At ten in the morning, a Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the gate of an old community house. The door of the car flung open, and a tall figure alighted the vehicle. Elliot was wearing a long navy blue quilted coat, a gray scarf, and a pair of brand new leather boots. Even though he was dressed warmly, his face was pale and haggard. His cold and noble temperament was incompatible with everything around him.The driver and bodyguard followed Elliot, carrying expensive gifts.Laura trotted from the kitchen to open the door when she heard a knock. She was shocked to see Elliot."Why are you here?" Laura froze, then she opened the door, urging, "Come in! I heard that you are sick. Are you okay?"Although it was early winter, it was not cold enough to wear a coat.Elliot glanced at the clean floor and hesitated. "Do we need to remove our shoes?"Laura immediately shook her head. "No, there's no need! Come in!"She invited Elliot inside and saw the gift boxes the driver and bodyguard w
"If you're sick, just stay home and rest." After Avery said that, she turned around to get a glass and poured some water."I'm much better today." Elliot removed his scarf. "That's what you said yesterday." Avery drank the water and put down the glass. Then, she went to the living room and saw the gifts on the floor. Avery asked, "What are these for?"'It's not good to come empty-handed.' He thought for a few seconds and changed the subject, "I just found out today that you went back last night.""Did you come here just to say this?" Avery walked over to the sofa and sat down, looking at his thin face with her almond eyes.There was a distance of more than a meter between the two."Chelsea and I—-" "I don't want to hear it," Avery interrupted him, "I'm not interested in knowing what type of relationship you have with her." Elliot saw her cold face, and he secretly felt powerless. "Are you going to talk about Charlie and me next?" She looked at him and said, "Elliot, e
"Avery! Have you forgotten whose wife you are?!" Elliot clenched her struggling little hands tightly and pinned them above her head. "I told you to stay away from Charlie! Don't challenge my patience!"It had been a while since Avery had seen him this irritable and crazy. He looked so weak, but his strength was frightening. She did not dare resist him, as the more she fought, the crazier he became. Avery lied down quietly for the sake of the children she carried within her. She waited for him to vent his dissatisfaction. "Why aren't you saying anything?" Elliot's burning gaze watched Avery's face. His fingers rubbed her cheeks, finally slipping from her eyebrows to behind her ears."What do you want me to say? What do you want to hear? I'll say it for you." She said.The anger in Elliot's heart was instantly extinguished."Avery, am I really unforgivable?" Elliot's voice was hoarse and soft, his fingers sieved through her hair to gently clasp her in his palms. His body was a li
Elliot slept soundly though he sweated. His temperature was normal, and as Avery was exhausted, she lay down beside him and fell into a deep slumber. Avery woke up at three o'clock in the afternoon, and she felt a pang of hunger. She got out of bed, changed her clothes, and came out of the room, just to find the bodyguard and the driver sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching TV. As for Laura, she was sitting in the kitchen, fiddling with her phone. The scene appeared calm… however, she was conflicted about how they seemed to be treating her house as their own. "Avery, are you hungry?" Laura placed down her phone and brought out the leftover food. Avery walked to the living room and said to the driver, "Your boss should be waking up soon. Go back and get a set of clean clothes."The driver immediately stood. "Okay."After the driver left, Avery turned off the TV and said to the bodyguard, "My mom has a migraine, and she can't stand loud noises. If you're staying here
An hour later, the driver arrived with all of Elliot's necessities. He had even brought a sumptuous dinner. Mrs. Cooper used lunch boxes and thermal insulation containers to pack dinners for at least three people."Miss Tate, this is Mr. Elliot's medicine. Thank you for your hard work tonight!" The driver carefully handed the medicine to Avery and then got off work.Avery sat on the sofa, looking at Elliot's things on the table, lost in thought.Was she too soft-hearted?! She should have driven him away by noon! That way, it would not be so troublesome!Suddenly, a coughing sound came from the bedroom. Avery sighed, took Elliot's medicine, and pushed the bedroom door open. It was just the two of them at home now, so she left the door open to ventilate the room. Elliot had showered and changed into clean clothes. However, the bed was a mess."Do you have any hot water?" Elliot was a little thirsty. Avery put the medicine on the bedside table and went out to get him warm water
Moreover, there was only one bed here. Since Elliot was sick, Avery planned to give him the bed. After taking a shower, she came to the sofa and sat down. She thought of spending the night on the couch tonight. However, Elliot also came over half an hour later. As he had slept the entire afternoon, it was understandable that Elliot was not sleepy, and Avery could not just force him to go to sleep. On the other side of the video call, the technical department manager said, "You've been dragging this, causing me to lose sleep for a week! Avery, let's have a heart-to-heart talk!" The head of the development department chimed in, "I also have insomnia every day! Not only can I not sleep well, but I can't even eat!" "I've been losing more and more hair lately! My hair was never much to begin with!" The person in charge of the personnel department followed.These old men were just telling sob stories to force Avery to decide immediately. Elliot frowned and directly snatched Avery's
Avery said solemnly, "Elliot, I'll not accept your money, so don't say such a thing again.""Why don't you want my money? Is my money any different from the money of others?" he sounded gloomy. Avery hesitated before answering, "I don't want anyone's money, and I don't want to depend on others." Avery's words made Elliot speechless. "I'm going to sleep, don't disturb me." Avery rolled over, turning her back to him. Looking at her slender back, Elliot covered her with the blanket, but she removed it immediately. "I'll use mine, and you'll use yours. Don't touch me."There were two blankets on the bed, and Elliot was covered with a thicker one, whereas Avery used a lightweight one. However, the heater in the room was turned on, so the space was warm."You should use the thick one, and I'll use the thin one," Elliot said kindly. He was relatively weak and felt cold, so he thought that she was cold too."Are you trying to give me a heatstroke?" Avery said bluntly, "Go to slee
"My son has never lived in such a harsh environment since he was born… Never! What type of karma is this! It's all my fault! Why did I get Avery to be his wife? There are so many women, yet I chose this vixen!"…In the room, Elliot's breathing gradually became stable. Avery reached out and touched his forehead. Even though Elliot was clammy, his temperature was normal. As she was afraid that he would wake up thirsty at night, she got out of bed and poured a glass of water, and placed it on the table beside him. When Avery woke up the following morning, Elliot was nowhere to be seen. She picked up her phone and checked the time.It was already past eight in the morning.Elliot sent her a message just after six in the morning, [I slept well last night, so I'll leave first.]Avery's cheek instantly flushed. It was only a text from him, so why was she feeling warm? Then, she found the remote control and turned off the heater. After washing up and leaving the room, Laura called her
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