During his concert, Eric had gotten Nadia to pretend to be his girlfriend. Nadia had happily agreed to it.Once he had gotten Layla to give up on him, they had gone home and resumed their relationship as friends, but they did not tell anyone about this. "You don't have to worry about me. If I line up the men pursuing me, they would make a line that would stretch from my front gates to the place where I work," said Nadia with a smile. "My plan is to get married when I'm forty.""It's good that you have a plan.""Why does it sound like you have shrugged off a huge burden?" Nadia teased."No. You're not a burden," Eric immediately said.Years ago, they had gone on a blind date which had not gone well. They had not even met each other on that date. However, later on, when Eric had been filming a series in Bridgedale, the team hired a few doctors as consultants as they had a character who was a doctor. He had met Nadia there. Although Nadia and Eric had never met, they had never
After Elliot had gone through the list, he furrowed his brows."Dad, you also think that the conditions Hayden listed are too harsh, right?" Layla wanted her father's approval. "If we were to follow Hayden's stipulations, I will never be able to find a boyfriend."Elliot said, "The list your brother has put together does not hold enough conditions. Many people can meet these requirements. We should set the bar higher."Layla was baffled.Avery said, "Hubby, are you serious? I think the first few conditions are alright, but the fourth one, I think it's a little challenging. A thirty-year-old without any sexual experiences…""I'm not asking Layla to look for a thirty-year-old man. That is the maximum age," Elliot said, "I think thirty is too old. If they are too young, they would be more childish. It's better if she finds someone around the same age as her." Elliot had his own opinion. "They have to listen to Layla. Older ones might not be able to do so."Avery and Layla were speec
Layla Tate, the daughter of the President of Sterling Group, Elliot Foster, was looking for a suitor globally!Sam had heard of the great Sterling Group, so when he saw that Elliot's daughter was looking for a suitor, he excitedly and eagerly tapped on the news. He wanted to see if he satisfied the requirements for the match or not.When he saw the first requirement, Sam was extremely excited. He let out a sigh of relief.He had a healthy body, and he satisfied the age requirement, too. Then, he looked at the second requirement.When he saw that it had to be someone who was studying or had graduated from the top ten universities in the world, he was a little dejected.He was not in one of the top ten universities, but it was still a famous university. He felt that he was compatible with Layla. Surely, it would not be a huge problem. As long as Layla liked him, it did not matter if he had come from the top ten or top twenty universities.He continued reading, and soon he had read
"You don't have to defend him. I know clearly what type of person he is," Sam said arrogantly. "He and I are both illegitimate children, yet he looks down upon me. How comical. He can't study, and he doesn't have emotional intelligence. Other than eating and sleeping, what else does he know how to do?"Irene was stunned for a while before saying, "Mr. Lucas is good at games."Although Irene did not know how to play games, she saw Lucas playing video games all day long, and she thought he definitely must be good at them.With his ego, if he was terrible at games, he would surely not continue at it."Hahaha! Games. Since when is playing video games something to be proud of?" Sam said before taking his phone out and showing Irene the news article he had seen a moment ago. "Look at this piece of news. The daughter of Aryadelle's richest man is searching for a suitor. They have stated a few requirements. It doesn't say anything about playing games! Hahaha!"Irene had a look at Sam's ph
The darkness from Sam's expression vanished when he heard that, and his usual disposition returned. "I think so as well. No matter what happens, I have to try.""Hmm! Mr. Sam, you should send in your resume! I support you." Irene continued to encourage him. "If you can become the son-in-law of the Foster family, your father will surely be proud of you. No. Everyone in your family will be proud of you. They will look at you differently."Irene's words spoke to Sam's heart."Who did you borrow money from? Give me his contact. I'll pay off your debt for you." Sam was delighted with Irene, and he decided to help her repay her debt. However, the main reason for his generosity came from the fact that 3000 dollars were nothing to him. If he helped her this time, Irene might be grateful to him for the rest of her life.He had always been submissive at home, so he enjoyed being admired by others."Mr. Sam, it's really fine. If I need your help in the future, I'll let you know, okay?" I
Lucas looked at Layla's photo before looking up at Irene's serious face. "Just because she is pretty, I have to like her/""Uh… you're right. You're not like ordinary people. I'm so ugly, yet I have never once seen you disgusted." Irene kept her phone. A new thought suddenly sprang into her mind. "Mr. Lucas, do you like ugly people?"Irene had read an article on people who had an ugly fetish, and this new information was what inspired her question. There are so many people on this earth. There would surely be people who have different aesthetics than ordinary people.The more she thought about it, the more she felt that Lucas must have an ugly fetish.Kasey Bennett from the Bennett family is so beautiful, yet he did not like her at all. Layla was beautiful too, but he did not look at her photo. He looked up at her ugly face instead."Yes, I like ugly people." Lucas saw how she already had preconceived notions, so he could not be bothered to argue with her.Irene blushed, turned
"Avery, you're always too soft-hearted." Ever since Elliot found out that his daughter wanted to find a partner, every single day filled him with anxiety.He should have headed to the office that day, but he did not go.Even if he had gone to the office, he would not have been in the mood to work. He rather stayed at home and look at the responses to the advert. "I'm not being soft-hearted. You're just placing too much emphasis on this matter. As if Layla could truly find her soulmate through this search." Avery took a grape and placed it in her mouth.When Elliot saw her eating grapes, he also reached for the fruit bowl for some grapes."Don't, you're already so angry. Have some apples to cool you down instead." Avery took an apple for him. "Here you go."Elliot was speechless."Layla has also said that this search is just so she gets to know more people of the opposite sex. She did not say that she was going to find someone to marry. You should relax a little." Avery continue
He did not expect Layla to look for a suitor beyond the borders of Aryadelle. The whole thing seemed rather absurd to him."Hmm, her father and brother helped her with this. She decided that she wanted to get to know more members of the opposite sex since she did not know that many men," said Avery explaining the matter to him. "How are you and your girlfriend? Have you planned on getting married?"Eric said, "Not yet. I thought Layla intended on getting married quickly and that is why such an advert has been put out.""If she meets someone compatible and wants to get married, we won't stop her," Avery said. "Layla is twenty-five this year. She is of a suitable age to get married."Eric was silent for a few seconds before responding with a somewhat strangled sound."Eric, you don't have to feel guilty. I know that you probably like Layla, too. After all, you saw her growing up. Layla suddenly confessing her feelings to you must have frightened you, right?" Avery's tone was relax
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