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
Isaac looked at Irene's curvaceous figure, his gaze turning distant as he gulped and worked hard to keep his tone even. "Did you think you could seduce me with this?"In reality, he had already been seduced, but his ego did not allow him to lust after her. "I-I'm not—" Irene stammered even as she picked up her towel to cover herself."Don't show you filthy body in front of me ever again," Isaac growled as he stormed off, slamming the door loudly behind him.He strode to the other room so that he did not have to look at her, but all he could think about was her alluring figure replaying repeatedly like the highlight of a movie.Unable to control his thoughts, he loosened his collar in frustration. Still, it was already loose, but he somehow could not breathe anyway! He was restless and grouchy, and he wanted to flip out so badly."That wretched woman!" he growled—she really was adept at seducing, and more frustratingly, he had to fall for her ploy!Taking off his necktie and u
"... No," Irene replied.She and Isaac were married only in name, so she did not actually have a boyfriend.Ms. Lang beamed just then, and linked arms with Irene intimately. "So, I have a favor to ask."Over the last few days Irene worked at the dance school, Ms. Lang had taken good care of her, but her sudden gesture of intimacy still left Irene unsettled. Gently pulling her arm off Ms. Lang's, Irene said, "If it's within my ability, you need just ask—I apologize in advance if it isn't."Hesitating for a moment, Ms. Lang then said, "Well, my husband is the owner of Dorime Pharmaceuticals, and he has a research team developing a medicine against cancer. He's spent massive amounts of capital, and there had been some progress when he ran out of funds. That's why he's looking to secure an investment, but as you can tell, not everyone is that eager. Luckily, my husband found an interested party recently, but the last meeting was a no-show from them. That's why my husband had the feel
Irene froze when she saw Isaac's burly figure entering the room. At the same time, Mark got up and greeted Isaac respectfully. "Mr. Jefferson."Somehow, Isaac's eyes darted past Mark's face and landed on Irene.Ever since he knew her, she never put on any makeup, and her usual sense of fashion tended to be conservative. In fact, he never saw her in anything with straps—but now, she wore a dress so red it seemed to accentuate the blush in her skin.Mark noticed that Irene was not moving, and reached out to tug at her. "Come on, please stand and greet Mr. Jefferson."However, when Mark's fingers touched Irene's hand, Isaac's expression darkened. If he was not sane, he would have rushed forward and pulled Irene toward himself.At the same time, Irene stood up, her dress accentuating her perfect figure, adding layers to her coquettish side for no reason.Batting his eyelashes, there was a brief flash that quickly disappeared from Isaac's eyes.On the other hand, Irene was nervou
Isaac refrained from returning to the mansion because he did not want a repeat of that night.Even so, she had to show up in front of him again, and in this state!Her makeup and devilish fashion to curry a man's favor left him wanting to strangle her.If he was not the one who came today, she was going to be flirting with some other man, was she not?His ire burgeoning, inconsolable rage rushed up his brain and stopped him from thinking.All he wanted was to possess her! He hence moved so quickly that, before Irene caught his intention or realized what was happening, he had already jammed his lips against hers."Oof—"She tried to struggle, but as soon as her hands moved, he caught them and pinned them above her head, locking her against her seat. The kiss was brutish and invasive. Devoid of tenderness, it was more akin to a punishment—an expression of desire and possessiveness!Her lips were soft and had a sweetness like no other.Feeling a strong sense of familiarity, I
Why would Irene and Isaac be talking to each other, and did she really just hear Isaac mentioning a divorce?What was going on?Whitney sneaked up, intent on eavesdropping for an answer! Meanwhile, Irene hung her head, sullen as a toad—this was going to be the hardest decision she had ever made.If she left right now, she would be breaking her promise to Henry, who had basically rescued her mother and paid for her surgery. She owed him, and she would be an ingrate if she left Isaac.It left her in a dilemma, but she suddenly looked up. "Weren't you eager for a divorce? Why are you refusing now that I want one? You didn't fall for me, did you?"Isaac froze for a moment, but he soon started laughing icily. "Oh, I just want to keep you around and make you suffer! Fall for you? Dream on!"Irene bit her lip, realizing how terrible the man before her was! He would do anything just to torment her, including using their marriage as a tool! He was truly rotten to the core! To no o
Whitney's hair was disheveled like a madwoman's, and she was clawing at Irene as she yelled, "You bitch!"Irene was left stunned for seconds, but when she came to her senses, she pushed Whitney away unceremoniously!However, she forgot that she was holding her shoes, and the heel scratched a red scar over Whitney's face!"How dare you hit me back!" Whitney screamed, her eyes bulging in rage.Still, when she tried to charge at Irene again, Irene coolly warned, "Hit me again, and I'm calling the cops."Whitney paused right then, her upraised hand freezing mid-air. She calmed herself—this was not the time to lose herself. Isaac's marriage to Irene had never been announced. Did that not mean that Isaac did not like her?Moreover, Isaac had promised to marry her. Did that not mean Isaac would divorce Irene at any time?The very thought calmed her, and she remembered that she had left a bad impression when she asked Isaac for money before. What would he think of her if she hurt Ir
Irene took a step back in alarm as Harvey studied her from head to toe.She appeared a little disheveled, but it did not dull her beauty—her red gown only accentuated her womanly wiles further.His expression darkened, and the thought of her repeatedly hurting him field his impulse to seize her and give her her just deserts!Alighting, he said, "We keep running into each other, don't we?"Irene turned to run, but Harvey slid in front of her thanks to prior experience. "Where do you think you're going?"Irene turned pale in fear, because she knew very well what he wanted."Irene Spencer, was it? Did you use to play football? Have you any idea how much my nose bled after you hit me?!" Harvey snarled, because she was the first to absolutely wreck him!He approached her as he spoke, and Irene backed away, barefooted as she was still holding her heels and staring at him warily.Nonetheless, that was when Stan suddenly returned. Seeing what was happening, he quickly alighted to stand
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