LOGINBack at home, Nina was still awake, waiting expectantly. “Mom, where’s Dad?”
“Silly, that’s Uncle Michael. not your dad,” Ellen said, smiling. “Come on, I’ll tell you a story.”
“But Dad… Uncle said he would come play with me today,” Nina pouted.
The housekeeper said, “Yes, Mr. Benitez is very good to the little miss—he accompanies her to classes, plays with her, and is very patient.&rdquo
Back at home, Nina was still awake, waiting expectantly. “Mom, where’s Dad?”“Silly, that’s Uncle Michael. not your dad,” Ellen said, smiling. “Come on, I’ll tell you a story.”“But Dad… Uncle said he would come play with me today,” Nina pouted.The housekeeper said, “Yes, Mr. Benitez is very good to the little miss—he accompanies her to classes, plays with her, and is very patient.”Ellen pursed her lips, hugging Nina. “Story time! Who wants to listen?”“I do! I do!”…The next day, Ella and Ellen met again at the orphanage.A batch of ninth- and twelfth-grade students were preparing for school advancement, and they had to help advise on school choices.“Let’s give those who can learn more the chance to do so. Education is the key to changing their lives,” Ella said.“B
Ellen quickly scooped her daughter into her arms.Michael walked over. “Sorry. I heard my mom wasn’t feeling well. I was at the mall with Nina and didn’t have time to take her back to the Wood house, so I brought her here instead.”Ellen couldn’t really blame him. “It’s fine.”Michael turned to his mother. “Mom, are you feeling better?”“A little.”“You went to the orphanage to help move things again? Didn’t I tell you not to do manual work?” he scolded gently.“I wasn’t working—I was earning good karma for you! You refuse to date or get married, so your father and I have to build up merit for you! Otherwise, are we just supposed to watch you stay single forever? Look at Tiesto—he’s younger than you and already married! And your Uncle—he’s already a grandfather this year! And there’s al
After eliminating this internal threat, Tiesto celebrated with her.At a hotel, their candlelit dinner was romantic.Ella laughed: “Those who know, know I solved May’s problem. Those who don’t… probably think it’s our wedding anniversary.”“As long as you’re happy, every day is our anniversary.”“Then I’ll be happy every day.” Ella smiled.Tiesto cut her steak.The candlelight flickered, reflecting the radiant joy of their smiles.They left the hotel hand in hand, just as Michael and Mrs. Benitez appeared.“Just look at you—past thirty already. Tiesto’s younger and he’s married, yet you still haven’t made any progress. Are you trying to drive your mother insane?”Michael’s eyes spotted Tiesto, silently pleading for help.“Aunt,” Tiesto greeted.Mrs. Benitez paused, embarrassed, then
Mrs. Pratt made a special trip to Eve Garden.Lora accompanied her.“I actually came today to ask,” Mrs. Pratt said softly, “does Nora still have any of Ella’s childhood belongings? I’d pay whatever it costs to get them back.”“Don’t get your hopes up,” Lora sighed. “I already asked Nora. She said Ella’s things were in the way and threw them all out long ago. Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that she did at least raise Ella, I really would have…”Even now, Lora couldn’t hide her lingering regret.Mrs. Pratt’s heart ached. “Ella has really suffered too much.”“But the good news is, she won’t suffer anymore,” Lora said gently. “Good children are blessed in the end.”Mrs. Pratt nodded. “Back then, Tiesto’s mother and I even talked about arranging a childhood engagement between our fami
Mrs. Pratt brought the DNA report home.After reading it, Mr. Pratt said, “Honestly, we didn’t even need this test. I already knew Ella was our daughter. Just look at her talent and ability—she’s exactly like you when you were young.”“It just makes me feel more at ease,” Mrs. Pratt said. “When Ella comes home, which room do you think she should take?”“I’d say the sunny room on the third floor. We’ll redecorate it properly, buy new furniture. What do you think?”Just then, Milo walked in and overheard. “The room on the third floor? Mine has the best temperature year-round—cool in summer, warm in winter. I’ll move out. Give mine to Ella.”Orlando came downstairs. “Excuse me? My room’s the best. Bigger space, soundproof walls, and a huge balcony.”“But your room smells,” Milo said calmly.“And what about you? You’re always playing with dyes—your walls are practically stained. Who knows if there’s formaldehyde contamination in there!”
On the day Piper and Nathan’s case went to court, Ella happened to be free and decided to go see.She went with Tiesto to the courtroom.There weren’t many people—only a handful of spectators.Since their cases were related, the hearings were scheduled at the same time.Nathan stood in court and admitted to his actions without any pretense.Piper also confessed.Both received their respective sentences.As Piper left, her eyes landed on Ella.A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She regretted everything that had led her to this point. If only she hadn’t coaxed Nathan into committing those acts… if only past mistakes hadn’t compounded…But regret was useless.Everyone had to face the consequences of their actions.Piper was angry, but Ella was living a good life.She had always been better off than Ella as a child, yet fate had favored Ella
The next morning, she woke still in his arms.No nightmares, no lingering fear—just a deep, uninterrupted sleep.Opening her eyes, she saw him wearing the same pink bathrobe as her, the scent of shower gel matching hers.Lying together on the same bed felt almost… natural.She buried her face in hi
Christine was applying a facial mask.Her assistant came in and whispered the matter in her ear.“Ella actually has this kind of background?” Christine said.“Khaled did call her Great-aunt in public. She’s probably his relative.”“Hmph. What is Khaled to me?” Christine didn’t take him seriously.A
Christine burst through the office door.The senior executives in the middle of a meeting with Milo were startled.Recognizing the famously temperamental young miss, they kept their expressions neutral—though displeasure flickered in their eyes.“Let’s adjourn,” Milo said calmly.Once everyone had
Christine felt heartbroken, hopeless—her dignity ground into the dirt.She had poured her heart out to Tiesto, yet never earned even a second glance from him.And now, barely married, he was already so intimate with another woman!“Tiesto!” Christine called out in a coquettish tone as she walked to







