Isaac's tone was sharp and ironic. "You? What else do you have left?"Stephen was left stumped right then.Certainly, all the honors and accomplishments he accrued over his career were gone, and he was slapped with the disgrace of causing a death by negligence before his retirement. But Isaac was the reason for all that!As such, Stephen stubbornly snarled, "Fine. Do whatever you want to me and my family. I can't tell you a thing anyway, because I know nothing.""You don't give up, do you?"Isaac beckoned for someone to bring a chair which he sat on and crossed his legs casually, appearing lofty and indomitable. "James, bring his family here."Stephen panicked right then—he was fine with whatever they would throw his way, but he did not want his family involved. "I would have told you if I knew, but I don't. What am I supposed to tell you?!""The doctors who helped you with Irene's surgery have already confessed that she's alive, and you switched a burned body with hers," Isaa
Stephen was laughing, having gained the upper hand. "Oh, calm down—you may have the looks, but your temper is so foul that even the ladies run away from you. Why don't you try to change that instead?"Isaac sprang from his chair, appearing so furious that he could kick Stephen right then, and James had to quickly stop him."He's just playing you, sir. Calm down.""If you say so—but you will have your answer when you see her," Stephen said confidently.James shot him an icy look. "Quit yapping and give us an address, or else!"More or less content just then, Stephen finally said, "She will be returning to the country for a forum."Both Isaac and James thought of the same thing at the same time. Mead Clinic's annual forums were usually held within Minerva or neighboring countries, and they only moved it to Zidonia this year. "Is she working at Mead Clinic?" James asked.Isaac had the same question in mind.Stephen nodded. "Yes." James was shocked—they had been in Minerva, a
Isaac saw the woman walking around the circular fountain in front of the hotel.She was wearing a khaki trench coat with a white floral dress, and her black mini boots were short enough to bare her fair legs. Despite being heavily pregnant, she was not swelling up. Her black hair was spread over her shoulders, and despite the face mask hiding her face, it did not hide her tenderness.As James stopped the car, Isaac alighted and started toward her.Irene had been keeping her head lowered and did not notice the person coming toward her, so she suddenly found her way blocked by another person.She tried to move to the right, but the person before mimicked her to keep blocking her path, doing the same when she moved to the left. Frowning in slight annoyance, she growled, "Could you—"She trailed off when she looked up and saw the person before her, and she quickly lowered her head again guiltily. "Please, excuse me," she said, but there was a quiver in her voice. Even so, that s
"Isaac Jefferson, you have every right to not love me… But you have no right to question my virtue."With that, Irene reached for the doorknob, opening it with a click.However, Isaac caught her hand. "I'm sorry."Stephen's words had struck him where it hurt, and he let his own anger get the battle of him. Moreover, she really was pregnant, which was why he had such a poor choice of words."Irene, if I didn't love you, I'd never be with you even if we had ten children. All I wanted to do was protect you, that's why I said I was only staying with you because of Tommy—the more I showed concern for you in front of Ian, the more he would want to hurt you."Irene looked up, forgetting her scars in shock. He had said that because he did not want Ian to hurt her. So, was it all just a misunderstanding?Isaac's eyes landed on her scars then and his expression darkened further. His throat felt stiff and he could not speak.Irene came to her senses when she realized what he was lo
"Isaac Jefferson, you have every right to not love me… But you have no right to question my virtue."With that, Irene reached for the doorknob, opening it with a click.However, Isaac caught her hand. "I'm sorry."Stephen's words had struck him where it hurt, and he let his own anger get the battle of him. Moreover, she really was pregnant, which was why he had such a poor choice of words."Irene, if I didn't love you, I'd never be with you even if we had ten children. All I wanted to do was protect you, that's why I said I was only staying with you because of Tommy—the more I showed concern for you in front of Ian, the more he would want to hurt you."Irene looked up, forgetting her scars in shock. He had said that because he did not want Ian to hurt her. So, was it all just a misunderstanding?Isaac's eyes landed on her scars then and his expression darkened further. His throat felt stiff and he could not speak.Irene came to her senses when she realized what he was lo
It was Hannah Loggins, Stephen's wife.Even though Isaac did not really lay a finger on Stephen, the stress Isaac put him through left him ill afterwards, considering that he was advanced in age. Naturally, the instant Hannah saw Isaac, she was scowling and snapping, "What are you doing here? Haven't you hurt Stephen enough?"Irene glanced at Isaac then—what did he do that he was met with such hostility?However, this was not the time for that since she had more pressing matters.Moving to stand in front of Isaac, she smiled at Hannah and explained, "I need to talk to Dr. Carr—it's urgent, and he'd definitely agree to see me if he knows it's me.""You're his student?" Hannah asked."Yes," Irene replied."You can come in, but not him." Hannah was not holding back at all, which left Isaac scowling in turn.He had not gotten even against Stephen for tricking him, and he was being turned down at the door?He had certainly never suffered such abuse! Seeing that things were gett
Stephen immediately apologized. "I'm sorry."Irene could tell that Isaac had done a serious number on Stephen since she saw how Hannah reacted to Isaac—she never would have been so hostile otherwise.And Irene certainly knew what Isaac is like."It's fine," she said. "Isaac must have bothered you a lot."Hannah was bringing her tea, and when she heard Irene, she said, "That's putting it lightly—""Hannah," Stephen said, cutting her short.Hannah held her silence reluctantly, and passed the tea to Irene, "Here, have some tea."She had no idea that Irene was the reason Isaac abducted Stephen—if she did, she would not have let Irene in, let alone made her tea.Stephen never told Hannah much about his work, and silence was certainly the best policy in Irene's case, giving him even less reason to tell to avoid causing her trouble.Hannah was certainly no villain either, but she was not about to watch as her own husband was harassed. "What's your name?" she asked Irene. Irene sm
Seemingly worried that Isaac would harass Irene, Hannah told her, "I'll come downstairs with you."She linked an arm around Irene's, locking the door behind her. It was as if she was worried Isaac would storm inside and abduct Stephen again.Irene saw the scowl on Isaac's face right then—given his terrible temper, it would not do if he harassed Hannah too.Irene smiled. "I'm fine on my own. You should stay and take care of Dr. Carr—he's sick and shouldn't be left alone."That was certainly true, but Hannah was still hesitant. "What about you?""I'll call the cops if I'm in danger," Irene told her, sliding a peek at Isaac as she spoke pointedly."As long as you understand," Hannah told her.Irene smiled in return. "I know. You should go inside."Hannah was smiling ear-to-ear with Irene, but her expression cooled immediately when she glanced at Isaac, as if he were some criminal.As she returned inside, she reminded Irene before she shut the door, "Watch out. Remember, call the
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