"I don't care what they say about me." Elliot held Avery's hand, pulled her into his arms, and rested his chin on the top of her head. "Have you eaten?""I have." Avery took in the smell of medicine on him and said sadly, "I didn't have much to eat in the morning, so I was really hungry at lunch and ended up eating.""Good.""How's Nathan? You didn't beat him up too much, did you?" Avery felt uneasy.When Elliot had seen Nathan earlier, he was overcome with rage.Avery was worried that he would be too hard on him and cause more trouble."I don't know. He's probably still alive," Elliot said hoarsely. "We wouldn't have to deal with all of these problems if it weren't for him. I wouldn't be this mad if he had just stayed in Bridgedale and asked me for money.""He isn't a good father at all. Don't be mad, Elliot. Whatever he does from now on has nothing to do with us.""Alright."At the hospital, Nathan was covered in bruises, but he did not have any serious injuries.Once the d
Avery was worried that the bruises on Elliot's face would scare the children at the wedding, so she made him stay put at the villa. While he rested, she wanted him to think about everything that happened today and if there might have been a better solution if he had another chance to repeat the day.In truth, she was being resentful. He was partially responsible for the failed wedding ceremony, after all."Why won't you let him go out and meet the guests, Avery?" Ben asked after clearing his throat. "Everyone really wants to see him!""He's covered in injuries." Since Elliot was casting the blame on her, Avery decided that she did not have to save him any face. "Even his butt is bruised."Elliot was speechless.Ben was shocked and said, "Are you that seriously injured, Elliot? If you are, then you should rest."Elliot got up from the couch and said, "I'm fine.""Alright." Ben was in a dilemma.Elliot walked over to Avery and negotiated with her. "It's our wedding day. It doesn'
"I used to think that I would walk through my life all by myself. That was until I met you, Avery Tate. You taught me about love, affection, and loyalty. You also showed me what it felt like to be complete. My life is only complete with you in it. I can't guarantee that all of our days together would be smooth sailing, but I promise that I will spend every single day from now on loving you with all my heart, just like I do now."Avery gawked at Elliot in stunned silence. She was in disbelief!The words he just said were completely different from the vows that he had written before."I know you're thinking about why my vows are different from the ones I drafted." Elliot gazed at her bewildered expression and said, "I feel guilty that you had to suffer through everything that happened today, so there are a lot more things that I want to say to you now."Avery's eyes instantly welled up with tears.This was not an official wedding ceremony, but she still felt moved.She took the mi
Once Adrian returned to his room after getting some water, Cole turned to his father."We could use Uncle Adrian, Dad," Cole revealed his plan. "Avery Tate's biggest flaw is that she's softhearted."Henry listened and pondered for a few seconds, then said, "How do we use him? Your uncle's an idiot. He can't do anything at all!""We don't need him to do anything. We just need to use him to threaten Avery." Cole narrowed his cunning eyes and said, "Aunt Shea died in order to save Avery's son. She must feel a lot of guilt about it. When she treated Uncle Adrian's illness, she didn't know about his true identity. She probably treated his illness out of the guilt she felt toward Aunt Shea."Henry's expression turned heavy. "She feels guilty toward your aunt, not your uncle. It would definitely work if we used your aunt against her, but it might not work if we used your uncle. Don't tell me you want us to use your uncle's life to threaten her?""We don't really kill him, of course. Aver
Avery was extremely moved by Elliot's profession of love for her that night.However, she also felt sorry that the wedding he had prepared for so long was ruined.Even if they had gone through with the wedding that afternoon, she would still feel uneasy.Henry had gone too far!He could have chosen any time to expose the scandals, but he deliberately chose to do it on this day!"I used to think that most people in life are good people, but some people manage to renew my knowledge of bad people over and over again." Avery raised her glass and took another sip."Are you talking about Elliot's big brother, Henry?" Tammy asked. "He's a pretty disgusting man, indeed. Even if Elliot isn't his biological brother, Elliot has been treating him pretty well over the years! He didn't take any of that into account. He really was too cruel.""If Rosalie was still alive, she definitely wouldn't have allowed Henry to behave that way.""That's right. Don't be upset, Avery. After everything that
Elliot did not expect Avery to be thinking of these things in her drunken state of mind.He stroked her reddened cheek with his hand, then said, "You've had too much to drink, Avery. Don't you feel bad?""I do." Avery gazed at Elliot with glistening eyes. "I feel really bad seeing your image ruined.""I'll be fine after a few days. I'll ask the butler to bring some soup to sober you up." Elliot's heart ached as he watched Avery's confused expression. "Lie down on the bed and don't move around.""Where are you going?""I'm going to call the butler," Elliot said as he dialed a number on the room's phone.The butler very quickly answered the call.As Elliot asked the butler for some soup, he could barely finish his sentence when Avery cried out in a spoiled voice, "I want lollipop, Mr. Butler!"The butler was taken aback.Elliot turned around and gazed in frustration at Avery's drunken face. "Are you sure you want a lollipop?""I'm feeling really hot. If you don't let me have a
Elliot was so shocked that his back broke into a cold sweat.He had been sitting by the bed and eating the lollipop in pain as he scrolled through his phone when a sudden shriek came from behind him. Who would be able to handle that kind of shock?He brought the half-eaten lollipop over to Avery."Why did you wake up so quickly?" He saw the anger in her eyes, then cooed, "I was worried it would melt, so I helped you eat some of it.""Why didn't you just wake me?" Avery snatched the lollipop over and took a big bite. "I told you I was hot but you still ate it. Couldn't you have just asked the butler to send up another one?""Don't eat too much of that stuff." Elliot caressed Avery's forehead. "Do you still feel dizzy?""I do!" Avery frowned. "Eating something cold like this helps.""There's some soup that can help you sober up. Do you want some?""I'll have it later." Avery glanced at the insulated container. It was a pretty little pink container. "What kind of soup is it?""I'
At eleven that morning, Avery was awakened by a sudden pang of hunger.When she woke up and saw the empty room, she was slightly confused.Her temples were aching. She tried to recall the events of the night before, but her headache was so bad that she could not remember a thing.She got out of bed and walked out of the bedroom.In the living room, Mrs. Cooper was feeding Robert.When she saw Avery, Mrs. Cooper immediately said, "You're awake, Avery? Does your head hurt? Do you want some painkillers?"Avery shook her head. She had a headache, but it was something she could endure."Where's Elliot? Why can't I find him?" she asked as she glanced around the villa.However, she was not as worried as she was when she did not see him for even a moment yesterday.After all, the wedding was over. They also increased security, so he should be safe."He went out this morning. He said he had to stop by the police station," said Mrs. Copper. "Give him a call if you're worried about him.
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