Irene coolly said, "Stop it—""Actually, he's right. I am in love with you, but Isaac beat me to the promised land," Harvey said with much ambiguity. Irene shot him a glare, "Har har, very funny. I'm being threatened with a lawsuit here, and might lose my job here. I can't have that, not when I upset Isaac over—"She stopped right then, realizing that she had spoken too much.Even so, Ricky quickly asked, "What? How did you upset Isaac?"Harvey's ears had pricked up as well, since he was eager to find out too. Irene grumbled, "Stop being a busybody and start thinking what to do about Whitney Cox. Oh, wait—what did you want to talk to me about?""Lulu is leaving," Ricky said. "I was thinking that you should talk her out of it."Irene, however, knew about Lulu's situation and would not do so lightly. "I need to know what's happening first." "Okay," Ricky replied. "I still hope you'd convince her to stay, though."Irene was left staring at him for a while at that, wondering w
There was no one in the bedroom.Irene blinked. Could he be in the study?Quickly closing the door, she hurried to study and opened the door… Only to find Stan, standing in front of the desk and sorting some documents.Frowning, she asked, "What are you doing here, Stan? Where's Isaac?"Mrs. Watson said, "I was going to tell you just then—Mr. Hill came, not Mr. Jefferson."Irene's face fell just then, while Stan appeared to be done and carried a stack of documents out of the study. Before he left, he offered Irene some kind advice as she stood by the door, "You should contact Mr. Jefferson if you're not busy, ma'am."Ever since Irene refused to leave the country with Isaac the other day, Isaac had been scowling, feeling constantly irritable and checking his phone constantly. He was certainly unable to put aside his pride to call Irene, and was hoping for her to do it first… But she never did.Irene was actually left speechless, because she had not exactly been idling.But i
Irene had seen the person in the photo before—she was sorting a patient's file for Stephen, and he had told her that the patient had special privilege. However, the patient's photo left an impression on her because she resembled Isaac's mother.But why did Isaac have a photo of this woman too? Was she the reason he went abroad? She spaced out as she pondered when the door suddenly opened.She looked up and found Mrs. Watson standing there, asking, "Ma'am? Sorry, I thought you were asleep, and I saw a light in here…"Irene tucked the photo inside the envelope and returned it on top of the desk. "I was asleep, and was thinking about reading a book.""I see…" Mrs. Watson replied, but she was clearly skeptical.Irene smiled. "It's true."Mrs. Watsons smiled in return. "And here I thought you can't sleep because Mr. Jefferson is away."Irene was speechless—did Mrs. Watson read her mind?Simply plucking a book without really looking, she started to leave. "You should turn in, Mrs
Irene narrowed her eyes and asked coolly, "What is it?"Quincy was already a dead woman walking, and naturally did not mind that others heard whatever she was about to say.Grinning, she said, "Yes, I was the one who had Isaac's parents murdered, and if he had not offered evidence to the court and pulled strings behind the scenes, I wouldn't have been sentenced to be executed, and so quickly at that. However, I don't regret anything I've done, so why don't you ask Isaac—even if he killed me, does that bring his parents back?""So that's why he said you're heinous." Irene gave her a cool look. "You should have known that what goes around comes around.Quincy snorted in disdain. "Yes, but you see—I've done so many terrible things to Isaac, and yet I've gotten off scot-free for years. Even if he did manage to kill me, he's just a poor orphan! Poor boy… Haha!"It was the first time Irene met someone as repulsive as Quincy, and her hands balled into fist as she glared at her. "Go to he
Stephen said, "Don't ask. Just get back to work—oh, right, I have arranged a surgery for you, so start prepping. I'll be bringing you to meet the patient soon."Irene, however, was still confused as to how the drama with Whitney suddenly became inconsequential, and so asked, "How was the matter resolved?""I'm not going to tell you, so don't ask. Look—I trust you, Chief trusts you, and that's that. Just don't worry and continue working under me."Since Stephen made himself very clear, Irene decided not to ask. "Alright. I'll prepare for the surgery now."Stephen smiled. "Good."…Harvey came looking for Irene during lunch break, and asked worriedly, "What's going on? Why did Whitney Cox leave the hospital already?"Irene told him. "It somehow got resolved.""How?" Harvey pressed. Irene shrugged. "Beats me."Harvey was left speechless for a moment, and grumbled, "Well, your hospital is quite impressive… to think that I don't even get to show my party trick. Won't hurt to tell
Unlike with Harvey, Irene sounded apologetic this time. "What brought you here, Lulu? Ricky told me that you're leaving, but I was too busy although I wanted to check on you."Lulu's eyes were unfocused and swollen, and she rasped, "Irene…"Irene felt her chest tighten when she got a good look at Lulu's face. "What's wrong?""Zachary cheated on me," she said, choking with tears just then.Irene promptly put a hand around her shoulder. "Let's talk elsewhere."It was a chance for Harvey to be helpful, and he naturally took it. "I know a place where you won't be disturbed, and you could get a few drinks there as well."Irene was concerned about Lulu, and gave him a brief look before saying, "Fine. Take us there.""Alright." Harvey promptly ran off to get his car, while Irene kept her hand around Lulu even as they got in.…Soon, they arrived at an exclusive nightclub, where Harvey had a private box reserved all year round. After Irene brought Lulu inside, Harvey started to foll
Lulu asked, "Does it matter?""Of course it does," Irene said. "If Mrs. Slate was the reason Zachary got in bed with that woman, it means it was against his consent—that he didn't mean to cheat on you."Lulu breathed a long sigh. "Doesn't matter now. Even if he wasn't willing, she's pregnant with his child. Do you think he'd demand that she get an abortion?"Iren became silent—Lulu was right. With the other woman being pregnant with Zachary's child while also being Mrs. Slate first choice for Zachary's fiancee, Mrs. Slate would definitely urge them to tie the knot soon."But what about you?" Irene asked.Lulu turned to look elsewhere, but her gaze was unfocused. After a long silence, she finally said, "Maybe we're destined to never be together. It's as if fate wants to keep us separate even after all that we've been through—we're never getting back together."As Irene sighed, Lulu wiped her face firmly and said, "Drink with me, Irene. I'll still be me after tonight, but no mo
Harvey snapped, "What's that look for? Are you so drunk you can't tell who I am?"Irene was disappointed. "Could you shut up? I thought you were Isaac…"Harvey was speechless, before snorting in frustration and rolling his eyes. "Why, so that you can keep pretending I'm him? There isn't an ounce of resemblance between us.""Of course. You're not as handsome as he is…"Harvey was left speechless again. "Could you stop talking about him? No matter how great he is, I'm the one who has to take care of you now.""Why can't I talk about him? He's my husband, and I miss him. I can talk about him as much as I want." Irene had no filter now that she was drunk, and could easily say what she usually would not. Her words left Harvey utterly speechless in turn—could she stop hurting her ego like this?"Go home and flaunt all you want," he said with a snort.Did she not get embarrassed from mentioning Isaac so many times?Irene wobbled up to her feet just then, but just as she tried to
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