MasukThree years after their marriage, Adriana stood on an international award stage, holding a prestigious science trophy in her hands. Her gaze drifted down to Francesco in the audience.After a year of traveling outside, she had eagerly returned to her laboratory and resumed her scientific career.Her life was simple—home and laboratory, a straight line between the two.Heidi managed everything at home flawlessly, leaving her with nothing to worry about. Matters outside were handled by Francesco, so she never needed to ask.All her focus, all her energy, went into her research. It wasn't long before she produced scientific achievements that gained worldwide recognition.After finishing her acceptance speech, she walked straight toward Francesco."Honey, I'm hungry."Francesco took the trophy from her hands and draped his coat over her shoulders."Why have you been getting hungry so easily lately?"Adriana shot him a glance."What, are you complaining that I eat too much?""I'm
"If you keep drinking, even this bar won't have enough alcohol for you two. Change the stakes," Adriana said.Francesco set down the glass he had just brought to his lips and smiled."My dear wife has spoken. I wouldn't dare drink anymore."Oliver let out a faint laugh, drained the glass in his hand, and was about to pour himself another when Adriana reached out first and took the bottle away.She filled her own glass to the brim, then poured Oliver only half a cup."Oliver, let me toast you. Thank you for all the care and support you've given me in the past. I wish you a bright and open future."She clinked her glass lightly against his and tilted her head back to finish the drink in one go.Her gratitude toward Oliver came from the heart.During the time when she had been hurt by Chris and misunderstood by Francesco, aside from Bella, Oliver had been the only person she could trust.If she had ever imagined what an ideal older brother would be like, it would be someone like
Francesco and Adriana's marriage progressed with unexpected smoothness.After hearing about Francesco's dramatic escape from the wedding in Mitaly, no one in the Stanley family dared voice opposition to the marriage anymore.They all understood that Francesco was fully capable of cutting ties with the family. If they opposed him, the Stanley family would lose its only heir.Only three days after Adriana met the family, Richard and Bella's parents met to discuss the engagement arrangements.Since Adriana had no close relatives of her own, she decided to make the choice herself and skip both the engagement banquet and the wedding ceremony altogether, replacing them with a traveling wedding instead.Francesco, however, looked reluctant."I already prepared a guest list. Can't you cooperate with me a little?"Adriana took the list from his hand. The names included Bella and Patrick, Chris, Oliver, and several others."With only these people invited, why would we even need a wedding
"As for you and Francesco being together, neither my dad nor I object to it. I'm just wondering whether there's anyone on your side we can discuss the engagement with."At first, Richard had opposed the relationship. But under relentless pressure from Francesco, he had reluctantly agreed to at least meet Adriana first.Now that he had met her and spoken with her tonight, he had completely abandoned the idea of opposing them.Adriana had Francesco wrapped firmly around her finger. If he continued resisting, he would only end up like his wife—losing this son entirely.Objectively speaking, aside from the mismatch in family background, there was nothing about Adriana that made her unworthy of Francesco.Although families like theirs didn't necessarily need a scientist as a daughter-in-law, when it came to scientific talent, Adriana might even surpass Francesco."Isn't this a little too rushed?"Adriana hesitated. There were still things she hadn't explained clearly yet. Until she s
After arriving in Heatherton City, Francesco's paternal family called and invited Francesco to bring Adriana home for dinner.When she heard the news, Adriana got so nervous she practically paced in circles."I can't do this. I've never met your dad and grandfather before. Maybe I just shouldn't go?""The ugly daughter-in-law has to meet the in-laws sooner or later. Besides, you're this gorgeous and a world-famous scientist. My grandfather and father should consider themselves lucky to meet you."Francesco coaxed her while leading her into a high-end boutique to pick out clothes."You're right! Other than not being as rich as you, what part of me is lacking?"Adriana hyped herself up, regaining some confidence.She picked out a more casual black outfit so she wouldn't come off as too much of an innocent girl."Give you an inch, and you take a mile."Francesco teased as he paid for the clothes and handbag.That evening, the two of them arrived at the Stanley family estate.Ad
Watching Adriana leave without once looking back, Francesco felt a sour ache rise in his chest.He had said he would wait there, and Adriana really had gone alone without bringing him along.He sat down on the sofa and casually picked up a book about rehabilitation, flipping through it absentmindedly, though he couldn't absorb a single word.When Adriana entered the garden, she spotted Chris immediately beneath a camphor tree.He sat in a specially designed wheelchair, his complexion as pale as ever, his frame even thinner than before. He wore a black lounge outfit.Anna sat beside him, reading aloud.Looking around, nearly everyone else in the garden was elderly.Adriana wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, forced a smile onto her face, and walked toward him."Chris."At the sound of her voice, Chris seemed stunned for a moment before finally turning toward her."Adriana?""I happened to be passing through, so I came to see you."Adriana greeted Anna, who smiled
Grandma Rosie had once told Adriana she dreamed of Adriana's parents, Roger and Samantha, imploring her to take care of Adriana. To be entrusted is to be faithful. Adriana's sense of responsibility toward Chris likely stemmed from the influence of Grandma Rosie throughout her childhood.She crouc
When Chris's gaze met the sadness in Adriana's eyes, it felt as if an arrow had pierced his chest."One year. If, after a year, you still want to leave, I'll let you go. But during this year, no more talk of divorce."He didn't believe she could truly walk away from him. It was only the sudden app
"What do you think?"Joan let out a haughty snort, stepping back half a pace—right onto his polished leather shoes."When we were abroad, we could still meet often. But now that we're back, it's nearly impossible to see each other."Dean's usual calm, composed demeanor shifted; a playful, almost
"Where did you go today?"Chris's gaze was soft, his tone carrying a casual intimacy. He wheeled himself up to Adriana, gesturing for her to push him to the dining table."I went to Bella's place to help out—her shop opened today." Adriana's voice was calm as she guided the wheelchair. It wasn't a







