It was an eyeroll of happiness. "Fine. I can't stop you, can I?"I returned to my seat. Jamie was already cooking, and he placed some freshly cooked seafood on my plate. "Here. These are just made. Very fresh!""Ah, I can do it myself. Thanks!" I said, declining.He smiled and continued placing food on my plate as though he hadn't heard me.I remembered what Cherry had said: Jamie seemed to harbor feelings for me.It made me appreciate Soren's planned arrival. It could serve as a reminder to Jamie that I was already taken.-We finished our dinner by 9:00 p.m.I was starting to worry that we'd finished earlier than Soren had expected when his call came. It turned out he was already at the entrance."Looks like my guy is here. Please excuse me, and good night!" I said, ready to leave."What about your car?" Jamie asked, curious."Let it stay there for now. We'll have a repairman drive it to the shop tomorrow."I bade him farewell again and quickly headed to the entrance.To
I was speechless.Thankfully, Soren hadn't actually done that. If he had, I wouldn't have been able to face Jamie when I returned to the office—unless, of course, I found myself a new manager.At that thought, I muttered regretfully, "I shouldn't have told you that if I'd known how you'd react. It's not like there's a big chance I'll run into your friend again, and you wouldn't have known about it anyway...""Excuse me? Were you saying something?""I said I finally found one of your flaws… You're petty and jealous!" I turned to face Soren, enunciating each word deliberately just to provoke him.Instead of getting angry, he simply smiled and said, "I'm sure I have plenty more flaws. You'll discover them sooner or later.""Why not just tell me now so I can avoid them?""Nope, not a chance."Our childish banter continued until even we couldn't take ourselves seriously anymore."Alright, enough of that. Time to take you home." Soren changed the subject effortlessly, planning my sc
"That's not urgent. What's urgent is Edith's case," Edward said. "You said you'd agree to settle if she apologized to you. Does that still stand?"I frowned, staring at him. "You came all this way in the freezing night, sick as you are, just to ask me that?""How else was I supposed to? You've blocked my number and changed yours, after all."Edward's tone was calm but laced with sarcasm as he added, "As if you'd die from answering my call…"I paused, realizing I'd indeed received two calls from an unknown number earlier today. I'd silenced them both."So? Does it still stand?" he pressed.I took a breath. Honestly, I didn't want to let it stand—Edith's attitude in court had infuriated me.But with Harry about to be released, I had no idea what kind of trouble he'd stir up next.To avoid dealing with everything at once, especially with my Fashion Week showcase coming up, I decided to let this one go."Fine. Have her apologize publicly, and I'll accept an out-of-court settlement
Cherry called before I could finish."Tay-Tay, Ms. Thompson is here to see you.""Tell her I'm occupied today and won't be returning to the office," I replied calmly. "She should leave.""She's refusing and is sitting in your office. Should I call security to escort her out?""That won't be necessary. Let her stay." I doubted the guards could handle Cameron. If things escalated, they'd only disrupt the company's operations."Okay…" Cherry sighed before hanging up.I didn't dwell on it. Cameron only ever came for money, and I had no intention of giving her any—it would only lead to endless demands.As I turned to leave, I unexpectedly ran into someone familiar… an enemy, in fact.Candy stood arm in arm with an older woman who bore a striking resemblance to her—likely her mother.Two sharply dressed car salesmen flanked them, enthusiastically showcasing the various models on offer.So, they were here to buy a car too. What a coincidence."Taylor?" Candy's surprise was evident
But the very next second, Eliza Frieze turned her gaze toward me.With a blatantly rude tone, she said, "Is this your friend, Mr. Kenway? She comes from such an unremarkable background and has such unorthodox manners, a far cry from the company your family usually keeps. I'm sure your grandfather has never—""Madam Frieze," Soren smoothly interrupted before she could finish.His expression remained pleasant, but his tone carried firm authority. "Taylor is my girlfriend, and it's not your place to lecture her since we share no familial ties."I raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting him to be so rude to an older woman by cutting her off like that.Eliza's face darkened immediately."My mother means well, Soren! Just look at Taylor! She was so aggressive she kicked my leg! It's all bruised now!" Candy jumped in to defend her mother, even lifting the hem of her dress to reveal her calf.I was about to explain myself, but Soren beat me to it. "Taylor wouldn't harm anyone for no r
Soren remained calm, showing no hint of guilt as he explained, "There's nothing between us. It's our grandfathers who are friends."Noticing my confusion, he continued, "Commander Frieze was one of my grandfather's most trusted subordinates back in the day. That's why my grandfather recommended him for promotion to military district commander."Remember when I mentioned my older brother? He's the orphan of my father's comrade and has been in the military ever since. For years, he served under Commander Frieze, who mentored him."My brother is highly capable, earning two first-class merits—though one nearly cost him his life. Two months ago, Commander Frieze retired and has been visiting my grandfather frequently. They play chess and reminisce about the past."I listened intently, my curiosity about Soren's older brother growing stronger after hearing about him again.At the same time, learning about Candy's family background left me uneasy. Her grandfather had once been a military
Soren understood my meaning before I even finished speaking."That's not going to happen," he said firmly. "My family already knows I have a girlfriend."I smiled. "It's just a girlfriend, though."Candy had once told me that even marriages could end in divorce, let alone a mere relationship. She'd also claimed William would never approve of Soren being with me, which made me wonder if she knew something I didn't.Upon noticing my hesitation, Soren's expression turned serious. "I've told you before—I don't take relationships lightly."His gaze deepened as he paused, then added, "Actually, if you're willing, we could get married right now."What?!I stared at him, stunned.Waving my hand quickly, I let out an awkward laugh. "Marriage is a lifelong commitment. You can't be reckless about these things. You really shouldn't joke like that."Despite my words, joy bubbled inside me.Logically, I knew too many obstacles stood in our way, making marriage seem unlikely. Yet in that mo
I had already consulted Ace about the matter, so I had a rough idea of what was happening. Still, Cameron's words caught me off guard."Is Harry really going to be released already? That was fast!" I exclaimed.Seeing my confusion, she explained, "He won't live much longer if he doesn't get out soon!"I followed her lead and replied coldly, "Why waste medical resources on him if he's already on the verge of death? You'd only be prolonging his suffering.""Taylor! How could you say something like that?!" Cameron's voice rose sharply. "He's your father! You wouldn't even be here without him!""Honestly, if I had a choice, I'd rather not have been born than have a sperm donor as inhumane as him," I shot back without hesitation.Cameron's lips trembled with anger, her eyes reddening as she struggled to respond.The hatred I had buried for so long resurfaced, and I could no longer hold back. "When my mom had cancer and couldn't afford chemo, I begged you! Do you remember what you sai
"Your brother's taken him to meet your grandfather," I replied."I see. Why aren't you with them?" Soleil asked."I'm worried I might anger your grandfather by being there," I admitted with an embarrassed chuckle. "After all, I kept Hale's birth a secret from you all."I grabbed Soleil's hand and asked, "Do you know what your parents think about this? Honestly, I'm really worried, but your mother seemed so friendly with me, so...""Please! What else could they think?" Soleil patted my hand and led me to a bench. "Ren worked himself to the bone while you were gone. I'm serious! Days and nights of relentless focus."She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Candy chased after him like a madwoman, even confessing to him in public several times. But Ren ignored her completely."He got so fed up he told her grandfather he had no feelings for her whatsoever and never would, so she should find someone else."Candy was so furious she cried her eyes out. That was the l
I finally managed to ease all the tension that had built up.Soren walked over and asked gently, "I'm going to take Hale to meet Grandpa, so… Do you want to come along?"I looked at him, already knowing it probably wasn't a good idea.William had made it clear he didn't approve of Soren and me being together. He had someone else in mind—someone he considered more suitable to be Soren's wife. That was why I had agreed to step aside.Yet here I was, not only bringing a child into their home out of the blue but also about to present him to his great-grandfather.What would William think? He'd probably see me as manipulative, a woman who had schemed her way into their family."I don't think that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to upset your grandfather by accident," I replied softly, my thoughts clear."Alright then. I'll leave you to it.""Okay."After informing his parents, Soren carried Silas off to meet William, leaving me behind.An awkward silence settled over the room.Lis
They teared up from the excitement of meeting their grandson, unable to stop playing with him."Look, dear! He looks exactly like Soren when he was little! Oh my God, they look so much alike!" Lisbeth's voice trembled with excitement, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.Even Marlon, typically stern and commanding, had the same reaction. He stared at Silas, who was nestled in Soren's arms, for a while before nodding and saying, "You're right, but Soren seems smarter."Soren sounded displeased. "Come on, don't be so harsh on him."Lisbeth laughed, dismissing her husband's remark as she gently coaxed, "Hello, my little precious. I'm your grandmother. Would you let me hold you, please?"Silas had been meeting too many strangers since we returned to the country, so he seemed a little caught off guard.He looked at me and said, "Mama…"Lisbeth followed his gaze, her eyes landing on me. Her initial joy subtly faded.Soren seized the moment. "Mom, why don't you play with Hale
My aunt frowned. "What does this mean? Do you think they'll accept you into their family?"I shook my head, instinctively feeling that wasn't going to happen. "That's impossible."What was the point of breaking up with Soren if all I had to do to be with him was bear them a son?I didn't understand the Kenways' intentions, but Soren wasn't giving me any room to escape.He arrived half an hour later, finding Silas and me.Since they'd played together just the day before, our son still remembered the man before him. Soren reached out, and Silas naturally threw his arms around his father.Honestly, I felt a twinge of jealousy. Blood was thicker than water, after all.Although they'd never lived together before, Silas had quickly adapted to Soren, welcoming him into his life with such a friendly demeanor.With our son in one arm, Soren opened the car door. "Get in."I resisted. "Do I really have to go? Can't you just take Hale with you instead?"Soren's direct stare was unwaverin
I held Silas' hand as I coaxed him, doing my best to calm him down.Fortunately, he was a cheerful little bunny with the courage of a lion. He stopped resisting the moment my aunt promised to buy him plenty of toys and food.My grandmother was awake when we entered the ward. Despite her frailty, her face lit up with a smile when she saw her great-grandson.My aunt led Silas to her bedside, and my grandmother reached out to clasp his tiny hand with her scrawny one.The scene struck me deeply, as if my grandmother was passing down her legacy.My nose stung with emotion at the sight.We stayed with her for a while, but her stamina waned after less than an hour.Seeing how she struggled to stay awake, I coaxed her gently, like soothing a child, "Why don't you get some rest, Grandma? We'll play again when you wake up. We've got nothing but time."My grandmother nodded reluctantly before drifting off to sleep.True to her word, my aunt bought Silas a generous haul of toys and snacks
Soren hesitated to leave. He spoke softly to Silas for a while, kissed him, and only let go when Amanda and Jean returned."What happened? How did your talk go?" Jean asked curiously, setting down my dinner.I smiled and answered calmly, "It went alright. I don't think he's planning to take my son away from me. He did ask if he could bring Hale home to meet his grandfather after we visit Grandma."Amanda nodded. "It's a reasonable request. Both your grandparents would be happy to see that you two have a family together."Jean raised an eyebrow. "What about you? Didn't he say anything to you?""What about?""What do you think?! You've already had his son. Shouldn't he be doing something about it? When are you two going to get back together, or get married? You should give Hale the perfect family, don't you think?"Jean looked at me, waiting for an answer.I simply shook my head. "I've never thought about that."The truth was, I still loved Soren, but I didn't want him for mysel
I had finished with the milk powder and was starting to shake the milk bottle when I glanced at him and said, "That's all I can offer to answer your questions."If you're trying to blame me for not telling you earlier, I'm sorry, but I don't have an explanation. I didn't know how to bring it up in that situation."Besides… I knew I wasn't in perfect health when I got pregnant. I had been on medication, and the doctor said there was no guarantee Hale would be healthy."At the time, I decided to do my best to take care of myself and wait for a second test. If it turned out I couldn't continue the pregnancy and had to either abort or even induce labor…"Anyway, there were too many factors to consider, so I didn't tell you."I handed the milk bottle to Silas and added, "You should sit down. He won't be able to drink his milk if you keep moving around."Soren took Silas back to the living room and sat down, while I unpacked my luggage to avoid facing his glares any longer.Once Silas
Silas kept crying, clinging to my neck like a koala.Soren looked both helpless and nervous. "Why is he crying? Is he unwell?"Seeing his anxious expression, my anger melted away. I even pitied him a little… He was nothing more than a father meeting his son for the first time.My tone softened as I explained, "He just woke up. He'll be fine in a minute."Soren nodded, his eyes fixed on Silas.As expected, the little fellow calmed down before long and started looking around… only to realize he was in an unfamiliar place surrounded by strangers.His gaze eventually settled on Soren.Silas was still teary-eyed, his mouth slightly pouted. When he spotted Soren, he grew calm, his eyes locked on the man before him.Father and son stared at each other for a while…I had no idea what Silas was thinking, but the way he looked at Soren was telling. It was as if he instinctively recognized the man as family.Silas probably didn't understand bloodlines or genetics, but he seemed certain
"What else do you think? Or do you think there's no need to explain because it has nothing to do with me at all?" Soren's voice was gentle, still soft out of consideration for our sleeping child.But I could tell he was angry, and that made me nervous.I avoided his gaze and replied softly, "It was an accident, and we were already separated for some time when I found out.""That's your reason for not telling me all this?" Soren clearly didn't believe a word I said.I pursed my lips and frowned.The truth was, there was nothing for me to explain. My pregnancy was an accident, and I decided to keep the child because I couldn't bring myself to end a life.Besides, I didn't have much time to think it over at the time.Cornered, I raised my voice, fighting back. "What do you want me to say? The fact is, he's here now. You're free to be part of his life if you want. Otherwise, you can forget he even exists.""Taylor!" My words only made Soren angrier. "How could you say something so