The maid who entered was Holly Lockstein, the best friend of the late Nina when they were working at Seaview Manor. Now that Lauren had moved home, Holly volunteered to attend to her."Why aren't you resting yet? It's late," Lauren addressed Holly gently."Ms. Lauren…" Eyes flickering, Holly finally said after some hesitation, "Mr. Landon has stood at the Seaview Manor entrance for more than two hours. I learned about this when I heard Mr. Durham talking about it with the others."Lauren's pupils wavered. She felt as if someone had stabbed her in the chest and twisted the blade."Mr. Durham and the others kept it a secret because they didn't want to wake Mr. Javier. Even if Mr. Javier is asleep, it'll be trouble if Rory learns about it." Holly looked worried.Lauren turned her back to Holly and switched on her phone. The phone vibrated nonstop as a barrage of notifications of incoming calls flooded her screen. Landon had called her many times, but he only texted her once, writing,
Lauren approached Landon, still clad in the white loungewear that she always wore when she was at Sage Manor. Her adorable appearance put a smile on Landon's face.As he smiled, a drop of tear rolled down his cheek. When their eyes met, emotions washed over them, and their hearts pounded wildly.She nearly could not recognize Landon as he'd lost many pounds. Suppressing her heartache, she pursed her lips and said nothing, fearing that she might cry if she opened her mouth.If she cried in front of Landon, the resolution that she had shown would all mean nothing.Landon went up to his lover with heavy footsteps and hugged her in tears. She wept in silence, suppressing any sound and refraining from returning his hug.Despite that, her uneven breathing and her racing heart were proof of her emotions.There were three things that couldn't be hidden—coughing, poverty, and love.During his journey, Landon had many thoughts and questions for Lauren. He wanted to ask Lauren about the re
Landon's suit was drenched in sweat. The color drained from his face when he heard Lauren's cruel words. How could she advise him to let go of the unforgettable memories with such ease?At that moment, they heard a jarring honking sound. Heart sinking, Lauren turned around and found a vehicle's high beam in her face.Rory got out of the car and politely opened the car door for Javier, who was clad in leisure wear. Javier got out of the car as well, seemingly woken up from his sleep."Lauren, what did you promise me?" Standing in the lights, Javier said sternly, "Didn't you promise me never to meet anyone from the Harper family? Why are you giving me trouble? Are you going to follow in Jasper's footsteps as well? Is Jasper a bad influence on you?"Jasper was Lauren's Achilles' heel. She was instantly reminded of Javier's conversation with him that night. "Dad, please don't blame this on Jasper. Life's been difficult for him over the years. He's sacrificed too much for his work, so
Jasper and Alyssa exchanged astonished looks. Cyrus, no doubt, must have been referring to Lauren.After that, they heard Mandy's shocked gasp. "Cyrus, what are you talking about? Marrying Lauren? Since when have you caught feelings for her?"Tell me, what role did you play in the breakup between Lauren and Landon? For heaven's sake, please don't tell me you came between them. You're only going to humiliate me. A Taylor son can be gay, but he shouldn't break up relationships!"Cyrus, Jasper, and Alyssa stared at Mandy speechlessly.After some silence, Cyrus explained bitterly, "I gave up on Lauren because I saw how much she and Landon were in love. Landon seemed to care for her very much, and I did not want to stir trouble. All I wanted for Lauren was a smooth sailing relationship."Alyssa lowered her gaze and let out a quiet sigh. Cyrus and Lauren shared a similarity—in that they always prioritize the needs of others before themselves. They were both empathetic and sensitive.Fr
Feeling bitter, Mandy nonetheless smiled with understanding. "You wouldn't have talked back to me otherwise."I will not stop you from pursuing the woman you love, but with one condition—Lauren and Landon must have a clean break. If they remained entangled with each other, I do not want you involved in it." Mandy's tone grew serious. "I do not mind your partner's background or life experience as long as she's a decent young lady. However, I will not accept a daughter-in-law whom you stole from another man."Jasper had a newfound respect for Mandy. It was no surprise she had raised three wonderful children."Lauren will have the final say." Cyrus' eyes shone with determination. "If she chooses me, I will not disappoint her. But if she chooses to be with Landon, I will help them to overcome the challenges, no matter what it takes."An idea came to Alyssa. Eyes twinkling, she asked, "Cyrus, are you really willing to help?""Have I ever walked back on my word?" Cyrus seemed to have ma
After making the arrangements, Jasper and Alyssa traveled home to Solana City. During the journey, he pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the ear. "Lyse, thank you. How can I ever thank you enough?""Why so formal?" Alyssa wrapped her arm behind his neck while tapping the tip of his nose, sending his heart fluttering. "In return, how about you take Mrs. Rosie's place and cook for me for a month?""A month? You're underestimating me." He squinted at her with an affectionate look. "I can cook for you forever."She shook her head. "Oh, never mind then. I appreciate the thought. Eating your cooking forever will only be torture."She rendered Jasper speechless with that remark. Pouting, she added, "To be honest, I feel sorry for putting this burden on Cyrus, but it's the only way to pressure the Hodgsons into calling off the marriage."Only when the Hodgsons give up on Lauren will Landon have the luxury of time to focus on his family matters. He'll stand a chance to get back with Lau
"Are you Betty Beckett?" The man spoke in Cyrrisian. When Betty heard her mother tongue, she slowly stopped crying and lifted her face.A stranger in a suit stood in front of her. "How… How did you know me?" Betty immediately put aside her ego and begged him in tears and snot, "Y-You must be sent by my dad, right? Please, bring me home to Solana City. I do not wish to stay a day longer in this godforsaken place!"I am really sick right now. It's a serious illness. I might die if I don't receive treatment. Dad won't leave his daughter to die."The man replied flatly, "I'm sorry, Ms. Betty. Your dad did not send me."Betty collapsed onto the ground again with a look of disappointment and despair.The man added, "However, someone would like to meet with you."Betty had no capacity to think. Hopeless and embattled, she scrambled up from the ground and followed him to a luxury car.When the car door opened, the first thing that came into her vision was a pair of luxury silver satin
The woman grinned when Betty turned into a bull in the ring."But how do I take my revenge? My family has abandoned me. I can't even afford a plane ticket back to Solana City. Even if I get home… I bet Jasper will find out about it by the time I step foot in the airport. I can't imagine the horrible measure he'd take against me.""Ms. Betty, I sympathize with your situation. Hence, I wish to help." The woman grasped Betty's hand and gently caressed it. "Don't worry about the plane ticket. I can sponsor that. As for your return to Solana City, as long as you follow my orders, I can guarantee that your brother won't get hold of you.""I-Is that true?" Betty's eyes widened in excitement. In fact, she was skeptical about the entire deal. However, she couldn't afford to consider the offer, given that she was alone, helpless, and sick with AIDS. She did not mind using any method to get home."Ms. Gardner, thank you so much! How can I ever repay your kindness?"The woman shook her head