Shirley shuddered at Harrison's words as if the memories buried deep within her were being torn open, raw and bleeding. "Stop talking. You don't deserve to say things like that!”"And who does? Flynn, the married guy? Or John Anderson, the patriarch of the Anderson family?""You're a monster, not a human!"Knock knock!The sound of knocking on the car window cut through the tension inside.Harrison squinted, then caught the lazy tone of the man outside. "Uncle Harrison, after all these years, you greet me with such a big surprise. It doesn't seem quite right, does it?"Harrison's dark expression came into view as the window rolled down.Sean leaned casually against the door, waving a greeting as the glass came down. "Hey, Uncle Harrison... and the lovely little aunt!" Sean's grin was all innocence, his eyes twinkling with mischief.Harrison's gaze was sharp. "It's been ages, Sean.""Sure has! It’s been, what, over twenty years?" Sean stood easy and confident, taking in the sce
They were taking her back to the Smith residence?"No, I won't go!" Shirley looked at Harrison and Sean in terror. She never expected Harrison to show up, and even Sean got involved. Despite spending so many years by Harrison's side, Shirley hardly understood him. Well, she had never truly tried. She might have known him when he was younger, but after everything that happened, Shirley felt there was an unbridgeable distance between them.As for Sean, she knew even less about him. All she understood was that he was Harrison's nephew. Her recent interactions with him still left her uneasy as she was certain Sean was no saint."Aunt Shirley, one would think Uncle Harrison and I bullied you from your reaction," Sean said with a sly glint in his eyes. He glanced at the driver in the front seat. "You know where the Smith residence is, don't you?"The driver stiffened and instinctively glanced at the passenger beside him. "Drive," the passenger commanded curtly.The driver continued fo
Shirley's face turned pale at Yitty's words. "Ms. Yitty, are you here to accuse me?""How could I dare?" Yitty's expression remained cold, clearly showing her disdain for Shirley. "By the way, should I call you Shirley now, or Madison?"Shirley's expression shifted abruptly. "Well, Mr. Smith has finally returned home. As an outsider, I think I'd better leave.""Stop right there!" Harrison's expression darkened. "Don't you dare walk out!"Shirley froze in her tracks as Harrison's voice rang out. "If you don't want Kelly to trouble you in the future, you'd better do as I say."Harrison reached out and grabbed Shirley's hand. "Yitty, Savannah, this is my wife, Madison Jones."Yitty and Savannah were both stunned. Just as they were about to say something, Shirley reacted faster than they could.Shirley flung Harrison's hand away in shock. "Harrison, when did I ever marry you? I'll have you know, I'll never marry you even if it means I'll end up alone for the rest of my life!""Then
"Thank you for the trouble, Yitty," said Harrison."There's no need for formality; we're family," Yitty replied.As she watched Harrison drag Shirley upstairs, Yitty frowned and turned to Sean. "What's going on?"Sean, who had been silently observing, raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so Aunt Yitty finally noticed me?""Heh." Sean smirked. "What would you like to ask?""Your Uncle Harrison—what's the story? When did he come back? And why Shirley?"Sean paused for a moment, suddenly adopting a more serious tone as he looked at Yitty. "Aunt Yitty, this is a bit complicated. I only recently found out that Uncle Harrison had returned."As for why he's back and his entanglement with Shirley, it's a long story, and I'm still piecing it together. But Aunt Yitty, didn't you notice something unusual?""Unusual? About what?""Do you remember someone?""Who?""Noelle—Charles' wife, Noelle!""Noelle?" Yitty froze at the mention of Noelle's name, her eyes revealing a trace of astonishment. "Why w
Sean's lips curled downward. He was clearly displeased.His expression turned cold. "My business is none of your concern!""I'm your mother. If I don't concern myself with you, who will?" Savannah's temper flared at Sean's words. "I let you have your way with everything in the past. I never said anything about your wild behavior, but this—this is where I draw the line!"Savannah was nothing if not resolute. "Why must it be Liliana? Of all the people you could be with, why her? You didn't even like her before!""Like?" Sean sneered. "I don't even know what liking someone means. I only know that since she's back, I won't let her leave again. That's what I owe her.""Sympathy isn't love, Sean!" Savannah pressed her fingers against her temples in frustration. "Do you even understand that? I didn't interfere when you were young and reckless. Your father and I let you do as you pleased. But this? You've already hurt her once. Why can't you just let it go?""Let it go?" Sean raised
Liliana froze, suddenly realizing she was still holding her phone. She quickly ended the call. "What nonsense are you talking about?""But it's true!" Bobby blinked innocently. "Mr. Smith comes to see me every day. He even plays games with me. When you're not around, he takes me out to play!""What did you just say?" Liliana squinted at him. "Are you saying he took you out?"Bobby seemed to realize he had said something wrong. He quickly grabbed Liliana's hand with his tiny fingers."Mommy, don't be mad. I... I just wanted to go out and play. But I promise, I didn't run around. Mr. Smith carried me the whole time. So please don't be mad!"Seeing the timid look in Bobby's eyes, Liliana's heart softened. How could she stay angry at him? Her eyes welled up with tears, and her voice trembled. "I'm sorry, Bobby. It's all my fault!"If only she had had the money back then. If only she had treated Bobby's illness sooner—or realized it earlier and sought out Sean earlier—maybe Bobby woul
"I'm hungry!" Bobby pouted."So now you're hungry?" Liliana could not help but smile. "What do you want to eat? I'll go buy it for you!""I want… Mr. Smith!"Bobby's eyes sparkled with excitement as he saw Sean. He scrambled up from the bed, shouting, "Mr. Smith!""Yes, Bobby. How are you feeling today?"Sean pushed the door open while carrying food containers from Fussionel. Liliana spotted it immediately and frowned slightly. "Why are you here?""I came to check on Bobby. You haven't eaten yet, right? I brought some food from Fussionel. It's all your favorites!"Sean began opening the containers without waiting for an invitation. Liliana glanced at the spread and, sure enough, everything inside was what she used to like. However…"I don't like these anymore."Sean paused for a moment, his hand holding the container hesitating in midair. His gaze darkened slightly. "You don't like them? But Tania said you do. I remember you used to love these when you were younger—""That wa
Liliana suddenly felt a wave of sadness. She knew Bobby was still young. He was at an age where he should be experiencing the outside world.While other children his age were in school, Bobby was often confined to a hospital room.She turned her head away, avoiding the sight of Bobby interacting with Sean, and especially avoiding Bobby's gaze.For years, Liliana had believed that as long as she loved Bobby with all her heart, he would have everything he needed. However, she forgot that a child would crave a family and long for love.Bobby's world should not revolve around her alone. It was her selfishness that had led to this situation."Mr. Smith, why isn't Mommy eating with us?" Bobby asked innocently while Sean fed him and wiped the sauce off the corners of his mouth.Bobby glanced between Sean and Liliana with a puzzled look. Then, his gaze settled on her. "Mommy, why are you crying?""I'm not. Some dust got into my eye," Liliana quickly explained as she wiped away her tears
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you