Zachary's tone then changed sharply. "What right do you have? Who are you to question me, huh?!"His gaze was cold as ice.He had kept making compromises for Lulu to the very end, but she only cared about herself, refusing to accept him or try to make things work with him, even if it was Star's sake.Now, she was even ready to leave!How was he supposed to take that? How was that supposed to not hurt? How could he still stop himself from lashing out?Lulu could certainly feel his disappointment, and yet…Her eyes turning red, she asked, "Did you have to do it like this?""Like what?" Zachary retorted."You know I care about Star.""Do you?" Zachary laughed. "Don't you care only about yourself? If you did care about Star, you wouldn't be so stubborn, not giving a damn that she would be growing up in a broken family and leaving just because it feels right to you.""I could have gotten myself some young, pretty face," he continued, his tone getting sharper as he went on. "But wo
After all, Zachary knew very well that Lulu had put Irene up to this.And he also knew that Lulu would always keep everyone at arm's length if he did not push her, which was why he refused Irene."It doesn't matter who asks," Zachary said bluntly, holding her gaze as he spoke earnestly. "We both know what Lulu is worried about, and I told her that I don't care about that. And if I don't care, what is there to worry about? But she's the one who refused to get over herself, so if I keep making compromises, she would just stay that way and never open her heart to anyone. All I ask is for her to come around for Star's sake."Irene was left silent for a long while since Zachary was right, but as a fellow woman, she would see things from Lulu's perspective too."She's still traumatized after what happened," Irene said, pursing her lips. "I understand her concerns, and she's worried that you'd take exception in the future. Even if you love her now, you know how fickle love is.""I won't
Irene found it hard to begin since she was worried about shocking Lulu, but she had to ask."Are you traumatized?" she asked vaguely.Lulu was taken aback but sat down again as she came to her senses and said bluntly, "Very."Irene nodded. "I know a good psychiatrist. Why don't you get a consultation?""Why?" Lulu asked, puzzled."Zachary's different now that I've met him again," Irene explained, holding Lulu's hand and assuring her gently. "Even if he couldn't before, he can protect you now. Don't reject him immediately—can't you try for Star's sake?"As Lulu turned silent, Irene pressed tenderly, "Do you really want Star to grow up in a family with a single father, or with a stepmother? Zachary said we can't decide on something that hasn't even happened yet, and I agree with him. What about you?"Lulu thought about it and decided that Zachary was right.She hung her head. "It's all my fault.""No," Irene said, shaking her head. "Neither you nor Zachary are at fault. You both
Zachary was a little surprised. "Is this a trick so she can reach Star?""No," Irene replied. "Lulu's not like that. You know her.""I really don't." Zachary chuckled exasperatedly.After all, he had never expected Lulu to get together with Martin York.At first he thought she just wanted to spite him, so it really hurt when they really got married and things appeared to be going well for them.In fact, Zachary felt hate for Lulu, though he eventually came around—why obsess with getting her, if she could be happy instead? He was the one who let her down first, allowing her to slip through his fingers because of his own incompetence.Martin's death therefore felt like providence, and he wanted to seize that chance."I won't let her down this time, Irene," Zachary said, determined."I believe you." Irene nodded, convinced. "And I can see your resolve.""Yeah, but not Lulu." Zachary sighed."She has more concerns from her standpoint," Irene argued."You really are two peas in
Lulu almost reached up in reflex to wipe her tears, but she pretended to be fine."I thought you were out," she said nervously."Irene told me that you don't want to see me," Zachary replied. "But I had the feeling that we'd have to face each other anyway, so it's ideal to run into each other without warning like this.""Yeah." Lulu nodded, relieved.Zachary's eyes remained glued to her. "You don't have to feel embarrassed. There's no reason for us to act like strangers.""Yeah," Lulu murmured softly, pursing her lips."Star hasn't been crying a lot, actually. The new babysitter does her job well and shows a sense of responsibility even if she's not Star's mother. I lied since I wanted Irene to pass the message and make you worry."Lulu looked up. "When did you become such a schemer?""Does that count as a scheme?" Zachary asked in return. "I'm just trying to get you back to me and Star. If you want to call me selfish, I'll admit to it."Before Lulu could say anything else, he
"Because of Martin," Lulu admitted, but also partly to gauge if Zachary took exception.Seeing the slight change on his face, she asked, "Do you take exception? He's my past, and you'll have to face it all the time if you want to be with me. Have you really thought about it?""No, I don't take exception," Zachary replied. "I'm just shocked that you tried to abandon Star. Don't think that lowly of me.""He was the one who told me to keep her," Lulu said.She was not testing Zachary this time, but was telling him that Martin York was a good man.Zachary said, "I know."-The next day, Lulu and Irene went to the psychiatrist together, and Lulu told her that she met Zachary yesterday.Irene was not surprised. "How do you feel?"Lulu mused to herself for a while before saying, "He changed a lot."Irene smiled. "Did he change for the better or for worse? Do you prefer him the way he is, or the way he was?"Lulu thought about it. "He's just different."Zachary used to be bright an
Lulu shook her head. "That's not it.""Then what do you believe is the reason?" the psychiatrist asked.Lulu was stumped at the actual question and stared quietly at him."Your mindset is wrong," he said bluntly. "You didn't want that experience, did you? You were forced, you were the victim—that means you're still pure, and you need to understand that."It was a revelation for Lulu.She had always been burdened by those memories, but she had indeed been forced and was the victim."You're keeping yourself caged by morals," he continued. "Morals which you dictated yourself when everyone who knows it knows that you're innocent. They don't care about it, because they feel for you and care for you."Lulu indeed felt much kindness just then, from Martin's colleagues and Irene—especially Irene, who kept her company during her darkest moment, encouraging her and assuring her."What do you say is a person's reason for being?" he then asked.Lulu shook her head, unable to answer again.
Lulu said, "I'll take care of Star from now on."Zachary nodded, as he understood what she was saying. "Got it. Come on in."As Lulu entered, she asked, "Are you going to move?""Do you prefer this place or the old one?" Zachary asked in return. "We will stay wherever you like. They're all mine anyway.""It's nice here," Lulu said.The new place was smaller, but it was quiet and comfortable."I think so too." Zachary smiled.The babysitter returned after coaxing Star to sleep, and Zachary gestured. "I'd like to have a word. Can you come with me?"The babysitter nodded followed, and Zachary gave her a large envelope that he had prepared earlier."Thank you for taking care of my daughter so well, but we won't be in need of your services now that her mother's back…""I understand," the babysitter replied as she took the envelope. "Thank you.""You'd definitely find better work with your sense of responsibility," Zachary said. "It's not much, but it's a token of my sincerity."
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim