"Layla, Robert will only be in grad school for a maximum of two years. If he wants to pursue philosophy, let him!" Ivy spoke up for Robert. "Maybe he's not mentally prepared to assist Dad right now. Who knows, after two more years of studying, he might mature a lot!" Ivy's words eased Layla's mood considerably. "That's true. Robert has always been spoiled, and since he hasn't experienced any hardships, he is slow to mature," Layla chuckled. "You're much more mature than him." "Layla, Robert is actually great. He just has a more lively personality compared to us." Ivy continued advocating for Robert. "Do you really have no intention of going to grad school?" Layla asked. "Actually, it's good for girls to pursue higher education. If you decide not to, believe me, a bunch of people will immediately start introducing potential boyfriends to you. Ivy, I don't want you to get married too quickly. You haven't fully enjoyed life yet, and I don't want you to enter into marriage premature
"Ever since Aiden joined our family, I guess our parents have gotten really busy, huh?" Layla asked. "Yeah. Aiden is still little and needs to be taken care of. Mom and Dad still care a lot about me and remember when I have classes and when I don't!" "I only want one child," Layla said. "Having too many children feels tiring. Our parents have four and can never stop worrying." "Just focus on giving birth to the baby, Layla. Worrying about your kids is one thing, but one would also feel happy by being a parent." Ivy peeled an apple and cut it into smaller pieces for Layla. Just then, Eric stepped out of the kitchen and walked toward them with a pot of chicken soup for Layla. "Layla, why don't you give it a try?" Eric placed the tray on the table and handed a bowl to Layla, then passed another bowl to Ivy. "Ivy, you should try it too." Ivy smiled as she took the bowl of soup. "Thank you, big brother-in-law. This soup you stewed is so delicious and nourishing. If I keep drinki
Shelly's furrowed brows eased at her mother's words, and she turned to Hayden. "Hayden, do you want to take a shower now?" Hayden was crouching next to the couch. He was playing with Audrey. He immediately got up to shower when he heard Shelly's question. Once Hayden walked away, Mrs. Taylor immediately grabbed Shelly's arm with a smile. "Did you and Hayden... get intimate?" "No, Mom." Shelly blushed. "We did get closer after this team-building event. He said he needs a wife and I'm willing to marry him, so I think we are probably going to get married." Tears welled in Mrs. Taylor's eyes. "Shelly, you've made us proud! I've never thought you would marry such a great man! If word of this gets out, you will be the pride of our entire town!" Shelly fell silent. She had never thought about becoming the pride of the entire town and only ever wanted to live a good life for herself. "Mom, please don't spread the news about me and Hayden. Let's wait until we're actually married t
Mrs. Taylor glanced at her daughter. "Are you going out barefaced like that?" "Mom, I'm going to Hayden's house, not somewhere else. I often go to his place without wearing makeup!" Shelly did not want to change her lifestyle just because Hayden and her were now in a relationship. She knew that he had chosen her irrespective of whether she wore makeup or not. "Mrs. Taylor, Shelly looks beautiful even without makeup," Hayden said. Mrs. Taylor laughed and felt happy for her daughter. "Hayden, I know that you chose Shelly because of the children. I'm not boasting about my own daughter, but she's really great. She has always been obedient and responsible. Although our family is ordinary, we live righteously and contentedly..." "Mom, please stop." Shelly blushed in embarrassment. "Hayden already knows about our family." "Alright, as long as you two are doing well and raising the two children together, that's all we can ever wish for," Mrs. Taylor said contentedly, and she put an
This was the first time Avery had ever heard Hayden say something in such an urgent tone. Hayden was always composed and remained in control of every aspect of his life. Avery smiled. "Are you planning to marry Shelly? I knew that you two would make great progress in your relationship after this outing. You two should just go ahead and get married. If you think doing it now is too rushed, you can get married on Valentine's Day." Hayden had already gotten used to Avery's nagging and said, "We will discuss the wedding later. Come home now. There's something else I need to talk to you about." Avery could not think of what Hayden would need to tell her but knew that it must be something important, or he would not urge them to go home when they were on vacation. Avery stood up from the lounge chair. "Do we need to rush back today?" "As soon as possible." Hayden could not contain his excitement and wanted to share this surprise with his entire family, knowing that his parents wou
Ivy followed suit and walked over. Before Hayden had a chance to explain, the nanny spoke up and said to Layla, "Layla, your brother did not find this child on the trip. Your brother says she's his daughter!" "Huh?" Layla was shocked. She glanced at her brother and then at Audrey. "Hayden, who did you have this child with? How could you have so many children? What kind of a man are you? I used to see you as my idol, and now, I feel disgusted! I want to throw up!" One of the reasons Layla felt sickened was because she was pregnant herself. Shelly did not expect Layla to misunderstand Hayden, so she quickly explained, "Layla, this is my child as well. She and Aiden are fraternal twins, just like you and your brother." Layla, who had bent over and gotten ready to vomit, straightened up immediately. "Are you sure? You're not corroborating with my brother, are you? Do you know how low the probability is of having twins?" "Layla, I'm not lying to you. I didn't tell you about Audr
Elliot got out of the car and held the car door open for Avery. Aiden had fallen asleep in the car, and Avery carried him out carefully. "Let me hold him!" Elliot said. Aiden had gained a lot of weight and he did not want his wife to get tired. Avery handed Aiden to Elliot, while Robert and the bodyguards carried the suitcases. No one came out to welcome them home, and Avery, who could no longer suppress her curiosity, hurried into the mansion.What she saw was Layla and Eric sitting on one end of the couch while Hayden, Shelly, and Ivy sat on the other end, and in between Ivy and Hayden was a baby dressed in a tiny white dress. The little girl was playing with Aiden's toy drum, waving it to make noises. Hayden never liked being in a nosy environment but was looking at the baby with an endearing smile on his face. "Mom! You're back!" Layla was the first to notice her mother's arrival. She got up from the couch and walked over to her. "Mom, this is a little girl that my b
Hayden's expression darkened. "What are you talking about? She is my daughter, Aiden's sister!" Worried that his family would not understand, he added, "She is Aiden's biological sister." "Audrey and Aiden are twins," Shelly added. Elliot was stunned for a few moments before shoving Aiden into Robert's arm and picking Audrey up from the couch. Both Aiden and Robert seemed shocked by Elliot's sudden movement. "I was wondering why she looks so familiar! So she's my granddaughter!" Elliot held Audrey up with a smile. Avery tapped Eliot on the shoulder. "Honey, don't hold her up so high." Hayden, too, felt that it was dangerous and said, "Dad, lower!" Just then, Avery added, "I can't reach her if you hold her up so high." Elliot immediately placed Audrey into Avery's arms. Elliot gently patted Audrey's head. "Her head is so round! Like a big watermelon!" "Yes! I can't believe it! Hayden actually has two children!" Avery exclaimed, both amazed and surprised. "It's truly
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