The topic was a little heavy, and Avery found it hard to clear her thoughts at that moment, so she changed the topic. "Could you please wash an apple for me? Thank you."Elliot immediately washed an apple and passed it to her."Have some too," Avery said awkwardly. She sat up with the apple in her hand."Hmm."It was pouring outside but silent indoors.After Avery finished the apple, she lay in bed. She was still conflicted as to whether she should allow him to share the bed with her. The rain caused the temperature to drop significantly. The room lacked a radiator. If he were to sleep on the desk, he would catch a cold.However, Avery could not find it in her to share her bed with him. A moment later, Elliot came out of the washroom after his shower. He asked her whether she wanted to switch off the lights.Avery responded and Elliot switched off the lights.Instantly, the room was plunged into darkness. Avery waited for him to come over, but… Elliot walked over to the desk
"You're right! You have to observe him until the child is born." Mike was suddenly delighted. "Who knows how long his good-person act can last."Avery watched him take delight in her misfortune. She said, "He is coming over to cook for us tomorrow.""What?" Mike thought he had misheard. "Does he know how to cook? Are you sure he is coming to cook and not to poison us all?"Avery did not know how to respond to Mike. It was Elliot who had insisted on coming over and cooking. He screwed up with the Children's Day dinner, so he wanted to make amends. He felt that he had to cook a meal to express his apology.Once they arrived home, Layla ran to Avery and gave her a hug. Layla had skipped school because she wanted to see Avery. "Baby, I miss you!" Avery did not care that she was pregnant. She bent down and lifted Layla."Avery, watch out!" Mike warned her. "Have you forgotten that you're pregnant?"Avery immediately placed her daughter down. "Layla, do you miss me?""I do! I miss
"If the two of you don't want him in our house, it's fine. I'll just call him later and tell him not to come," Avery immediately added.Judging by their reactions, it was evident that they did not want him there."Is he coming over to do house chores?" Layla suddenly came to her senses. She yelled excitedly, "If so, get him to come over! Make him do all the chores! Let him die of exhaustion!"Avery knew that Layla did not mean that.Layla had been heartbroken when Elliot passed out in front of her. She had cried."Is there anything you two feel like eating? Let me know, and I'll get him to make it for you tomorrow," Avery said gently.Layla was a food lover, and she immediately started thinking about what she wanted to eat.Hayden, on the other hand, had a dark expression on his face. "Mommy, are you back together with him again?""No," Avery patiently explained, "He wanted to make up for his past mistakes. This is the first time he has admitted his mistake to me." In their n
Although Elliot had not done a paternity test, he knew Hayden's character and he saw Hayden. There was no denying that Hayden looked and behaved like him. There was no denying that Hayden was his son. Avery had also said that Layla was her biological daughter. How could she have given birth to both of them in the span of four short years?The only possibility was that the two children were born at the same time.When Elliot was thinking about it last night, he had found himself seized with excitement that he had found it hard to sleep… He truly liked Layla.From the moment he met Avery's children, he preferred Layla.It did not matter who Avery had had Layla with, he had never once hated Layla because Layla looked a lot like Avery. Layla also possessed a very interesting character. Although she was a good child, she was not a child given to blind obedience. She was rather eccentric and quirky. Elliot lacked such characteristics which was part of the reason why he liked her so m
"Elliot the evil man! He kissed me here!" Layla pointed at her plump cheeks. She began to calm down. "My Dirtbag Dad kissed me, does that mean that he likes me?" she wondered. However, she had not decided to forgive him yet!Elliot walked over to Avery and apologized sincerely, "Avery, I'm sorry. I was just entranced by how adorable Layla is— which was why I could not help myself." This was the first time Avery had heard such a self-justified apology."I know my daughter is cute, but I just can't have people kiss her because they find her cute. If everyone who finds her cute kisses her, then how can she be expected to lead a normal life?" Although Avery was reprimanding him, she could not help the conflicted feelings welling up inside her. Elliot was a person who could control his desires. "Did he kiss Layla because of the parental bond that they shared?" she wondered. "Layla, I'm sorry," Elliot apologized to Layla once more. "I'll let you hit me, okay?"Elliot stretched out
Avery's words were ambiguous, but Elliot understood the deeper meaning behind her words.She was warning him not to get any ideas about Hayden and Layla. It did not matter whether or not they were twins, neither did it matter if Hayden was his son or not. The only child that belonged to him was the one she was carrying.In the past, Elliot would have begun shouting at her by this point, but he was more stable now than he was before, and her answer was better than nothing. Avery dabbed on some ointment and picked up the gauze. She had intended to bandage his wound."Just stick a simple plaster on it," Elliot said. He thought that bandaging the wound was going a bit too far, and people might end up thinking that he had suffered a far more serious injury than he had. Avery ignored his request, placed the gauze on the wound, and began to bandage his hand."Keep the wound dry for the next couple of days," she instructed."How am I going to take a shower, then?" Elliot asked."Is t
"Why did you sleep in the same room?" Tammy asked.She was an expert at picking up on key details like that."We were in the middle of a storm," Avery said. "It's not like I could just kick him out.""I see. Did you share a bed? How could you let him into your bed this easily? All it took was a storm for him to get his way?! Where is the effort he needs to put in?!" Avery froze for a moment, then said, "We didn't do anything… Well, he didn't exactly do nothing—""I knew he did something…"Avery had a feeling that the conversation was heading in a strange direction and quickly said, "It's not what you think, Tammy! He just— He washed… my… feet…"She did not want to tell Tammy this, but when she saw Tammy's seething glare, she had no choice. Tammy was an intimidating lady!Tammy chuckled delightfully and said, "Way to go, Mr. Foster! Not only can those noble hands of his earn money, but they can also wash a woman's feet! Is this ability to endure humiliation and roll with the pu
Elliot looked down and saw Layla with adorable puffed-up cheeks. "You should not use my full name like that? It's not very polite," he said in gentle reprimand. Layla huffed, then said, "It's because you're a bad man.""Did your mother say that?" Elliot asked. He looked calm. He was not upset. Layla was just a child. What did she know?She was only aware of the things that she had been taught by the adults around her. "No way! Mommy wouldn't say bad things behind someone's back!" At this point, Layla was worried about snitching on her brother, so she cleverly changed the subject and asked, "What are you making?""Sweet barbecue ribs," Elliot replied as he showed her the marinated ribs. "It's your mother's favorite. What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."Layla answered without hesitation, "I want chocolate! I also want meat! Could you hide some chocolate in the meat for me? Whatever you do, don't let Mommy find out!"Elliot thought about it, then said, "I can do that
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