"She will like anything you give her that isn't scary."' Shelly thought.Just then, Audrey glanced at a store selling bags, Hayden carried her and walked in."That store sells purses," Shelly informed him."I don't need you to tell me that. I have eyes," he said.The salesperson spotted them and immediately approached with enthusiasm, "Sir, are you looking for purses for men or women? We received a new batch yesterday...""Do you have bags suitable for my daughter's age?" Hayden asked the salesperson earnestly.The salesperson glanced at the infant in his arms, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes while thinking to herself, "Is a half-year-old baby already buying bags?""Yes, we do, sir!" The salesperson was enchanted by Hayden's extraordinary demeanor and promptly led him to the section with children's bags. "These are our children's collection."Shelly commented, "Children's bags are this big? It feels like you can stuff the child inside!""These children's bags are des
"I don't lack anything! I have purses at home," Shelly said."I know you have everything," said Hayden coldly. "But I don't want people to mistake you for our daughter's nanny the next time you go out with her.""Even if people mistake me, I don't mind." Shelly followed him, clutching her bag. "Life is already hard enough, and if we also worry about what others think, wouldn't it be even more exhausting?"Hayden glanced at her. "You do have a good attitude.""Isn't it better to live each day happily?" Shelly quipped. "Regarding the bag you bought for our daughter, we don't even know when she'll be able to carry it. It's too big!""Then she can treat it as a toy. She likes pictures on it," Hayden replied nonchalantly, not concerned about the bag's price as long as their daughter liked it.Perplexed, Shelly asked, "If you wanted to buy her pictures, couldn't you have just bought her pictures? It's so expensive, what a waste!""If you think it's a waste, then you can carry it for n
All Hayden could see was Audrey at the moment, and it seemed as though he was trying to make up for the six months he failed to spoil his daughter.Shelly went out of the store and called Eliam."Why didn't Mr. Tate call me himself?" Eliam asked."He is busy at the moment.""Oh... Ms. Taylor, what's going on with Mr. Tate? He is acting strange.""I don't know how to describe it.""Alright, then! I will send someone over," Eliam said. "Are you two together?""Yeah," Shelly said."Is the villa he had me clean for you to live in?" Eliam caught on to the drama. "You two...""Mr. Golan, there are certain things he doesn't tell you, and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to disclose them either. So, please don't ask me." Shelly was feeling quite uneasy."Understood. I get it! Besides arranging transportation and personnel, is there anything else you need?""No, that's all." Shelly sighed. "Mr. Golan, may I ask you a question? Does your boss enjoy shopping?""Not at all. Besides wo
Realization dawned on Shelly. "Honestly, I was just curious to see what their menus are like.""The waiter will explain the dishes later.""I guess high-class restaurants are different. Do they have baby chairs? You won't be able to eat if you keep holding Audrey.""What if she falls off the chair?" Hayden asked."Don't you put Aiden into a baby chair when you feed him, too?""Aiden is bigger in size, and our daughter is so thin... It's not the same thing!" Hayden said.Resigned, Shelly said, "Fine! Keep holding her if you want to! We can take turns.""I can eat even with her in my arms," Hayden argued."Do you enjoy holding her that much? Isn't it tiring?"No. She is light.""Very well!" Shelly wanted to snap that since Hayden loved their daughter so much, they could sleep together at night, but she did not say it out loud.In truth, putting Audrey to sleep at night was quite exhausting as she would wake up once every night to be fed.Shelly could not sleep through the nig
Shelly was worried that Hayden might not know how to feed Audrey and went to sit down next to him to help."You can keep holding Audrey, and I will feed her." Shelly tucked tissue around Audrey's neck, and Hayden held onto Audrey tightly.Audrey had her eyes on the bowl Shelly was holding and licked her lips at the appetizing scent of food."Are you hungry, my darling?" Shelly noticed the eager look on Audrey's face and chuckled. "Don't worry. Mommy will feed you now."Hayden turned his attention to Shelly at the sound of her gentle voice.The two were sitting mere inches away from each other at the moment.Hayden did not particularly enjoy having women too close to him, but he did not feel repulsed when Shelly was in such close proximity."Hayden, could you pass me a tissue?" Shelly noticed a bit of soup on Audrey's mouth.Hayden immediately pulled out a tissue paper.As Hayden handed the tissue to Shelly, he noticed the soup at the corner of Audrey's mouth and went to wipe i
After the meal, Eliam called to inform them that the villa had been cleaned.Hayden hung up and said to Shelly, "The villa is ready. Let's drive there directly. I will send someone to pick your mom up."Since they had taken Audrey with them, it was best for them to travel to the villa directly.Shelly nodded and called her mother to check if all their belongings had been packed."Of course everything is packed," Mrs. Taylor said. "When are we moving?""The villa is ready now, and I'm heading over there directly. Hayden said he will send someone else to pick you up," Shelly said. "Have you eaten?""I don't have an appetite. I've munched on some fruits and snacks at home, so I'm pretty full right now," Mrs. Taylor said. "Forget about me. You two go ahead! Take a photo of the place and send it to me when you arrive.""Sure."Hayden and Shelly left the restaurant and got directly into the car, heading towards the villa.Before long, Audrey fell asleep in her child safety seat.Sh
"I'll hold her. You go inside and see if there's anything missing in the house. I'll have someone buy anything you need," Hayden calmly suggested. "Alright." Shelly knew deep down that she was unlikely to go wrong if she followed Hayden's lead. Though she felt a bit guilty for taking advantage of Hayden, she was willing to go along with whatever he suggested if it meant keeping their daughter close to her. Inside the villa, the air was fresh and untainted; the floors were impeccably clean, and the furniture gleamed with polish. On the coffee table in the living room, there were fresh fruits and tidbits from luxury retailers.The bedroom contained all the electrical appliances she would need, and a four-poster bed sat quietly within. Next to it sat a bouquet on the bedside table. Shelly could not find a single fault with the room. Just then, Hayden entered the room, carrying their daughter. At the sight of their daughter, Shelly immediately remembered that something was
"Fine! Since you want to take Aiden out to play, then go ahead! You should spend more time with him anyway." Avery thought her son's firm determination to take the child out meant that his paternal love had awakened. "Yes. Mom, you can go out and have fun with Dad tomorrow. It's been a long time since you two had some alone time," Hayden considerately suggested. Avery burst into laughter. "So, you're taking the child out just so we can have some alone time?" "You got it. I'll take Mom out tomorrow." Elliot realized that he and his wife had not had a relaxing time together in a while and felt they needed some quality time. Hayden did not want his mother to overthink things, so he simply said, "You can interpret it that way." Everything aside, he wanted his parents to get some good rest. "Where do you plan to go tomorrow?" Avery asked about her son's plans. "The park is too crowded. The doctor advised against going to crowded places as it increases the chances of Aiden fall
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