Calista participated in a show back in May. When it aired, Selena was meeting with her friends for afternoon tea at her home. Someone was flipping through the channels with the remote out of boredom when it coincidentally stopped on the program Calista was on."Look, Selena. Isn't that your daughter-in-law? She's on TV!"Selena was chatting with someone at the time. But upon hearing that, she turned her gaze to the television to see Calista focused on restoring cultural relics on screen. She beamed with pride."Callie is amazing. This program isn't just any old show that anyone can get featured on."Even though she had no idea what program it was given that Calista hadn't mentioned, it didn't stop her from raining praises on her daughter-in-law.Everyone was already accustomed to this, and someone even jokingly asked, "Calista and Lucian have been married for a while now. When are they planning to have a kid?"Selena was no less antsy about the matter. However, she kept her anx
Even though that was where the topic came to an end with neither of them furthering the conversation, Lucian's worries about his reproductive health did not abate. He would stare blankly at Calista's stomach from time to time.Calista seemed to have caught on after some time. "Do you want a child so badly?"Lucian nodded and then shook his head. For him, it wasn't about having a child, but rather whether or not he had any issues. The inherent inferiority complex embedded into his bones coupled with what happened in the past left him volatile when his "impotence" was brought up. He was afraid that Calista would resent him for it.Lucian's anxiety lasted for two months before he privately scheduled an appointment with the andrology department. He wore a duckbill cap and a mask and went to the hospital for an examination.Once the sample had been collected, he took it to the lab. The doctor, busy with work, didn't even bother to look up."Put the sample down on the counter. You can
"Dude, I'm also here for a checkup. I'm still waiting for the results. It's nerve-wracking." He motioned for Lucian to look at his trembling hands."It's better to gain some experience beforehand. I thought that if I read a few reports, I'd be less nervous when it's my turn. We're both men. You understand how it is."He reached out to pat Lucian on the shoulder as a friendly gesture, but Lucian avoided it. Rather than feel embarrassed, the man leaned close to whisper, "Women will just mock you about this kind of thing. Only men understand. We don't know each other. The moment we step out of this building, we'll be strangers. If anything goes wrong, I can be a punching bag for you to vent your anger."He calmly glanced at Calista. Her clothes, bag, and shoes weren't simply high-end goods. There were exclusive models that only VIPs of the highest rank could get their hands on. When his gaze finally landed on her face, his eyes lit up.If his wife had one-tenth of her looks and figu
Upon hearing the familiar name of the hospital, Lucian looked up at the brightly lit logo on the hospital's outpatient building and frowned."Yes, this is Lucian speaking. How can I help you?" he asked."I apologize, Mr. Northwood. The security guard noticed a suspicious person following you on the surveillance cameras. "After looking into the matter, we found out that your test sample from this morning had been swapped. Could you please come back again to have the tests redone when you're available?""My sample was swapped?""I'm sorry, Mr. Northwood. That was negligence on our part. We will refund you three times the fee you've paid for the test, and your next check-up will be free of charge. "If there's any further treatment needed, it'll be on the house. You're also free to request compensation. Fortunately, we noticed it in time before there were any serious consequences."Hearing their blatant attempt at shirking responsibility, Lucian could only sneer. "No need. A lawye
After Lucian left, Calista grabbed his phone from its spot on the pillow. She was going to watch some videos to pass the time. Instead, she was greeted by his chat history with Cade the moment she unlocked the phone."Are you familiar with any andrologists?""Just cut it off. It's one and done," Cade responded.Lucian had likely gotten pissed off at him. So, he never replied.Half an hour later, Lucian came upstairs to let Calista know that the food was ready. She was still lying in bed. So, he stood by it and looked down at her."Go freshen up. I'll get you some clothes."Half her face was buried beneath the covers. "Okay."Lucian ruffled her hair. Just as he was about to turn around, Calista suddenly sat up and wrapped her arms around his waist."Don't go for the check-up, Lucian. Can't we just let nature take its course?"Her soft and supple arms felt like hot iron clinging against his waist. He could feel the heat even through the layer of fabric. Lucian rested his hand ag
Lucian wasn't crying, but his eyes were red. His gaze on Calista's belly was both fervent and joyful. He seemed to want to reach out to touch it. His constant scrutiny made Calista uncomfortable. She pursed her lips."She's still just a fertilized egg that can't interact with you. Come on, let's go. The doctor is still waiting outside."She pushed Lucian out of the room. Selena was asking the doctor about the precautions that had to be taken during the pregnancy. She wanted to know every minute detail involving diets, clothing, housing, and transportation. It was as if she were completely inexperienced.Given the hefty monthly salary and generous year-end bonus, the doctor answered in great detail and patience."Madam Calista wasn't ill because of morning sickness. Her stomach was upset because she skipped breakfast and was suffering from motion sickness. "Morning sickness usually occurs around the six-week mark. Her period has only been delayed by nine days. There won't be any
It was in a dimly lit room where a man's rough palms caressed every inch of a woman's skin. He leaned in and rained kisses down on her. They started from her hairline, descending to her eyes, lips, and ears before he worked his way down her slender neck."Mm…"The woman tilted her head and pressed herself close to the man. But despite their intimacy, she still felt inexplicably empty. What she wanted was to get even closer.Cameron Yorksworth opened her eyes to be greeted by the sight of a ceiling clad in darkness. Her thoughts continued to linger on the less-than-satisfactory love affair. For a moment, she couldn't distinguish between what was a dream and what was reality.It was five in the morning. The silence was deafening. The white gauze curtain behind the floor-to-ceiling window fluttered slightly in the wind.She turned her head to look at Cade lying beside her before rolling over. Then, she began to undo the buttons on his pajamas.The ruckus woke Cade up. Before he co
Nerissa, with her battered and swollen face, cried profusely. "I came here to bring you the clothes you left behind the other day. Cameron must've misunderstood something…"The Carters and Yorksworths lived in the same compound, and the two families shared a close relationship. As Cade was five years older than Nerissa, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that they grew up together. Compared to Cameron, who had only been welcomed into the family much later, they shared a much closer relationship.Cade glanced at the suit jacket in Nerissa's hand and turned to stare at Cameron who hadn't refuted her sister's words. He frowned."I accidentally left this behind at the Luminary Lounge the other day. Just throw it away if you're that unhappy about it. Why hit her?"Cameron sauntered up to him and smiled as she met his gaze. "Would you go savor a few pounds of crap if she told you that feces from the latrine tasted good?"Despite her vulgar words, Cameron remained as classy as ever. She
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,