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
Isaac leaned in and gathered Irene tightly in his arms. "Let's go home when you're better, Irene. Tommy is waiting."Irene was taken aback even as an ominous feeling seized her. "Why are you being evasive?" she rasped."I…" Isaac simply could not bring himself to tell her that their child was lost, and he was perfectly aware that she would feel even more miserable than he did. After all, it grew inside her body… "L-Look, I know things looked bad, but I'm already eight months in. The child could have survived even if it came prematurely!"Her voice was choking with tears even as she tried to keep it together. "You can't tell me that we lost our child… I won't believe you!""I don't believe it either…" Isaac whispered even as he brushed his cheek against hers.There was wetness over their skin, but there was no telling whose tears it was.Nonetheless, Isaac had said enough—their child was gone, and Irene's body trembled with agitation while her face turned pale."You said
Isaac hung his head. His hand, bleeding from his joints, dangled limply at his side.He suddenly looked up.Their child.Their child was the reason Irene was bleeding now.She was a doctor, and she claimed that their child was fine. Could there be a mistake?He had been too preoccupied with Irene's safety to notice, but at eight months, their child would be fully developed.But the doctors never showed him a thing.And he would see it—dead or alive!He whipped out his phone and called Sammy. "I need a favor…"…Back at Zidonia, Ember found herself naked on a large bed within a hotel room, with her body covered with hickies.She rubbed her temples firmly to figure out what was wrong.She then remembered receiving a text from Zachary, asking her out on a date at a bar. It was rare for him to ask her out, so she dressed up especially for the occasion.However, Zachary was not around when she arrived, though a man came up to her, asking, "Are you waiting for Zachary?""Yes…
Ember was certainly quick-witted.But although she managed to guess that someone had set her up in such a short time, she could not think of anyone who would do this to her."Just put on your clothes and leave!" Zachary snapped right then and turned to leave.Ember quickly caught him. "Listen to me, Zachary. I was set up—""Do I look like I give a damn?" Zachary's eyes were cold even as he watched her—he simply could not get a read on her.There were times when she was nice enough, but she was otherwise horrific!"Are you going to divorce me?" Ember asked—no man could stand being a cuck after all.Zachary held her faze for a moment and said, "Tell me where Lulu is and I won't."A realization dawned on Ember right then and she released Zachary, stumbling backward."You were being nice to me… because of her?""Yes." Zachary did not deny it, and Ember was left shaking with rage.So it was all feigned sincerity—she was just dumb enough to believe that he would fall for her!H
That was certainly the case, but Debbie still had other concerns. [James Cross may be a vegetable now, but there's still a chance that he will recover.][The answer is still no. If you so much as lay a finger on him, Isaac Jefferson will know everything.]Debbie was certainly unhappy with that arrangement, but she could not find out anything about the mysterious person, and their ID was untrackable.As such, she was subject to their whims.[Understood.]…Although Minerva was not Isaac's domain, he managed to gather all security footage from Flanley Hospital through Sammy's influence, along with information of all the doctors and medical staff involved in Irene's surgery.However, there was nothing suspicious on video, and the records detailed that the child was taken out by C-section but was not breathing even after resuscitation.After that, the body was placed at the morgue, and the hospital administration said that they were allowed access any time.Everything seemed cut
"I'll check if the remains have been cremated." The head nurse picked up a phone to call the morgue staff. The Flanley Hospital administration had told them that they could see the remains of the baby whenever they wanted.Now, however, they failed to show anything—claiming that it was a rule for the hospital to cremate every unclaimed body within regular intervals. "Oh, I see." Told as much, the head nurse hung up and turned toward Isaac and Irene. "I'm sorry, but your child's remains have been cremated."Isaac frowned—they were almost eager to show them before, and should at least inform them before something like this. Why did they not do so? Is it possible that they had nothing?"This was your responsibility." "Yes. I'm sorry for the terrible miscommunication.""Do you think I'd accept that apology?!" Irene screamed. She clearly had yet to calm down, but no one probably could in her shoes. How could she accept it? She was not even afforded the chance to see th
Irene murmured, "It might be them…""No," Isaac assured her. "Sammy checked—it wasn't the people who confined you."As for him… Well, he had no shortage of rivals as enemies. He was a businessman, after all—his profits occasionally meant taking from others. While Irene had been away, he went on a frenzy as he expanded his business, destroying a long list of rivals in the process.It would take a lot of time if they had to screen said list, and there would be nothing conclusive any time soon.Just having hope right now was more than ideal for them right now.…Sammy soon returned with news that Kim Sherwood had fled."I asked the admin, and they told me that she is on a break, but she definitely ran away. I'm sure she was prepared for this.""Then start looking!" Irene urged Isaac.He simply gave her hand a squeeze, and told Sammy, "I'm going back to Zidonia.I'll return later."Sammy understood that he had other arrangements to make. "I'll be waiting." He still needed
Irene realized immediately that Debbie must have transferred herself back in the country while she was gone.However, she was too tired to even stand, and simply nestled against Isaac's neck while pretending to sleep, reluctant to talk to Debbie.Once outside, Debbie opened the door for Isaac, who carried Irene inside.They headed straight home, and Stephen returned home as well. Sheryl Harris had cleaned the house and their rooms when she learned that Irene was returning, while Mrs. Watson cooked up a storm.Irene felt that she was home for the first time in a while."Welcome home." Sheryl was beaming, and she had cajoled Tommy to welcome her as well.Mrs. Watson stood nearby with a cheerful smile as well. "Ma'am."Irene crumbled right then, and her tears were already gushing. Sheryl walked up to her right then and wiped her tears. "No tears, or you're going to cry easily from now on."Isaac had called ahead that Irene had delivered their child prematurely, so the child ha
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