Was Isaac the reason she was restless today? Did that mean he affected her emotions now?No! That was impossible!She did not want to admit it…But it was a harsh reality. She was getting reckless because of Isaac.She shook her head to try to get him out of her head. How could she have feelings for him, after he hurt her and indirectly caused her to lose one of her twins? However, the more she tried to stop thinking about him, the more she did—in fact, his image was now imprinted in her mind, and memories they shared replayed like a movie."By the way, Mr. Jefferson is upstairs. Didn't he talk to you?" Mrs. Watson asked just then.Irene paused and wheeled on Mrs. Watson. "He's back?"Mrs. Watson nodded, and Irene became even more distracted then. She headed upstairs, but was caught in a dilemma on whether she should see him. Impulse eventually trumped rationality, and she headed toward Isaac's room.The door was not shut, and there was a narrow slit. As she gently pushed
As Irene quietly explained everything, Isaac realized that while he had a general idea of what happened, he did not have the details.Now that he knew Samantha had picked that quiet place to attempt murder, he stiffened and asked, "Were you hurt?"Irene shook her head.Isaac was relieved, and remembered the injuries she inflicted on Harvey as well.She knew her way around a scalpel—she was not about to get hurt that easily. Even so, she was a woman—she had limits to her strength no matter how smart she was."Be more careful next time," he told her. "Contact me at once when you get in trouble next time.""Okay," Irene said, her bright, crystalline gaze flickering just then. "Isaac, I…"She wanted to tell her that she had a child just then, but swallowed her words just as it reached the tip of her tongue."What is it?" Isaac asked.Irene hung her head, wondering how she should piece the sentence. "I had something to say yesterday, didn't I?""Yeah?""I…"Bzzt—Her cell pho
Irene stepped outside her room the instant she hung up, where she found Isaac leaving his room as well.Their eyes met, and Isaac spoke first. "Are you going out?"Irene nodded. "A good friend of mine is in trouble. She asked me to help."Seeing that he was heading out as well, she asked, "You too?""Yeah."Isaac strode off, asking, "Where are you going?"Irene told him the address after receiving it from Lulu.Isaac turned around to look at her then. "We're going to the same place.""Eh?" Irene gasped in surprise, though she soon remembered that Zachary and Isaac were close. "Did Zachary call you?""Yeah," Isaac replied. "Let's go together."Irene nodded, and they left in Isaac's car. Although Irene was riding shotgun, they were both silent. They wanted to talk, but did not know what to say.Eventually, Irene said, "The friend I mentioned is Lulu Adams—she used to be Zachary's girlfriend."Isaac did not actually know much about Zachary's personal life. From what Irene sa
"Yeah," Lulu said. "Zachary told his blind date that I'm his girlfriend. The woman felt like she had been swindled, and called Zachary's mother right then and there. It was such a mess…"Irene could actually imagine the scene just then!"And what happened after that? Why were you at Zachary's place? Did you talk things out?" Irene asked.Lulu was quiet for a while before finally saying, "He knows."Irene actually thought it was for the best. "You two are still in love anyway. He must be even more reluctant to break up now that he knows, right? You have no idea how depressed he has been lately—he actually drinks himself silly every day, and he must have lost a few pounds. It hurts to see him like that, don't you agree?"As a matter of fact, Lulu did. Zachary had always had a sunny personality, and it hurt her to see him so depressed.Even so, Zachary's mother would hate her more after what happened. His mother had already been dissatisfied with her modest family before, and woul
Beauty really pulls the wool over one's eyes, does it not?"I'm actually surprised that I'd have feelings for him. I want to tell him about Tommy, but I always have trouble speaking around him. Don't you get it, Lulu? I've never had regrets before until I met him…"Lulu raised a brow. "You regret having Tommy?"Irene shook her head. "I regret being so impulsive that night."She had never regretted having Tommy, because he was her treasure. She regretted what she did, because she wanted to offer her best of herself to Isaac after falling for him. Even if Isaac told her that he did not mind, she did.Sitting beside her, Lulu said earnestly, "Maybe I'm wrong, Irene, but I'd believe you if you told me that an average Joe does not mind that you have a child."But Isaac Jefferson is no average Joe, is he? He can have any woman he wants, and he may be infatuated with you for now. However, as time goes by, are you sure he can still accept another man's child?"People have imaginatio
Irene turned when she heard it, and got off the window seat, walking up to Isaac when she saw him. "How's Zachary?"Isaac loosened his collar. "He's going to resign from the hospital and start work at his family's company."Irene's expression darkened. She knew that Zachary loved being a doctor—giving up must cause him misery."Win some, lose some." Isaac could see that she was worried. "Don't worry about him."Irene helped him take off his jacket but kept her eyes lowered. "I'm not."Staring at her just then, Isaac thought that she was being different today. Irene hung his jacket and asked, "Are you going to take a shower before you sleep?""Yeah," Isaac replied. "I'll warm the water for you," Irene said as she went to the bathroom.Isaac caught her wrist then and asked, "Something on your mind?"Irene smiled. "Does it look that way?"She just wanted to live peacefully with him, and confront her feelings for him.And yet, Isaac's heart raced as she was being agreeable an
Irene suddenly felt cold all over, and Isaac gathered her into his arms, whispering into her ear as he comforted her."It'll be fine. I'm here with you."A crystalline teardrop trickled off the corner of her eye and disappeared into her hair. "I hate him… But it hurts so much." Her voice was shaky and hoarse."I know," Isaac said. Blood runs thicker than water. Lionel was her father—there was no way she felt nothing!"I want to see him." She scrambled to her feet.Isaac helped her get dressed. "Calm down.""How could I?"! She suddenly shouted from agitation, but soon realized that she should not have taken it out on Isaac, even if she was feeling miserable."I'm sorry," she said quietly. "It's not your fault," he told her as he wiped away her tears.She stared blankly at him, and suddenly threw herself into his arms and bawled, her shoulders shaking as she did!Isaac returned her embrace and patted her on the back.It took a while for her to calm down, dress up, and l
With a cold and severe tone, Irene told Samantha, "You don't get to decide who the Spencer estate goes to. Also, I'll investigate my father's death, and I'll destroy you if you are guilty.""And I'll destroy you if you take a cent from my son's inheritance!" Samantha retorted."Mother…" Ricky was still trying to dissuade Samantha.Lionel had just died, and they were already fighting right in front of his body. How could he rest in peace at all?"I'm telling you, Ricky—don't listen to your father! I'm your only family, and that woman has nothing to do with you!" Samantha bellowed furiously, because it really upset her that her own son kept siding with Irene.She was convinced that Ricky's attitude was all Lionel's fault, that he had given his son all the wrong ideas!After all, how could there be a bond between step-siblings?Moreover, her personal grudge against Irene meant she could not allow him to be family with Irene, and the conflict over the inheritance would only drive th
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