"Nah, I'm cool," Rea suddenly said. "I'm going now."Someone as proud as her was not about to let Ken find out that she was interested in a man.And with that, she left, though Ken was used to her whimsical attitude by now.He sighed, wondering what man could take her for the sake of the greater good, so that it was just one man suffering and not all of mankind.-Meanwhile, at the hotel, Tommy and Baby wanted to sleep with Irene, so Isaac was squeezed to the edge, far away from Irene with the two boys between.And Tommy still could not sleep.One moment, it was his leg on Isaac's body, and his head was on Isaac's chest the next, waking Isaac up repeatedly.As such, Isaac woke up early, and Irene opened her eyes to find him standing by the window in his pajamas.Walking over quietly to wrap her arms around him from behind, she asked, "What's on your mind?"When he turned, she looked up and beamed. "Didn't sleep well?"She was naturally aware that it was Tommy's fault, as he
Rea smiled. "Is it alright, being this narcissistic?"Stan pursed his lips. "Why be a gentleman since neither of us are interested? Being alive is tiring, and putting up a facade every day is even more so, don't you think?"Rea folded her arms before her chest, watching him with interest. "So you've uncovered the meaning of life?""I won't go that far as to say that," Stan replied, putting down his phone. "I just don't care since I don't consider you a woman."Rea raised a brow.The cheek of this man! He was really not afraid to scare her off!Still, that was something about Stan which interested her—it was certainly more ideal than the gentlemanly facade playboys would put up.At least the man in front of her now was keeping it real.Holding her chin, Rea leaned in to get a closer look at Stan, and he got very uncomfortable with her fixated stare. "What are you looking at?"Rea shrugged. "Just reviewing your looks. The bar was too dark for me to see clearly."Stan chuckled i
Stan replied, "Okay, got it."However, he sighed as he lowered his phone and stared at it, feeling lonely for the first time with the lack of company.Though he did not have to work, he also did not have a wife, so work was preferable.Idling like this was really… boring.He stood outside the elevator, not feeling like returning to his room.However, it was inappropriate to go looking for James. It was even more so if he called Zachary, who was newly married and must be getting all sweet with his missus.With nowhere else to go, he gave up and decided to go back to his room and sleep.However, as he strode toward his room, James and Erin stepped out and saw him. "Have you had breakfast? You could join us.""I have," Stan replied, swiping his keycard to unlock the room door. "You guys enjoy yourselves."James stopped him before he could go in. "Do you have something to do? We could go out together if you don't.""Where to?" Stan asked."Well…" James did not have a plan, and t
Rea frowned. "Wait, is a grown man like you afraid of me or something?""Nope. I'm just here with friends." Stan gestured at Erin with his chin.Rea turned to see Erin standing nearby.Erin had an adorable appearance and looked especially charming in the loose clothes she wore for her pregnancy.Rea's face fell right then—had Stan rejected her because he came with another woman?She studied Erin from head to toe and decided that she was pretty, but otherwise unattractive. "Do you prefer such unfeminine types?"Stan rolled his eyes—how was this woman so consistent with insults?Still, he gestured. "Your friends are calling for you. Go join them already."Rea pursed her lips.She wanted to argue, but nothing came to mind.She hence grumpily strode to her yacht, where her friends were waiting and waving. "Come on, Rea!" As Rea got onboard, she turned to level an impassive look at Stan…-Back at the port, Stan had come to an agreement with a lessor and got the keys.He retu
James explained, "The doctor said that seafood is cold food, and you shouldn't eat too much while you're pregnant."He always remembered the doctor's orders and was always meticulous to every tiny detail of Erin's lifestyle.As Erin happily leaned into James arms, Stan turned away, allowing the wind to blow on his hair. "You're really putting me on the spot here."James and Erin shared a smile, with Erin teasing him cheekily, "Does it upset you? Then get a girl soon. You can still make it.""What's that supposed to mean?" Stan asked."I'm pregnant, my brother has two sons, and Zachary has a daughter." Erin shrugged. "Start looking soon, or you won't stand a chance."Stan blinked. What chance?"Well, if Star marries Tommy, their families would be even closer. That's why you should get married and have a kid soon—preferably a daughter, so you could have her marry your boss' second son."Stan was speechless, and he stared at Erin's belly. "What if you have a daughter? You can have
Rea's buddies were pulling her into the cabin again and mobbing her."Hey, it's your birthday, but you're skipping out?""What's with you today?""You're usually the life of the party, but you just look so distracted today." "Something on your mind? Don't tell me that your parents arranged another blind date for you?"Rea's friends did know her well.Still, Rea raised her glass and tried to change the subject. "Let's drink!""Nah, that's boring when there are so many hunks all around!" A buddy whooped and beckoned at one of the good-looking muscleheads. Taking Rea's hand and pressing it on the man's abs, the buddy giggled. "Just feel it. Isn't it nice? I've really splurged on this one, so why the long face?""Quit it," Rea snapped as she pulled her hand away. "I'm not interested."Her buddy clicked her tongue—Rea was always a free-spirit, which was why they had prepared this for her.In reality, she would have fun and cause trouble however she liked, but she was not that i
Was it really just a coincidence?At the same time, Rea tucked her hair behind her ear.She would definitely be upset if another man said that and would even snap at him for being narcissistic.With Stan, however, she merely smiled.While she was not following him, she happened to see Stan's yacht returning to the port and followed suit.Still, she would not deny that she had gone to his hotel on her own volition this morning…"Who's that man and that woman outside?" she asked.Stan returned the keys to the lessor and replied, "They're both my friends.""Oh. So who's the woman?" she asked tentatively.Stan looked outside and then back at Rea. "What? Is there something you'd like to know?"Rea laughed dryly. "No, I'm just curious…"Stan stared at her warily nonetheless. "Don't tell me that you're interested in James Cross?""What are you saying?" Rea huffed. "It's just that they look so close.""Why wouldn't they be? They're married.""Oh, they are?" Rea pointed at James a
"Got it," Stan said."Okay," Zachary replied.Stan waited until he hung up before telling Rea, "You can hang up now."Rea held on to his phone, which screen was locked as soon as the call ended. "What's your password?"Stan's eyes widened so much his eyeballs could fall out.She was actually asking for her phone's password? Did they even know each other that well? Wasn't that something only known to those closest to you, aside from yourself?Hell, even Stan's buddies James and Zachary didn't know."That's overstepping," Stan told Rea.Rea smiled. "What secrets are you hiding here?"Stan remained silent.That was when Rea held his phone right in front of his face, and the screen unlocked automatically."I knew it—you're using facial recognition."As Stan remained speechless, Rea went on, "Well, everyone's using that or fingerprint recognition for convenience these days, since it spares the hassle of typing passwords. Just a guess, since I know you're the busy type."That me
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