Laura stumbled back and explained, "Jennifer's father passed away. I want to visit her."Surprised flashed in Simon's gaze. Zion was dead? Did he commit suicide from the guilt?Laura thought it was only natural to mourn her friend's father, but Simon coldly commanded, "You're not going!"Laura looked at him in disbelief and explained, "I'm just going to pay my respects. I'll be back soon."Simon's gaze was icy and stern. "Did you not hear what I said?""Don't you have a heart, Simon?" Laura was on the verge of tears. "I'm begging you, please let me go, okay?"Simon's eyes flashed with anger, and he suddenly pulled her into his arms. He gripped her wrist tightly. "I said no!"Without another word, he turned and pressed her against the cold wall. Simon's kiss was fiery and forceful, just like every unexpected punishment before.Laura closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. She would stab Simon for humiliating her if she had a knife right now! It was only her remaining r
Nathan grew increasingly displeased with Maxwell. Instead of leaving, he retorted bluntly, "Mr. Lance, you and Jennifer are legally divorced. You don't have to call her your wife! Also, your return doesn't change anything. Where were you when Jennifer was in despair yesterday?"Maxwell was speechless. His chest tightened, unable to swallow his anger. He hadn't expected Jennifer to tell Nathan about their divorce. What was Jennifer thinking? Was she letting Nathan know she was single, encouraging him to pursue her? Anger surged through Maxwell as he gritted his teeth. "So what if we're divorced? I'm still her ex-husband, and her father entrusted her to me before he died. What about you, Dr. Lowe? As a teacher, how could you fall for your student?"The tension between the two men rose. Nathan was done with Maxwell's arrogance and retorted coldly, "What's wrong with a teacher-student relationship? We're both single. Who says a teacher can't like their student?"Maxwell stared at hi
Jennifer suddenly blacked out and fainted."Jennifer!" Maxwell was shocked, immediately crouching to pick her up. He quickly carried Jennifer to the car and turned back to warn Nathan, "Stop following us!"…In the hospital, Maxwell thought about Jennifer's recent stomach issues and her fainting spell, so he had the doctor run a full check-up on her. By evening, most of the test results were in. The doctor held the test report. "Your wife is ten weeks pregnant. However, due to recent high stress levels and some anemia, the fetus is not very stable."Maxwell looked at the doctor in disbelief for a long time before finally coming to his senses."What... What did you say?" Maxwell stared at the pale Jennifer on the bed and confirmed with the doctor again, "Are you sure she's pregnant?"The doctor replied confidently, "There's no mistake. If you're still unsure, you can have an ultrasound once she wakes up." Maxwell suddenly recalled the night Jennifer didn't want him to see Rach
Jennifer finally woke up in the evening. The white walls of the hospital room reminded her of the white sheet covering her father.She suddenly sat up and tried to get out of bed. Just then, Maxwell returned to the ward. Seeing this, he rushed to her side and stopped her before calling a nurse over.Seeing the blood returning into the IV tube, Maxwell scolded, "What are you doing? It's freezing outside. Are you crazy?"Jennifer stubbornly stared at him. "I want to be with my father!"Maxwell held her shoulders firmly, preventing her from moving. "I have something to ask you!"Just then, the nurse came to reinsert the IV for Jennifer. Jennifer told the nurse, "Please ask him to leave. I don't want to see him."The nurse, thinking it was just a couple's quarrel, looked to Maxwell for help."It's okay, you can leave," Maxwell dismissed the nurse and stood by the bed. He looked at Jennifer. "If you don't want me here, who do you want then? Nathan?"Jennifer said bitterly, "Anyone w
"That's not true, Jennifer." Maxwell couldn't bear to listen any longer and held her tightly in his arms. "I never left. You haven't lost me. I've always been here!"Jennifer struggled to free herself from his embrace, her eyes red with disappointment. "You left a long time ago. The first time you brought up a divorce—or the time you were with Rachel—or the night when you left me."Maxwell explained helplessly, "I had no other choice that night. I couldn't just have her die abroad! If you don't believe me, I can show you the local news from that day.""There's no need." Jennifer shook her head, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "At least this incident has made me see that you would always care about Rachel even if you loved me."Maxwell was speechless and unable to deny it. After all, Rachel was carrying his child too. How could he ignore that? Any responsible man couldn't neglect his child and the woman who bore his child.Jennifer pleaded with a tearful gaze. "Maxwell, I'm tir
"I said no!" Jennifer suddenly knocked over the bowl of soup.As the porcelain bowl shattered, Maxwell's hands and clothes were also splattered with soup. A flash of anger flashed through his eyes, but he quickly took a deep breath to calm himself down.Jennifer knew she had gone too far. In the past, Maxwell would have definitely thrown a tantrum. But she couldn't convince herself to flatter him like before, let alone apologize to him. She noticed Maxwell sighing and getting up again. He walked to the table silently and served her another bowl of soup. Just like before, he persistently offered the spoon to her lips.Jennifer hesitated before taking the bowl and quickly finishing the soup. "Alright, I'm done eating. You can leave now, okay?""Do you hate me that much?" Maxwell pushed the bowl aside and asked, "What if it were Nathan sitting here instead?"Jennifer turned away, too tired of explaining herself. No explanation could dispel Maxwell's suspicions and possessiveness.
Jennifer was left speechless. She did let anger cloud her judgment. She cherished the child growing in her belly. How could she bear to harm them?Moreover, she couldn't possibly skip her father's funeral. So, she had no choice but to agree, "Fine, I promise you. I agree with whatever you say! Besides, you already have someone watching over me. Even if I wanted to harm this child, someone would report to you, wouldn't they?"Maxwell finally let it rest. He knew Jennifer was hurt by her father's sudden passing and didn't want to coerce her. But the thought of her wanting to leave with their child left him no other choice.Even if Jennifer hated or resented him, Maxwell didn't mind as long as she was still by his side.…Jennifer was there when Zion was brought to his grave. Agnes cried uncontrollably while Jennifer remained very quiet. She didn't shed a tear and stared blankly ahead with a tired gaze.Maxwell sat beside her, holding her close. "If you want to cry, just cry. It's n
Jennifer tensed and turned to Maxwell. "What do you mean by that?"Only then did Maxwell realize his mistake. He quickly added, "What I meant was, your father loves you. He would want you to live a good life."Jennifer was too deep in her despair to ponder his words.Maxwell feared she would overthink and decided to put her to bed. He switched off the lights and tucked her in. "Get some sleep. I'll be here."Maxwell had been rooted by her side recently. He knew she didn't like him near her. So, he slept on the couch. It was the same tonight.Jennifer had to admit that she felt safer with him around, and she could get some sleep in. That night, Jennifer had a weird dream. She dreamt of her mother, father, and Robert smiling kindly at her.Her mother was reminding Jennifer to study well and fulfill her dreams. Her father was asking her to live a happy and carefree life. And Robert was reminding her to live happily with Maxwell.It was the best dream she'd ever had. It felt lik
After visiting Harry, Simon left the prison with a heavy heart.He drove along a mountain road, letting the cool air blow against his face. He smoked a few cigarettes to clear his mind before finally heading home.It was late when he got back. Laura was in the kitchen trying to make something to eat. Simon sighed and walked over. "Go rest. I'll handle this."He took the ladle from her and began cooking.Laura didn't leave. Instead, she stood to the side, lost in thought. When had Simon started becoming this gentle? He used to be so distant and untouchable.She had been with him for five years, yet she had never known he could cook.Deep down, Laura wished he stayed the same cold and unreachable figure. At least then, she could keep her feelings in check.Simon asked, "Why aren't you resting?""I… I've been lying down all day. I just wanted to stand for a bit." She came up with an excuse. After a brief pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did you smoke?"Simon only then noticed the
Harry finally realized Simon had orchestrated everything. He had believed the Jensens were the mastermind behind this.Suddenly, thoughts of his daughter flooded his mind. He tried to stand up and confront Simon, but the handcuffs and shackles restrained him, forcing him to remain seated.Harry glared at Simon. "What have you done to my daughter? Tell me! What exactly have you done to her?"Simon smirked. "Nothing much. I simply taught her how to serve me, please me, and keep me happy."Harry's heart dropped. The thought of his daughter, whom he had lovingly raised and cherished, reduced to Simon's plaything after his imprisonment, tore his heart to pieces.It was a fate worse than death. "You! What happened to your father back then was my fault! I take full responsibility!" Harry's voice trembled, "But Laura is innocent. I beg you, let her go. Don't hurt her! You can kill me if you want. I'm begging you. Please, let Laura go!" Simon gazed at the desperate man before him. Ye
It was as if Simon blamed Laura for always asking stubborn questions.Their relationship was far from normal. He didn't understand why she insisted on getting to the bottom of everything.Laura's heart dropped. She returned to the bedroom, feeling utterly lost. Her heart ached. Simon was the most ruthless, selfish, and self-serving man she had ever met.Everything she had endured last night seemed insignificant to him. What mattered to him was that his mother hadn't caused her death, sparing him from any trouble.Around noon, Simon entered the bedroom.Laura was sitting on the rocking chair by the window, staring outside. The once-proud Laura now carried a sense of melancholy.Simon's heart tightened seeing her pale face. Unfortunately, apologizing wasn't his strong suit. He was too prideful for that.Still, he walked over to her and stroked her hair. "Don't take what I said to my mother earlier to heart. It wasn't aimed at you. Laura, you've been with me for five years. I thoug
Simon's words comforted Laura.After finishing the soup, she burrowed back under the covers. She peeked out to gaze at Simon, who was working on the couch. She could never get enough of him no matter how long she looked.Even though she knew she was being pathetic, she couldn't help herself. She was charmed by Simon. Every move he made exuded the poise and charisma of a mature man. Especially when he was focused on his work, it always stirred a sense of admiration in her.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep again. She wasn't sure how long she slept. But later, she groggily heard Simon's voice as he spoke on the phone.Simon was on the balcony, talking to Fiona. Fiona feigned innocence. "How would I know she was on the balcony? I just noticed it was about to rain and wanted to close the balcony door for you."Simon's tone sharpened. "Mom, there's no point in making these excuses. We're mother and son. I can see right through you. If you pull another st
Laura understood Simon was technically still single since he wasn't married yet. She could still deceive herself and live in denial. But he would become someone else's husband once he married. Would she want to be his mistress?If it came to that, even she would despise herself.Simon hummed. "You can decide for yourself when that time comes. You can leave if you don't want to stay with me. But my promise will be void. You'd better believe me when I say, only I can save your father."Looking at Simon's emotionless face, Laura suddenly realized how cruel and cold-hearted he truly was. The feelings she thought they shared, the love and devotion she had poured her heart and youth into, were but a transaction in his eyes.Laura nodded. "Then let's set a deadline. I'll give you one year. If, after one year, my father's case remains unchanged, then we'll… cut ties."Simon replied calmly, "Fine, as you wish. Now get some rest."Only then did Laura close her eyes and stop resisting his t
Simon didn't give Laura any chance to react. He took a sip and then lowered his head before capturing her lips.Laura's eyes widened as Simon forced her to swallow the soup. She pounded on his shoulders before Simon let her go.He demanded, "I'll have no choice but to feed you like this if you don't drink the soup and take your medicine."Laura glared at him, her face flushed with both anger and embarrassment. She grabbed the bowl and downed the soup in one go. Then, she took the cold medicine he handed her.Simon finally relaxed and tucked her in. "Sleep."But how could Laura possibly fall asleep? Especially when Simon lay down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. She gritted her teeth. "Can you not touch me? I'm begging you. Don't touch me!"Simon didn't respond. He held her tightly, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of her pajamas.Later, he noticed Laura was trembling and thought she was cold.When he turned her to face him, he realized her eyes were red, an
A sharp pain pierced Simon's chest. In the next instant, he held Laura tightly, as though trying to shield her from the cold. But still, she trembled uncontrollably. Without hesitation, he rushed to fill the bathtub with warm water and slowly placed her into it.Simon stroked Laura's pale face, then gently instructed, "Stay in the bath for a while. I'll make you some peppermint tea. If you start running a fever later, we might need to go to the hospital."Having said that, he turned to leave the bathroom. But as soon as he closed the door, he heard her crying.Simon froze in his tracks, then turned and rushed back in. He quickly undressed and stepped into the tub before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Laurie. I'm so sorry I came home so late," he apologized in a hoarse voice. "I-I didn't know they would—""Go away! Don't touch me!"Laura shoved him away with all her strength. Her voice broke as she screamed, "While you were happily spending time with your family, I was
As soon as Simon finished speaking, he froze. He had repeated what Laura had told him that day, almost exactly.He was a lawyer. Yet, his response was far from professional. Laura's words and actions had crept into his thoughts without him even realizing it. The realization unsettled him, leaving him feeling irritated.Meanwhile, William avoided Simon's gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Why are you bringing this up again? I've already told you. Those people came from some poor countryside. They don't deserve one million dollars."Besides, who in the right mind would complain about having too much money? If I can settle this with 200 thousand dollars, why should I pay a million? Didn't you say you found evidence to clear Brooks Group of most of the responsibility?"Simon had indeed found such evidence. That crucial piece meant Nick's family couldn't demand much compensation. Yet, a tightness gripped his chest, as if something unseen was pressing down on him. For some reaso
Fiona fixed her gaze on Simon, then replied, "Tell me honestly. Do you really only see Laura as the daughter of our enemy? If so, why do you keep putting off your engagement to Hailey?"Is there something else on your mind? Let me warn you. If you've developed any sympathy for that bitch, I'll end my life right in front of you!"Simon's heart sank as he heard that. He could clearly see the unwavering determination in her eyes. He would never doubt Fiona's words. After all, it was Harry who had caused Anthony's death, and that had shattered her life completely.The humiliation and torment Fiona had once endured flooded Simon's mind. He clenched his fists, unwilling to dwell on it any longer.He knew that Fiona would never accept Laura. The incident was something Fiona could never get over. Suddenly, she became agitated and grabbed Simon's arm tightly. Her voice was desperate as she demanded, "Tell me now. Do you have feelings for that bitch? Answer me!""Mom, calm down. I promi