She plugged the blow-dryer in and walked towards him.He opened his arm and wrapped them around her waist. Her heart throbbed, feeling as though she was being surrounded by a love that was both gentle and heavy. She could sense the heat on his skin through his clothes, and soon, she started to feel his breath on her as well."Elliot, have you been feeling really exhausted?" She asked."Yes, but it's worth it," he drawled and breathed deeply as he entered a relaxed state."Close your eyes, then, and don't think about anything.""Okay."She switched on the blow-dryer and ran her fingers through his hair; the warm wind was sleep-inducing and though his hair dried thoroughly shortly after, she didn't have the heart to turn it off because she could feel like he had fallen asleep while leaning against her.The weight of his body was pressed against her and she realized that she would have said yes if Nathan had asked for 30 million a month at this very moment, she might have agreed.
She shook her head frantically with tears in her eyes. "No... Elliot, it's not you... It's really just a nightmare."Seeing how desperately she tried to explain, he nodded and asked, "Tell me then, what nightmare did you have?"She took a deep breath to slowly calm herself down."I dreamt of the day of our wedding. We were standing in the church surrounded by guests and I was really excited. Suddenly, the roof of the church was lifted and following a blinding ray of light, a gigantic black monster appeared and reached its enormous claw out, before taking you away with it..."She couldn't help but start sobbing once again.Elliot believed her and studied her empathetically, "Avery, it's just a dream. It's not real. There's no gigantic monster in this world. Even if there was one, I would kill it before it can take me."She sighed a breath of relief after seeing his face right next to her. "Yeah. That dream just seemed so real, so I couldn't help myself. I feel much better to see y
"Avery said that she told her patient to leave something red by the window. Just check to see if you find any red objects next to anyone's window, and I will go find him," Mike said and took out a photo, "Here, this is a photo of the guy."Chad looked at the photo for a few moments and exclaimed, "Why does this person look so familiar?""I knew you were going to say that. Don't you think he looks like Shea?" Mike said, "Avery agreed to treat him because of that."Chad took the photo into his hand for a closer look. "They do look kind of similar, but up close, not that alike.""Let's discuss when we find him! He's a poor guy, being locked in the house without any freedom." Mike scowled. "Avery is just too nosy, but that's what I like about her.""It's not like it's affecting her own life. It's nice to do good deeds that are within one's capability."In a certain residential area, Peter's sister spotted a drone in the sky when she was hanging the clothes and called out, "Peter, the
Avery froze. She had not expected Elliot to have guests over.Elliot had never had the habit of inviting guests over, and because the others weren't speaking out loud, she had not heard them at all before she went downstairs.Avery's face flushed three seconds after being stared at by the others and she immediately turned around to head back upstairs.She had been quiet when she went down the stairs, but extremely loud when she headed back up.Back in the living room, the others looked away."Elliot, that's the woman you are marrying this time?""Isn't that the same woman? Have you forgotten that she almost killed you?""I was wondering why she looked so familiar? She was the same woman from last time? Elliot, you sure are loyal!""It's not like that. That woman gave birth to Elliot's children. Three of them! That's not bad!""But Elliot doesn't like kids!""Hahaha! He doesn't like others' kids, but he's bound to like his own, right?"The others discussed cheerfully in front
"How can you not care? You are being taken advantage of! It's not like you don't have money, or have issues finding another woman! Dump her and you can find other women to give birth to thirty children that share your family name!""..." Both Elliot and Avery were rendered speechless."Yeah! What's with your taste in women? That Avery knows no manners! She didn't even say hi when she saw us just now, who does she think she is?""She has no manners! Considering what she's done to you so far, she has always been that arrogant! How can you put up with a woman like that?""Elliot, dump her and we will introduce better women to you. You won't even have to delay your scheduled wedding day.""Yeah! My sister has always liked you. Not only is she prettier than Avery, but her figure is also perfect! She is definitely going to make you happy!""It's fine. Avery and I have been in love with each other for many years and I don't want anyone but her," Elliot refused politely.Around the corn
A while later, Elliot and Avery walked down the stairs and the others stared sternly at their entwined hands."Let's head out to eat!" Elliot walked towards them. "If we depart now, we will arrive at the hotel in time.""Sure! But is she going out dressed like this?" Someone stared at the way Avery was dressed and said, "Elliot, don't you think that it's embarrassing for you if she walks out dressing like that?"Elliot scanned Avery up and down. She was wearing a sleeping gown that was slightly creased at the bottom and a pair of flat slippers. Though it was a casual outfit, it was also a refreshing one; on top of that, he didn't have a change of clothes for her and she was hungry, so going out to eat became his first priority.Elliot glanced at Avery and did not respond to the man.Avery looked at the man with a smile. "I don't want to trouble everyone. Whoever thinks it's embarrassing to eat with me, you may be excused from eating with us later."The others' wanted to argue, bu
Elliot looked troubled. He said to everyone, "She has a very low alcohol tolerance and goes berserk once she is drunk. Not only will she swear and scold, but she will also flip tables. If you can bear the consequences…I'll let her raise her glass to you all?"Avery immediately raised her wine glass in cooperation."Hey! Hey! Forget about it! We haven't seen each other in a long time! We finally are able to gather to drink. Avery, place your glass down!" One of them sternly said.Avery timidly placed her glass down.The waiter began to serve food. Soon, the table was filled with food.Avery was famished, so once the dishes were served, she immediately said, "Everyone, the food has been served. Let's feast! Help yourselves!"Then, she picked up her utensils and took a piece of meat to eat.Everyone had a good level of living quality. They were used to eating expensive meat and seafood, but when they saw Avery only going for the expensive meat, they were still a little uncomfortabl
On the way back, the driver asked, "Miss Tate, where are we heading to?""My house." Avery had a full meal, so she was rather sleepy at that moment. She looked at her phone to see if there were any new messages.Mike sent her a few screenshots taken with the drone.[Mike: We mainly scouted the first target area this morning. We found seven units that placed red objects outside their windows. I checked each of them. I didn't find your patient. Will continue in the afternoon!]Avery did not expect that Mike would work so quickly. She replied, [Thank you.][Mike: Are you finally up? I heard that you spent the night at Elliot's last night. Where are you now? If you're still at Elliot's, I'll go there for a free meal!][Avery: I'm not at his house. A group of terrible people came to his house today. I chased them away.][Mike: F*ck. Are you that fierce? They are still his guests!][Avery: Is this your first day knowing me? It's because I knew that they were not good people. Also, on
Three years later…Ivy and Robert stood at the airport in Aryadelle, anxiously waiting."It's been three years! Your boyfriend is finally here to see you!" Robert exclaimed before shifting the conversation. "He's not here to break up with you, is he? After all, you haven't seen each other in three years. A lot can change."Ivy sighed, "Robert, can you not jinx it? Although we haven't met in three years, we talk on the phone and video call every day!"Robert quipped, "Digital romance.""Anyway, he promised me that he's going to settle down in Aryadelle this time, and we won't be apart again," Ivy said. Robert smirked. "He's got a strong sense of pride. When he meets Dad later, they might not hit it off, and he'll buy a ticket to leave tonight!"Feeling helpless, Ivy was at a loss for words. Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Ivy!"Ivy immediately looked over to the source of the voice and saw Lucas stepping out of the exit, dragging his suitcase behind him. A smile sp
Mr. Woods did not expect Hayden to be so direct, and he found himself momentarily caught off guard. He had come to ask Hayden for money, but he had not thought about exactly how much he wanted. After all, Hayden's family was extremely wealthy, and he did not want to ask for too little and feel shortchanged, nor did he want to risk asking for too much and having Hayden refuse. It was a tough decision. After a brief internal struggle, Mr. Woods turned to Hayden and said, "I know your family is one of the wealthiest in Aryadelle, so why don't you name the price? I trust you won't mistreat my son and our family." Hayden furrowed his brows slightly. Shelly, noticing his hesitation, quickly chimed in, "Uncle, why don't you make an offer? We're not very familiar with this process. If you insist on us naming a price, we might need to consult my father-in-law." "Elliot Foster, you mean?" Mr. Woods asked. Shelly nodded. "Yes. My father-in-law isn't as easygoing as my husband. After a
"All right. Let's find a place nearby to sit and talk." Mr. Woods breathed a sigh of relief. "Good! Our house is actually nearby. Would you like to visit? Ivy has been with us for many years, and our staff has a close relationship with her." Hayden glanced at Shelly and asked, "Should we go?" "Sure!" Shelly said. Mr. Woods immediately invited Hayden and Shelly into his car and drove them to the Woods' mansion. Upon arriving, Mr. Woods instructed the servants to serve tea and refreshments. He pointed to the butler and said to Hayden, "This is our butler. He hired Ivy's grandmother." Hayden nodded. Mr. Woods then introduced Hayden: "This is Irene's older brother, the renowned businessman Mr. Hayden Tate." "Hello, Mr. Tate. Irene was a wonderful young lady," the butler said. "We all liked her very much. When we heard of her passing, we were truly saddened. Fortunately, she didn't actually pass away! Ivy is a very sensible and resilient girl, one of the strongest I've eve
Ivy's eyes were red as she said, "Hayden, Lucas' mother has passed away, so I won't be able to spend time with you for a few days." "It's okay. Given what has happened, we're not in the mood for fun either. After we attend his mother's funeral, Shelly and I will return," Hayden said. Ivy nodded. "How are funerals handled here?" Hayden asked. Given Lucas' relationship with Ivy, his younger sister, he felt a sense of duty to help Lucas with the funeral arrangements. "It's similar to how it's done back at home. Wealthy people can have elaborate funerals, and those with less money can opt for simpler ceremonies. Those who can't afford much at all can forgo the ceremony and opt for a simple burial," Ivy said. "What if someone wants a more elaborate funeral?" "Hayden, do you want to help with his mother's funeral? He doesn't have any close relatives here, so there's no need for an elaborate ceremony," she explained. "I see. Go and talk to him about it. I'll help with whatever I
Lucas hung up, tears welling in his eyes. Ivy stood by his side and asked, "What's wrong, Lucas?" "My mom has passed away. You should keep your brother company! I need to head back to the hospital." "I will come along! Aunty seemed fine just now, so why did she suddenly pass away?" The two hurried toward the car, completely forgetting about Hayden and Shelly. Hayden and Shelly watched as they left awkwardly, and Shelly said, "Honey, let's go to the hospital. I think Lucas' mother has passed away." "Sure." The two caught a taxi and hurried after Lucas. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lucas arrived to first encounter the doctor and then his father. Mr. Woods tried ingratiating himself with his son, saying, "Lucas, I came to the hospital to see your mother, but when I arrived, she had already passed away. What a shame!" "Are you sure she had already passed away before you came? I was here earlier today, and when I saw her, she was still alive!" Lucas said. Mr. Woods reto
Mr. Woods sneered, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Although the Woods family has fallen on hard times, we're still a prominent family in Taronia! Lucas may be foolish, but are you any wiser? If it weren't for me backing Lucas, would the Fosters even look at him?" "Shut up! The Foster family isn't narrow-minded like you! Ivy's family doesn't dislike Lucas, so don't go causing trouble! They don't want to see you at all!" Lucas' mother retorted. Mr. Woods scoffed. "Is that so? Do you really think they don't look down on him? Why wouldn't they? Are they planning to make Lucas marry into their family instead of the other way round?" "It's none of your business! You never cared about Lucas, and now that he's independent, he doesn't need you anymore! You wouldn't have come to me repeatedly if Ivy wasn't Elliot Foster's daughter and if she wasn't interested in Lucas. Do you really think I have no idea what you are plotting?" Mr. Woods countered, "What nonsense are you ta
Ivy did not hesitate, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me; just focus on yourself." "Staying here is just a waste of time." "I've been studying and interning so hard for so long. What's wrong with taking a break now?" Ivy argued. Before long, Hayden and Shelly had finished their shopping, and Ivy and Lucas immediately joined them to go to the hospital. Lucas' mother had no idea that Ivy's brother and sister-in-law were coming to visit her, so she appeared a bit uncomfortable when they arrived. She tried to sit up, but her body failed her. Ivy raised the head of the hospital bed. "Aunty, my big brother and sister-in-law came over to Taronia for a visit. They wanted to see Lucas and you." "Oh, this is really embarrassing. It's a blessing for my son to know Ivy..." Lucas' mother muttered sheepishly. Shelly reassured, "Aunty, don't say that. Lucas is outstanding. Otherwise, Ivy wouldn't have fallen for him." Lucas' mother continued, "I've
Throughout the meal, Ivy found it hard to enjoy her food. Lucas and Hayden discussed everything that mattered, and the conversation went smoother than anyone had anticipated. Hayden was not upset, nor was Lucas. It was a better scenario than what Ivy had hoped for, but she still felt depressed. "Lucas, my husband and I would like to pay your mother a visit. Would that be okay?" Shelly asked after finishing her food. "Sure," Lucas said. "Don't we need to ask your mom first?" Ivy asked. "It's fine. We can just head over right away and introduce them once we arrive." Lucas' mother grew weaker every day and had stopped using her phone altogether, so it was her nurse, whom Lucas had hired, who reported his mother's condition to him daily. "You restarted your business and have to take care of your mother simultaneously; you're really strong. Most people would crumble under the pressure," Shelly commented. "Ivy had a tougher life before. She didn't crumble, so I won't eith
After what Ivy said, Lucas added, "I want to focus on my career for now. Marriage is secondary until I become more successful." Hayden sneered. "Running a business isn't as simple as it seems. What if you fail or never achieve anything out of the ordinary?" "If that happens, I won't drag Ivy down," Lucas said. "At least you know your place." Ivy felt as though her cheeks were on fire. "Hayden, even if Lucas fails, I won't give up on him. I won't let him go just because of his financial state." Shelly grabbed Hayden's hand again, signaling to him to control his temper; he could be rude to others, but he could not be so demanding with Ivy. Ivy sensed that she was slightly out of line, and her tone eased. "Hayden, we shouldn’t judge people based on their wealth. Our family is rich enough, and there really aren't that many people out there who can compare to our financial state, so why does it matter how wealthy my partner is?" "Ivy is right. Love matters most. Even if we man