The days passed by in a blur. Before Jennifer knew it, the weekend had arrived. With a visit to the Lowes scheduled for the next day, she decided to leave work an hour early to get a more elegant hairstyle.The hospital was still bustling with people despite it being a Friday. The elevators were also packed and barely moving. After checking several elevators, Jennifer noticed that the one near the obstetrics and gynecology department was relatively empty. Thus, she headed toward it.Not far away, Laura sat in a chair with a blank stare, appearing deep in thought as she waited for her number to be called. Suddenly, her phone rang. The moment she saw the caller ID, she felt a surge of nervousness. Yet, she still answered the call. From the other end of the line came Simon's cold voice. "Have you gotten the contraceptive injection?"Throughout their five years together, Laura had taken birth control pills after their encounters. However, the frequent use of these pills had upset
Laura took a deep breath and replied, "So it's really you. Jennifer, don't you recognize me? What about Maxwell? Do you remember him? Have you looked for him since you returned?"A flicker of shock crossed Jennifer's eyes as she pressed, "You know Maxwell?""Of course I do! I'd never forget that scoundrel, no matter what! If it hadn't been for his endless affair with Rachel and their child, you wouldn't have had to run away like that," Laura answered through clenched teeth.After saying that, she looked at Jennifer incredulously and asked, "But what happened to you? You really don't remember any of it?"Jennifer's mind was in turmoil, the shock nearly devastating. How could Nathan's version of events be so different from what this woman was saying? In utter disbelief, she sought confirmation again. "W-Were we really best friends?" Realization dawned on Laura as she forced herself to accept the truth. "Are you saying you've lost your memory? Jennifer, you need to tell me what ha
Jennifer trembled with shock. Everything she had just learned was the complete opposite of what Nathan had told her. It felt as though she had stumbled into a parallel universe, one that was overwhelmingly devastating. Was Maxwell the father of her children? No, she refused to believe it.Jennifer asked in a subdued tone, "So… What exactly was my relationship with Maxwell?""You're his ex-wife," Laura replied, frustrated. She hadn't expected Jennifer to have forgotten about this too. Laura proceeded to explain, "You divorced him because of that bitch, Rachel. But later, you couldn't bear to do it and kept going back and forth with him for quite a while. I guess you left without a word back then because of her too."Jennifer had a sudden realization. Finally, all the reactions of those around her made sense. She understood why Maxwell had gone to such extremes to save her and why he seemed to care so much. It also explained Rachel's intense hostility and why Nathan didn't want
"Oh crap!" Laura quickly grabbed her bag and said to Jennifer, "I need to leave now. I have some matters to attend to. Let's exchange numbers. I'll get in touch with you in a few days."After all, they had so much more to talk about. Seeing Laura in such a hurry, Jennifer knew there was no time for further questions. So, they hurriedly exchanged contact information. Jennifer's eyes were filled with gratitude as she gazed at Laura. "Thank you." If it weren't for Laura, she'd still be in the dark, being played for a fool by everyone.Laura waved dismissively. "What's there to thank me for? You're my best friend!"…At the Golden Sands Hotel, Simon's mother, Fiona Graham, couldn't hide her delight. She had assumed that Simon would never show up to one of these blind dates, but to her surprise, he actually did.Sitting across from Simon, Hailey Brooks was brimming with excitement. Their parents had already agreed on the marriage, and she was infatuated with him from the moment t
The streets of Haven City were crowded. Laura had called Simon countless times but he didn't answer. Eventually, Simon turned off his phone.Laura realized that Simon was angry. The memories of Simon's actions sent shivers down her spine. When she arrived at Golden Sands Hotel, the private room was already empty. Laura's heart was in turmoil, and she had no choice but to return home.When she opened the door, she saw Simon sitting on the couch with a grim expression. He seemed to have just returned home as well. His shirt and trousers were still on, and his blue suit jacket was thrown over the couch.Laura stood at the doorway, looking at him fearfully.Although Simon was a ruthless man, he was still handsome. Even though he was in his 30s, he was the kind of man who grew more attractive with age.Laura consoled herself, thinking that spending five years of her life with Simon wasn't entirely a loss. Although he had taken advantage of her, she also slept with him!"Why are you lo
Laura was at a loss for words. Indeed, Simon never hit or scolded her. But what he did to her was far worse, causing her pain that no physical punishment could match.…That night, Simon had his way with Laura until she felt better off dead. When it was finally over, she couldn't even make a sound and trembled in his arms.Simon, satisfied, gently caressed her reddened skin. His voice was hoarse. "Why are you trembling? It's not like I'm asking you for a lot."Laura's eyes were swollen and she choked, "Please... Don't do this again, okay?"Her obedience did stir something in him. Simon smiled. "That depends on my mood and your performance."Laura was terrified of his twisted methods. Perhaps he had asked her to go to the Golden Sands Hotel just to engage in these degrading acts. Had she ruined his plans? Was that why he was angry?Despair crept into Laura. When would this end? Her father was sentenced to life in prison. Would this humiliating life also be forever?Her only moti
Jennifer said she was too tired to visit his parents, yet she had the energy to fly overseas to see her children. Everything about her behavior today seemed off to Nathan.Not wanting to pressure her, Nathan simply nodded. "That's fine. We can visit my parents another time. I'll go with you if you miss Cal and Cass that much."Jennifer coldly declined. "No need. I want to go back alone.""Jennifer..." Nathan felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. "What's wrong?"Just yesterday, everything had been fine between them and they even agreed to visit his family together. But after just one night, everything changed.He couldn't help but ask, "Did Maxwell come to see you? Did he... threaten you?"The moment he mentioned Maxwell, Jennifer couldn't help but shout, "Why do you always bring Maxwell up? Does his presence make you nervous? Or do you know something about him?"Nathan stared at her in bewilderment. Jennifer had never spoken to him this way before.Realizing she had lost
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Cassidy cupped Jennifer's face. "Why do you look so sad?"Jennifer forced a smile. "I'm fine. I just feel like I've let you and your brother down. I… I haven't taken good care of you.""Says who?" Cassidy kissed Jennifer's cheek with a bright grin. "Look at how well-fed we are! And we have nice clothes, dresses, and so many snacks! All of this is thanks to your hard work! You're the best, Mommy! And you're the one who loves us the most."Caleb quickly chimed in, "Mommy, don't take what I said to heart! Actually, it doesn't matter if we don't have a dad as long as we have you!"Jennifer was comforted by their words and held both children tightly.People said women were inherently gentle, but motherhood made them strong. Jennifer thought she was the perfect example of that.Even though the truth hit her hard, she knew she had to keep going when she looked at her children. She couldn't afford to be weak. She still had to work hard to provide the best for her c