"My sleeping pills, too," Elliot said through bloodshot eyes."Is your insomnia that bad?" Avery ruffled her disheveled hair. "How did you sleep last night? What about the night before? Don't tell me you haven't gotten a good night's sleep at all?"As she spoke, she pulled back the covers and got out of bed.Since Elliot could not sleep without his pills, then she had to go buy some got him."It started last night." Elliot did not want Avery to worry, so he said casually, "It's probably because I've been so happy the past couple of days that I keep thinking about Shea.""I know Shea's passing was a huge blow to you, but we need to move forward in life. If Shea was still a live, she wouldn't want you to be sad." Avery put on her coat, then said, "Do you remember the name of the pills you take? Or should I follow my own judgement?""I'll go with you," Elliot said as he got out of bed."It's fine. Lie back down," Avery said as she pushed him back down on his back. "The drugstores w
Elliot's pills took effect half an hour later, and he fell into a deep slumber.On the other hand, Avery was no longer tired.She thought deeply about all the things that happened between them since Elliot arrived.She had spent every day in bliss. Not only was she sleeping well, but her appetite had also improved.She had thought things were the same for him.She did not expect that he would suffer from insomnia.She wanted to help him, but there was nothing else she could do other than buy medication for him.In the days that followed, she could treat him better and love him more.If one day was not enough, then she would spend the next month or year to finally fill the emptiness he felt from the loss of Shea.It was ten the next morning by the time Elliot woke up.The moment he stepped out of the room, Avery immediately led him to the dining room."Let's go out after you eat." She had arranged the entire day's schedule. "We'll take the kids along with us."Elliot glanced
Avery witnessed the entire thing."Come here, Hayden," she said as she tried to break the awkwardness.Hayden hurried over to his mother's side."You get over here too, Elliot!" Avery called out when she noticed Elliot was in a daze.Once they entered the studio, the photographer greeted them warmly."I can't believe you already have three children at such a young age, Miss Tate," exclaimed the photographer with an expression of envy and shock. "You have such a great relationship with your husband, but I never heard any news about your marriage!"Avery felt embarrassed and said, "We're not husband and wife at the moment, but it won't stop us from taking a family portrait."The photographer sensed that she had misspoken, then quickly apologized and changed the subject."I've got some samples here, Miss Tate. Please take a look. Otherwise, you can tell me if you have a theme in mind."Avery looked through the samples, then let Layla and Hayden choose."I think they're all prett
"Mr. Foster isn't lovestruck, he's just got a lot of love to give!" Chad said. "Not only is he generous with his money when it comes to Avery, he's also generous with his love! It isn't like there aren't more beautiful women around him, but he's never given any of them the time of day.""That's because women who are more beautiful than Avery aren't as capable as she is, and the ones who are more capable than her aren't as young and beautiful." Mike began to sing Avery praises. "If I was into women, I'd fall in love with Avery too."Chad gave him a kick. He had only praised him a little bit, and he already had his head up in the clouds."You can't take a joke! Avery and your boss are going to remarry. Once they're back in the country, I won't have a place in this home anymore." Mike had on a pitiful face, but he was in a good mood. "I guess I'll just have to move in with you then!""Are you sure they're going to remarry?" Chad had spent the past few days taking care of his mother at
"I'm looking at photos of me and your father. Would you like to see them?" Avery asked.Hayden immediately turned to look out the window and said, "I don't.""I won't look at them either then." Avery put her phone down, then turned to her son and said, "Thank you for today, Hayden. I suggested taking family portraits because we haven't taken one since your grandmother passed away. There's also another reason."Hayden withdrew his gaze from the window.He was willing to listen to his mother. No matter what Avery said, he could take her seriously."Last night, your father told me that he's been depending on medication to fall asleep ever since Shea passed away. He didn't bring his pills, so I went out to get some for him last night. He isn't perfect, but neither am I. I've thought about it seriously, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him."Avery was informing Hayden that she would be living with Elliot in the future.This was something that Hayden had already expected.
The person texting Avery probably did not expect Elliot to be right next to her and was shocked for a moment.Avery composed herself, then texted: [You said you're Chelsea Tierney's cousin. Why should I believe you?][I really am her cousin! My name is Ruby Sullivan. Call and ask Chelsea if you don't believe me. You have her number, right?][I don't. Send me her number.]Avery had Chelsea's number. She said she did not so she could check if the person texting her was a liar.The person sent Avery a series of numbers.Avery checked it with Chelsea's number and then confirmed that the person did know Chelsea.Her heart instantly turned cold.If this person really was Chelsea's cousin, then could what she said be true?The world began to spin around Avery as her temples suddenly began to throb in pain.Elliot spent every single day with her and the children. He had absolutely no interaction with Chelsea. How was it possible that he was suddenly marrying her?If he was going to
Trust Capital was indeed wealthy, but Avery's company was not some lousy company!If Elliot truly was someone who cared about profits, then he would not have spent all of that money on her over the years.There would also be no reason to waste so much time on herAvery believed that, as long as Elliot was willing, he could find the richest woman in the world and marry her for the biggest profit.However, he never did anything like that. There was also no reason for him to betray himself for Trust Capital.Avery's intuition told her that there was something strange about the entire thing, so she wiped her tears away and decided to find a chance to talk to Elliot about it.The next morning, Elliot got up, then stood by the bed and watched Avery's sleeping face.He could not bring himself to wake her.He had to return to Aryadelle today.Charlie had sent him a text saying that the Tierneys have made all the arrangements for the wedding, and warned him that they would announce the
As Elliot gazed at Avery's determined face, he more or less confirmed that she knew about him and Chelsea.She was fine when they went out yesterday. If she had found out the day before, she would not have happily brought him out to take the family portraits.Someone must have told her about it after he fell asleep the night before."I'll leave tomorrow, then." Elliot did not know how to answer Avery's question. All he could do was go along with her.He would rather leave a day late than explain the real reason he was returning to Aryadelle.Avery let go of his hand, but her eyes continued to stay on him as she said coldly, "When did you and Chelsea make up, Elliot?""I haven't seen her in a long time," Elliot answered truthfully.What those words meant, was that he did not make up with her."I see… You didn't see her after she got hurt?""I didn't." Elliot hung his head slightly. Avery's gaze made him feel like he was enduring the most severe punishment."Do you like her, th
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