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
A man—a full-fledged adult at that—was bawling like a child!As Neil cried a river, James was pursing his lips in disdain.Still, he became more understanding when he considered Neil's misery from losing a loved one, even passing him a tissue.Be that as it may, it still took Neil a long while to calm down.Wiping his face and looking up at James, he asked, "This isn't a ploy, right?"James shook his head. "We won't lie to you. Your father was a good man."Neil nodded. "Okay."He was about to leave when Isaac called out to him. "I heard that you're working at Hartner Corp. Once you're done with your father's funeral arrangements, you'll be promoted when you return to work."Neil's eyes widened in shock—he had been working at Hartner for years, but he never had a chance to be promoted. And now… "Thank you," he exclaimed happily—a promotion naturally meant a bigger paycheck, but…Getting skeptical again, he asked, "You're not helping me with the promotion out of guilt, are y
"Know what?" Martin asked.Lulu pursed her lips. "You know what I'm talking about."Martin blinked. "No, I really don't.""Anyway, I'm getting sleepy." He yawned and wrapped his arms firmly around her. "Let's sleep!"However, Lulu felt uneasy and her heart was pounding. Still, she said determinedly, "I wouldn't have married you if I was convinced I can reconcile with my ex. I hope you can trust me when I say that you're my refuge, alright?" "Yeah, I know," Martin said, kissing her hair. "I misspoke and made you uncomfortable. I'll be more careful next time.""That's not it," Lulu said, shaking her head. Still, she took a while to prepare herself before saying, "The man we met at the lobby the other day? That's my ex.""I know," Martin said. Lulu was not surprised, and she lowered her gaze. "I should've known you'd pick up on it. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to feel upset…""Cut that out," Martin said, holding her hand. "I knew you had a past even when I ch
Lulu promptly wheeled on the stewards who brought the breakfast cart and snapped, "We don't need this. Take it away!"Martin turned toward her just then.What happened? She usually would never get upset this easily… Still, he did not question her. Instead, he told the stewards, "You can take these away. We've actually been having breakfast here for a while…""Actually, sir, this isn't from our hotel," one of the stewards said awkwardly. "A gentleman had us deliver it."Martin promptly understood why Lulu got upset. The man they met at the lobby must have sent these. "Alright, just leave it here. You may go now," he said.Lulu stared at him in confusion. "Why? Don't you know who sent these?""I do," Martin replied.Lulu was even more confused. "If you do, then…"Martin did not explain, but instead closed the door after sending the stewards away. Then, he walked up to Lulu, and helped her sit down on the couch. "Would you change anything if you throw these away?" Martin
Zachary did not follow them since he had his pride. If he still tagged along after everything Lulu said, he would cheapen himself! So what was he still obsessing about?Lulu had already started over! As he stared at Lulu and Martin holding hands, he suddenly hung his head and chuckled self-deprecatingly. Maybe he had just made himself a joke for them, showing up here?He strode out of the hotel and drove away.Since she was happy now, he should not bother her.He could make amends by offering her his blessing anyway.…Irene was meeting Lulu at home.Mrs. Watson brewed a pot of tea for them, while the rest of the hilltop mansion was quiet—Tommy was still obsessively playing with his Bumblebee walker outside, while Irene's second child was asleep. "So? How is the case going?" Lulu asked directly. Irene had yet to ask Isaac for an update, but since he had returned home very late last night, it was probably resolved."I think it'll be resolved soon," Irene said, lookin
Despite her surprise, Irene quickly pulled Erin Gooding into the mansion."When did you come back?" she asked."Just got off the plane," Erin said, looking inside the mansion. "You have guests?"Irene pulled her along and made the introductions. "This is Lulu, my best friend, and this is Martin. He's a cop."Erin nodded at them. "Hello."Lulu smiled in return, but noticed that Erin was a lot more quiet than before. She certainly was less adorably energetic after what happened.Lulu got to her feet. "It's been a while since I've been in Cloud City, and I was thinking I should show Martin around."She excused herself since Irene had another visitor, and Irene nodded since she was not sure if Erin had something private to ask.As she walked with Lulu out of the mansion, she locked arms with her and said, "Come over and have dinner with us. We have yet to catch up even though you're back.""Yeah," Lulu promised.Irene had her old chauffeur drive them, since it was inconvenient
Isaac brought James home.James had not been texting Erin much since he had been busy over the last few days, and he planned to go to Minerva once the Dennis Turner case was resolved.However, Isaac stopped him and told him to have dinner at his house since he had guests.James had no choice but to put his plans on hold, and he sat down on the couch to text Erin. [I'll come tomorrow to visit you. I've already booked a flight tonight.] Erin, who was playing with Irene's baby, whipped out her phone for a look when she felt it vibrate. She then saw James's text, and the contents left her smiling, but she replied: [You don't have to since you're busy. I'm not that important—just do your job properly.]James frowned. [Are you upset?][Yeah.]At the same time, Erin was carrying Irene's baby and sneaked behind him before leaning in to blow her warm breath into his ear.Startled, James sprang to his feet."Who the…"…hell was messing around with him?! Still, he was left gaping
Zachary ignored her question. "Is Lulu with you?"Irene got up and left the dining room. "Just stop it, Zachary—""I'm not messing around—I could've done that at the hotel the other day if I wanted to instead of biding my time. And I'm sure you know that Lulu and that man are close, so I can't separate them no matter what I do. What are you so afraid of?""Lulu is pregnant," Irene retorted. "I'm afraid you'll hurt her child and affect her life—"Zachary cut her short right then. "She's there with you, right? I'm driving there now."Irene frowned. "Zachary—"Beep, beep, beep…He already hung up.Irene quickly dialed her number, but he refused to answer, leaving her utterly frustrated. After thinking about it, she decided that the only option was to tell Lulu and discuss what they should do.She texted her: [Zachary is coming.]Lulu saw the text and peered into the living room for a moment before replying: [It's alright.]Since Lulu said that, she must have been mentally pre
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