In the restroom, Avery was deeply asleep when she heard her phone making a noise. It didn't sound like a phone call.She recalled that it was her wedding day with Elliot and could not sleep for too long, so she struggled to wake up. She turned around and realized that Elliot was already gone."That guy... He never wakes up," she mumbled and got out of bed.When she unlocked her phone to check the time, she noticed that there was a new notification, and when she opened it, she realized it was a request on social media.She had blocked Cole's account on all social media platforms before and it had been years since they last spoke to one another, so she did not expect him to shamelessly reach out to her.The reason she recognized that it was a request from Cole was because it was written on the request, and his profile photo and name had not changed at all.After a few thoughtful moments, she accepted the request.Cole seemed to be waiting for her to accept his request and immediat
However, he was far too timid to face the pain of death, so he couldn't bring himself to act.After sitting on a bench by the road for some time, he summoned the courage to dial Elliot's number; to his surprise, Elliot answered right away.Cole was stunned and wasn't quite sure what to say at first. "I... My dad is sick..." Scared that Elliot would hang up, he swiftly adjusted himself and pleaded, "he was diagnosed with lung cancer half a year ago... I've run out of money to treat him. Elliot, I'm begging you, please help my dad! I know that you hate me, but my dad is innocent... He's not a bad person... Elliot, please lend us some money for Grandma's sake!""How dare you mention Grandma?!" Elliot's eyes widened in anger. "If you didn't murder her, she would still be alive!""I'm sorry! I know that I have no right to mention her... but my mom is dead and if my dad dies as well, I won't have any family left!" Cole burst into tears.He pointed out his mother's death to remind Elliot
"Uncle Eric, my parents are going for their honeymoon so why don't you come to our house to play!" Layla carried Robert to Eric and invited enthusiastically, "I thought you mentioned that you won't start working again until after Christmas. We have a three day holiday for Christmas, so you should stay for another two days!"Eric considered it and said, "I need to ask your mother about this.""It's fine! My parents are leaving, so I make the calls in our house!" She said smugly. "They are leaving tonight, so you can come tonight! Hehehe!"Eric couldn't help but chuckle at her smugness.Robert looked up and corrected her, "Layla, Hayden is back now. If Mom and Dad are gone, we should listen to Hayden."To Robert, though Layla was extremely important, he still thought that Hayden was far more reliable."Hayden listens to me as well!" She said proudly, "he will let me do anything because he likes me. Same goes with you."Robert nodded obediently. "Of course, I listen to you, Layla.
An hour later, Elliot and Avery left the hotel and headed for the airport.They were heading toward Kanton, a neighboring country next to Aryadelle and the flight would only take three hours. As it was situated in a beautiful location, it had never been short of tourists.Avery knew plenty of her friends who had been to Kanton before, but she had not been there personally."Have you been to Kanton before?" She asked Elliot."No. That place is known to be a spot for couples.""So I heard. Judging from the photos, the ocean looks beautiful there. I've always wanted to be there, but there's never been a chance." Avery was excited about their trip. "There's no time difference, either. I really hate jet lag. My head hurts every single time I need to adjust to the time difference.""It is a headache, but Kanton isn't exactly the most beautiful country." Elliot had not been to Kanton because he wasn't interested in the tourist spots in Kanton."Can you stop being such a buzzkill? We ar
Lilith saw him walking over and stood up with her purse in hand. Judging from the way Ben walked, it was obvious that he was drunk.Back when they had just known one another, Ben bragged all the time about how he never got drunk, but his tolerance for alcohol was indeed rather impressive in the past. However, as he grew older, his tolerance decreased along with it."Honey!" Ben walked toward her and opened his arms for a hug.Lilith instantly wished that she could find a hole to bury herself in when she realized what he was doing. "How much did you drink?" She took his arm and sat him down. "I'll go talk to Mike. Let's go home! Your mom thought that you were going to get drunk until late at night and was worried sick!"She turned to look for Mike, but Ben wrapped his arms around her waist and refused to let go."Honey, don't go... Don't go anywhere... Stay with me... You didn't spend time with me at all today. I'm heartbroken..." Ben said, rubbing his blushing cheek against her dr
She placed a hand behind her back and hurried after the bodyguards.As soon as they were gone, Jun went to ask for the video Tammy had filmed.Tammy swiftly hid her phone. "I'm not showing you! What if you delete it? This is a leverage against Ben. I'm never deleting it!""I wouldn't dare to delete it. Just show me. I'll just watch it!" Jun swore. "I just want to see if you got a clear shot.""Oh... I did, and recorded all the things he said as well! Everyone stayed so quiet when he was talking! They were all listening! Hahaha!" Tammy opened the video to show Jun.Jun flushed after watching the video, realizing that it was over for Ben because there was no recovering from something so embarrassing. According to what he knew about Tammy, Ben was never going to get the video back without sacrificing something."I'm keeping the video and if he wrongs Lilith in any way, I'll publish this video! I'm going to embarrass him!" Tammy said.Impressed, Jun said, "I won't delete the video,
"I never said anything about not giving birth! Why are you crying?" She was instantly overwhelmed by guilt when she saw the tears in his eyes. She wiped his tears away and whispered, "I won't ever call you old again, okay? Stop crying. I don't know what to do when you act like this.""Just give me a kiss.""You are taking advantage of me..." Feeling both amused and helpless, she said, "I've never seen you cry before, and now that you've started, you can't seem to stop!" She cupped his cheeks and planted a kiss on his lips."You stink... Go shower!" She said with a disgusted tone, before realizing that she might hurt his pride again and explaining, "I'm disgusted by the smell, not you..."Ben's lips curled into a smile at her explanation. "Honey, my head is spinning. I can't move. Help me shower!" Ben sprawled across the bed.Lilith wanted to refuse, because Ben had always taken care of her and never let her do anything ever since they started dating, but since he was drunk because
Ben frowned awkwardly. "I'll go take my phone from the bedroom..."Ben hurried back to the room and found his phone, before calling Jun.If Tammy had filmed him, she would not agree to delete it so he could only seek Jun's help.Jun answered right away. "Awake so early, Ben?""Jun, Lilith said that your wife took a video of me. Delete it right now!" Ben refused to admit to anyone that he remembered every single thing he said. He was drunk and lost control of his emotions. He knew that everyone was watching when he caused a scene, but one simply couldn't be bothered with others when they were acting recklessly. At that very moment, he would have done the same even if it was the end of the world.Ben did not regret it, as Lilith seemed to be a lot gentler to him after what happened the night before, so it was all worth it. However, he would not allow the video from the night before to get out. Even if Tammy didn't post it, he couldn't stand the fact that she had the video."Ben, do
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