Neither of the two men spoke, and they started to search her.Irene moved out of their reach. "What do you think you're doing?"Both men leered at her pretty face, unfriendly ideas occurring to them right then. "Searching for trackers."Irene shook her head right then. "I don't have anything of the sort.""That's not up to you to decide, we'll only believe you after we search you and find nothing," they said, though they seemed eager to cop a feel while they did.Irene kept backing away. "I said I don't have anything of the sort—""You should listen if you want your mother and baby to be safe from harm," another voice said just then. Irene turned to find Ian looking at her in amusement from within a silver sedan, having wound down his window.She was left clenching her fist at his threat, but had to stay calm in appearance. "I promise you that I didn't bring any trackers, and aren't I your relative? Having men grope my body will be an insult to you and your family. And are y
What was that?Ian frowned—it felt sharp as it dug into his skin.Irene was glaring at him calmly. "A little push, and you will be in a world of pain."The temple is a vital spot for humans as it is a node where various nerves are connected, and any trauma leaves the victim vulnerable to injury.Irene did not have time to prepare when she came and could not bring anything lethal. All she had was the key she grabbed from a table—but even if she could not kill Ian, she could threaten him.Ian, however, did not think that she would hurt him. "Don't forget that I have your mother and child. Hurt me, and they die.""Take me to them," Irene demanded. "And I promise I won't hurt you.""No." Ian stared at her sideways. "But if you hurt me, they die."To no surprise, she did not dare to get rough with him—not when her baby had not been rescued. Taking her hand off himself, he chuckled when he finally saw what she was holding. "A key? You threatened me with that?"Irene held his gaze,
Moreover, Isaac had definitely spent most of his recent time abroad, and Ian did hear rumors that his relationship with Irene was strained—though there was just no solid evidence to prove it.But the rumors turned out to be true?"I don't believe you," Ian growled—he was not about to buy it that easily.That was when Isaac hung up on him.It actually left Ian wondering just then… that reaction certainly points to a rift between Isaac and Irene.But could it just be Isaac trying to deceive him? Ian was actually stumped. Turning towards Irene, he asked, "You two got in a fight?"For her part, Irene knew that Isaac was hung up over Yvaine's death and even understood it.Even so, her heart broke to hear him suggest that he would never love his mother's murderer.It was pure anguish.Nonetheless, she worked hard to control her emotions. "You know already, don't you? Why do you even ask?"Ian was watching her, and knew that the way she was withholding her pain was no pretense.
Ian said, "Let's bet if Isaac is going to come to bail you out. I'll release you, your mother, and your child if you win, and you're mine if you lose."It was not as if he was actually interested in Irene—he just wanted to possess her because she was once Isaac's.If she really became his, it would be a slap in the face for Isaac. It would be sheer infamy!Naturally, Irene was not going to play along. "You're a nutjob!"Ian's face fell and he grabbed her by the chin. "I hate it when people badmouth me!"Even so, Irene met his sinister gaze without flinching. "You kidnapped women and a baby for this? Even if you win, you're still a loser. Also, I'd rather die than suffer the likes of you."Ian's eyes turned scarlet right then. "So this is why Isaac keeps you around… You have heart."A woman who had none would already be crying a river now—it seems that Isaac did not fall for her beauty.He was almost impressed!"Well, let's see how long you can keep barking," he growled as he
Irene turned to find a silhouette standing there, but she knew right away that it was him.She had felt no fear even as she confronted Ian, but now that he was here, she became fearful that he had fallen victim to Ian's devious nature.Ian had her life and Tommy's life in his hands, and the leverage would keep Isaac's hands tied."Oh, he's here. See?" Ian laughed in delight—he was one-upping Isaac for once!Nonetheless, Isaac walked steadily with composure, not at all flustered despite present circumstances. There was a brief look of pain and worry in his eyes as he glanced at Irene before he turned back toward Ian with an impassive look. "Here. What you asked for."Ian, however, was actually scared of Isaac, and told one of his goons to get it instead of taking it himself.When the goon appeared hesitant, he kicked the goon on his bottom. "Go!"As the goon walked toward Isaac with apprehension, Ian said, "I knew it—you care about this woman, and are willing to give up Remy fo
Isaac noticed that Irene was going to make a move.And just as he spoke, Irene somehow managed to shake off the two goons restraining her and started running toward the river!Isaac's face fell and he gave chase right then.He managed to catch her by the wrist and firmly pulled. As she fell into his arms, he quietly told him, "Just stop…"Irene shook her head in despair. "I don't want you to get hurt because of me."She had lost all hope when Isaac said that he was only being nice to her because of Tommy. Still, she did not want him to be coerced by Ian because of herself, and decided to do one last thing for him.After all, he was the only man she had ever loved! Seeing that they were both together, Ian remembered his dead mother and crippled father right then, and promptly pressed the detonator he was holding, intent on blowing them both up.Irene, however, sensed it before he could, and bit Isaac's arm as hard as she could. The pain made him release her ever so slightly, an
The doctor appeared very apologetic and regretful. "We've done our best, but her injuries were too extensive…"James's heart skipped a beat and he promptly turned toward Isaac, whose face contorted with emotion. Knowing that he was treading on thin ice, he said, "Mr. Jefferson…""Are you kidding me?" Isaac growled straight out of his throat.The doctor appeared apprehensive but said, "We won't joke about something like this, sir,"Isaac did not want to believe it, but the doctor's words were clear.His neck was straight and stiff as his Adam's apple bobbed repeatedly."You have to calm down, Mr. Jefferson." James tried to reason with him, but it did not work—if there was one moment when Isaac could not calm down, it was this.He strode toward the operating room, but he stopped at the doorway after he opened the doors, his legs seemed to turn into lead just then.All the doctors who took part in the surgery all stood in a row beside the surgical table, each of them keeping their
James sighed and said feebly, "Everyone, please leave."Given the circumstances, it was ideal to let him calm down right now.As all the doctors filed out of the room, Stephen remained afraid to talk to Isaac, and so told James instead, "We really shouldn't leave the body there. It needs to be sent to the morgue soon."James certainly understood and agreed, or Isaac would never leave this room."I'll try my best," he told Stephen.Stephen lowered his gaze. "Sorry for all the trouble."James actually thought that this was what he was supposed to do anyway… How was it any trouble?Meanwhile, Isaac was standing alone in front of the surgical table after chasing everyone out. Everything around him seemed to turn still, and it looked as if he was alone in the world!Hours passed, and he never stepped out even though it was already nighttime. Outside, James was beside himself with worry, but he did not dare to go in.Stan arrived just then and asked, "How happened?"James's eye
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