Compared to Farhan's emotional upheaval, Kartika remained much more composed. "Just drive, we shouldn't delay Grandma's check-up."Without any outsiders around, Kartika didn’t feel the need to act, and her tone and expressions were genuine, no longer the performed warmth she'd held before. After asking him to drive, she noticed Farhan making no move to start the car, her brow slightly furrowing in impatience. She hadn't intended to confront Farhan so directly, but his words had been too aggravating, prompting her to snap...She scolded herself for losing composure especially when Grandma's check-up results were still unknown. Taking a deep breath to regain her calm, she was about to speak to Farhan when the car suddenly surged forward at high speed. Startled, Kartika turned towards Farhan and saw him driving furiously, his dark mood filling the car.Unexpectedly, Kartika felt a wave of immense grievance wash over her, and her nose tingled with the sensation of oncoming tears. Why, whe
Only Mrs. Qin was allowed to go inside for the check-up, while everyone else had to wait outside the examination room. Farhan, leaning against the window, absentmindedly touched his pocket and remembered it had been a long time since he last smoked. Though he had hardly been a heavy smoker, he’d completely quit just over a year ago, shortly after he and Kartika slept together by accident. Since then, he’d become almost addicted to her scent and the touch of her skin, and he began to kiss her every chance he got, at various times and places.After enduring a particularly grueling several-hour-long meeting that had left Farhan in a foul mood, he returned to his office looking to smoke for some relief. He had just lit a cigarette when Kartika walked in with some documents and, upon seeing him smoke, asked with concern, "Why are you smoking now? Are you feeling upset?"He didn’t respond, only staring at her with brooding dark eyes. At that time, Kartika and Farhan were on good terms, and
Su Qiao immediately stood up, ready to take action. "Is he still downstairs? I'll go send him away. What a toad lusting after a swan."Just as she was about to leave, Lestari stopped her. "Wait a second.""Let him come up," Lestari said quietly with an unexpected smile.The surprise in the room was palpable, voices raised in unison, "Lestari!?""Do you forget how he treated you before? Duan Ziye is a thug. If you let him come up, aren't you...""Su Qiao," Lestari's voice was gentle, "No matter how he treated me in the past, the fact that he found out I'm hurt and came to the hospital means he cares. Shouldn't I be touched by that? How can I send him away?"Others in the room were not convinced. "Lestari, he's not concerned about you; he's interested in you in that way. If you entertain him, he'll think he has a chance.""I know you're kind-hearted and think his visit is sincere, but if he had no ulterior motive, why would he come?""Don't be too soft-hearted. If he tries to do anythin
The room fell silent at Su Qiao's unexpected suggestion. Everyone stopped to consider the possibility—Duan Ziye was a thug and literally a desperado, making him the perfect candidate for some dirty work.Lestari was shocked by Su Qiao's words and quickly tried to dissuade Duan Ziye from considering it. However, Duan Ziye was resolute in his conviction, indicating that he had never done anything significant for Lestari in the past but had sworn never to let anyone hurt her. If anyone dared, they would have to answer to him.Lestari's friends did not want her to speak well of Kartika anymore, asking Lestari what she had done to deserve Kartika's visit or any concern. The consensus was that since Kartika had not shown up for Lestari nor shown any remorse, she did not deserve any kindness in return.Lestari lowered her eyes in sadness, "I was just..."However, the others wouldn't let her finish. They knew of her kind nature, but they were not willing to be as forgiving if they were treate
In the southern city, a hospital room held an atmosphere of tentative joy."Congratulations, you're pregnant and the baby is very healthy," announced the doctor.Lillian Shen clutched the pregnancy report with a startled expression, her mind racing. Pregnant? The mix of shock and delight was almost too much to believe."You'll need to come in for regular check-ups. Where's the father? Call him in, I have some advice for him."Lillian snapped back to reality with a sheepish smile, "My husband couldn't make it today.""Men, always busy. He should make time for his wife and child."Stepping out of the hospital, a gentle drizzle began to fall. Lillian caressed her belly where a new life was taking root—hers and Oliver Qin's.Her phone vibrated, a message from her husband: "It's raining. Bring an umbrella to this address."The address was for the XX Clubhouse. What was this place? Wasn't he supposed to be in a meeting?Without much hesitation, Lillian had the Qin family driver take her the
Oliver Qin left her in the bathroom and exited the room.Lillian remained silent, head down, waiting until his departure before she slowly lifted her gaze and wiped away her tears. Moments passed. With the door locked behind her, she pulled the pregnancy report from her pocket. The rain had blurred the ink, the words now indistinct. She had intended to surprise him with the news, but now it seemed utterly pointless. Having shared Oliver's life for two years, she knew him well—his phone was an extension of himself. He wouldn't have carelessly sent that message, asking her to come and then to leave. Someone must have used his phone to play a cruel joke, making her stand outside like a fool for all to laugh at.After staring at the report for what felt like an eternity, Lillian scoffed and slowly tore it to pieces.Half an hour later, she emerged from the bathroom, composed. Oliver sat on the sofa, legs propped up, laptop open—still working. He gestured toward a bowl of ginger soup b
The next dayLillian awoke feeling under the weather. She reached for the cold medicine in her drawer and poured herself a glass of warm water. Just as the pill hit her tongue, something clicked, and her face paled. She rushed to the bathroom to spit it out, bending over the sink to rinse away the bitter taste."What's the matter? You seem flustered. Feeling unwell?" The crisp voice of Oliver startled her as he appeared at the doorway.Their eyes met for a split second before Lillian quickly looked away. "Nothing, just took the wrong medicine," she said, dabbing the water from her lips and exiting the bathroom.Oliver watched her leave, his brows furrowed in thought. Something about her had been off since last night.After breakfast, the couple prepared to leave the house together."Want to ride with me?" Oliver asked, noting Lillian's pallor.She was about to agree when his phone rang. It was Serena. As he moved aside to take the call, Lillian instinctively walked away. Though marrie
Lillian sighed, exasperated, "It was just a little rain; I'm fine."After speaking, she stepped forward and placed the previous day's work summary on the desk."Here's the summary of the work from yesterday. I've sorted everything out. I won't keep you from catching up with each other," Lillian said, glancing towards Serena who immediately returned a warm smile.Once Lillian left, Oliver's brows knitted together in concern."Oliver?" Serena called out to him, snapping him out of his reverie.Seeing Oliver's expression, Serena, with soft concern, advised, "I see Lillian isn't feeling well. She might be your secretary now, but she was once the dignified Miss of the Shen family. Please don't be too harsh on her."Harsh? Oliver scoffed to himself. Who would dare to be harsh to that family deity? But he kept his thoughts to himself and simply grunted in acknowledgment.Lillian returned to her office, feeling heavy and listless. She barely sat down before giving in to the urge to rest her h