Yolanda blurted, "Then what killed him?""Poison," Irene replied. The room was suddenly silent, but they were skeptical.Poison? That was simply unbelievable!"What poison?" Yolanda asked with a clearly skeptical tone, and even her reaction was basically asking if Irene was trying to avoid responsibility. After all, they knew that Irene had insisted on performing the surgery on Dennis, and she must bear responsibility for his death. Still, Irene patiently explained, "I hope everything I say here will stay in this room. We're gathering evidence, but we don't have everything yet, which is why I must ask for your silence. If we make too much noise, we'd alert the culprits—right now, no one knows that I've already discovered that Dennis was poisoned."Pausing, she continued, "I know you won't believe me, and you'd think that I'm trying to excuse myself from this responsibility. So, I'm obliged to tell you that I'm not—everyone must know that we had technical issues during our res
Irene then saw Eagle standing beside Neil.As Neil scrambled to his feet, he was pointing and snapping at Eagle, "Y-You hit me again! I-I'll sue you for physical assault!"Eagle simply raised his fist and Neil flinched, clutching his head. "No! Don't hit me!""Then get out of here!" Eagle barked sternly. Having had a taste of Eagle's strength and knowing that he would not win, Neil promptly fled.Irene walked toward Eagle just then—the man certainly offered a stalwart sense of security as a bodyguard."I won't go easy on him if he shows up again. There's really no end with him.""Yeah," Irene agreed as she got into the car. "Just keeping him away is a blessing."Neil was unreasonable, and he latched onto people annoying like chewing gum. "It's the first time I've ever met someone like him," Eagle said."There are all sorts out there," Irene replied. Just as there were every variety of oddity out in the world. Once a person understood that, they would certainly be at eas
Irene knocked on the door to Isaac's office, and it soon opened.Isaac stood at the doorway as he noticed the bag she was holding. He asked, "What's that you're holding?"Irene entered and replied, "Dirty clothes." Isaac was just about to ask her what dirty clothes she was referring to when James Cross entered as well."Sit down. Do you need a drink?" Isaac asked."Yeah," Irene murmured distractedly, nestled on the couch. Isaac could tell that she was under the weather, but he asked nothing and instead returned to his desk."You said 'almost'. Did you find the guy?" he asked James."Yeah," James nodded. "Our man is a subordinate working under New Suns Pharma's deputy CEO."And that man had asked someone to bribe the nurse.Since they had already found the perps, they just had to deal with Neil.That man was still adamant that Irene's surgery and the artificial heart was what killed Dennis. He would have trouble accepting that his father was poisoned, and was not killed bec
Putting down her glass and walking over to Isaac, Irene took the dirty pants off his hands and put it back in the bag before looking up at him. "Why are you always so paranoid, Isaac?" she asked, and pointed at the back. "I'm on my period and I stained my pants. That's why I got changed—or did you think I was hiding something?"Isaac actually thought that was the case. Her behavior today was certainly too peculiar, which made his imagination run wild!Still, Irene wrapped her arms around his waist and put her face against his chest. "So you do get childish. It's just my period—I'm distracted today because of that. Don't worry.""Yeah," Isaac murmured softly.But was he really just being paranoid?"Get home soon and rest," he then added, gently patting her on the back. "I still have stuff to do. I'll head home once I'm done."Irene purred even as she held tightly onto him, kissing his neck and Adam's apple. "I want you to take me home."Isaac smiled, feeling at once enfeebled
Irene headed to the gynecologist's clinic and went through several tests before heading to the waiting area for her results.It was after over an hour when she was given her medical slips, and she took them to the doctor.After screening through them, the doctor looked up at her and said, "The tests showed that you had a biochemical pregnancy… But what made you suspect it? Most patients wouldn't even feel it."Irene breathed a deep sigh—her hunch was right.Even if her period was punctual, she was bleeding more than usual and there were chunks.Though her speciality was cardiovascular diseases and not gynecology, she more or less had the basics and definitely knew more than the average woman.As Irene stayed silent, the doctor simply presumed that it was just a shot in the dark and patiently explained, "They've named biochemical pregnancy after the development of HCG tests, and in such cases, you won't notice any signs of pregnancy, or it was such a short pregnancy it doesn't int
Irene smiled. "It hurts.""Then why are you carrying Tommy?" Sheryl asked as she put the glass of cranberry juice on the table. "Don't you know how heavy he is now? I guess you weren't hurt enough, huh?"Still, she was sympathetic enough to take Tommy off Irene's arms."Carry him when you're better," Sheryl said as she carried Tommy downstairs, not forgetting to remind her, "And finish your juice."Tommy pouted unhappily. "I hate you, Grandma."Sheryl tapped his little nose. "Be a good boy. Your mommy's sick right now, but she'll play with you when she's better.""You're lying. Mommy can carry me and she's smiling. She's not sick." Tommy started flailing his little feet. "Let me down."Sheryl did so, and he promptly ran up to the couch and threw himself on it angrily. "Be a good boy now," Sheryl coaxed. "How about I buy you another Transformers—""I don't wanna!" Tommy snapped, refusing it despite his recently developed fondness for Transformers.Unable to coax him whateve
Irene's voice was hoarse as she began, "Hold me, Isaac."Isaac did so, leaning in and wrapping his arms around her through the blanket, asking her softly, "Do your hips hurt?"As Irene stayed silent, Isaac chuckled. "What's gotten into you? Hmm? Tommy's eyes were red and puffy, just like yours. Are you going to cry too?"Irene sniffled. "Tommy was crying?""Oh, he's enjoying himself out in the courtyard now," Isaac said, his expression turning serious. "What about you?"Irene returned her hug, burying her face over his chest. "I just miss you.""Me too." Isaac chuckled. "I love you, Isaac."That was the only way she could tell him that she cared about him—because she could not tell him about her biochemical pregnancy.When Isaac lowered his gaze at her, she quickly averted her eyes.Even as tears trickled off the corner of her eye, she played it down and said, "Don't look at me. I'll get embarrassed." Isaac pulled the blanket up over her shoulders as he replied, "Yes, ma'a
Isaac frowned at Neil's short fuse."Your father was murdered. The police are building a case as we speak." Neil did not buy it at all. "You're only making excuses for your wife. Do you think I'd believe something so outrageous? Do I look that stupid and gullible to you?"Isaac really wanted to tell Neil he certainly was—he certainly was reluctant to speak with Neil's type, who always seemed to lack something in his cranium. They even discovered that he was working at a Fortune 500 company when they did a background check on him. How did he even get his job, with that measly bit of intelligence?And how did he not get fired?That was when James arrived with a policeman, who was the officer in charge of this case.Neil was cowed a little right then. "You don't have the right of reason even if you get the cops. I'm not afraid."James shot him a cool look. "Listen to what Officer Jenkins has to say first before you keep yapping.""What…" James's eyes flashed, but he stayed si
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