It was only natural that Elliot would pick Avery. He did not want to give up the child, but he had no choice. Their child would have been four months old. If the incident had not happened, they would have been able to meet their child during the next maternity check-up."Okay, Mr. Foster, please sign this risk disclosure form." The doctor took a form and passed it to him. "Do you want us to administer anesthesia to the patient before the surgery? The anesthesia would affect the child, so if you want to keep the baby, we can forgo anesthetizing her." "Wouldn't that hurt a lot!" Elliot obviously wanted to keep the child, but surgery without anesthesia would be agony for Avery!"Yes, it will hurt, but it will pass soon," said the doctor."She's already so weak. I don't want her to suffer any further pain." Elliot felt that once again his heart was being ripped to pieces. He was in so much agony that even breathing hurt. "Please anesthetize her.""Alright." The doctor accepted the si
Avery was taken aback! If it were not for the injury on her arm, she would have jumped off the bed."What husband? I'm not married! Nobody has the right to decide whether my child gets to live or die!"The doctor immediately apologized when he saw that she was growing more and more agitated. "Miss Tate, I'm sorry. Mr. Foster did not say he was your husband, but he did say that he was the baby's father—""Even if he is the baby's father, he doesn't have the right to give consent!" Avery could no longer contain her grief, and she began to cry. Elliot was currently at home as he had been keeping watch over Avery the entire night. Mrs. Scarlet had relieved him this morning so he could get some rest.Left with no other choice, Mrs. Scarlet called Elliot. She could not allow Avery to remain in this state. After Mrs. Scarlet had made the call, Mike pushed open the door and entered the room. "Avery, you're finally up!" Mike walked over to her bed and sat down. He took out a piece of
Avery choked, "I want to leave this hospital."Elliot did not want to further agitate her, so, he turned around and went to fetch the doctor. "Miss Tate, if you insist on going home, I'll allow your discharge, but we will first need to run some further tests on you. If all is well, I'll immediately arrange for your discharge." Once they were done with their tests, the doctor approved her discharge. The moment she got home, she shut herself in her room. Before she had left the hospital, they had done an ultrasound, and the scan revealed the baby to be two sizes smaller than it should be. It showed that the child had stopped growing ever since her arrival in Bridgedale. It was a terrible sign. The doctor had advised Avery to abort the child, but Avery could not accept his prognosis. "Why don't we find her a therapist!" Mike was discussing the matter with Elliot in the living area. "The doctor said that her depression is not solely caused by the child. I think he is right. She ha
"When the doctor asked me to consider aborting the child, Elliot said nothing. His silence is his tacit agreement that the child should be aborted. Avery took a deep breath and continued bitterly, "He is the child's father, how could he treat his own child so heartlessly?"It took a great deal of thought before Mike finally said, "Perhaps, he is used to listening to doctors.""He never listens to doctors. When he was sick, he would smoke and drink whenever he pleased. A person like him will not listen to anyone unless he wants to." She blinked a couple of times and said in a broken voice, "He clearly doesn't want our unhealthy child!""Avery, don't think of him that badly. I can't speak on other matters, but I know that he truly loves you." Mike was trying to change the topic as he did not want to continue speaking about children. "I know." Avery sniffled. Her voice sounded nasal. "If he did not love me, he would not have come and rescued me."Mike nodded in agreement."Mike,
Coming out of the inpatient unit, Mike looked around, but he did not see Avery anywhere.In his despair, he called Elliot. "Elliot, come to the hospital quickly! I lost Avery!"Elliot immediately rushed out of the mansion. "What happened?""Wesley's mother had a private talk with her. I'm sure she must have said something to Avery!" Mike was in the huge hospital yard, and he was frantically looking around for Avery. "It's my fault! I was talking to Wesley in his ward and that was when she must have left!"Elliot furrowed his brows tightly. "She couldn't have gone far. Keep watch of the entrance!"Avery had exited the lift and had been aimlessly walking around the outpatient building. There were a lot of seats there, and she was tired. So, she found a seat and sat down. All around her were patients or their families. She saw a couple bringing in their sick child to see the doctor. "I already told you that I don't want this child, but you insisted! Look at us now! We have to com
Avery saw the shimmering unshed tears in Elliot's eyes. She wanted to say no; she wanted to deny his claims. Abruptly, he stood up and left her in the front seat of the car. He slammed the door behind him. The deafening bang echoed long after the door was shut.He did not make his way to the driver's seat, but he stood outside the car. He pulled his phone out and made a call. Avery silently looked at him. The car door stood between them, separating them in what seemed like an unbridgeable gap.He had told her that the child was more important to her than him. "How can he compare him and the child?" she thought. "The child is weak. Of course, I have to protect it!" He told her that she did not have any confidence in him, not realizing that it was herself that she did not have confidence in. Not long after, Mike ran over. Avery saw the two of them talking outside the car. She did not know what they said, but Mike had quickly accepted the keys from Elliot, and he got into the dr
Shea made her way to Avery's room the next morning to bid her goodbye. "Avery, I'm leaving. Get well soon. Once you're well, you must return to Aryadelle!"She was afraid of disturbing her, so she did not stay long. She quickly left Avery's room.Avery opened her eyes and looked at the empty room. She felt disappointment course through her.The Gulfstream G650 took off from Bridgedale Capital Airport at eight that morning. Its destination: Aryadelle Capital Airport.The jet slowly descended on Aryadelle Capital Airport after more than ten hours in the air.It was six in the morning at Aryadelle. Elliot had given Wesley and his family a ride back. "Mr. Foster, thank you for taking us home," said Sandra to Elliot.Elliot replied, "You're welcome.""We'll make a move!" Sandra said.Elliot swallowed. After a short moment of hesitation, he said, "Mrs. Brook, don't blame Avery for Wesley's injuries. She didn't even tell me that she was Professor Hough's last pupil. Wesley got kidna
Elliot did not want to go home, nor did he want to attend the team building session.Chad saw the agony Elliot was in, and he said, "Why don't you go on a vacation? Where do you want to go? I'll book a hotel for you."Elliot thought for a long while before finally saying, "I want to drink."Chad was speechless. "Is this why he attended that meeting?" thought Chad. An hour later and Elliot was drunk, just like he wished. Once he had sent Elliot home, Chad sighed in relief. Although drinking was not good for him, at least Elliot did not consume that much alcohol. If he had, Chad would not be able to rest easy. Exiting Elliot's mansion, Chad called Mike. "Doesn't Avery feel in the least bit guilty? Mr. Foster put a lot of effort and money into saving her, but what does she do? She hurts him." It was night in Bridgedale at that moment.Mike rubbed the middle of his brows and yawned. "What nonsense are you talking about? Hmm?""Didn't Avery break up with him? How cruel and hear
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