"Hehehe…" Renee had no choice but to take a bite for show. She then lowered her voice. "Stefan, did you have to do this? Isn't it a little too cruel?""It's your own doing. I'm just returning the favor."The two pushed the chicken wing skewer back and forth while they bickered. To others, this seemed like a moment of intimacy.Moses smiled foolishly before quickly retrieving his phone to capture this 'heart-warming' moment. "Looks like the rumors on the internet are true. Stef and Ms. Everheart really do share true love. This is such a sweet photo. I have to share it on social media!"While saying this, Moses typed 'the couple I ship is real' before attaching a picture and publishing the post on social media."Hey, don't do that…" Renee felt that it had gone too far and tried to stop him.Unfortunately, Moses wasn't the only one who did this. The others did the same. Even if she wanted to stop them, it was too late.Feeling helpless, she turned to face Stefan. "Why aren't you sa
Renee's facial expression was cold and emotionless. "I don't care if he's dead or alive. Did he care if I was happy or not during the most difficult period of my life? Did he ever care if I was alive?""Well…" Xavier felt a little guilty. He silently looked down.Stefan had indeed gone too far back then. He cheated on Renee and forced her to get a divorce. His heart was practically stone-cold. Why did he have to get so close with a bitch like Briar?Even if Renee loved him from the bottom of her heart, her feelings would eventually fade.If he asked her to give Stefan another chance now, it would only be adding salt to the wound!"I'll tell you again, and please take this seriously—my relationship with Stefan has ended, and we will never get back together. Please tell your friends, Stefan included, to stop joking around like that anymore. If this happens again, I'll cut ties with all of you," Renee said sternly to make sure Xavier got her point.Xavier nodded. "Alright. I know wh
The only difference was that Renee's aura of superiority originated from her herself."Your Stefan?" Renee asked with a playful look in her eyes.Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Obviously, he's ours. Did you know that I grew up with Stef? We also share the same birthday in the same month of the same year. I was born an hour ahead of him. That's why he's like my little brother…""So?" Renee replied calmly. She wasn't sure what Seraphina was trying to say."So, I'm warning you to stay away from him. You two are already divorced. I won't tolerate you pulling any tricks on him!" Seraphina uttered fiercely."I see… What a considerate sister you are!" Renee replied with a half-hearted smile while she looked Seraphina up and down.Seraphina had a tomboy-like appearance, and her outfit was also casual. Although she didn't seem like the kind to harbor any ill intentions, her words seemed to be filled with undertones of sarcasm.Only a woman could recognize such undertones.Things were getti
The worst part was Stefan's reaction.He didn't even acknowledge Renee when he walked past her. It was as if she wasn't even there.Things felt so awkward that Xavier nearly wanted to dig a hole and hide in it."Renee, don't get mad. You know how proud Stef is. He's probably upset because you disrespected him earlier. That's why…" Xavier trailed off."It doesn't matter." Renee shrugged. She looked at Stefan and Seraphine while they walked away. "Didn't I tell you that I no longer want to have anything to do with him? Why would I get mad?""Are you really not upset at all?" Xavier cocked his head. He stared at Renee's face and teased her playfully. "Why does your facial expression seem so different?""..." Renee remained silent.To be honest, Xavier wasn't making things up.She really did get upset for a moment, but it wasn't because of Stefan. Instead, it was Seraphina's doing.This woman was so pretentious. She might seem like a tomboy-like girl who got along with Stefan as a
"..." Renee didn't say anything. She didn't agree, but she made no denial either."Hahaha! Alright. You don't have to answer me. I know what you're thinking. Just listen to me and do as I say." Xavier was determined to be the nice guy and go all the way. He decided he would try one last time to help this proud couple out.If it still didn't work this time, he'd stop caring!Back in the barbecue area, Stefan and Seraphina were roasting skewers.As a result of them sharing the same birthday, they also had a similar outlook on life, and the two had always been close. One could even go as far as to say they were best friends.However, Stefan merely thought of Seraphina as a friend. Seraphina, on the other hand, started developing romantic feelings for him when puberty hit.Just as Seraphina was about to confess her feelings for Stefan, he and Renee suddenly had a flash marriage. Their wedding took the entire Beach City by surprise.Feeling bitter about her feelings that were not rec
Xavier felt a little awkward. He felt the need to do some explaining.Renee, on the other hand, nodded proudly. "Of course. Xavier and I shared significant life experiences together and a similar outlook on life. We also have the same hobbies. Of course, we get along well!""..." Stefan's gaze turned cold. He pursed his lips and remained silent.Seraphina hopped onto her feet and pointed at Renee. "Ms. Everheart, even if I end up offending you, there are things I have to say. We're both women. We may be heartless, but there are still limits to what we should do. Don't you think you're being a bitch? You bring shame to all women!""Oh, why say so?" Renee nearly laughed.Seraphina was really good at this game. Renee hadn't even exposed her for being pretentious, and she already took the first move to defame Renee.Just as she thought… Seraphina was as tough a woman as she was smart!"You and Xavier were being too intimate just now. I don't care what your relationship with him is.
Seeing how the situation was getting intense, Xavier tried to make peace yet again."Alright, alright. I hereby announce that Renee and I are merely friends. There is nothing else going on between us. As for Stef and Seraphina, they're definitely like siblings and nothing else. Shirley and I aren't exactly together yet. Therefore, everyone's still single. We're free to be romantically involved with anyone we like!"It's rare for us to get together like this. Let's just enjoy each other's company and not cause a scene. That's something only elementary school kids would do. If everyone's on board, let's bump fists and call it a day. Alright?" Xavier extended his fist after that.Seraphina was the first to respond by bumping her fist against his.If she still held a grudge against Renee now, she'd seem too calculative.That was why she decided to change her tactic."Ms. Everheart, since it's a misunderstanding, I'll apologize to you. I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions…"I'm actua
"Oww!!! It hurts!" A piece of hot charcoal landed on Seraphina's foot and she yelped in pain.The men, who were chatting out in the open, heard the noise, and they all came running. Everyone surrounded Seraphina."What happened? Why did the grill suddenly topple over? Were you two roasting skewers or yourself?" Xavier was confused by the chaotic scene."Stop your sarcasm already. Can't you see that I burned my foot? Hurry up and help me out! What if it leaves a scar?" Seraphina grabbed her foot and clenched her jaws. She was nearly crying.Moses risked taking a beating and continued to mock her. "It's rare to see Seraphina in such a weak state. The charcoal has really done justice for us!"Seraphina swung her fist in his direction. "Moses, how could you say that? Just wait. I'm going to beat you up!"Everyone quickly stopped her. They were all worried about her burned foot, and everyone was focused on her.Christopher silently observed for a moment. "Seraphina, your wound looks
Liam was impressed while looking at Justin's calm expression. He had always thought that Justin was cunning and full of schemes. He was even worried that Justin might plot against Renee in the future.However, Justin was quite open and generous. He was considering things from Renee's angle. He could be Renee's haven, but if he stepped down, he could willingly grant Renee's wish to be with the one she loved. It seemed that Justin was selfless, and Liam felt that he was worse than Justin. No wonder Renee would choose to spend the rest of her life with Justin. It seemed like he was a reliable man.Justin pocketed his hands and asked casually, "Is there any other problem now?""Not at the moment." Liam frowned in defeat. Since Justin had made such a big compromise, he would seem like a fool if he was too arrogant and refused to give up. A long sigh escaped him as he let go of Renee's hand, but he was still hopeful. He boasted to Justin, "Wait and see! I'll make Stefan appear.""Go
"Let go of her!" Justin turned cold and grabbed Renee's other hand. He said darkly to Liam, "You don't have the right to take her with you!""Hmph! I don't have the right to take her with me? Well, you don't have the right to marry her. I must take her with me today. Worst comes to worst, I'll fight your family!"Though he was too weak to fight the powerful Baldwin family, Liam was never a coward. He would fight the whole world alone for the sake of Renee's happy and stable life."Calm down…"In comparison, Justin was calmer. He was probably more confident since it was his territory and he could affirm Renee would not leave with Liam. He started mocking Liam. "I'm not the kind of person who will force others to do things they refuse to do. If Ren wants to leave, I'll let her go even if my family disowns me. But I know that she won't leave. At the very least, she won't leave with you.""What do you mean?" Liam could tell that Justin was mocking him, and it annoyed him. "Why are
Liam felt that his situation at the fort was almost the same as Renee's current situation. He had thought that the marriage was just for show. If he was unhappy, he could get a divorce. Even then, things were not that easy when he wanted to get out of that mess. If Amber had not protected him, Benjamin would have long gotten him killed. He knew better than anyone else how unfair it was for the other party when one tolerated and went through with the marriage.Amber was naive and was willing to be treated unfairly, but Justin was no fool. He would not be able to take it if it lasted for a long time. It was easy to imagine what Renee would face when Justin stopped taking her side."Let's go! I'm not afraid. You don't have to be afraid, either." Liam made up his mind to support Renee, who was standing behind him.Renee bit her lips and started to waver; not because she did not want to be with Justin, but simply because she was not confident in herself. She was afraid she would neve
"Liam, what are you doing?" Leia looked at Liam, unable to understand his sudden excitement."I'm going to meet Austin or Justin. I want them to cancel this engagement ceremony." Liam held Renee's wrist and tried to drag her out of the suite.He was certain Renee didn't want to marry Justin, so it was very likely that she would regret it in the future. It would be hard to settle if she regretted it after the engagement party. Liam felt that he had to try his best to put everything under control while he still could. Feeling helpless, Leia complained, "Stop making a scene… This is Ren's marriage. You can't make all this fuss!""You don't know. I'm doing this for her. I want the best for her." Liam knew the consequences of resisting Austin, given the man's position. He was also ready to be punished by them. Even though he would be beaten up vigorously, he would not hesitate as long as he could stop the ceremony and help Renee avoid such risks. "If you want the best for her, just
Leia felt so awkward that she wanted to run away. "Hey, can you stop flattering yourself? You haven't settled your messy romance, so please don't get Ren involved. You shouldn't joke like that!"Similarly, Liam found his joke impudent and admitted to his mistake. "Yeah, I was wrong. Don't take my joke seriously."Both Renee and Leia were amused. It helped relieve their tension. "But have you thought it through? After this ceremony, you'll be a part of the Baldwin family. You can't regret it by then," Liam said; he was worried about Renee. Everyone knew the Baldwin family's style. They had such a grand ceremony today. If anything went wrong, the Everheart family might be ruined for the second time. Although nobody knew who would win the battle, the trouble could be avoided. Liam was clueless as to why Renee wanted to take such a risk."Yes, I have." Renee nodded and added firmly, "I'd thought it through the moment I boarded the plane with Justin to fly here."It was the last c
Renee was done getting ready. As her closest friend, Leia came to North City with Liam immediately.The engagement ceremony was held in a magnificent hall of a top hotel. The guests arrived one by one and chatted among themselves. It was a luxurious and grand scene. "Ren, I'm sorry I'm late!" Leia arrived at the hotel suite where Renee was waiting. She put her hands together to express her apology. "It's Liam's fault! He was out of his mind and insisted on not coming here, but I forced him to and took some time. Please don't be mad at me!""Silly, I won't be mad at you. Plus, this ceremony doesn't carry much meaning. The Baldwin family just needs this as an assurance. It doesn't matter even if you're absent."Renee looked indifferent and was not at all happy and eager like a bride-to-be. The engagement ceremony was held to announce to the world about the relationship between her and Renee. In all honesty, Renee was resistant to it. She did not want her family or friends to at
Margaret decided to be frank since Renee had said so. "I can tell that you don't sincerely love Mr. Baldwin. Your marriage is just a way to avoid reality. Why are you so harsh on yourself if that's the case? Now, you're making such a big fuss about moving here. If you fail to get along with him and have to return to Beach City in the future, many people will gossip about you. They'll say nasty things about you. Why do you have to put yourself in such a condition?""Margaret, you don't understand…" Renee looked at herself in the mirror. She looked very charming, like a bride in ancient paintings. Everyone would be charmed by her—including herself. She knew very well that she was the one taking the lead in her romance with Justin. They could go on forever as long as she didn't end it. She was just afraid she could not hold on and wanted to stop, and the only reason that she wanted to stop was probably because of Stefan. "If I stay in Beach City, I'll come across Stefan. I know t
Time passed by. It was soon the day for the engagement ceremony between Justin and Renee.The Baldwin family held a grand ceremony while adhering to tradition. It was both traditional and romantic.Renee put on a red slim-fit silk gown with intricate black and gold embroidery. Her long hair was delicately pinned up, showing off her fair and slender neck. She looked elegant."How pretty!" Margaret stood in front of the vanity table and looked at Renee, whose face was dolled with exquisite makeup. She looked gratified, as though she were looking at her daughter."If your parents saw how pretty and elegant you were, they would be very happy." Margaret gently placed her hands on Renee's shoulders and commented, "You married Mr. Hunt when I wasn't around. You must have suffered a lot. But things will get better now… I'll stay with you and protect you forever. I'll be your strongest support."Back then, Renee was left alone when her family was ruined. She married Stefan without anyo
Alexander and Francine were already old. It was fine even if others criticized them or took violent revenge on them. But they were worried that the younger generation, especially Adie and Abby, would have a hard time handling it."You're right. I wasn't thinking straight…" Francine became teary and sobbed. "I just wanted to relieve my guilt and failed to consider the kids. We brought this upon ourselves. I'll probably have to suffer this pain for the rest of my life.""Stop thinking about that. It's all over. It's useless to regret or dwell on it." Alexander walked over and hugged her shoulders. He whispered some consoling words, "No one can tell who was right or wrong about that affair. We're already punished. Just act like everything is gone…"Is it? You're just trying to make yourself feel better." Francine leaned against Alexander's shoulders, full of melancholy. "Don't you think the kids are suffering the consequences of our actions? They love and understand each other bu