In Harvey's mind, Irene was basically a gift from Isaac anyway.At the same time, Irene's heart turned cold. So it really was Isaac!"I have a private room here where we can enjoy ourselves properly." Harvey smiled at her. "Honestly, it's weird—why wouldn't Isaac want a ravishing beauty like you? Does he really not like women?"Isaac never had a girlfriend, and everyone knew that he surrounded himself with men.Many called him impotent, while others called him homosexual—either way, he could not be normal!Irene laughed coldly. ‘Isaac, not liking women? No, he just does not like me!’ she thought inwardly.‘Just look at how upset he was because he saw Whitney messing around with Chad—that simply means he cares, doesn’t he?’"Still, I should thank him properly," Harvey chuckled as he continued. "There's no way I would make your acquaintance if not for him!"Even if he was hurt that other day, the way Irene held a scalpel at him and threatened him was a memorable moment.Wome
In the living room, Samantha White was sitting on the couch, wearing silk pajamas that accentuated her devilish figure. She raised a pretty brow when she saw the other woman entering. "Oh, if it isn't Irene!"Irene clenched her fists and was surprised that Samantha had moved in while her mother was sick.She then glanced at Samantha's wrist and noticed the bangle that looked like it cost an arm and a leg. It seemed that things had taken a turn at the Spencer household after they received the Jeffersons' dowry.Despite feeling embittered, she said, "I'm here to talk to Lionel."Samantha brushed her thick, maroon curls and replied, "He's not here."Irene quickly turned to leave, but Samantha called out to her. "Stop—did you come to ask for money? Why would you need money when you're Mrs. Jefferson now? I'm telling you, we don't have any money for you. I'm sure you know how much your mother's surgery costs."Irene pursed her lips. Samantha was merely a mistress, but she acted as i
Stan ran into Isaac just as he was about to leave, and quickly greeted him. "Mr. Jefferson."Giving him a look and growling rather hostile, Isaac asked, "Have you found out anything?"Stan complained in his head that he was not Superman, not to mention that Isaac himself had given him a ton of work earlier today."N-No, I was just about to do it," he said gingerly and wondered what had happened that could get Isaac so upset.Isaac's secretary approached them, saying, "Mr. Jefferson? There's a Ms. Cox at the front desk, asking for you.""Ms. Cox? Could it be—"Before Stan could finish, he immediately saw Isaac glowering and kept silent tactfully.Even as the air around them cooled, Isaac flatly said, "Bring her upstairs, Stan.""Yes, Mr. Jefferson."-Soon, Stan arrived at the CEO's office with Whitney Cox.Isaac was standing beside his desk, having taken off his jacket and carelessly thrown it over his chair, and he slowly turned toward her.Whitney appeared prim and proper
Isaac loosened his collar indignantly and snorted coldly out of his chest.He vividly remembered that the woman with him that night was so inexperienced.On the other hand, Whitney had a boyfriend. After seeing how intimate they had been, Isaac could tell that they had definitely done it before."The cameras were sabotaged that night so we lack definitive evidence, making it likely for a mistake. I'll check again… But it would have been ideal if you'd given her a token or something…" Stan said, heading off to the hospital while not forgetting to complain."Wait…"Isaac suddenly called out to him. "Never mind."Now that he had calmed down and thought about it, would a woman who spread her legs under those circumstances be a woman of virtue?Desiring her to be saint when she offered her virtue on a whim?He was asking for too much.Still, none of it meant a thing to him now!Whoever that woman was, he no longer felt butterflies in his stomach for her. Stan naturally did not u
Over the years, Irene did not have much savings because she had been footing her mother's medical bills.Nonetheless, now that her career as a doctor was over, she had to work another job. Her dream as a military doctor was also delayed—not abandoned, even if she was forced to concede it because of her life at the moment.She would become a doctor again if she had the chance.Eventually, she left the hospital and took a taxi back to the mansion."Mrs. Jefferson, are you ill? You look pale," Mrs. Watson said in concern as she entered.Irene shook her head. "I'm fine."As she entered after changing into loafers, Mrs. Watson pressed on, asking, "Don't you have work today?"After all, Irene had always been busy and often took night shifts.Irene's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at Mrs. Watson. It was true—she was supposed to be at work, but…Repressing her bitterness, Irene steeled herself and smiled. "I took a few days off. The chief approved my leave already. "Mrs.
Irene had no idea what Isaac was talking about. Looking up into his eyes for two heartbeats, she eventually realized what it was, but she did not react.‘He must be humiliating me again,’ she thought to herself.She simply kept her head down and ate as quickly as she could.Isaac naturally frowned because of her silence. "What's the hurry? No one is stealing from you."He was actually perplexed—the boorish way she wolfed her food was somehow acceptable, even a little adorable.It was much better than pretentious women who put up a prim and proper act.Nonetheless, Irene waited until she was finally finished and drank two mouthfuls of water before snapping, "How I eat is my own business. Why do you care?!" Jobless because of him, she had nothing to fear now—it was time to go all out!Isaac slowly looked up, his visage projecting coldness just then. "You're too bored, aren't you?"‘What happened to her? What is with that false bravado? ‘And her wording… She really wants to
"Why bother pretending? Are you not manly enough to admit what you did? Are you disappointed that I denied that guy again?!" Irene growled through gritted teeth and pent-up emotions.Isaac flung her aside. "I didn't do it!"He almost threw her down on the floor, and Mrs. Watson had to catch her to keep her standing.At the same time, Isaac glowered and barked, "I won't let another man touch you long as you're my wife just so that you could cuck me again! Who was it?"Irene looked at him blankly then—taking his pride into consideration, he had no need to deny it if he really did… and he was not the type to do it, either!"Speak! Who was it?!" Isaac barked again, feeling mysteriously furious.Even he had no idea why he was fuming just because she had almost been raped!"It's the man from last time…"Isaac knew who it was even before Irene finished.After all, he did run into Harvey when he left Blue Bridge, so he instantly understood what had happened!There was a terrible stor
Harvey nodded—he really was interested in Irene, though he could not describe what he liked about her.Who knows? He might just be stirred by his impulse after being denied twice.Moreover, the fact that she had wounded him repeatedly makes for a strong memory!On the other hand, Isaac's anger eased a little when he found out that Harvey did not manage to have his way with Irene… but he was furious again to find out that he liked Irene.In fact, he was even more furious than before!"What do you like about her?" he asked, wondering to himself what was likable about that woman aside from cheating in relationships."I don't know, but one way or another, I want her," Harvey replied without hesitation.Isaac frowned, feeling as if his possession was being coveted."Stay away from her!" he warned sternly, which left Harvey befuddled. What was going on here?Feeling like gossiping just then, Harvey asked, "Are you interested in her too, Mr. Jefferson?"Stan was standing behind Is
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