Elliot noticed and mirrored her motions. Half an hour later, he placed all the unshelled pistachios into a bowl and pushed it towards Avery.Avery took one glance and said, "I don't want it.""Then I won't continue."Avery passed the bowl to Tammy and Tammy's expression instantly transformed into a face that looked worse than crying. "Your man gave that to you, so I'm not going to be the third wheel here! Besides, it's bad to eat too many nuts!"Avery immediately took the bowl back."I'm fine with ruining my health, give it to me!" Mike snatched the bowl from Avery and said cheerfully to Elliot, "I guess a successful man is just good at everything. You are definitely going to win if there's a competition for deshelling nuts."Avery noticed that Elliot's expression had darkened from the corner of her eyes. She took a deep breath and took the bowl back from Mike.Ben was trying his best to hold his laughter in.Chad kicked at Mike."Why are you kicking at me? Elliot knows to des
She felt dazed.They were sitting right next to one another, was it necessary to chat through messages?After sending Avery the message, Elliot opened the chat group while waiting for her to reply.'Tammy is so fierce! What kind of script is that? If this is a TV show, I am definitely going to call whoever directed it a mad man; but why do those words sound so romantic coming out of Tammy's mouth?' Ben typed.'Jun knows Tammy best, after all! Does this mean we need to make a transaction to Jun now?' Chad typed.'Jun has earned a fortune this time!' Ben replied.'Mike is asking me to add him into this group. Should I?' Chad asked.'You must want it for you to even ask. Go ahead and tell him to send money to Jun as well!''System notification: Mike has entered the chat.'Mike sent an animated picture of himself after entering the chat group and no one could dream of being as coquettish as he was.Elliot, Ben, and Chad all made transactions to the group. Mike had not expected to
He asked his question and directed the microphone at Tammy."...Never again! Jun, even if you don't want me anymore in the future, I will never let go again!""Are you going to find another guy just to annoy me again?!""Never! I won't do that again!" Tammy cried out and threw herself into his arms, before wrapping her arms around him.Below the stage, Mike shouted, "Kiss! Kiss!"No one else cheered along, because this was not what Jun's parents had hoped to see. They had sincerely wanted their son to marry again and start a new life.On the other end, everyone on the bride's side, except for the bride herself, was furious.Chad regretted sitting next to Mike. "Can't you use that mouth of yours to eat?""Ah! They are kissing!" Mike shouted in excitement, "Tammy initiated it!"Had Jun been hesitant and upset before, all the hesitation had faded the moment Tammy kissed him, and he responded passionately.Shortly after, he took Tammy's hand and went towards his parents. "Dad, Mo
She had been in a hurry when she headed out in the morning. Without paying much attention to the weather, she grabbed a jacket and left her house; apart from that, she had not intended on staying outside for long."Let's grab a cup of coffee!" He suggested."I don't want to." She had too much to eat at lunch. "Let's just walk!""Sure."WIth his jacket on her shoulders, she could sense his scent penetrating into her as he occupied her thoughts.If the man next to her wasn't Elliot, she would definitely not remain out in the cold wind."You have misunderstood me the last time we spoke on the phone," he said, breaking the silence. "I didn't mention Shea to evade the topic. I was sad that you said that."Avery's heart settled down at his low, husky voice, though she might have argued with him had he mentioned this on the phone."Why did you mention Shea then? Elliot, we aren't kids anymore and I don't enjoy guessing around." She raised her leg and kicked at a small rock on the road
Startled, she immediately retracted her hand. "Don't touch me, Elliot!"She stared at him in fear as though she was facing a monster.He said he was ill and she thought that she could accept whatever illness he had; but now that he said he had murdered someone, and that it was his father no less, she couldn't find a way to accept it.He felt a lump in his throat at her reaction. There was so much more that he wished to tell her, but he knew that she might not want to listen.The waiter brought over the coffee and set the cups down in front of them.Avery took the cup and took a big sip; Elliot, on the other hand, looked at her calmly and waited for her to calm down."Elliot Foster, if you are capable of murdering your own father, what else are you not capable of in this world?" She had slightly calmed down, but still felt unsettled. She had thought that she knew the man before her, but he could always surprise or scare her."Are you going to judge me without even asking me why I
If only his father was an ordinary father like any other, he would not have become Elliot Foster, known for being ferocious and cruel.Avery stared at him dazedly, unable to say a word.She had never imagined that behind his seemingly successful life, hid such a miserable past. She had thought that she had it hard enough after her father's affair, her parents' divorce and being bullied by her step-mother, she hadn't expected that Elliot had it worse than her.Her misery was on the outside and everyone knew about it; whereas his could only be hidden away within his heart."Don't look at me like that, Avery." He scowled. "I don't need your pity."She shook her head. "I'm not pitying you. I am just thinking if we would have saved all the trouble if only you had told me this earlier.""My personality made it impossible for me to tell you any earlier than this," he said as he strolled forward. "My love for you accumulated day after day until it reached a certain level, before I could
'What is going on with you two right now?' Tammy typed. 'We weren't fighting, but we aren't in the mood to date each other either.' Avery replied. 'My mom said if couples fight too often, even the strongest love would fade.'Avery stared at the message and was not sure how she should reply. Throughout the years, conflicts between Elliot and her had never ceased. She could still remember how deeply in love she was with him in the past. However, she simply couldn't fall back in love again, like a moth to a fire. Elliot must feel the same, otherwise he wouldn't have left her alone on the road after saying that he cared about her most. ....Elliot received a message from Ben. 'Tammy said you two went home separately. It's not even dark yet. Is she still having a hard time forgiving you?''She wants to go home. I am staying out here.' Elliot replied. He could sense that Avery was struggling to forgive him for all the things he had done, so he walked away, allowing both of t
"Are you sure that's what she said?" Elliot asked. The bodyguard's mind went blank and suddenly forgot the exact words Avery used. "Um... In any case, I scolded her and she didn't get angry," he finally said with certainty. "You scolded her?" Elliot scowled as he breathed heavily. "Who gave you the right to scold her?! What did you say?"Feeling slightly scared and guilty, the bodyguard said with no regret, "I said she was ungrateful, which she is! You treat her so well and not only is she not grateful, she argues and fights with you every single day! I think she is even more of a drama queen than Tammy Lynch! I wouldn't put up with her if I was you! I would just dump her and take her children from her, so that she regrets it so much that she cries herself to sleep every night!"Elliot gritted his teeth. He would have punched his bodyguard had he been standing right next to him. The bodyguard noticed the heavy breathing on the other end of the line and was instantly alerted.
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