"Of course not. I just think the doctor is being a little shady. He included every possible test in the program," Lucian said."Every possible test" was putting it lightly. It was going beyond the standard with tests for HIV and syphilis included in the mix.The doctor was at a loss for words. Did Lucian have to say it to his face? He was just about to explain when the door closed.There were no queues for a checkup in a private hospital. It was only 11:00 a.m. when everything was said and done. Save for the ultrasound, the other test results would be available come afternoon, although some would take up to three days. Lucian held Calista's hand while affectionately massaging her fingers."Shall we go home? I'll have David come pick up the reports later.""Don't order him around during the weekend. What if he's out on a date with his girlfriend? We still need to speak with the doctor once we get your test results this afternoon," Calista said.He was rendered speechless. The ic
Lucian studied the ring on Calista's finger and couldn't help but smile."You're right."However, while they were hugging, panic and confusion filled his gaze. Thankfully, she failed to catch it. Something welled up from the depths of his heart, leaving behind burning hollows as it passed through him. It hurt and caused him discomfort. He was afraid that he'd forget her.Calista couldn't see Lucian's face, nor could she guess how he was feeling. She only felt his grip around her waist tighten to the point where she thought he wanted to forcefully stuff himself into her.He probably realized that he had exerted too much force and was causing her pain. So, he quickly let go.Although it happened for only a brief moment, Calista couldn't ignore the uneasiness that his unusual behavior brought her. She frowned and carefully studied Lucian's face."Are you not hiding anything from me?"Part of him instinctively wanted to turn away as she scrutinized him. But, she cupped his face to
Lucian was acting like a fussing father when he gave her detailed instructions on everything Calista had to pay attention to.It soon came time for them to pass through the security check. Lucian's reluctance surged to its peak and overwhelmed him.He swept her into his arms in the middle of a bustling airport where middle-aged people were milling about."Be careful out there, Callie. Take care and come home soon."Calista was about to speak when Lucian let go of her and pushed her toward the security checkpoint."It's time to go."If she didn't leave now, there was a chance he might not be able to suppress his impulses to whisk her back with him. Calista needed clarification.Was all his reluctance an act? He seemed extremely eager to send her away. She turned and left without saying goodbye. It was all done without any fanfare.Augustus finally had the chance to speak with her once they were in the departure lounge."You and Mr. Northwood are very close."Calista thought ab
Timothy was silent. He had overheard their conversation despite being busy with other matters. When the flames of conflict reached him, he was a little confused, but not so much that he was left bewildered.His eyes flicked upward to meet Lucian's gaze. "Are you sure?" he mused.Was Lucian certain that he wanted to humiliate himself? Timothy was being subtle. Save for Cade, no one else caught onto the nuance behind his words.Cade could pick up on it because Cameron had tormented him. After all, no one had it worse than him. Before entering the bedroom, he had to gauge his wife's mood to decide whether to step in with the left or the right foot first. Going about it wrong meant he'd end up sleeping in the study.With the pressure he had to endure, even a pig would develop some resilience. Besides, he had probably figured out why Calista was ignoring Lucian.Lucian had never been the confident one in their relationship. So, he instinctively hesitated but ultimately said yes. Ti
Of course, Yara was more afraid of him falling apart and becoming entirely dependent on her. She thought Timothy would've wanted to have a few words with her. But, he agreed fairly quickly."Fine. But, shouldn't you be breaking up with me in person? You were the one who took Yaya home. You should be the one telling it that you don't want it anymore. It's been sitting by the door waiting for you to show up every day and refuses to move even when called."Yara had only wanted to speak over the phone. There were no plans for them to cross paths again. Their relationship had begun in such an unconventional way anyway. But, she softened up when Timothy brought up the dog. She was such a kind-hearted girl."Let's grab a bite somewhere then. You can bring Ya …"She smacked herself. Timothy had nearly led her around by the nose again."Bring the dog."She did feel rather guilty. The dog had wanted to leave with her. But, she had abandoned it with Timothy and never looked back.Her hea
Calista was not expecting to spot Lucian in the crowd the moment she looked up. He was supposed to be back in Capeton. Today wasn't a holiday. So, there weren't many people milling about in the museum. Lucian's features stood out among the distinctly foreign faces of local Lusposians. His tall stature and handsome face attracted the attention of many girls who were going up to speak to him. However, all of it became background noise to Calista.Lucian's appearance here was completely out of her expectation. He looked at Calista who was still dumbfounded and approached her with long strides. The reserved man who had been poised instantly resembled a pitiful pup who had been abandoned and had traveled thousands of miles to reach its owner.What came out of his mouth right off the bat was an accusation."You refused to answer both my calls and texts."Calista had a sneaking suspicion that he would've rested his head against her shoulder if they weren't out in public.She had be
Lucian whispered in defense, "You were the one who kissed me first."He just couldn't restrain himself.He had originally intended to accompany Calista home. But, considering her circumstances with the Everharts, he didn't want them giving her a hard time if they saw her drunk. So, he sent her to a hotel.It was after Lucian set her down on the bed did the woman's delicate features caught his attention. He was captivated by the rosy flush on her cheeks and her tear-misted eyes. By the time he came to his senses, Calista had already wrapped her arms around his neck. The woman was squinting slightly. There seemed to be starlight in her crystalline eyes.She raised her head as her plump lips closed in on him. Lucian could smell the wine in her breath as well as the peach-scented shampoo in her hair. Could he have avoided it?He could if he wanted to. It wouldn't take much force. The arms around his neck were so weak that they could slip off with just slight movement. Yet, they fe
Calista didn't do too well in the cold. That's why she barely ventured out in winter. She preferred to drive when traveling domestically. It was rare for her to be out in the elements braving the cold.Lucian pulled her into his arms and guided her into the passenger seat."Get in."The car was still running and seemed warm. Calista wanted to ignore it all and jump out of the car without a second thought. But, her rationality was still intact despite the chill."My colleagues are still here."They weren't back in Capeton where they could go their separate ways after work.They were all residing in the same hotel and were going to have dinner together. It wouldn't be a good look for her to leave them stranded unless she decided to quit her job at the museum."There was a car accident back there. The roads had already been cleared when I arrived. Your ride should be here soon."Just as he finished speaking, a sedan pulled up before them. The driver rolled down the window and spok
With Cade covering Cameron's mouth, there was no chance for her pointed words to offend anyone in the room. His palm was cool to the touch. It was a sensation she disliked. So, she couldn't help but tilt her head.When Cade noticed her movements, he gently stroked her cheek as if he were calming a child who was throwing a tantrum.Victor spent years in a position of authority, giving him an air of unspoken authority. His gaze hardened, and his lips pressed into a firm line as he watched Cade. "Cade, don't jeopardize the long-standing relationship between our families over a woman.""If that's how you see it." Cade glanced at the door. "Aren't you doing the same for a woman?"Victor snorted contemptuously. "How can a cheap girl who was merely adopted be worth anything compared to Mirabelle?""How is my daughter, a Yorksworth, worth any less than yours?" Blaire stood at the doorway as she took in the occupants of the home with her sharp gaze. She had been feeling restless ever sin
Mirabelle frowned. "Excuse me?"As soon as she finished speaking, Cameron walked up to her, grabbed her by her hair, and forcefully bent her over.Cameron held up the guest list Monica had sent her and shoved it in Mirabelle's face. "Call them. Tell them to be there by 3:00 p.m., or else…"She tightened her grip threateningly. "You can kiss this head of hair goodbye."Mirabelle pressed down on her scalp where it had been pulled, her voice distorted with pain when she spoke."Let go, Cameron! Are you out of your mind?""Didn't I tell you not to involve anyone else in our feud?""Can't take it anymore?"Mirabelle endured the pain of turning her head to flash a disdainful sneer at Cameron."This is just the appetizer. If you go against me, you'll eventually crawl out of Capeton with your tail between your legs. I'll call your business partner right now and pin the catastrophic failure of this event on you…"Seeing Mirabelle's condescending expression brought Cameron back to the
The kiss lifted the dark cloud that hung over Cade's mood over the past few days.The next day, as Fabian brought in documents for him to sign, Cade asked, "When is Cameron's show?"Fabian was taken aback for a split second but quickly replied. Fortunately, he was well-prepared and kept track of Cameron's events for the year in advance."Has the invitation been delivered?"Fabian swallowed, almost wanting to laugh to mock Cade. Given Cade's strained relationship with his wife, Cameron would sooner invite a dog than have him around. However, all Fabian could do was revel in Cade's misery in his mind while keeping a businesslike facade."It was probably already delivered. The front desk brought in a stack of mail yesterday. I haven't sorted it out yet."He had already sorted out the mail this morning. Everything had gone straight to the trash."Clear my schedule for the day. Make reservations at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.""Yes, sir."On the day of the show, Monica
That was obviously an excuse to get Cade out of the picture. Knowing what Mirabelle had done to Cameron in the past, leaving the two of them alone was out of the question. Besides, it wasn't convenient for him to move the car, so he refused without a second thought."Get the attendant—"However, Cameron cut him off before he could finish."Ms. Ackerman is a guest. You should fulfill her requests if she has any."Cade cast her a cold glance. "Shut up." Why should he dance to Mirabelle's tune?Cameron stared at him. "Run along."He gritted his teeth as rage crossed his face. After a brief pause, he sneered and turned to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Mirabelle's calm expression slipped. "Did you make me come here just to show off how much you two love each other?""You call that love? I think we have different definitions of what 'love' is then. He's nothing more than…" Cameron's fingers lightly traced the cup's rim as she smirked and said, "A lap dog.""You fu
Cameron crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bouquet in Cade's hands a nonchalant glance."What are you trying to pull, Mr. Carter?""Fabian said it was Women's Day today.""So what?"There was silence all around. The sound of soothing music could be heard through the door. Cade was silent for a while. "We're not getting a divorce, Cameron."It was the same old topic that Cameron had grown too weary of. She turned around and felt for the cigarette box on the table. There was already a layer of cigarette butts in the ashtray next to it. Judging by the color of the lipstick marks, more than half of them were hers.Cade frowned. He clearly disapproved of her smoking but kept himself from stopping her.Smoke curled from between her lips. The flickering embers of the cigarette reflected in her eyes, softening her indifferent gaze. Through the thin haze, Cameron's lips curled into a wide, unrestrained smile. Every time she smiled in this way, it always filled Cade with a
Cade began unbuckling his belt as he spoke. When it came to this sort of thing, men often had a strong sense of competition, especially in the presence of a woman they were interested in."Such a dark atmosphere isn't right for our situation."Cameron didn't like him to begin. In such a dark atmosphere, there was no telling what kind of grotesque creature she might imagine him to be. It would be strange if she felt attraction for him.She leveled a steady stare at him. Cade's shirt was half undone, showing his tense muscles underneath. Under the influence of alcohol, his skin took on a faint reddish hue. There was a heart-pounding tension in the air as if something was about to ignite. Occasionally, his slightly heavy breaths could be heard."You haven't been working out recently, have you?" Cameron asked.Cade was confused.Cameron pressed her hand against his chest, right below his ribs, and gave it a little push. After a moment, she commented, "Your muscles are a little soft
Cade tossed his phone onto the table in frustration when he saw who entered. He pressed his hand against his brow."Leave. You should see Diane for a work uniform.""Are you feeling unwell, Mr. Carter?" Rosalia approached the desk with a glass of milk in hand. "I learned how to give massages. Why don't I…" "Get out."Cade abruptly got to his feet and avoided Rosalia's outstretched hand, causing the milk to spill all over him. He glanced down at his now-stained shirt with a dark expression and pressed his lips tightly together. After a long pause, he asked through clenched teeth, "Did my wife ask you to send this up?" Every syllable was pronounced with the gnashing of teeth.Rosalia froze under his piercing gaze."It really was Mrs. Carter who asked me to bring it to you, sir," she stammered."Leave. From now on, you will not enter my study unless you have permission."Rosalia had come to work as a housekeeper to land herself a wealthy husband. She had even bribed the manager
On the next day, Cameron was discussing the fashion show with Monica when she suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind. "Cammie…" It was Blaire.Although Monica didn't fully know about Cameron's past, she didn't like Blaire at all. What kind of mother wouldn't protect their own child, after all?However, it wasn't appropriate for her to intervene as much even though she was Cameron's close friend. After all, it was Cameron's family matter.Monica stood up with her notebook in hand and said, "Well, I just remembered that there's still a few more invitations to send, so I'll go and take care of that. Let's discuss more about the fashion show later."After saying that, she glanced at Blaire and left without even greeting her.Cameron got up and nodded at Blaire. "Is something the matter?"She thought that her distant attitude last night had made it clear enough that she didn't want any more involvement with the Yorksworth family. She didn't expect that Blaire would come and loo
Cameron pushed the door open. She looked tired as she laid down her bag. As she changed her shoes, she caught sight of the food on the dining table out of the corner of her eye."Diane, didn't I tell you I wasn't coming back for dinner? Why did you make so much food?"Diane glanced upstairs. "It's for Mr. Carter. He hasn't eaten yet."The moment Cade was mentioned, Cameron dropped the topic. She rubbed her sore shoulder as she headed upstairs. "I see.""Madam…" Diane called out hesitantly, looking troubled. "Mr. Carter asked you to call him down for dinner when you got home.""Me? Call him down for dinner?" Cameron stopped in her tracks and turned around in confusion. "Why?""Mr. Carter seems to be upset. Did you two have another fight?""So If he's in a bad mood, I'm supposed to go upstairs and invite him down to eat? Should I also say 'Your meal is ready, my liege!' while I'm at it?" Cameron scoffed. Her sarcastic smirk quickly faded. "He can eat if he wants. If he doesn't,