looked down. Dalton was not crying anymore, but his little face was flushed, and he gave a small cough."Let me hold him. Your hand is still injured."Madelyn tightened her grip on Dalton. "Why do you smell like gas? What happened?"Zach replied, "My car broke down on my way back. I fixed it. I'm going to hop in the shower now.""Okay."As Zach walked off, a nagging feeling told Madelyn he was hiding something. Once she was certain he was upstairs, she placed Dalton gently on the comfy couch. She hit a switch under the desk, and moments later, a shelf with an antique figurine started to s
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