There was no going back for Whitney, but she was still trying her best to weasel her way out of guilt.Meanwhile, Isaac's lips were curling coolly. To think that this woman could be this unreasonable… To think that she would attempt to deceive him with a pregnancy!He would have made her wish she was dead, if not for the fact that she had saved him that night! "Whitney, I won't hold it against you this time. But know this, I'll only tolerate your nonsense this one time, and I don't want to see you ever again. Cross the line again, and there will be no mercy!"Then, rising to his feet, he told his secretary, "Let her go.""Yes, Mr. Jefferson." Her secretary gestured for the men to release Whitney then. "Isaac…" Nonetheless, Whitney lunged toward him again, begging through tears and snot, "I didn't mean to do this…""Keep bugging me, and I'll make sure you don't get to stay in this city!" he said with an even tone, but there was endless intimidation in his words.Whitney f
There was a single night light staying lit within the ward, but it was quite dim.Still, Isaac ensured that Irene was sound asleep before closing the door behind him and walking to her bed.He studied her, and saw that the color had returned to her face. It was the case over the past few days, and her cheeks were now almost vibrant and her lips a French pink hue. Her jet-black hair was spread loosely, with a strand sprawled over her brow, but that only adds to her attractiveness.Isaac could not help reaching out to caress her cheek, the tips of his fingers feeling the delicate texture of it.He furrowed his brow. Perhaps his touch tickled her, for Irene turned her head, and Isaac promptly withdrew his hand."Urgh…"Irene turned around in bed, and kept sleeping with her back facing him.She shrugged off her blanket when she turned, so Isaac pulled it over her before lying down beside her on what space was left on the bed. He leaned his face against her nape, and wrapped an arm
That being said, Irene never once tried to understand what Lionel was thinking, or what he actually wanted.In fact, the success he wanted was almost no different from her ambition to become a military doctor. It was just that they had different ambitions, and wanted different things for their lives."All I want is for our family to rise as a dynasty, and my daughter to become an heiress," Lionel said then, pressing his argument because he sensed that Irene was relenting slightly.Nonetheless, Irene pursed her lips and asked, "So, you're saying you have the right to sacrifice me for the sake of your ambition?""How could you call that a sacrifice?" Lionel retorted as if he was in the right. "Is Isaac Jefferson ugly or poor? So many ladies want to marry him but it would never happen, but we have that opportunity—why shouldn't we seize it? In fact, what sort of a husband could you find for yourself if you didn't marry Isaac? Would he be better than Isaac?"Irene was actually stumped
If Isaac was not concerned about her injuries, he might be strangling Irene again.Was marrying him such a terrible grievance?On the other hand, Irene pretended not to hear him, but her twitching eyelashes were a clear sign that she was not asleep.Closing his eyes and taking a moment to let his frustration ease, Isaac reached out to caress her face, and Irene promptly jerked and turned toward him.Isaac chuckled. "Done pretending already?""Pretending for what? I just fell asleep," she said, stretching deliberately while asking languidly, "What are you doing here?""It's only natural for me to visit my wife, no?" he said, his smile still on his face. "Has Mrs. Watson been attending to you?"Irene nodded—Mrs. Watson had been caring for Irene so well that she was the reason Irene had recovered this quickly."When are you getting discharged?" Isaac asked then.Irene, however, would rather live at the hospital than stay under the same roof with him at the mansion. "It's still to
Irene knew that Whitney desired Isaac and was therefore using him to upset her.Unsurprisingly, all of Whitney's repressed rage erupted right then. Lunging forward, she grabbed Irene's neck while shrieking, "Die! You've stolen everything from me, but Isaac will be mine once you're dead!"Irene just wanted to upset her—her body was in no condition for fisticuffs at the moment. "Do you think Isaac would like to see you acting crazy like this, Whitney? Men prefer gentle women, not fishwives."Her words more or less worked because Whitney cared too much about what Isaac thought of her."Mrs. Jefferson…"Mrs. Watson happened to arrive with lunch then. When she saw Whitney trying to hurt Irene, she promptly dropped everything and ran up to them, pulling Whitney away while snapping, "Do you know who she is? How dare you do this to her? You will get it once I tell Mr. Jefferson!"Whitney's face fell as she looked at Mrs. Watson—the old maid would be calling her Mrs. Jefferson if not fo
Irene knew that Isaac was up to no good even as she watched him.And just as expected, he chuckled and said, "I love it when you suffer."She was left speechless for a while, but stayed calm as she retorted, "Your interests are so weird that those who didn't know beforehand would think you're nuts."With those words, she sat on her bed—she was much better now, and had gotten tired after going through some physiotherapy for the day. She then glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was already nine, and asked, "Aren't you leaving?'However, the more eager she was to make him leave, the more reluctant Isaac was to do so."Wherever you'll go, I'll be there," he said as he leaned against his couch lazily.Irene simply ignored him and lay down on her bed, when Isaac said, "I'll be sleeping with you here tonight."Ignoring him again, she pulled her blanket to keep herself tightly enveloped, as if afraid that he would come to take it away from her.Isaac smiled at her reaction
Whitney could not care less right then—she must stop Irene from getting it on with Isaac!However, when the door was abruptly opened, Isaac's expression turned to a glower and he sprang to his feet. Glaring at the intruders, he bellowed, "Who let you in here?!"His glower turned even more fearsome when he saw that it was Whitney!Still, Whitney was quick enough to respond in time. "I was going to visit Irene…"Irene, however, was certainly aware that Whitney was here to destroy her. Sitting up in bed, she deliberately and intimately wrapped her arms around Isaac from behind.Despite his considerable height, she was on her bed, allowing her chin enough leverage to rest on Isaac's shoulder.Smiling at Whitney, she asked, "You're visiting me? For what?"Despite her smugness, she was praying inwardly that Isaac would not push her away right then.However, Isaac proved to be at once cooperative and accepting.He loved Irene being this close to him, and the scent wafting from her bo
"You mean, for causing trouble in paradise?" Irene did not deny it. "Of course I am."Yes, she could never get a read on the actual relationship between Isaac and Whitney, but she was not bothered.All she needed to know was that Whitney was head over heels for Isaac, and the fact that she was staying around Isaac would piss Whitney off. Knowing that alone was enough.On the other hand, Isaac loved her honestly, and he swiftly wrapped his arms around her and pinned her against the bed.Irene panicked right then, and her speech turned to a stammer. "W-What are you doing? This is the hospital! You're going to be caught in a scandal if anyone sees you!"Isaac grinned. "Are you saying that we can do it anywhere but the hospital?""That's not what I mean!" Irene promptly denied it—in fact, she would never do it with him wherever they were!Everything she said just now was just to upset Whitney!On the other hand, Isaac was looking with eyes flaring with desire, but he was restrain
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