Avery felt much better after sleeping for most of the day; she did not feel nauseated."It's hard to say. It might be soon, it could be later. Don't worry about it. Some people barely experience any of the symptoms that come with the hormonal changes, so you might not suffer any morning sickness when you are pregnant." Avery went to sit down on the couch and widened her eyes at the spicy chicken soup. "Thank you for being so considerate, Tammy. It's been so long since I had spicy chicken soup.""Don't eat too much, or you might puke." Tammy sat on the couch across from her and said, "Do you know what Jun did today? He was so worried that you might pass out because you skipped lunch, that he had arranged for an ambulance in case anything happens to you. The ambulance is still outside as we speak!" Moved, Avery smiled. "Tammy, I wish that you and Jun would live happily ever after.""I know! Right now, your mission is to take care of yourself and the baby in you. When I think of your
Avery glanced at the heart rate monitor on her wrist and noticed the number going down from a hundred to eighty.'Why is he here? Tammy said she didn't invite Elliot or his friends, so is he here uninvited?' she thought.Tammy, too, was stunned. She pinched Jun on the arm and asked, "What's going on? Why is he here?"The temperature in the air dropped the moment Elliot arrived.Tammy did not welcome his presence, but she could not pluck up the courage to chase him out.Jun leaned toward Tammy. "Now that Elliot is here, we should welcome him! Enough with the long face. Do this for me!"After that, Jun hurried over to Elliot and welcomed him with a smile. "Elliot, Ben, here you are! Have you eaten? If not, there's still some food in the kitchen—""We aren't hungry at the moment," Ben said. "What were you guys playing? You were all shouting so loudly!"Ben's words had eased the tension, and those who were stunned instantly felt less nervous."We were playing a game where you lose
"Hahaha, let's put all of them in here! We also need something else. What if he doesn't like women? Let's include some handsome guys as well!""Sure! I have a collection of men!""What's that? Show me!""Hahaha! It's hilarious! Not bad!"…The women were having a wonderful time trying to get the perfect videos, but they were too young and were clueless as to what kind of man Elliot was.Ben did not waver despite hearing every word they said, and he even felt amused. Elliot might not lose even if they were to show him R-rated videos.Jun walked toward Tammy and Avery, before explaining, "I can't refuse Ben when he asked for the location. He is my senior… Ben didn't mention that Elliot would be here, but even if he did, I would welcome them!"Tammy glared at him. "What's the point of explaining when you've already gone and done it?"Jun gave her a flattering smile. "I was scared that you two would be mad, especially Avery—""They are your friends. It's normal that you invite th
Avery awkwardly took out her phone to focus on something else.Ben glanced at the screen and lowered his gaze to look for any change in Elliot's heart rate.'Good for him! His heart rate is as steady as a rock!' he thought. Ben began to wonder if there was anything wrong with the monitor, or if Elliot had indeed managed to overcome all urges.Jun too was staring at the heart rate monitor around Elliot's wrist and said, "The monitor should be fine. The numbers were moving when Avery was wearing it just now.""How did Avery do on the challenge?" Ben asked.Jun glanced at Avery; Avery was expressionless, but Tammy was staring daggers at him. He looked away and said, "She won. The monitor will beep if her heart rate gets to high, but I didn't hear anything while she was playing."Ben hummed in response and looked over at Avery.Avery lowered her head and focused on her phone, clearly trying to avoid them.The first video ended, and the second one began with a mature beauty posing i
Elliot gaped at the woman next to him.He only stole one glance at Avery from afar when he had just entered the villa. She was smiling then, but that smile vanished when she caught sight of him. By the time he sat down on the couch, Avery had already quietly moved out of his sight.Now that she was sitting beside him, Elliot could see how slim her face was as well as the panic in her eyes.'She has slimmed down so much!' he thought.Avery seemed to have lost her edge. She looked extremely fragile to the point that he felt as if he could crush her with just one hand. She met his eyes for a brief moment, before trying to get up and leave.Elliot immediately grabbed onto her wrist, refusing to let her go.Everyone else in the room watched the drama unfold with anticipation. All of Jun and Tammy's friends knew that Elliot and Avery were once in a romantic relationship, and they could not help but feel excited when they saw the way the two interacted with one another.Maybe it was
No one forced Elliot to drink.Once he finished the bottle, Ben looked at him and asked, "Have you recovered from your injury? Didn't the doctor tell you to stay away from alcohol for three months? It hasn't been three months yet, right?"Jun heard them and hastily brought a bottle of fruit juice."Elliot, drink some juice!" Jun cleared all the wine bottles in front of Elliot. "There's still food left in the kitchen, do you guys want some?"Ben finished his own bottle and dragged Elliot toward the kitchen. As soon as the two left, the mood in the living room lightened up instantly.Ben poured a glass of juice and passed it to Elliot."If only I knew that it's going to be this awkward, I wouldn't have brought you here," Ben said with a bitter smile, "Why don't I send you back?"Jun stood beside them and said, "You both drank, so neither of you can drive. I booked an ambulance today, so maybe you guys can go back by ambulance?"Both Ben and Elliot were rendered speechless by the
"I'm going to find Avery."Jun was flabbergasted. 'So scary! This is terrifying!' Jun thought. He had not been there the last time they fought, but he had seen Elliot in the ICU ward, and he remembered how long Elliot had to remain in the ward. Yet, Elliot was now looking for Avery, despite failing to resolve their last conflict. 'Is Elliot going to make the same mistake?' he wondered.Jun was terrified. Unable to stop Elliot, he dashed off in search of Ben and Tammy."He had only had one bottle," Ben analyzed the situation calmly. "He can't be that drunk.""But Avery doesn't want to see him!" Tammy retorted anxiously. "Avery told me this herself! No way! I need to stop him!"With that, Tammy tried to head upstairs to stop Elliot. Jun latched onto her arm whilst Ben held her another arm to stop her."Relax, Tammy. I'll go up to check on them." Ben was worried that if he allowed Tammy to go, everyone would be made aware of what was going on. Elliot had embarrassed himself once,
Avery stared at Elliot's handsome, yet expressionless face. She was too angry to speak. Prior to her pregnancy, she would have argued with him, but her pregnancy had weakened her, and she found that she no longer wanted to fight and argue with him. If Elliot shamelessly insisted on staying in her room, there was nothing she could do. After all, he had let go of his pride entirely.Perhaps it was because Elliot's words had not provoked Avery like he thought it would that confused him.'Was I not straightforward enough, or has she already spoken to Eric about this?' he thought."Avery Tate, I won't let you go no matter who you end up with in the future. You are not marrying someone else as long as I'm still breathing," he said, further threatening her.Avery felt nothing. She had not thought of marrying again, so his threats meant nothing to her."Do you want to be the 'mistress' that badly?" She stared directly into his eyes as she mocked him.Embarrassment flashed briefly in El
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