Avery was still worried for the child in her womb. There was something that she had to do before the date of the examination came. She wanted to rectify the situation at hand. Not caring whether it was too late or not, she would do what she had to. It would at least give her some peace of mind. Avery put on a jacket and left with an umbrella.There was a pharmacy that was a three-minute walk away from the neighborhood. She bought a bottle of folic acid and placed it in her pocket. She was walking in the rain beneath the protection of the umbrella. Although the rain was heavy, she was not cold. It was spring. Spring was the time when all beings came to life. It was a season of hope. She hoped that the child in her womb was as healthy as Layla and Hayden. As long as the child was healthy, she would carry it to term. Elliot was no longer important. Walking without an umbrella under the rain that evening had helped her figure many things out.She and Elliot would never cross pa
After tossing around for a while longer, Avery picked up her phone and looked at the time again.It was past midnight, and it was soon going to be one in the morning. She was completely wide awake. Almost by reflex, Avery pulled open the drawer of her nightstand and took out a bottle of melatonin. She unscrewed the bottle. Just as she was about to swallow the pill, she caught sight of the bottle of folic acid. She immediately threw the pill into the bin.She had to sleep. It was for the child in her womb.The next day at eight in the morning, after Avery had sent the children to kindergarten, she brought breakfast home.As she entered, Chad came out of Mike's room. He was swiftly buttoning his shirt while he walked. He had planned on leaving before Avery could find out about him. "Chad, I bought you breakfast," Avery said politely.Chad was speechless. Hearing Avery's voice, Mike came out of his room."Avery, uh…" Mike blushed a little, trying to explain himself.Avery ca
His office door flung open. When Ben saw him coughing violently, he immediately walked over and gave him a cup of water."Don't come to work if you have not fully recovered! You never listen to the doctor."Elliot placed the cup down on the table and strode over to the washroom. Ben wanted to follow him, but he saw what was playing on Elliot's computer screen from the corner of his eyes."Eric, everyone is curious as to why you chose to collaborate with Tate Industries? Was it because they offered you a good deal?" The reporter chuckled.Eric looked at Avery and smiled. Just when he was about to answer, Avery said, "No. Eric told us that as he had been out of the industry for three years, we would only pay him the amount we would pay a newcomer." There was an uproar below the stage. Miss Tate, how do you know Eric? Are you two close? I see that you are both wearing cream sweaters…" The reporter sounded like a gossipmonger. Avery blushed a little."It's just a coincidence," Eri
"Avery has some tricks up her sleeves!" Wanda said coldly.Although Eric was not currently the hottest celebrity, he had been one! His comeback swayed the entire entertainment industry!Wanda did not understand why Eric wanted to help Avery. Previously, he had tweeted for Tate Industries, rescuing them once.This time, he actually wrote a song for them! How absurd! Wanda called Zoe. The call was soon answered."Zoe, do you know why Eric Santos is helping Avery? Are they secretly together?"Zoe was also watching the live stream. She was also in a bad mood.Eric was not only talented, but he was also very good-looking. Women would find it hard to resist his seduction."He already told us the answer just now on the live stream," Zoe said frigidly. "He said that he knew Avery when he was sick."Wanda did not understand what Zoe meant. "What's so strange about that?""He had been comatose! He would not have been conscious! Even if Avery had stood in front of him everyday, he woul
Elliot could see that Avery's life was good.…After Avery got in the car, she took a flask out of her bag, twisted the cap open, and drank some warm water.Mike waited for her to finish drinking before driving."What are we having for lunch?" he asked.Avery said, "It's not lunch yet, and I'm not hungry."Mike replied, "We can still decide where we're going for lunch now." Avery pondered for a few seconds before saying, "We'll have lunch together just this once, but I'll take care of my own lunch next time." Mike had to have meat for every meal. Avery was not interested in meat at all at that moment. Prior to finding out about her pregnancy, she had a good appetite, so if Mike saw her aversion to meat, he would definitely grow suspicious. "Are you trying to lose weight?" Mike asked suspiciously. "Avery, stop doing that to yourself! You're not becoming a celebrity. You don't have to compare yourself to them!"Avery clutched her forehead. She knew Mike would definitely make
However, Avery did not want to explain herself."Chad, tell your boss that Avery has gotten together with Eric!" Mike wanted Elliot to give up and stop harping on Avery.When Avery heard what nonsense Mike was spewing, she immediately snatched his bluetooth earpiece from him."Chad, don't listen to him," Avery said, "Eric and I are partners. Also, your boss was the one who returned the sweater to me, so I will wear it whenever I want to. In the future, if I ever get together with someone, I might wear this to the date too."Chad was speechless. Mike, that idiot! How dare he lie and tell him that he was not with Avery.Other than awkward, there was nothing else to describe his current situation."Miss Tate, it's your clothes. You can wear them whenever you want to. I'm just complaining to Mike. I don't mean anything by it. I have already realized that Mr. Foster is no saint. He has his flaws too. I will constantly remind myself of that in the future," Chad said."Hmm. Did he go
Elliot had just finished showering. Beads of water dripped from his hair. He had a dry towel in one hand and his phone in the other.When he saw the news, he tapped it with trembling fingers. After he read the Tweet, his eyes grew dark and cold! Since when had Avery accepted Eric's token of affection? Had she come over yesterday to tell him that she was in a relationship? Was there the need to do so?He threw his phone at the cabinet! It slammed into the cabinet with a loud bang.Wanda was enjoying a glass of wine in her European mansion. She swirled the wine in her glass. She looked at the news on the internet smugly before taking a sip of red wine."Do you know what celebrities are most afraid of?" Wanda said in Zoe's direction. "They're most afraid of losing fans. What would make a celebrity lose fans? The announcement of a new relationship. No matter how famous Eric is, he can't escape this!"Zoe admired Wanda."This would definitely hurt Eric. No matter how he tries to
"How manipulative! See, I said he was interested in you!" Mike was sitting next to her. He had clearly heard their conversation. "But if you're interested in him too, you'll be an item by tonight!""He is too young. Young people are impulsive," Avery explained. "I was once young too."Mike said, "I know! You were impulsive when it came to Elliot, and now you're paying the price." Avery was speechless."Avery, stop looking at Twitter." Mike touched her head. "The people on the internet are so rude! They say very harsh words! Don't take their words to heart.""I'm not looking at Twitter," Avery said calmly. "Even if I was, it would not affect me. I can still take it.""That's great!" Mike looked at the time. "Chad asked me out for supper. I'll head out first! Call me if there's anything.""Go! Don’t drink!""I know. I promise you I won't drink!" Mike said before grabbing his car keys and heading out.Avery turned off the lights in the children's room at nine. When Layla heard A
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