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
Elliot was more surprised than anything because he felt that the child he had with Ruby—if indeed there was one and it turned out to be a daughter—would have looked like anybody but Layla.Layla's facial features resembled Avery's.After agreeing to Ruby's friend request, Elliot looked at the screen of his phone and waited for Ruby to send a photo.His heart beat even faster when he looked at the words 'sending photo' next to Ruby's name.Out of nowhere, Robert stretched out his little hand and smacked the phone sharply, sending it crashing onto the ground.Robert wanted to see the photos and got angry when Elliot did not show him the photos anymore.After knocking the phone onto the ground, the little boy snorted angrily and struggled to get down.Elliot held him with one hand and picked up the phone with the other."Don't get angry! I'll show you the photos!" Elliot whispered. "You have a really big temper for a little guy. Even your mother isn't as fierce as you."Robert se
The picture of Layla posted by Ruby was an old photo of Layla a few years ago.Looking at Layla's old photos and the baby in the colored ultrasound seemed more similar.Seeing that her photos had not been deleted, Ruby immediately sent another message: [I know I am not as good as Avery. Since you chose Avery, I can't do anything. I hope you don't forget the baby and me. When the baby is born, I hope you can come and see us. I don't blame you if you can't come. Please don't block me, I want to send you pictures of the child in the future.]Elliot stared at the picture for a while, and a small hand grabbed his trousers.Robert had come over after drinking his soup.Robert wanted to continue looking at the photos, so he reached out to him for the mobile phone.Elliot originally wanted to say that children shouldn't be looking at smartphones, and it wasn't good for his eyes, but looking at Robert's stubborn expression, he couldn't harden his heart to refuse him.He quickly exited t
It wasn't that he didn't like children, but the process of having children was too damaging to a woman's body.He didn't want her to suffer anymore."I won't give birth in the future. We have three children, and that's enough."He listened to her words and nodded."I'm so hungry...I'll see what delicious food there is." She forgot that his broken leg was still recovering, and she was dragging him away quickly.He was on crutches, trying to keep up with her.When she was in the dining room, she suddenly returned to her senses."Husband, I'm sorry. I forgot that your legs are not yet healed." She looked guilty, "Why didn't you remind me?""My legs are much better. I can walk without a cane." He said, putting down the crutches.She helped him sit in the dining chair: "I went to bed in the afternoon and had a nightmare. When I woke up, I was very depressed, but seeing you waiting for me to have dinner, suddenly all my unhappiness disappeared. It became a joy. Have you ever experie
That was the second thing that made him feel uncomfortable."When you went to bed in the afternoon, I felt like I was missing something. So I thought of Jed." He didn't want to tell her about Ruby looking for him in fear that she would be unhappy."I've never forgotten him. You said you would accompany me to see his family, so I think we'll go when your legs heal.""Well, where do we celebrate Robert's birthday?" Elliot asked, " You could prepare first.""Let's do it at the hotel! The child is too young, and it is troublesome to take him so far." She took a spoon and filled a bowl of soup, "Also, your legs are not healed yet. Let's just find a hotel nearby!""How many people?" he continued to ask."Whatever you like, but be sure to do a good job in security.""Okay."In the room, Layla video called Hayden and showed him the marriage certificates of her parents."Brother, I took it out from my father's study secretly. The two of them are having a candlelight dinner in the dini
She took out her mobile phone and searched online: How long until we can have sex after a vasectomy?The answer was one month later.She blushed slightly, put down the phone, and looked at him: "Are you sure you want to do this? As long as it is an operation, there will be risks.""It's just a minor operation; what risks can there be? The doctor said that it can be reversed in the future."Seeing that he had made up his mind, she could only agree.Moreover, he was using active contraception to reduce the risk of her suffering.She was very moved."I'll accompany you tomorrow.""Of course you'll want to accompany me." His face, under the soft halo of the orange candlelight, was extraordinarily gentle, "I'm a little nervous.""Hahaha...I thought you were not afraid! It's just a minor operation, and I should be able to accompany you into the operating room.""That's not necessary. If you are next to me, I will just get more nervous. Just wait for me outside the operating room.
"Yes, I remember. I still think so." He said calmly, "I'm afraid you and your daughter can't stand it. If your daughter gets a zero on the test, first, our daughter will cry, and secondly, you will have anxiety. After all, you are a genius; how can you tolerate your daughter being so bad?"She was speechless because he was absolutely right.If Layla scored zero on the test, not only would Layla cry, she can't help but cry as well.When they got home, Mrs. Cooper took Robert to take a bath.And Layla was doing her homework.Avery walked to her daughter's side to watch her do her homework."Did playing with your brother tonight delay your homework?""No! I have already finished my homework. This is the workbook I bought outside the school." She showed the workbook to her mother, "My classmate bought it. She bought this one, so I also bought one."Avery was very surprised: "Why didn't you tell me?""I bought it after school today." Layla showed a bright and innocent smile, "I jus
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