Samantha was left in disbelief. "Cold, aren't you? That's your father, y'know?""My father? He used me like a tool. I was never his daughter!" Irene retorted as she feigned spite.Samantha did not buy it, however. "Aren't you quite close with him now?""Since when?" Irene shot back."Weren't you two being very polite at the hospital the other day? You even thanked him after you got him a specialist's help—you knew he's dying soon, so you were trying to earn his favor and get a share of his estate, weren't you?" Samantha exclaimed as if she had just gained an epiphany. Irene did not bring her phone because she left in a hurry, and had no choice just then. Her foot had just recovered, and she would really become cripple if she jumped! Right now, she had to wait and see where Samantha was taking her, and then try to come up with a plan after that. Jumping out of the car was not a good plan!Seeing that she was staying put, Samantha chuckled. "Now, that's better."Irene laughed
Irene tamely followed the tanned, skinny man, who started to let down his guard since she was compliant. He undid his belt, while urging Irene to undress! Irene appeared to play along, but even as she did, she was looking around for anything she could use as a weapon.There were only rocks and weeds around, but she spotted a sharp rock that she could use. Stamping on the grass as if to make it even, she said, "Just making sure it's not too rough to lie down on."The tanned man was not wary at all, and even praised her for being such a tease. Irene flashed a smile that did not reach her eyes. "How about you take off your clothes and lay them on the ground?""Fine." He was getting undressed anyway, and was actually delighted that she would say that.Irene, however, picked up that sharp rock while he took off his shirt. Gripping it tightly and sneaking close to the man, she smashed it as hard as she could on his jugular, catching him unawares and sending blood spurting.The man
Although Samantha was in a good mood, she did not know that Irene survived.Irene was a good swimmer, and where she landed was deep enough to break her fall.She was not familiar with the area and wanted to get ashore, but did not do so immediately since Samantha might still be around.The skies were brightening a little when a light suddenly flashed on her, and someone called out, "There's someone here!"Irene was startled. 'Is it Samantha?'She swam as fast as she could, but was quickly overtaken by a boat. "Whitney? Is that you?" Chad called out, and frowned in disappointment to see that it was not when a light caught Irene's face.Stan and his men had left the boat, confident that Whitney was dead since they did not find her after an entire night. Chad was searching as well, but there was no sign of her, and there was not much chance of her surviving. He fell to despair."Are you swimming here?" he asked. He was puzzled since this was no place to swim, and the beach
Naturally, Chad doubted her and sneered. "Do you think I'm an idiot? That you could trick me so easily?"Irene forced a smile and kept trying to cajole him. "I'm not lying—I'm being honest here. I have a bone to pick with Isaac Jefferson as well.""What, you have a bone to pick with him too?" Chad remained doubtful."You were saying that you know about us, but do you know what's really going on between us?" Irene patiently reasoned. She was quick on her feet—this way, she could find out about Chad's intentions, along with how much he actually knew about her and Isaac.Chad raised a brow in response. He certainly was not aware of the relationship between Isaac and Irene aside from Whitney's brief mentioning. In fact, he would not have remembered her if his men never reminded him."What else could it be? You're his girl," he replied.Isaac was not married, so she had to be his lover!Irene breathed a sigh of relief then—it turned out that Chad knew about them, but nothing spec
It sounded like Zachary was chugging a beer!"Quit drinking, Zachary!" Irene whispered."Hah! Why not? She betrayed me." He chuckled in disappointment, misery, and disbelief!"Listen, Zachary, I only have your number. That's why I called you. Someone is holding me hostage in a hotel right now, tell—"Someone knocked on her door before she could finish, and she quickly hung up.On the other end, Zachary was too drunk to think about what Irene said—he was actually puzzled that she hung up on him.Meanwhile, Irene answered the door after putting on her clothes, and found Chad standing at the doorway. He actually doubled back, remembering that there were phones in the hotel room, and that Irene could call for outside help. He strode inside, glancing at the phone as he asked, "Did you contact Isaac Jefferson?"Irene could not remember Isaac's number, or she would have. "I didn't." She smiled.Chad doubted her, and told his people to check with the front desk. Irene, however,
Irene knew for a fact that rich kids like Chad were very afraid of death.Her visage was calm and her words direct. "Let me go."Chad refused. "I doubt you'd kill me."He was convinced that a girl like her would never go that far, unaware that she was a doctor—that anyone brave enough to pick up a scalpel was no coward!Irene simply pressed the sharp glass shard until it broke his skin, and as Chad felt the sharp pain in his neck, and reached up for a touch.His soul almost left him when he felt the warm, sticky sensation of his own blood!"W-Wait a minute!" he stammered nervously."You're trying to humiliate me. I'd really deserve it if I didn't fight back." Having performed surgeries, Irene's hands were steady—she kept pressing the glass shard against Chad, making him feel the pain and kept making him bleed. It would look serious on appearance, but it was hardly life-threatening. After all, a doctor knows the human body from top to bottom, and what could be potentially let
Once Irene returned to her room, she picked up her phone and saw a few missed calls from Lulu. She called her back, and Lulu soon picked up."Irene?" She sounded very worried."I'm here," Irene replied."Are you alright? I was so worried when I couldn't reach you.""I'm fine. Have you arrived at Cloud City? Where are you now? I'll come to you.""I'm at work right now," Lulu replied. "I'm only free after six. Let's meet up somewhere.""Okay," Irene said, and asked, "Is my mom and Tommy alright?""Yeah. They're staying at my home—don't worry." "Good."Irene missed her family—especially Tommy, who was separated from her soon after birth. She wanted to hold him so much.Suddenly, Mrs. Watson came upstairs and called out, "I've made you something to eat, Mrs. Jefferson. Please come downstairs to eat." Lulu heard that, and said, "Well, as long as you're fine. Let's talk later!""Okay," Irene replied, hung up and followed Mrs. Watson downstairs, where Isaac was sitting by th
Isaac was glaring at Irene as if he would cut her into little pieces—if looks could kill, she would be dead already!"I was just—"Even as Irene tried to explain, Isaac sprang to his feet, clearly reluctant to listen to her, and strode out of the dining room.Irene pursed her lips but did not follow—he was furious, and he was not calm enough to listen to her explanations.She should give him time to calm down before talking to him."Achoo—"Irene suddenly clasped her hand over her mouth as she sneezed!Seeing that, Mrs. Watson asked, "Do you have a cold?"Irene nodded, and she quickly brought her cold medicine."Thanks," Irene sniffled.Mrs. Watson smiled. "You're Mr. Jefferson's wife. It's what I should do."Irene lowered her gaze at the mention of Isaac, but quickly took the medicine and washed it down with water. …After having breakfast, Irene changed into fresh clothes and headed to the hospital.Ensuring that Samantha was not around, she visited Lionel, and told hi
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