The thing that sent shivers down Mike's spine was not the words of the doctor, but the fact that Avery went missing."Sh*t! I said that I would keep an eye on her to stop her from running away, and in the end, she ran away again while I was asleep! Without question, she must be on one of the flights heading toward Ylore," thought Mike. Mike darted out without a word and the doctor immediately stopped him. "Did you hear a word I said just now? She has to come back here for a bodycheck—""I get it! Once I find her, I will take her to the hospital to get checked, but I don't think we can do it here! She's probably overseas now as we speak!" Mike blurted out hastily."Oh, that's okay. So long as she gets checked, it doesn't matter where she does it.""Don't you all keep an eye on your patients here? How can you let your patients run away like that?" Mike said sharply."But— This is a hospital, not a prison. If the patients are capable of walking around, of course, they are entitled
She held onto her phone and mumbled, "It wasn't Elliot's... You didn't find anything of his... He has to be alive..."Ben's heart ached at her murmuring.It had been a week, and the chances that Elliot was still alive were slim.He might have been tossed into the distance when he fell and because there were places that were inaccessible to the rescue team, the search area was limited. Once they managed to get access to those places, they might be able to find Elliot, but it would already be too late.One hour later, Ben found Avery, who was standing at the accident site, frozen like a statue made out of stone.He grabbed onto her arm and dragged her toward the car."Your fever has only just gone down. You are going to catch a cold again," Ben said sternly. "Mike is really worried about you. He told me to take you to the hospital once I find you.""I'm fine. Why should I have to go to the hospital?" She stared at him and said stubbornly, "I want to find Gary. Take me to him!""W
It was a black notebook."Avery, I haven't drawn the lines for you because I was being considerate of your three children. You all need to live on without Elliot." Gary's words were like bullets. "You should be able to recognize his handwriting. He has written down the names of the people that matter most to him, and your name isn't there. Whether he is dead or alive, you are no longer on his mind!"Avery took the notebook and opened it to find Elliot's handwriting. She was well familiar with Elliot's handwriting, almost as familiar as she was with him.She read through the things he wrote and pursed her lips. Her words failed her.Ben walked over to take a look, before asking Gary, "Why would Elliot write about this?""He did what he wanted. It's not like I forced him to do this." Gary was fed up with the two of them. "Elliot and I have been friends for years, and I would never hurt him! Go back to Aryadelle now that you've had your fun!""Gary, where is his body? Even if you wo
Even if Ylore was Gary's territory, she would not let him bully her into subordination.In approximately four hours, Mike arrived at the Ylore airport. He turned on his phone and saw the message from Ben.[Avery is in the same hotel as before. I have something urgent to deal with so I'll be heading back to Aryadelle first!]"That jerk," Mike cursed. "How can he leave Avery alone here! Who knows what kind of trouble she would cause if she is all by herself?"He then called Avery and luckily, she picked up."Mike, there's a chance that Elliot is alive! He is with Gary. I feel much better now, so you don't need to keep me company," Avery sounded much more relaxed. "Go back and watch my kids for me. Wanda has returned to Aryadelle, and I'm afraid that she is going to make a move.""Come back with me!""I told you that Elliot isn't dead. I'm staying here to find out where he is. I've already called my bodyguard, and he should be here soon. I know what I'm doing. I won't face Gary dir
It was a large group of people, and they were moving extremely fast, so Avery could not see the person in the wheelchair. She could not even see their back. The bodyguards surrounding the person in the wheelchair were muscular and tall, so they managed to cover the person completely.Avery had a feeling that it was Elliot in that wheelchair. Her heart throbbed hysterically, and she could almost sense Elliot's scent.She ran towards the elevator, longing to find out who was in the wheelchair.By the time she came down from the second floor, the man in the wheelchair had already been escorted into a car by the bodyguards.Avery watched as the door slammed shut. She could not see anything but the car.The remaining bodyguards swiftly got into different cars. Once everyone was in, the cars shot off like bullets.Unable to speak, Avery felt as though someone had pressed the pause button on her and could only watch as they went away.After a few seconds, a thought appeared in her mi
Her instincts told her that there was something wrong with her. She was not menstruating or injured, so there was no sensible explanation for the data.She had been suffering from severe headaches which suggested that might need to go to the hospital for a brain CT.As a neurosurgeon, she was quick to recognize any diseases of the brain, and if it was indeed something wrong with her brain, there would be nothing but trouble awaiting her.In Aryadelle, Ben landed in the airport and went straight back home.He had not told his parents that he was coming home, so his father, Leon, was surprised to see him."Ben, you came back just in time. How are things with Elliot?" Leon asked."Where's my mom?" Ben asked furiously. "Where is Lilith White?! Where are the two of them?""Oh. Your mom took Lilith out shopping." Noticing how angry Ben seemed, Leon asked, "What is that look on your face? Are you a man-eating monster or something?""What man-eating? Aren't you all the ones trying to
Hayden was too young to understand such dramatic and worldly events."I've decided to get rid of the baby and never see Ben again." Lilith had made up her mind.Hayden froze and was instantly rendered speechless."You are Hayden Tate?" Lilith studied Hayden's face and realized how much he resembled Elliot."Yeah.""It's summer vacation for you right now, right?" Lilith hesitated for a moment and asked, "Can you come with me to the hospital tomorrow? I am a little scared to be alone."If Avery was in Aryadelle, Lilith would have asked for her help instead.Hayden thought that he was hallucinating. Although she was his aunt, this was still the first time they had met, and they were not even close. All that said, did she really intend to bring a child to an abortion clinic? Hayden instinctively wanted to say no, but he then remembered how miserable his mother was when she was pregnant with him and Layla. His mother had been all alone without their father next to her.What Lilith
Lilith was rendered speechless.On the other hand, Hayden was shocked. Embarrassed, he tried to leave but Lilith grabbed onto his arm and prevented him from doing so."Doctor, he is my nephew," Lilith said awkwardly. "He isn't even ten! It's my first time seeing a gynecologist and I'm a bit nervous, so I asked him to come with me."The doctor fell into an awkward silence for about a minute before responding, "Kids these days sure grow fast.""It's just his genes. Both his parents are really tall," Lilith explained."I see. So what's your issue?" the doctor asked."I want to get an abortion." Lilith handed the ultrasound figure to the doctor. "The baby is currently one-month-old.""Are you married?""No.""Have you thought this through?""Yes. I don't have money to raise this baby. Giving birth to it would only mean that it will have to suffer with me. So I might as well get rid of it as soon as I can," said Lilith explaining her situation. Hayden was shaken to the core by h
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