There were those who willfully made the wrong choices for short term profits.Irene certainly learned her lesson this time. "Do you know what's going to happen if you insist on being so stubborn?" Her interrogator glared at her. "You're pregnant. Shouldn't you think of your child, even if you don't care about yourself?"Irene's fingers clenched. "I told you—I admit to damaging the research effort, and I'll take my punishment accordingly."After all, the hospital could only fire her and demand compensation, but it seems that the Minervan government wanted to make her crime a bigger issue than it was. She knew all too well that if she confessed, they would use her to cause an international conflict.Her interrogators suddenly stopped to whisper to each other.Irene could not hear what they were saying, but it definitely was nothing good given the looks on their faces.And her hunch proved right soon enough.It seemed that they could not get what they wanted from Irene, and the
This time, Irene was denied food and water from her cell, and she could occasionally hear a baby's tormented cries.She curled into herself, clutching her belly whenever she heard it, fearful that the same would happen to her own child. She had no idea how long she was kept in that dark cell, which seemed to transcend beyond space and light.At first, she knocked on her door to get a response, but her answer was silence.Eventually deciding that it was pointless, she simply gave up and idled to save her strength. As more time passed, thirst and hunger seized her, and she yearned to see the light again."Who can save me?"As she curled into herself at a corner of the wall, her thoughts soon became a mess and she started hallucinating.She started to tremble whenever she heard the baby's cries now.…Over at Duran, Isaac met Auric at a 7-star hotel.The venue was grand beyond description, and the furnishings within were just as extravagant. Crystals, velour, red velvet, and
Auric disagreed with Isaac's idea. "Minervan leaders have been trying to halt Zidonian's progress, and they'll make a huge fuss if they get any dirt. I really don't think you should go so far if it's not anyone important—""They're important to me, Auric."Isaac knew that he must sweeten the pot enough for the Minervans to release Irene and being the oil barons of Minerva, the Raideens would definitely take the deal.He was convinced that the Raideens would talk to the right people despite their personal agenda."You could talk to the ambassador—""That's too slow for me." Isaac had not the slightest hope for the Minervan embassy because it meant going through the bureaucracy. He could not wait while Irene was pregnant—not with all the procedures and intrigue potentially involved!This was his only option, given the Minervans' cunning nature.Naturally, he would lose money because it was such a roundabout solution, but that loss mattered not in comparison to Irene.Auric thou
Erin Gooding strode into the room. "Did you just say James Cross? He's a vegetable?"Erin was Mick's adopted daughter, and Stephen naturally knew her.However, he had no idea what got her so agitated…"You know James?" he asked.Mick was watching Erin too—was there something between her and James that he did not know?Erin hastily explained, "I met him when I was trying to ask Isaac Jefferson where my mother was buried.""Oh, I see." Stephen thought nothing of it.On the other hand, Mick knew his daughter—if she and James were mere acquaintances, she would not get so agitated after learning that James fell into a vegetative state. Breathing a sigh, he thought to himself that his child was an adult now, and it was time she left the nest."You should go visit him."Erin was actually surprised by Mick's words. "Dad…?""Go!" Mick waved her off. "Just don't forget your way home."Erin bit her lip. "Thanks, Dad."With that, she ran into her room to pack her bags.Stephen was a
The man who answered the door was taller than Isaac. His skin was fair but rough, his hair was combed backward, and his eyes were a shocking blue, sharp and pronounced like his other facial features.Naturally, he was not the type people fall in love with at first sight, but one would never get bored ogling him.Standing aside, he said, "I've been waiting."Isaac entered. His clothes were thoroughly wrinkled after flying in and out of the country, his collar slightly open and stubbles visible on his chin.But it still did not affect his good looks—it added a sense of rugged maturity to him, in fact.He flexed his neck, which had gotten stiff from sitting, as he settled down on the couch. Sammy sat opposite him and asked, "Where is it?"Isaac threw the papers on the table.…Sammy was a Raideen. The head of the family was almost eighty now, and was barely surviving after suffering a heart condition. Naturally, the question of who his inheritance would go to was asked w
Irene's throat was so dry she could not speak, and she did not dare to lower her hand stopping the blinding light burning her eyes.That was when she smelled food. Though she lowered her hand to look for it, she still had to keep her eyes closed because of the glaring light.Even if they were trying to force her to talk, they did not dare to go too far because it would escalate matters, and their opposition were already questioning their actions in this matter.With pressure bearing down on them from every corner, they could only resort to mental duress."Want a drink? Or food?" They lay out everything in front of Irene. "Admit that you're a spy, and you can have it all."Irene's eyes narrowed. Her lips were cracked and bleeding, but she firmly shook her head. Her fortitude was certainly shocking."Quit being so stubborn!" "No, I don't think she would last. Let's see how much longer she can hold out for!"The other man doubted that Irene would stay apathetic with the temptat
Dirk Hertz, Sammy's maternal grandfather, led the people rushing into the room.Their rivaling parties had always been at odds as they competed for profit, and this was no different. Even so, Dirk had the advantage in authority, even as the two factions now stood off against each other in a silent confrontation. "We have everything we need to build a case against Zidonia. Why are you releasing her?'"What, with false charges against a heavily pregnant woman? Zidonians are already accusing us of illegal detainment, and it's already causing quite a stir. Are you really going to push this to a point of no return?""They are all talking. Once we get proof from her, no one would believe a word they say—""She'd be dead before you do."In fact, even as Irene started to lose consciousness, she was bleeding profusely from beneath her waist, dyeing her skirt red.Knowing that they would be breaking a promise if they lose her now—and possibly the chance to solidify Sammy Raideen's clai
Isaac felt like he must do something just then to quell his suffocating unease.At the same time, Sammy tried to assure him, "She's probably going to be fine." Isaac raised a hand to ask for his silence.Right now, he needed peace and quiet, not pompous assurances.Eventually, he looked up at Sammy and said, "She's my wife."Sammy pursed his lips. "I'm sorry. We should have gotten her out earlier—""Is the patient's family here?"A nurse had stepped out of the room."I am," Isaac said, striding forward.He then hesitated, fearing the worst. "Is she—""She's lost too much blood—it's either the baby or the patient…""The patient."Isaac made up his mind even before the nurse finished—his choice was undoubtedly Irene between the two."Then I'm going to need you to sign this," the nurse said, handing him a consent form.Isaac put pen to paper.His signature would be a blade he wielded with his own hand, denying his own child life. But there was no other choice—he had 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