The initially calm atmosphere in the living room turned turbulent as soon as he said that.As Elliot sat quietly on the sofa and listened to the conversation, Eric's egotistical and rude remark caught him completely by surprise!He could not believe that Eric would encourage Avery to take two husbands because it was such a blatant show of disrespect!To make things worse, Elliot could sense that Eric was hinting at Avery to take the latter as her second husband.Elliot stood up from the sofa abruptly.He did not even use his crutches because his anger caused him to forget that he was lame.Upon realizing that the situation was turning sour, Avery immediately shoved Eric out of the door. "You and Layla should go."Eric did not want to put her in a tight spot, so he led Layla out the door."Why are you afraid of him? He was the one who betrayed you first. You can always do the same so he can feel how you felt." Eric did not even bother lowering his voice because he wanted Elliot
"Okay. I won't leave you and the children in the future." Elliot's teasing stopped there."Pinky swear!" Avery held out her little finger like a kid.He froze for a moment and did a pinky promise with her."So, my dear hubby, when are we going to get our marriage certificate?" she asked, changing the topic as smoothly as possible."How does Monday sound?""Okay." She did not want to drag it any further.When she was in Ylore, Ruby reminded her more than once that a couple was only legally married if they got a certificate. Weddings meant nothing without it.As a result, Avery was fanatically obsessed with getting the marriage certificate....At the hospital, Jun's mother Hilda had been hospitalized due to her high blood pressure and Jun had been caring for her in the hospital.It was the first time she has asked him to be beside her and take care of her.She had been hospitalized several times before, but she always told him to work hard and not let her condition affect her
Avery opened the bag, glanced at the documents, and breathed a sigh of relief. "It's all here. What do you mean if the sky falls? It's not going to fall.""Why did we wait so long before getting the certificate?" he mumbled a question.Avery was stunned for a moment. "We were planning to get the certificate after the wedding, if only you hadn't gone to Ylore.""That's still a little late though. Hayden and Layla are already eight years old.""Eight and a half, to be exact," she corrected him."You previously refused to get the certificate because you didn't believe in me, isn't that right!?"Avery pondered carefully over that question and said bluntly, "I just think it's a darn pain to go through all these formalities. Marriage and divorce are both equally as troublesome. Having a marriage certificate doesn't really matter if the couple is in a good relationship.""But you asked for it this time."Avery felt embarrassed. "Can you not ruin this moment I'm having?""I just want
"Did you have to give him a fifteen-dollar tip just because the boss said we look like a married couple already?" Avery teased."Today's an important day. Giving a little tip won't hurt, right?""Of course not, but the Civil Registry Office has so many staff. Are you going to give everyone a tip?" She did not care about the money but felt that his behavior was a little exaggerated."I brought some chocolates for everyone." He turned around and glanced at the bodyguard.The bodyguard was carrying a black bag in his hand.Avery had no idea that he prepared chocolates in advance.She walked up to the bodyguard, opened the bag, and saw that it was full of little chocolates inside."That's quite thoughtful of you. Are you going to give out treats to your company employees too?" She walked over to him and took his arm."They got their treats during our wedding.""Oh, I think I remember that. We just did our wedding two months ago but it feels like ages since that happened.""It doe
When Elliot arrived at Starry River Villa, Ben was playing happily with Robert.Elliot was not pleased. "Why is my son being so chummy with you?""I come here all the time to see him! It shouldn’t come as such a big surprise that he's so chummy with me." Ben noticed that he came back alone and so he asked. "Where's Avery? Lilith wanted me to bring her a gift.""She went to see Tammy." Elliot sat down on the sofa. "Did Jun tell you anything?""No. Did the two of them argue again? Is it about the child's name? I think they're putting the cart before the horse. The baby hasn't even come into the world yet! There's still plenty of time to argue once he's born!"Mrs. Cooper came over and carried Robert away.Elliot handed the marriage certificate to Mrs. Cooper. "Put this away in the drawer inside my study."Mrs. Cooper took the marriage certificate and went to the study while carrying Robert.Ben took out the gift Lilith tasked him to bring and handed it to Elliot. "Have a look."
By the time Avery came over, Tammy had peeled and eaten at least a pound of pistachios."You shouldn’t eat so much, Tammy. Your body might not feel unwell if you eat too many nuts, but your digestion will be disrupted.""Oh... My mom told me to eat more nuts. She said it would nourish my baby's brain." Tammy wiped her hands with a wet towel."All foods, even nutrient-packed ones, should be eaten in moderation. If you don't, you might have indigestion and it will end up causing the opposite effect," Avery said.Tammy pondered over what Avery said. "Like a relationship between two people. Having too good a relationship isn't a good thing, because then the quarrels would be so much more intense than ordinary people.""How are the two of you now?" Avery asked cautiously."We haven't spoken. Now's the time to calm down. We can talk once the baby is born!" Tammy smiled bitterly. "Who knows, he might even have a new woman and a new child by then.""Jun's not like that.""Better to tru
Avery rubbed her eyebrows before opening her eyes and looked out the window.As the car drove past and the scenery outside began to recede, she could see the tall buildings, flower beds, and the continuous flow of traffic.She wondered if it was because she did not have good rest recently.The last time it happened to her was before her surgery in Ylore.After she was discharged from the hospital, she underwent another checkup and the results confirmed that there were no issues.She might have been a little too exhausted recently.Since she and Elliot had already secured the marriage certificate, the burden in her heart had been released and she would probably be able to readjust her mental state.She figured that her body would return to normal after a few days of rest.The car drove speedily back to the Starry River Villa. Robert was playing with toys in the living room when she arrived, while Elliot was taking an afternoon nap.Mrs. Cooper urged her to go back to her room a
Elliot was speechless."I don't feel unwell. I just think I'm a little tired." She rubbed her eyes. "I'm going to nap now.""Okay." He sat on the edge of the bed and did not leave until she fell soundly asleep.Robert glanced at him when he came to the living room."Oh, Robert. Don't you feel bored just playing at home every day?" Elliot walked up to Robert and talked to him. "Would you like to go to nursery school?"Robert had a confused look because he did not understand a single thing."Master Elliot, why don't you wait until Robert's first birthday before sending him to nursery school!" Mrs. Cooper suggested. "He would get bored if he plays alone at home all the time. After all, there aren't any children around his age for him to play with.""I'll discuss it with Avery when the time comes.""Avery didn't mention anything about nursery school, so I assume she thinks Robert should stay at home." Mrs. Cooper said, "I brought Robert out before, and was told by an old lady that
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