Masuk"I'm fine," Stanley said confidently. "My body's strong enough to handle those painkillers."He stepped forward and pulled Wendy into his arms. "I really don't want to lose you. The moment I heard Nathan was back in the country, I came rushing after you. I was scared that while I was gone, someone might walk into your life and into your heart. I'm terrified of being replaced."He held her close, his heartbeat steady and strong against her ear. His voice came out in soft echoes.Even someone like Stanley, who always seemed unshakable, could be afraid. He was afraid of losing Wendy, of not being the one she chose.Wendy's heart softened completely. She slowly lifted her arms and hugged him back. "That won't happen. I've been doing everything I can to find a cure for your Heartchain Curse. I'll heal you. I promise.""I believe you," he whispered. "You're my medicine."He told himself that everything would be alright.They stayed like that for a while, quietly holding each other.
"Well, you're a married man now," Stanley said to Nathan. "You'd better stay away from Wendy."Nathan sighed. Honestly, he had known five years ago that he and Wendy could never be together.He looked at Stanley. "So there's still no way to break your Heartchain Curse?"Stanley shook his head. "Not yet."Nathan nodded. "Alright. Until you find a cure, I'll help take care of Wendy for you."Stanley shot him a sharp glare.Nathan chuckled. "Relax. I meant as a friend. Look at you, getting all jealous again.""Wendy has plenty of friends," Stanley said flatly. "She doesn't need you."Nathan went silent.Then, Stanley stood up. "I'm going to make a call."He left the room. Nathan glanced around the big, fancy private dining room and sighed. Guess all he could do was drink the tea now.Outside, Stanley really did make a call. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.A familiar voice answered soon after. "Stanley, what a surprise! You finally remembered to call me."The Lo
Stanley showed up.Wendy's lashes trembled. She had just separated from him, and now, he was here again.Nathan turned toward Stanley. "Hey, Stanley. Been a while."Stanley walked straight over to Wendy's side and sat down beside her. He looked at Nathan. "You came back to the country and didn't tell me right away? I'm a little disappointed."By sitting right next to Wendy, Stanley made it clear that she was his. He was highlighting that he and Wendy were inviting Nathan to a meal because Nathan was a guest who had just returned from overseas.Nathan, of course, understood what that meant. It had been years since they last saw each other, and Stanley was still possessive and jealous as always.Nathan raised an eyebrow. "I was going to tell you, but I heard you're about to marry Jessica Larson, the daughter of the richest man. I figured you'd be too busy for me, so I decided not to bother you. You should thank me for being so considerate."He lifted his cup and took a graceful si
Wendy smiled warmly at Nathan. "Welcome home.""Thanks," he said with an easy grin."I heard you got married," Wendy continued. "Did your wife come back with you this time?"Wendy was curious about Nathan's wife. Rumor had it that she came from an elite family—one of those polished high-society types everyone knew by name.Nathan gave a small laugh. "Don't bring that up. There's nothing between me and her.""You two could still fall in love after marriage," Wendy said gently.Nathan chuckled bitterly. "Have you had dinner yet? Let me take you out."Wendy said. "Sure, but this one's on me. You just got back. We need to celebrate."Nathan, ever the gentleman, opened the car door for her. "After you."Meanwhile, Stanley was still leaning against his car, quietly smoking. He hadn't left yet.Zayn's phone buzzed. He answered, then turned to Stanley. "I just got word—Mr. Lowe is back in the country."Stanley froze mid-drag, his sharp gaze lifting. "Nathan's back? Why didn't he tel
Stanley still wanted to take Wendy home.She reached out and wrapped her arms around him.He pulled her in tight, holding her so close it felt as if he wanted to melt her into his bones. He didn't ever want to be separated from her again.But they had to part ways. She couldn't go home with him.He could ignore his own pain and chase after her, but she couldn't just stand by and watch him fall deeper into this."I'm leaving," Wendy stated as she loosened her grip.She opened the car door, stepped out, and walked away."Wendy!" Stanley called after her as he jumped out of the car as well.But she didn't stop. She didn't even look back. She just kept walking away.Stanley's expression darkened. He leaned weakly against the car, his whole body heavy with defeat. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it and took a long drag.A moment later, Zayn walked up to him. "Mr. Hawk, where should we go now?"Stanley exhaled slowly, the smoke curling through the air, but said nothing.-On her
"Who said I'm jealous? Let go of me—mmph!"Before Wendy could finish, Stanley pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard.She struggled to push him away, still fuming inside, and bit his lower lip."Ow!" he hissed. "Why do you like biting so much?""If you don't let me go, I'll bite you again!" she snapped.Stanley shifted his position so that she was straddling his waist. "I don't mind the pain. Go ahead and bite all you want."Then he kissed her again.Wendy's body went weak. When she felt him unbuttoning her blouse, she panicked. "Stop, don't!"His voice came low and rough. "You're not allowed to say no."She asked, worried, "But aren't you in pain?" "If you're worried about me, then stop wasting time. I've wanted you all day."She smacked his chest. "So that's why you came to find me?""Yes. So what?" he said without shame. Before she could hit him again, he caught her lips with his.Then, she suddenly remembered—she was pregnant. It had been over three months, wh






